Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-01-27
A TRUE STORY.
BY BAYARD TAYLOR.

10 small village near Jena. It was an
occasion Of an entirely local nature, and
might have passed over unobserved ard
unknown to all, excerpt the immediate
vicinity, bot for its connection with thr
battle which fifty years and one day be-
fore, annihilated the power of Prussia
An account of it however, was published
in most 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 celebration took
place, was residing in Gatha, not more
than fifty miles from the spot, and re-
ceived the story almost in the very words
of the chief actor in it. l am sorry that
his name and that of the village, have es-
capped my memory. All other particu-
lars made too deep an impression upon
me to be easily forgotten.
We must go back to the 14tb of
October 1906. On that day the windy
uplards northeast of Jena witnessed the
brief but terrible combat, which resulted
in the triumphant entry Of the French
army into Berlin eleven days afterwards
during which time Prussia had lost
$4,000 men, So standards, and 600 can
non. A portion Of the French army was
encamped on the battlefield, or quarter
ed in the villages around. The poor in
habtants overwhelmed by this sudden
avalanche of war upon their quiet tirld-
where for hundred years or more,
they had reaped their harvest in peace
submitted in helpless apathy while their
houses and barns were plundered by the
lawless soldiery. The battle was over.
but there was no lul 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 Hamburgh," as the
Germans called him-took up his quar-
terS for the night in one of the most con-
venient 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 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 at
tention. The German canaiNe must be
taught to respect US. Ten soldiers OF
Company--oft the Fourth Infantry,
who quartered themselves in the village
of Waldorf (let US say) have been driven
away by the people, and two or three OF
them are severely injured"
Davoust's cold eye glittered, and his
moustache curled like the lip of mastif,
as he turned, halted moment at the
door of the bed room. Send lieuten-
ant and twenty men TO the village, pick
out ten of the vagabonds and shoot them
down ? was the brief order. Where
is Waldorf he added, turning to one
Of those useful creatures who are always
willing to act as guides and interpreters
for the enemy in their own land.
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 about halt an hours distance
beyond
The marshal not caring to annoy him.
self by more minute inquiries, went tc
bed. If ten men were shot, that wa,
sufficient.
The next morning, at sunrise, ,Lieuten-
ant Lamotte with twenty men march.
ed over the trampled hills to seek Wal
dorf. II was a disagreeable business
and the sooner It was over the better
On reaching ridge which overlooked
the intersection Of two or three valleys
more than one village was visible through
the cold fog now beginning to rise.-
Qui ss. Waidorf?" inquired the offirer
of the man whom he had impressed By
the way. "Dos." answered the man
"ish OSsr Waldorf" pointing to village
on the left. "EH dvGnt" And il
fifteen minutes more the Frenchmar
marched into the little hamlet.
Hating in an open space between the
church and the two principal beer-houses
the officer summoned the inhabitants TO.
gether. The whole village was already
awake. for few had slept during the night
Their ears were still stunned by ths
.hunders of yesterday, and visions o