The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-12-19
MISCELLA NEOUS.
EFORGET-ME-NOT
The Flower for Mothers Grave.

The Flower for a Mothers Grave.
TRANSLATED FROM THE FREScH FoR THE w. 8. GAZETTE.
In 1909 there was, in the 12th regiment of
the line, then in garrison at Strasburg, Ser
geant of the name of Pierre Pitois, who was
one Of that portion Of bali savage, half civil
lized Burgognia, known by the name Of Nor
van. 'fE Etf G zoo Hr
Pierre was brave man, according to his
own acceptation Of the word; and, as it was
usually said in the regiment, he was as tough
as leather. He was always the first and the
last in q skirmish; he was said to love only
two things-the smell of powder ar d the his
sing of balls. Those who had seen him on the
field of battle-his eye flashing, his moustache
brishing, and his nostris dilatcd, and throw
were wont to say that carnage was fancy
ball for Pierre 2a EaN1,'a si a1E
Now, one fine day our friend Pierre took it
into his head to address letter to his Colonel,
asking leave of absence, to go and take care of
his old mother, who was dangerously sick he
added that his father, who was about 70 years
old, and paralytic, could afford no assistance
to the old lady. He promised TO return as
soon as the health of his mother should be re-
stored ...3,, ,..f - 4 ..,,gs ,. tt9.r.f +. IL
The Co'onel replied to Pierre Pitois that
the regiment expected every moment to receive
orders to join the army, and consequently that
there was no hope Of dismissal or leave Of alb
sence. ,95E isarrtl8 b.Hutgt &as lg
\ Pierre Pitois made no complaint. r.a.7
A fortnight passed away, and the Colonel
received another letter
Pierre announced to his Colonel that his
mother had died, without the satisfaction of
having seen her son. She had desired, as a
good and tender mother, to bestow upon him
her dying blessing. Pierre this time solicited
leave Of absence for a month. He professed
himself unable to explain Che motive Of his
earnest solicitude to obtain his leave of ab-
sence---''it was family secret" But he most
earnestly supplicated his Colonel not to refuse
this favor. . ..- LII. .. .t -
The second letter of Pierre was as unsuccess-
full as the first. The captain Of the poor SOL
dier remarked to him, "The Colonel has re-
ceived your letter; he is sorry for the death Of
your old mother, but he cannot grant you the
favor that you seek, as tomorrow tie regiment
will quit Strasburg" .,.,-.... =
"Ahl the regiment quits Strasburgl And
where is it going, if you pleases" y 49, ~"
a"To Austria. We are going to visit Vienna,
my brave Pitois. We are going TO fight with
the Austrians. There's some comfort in that
isn't there? Tha.'s where we are goi, g, my
brave fellow"
Pierre Pitois made no answer He seemed
to bc plunged into deep reverie. The Cap
tain took him by the hand, and shook him
soundly. What's the matterl Are you deaf
to-day2 / tell you, that, within week, you
are to have the pleasure Of fighting the Austri-
ans, and you do not thank me for my good
news. Surely, you did not hear me" IliDH
"Yes did, Captain. understood you per-
fecty, j thank you heartily for your intelli-
gence, which is really good news" ~
"How nowl"
Really, Captain then there is no means Of
obtaining this leave OF absence ~ gsg
"Are you mad, Pierre? A leare Of absence
on the eve Of marchingw
III didn't think ofthat We are then going
to join the army At such time they do not
grant leave Of absencef" r Sea
They don't ask leave Of absence at such
time"
"That's right. They do not ask IT, Itwould
look cowardly. Very well, Iwont ask it again.
give il all up" iIa gn
That's right my fine fellow" ai ttIa,
The next day the 10Th regiment Of the line
entered Germany. The next day Pierre Pitois
DESERTED. Three months after that while the
18th regiment Of the line, after having gathered
an ample harvest Of glory, was making a tai
umphant entery into Stasburg, Pierre Pitois
was ignominiously dragged to his corps by o
brigade of gems d'armes. Soon afterwards .
council of war was assembled, and Pierre Pi-
tois was accused Of having deserted, at the
moment when his regiment was TO meet the
enemy, face to face. eaA iAsra'
The council of war presented singular spec
tacle. On one side there was prosecutor, who
read as follows: ,e. 4. .s.. s,
pierre Pitois, you, one Of the bravest sol
diers Of the army; you, upon whose breast
shines the star Of the legion Of honor you,
who have never received either punishment or
reproach from your superiors; you have de-
serted your regiment--deserted it almost on
the eve of battle--and that without the induce
ment Of any considerable motive. Whatever
motive you may have had, however, the coun-
Gil demands to know il; for they would be
happy to be able-not to acquit you (for they
neither ought, nor wish, 10 do thdt)--at least
to recommend you to the kind consideration Of