The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-08-24
5eltttp1 Galry
MY ESCAPE.
AReminisoenco of the Peninsular War.

a hemln1Soenco OF the Peninsular War.
l WAS among the English who were
detained in France at the breaking out OF
the war in 1903. Ny rank, as AN army
physician, enabled me to be Of much SER
vice to many Of my countrymen at Yer
dun; whilst the f'es obtained from the
weaItl,ier individuals supplied all my ne.
ccssitics. Ny medical character likewise
introduced me extensively into French So
c;ety; anl must confess that was al
ways treated with kindness and delicacy.
Though many Of the military, the en-
PtOyes, and even the rich house holders
and landlords had risen, rs the Engi,, h
phrase Is, from "tlie drcgs of the people"
hy tho conflicts Of the revolution, almost
always found them polite, liberal, and sin
cere. Good manners are really Of VERY
e.sy requirement by people of intellect;
witness the stage, aud re, olutions, which
always give the ascendancy to talents
1t WAS long before our splcndid victory of
Trafalgar, and the supplementary victory
OF Sir Richard Straclran, were known by
the Englisli prisoners at Verdun. At
length n Morning. Chronicle got amongst
MS, heaven knows how, and the joy Of our
'countrymen was extreme, nor was il ay-
pressed IN terms very tlatterirg TO the
Frencli. Thi, rather regretted, for the
l'ctter classes Of that nation were, thought,
peculiarly delicate in communicating to
ais the victories Of Napoleon. They al
ways softencd them to our feelings, by
considering the emperor at war with the
English government, and not with the
Enghsli nation.
Whilst our exultation was at its zenith,
| went to diuc with the Count dc -.
had determined to avoid the mention OF
Trafalgar, and of all belliferous or national
topics. This was my invar;ablc habit
However, on entering the room, which
was excessively crowded, particularly with
ladies aud military men OF rank, found a
strong reaction against us. The countess,
forgetting, thought her usual urbanity,
said 10 me: ....
"Ah, Doctor -, so Providence has
gigen you English great victory at sea y
knew the whole value of her empha-
sis upon Providence. II the ERglish
gained battle, il was the work Of Provi-
dence, distinct from their merits; if the
French obtained splendidstriumph, il
was attributed to the genius of the Empe-
ror, and to the native bravery of the French
soldiers. Resolved that the lady should
not make me the dupe Of such eggrcgious
national vanity, and in the presence Of SO
msny who were enjoying the triumph,
cody replied, that was far from scep.
tic as 10 the interference Of Providence
but could never mix up Providence in
the destruction, carnage, cruelties, and f.
rocious passions Of a battle.
"Madam," I added, mildly, II must
confess could never form any idea Of a
fighting Providence, and least Of all can
appreciate a Providence so inconsistent
not 70 say treacherous, as TO fight on both
sides 5tar willis. she gives us the victory
at sea she ss invariably gives the triumph
70 Napoleon on shore. Trafalgar comes
between Ulm and AusterIitz.n
BY triumph over my hostess was ev
dent in the faces of the company, and the
conversation changed with the grace and
facility peculiar to the French.
II Was two years after this, that had
singular opportunity Of escaping from
Ves.iun. had ceased to be on parole
and q combination Of circumstances, adj
vantagcous TO my escape was offered tC
me by my friends. My plan was to go to
Paris, and from thence to travel to Dor
dcaux as an American merchant, return
ing 70 baltimore.
In the diligence to Bordeaux, was vi
vacious and ioquacious little Frenchwo
man--yery pretty, and Of most insinuatinp
ia manners. Another eoDspagaon de poyag,
was q captain Of tho Cuirassiers Of the I'm
PERIL Guard lie was the beau ideal q
military bero--young, tall, Of a power
FOL frame, with an open, noble counte
nAnee. and 4 pFofusion Of jet-black ~his
kess and moustacbss.
We bceame almost confidential even al
the outset Of tbe journey; and what did
= net . little snFpsise me was, that he spoke
70 me BY my assumed name as II we had
been old friends. though felt convinced
had SEVER ~ eycs On him before. 81
superb hufaEiiks Agnre Of military
phcey wa aot sas;'y 70 kc sosgc<tsn.