Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-06-22


indifference as was possible. My only fear
was that he might think me coward
The balls, which until now had been harm
less, increased my cOmposure. My pride
told me that the danger was great. for there
was no doubt but that was under the fire
of battery The colonel passed our com
pany, and perceiying me said: "You will
soon see something extraordinary for youl
commencement" I feigned martial
smile, and brushed from my coat-sleeve
some dust which had been cast upon it from
ball, which had thrown up the earth a
few PAGES in advance of me.
The Russians soon discovered that their
cannon shot produced no effect They sub,
stltuted bomb-shels, one of which explod-
ed close by my side, killing soldier, and
tearing the plume from. my casque. '"l
give you my compliments; you are safe fol
to-day" SAID the captain. | was already
familiar with the soldiers superstition, that
non bis in idem is as good an idiom on the
field of battle as in court Of justice. | re-
placed my casque upon my head, and re-
plled: This forces one to make salute
without ceremony"
II congratulate you," continued the cap
tain. "You have nothing more to fear this
day, and this evening you will be Promot-
ed. feel that something will happen me
to-day. Every lime have been wound
ed, nv second officer has made narrow
escape, and," he continued, half ashamed
at his confession, 'the first letter Of their
names was p 49,.
The fire of the Russians decreased in a
great measure, in about half ALI hour
We immediately advanced upon the re-
doubt. Our regiment consisted OF three
battalions. The second was commanded t.
90 to the rear of the redoubt, and the other
1.-Two were directed to charge upon it. was
in the third battalion. When we left the
treuch which i'll great measure protected
as from the fire of the enemy, we were ,sa.
luted by volley of musketry, which, how
ever, harmed US but little. The whistline
of ballssurprised me, and l turned my head
causing my comrades, who were familiar
with that sort of music, to ndicule me-
sTake it all in alI," said l to myself, "a
battle is not such a horrible affair after
ALL"
We rapidly charged, the rihemen lead.
ing us. Suddenly three cheers were hearc
coming from the redoubt, after which al
was silent. "I do not like this stiffness, -
said the captain, sit forebodes harm"
The palisades of the redoubts were spill
by our balls, and the soldiers rushed for
ward, shouting, ''uiue ] PEmpereur p
gazed about me, and never shall for
get the scene which was opened before me
The huge clouds ofsmoke had arisen, hang
ing in the air like pail over the ruins Of
the redoubt. Russian grenadiers were to be
seen with their glisteniag bayonets, as
they stood, firm as statues, behind the pal
f isades.
"Now the bali begins" exclaimed the
captain, "Good night! % these were his las
words. The beating of drums was heard
within the rcdoubt, All bayonets were I'M
mediately depressed. shut my eyes,ant
heard great explosion, followed by lout
clies and groans. Opening my eyes. i look
ed around, astonished that | still lived
, Nothing was to be seen but the dead ant
the dying. The captain was stretched ou
at nv feet, cannon ball had struck hi
head, l was bespattered with his blood ant
! brains. Of the whole company SIX only re
mained. And now everything was quiet
Suddenly the colonel placed his hat upol
, the point of his sword, and waving it owe
! his head, clambered over The palisades
shouting, Viue PEmperew % All tha
were able followed. | have scarcely any
remembrance of what followed. We en-
tered the redoubt, know not how. w
batted with the enemy breast to breast,en
yelcped in such thick clouds of smoke, tha
nothing was dlscernible. | slashed righ
and left, and think either killed or wound
ed some of the enemy, for my sword was
reeking with blood. at length | heard th'
) shouts, "Victory victory!" The smoke
diminished. found myself in the mids
of blood. About two hundred French sol
diers were standing in irregular groups il
and about the redoubt. Some were reload
ino their muskets, and others wipIng thei
: swords. Eleven Russians had been taker
prisoners.
The colonel was stretchad out upon
5 broken gun carriage. He was covered witt
blood and several soldiers were bathing hi
temples. / approached him.
, "Where is the old captain :" he inquir
ed of the surgeon.
The surgeon shrugged his shoulders in
: significant manner.
"His first lieuenant?" :"
"Here he is, Mr.. P, who arrived
yesterday"
The colonel smiled bitterly. "Ver.
$ we'll" said he, turning towards me, 'yot
e now have the command. Immediatel.
| cause the breach IN the redoubt to be forti
, fed with gun carriages. The enemy
/, very numerous but reinforcement is clos
| at hand.'
t "But, colonel" I exclaimed, "you ar
y seriously wounded.'
"Never mind" said he, eve have take
the redoubt p Translated from the Frenc
e for The "Bu6alO Library and Garden"
:. VALUE OF KIssING.-A French girl, a
store, being solicited to allow kiss, dc
h cined except at the price of a little ba
+ which lay on the enamored cavaliers coun
d ter, and which, as he said, was filled wit
J.. cents. The bargain was struck; but to th
surprise of our dulcinea and to her satisfac
i, tion on opening the bag it was found
= contain in the place of cents, good fu
{ weight of Aorins. The gentleman claime
g g the bag; bat the girl was unyieldlng.-
. Thereupon resort was had to the tribuna
: the plaintiff alleging that there " as evident
: ly mistake, and that simple kiss coul
: not be appraised at such sum. Tn
tribunal, however, gave the case to the gil
! ! first what is given is given; second, be
:. cause the value of kiss cannot be estima
:, ted.