The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1859-08-11
Lambertville, N. j.. Aug. II, 1850.
The Zouaves.

The active part taken by this body of men in
the late war has rendered them the objects of
great attraction, and herewith we give an ex-
tract from the Atlantic Monthly, which will no
doul tproye interesting
Many are Parisians, or at all events, inhabi-
tants of the other great French cities; most
have already served-are therefore Injured to the
work-accustoned to the priVations which they
undergo gaily-to fatgues at which they joke
Ito dangers in battle, which they treat as mere
play. They are proud of their uniform, which
does not resemble that of any other corps
proud of that name, Zouaue, of mysterious orr
gin-proud of the splendid actions with which
each succeeding day enriches the history of their
troops-happy in the liberty they experience,
both in garrison and on expeditions 1t is said
that the Zouaves love wine; it is true but they
are rarely seen intoxicated they seek the plea
sures of conviyiality, not the mbrutement of
drunkenness. These regiments count in their
ranks officers, who, ennuied by a lazy life, have
taken up the musket and the Embellishments
officers, who, having already served, brave, even
rash, seek to win their epauletts anew in this
service, d gain either glorious position or a
glorious death-old officers of the garde mobile
-broad-shouldered marines, who have served
their time on shipboard, accustomed to cannon
and the thunderngs of the tempest-young mell
OF family DESTROYS to replace with the red rib
bon OF the Legion of Honor bought and col
ored with their blood, the dishonor of life
gaped YEARLY away on the pavements of Paris
Composed of such elements one can scarcely
imagine the body of Zouaves other than brilliant
IN the field of battle The officers are generally
hosen from the regiments of the line, men re-
larkable for strength, courage and prudence
its last limit, always ready to confront death
nd to run up to meet danger, they seek glory
ather than promotion TO train up their SOL
diers, to give then an example, in their own per-
sons, of all the military virtues such are their
only cares
There exists, moreover, between the soldiers
and officers, military fraternity, which, far
from destroying discipline, tends, rather to draw
more closely its bonds. The officer sees in his
men rather companions in danger and in glory
than Interiors; he willingly attends to their
complaints, and strives to spare them all unne-
cessary privations. Where they are exposed to
difficulties he does not hesitate to employ all
the means in his power to aid them. In return,
the soldier processes for his officer an affection,
a devotion, sort of filial respect Discipline,
ne knows, must be severe, andhe does not grum-
BILE at its penalties In battle, he does not
abandon his chief; he watched over him. will
die for his safety, will not let him fall into the
hands of the enemy if wounded. Attic bivouac
he makes the officers fire, though his own
should die for want of fuel; cares for his
horse, arranges his furniture; if and deIicacy
in the way of food can be procured, lie
brings it to the chief Convinced of the
desire of their master that the soldiers shall be
well fed, the Zouaves often insist that part of
their pay be expended for procuring the pro-
visions of the tribe. The colonel is the man
most venerated by these soldiers who look upon
him as the father Of the family. They are
proud of the colonePs success, and happy to have
contributed to his honor or advancement When
an order comes directly from him, be sure it
will be religiously obeyed. When papa says
anything, they repeat, one to another, it must
be done Papa knows it is already done; he
wants US to be the best children possible. In
critical moments, the colonel can use the severest
Draconian code, without having anything to fear
from the 'disapprobation of his men y