Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1855-01-26


refreshments and cordials, and among the
latter flask of brandy. "Here." said the
soldier, "was the beginning Of my woes
That angel of mercy, with the best Of mo
tives, brought me in that flask deadly foe
which was more potent for TO me than al
the burning tolls oflhe Egyptian campaign
or the intolerable frosts and SHOWS Of the
Russian; more fatal than at the cannon a
seventy battles. which kindled in me thirs;
more Unsuitable than that which forced to
open my veias on the desert sands Of the
East. Till that day had never tasted
strong drink. had uttered VOW in nv
youth to abstain from il, and TO that VOW
owed my life; for not one Of all my com
rades who indulged in the use Of it surViv
ed the horrors of the Egyptian campaign.
But as l lay in anguish longing for death
and momentarily expecting bis approach, a
sweet face appeared to me wearing an ex-
preston of deep pity and sympathy for my
sufFerings, and could but accept without
inquiring whatever she gave. She gently
raised my head and wiped with her hand
kerchief the dampness from my brow, and
administered the cordial to my lips. 1t re-
viyed mel looked around, nv courage,
my love of life returned. 1 poured fjrtt
my grattudein burning words and called
down the blessing of Heaven upon her. Ig-
norant Of wha. it was that had 30 suddenly
inspired me, as soon as spirits tagged cal
led for more. l drank again and again
for three weeks her loved voice sooLhed me-
and her kind hand administered to my
wants.
As soon as my strength was sufficiently
recovered, fearing that some enemy migbi
be lurking near, bade her adieu with ma
Dy thanks and tears, sought the seaside
and embarked as a common sailor on the
first vessl that offered. and have followed
the sea ever since. My fatal thirst has ev-
er 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 l had died on The field of Waterloo, or
breathed out my life in the arms Of my gen
tie preserver. Six weeks ago was wreck
ed on the packet ship Clyde, off the coasl
of New Brunswick have wandered on
foot through Canada and New Hampshire,
singing for few pennies, or begging my
bread, til met your sympathy to-day
How do these college halls and this noble
band of students recall to my recollection
the scenes Of former years"
The emotions of the stranger for mo
ment overcome his voice, when he resumed
the tears still coursing each other down BIZ
cheeks. al 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 in that Of these
witnesses, swear, as 1 hope to meet you
in Heaven, never to taste a drop Of aIcoho
in any form again" Prolonged and deaf
ening cheers followed these words, and
noticed many moist eye. A collection
was Immediately made, and more than fifty
dollars were put into bis hands. As he as
/, cended the coach to take his departure, ht
turned to the excited multitude who sur
rounded him and said, at is but iustic,
that you should know my name. / an
Lieutenant Lannes, nephew of the Grea
Marshal Lannes May God bless you al
-farewell!" As those youths thoughtful
ly returned to their accustomed pursuits
not few resolved in their deepest souls
that temperance and virtue should eve
mark their character, and that the soldier
VOW should be theirs.