Plymouth advertiser. [volume] (Plymouth, Ohio) 1853-1988, 1855-02-02

tuc litc VI NdpOlcOus WHICH nhu Soluc ull-
der his observation, and finally closed
with atouching account of his own career
after the battle Of Waterloo. In the ter
rible rout that followed that memorable
event, his detachment was chased 10y a
body of PrussIan hussars, and becoming
scattered in the night he wandered for
three days in the woods and by-placeS
without food or drink.
The chase being at length given over,
the poor Frenchman sank down weary aud
sick with his wounds, and ready TO die by
the roadside. a humane Dutch girl, dis
covering him in this situation, Thought
him refreshments and cordials, and among
the latter flask of brardy. Here"
said the soldier, "was the beginning of my
woes. That angel of mercy, with the
best of motives, brought me in that flask
a deadly foe, which was more potent to
me than all the burning tolls of the Egyp-
tian campaign or the intolcrable frosts and
SHOWS of the Russians; more fatal than at
the cannon at seventy battles, which kim
died in me thirst more Unsuitable than
that which forced to open my veins on the
desert sands of the East. Till that day |
had never tasted strong drink. ! had ut
tered vow in my youth to abstain from
it, and to that VOW | owed my life; for
not one of all my companions who indulg-
ed in the use oft, survived the horrors of
the Egyptian campaign.
But as | lay in anguish longing for
death and momentarily expecting his ap-
proach, sweet face appeared to me wear
ing an expression of deep pity and sym
pathy for my sufferings, and l could but
accept without inquiring what she gave.
She gently raised my head and wiped with
her handkerchief the dampncss from my
brow, and administered the cordial to my
lips. 1t revived mo- looked around,
my courage, my love of life returned.
poured forth my gratitude in burning
words, and called down the blessing of
Heaven upon her. Ignorance of what it
was that had so suddenly inspired me- as
soon as spirits tagged called for more.
drank again and again-for three weeks
he loved voice soothed me and her kind
hand administered my utmost wants.
As soon as my strength was sufficiently
recovered, fearing that some enemy might
be lurking near, bade her alieu 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. My fatal thirst has ever
accompanied and cursed me; in port or on
deck this foe has debased me and kept me
from all chance of promotion. O, how
often have in the depth of my heart wish.
ed | had died on the field of Waterloo, OF
breathed out my life in the arms of my gen.
tie preserver. Six weeks ago was wreck.
ed on the packet ship Clyde, off tie coast
of New Brunswick. | have wandered or
foot through Canada and New Hamp
shire, singing fora few pennies, Or begging
my bread, till Imet your sympathy to-
day. How do these college halls am
this noble band of students recall
my recollection the scenes of forme
years.
The emotions of the stranger for mo
ment overcome his voice, when he resumed
the tears still coursing each other down hi.
checks, 81 know not why God should di-
rect my steps hithcr; but, gentlemen this
shall be the beginning of a new life to me
and here in His presence, and in that o
these witnesses, | swear, as hope to NEE
You in Heaven, never to taste drop o
alcohol in any form again" Prolonged
and deafening cheers followed these orls
and | 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 multitude
who surrounded him and said. ''It is bu
justice that you should know my name
| am Lieutenant Lannes, a nephew of thu
Great Marshal Lannes. May God bless
you all-farewell p AS those youths
thoughtfully returned to their accustomej
pursuits, not few resolved in their deepes
souls, that temperance and virtue SHOULD
ever mark their character, and that tn,
soldiers vow should be theirs.