The North-Carolinian., 1858-10-02
VOLUME XX-NO. l,Ol2


muscle of bis proud face stirred. He did not
fear death: he had looked it in the face many
time without finching, and to die in the open
air, pierced by dozen balls-a soldiers death
what should he much for that? But
when he was informed that he had to run the
gauntlet twice through his company, after hav-
ing been previously degraded, he trembled for
the hrst time in his life. He knew of many
soldier who had run the gauntlet thrice through
a whole battalion, and not been the worse for
1t after all; he knew of some that had even
married afterwards and brought up families Of
children; he was fully aware that the issue OF
this terrible torture depended entirely upon the
dispositions OF the Dreadful reflection
Above all he thought of the shame. the dis
honor-and his proud heart was well nigh Civ
On the evening previous to the punishment,
the second rife battalion of Kherenhuller in
fantry would have been unfit for service; the
men were drunk They had got up carousal
in joy aud honor of the coming day. But in tie
morning they were sober enough. The drums
ceased to beat soon the prisoner had ar
rived in the middle of the square; his escort
fell back. He stood alone near the right wing
of the company. There dead silence;
not respiration was to be heard from all the
thousands gathered on the spot. The COM
manding officer read the sentence over him for
the second time. This done. he exhorted the
men, according to CUSTOM to dispense with all
feelings of compassion, and do their duty
conformably to the law. The colonel went
through this part Of the formality in quick
aud hurried manner, as ii he were unwilling to
perform it. So he was; he knew but too we'll
that, in this instance, there need what
/, ever for exhorta,ton. These preiiminaries being
| over, the prisoner delivered into the hands
! of the provost
lIeu the latter tore off from his uniform the
golden lace and ga.loons-the marks Of his mill
i'ary rank-throwiny them, together with the
gold medal. at h,s feet The face Of the unfortu-
nate mat became purple, and his dark eyes
| flashed fire When he striped of his coat
a"c shirt, aud placed at the entry of the terri
| ole street through which he had to pass, he be-
came pale again. Two sol,liers went ahead Of
him they marched backward, with their bay
onets presented to his breast, SO to force him
! to keep measure to drum which brought up
the rear The drum WAS muffled ; its slow
and dismal beats sounded like the music of
funeral procession.
| When he received the first stroke his featnr
es assumed the expression of pain, aud his firm
set lips quivered slightly. This was, however,
the only sign OF sensation. Crossing his arms
over his breast and pressing his teeth close
together. his proud face remained hencefortlr
Imnovable. His merciless enemies enioye,.
but an incomplete triumph after all they
might slash his body in pieces, but his proud
and indomltabe spirit they could not break
The blows descended with a fearful violence
upon hun. After the first dozen blood came;
but never did he utter one single exclamation
! o. pain; never-nOt even with look-did he
lmpiore for mercy. An expression of scorn
and disdan was deeply set on his face as pale
as death. When lie had reached at last the
left wing OF the company, his lacerated back
presented a frghtful appearance. Even his
most exasperated enemies might well ha We been
satisfied now; if it had but been possible, the
commanding officer himself would have inter-
ccded III his behalf; but this not even to be
thought of; the law must have its course. They
faced him right about, he had to make the
same way back again.
There one formality connected with this
punishment which cruel barbarous and
shameful mockerv; the delinquent had to thank
his executioners for his torturcs.
When the victim had arrived at tic file lead
er of the righ wing of his company, and the
dreadful execution was over at last, he threw
one last, long look, full of contempt at his
tormentors. Then he staggering like
a drunken man towards the commanding officer.
| His eyes, swollen with blood beamed with an
unnatural brightness, his respiration was short
and painful; touching his head with his right
hand, in token of the military salute he said in
| n voice that came out Of Ills throat with rat
tIng sound but that was nevertheless distinct
!y audible all over the place: II have to thank
your honor for this exquisite punishment" and
fell down dead