The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1860-01-25
Selftteo CaIe.
A TRUE STORY.
BY BAYARD TAYLOR.

in small village near Jena. 1t was an
occasion of nm entirely local nature, and
might have passed over unobserYod and
unknown to all, except the immei l.
ate vicinity, but for its connection with
the battle which fifty years and one day
before annihilated the power of Russia
An account oft, however, was published
in most OF the German newspapers, and
this circumstance the sequel OF the story
am about to relate was brought on. AT
the time the celebration 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 impression upon me to be
easily forgotten.
We must first 90 back to tho 18th of
October, 1906. On that day the windy
uplands north-ea 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
10000 men, IS standards, and 600 can
non. A portion of the French army was
encamped on the battle field, or quarter
ed in the village around. The poor in
habitants overwhelmed by this sudden
avalanche of war upon their quiet fields
where for hundred years or more, they
had reaped their harvest in peace-sub-
mitted in helpless apathy while their
houses and barns were plundered by the
lawless soldiery. The battle was over,
but there was no lull 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--tha Butcher of Hamburg"
as the Germans called him-took UP his
quarters for the night III one of tho most
convesent and comfortable houses which
could be found in the noiChborhood of
the scone of slaughter. Here he rapidly
issued orders for the disposition Of the
forces under his command, gavo direc-
tons for the morrow, and received reports
from his adjutants. 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 atten-
ton. The German canaile must be
taught to respect US. Ton soldiers Of
Company--,o of the Fourth Infan-
try, who quarterod themselves in the vii
lago of Waldorf (lct US say have been
driven sway by the people, and two
or throe of shom are severely injur-
3D."
Davoust's cold eye gltterod and his
moustache curled like the lip Of mastiff,
as he turned, and halted moment at the
door of the bedroom. "Send lieuten-
ant and twenty men to the village, pick
out ten Of the vagabonds and shoot them
down ~ was the brief order. "Whe is
Waldorf?" he added, turning to one Of
those useful creatures who are always
wiling to act as guides and interpreters
for the enemy in their own land.
"There is a village called Upper Wald.
OFF which lies near the head of q small
valley to the left; Middle Waldorf is on
the other side of the hill, and Lower
Waldorf about half on hours distance be-
yond.
The marshal, not caring to annoy him.
self by moro minute inquiries, went tc
bed. If ten men were shot, that was
sufficient.
The next morning, at sunrise, Lieuten.
ant Lamotte, with twenty men marched
over the trampled hills to seek Waldorf
1t was disagreeabio business, and the
sooner it was over the better. On reach
ing ridge which overlooked the inter
section of two or three valleys, more tina.
one village was visible through the colo
fog now beginning to rise. "Qm es
Waldorfs" inquired the officer of tn
man whom he had impressed by the way
"Das," answered the man, Ssh obe'
Waldorf" pointing to village on tn
| left, "Ee aaant" And in the fiftssl
minutes more the Frenchman MARCHES
J into the little hamlet.