Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-01-15

night, he wandered for three days and night,
in the woods and by-places without food ol
drink.
The chase being at length given over, the
poor Frenchman sat down weary and sick
with his wounds, and ready to die by the
roadside. A humane Dutch girl, discover,
ing him in this situation, brought him re
freshments and corlials, and among the lat
ter flask of brandy. 'Here,' said the old
soldier, 'was the beginning of my woes
That angel of mercy, with the best of mo-
.ives, brought me in that flask a deadly foe,
which was to prove more potent for evil to
me than all the burning tolls of the Egyp,
tian campaign, or the intolerable frosts and
SHOWS of the Russan-more fatal than the
cannon of IS battles-which kindled in me
a thirst more Unsuitable than that which for
ced ME to open my veins on the desert sands
of the East. Till that day had never tas-
ted strong drink. l had uttered VOW in
my youth to abstain from it, and to that VOW
| owed my life. For not one of all my COM
rades who INDUCED in the use of it, surviv-
ed the horrors of the Egyptian Campaign.
But, as l lay in anguish, longing for death
and momentar;ly expecting his approach, a
sweet face appeared to me, wearing an ex-
preston of deep pity and sympathy for my
suferings, and l could but accept without
inquiry whatever she gave. She gently
raised my head and wiped with her hand
kerchief the dampness off my brow, and ad-
ministered the cordial to my lips. 1t re-
lieved me; [ looked around, my courage,
ny love of life returned. I poured forth my
gratitude in burning words, and called down
the blessings of Heaven Ignorant of what
it was that so suddenly inspired me, as soon
as my spirits tagged, called for more. I
called for more. | drank again and again !;
for three weeks her loved voice soothed 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 adieu, with
many thanks and tears, sought the seaside,
and embarked as 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 foe has debascd me, and kept me
from all chance of promotion. Oh, how Of
ten have I, in the depth of my heart, wished
I had died on the feldof Waterloo, or breath
ed out my life in the arms of my gentle pre-
server. Six weeks ago was wrecked in the
packet ship Clyde off the coast of New
Brunswick have wandered on foot through
Canada and New Hampshire, singing for a
few pennies, or begging for bread, till met
your sympathy to-day. How do these college
walls, and this noble band of students recall
to recollection the scenes of former years
The emotion of the stranger for moment
overcame his voice, and when he resumed
the tears were still coursing each other down
his cheek. Il know not why God should
direct my steps higther; but, gentlemen,
this shall be the beginning of a new life in
me, and here in His presence, and in that
of those witnesses, | swear, as | hope to meet
you in Heaven, never to taste drop of al
cohol in any form again Prolonged and
deafeniug cheers followed these words, and
l noticed many moist eye. 4 collection
was Immediately made, and more than fifty
dollars was put in his hands. As he ascend
ed to the coach to take his departure, he
turned to the excited multitude that sur
rounded him, and said: 1T is but justice
that you should know my name. am Lieu
tenant Lannes, nephew of the great Mar
shal Lannes. May God bless you all-fale-
we'll !
As these youths thoughtfully returned to
their accustomed pursuits, not few resolved
in their deepest souls that temperance and
virtue should ever mark their character, and
that the soldiers VOW should be theirs.