Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-06-29
The Russians soon discovered that their can.

The Russians soon discovered that their can
non shot produced no effect They substituted
bomb-shells one of which exploded close to my
side, killing soldier, and tearing the plume
from my casque 81 give you my compliments
you are safe for to-day" said the captain.
was already familiar with the soldiers SUPER
stition, that non bis in idem is as good an idi-
ON on the field of battle as in a court of justice.
replaced my casque upon my head, and repli-
ed: "This forces one TO make salute without
ceremony"
"Icongratulate you," continued the captain.
:" You have nothing now to fear this day, and
this evening you will be promoted. feel that
something will happen me to-day. Every time
have been wounded, my second officer has
made a narrow escape, and" he continued, half
ashamed at his confession, Z" the first letter of
their names was p"
The fire of the Russians decreased in great
measure, in about half an hour. We immedi-
ately advanced upon the redoubt. Our regiment
consisted of three battalons. The second was
commanded to 60 to the rear of the redoubt,
and the other two were directed to charge upon
it. was in the third battalion. When we
left the trench, which in great measure pro.
tected us from the fire of the enemy we were
sauted by volley of musketry, which, howev-
er, harmed US but little. The whistling of balls
surprised me and | turned my head, causing my
comrades, who were familiar with that sort of
music, to ridicue me. "Take it all in all, said
to myself ga battle is not such horrible af-
fair after ALL"
We rapidly charged, the rilemen leading us.
Suddenly three cheers were heard coming from
the redoubt, after which all was silent. 81 do
not like this Stiffness said the captain it fore
BODIES HARM"
The palisades of the redoubts were split by
our balls, and the soldiers rushed forward, shout
ing" Wire PEmpereur.
| gazed about me, and never shall | forget the
scene which was opened before me. The huge
clouds Of smoke had arisen, hanging in the air
like pail over the ruins of the redoubt. Rus
sian grenadiers were to be seen with their glis-
tening bayonets, as they stood, firm as statues,
behind the palisades
"Now the ball begins" exclaimed the captain.
"Good nightw these were his last words. The
beating of drums was heard within the redoubt.
All bayonets were Immediately depressed. |
shut my eyes, and heard a great explosion, fol-
lowed by loud cries and groans. Opening my
eyes, looked around, astonished that still liv-
ed Nothing was to be seen but the dead and
the dying. The captain was stretched out at
my feet, a cannon ball had struck his head, |
was bespattered with his blood and brains. Of
the whole company six only remained. And
now everything was quiet. Suddenly the colo
mel placed his hat upon the point of his sword,
and waving it over his head, cambered over the
palisades, shouting "Vire y Emperor :" All
that were able followed have scarcely any
remembrance of what followed. We entered
the redoubt, know not how. We battled with
the enemy breast to breast enveoped in such
thick clouds of smoke, that nothing was discern
ible, sasbed right and left, and think either
killed or wounded some of the enemy, for my
sword was reeking with blood. At length
heard the shouts, "Vctory, victory" The
smoke diminished found myself in the midst
Of blood. About two hundred French soldiers
were standing in irregular groups in and about
kets, and others wipng their swords. Eleven
Russians had been taken prisoners.
The colonel was stretched out upon broken
gun carriage. He was covered with blood and
several soldiers were bathing his temples. lap
preached him.
"Where is the old captain?" he inquired Of
the surgeon.
The surgeon shrugged his shoulders in sig
niicant manner.
"His first lieutenant? ?"
"Here he is, Mr.. P, who arrived yester
day."
The colonel smiled bitterly. "Very WE'LL
said he, turning towards me, "you now have
the command. Immediately cause the breach il
the redoubt to be fortified with gun carriages
The enemy is very numerous; but reinforce
ment is close at hand"
"But, colonel" exclaimed, "you are serious
ly wounded"
"Never mind" said he, ave have taken th,
redoubtw Translated from the French TO
the Buffalo Library and Garden"