The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1857-04-08


held. Pierre Pitois was accused of hav-
ing deserted at the very time that his
regiment was going to face the enemy.
This court presented an extraordinary
aspect. On one side there was the ac-
cused, who said--"Pierre Pitois, you,
one of the bravest soldiers of the army,
on whose breast glitters the star of Ion
or; you, who have never incurred eth
er punishment, or merited a reproaeh
from your officers, it is impossible that
you should have deserted your regiment
almost at the eve of battle, without nav
ing been impolled by some powerful mo-
tive. This motive, the court desires to
know; for it would rejoice to be enabled,
if not to acquit you-for that, It cannot,
it may not do--but at least to recon-
mend you to the elemency of the Empe
ror" On the other hand, the accused
answered-"I have deserted without a
motive. I do not repent; were it to do
again, I would do it. I have to die !;
ulG ucu CduiS b1tHSS6OS
who said-"Pierre Pitois has deserted !;
we know it but do not believe it.'' 9th
ers said-"Pierre Pitois is mad; the
court cannot condemn a madmnn. He
should not be sentenced to death, but to
confinement in a lunatic asylum"
The latter opinion nearly prevailed,
for there was no member of the court
who did not look upon the desertion Of
Pierre Pitois as one of those singulari-
ties beyond the reach of human proba-
biliIy, which no one understands, but
which every one admits. Nevertheless,
the accused appeared SO simple, so log
ical in demanding conviction avowing
his guilt with such audacious frankness !;
incessantly repeating that he did not re-
gret it; and the frmness which no ex-
hibited had SO much the appearance of
bravado, that no loop hole was made for
clemency. The sentence of death was
pronounced.
When the Judgment of the court was
read to him, Pierre Pitois did not vince.
He was urged to sue for mercy, but he
reused.
As every body copjectured that there
was some mystery at the bottom of this
affair, it was decided that the execution
Of Pierre Pitois should be delayed. The
prisoner was reconducted to his cell; he
was informed that, as an especial favor,
be was allowed three days to present his
petition for pardon; he shrugged his
shoulders and made no answer
In the middle of the night preceding
the day fixed for his execution, the door
of Pierre prison was gently opened, and
lieutenant of the young guard advanced
to the side of the pallet on which the
prisoner slept, and after having contem-
plated him for some time, awoke him
Pierre Pitois stared wildly around, and
said-"Ah the hour is come
At last !"
"No Pierre" answer tho other, ''tho
hour is not come, but it soon will strike"
"Well, and what do you want ?''
"Pierre, thou knowest me not, but I
know thee. 1 have seen thee at Auster.
litz, where thou didst behave like
brave man. Since that day, Pierre, 1
have entertained for thee sincere and
lively esteem. On my arrival yesterday
at Starsburg heard of thy crime and
thy condemnation. The jailor being
relation of mine, have gained access to
thy cell to say-Pierre, those who are
about to die often regret not having by
their side friend to whom they can
open their hearts, and intrust the fulfill
ment of some holy duty. If thou wilt,
let me be that friend"
"Thanks, comrade," answered Pierre
abruptly.
"Hast thou nothing to confde to me ?'
Nothing |" X
"What ! not an adieu for thy be-
trothed-for thy sister ?''
GA betrothed =? A sis
ter? I never bad eth
err
"For thy father ?''
"He is no more. He did two months
ago in my arms"
"For thy mother ?'
"For my mother ?" :.
said Pierre, whose voice suddenly
trembled with emotion-''for mo moth
err? All comrade, pro-
nounce not her name, for that word
have never even whispered it to my
heart without being moved like a child.
And at this moment, it seems to me that
if I spoke of her -. :"
"Well ?''
"I should weep and
to weep becomes not man To weep"
he continued in an excited tone-"to
weep when I have only few hours
more to live; ah that would be weak
ness !"
"Thou art too severe, comrade, I
am possessed of as much firmness as any
man, and nevertheless I should not be
ashamed to shed tears while speaking of
my mother"
Indeed" said Pierre, warmly grasp
ing the hand of the lieutenant, you are
a man and soldier, and would you not
blush to weep ?"