Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1855-05-02
- "WEDNESDAY MORNING. MAY ., 1866.

echoed from all sides, and as soon as ST.
lence could be obtained, again that clear,
rich voice uttered those inspiring words,
Peuple Francois, peuple de braves,
La Liberte rouvrc ses bras"
He was conducted to the spacious cha
pei, and there for two hours he held an
audience of one thousand people spell
bound, by one of the most interesting au-
photographers that it was ever our lot to
hear. Born in Paris, of wealthy parents,
he had in early life been thoroughly edu-
Gated at the university of Wittenberg, and
received the masters degree. He soon
after joined the fortunes of Napoleon, and
with the rank of Lieutenant, was with
him during all his campaigns in Egypt, in
Italy, in Austria, in Russia, and at Wa
terloo. He had been engaged in more
than seventy battles. His account of
scenes in these battles, and his description
of places and cities were expressed in
choice and graphic terms, and on being
compared with history, were found to
correspond in every particular. He re-
lated many unwritten and curious Incl
dents in the life of Napoleon. which had
come under his observation, and finally
closed with a touching account of his own
career after the battle of Waterloo. In
the terrible rout that followed that memo
rable event, his detachment was chased
by body of Prussian hussars, and becom-
ing scattered in the night, he wandered
for three davs in the woods and by-places
without food OR drink.
The chase being at length given over,
the poor Frenchman sank down weary
die by the roadside. A humane Dutch
girl, discovering him in this situation,
brought him refreshments and cordials,
and among the latter flask of brandy
Here said the old soldier, was the
mercy, with the best of motives, brought
me in that flask deadly foe, which was
to prove more potent for evil to me than
all the burning tolls of the Egyptian cam
paign or the intolerable frosts and SHOWS
of the Russian; more fatal than the cam
non of seventy battles; which kindled in
me a thirst more Unsuitable than that
which forced me to open my veins on the
desert sands of the East. Till that day,
| had never tasted strong drink. | had
uttered VOW in my youth to abstain from
it, and to that VOW | owed my life, not
one of all my comrades who INDUCED in
the use of it survived the horrors Of the
Egyptian campaign.
But as lay in anguish longing for
death, and momentarily expecting his APP
proach, a sweet face appeared to me wear
ing an expression of deep pity aud sympa-
thy for my sufferings, and could but ac-
cept without inquiry whatever she gave.
She gently raised my head and wiped with
her handkerchief the dampness from my
brow, and administered the cordial to my
! lips. Itrevived mel looked around, my
courage, my love of life returned. | pour
ed forth my gratitude in burning words,
and called down the blessings of Heaven
upon her. Ignorant of whatit was that
had so suddenly inspired me, as soon as
my spirits tagged | called for more. l
drank again and again-for three weeks
her loved voice soothed me, and her kind
hand administered to my wants.
AS soon as my strength was sufficient
| ly recovered, fearing that some enemy
might still be lurking near, babe her
adieu with many thanks and tears, sought
the seaside, and embarked as common
sailor on the first vessel that offered, and
have followed the sea ever since. Ny fa-
tai thirst has ever accompanied me and
cursed me; in port and on deck this foe
has debased me and kept me from all
chance of promotion. 0, how often have
IN the QepJn of my hoort -rished I had
died on the field of Waterloo, or breathed
out my life iu the arms of my gentle pre-
server. Six weeks ago | was wrecked on
the packet ship Clyde, off the coast of
New Brunswick. | have wandered on
foot through Canada and New Hampshire,
singing for few pennies, or begging my
bread till | met your sympathy to-day
How do these college halls and this noble
band Of noble students recall to my recoi-
lection the scenes of former years."
The emotions of the stranger for mo-
ment overcame his voice, when he resumed,
the tears still coursing each other down
his cheeks, /" | know not why God should
direct my steps hither; but, gentlemen.
this shall be the beginning of new life
to me, and here in His presence, and that
of these witnesses | swear, as | hope to
meet you in heaven, never to taste a drop
Of alcohol in any form again" Prolonged
and deafening cheers followed these words,
and l noticed many moist eye. A col
lection was Immediately made, and more
than fifty dollars were put into his hands.
AS he assembled the coach to take his de-
parture, he turned to the excited multi
tude who surrounded him, and said. It'll
is but just that you should know my name
| am Lieutenant Lannes, a nephew of the
great Marshal Lannes. May God bless
you all-farewell I" AS those youths
thoughtfully returned to their accustomed
pursuits, not few resolved in their deep
est souls, that temperance and virtue
should ever mark their character, and that
the soldiers VOW should be theirs. -