Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-05-16
REMARKABLE BAND OF ROB
BERS.

One of the incidents which throw most
light upon the internal condition of
France, during the interval between the
/ Reign of Terror and the Consulate. was
the trial of the Chauffeurs." The
Chautfeurs were a numerous band of
robbers who infested a large tract of
country in the region of Chartres. They
derived their name, which signifies heat
ers, or fire kindlers, from their practice of
torturing their prisoners with fire. Their
robberies were conducted in so systematic
manner that it was found almost impos-
sible to arrest any of their party. They
would surround lonely farm-houses in
numbers too large for resistance, and af-
ter binding the males, oblige the females,
by fire applied to their feet, to reveal all
the treasures of their family. From the
evident skill with which all their pro-
ceedings were conducted, it was inferred
by the police that they formed grand
confederacy, and obeyed some central au-
thority. But for long time nothing fur
ther could be found to confirm their sus-
picions.
One day, however, as two gendarms
were crossing a portion of the forest of
Orgeres, they met boy about ten years
OF age; the singularity of costume excl
ted their curiosity. They carried him to
neighboring town, and with a good
breakfast and a glass of wine, soon OBJ
tanned his confidence. He told them he
lived with his father and mother and
many other families, in vast cavern in
the forest, and that many men were in
the habit of coming there occasionally.
bringing with them provisions, clothes,
plate and other valuabIes. Here was a
discovery The head quarters of the
Chaufeurs were revealed at last, and the
police lost no time in taking advantage of
their newly acquired knowledge.
They decided that it would not be well
to attack the cavern Immediately, for this
would result only in the seizure of those
few who might be within at the time. Ii
was thought best to first arrest the out
door brigands by means of the child, and
to reserve the cavern for the last. The
boy, whom they called Finfn, was accord
lngly disguised by suit of good clothes,
and under the care of good woman who
acted as his nurse, was placed in the mar
ket squares of those towns where it was
supposed the brigands would be likely to
sell their stolen property. Whenever he
saw familiar face he would give a sign,
and the person indicated would be imme-
diately arrested. AT length one hundred
and twelve Of the robbers were captured
in this manner, and the trials commenced.
1t resulted in the conviction, condemna-
ton and execution of all of them.
1t was subsequently discovered that
the cavern, or rather the collection of
caverns, from which Finfin had wandered,
was nothing less than one of the quarries
which had in former years furnished the
stone for the magnificent cathedral of
Chartres, and was situated in the least
accessible portion of the forest. Here a
colony OF malefactors, male and female.
had been founded, which gradually grew
from petty band of thieves into an or
ganized army of desperadoes. Like the
Indian association of the Thugs, it had a
government, laws and police, adapted to
the profession of ifs members. 1t had
correspondents in various parts Of the
country who indicated the dwellings most
favorable for attack, and an executive
head which planned and ordered the ex-
petitions.
The execution of so large a portion Of
the company, and the discovery of their
retreat, caused the dispersion Of the re-
naming members and the gang was new
er recognized. Thus terminated the
existence Of one of the most remarkable
bands Of robbers which have existed in
modern times