The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-01-13
MistelIanrolls.
A TRUE STORY.
ny BAYARD TAYLOR.


ton OF a peculiar character was held in a
small village near jena. ltwas an occasion
~ an entirely local nature; and might have
passed over unObseryed and unknown to all,
except the immediate vicinity, but for its
connection with the battle which fifty years
and one day before, annihilated the power
of Prussia. An account oft, however, was
published in the German newspapers, and by
this circumstance the sequel of the story
which am about 10 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 tho vii
lagc. have escaped my memory. All other
particulars made too deep an impression up
on nae to be easily forgotten.
We must 90 back to the l4th 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 aftcrward, during which time Prussia
had lost &C, 900 men, 60 standards, and COG
cannon. A portion of the French army was
encamped on the battlefield, or quartcrcd in
the village around. The poor inhabitants
overwhelmed 10y this sudden ayalanch of wal
upon their ields-where for hundred year,
or more they had rcapcd their haryests in
peace-submitted in helpless apathy while
their houses and barns were plundered by
the lawlcss soldiery. The battle was over
hut there was no lull in the blast of ruin
Through the clouds of cannon smoke which
settled into the bosom OF the deep valleys n,
the raw October evening came on, were heard
in all directions shrieks of fear, yclls OF rage
or triumph, and cries Of pain or hmenta
ton.
Davoust-thc Butcher of Hamburg" ~
the Germans called him-took up his quar-
ters for the night in one Of the most conyen'
lent and comfortable houses which could bC
found in the ncighbOrhood of the scene OF
slaughter. Here he rapidly issued orders for
the disposition of the forces under his CON-
mand, gave directions for the morrow, and
received reports from his adiutants. He had
taken his cloak, and was about retiring to
an innor chamber for rcpoSe, whcu an oihcer
entered. Pardon me, generals, he said,
but there is case which requires attention.
The German caRdillc must be taught to re-
spect us. Ten soldiers of Company-oi
the Fourth Infantry, who quartered them
selves in the village of Waldorf (let us say)
have been driven away by the people, and
two or three OF them are very severely In
jurcd.'
Davoust's cold eye glittcred, and his moIs-
tache curled like the lip ofa m'etiif, as h'
turned, halting moment at the door of the
bedroom. Send lieutenant and twenty
men to the village, pick out ten of the yaga'
bonds and shoot them down. was the bricl
order. Where is Waldorf" he added
turning to one of those useful creatures who
are always willing to act as guides and inter
prefers for the enemy in their own land.
There is village called Upper Waldorf,
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
half an hours distance beyond.
The Marshal, not caring to annoy himself
by more minute inquiries, went to bed. Ii
ten men were shot, that was sufficient.
| The next morning, ut sunrise, Lieutenant
| IamOttc with twenty men marched over the
trampled hills to seek Waldorf IL was a
disagreeable business, and the sooner 1t was
over the bcttcr. 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.
Qm ea Waldorf inquired the officer OF
the man whom he had impressed by the way.
DdS, answered the man ish Obcr Waldorf,
pointing to avillagc on the left. En- drdnt.
And in fifteen minutes more the Frenchman
marched into the little hamlet.
Hating in an open space between the
church and the two principal beer-houscs, the
officer summoned the inhabitants together.
The whole village was Nlready awake, for
few had slept during the night. Their ears
were still stunned by the thundcrs of yestcr-
day, and visions of burning and pillage still
danced before their eyes. At the command
oi the lieutenant the soldiers seized all tho
male inhabitants, and forcibly placed them in
lines before him. The women and children
waited near in terrible anxiety, for no one
understood the words which were spoken,
and these ominous preparations led them to
/ imagine the worst.
Vt this juncture, the son Of the village
pastor appeared upon the scene. lie was a
Young man Of twenty, who was studying the
Ology in order 10 become his fathers success
sor, and fortunately had some knowledge OF
French. The appearance of things, without
the cries and entrcatics of the terrified people,
told him that his help was wanted. lie
Immediately addressed himself TO Lieut.. la
motto, and begged for an explanation OF the
prOcccdings.
Il am ordered to punish this village an
swcrcd the latter, for your treatment ofour
soldiers last night. The marshal orders that
ten of YOU must be shot. The only thing
that lean do is TO allow ysu to draw lots
among yourselves, or point out those con-
eerned in the outrage
But. continued the young man, your
general has been mis-informed. No French
soldiers have visited our village before you.
We have truly been in great fear and anxiety
the whole night; but the valley is deep and
the village is partly concealed from view by
the woods on the side. There are also the
Villages OF Middle and Lower Waldorf, which
lie further down in the open valley. You
can soon satisfy yourself, sir, that this vii
hge Is entirely innocent and entrcat YOU
not to shed the blood Of our innocent peo
ple.'
There is no time for Investigation said
the officer. Il was ordered 10 proceed TO
Waldorf, and am guided hither. will
wait fill won ,aka v0nr cbc;.o =. a.. A. r.