Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1858-05-06

demnation and execution of one of his soldiers
on the eve of the decisive blow he was about
striking Francisco was much beloved by his
comrades he was the most intrepid soldier il
the army, and without excusing him, Bolivar
found, in the poverty of his soldiers, who were
fed OH little else but proclamations an exten
uating circumstance in favor of those who al
lowed themselves to be tempted by the sight
of gold. Bolivar would fain have saved the
brigader, but he burst not refuse the arch
bishop Justice, still less could he declare open
war against him. In a fit of anger, which be
took no pains to disguise, the general summon
oned the brigadier before him.
so here you are p cried Bolivar in q
voice of thunder thief, hang-dog brigand
Sit down there we have something to say to
one another"
Without uttering a word the brigadier seat
ed himself on the extreme edge Of wooden
bench
""Tis you wretch ~ continued Bolivar, "whc
have not hesitated before committing the most
shameful sacrilege, in robbing the hoiy Hadon
ma d. Aq~G Caliente. Well, then, you "ill be
shot. Do you hear ?"
The brigadier still kept silent
Double fool that you are !" burst from Bo-
lvar. " You tho't doubtless, that the arch,
bishop would allow himself to be thus outra
geouSly robbed, in the person of the Madonna
without taking TIE necessary steps to discover
the guilty party, and that the criminal would
escape punishment ~
" | do not deny my fault, general am re-
signed to all"
A pretty resignation, forsooth but q
pretty death for soldier of the Independence
and that at a moment when you know how
useful you could be to me in the taking OF
Caracas thought you my friend, Francisco
aud l think that, out of delicacy to me, you
might have waited till the assault was over,
at least"
"Tl eXpiate my fault by dying like man p
"GraciOuS Heavens | never prevented your
dying whenever your death might have served
some purpose. Die whenever you please, but
in the good cause !"
BY my faith tis high time to deal in senti-
mcnt. | think the memory of your mother
which ought only to have inspired you with
good ideas, comes rather late"
Alas twas for her only committed the
crime, for her alone | shall die"
"What the devil are you talking about ~
/" \ simple truth general. My mother since
the affair of The cutting off of ears in Aragua,
has been perishng of misery and sickness, and
no one to help her-she has me alone on earth
and my general knows that for some time past
morey is scarce in the army of the Independ-
ence"
"Well, well pass over those details"
"Somc days since | entered the Chapel of
Ho ha Mnlonno 70 oil
poor mother | prayed to her knees bowed
down to the earth, and with all the energy OF
my soul Oh holy Virgin cried, do not
let my poor mother die for want of a little
gold p And then my brain troubled, my heart
bursting, the fatal thought took possession ;ol
me, to seize the crown of the Madonna, which
| sent to my mother to relieve her Distress
This frank recital made II deep impression
upon Bolivar he would have given much to
save the brigadier, but he knew the infexible
severity of the archbishop. Suddenly the eX-
preston of his countenance changed, and a
smile of malicious satisfaction curled his lips.
"What you tell me, Francisco he said, in
calm tone cannot justify your conduct if
pity you from the bottom ormy heart as man
| cannot absolve you from your guilt as your
judge all can promise you is, to soften your
punishment in consideration Of your good sen,
timents and repentance yoa shall be shot the
moment the trial is over, that you may not have
long to languish. But impose a condition
for my kindness. Tis this, that you reply in
the affirmative to all my questions before the
tribunal"
Nevertheless, general"
"Tll not be trlled with, morJleU you know
| dislike observations"
"Yes, general"
"Come, then, It's settled now 60 till to-
morrow"
"Yes, general"
Next day Bolivar probably wrote some other
nutritive proclamation, after which he break
tasted, then dressed himself in full regimentals
ordered the construction of a stage for Judges,
bade his staff be ready by twelve O'Clock, and
awaited with much uneasiueSs, the arrival of
the archbishop.
Exactly at twelve blast of trumpets an
nounced the arrival Of the camp of the Arch
bishop of Caracas, his Grand Vicar and suite,
composed of black Capuchin, sandalled
Carmelite, benediictine and a monk of the
rich order of Begging Brothers.
Bolivar haStened to meet the piouS procession
and respectfully kissed the archbiShopS hand.
All is ready, my lord, but his eXcelIency
will excuse me, trust, if it has been impossi-
bic for me to receive him in q manner more
worthy of him"
"The tribunal of day cannot be fitted up
like that of the Inquistion of Caracas said
the Grand Vicar, where, Heaven be thanked
nothing is wanting for the judges or the ac-
cused"
The procession having arrived in Bolivar 5
tent, where the stage had been erected the
archbishop seated himself in the chair Of honor
the grand vicar on the bishops left hand, and
Bolivar chose place on the opposite side
The black Capuchin, the sandalled Carmelite,
the Bcnedictine and the begging monk, were
installed on bench near the Grand Vicar and