The Opelousas patriot. [volume] (Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry, La.) 1855-1863, 1855-05-26

his own career after the battle Of Waterloo. In
the terrible rout that followed that memorable
event, his detachment was chased by body oil
Prussian hussars, and, becoming scattered in
the night, he wandered for three days and
nights in the woods without food or drink.
The chase being at length given over, the
poor Frenchman sank down weary and sick
with his wounds, and ready to die by the road
side. 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 begin
ming Of my woes. That angel of mercy, with
the best Of motives, brought me in that flask q
deadly foe, which was to prove more potent for
evil to me than all the burning tolls of the
Egyptian campaign, OF the intolerable frosts
and SHOWS Of the Russias-more fatal than the
cannon Of seventy battles-which kindled in me
thirst more Unsuitable than that which forced
me to open my veins on the desert sands Of the
East. Till that day l had never tasted strong
drink. l had uttered VOW in my youth to
abstain from it, and to that vow / owed my
life, for not one Of all my comrades who in
dulged in the use Of it, survived the Egyptian
campaign. t'n -dai '"
But, as lay in anguish, longing for death,
and momentarily expecting his approach, a
sweet face appeared to me, wearing an express
sion Of deep pity and sympathy for my suffer-
ings, and could but accept without injury
whatever she gave. She gently raised my head
and wiped with her handkerchief the dampness
OF my brow, and administered the cordial to my
lips. It relieved me; I looked around, my
courage, my love Of life returned. l poured
forth my gratitude in burning words, and called
down the blessings Of Heaven. Ignorant Of
what it was that so suddenly inspired me, as
soon as my spirits tagged called for more.
drank again and again for three weeks her
loved voice soothed me, and her kind hand ad-
ministcred to my wants. - -t ~ r..
AS soon rs my strength was sufficiently re-
covered, fearing that some enemy might still
be lurking near, bade her adieu with many
thanks and tears, sought the sea side, and EN-
barked as common sailor on the first vessel
that offered, and have followed the sea ever
since. My fatal thirst has ever accompanied
and cursed me, in port and on deck this foe has
debased me, and kept me from all chance Of
promotion. oh, how often have l, in the depth
OF my heart, wished had died on the field Of
Waterloo, or breathed out my life in the arms
OF my gentle preserver. Six weeks ago. was
wrecked in the packet ship Glide, off the coast
OF New Brunswick. have wandered on foot
.AAAO"Eu $esnAuts uuu ANVW 1luIlpSuIlC, SlIlklLH
for few pennies, or begging for bread, till
met your sympathy to-day. How do these col
lege halls, and this noble band of students re-
call to recollection the scenes of former years +"
The emotion Of the stranger for moment
overcame his voice, and when he resumed the
tears were still coursng each other down his
cheeks. II know not why God should direct
my steps hither; but, gentlemen, this shall be
the beginning Of new life in ME, and here in
His presence, and in that Of these witnesses,
swear, as hope to meet you in Heaven, never
to taste drop Of alcohol in any form again."
Prolonged and deafening cheers followed these
words and noticed many moisteye. A col
lection was Immediately made, and more than
fifty dollars were put into his hands. As he
ascended the coach to take his departure, he
turned to the excited multitude that surrounded
him, and said: alt is but justice that you
should know my name. am Lieutenant
Lannes, nephew of the great Marshal Lannes.
May God bless you all-farewell As these
youths thoughtfully returned to their accus-
toned pursuits, not few resolved in their
deepest souls that temperance and virtue should
ever mark their che rscter en,1's -. ~ .,ans's
champ ct charpentier d'habitation.
, -4 ELBERT CAN'T. COlleCteur