American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1855-04-12

La Liberte rOuyre sen bra..n

by one Of the most interesting autobiogra-
phies thatit was ever our lot to hear
Born in Paris, of wealthy parents, he had
in early life been thoroughly educated at
the university Of Wittemberg, and receiv-
ed the Masters degree. He soon after
joined the fortunes Of Napoleon and with
The rank of Lieut.. was with him during all
his campaigns in Egypt, in Italy, in Aus
tria, in Russia and at Waterloo. His ac-
count of scenes in these battles, and his
description Of places and cities were ex-
pressed in choice and graphic terms, and
on being compared with history, were
found to correspond in every PARTICULAR
He related many unwritten and curious in
cidents in the life of Napoleon, which has
come under his observation, and finally
closed with touching account of his own.
career after the battle of Waterloo. In the
terrible route that followed that memora-
BILE event, his detachment was chased by
body of Prussian hussars, and becoming
scattered in the night, be 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 and
sick with his wounds. and ready to die by
the road side. A Dutch girl, discovered
him in this situation, brought him re-
frcshments and cordials, and among the
latter flask of brandy. "Here," said the
old 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 to prove more po-
tent for evil TO me than all the burning
tolls of tie Egyptian campaign, or the in
tolerable frosts and SHOWS of the Russias,
more fatal than the cannon of seventy bat
ties, which kindled in me thirst more in
satiable than that which forced me to open
my veins on the desert sands of the East.
Till that day had never tasted strong
drink. Ihad uttered avow in my youth
to abstain from it, and to that VOW owed
my life, for not one of all my comrades who
indulged in the use of it, survived the hor-
ror of the Egyptian campaign.
"But as l lay in anguish, longing for
death. and momenlarily expecting his ap-
proach, a sweet face appeared to me wear
ing an expression Of deep pity and sympa-
thy for my sutferings, and l could but ac-
cept without injury 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. 1t revived me-I looked around, my
courage, my love of life returned. l
ponred,forth my gratitudeinburning words,
and called down the blessings OF Heaven.
Ignorant of what it was that SO suddenly
inspired ME, as soon as my spirit tagged l
called for more. ! drank again and again
for three weeks her loved voice soothed
me, and her kind hand administered to my
wants.
As soona as my strength was sufficiently
recovered, fearing that some enemy might
still be lurking near, l bade her adieu with
many thanks and tears, sought the sea
side, and embarked as common sailor on
the first vessel that offered, and have fol-
lowed the sea evcrsince. 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 /, in the depth ofmy
heart, wished / had died on the field Of
Waterloo, or breathed out my life in the
arms of my gentle prcServer. Six weeks ago
was wrecked on tie packet ship Clyde,
off the coast of of New Brunswick. ] have
wandered on foot through Canada and N.
Hampshire, singing for a few pennies, or
begging my bread, till | met your sympa-
thy to-day. How do these college halls,
and this noble band of students recall TO
recollection the scenes offormcr years."
The emotions of the stranger for mo-
ment, overcame his voice, when he resum-
ed, the tears still coursing each other down
his cheeks. Il know not why God should
direct my steps hither; but gentlemen, this
shall be the beginning Of a Few liie in me,
and here in His presence, and in that ol
these witnesses, | swear as hope to meet
you in Heaven, never to taste drop of al
cohol in any form again" Prolonged and
deafening cheers followed these words, and
noticed many moist eye. A collection
Twas Immediately made, and more than
fifty dollars were put into his hands. AS
he assembled the coach to take his departure,
he turned to the excited multitude who
surrounded him.. and said: ''It is but jus.
tice that you should know my name.
am Lieutenant Lanies, a nephew OF the
great Marshal Lannes. May God bless
you all---farewelll'' AS these youths
| thoughtfully returned to their accustomed
pursuits, not few resolved in their deepest
souls, that temperance and virtue should
ever mark their character. and that the
soldiers VOW should be theirs.