The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1856-10-29
The Exiles to Siberia,

Inc laws OF Russia require that all
those condemned. in whatever part Of the
country they may have received sentence.
should pass through Moscow on their
way to Siberia, the traveller who may have
Glanced to be there during the weekly
gathering. will have little difficulty in
recognizing facts in the following account:
On reaching that city they are allowed
a brief rest in the convict prison. their,
daily journeys being so calculated that
the sepcraic bands all arrive there from
divers directions each Saturday night
After resting throughout the ensuing
week, during which tim9 they are reliev-
ed of their chans,they are dispatched in
one common band on the second Monday
after their arrival The prison is div-
ded into two or three courts, each, strict
ly guarded by sentipels
In the first Of these both sexes are to
be seen minglng Unfortunately, and
qro dressed alike in long, loose great
coats. made Of a kind Of grey cloth the
only Distinguishing mark is.that The men
have half their heads shaved-whilst the
women retain their long hair--a privel-
ege also granted to the mon az regards
their boards which decoration is the
pride and delight both of the merchant
and peasautry
They are led thence to n second court,
whore their names are registered, as also
their crime and history Here they
make their petitions some soliciting
leave to travel by the side of brother,
fellow exile--a poor consolation, that.
Of being together in disgrace the
boon. if granted is hailed with tie great
est JOY. \ women will also sometimes
petition to accompany her husband. but
only in rare eases is this permitted
According to the laws of Russia, she
NAV marry again, for the Punishment of
a husband cancels the marriage bond as
completely as death; but if her prayer is
granted. government pays her expenses,
and she assumes the convict dress thourh
not the fattors.
The examination past, the exles are
led to third court where fetters are pla-
ced upon the whole band. This is most
cruel and brutal affair. The letters con-
sist of a couple of heavy iron rings, ono
FIR each ankle. united by chain, not a.
dapted to the size of the person, and his
length Of stride, but OF one unverying
! length, about two feet. This is oonnec.
ted, by means Of links, from four to five
inches long with another chain, fastened
around the waist. The hoops around tho
ankles are NOT fastened by paddock, so
/ as to be removed at night. but are rieit.
/ ed by the. executioner, who dri7es an iron
bolt through the rings. and BY strong and
careless hammering. lfor he often misses
/ the mark, and strikes the flesh, )hattens
/ the bolt at both ends, IN such way that
removal is impossible except b2 means
of the file and with these chains the
poor. weary. foot-sore wretches. are to
walk every step Of journey which takes
them only few days short of six months.
Meanwhile a sergeant stands by. who
must answer for their security with his
own life. as he takes charge Of them du'
ring their pilgrimage, and he secs them
properly secured aud fastened together
in f1urs by the wrist
This ceremony over. the gates ale
thrown open and tn world ceases to ex
it for them. 1t is surprising to witness
the calm bearing. the sad but resigned
e.