Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1859-12-15
Jnterestng Storp,
A TRUE STORY.
BY BAYARD TAYLOR.

On the 18th, of October, 1856, cele
bration of peculiar character was held
IN small village near Jena. 1t was an
occasion Of an entirely local nature, and
might have passed over unobserved and
unknown to all, except the immediate
vicinity. but for it's connection with the
battle which fifty years and one day be
fore annihilated the power of Prussia
An account of it however, was published
in one of the German newspapers, and
this circumstance the sequel of the
story which l am about to relate
was brought on. At the time the cele
bration took place, / was residing in
Gotha, not more than fifty miles from the
spot, and received the story almost in the
very words Of the chief actor in it. |
am sorry that his name and that of the
village, have escaped my memory. All
other particulars made too deep an i'm
preston upon me to be easily forgotten
We must first go back to the 18th of
October, 1906 On that day the windy
uplands north east Of Jena witnessed the
brief but terrible combat, which resulted
in the triumphant entry of the French
army into Berlin eleven days afterward
during which time Prussia had lost
80 600 men, IS standards, and 900 Cannon
A portion of the FRENCH army was en-.
camped on the battlefield, or quartered
in the village around. The poor inhab
itants, overwhelmed by this sudden ava
lanche of war upon their quiet fields
where for u hundssid Years or moro, they
had reaped their harvest in peace
submitted in helpless apathy while their
houses and barns we're plundered by the
lawless soldiery. the battle was over,
but there was no llll in the blast of ruin.
Through the clouds of cannon smoke
which settled into the bosom of the deep
valleys as the raw October evening came
on, were heard in all directions shrieks
of fear, yells of rage or triumph, and
cries of pain or lamentation.
Davoust-the Butcher of HAMBURG. J"
as the Germans called him-took up his
quarters for the night in one OF the most
convenient and comfortable houses which
could be found in the neighborhood of
the scene of slaughter. Here he rapidly
issued orders for the disposition of the
forces under his command, gave directions
for the morrow, and received reports
from his adjutanb. He had taken his
cloak. and was about retiring to an inner
chamber for repose, when an officer en-.
tered. " Pardon me, general" he said.
but there is case which requires at
tention. The German cutaille must be
taught to respec; US. Ten soldiers of
Company - Of the Fourth Infantry,
who quartered themselves in the village
of Waldorf Qet say have been driven
away by the peopE, and two or three of
them are severely injured"
There is village called Upper Wal.
dorf which lies near the head of small
valley to the left; Middle Waldorf is on
the other side of the hill, and Lower
Waldorf abott half an hours distance
beyond.
The marshal, rot caring to annoy him.
self by more minute enquiries went to
bed. Ii ten men were shot, that was
sufficient.
The next moFning, at sunrise, Lieuten-
ant Lamcttse.s<FI 81 twenty men, marched
over the u to seek Waldorf.
I'm ieaenlh which overlooked
tne lntersectfC ~ or three valleys.
hoie lnah ohe was visible through
.ne coia log peginnlng to rise
0a' esq "@daoTf q inquired the officer
u u Inc man %hom,he had Impressed by
,ne way. IesA answered the man.
am o0er WndpOIe pointing to village
On .ne ielt. M avant g And In nj
1een minutes mqiethe Frehchman march
GU rnto 'ne httlahaniet.
Hating in an open space between the /
church CT and the EYo principal beer houses,
lne omcer sumH9ned the inhabitants to.