Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-03-15
From the New York Herald.


WoLFERT's RoosT, AND OTHER PAPERS
BY Washington Irving.-Putnam & Co.
The publishers of the present volume have
rightly Judged that collection of the many
scattered illusions Of Washington Irvings's
pen, which have appeared from time to time
in periodical publications, and which were
destined by their author to merely an ephe-
neral purpose, would prove Acceptable to the
admirers of that gifted writer. These papers
possess an interest distinct from that of his
more elaborate works. They have not, it is
true, the elegance and finish OF the latter but
they present to us the mind of the writer in
its moments of literary abandon when the
| fire of his genius, uncontrolled by the pros
pect of criticism, or consideration for,posthu-
nous effects, gave full play to the fancies of
the moment. After a long lapse of years,
many of the topics cursori.y treated in these
papers derive fresh interest from events
that are daily Transporting. Since the follow
ing was written, the military characteristics
and organization of the English and French
armies have again afforded theme for dis
cussion. There is an appositeness in the
writer's remarks which tempts us to repro
duce them -
| THE FIELD OF WATERLOO.
of the contrast that exists between the Eng
lish and French character; but it deserves
more serious consideration. They are the
two great nations of modern times most diA-
met 1caly opposed, aud most worthy of each
others rivalry essentially distinct in their
characters, excelling in opposite qualities,
and rejecting lustre on each other by their
very opposition. In nothing is this contrast
more strikingly evinced than in their militia
~ conduct For ages have they been con-
tending, and for ages have they crowded each
others history with acts of a splendid hero
isn't Take d battle Of Waterloo, for in
stance, the last and most mepor9ble trial of
their rival prowess.f Nothing could surpass
J the brilliant daring on the one side, and the
enduring on the other. The French cavalry
broke like waves on the compact squares of
English infantry. They were seen gallop-
ing round those seTied walls of men, seeking
in vain for an entrance; tossing their arms
in the air, in the heat of their enthusiasm,
} and Drawing the whole front of battle. The
! British troops, on the other hand, forbidden
to move or fire, stood firm and enduring.
Their columns were ripped up by cannonry
while rows were swept down at shot; the
survivors closed their ranks and stood finn.
5 In this way many columns stood through the
5 pelting of the iron tempest without firing a
shot; without any action to stir their blood
5 or excite their spirits. Death thinned their
ranks, but could not shake their souls.
I A beautiful instance of the quick and gen
: erous impulses to which the French are prone
. is given in the case OF French cavalier, il
: the hottest of the action, charging furious }
e upon British officer, but perceiylng in The
e moment Of assault that his adversary had los
] his sword arm, dropping the point of his sabre
r and cOurteously riding on. Peace be with tina
o generous warrior whatever were his fatel Il
t he went down in the storm Of battle, with tn,
i laundering fortunes OF his cheiftaip, may thC
3 turf of Waterloo grow green above his grave
{ and happier far would be the fate of such
0 spirit to sink amidst the tempest, uneOnsclou
OF defeat, than TO survive, and mourn owe
k the blghted laurels of his country.
K In this way the two armies fought through
I. a long and bloody day The French will
! enthusiastic valor, the English with cool, in
u flexible courage, until fate, as tito leave tn,
n question of superiority still undecided be
IS tween two such adversaries, brought up TIT
Q Prussians to decide the fortunes oft field.
It OF the self-control and sense of propriety
}. French soldiery, the writer says -
a And here let me notice the conduct of The
French scldiery on the dismemberment of tn
y army ofthe Loire, when two hundred Thousand
i men were suddenly thrown out of employ
IS men who had been brought up to the camp
i aud scarce knew any other home. Few il
IL civil, peaceful life aware of the severe tri
: al to the feelings that takes place on the dis
u solution OF a regiment There is a fraternit,
n in arms. The community of dangers, hard
5 ships, enjoyments the participation in bat
e, ties and victories the companionship in ad
, ventures, at a time of life when mems feeling
5. are most fresh, susceptible and ardent-al
these. bind the members ola regiment strong
/ ly together. To them the regiment is friends
!, family, home. They identify themselve
il with its fortunes. its glories, its disgraces-
, Imagine this romantic tie suddenly dissolved
e the regiment broken up the occupation of it
: membsrs gone their military pride mortified
At the career of glory closed behind them
y that of obscurity, dependence, want, neglec
perhaps beggary, before them. Such was tn
case with the soldiers of the army Of tn
Loire. They were sent off in squads, wit
&C officers, to the principal towns where the,
'e were to be disarmed and discharged. In thi
y way they passed through the country wit
le arms in their hands, often exposed to slight
y and SCOTS, 10 hunger and various hardship
" and privations but they conducted them
n selves nagnanimously. without any of thos
W outbreaks Of violence and wrong that so ofte
attend the dismemberment of armies.