Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1856-04-09

and as soon as silence could he obtained
again, that clear, rich voice uttered these in.
s!iriug words:
Peuple Francois. psuple de braues,
La ibsrte rouUre Sc bras"
He was then conducted to the spacious
chapel, and there he held III audience ol
one thousand persons spell.bound for two
hours, bv one of the most interesting au.
photographers that it was ever our lot to
hear. Born in Paris, of wealthy parents
he had il" early life been thoroughly educated
at the university Of Wirtenb-rg, and re-
ceived the Masters degree. He soon after
joined the fortunes Of Napoleon, and with
the rank of lieutenant, he was with him du.
ring all his campaigns in Egypt, in Italy, in
Austria, in Russia, aud at Waterlno.
His account of scenes in these battles
and his description of places aud cities were
expressed in ch"ce aud grapic terms; and
Oh being compared with history, we're found
to corresIond.in every particular. He related
many unwrtleu aud curious incidents in the
lite Of Napoleon, which had come under his
observation, and finally closed with touch
ing account of his own career after the bat
tie of Waterloo. In the terrible route that
followed that memorable event, his detach'
meut was chased by body OF Prussiar
hussars, aud. becoming scattered III the
night, he wandered for three days and nights
in the woods aud by.places without food or
drink
The chase being at length given over, the
poor Frenvhman sat down weary and sick
with his wounds, and ready to die by the
road. side. A humane Dutch girl, discover
ing him in this si,u,tion, brought him re-
freshn,ents and cordials, aud, among the lat
ter, flask of brandy. Here" said the
old soldier, " was the hegin"iug Of my woes
That angel of mercy, with the best of mo-
tives, brought lie that flask a deadly foe
which was to prove more potent 'or evil to
me than all the burning t'ils of the Egypt
an campaign, or the intolerahle trusts and
SHOWS of the Russians-more fatal than the
cannon of 73 ba,tIes-which kindled in me
thirst more Unsuitable than that which
forced ME to open my veins on the desert
sands of the East. Till that day had me-
er tasted strong drink. had uttered vow
in nv youth to abstain from it, and to that
vow owed my life. For not one OF my
comrades who indulyed in the use of it, sur.
vived the horrors tue Egyptian Campaign"
But, rs | lay in anguish, longing tor
death, and momentarily expecting his ap.
proach, a sweet face appeared to me, wear.
ing au expression Of deep pity and sympathy
for my sufferings. aud | could but acrepi
witl,nut inquiry whatever she gave. She
gently raised my head aud wiped with her
handkerchief the dampness off my brow,
and administered the cordial To my lips. II
relieved me; | looked around, my courage
my love of if. returned. | poured forth my
| gratitude in burning words, and called down
the blessings of Heaven. gnorant of what
it was that so suddenly inspired me, as soon
as my spirits tagged, called for more.
drank again and again; for three weeks her
loved voice sonthed me, and her kind hand
administered to my wants.
As soon as my strength was sufficiently
recovered. fearing that some enemy might
still be lurking near, bade her a,Iieu with
many thanks aud tears. sought the seaside,
aud embarked as a 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 and on
deck this Toe has debased me, and kept rne
from all chance Of promotion. Oh, how
often have |, in the depth of my heart, wish.
ed had died on the field of Waterloo, or
breathed out my life in the arms Of my gen.
tie pre<erver Six weeks ago. was wreck.
ed in the packet ship Clyde, of the coast OF
New Brunswick. have wandered on foot
through Canada and New Hsmpshirc. sing.
ing for few pennies, or begging for bread,
till met your sympathy to-day. How do
these college walls and the noble band OF
students recall 10 recollection the scenes OF
former years"
The emotion of the stranger fo- moment
overcame his voice, and when he resumed,
the tears were still coursing each other down
his cheeks. al kn"w not why God should
direct my steps hither; but. gentlemen, this
shall he the beginning Of a new life in me,
and here in His presence, and in that OF
these witnesses, swear, as hope to meet
you in Heaven, never to taste a drop OF
alcohol in any form again" Prolonged and
deatening cheers followed these words, and
n"ticed many moist eye. 4 collection
was Immediately made, aud more than fifty
d"lIars was put in his hands As he ascende'i
to the coach to take his departure, he turned
10 the excited multitude that surrounded him
aud said: 1T is bat justire that you should
know my name. am Lieutenant Lannes
nephew of the great Marshal Lannes. May
God bless you all-farewell!' As these
youths ,houghltully returned to their accus'
toned pursuits. not few resolved in their
deepest souls that temperance and virtue
should ever mark their character, and thai
the soldiers vow sh"uld he theirs.
From the Ilome Gazette.