Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1862-03-29

pity save one. He stood unmoved BY
her supplications. The judge inform
ed her that 1t was impossible for him
TO alter the sentence Of the court, and
that the only hope that was left hel
was i'll Col. Lavillier, who was the in
cured party, who had power to ask fol
his pardon or recommend him to mer.
cy.
In vain Cadeline pleaded with him
he was inexorable, and she was borne
scnseless from the tent.
On the following morning, a little be-
fore sunrise, some soldiers were busily
engaged in placing red flags at short
intervals on a beautiful plain not far
flom the camp. No sooner had this
been accomplished than the sound OF
mutfled drum and band PLAYING the
dead march was heard. A company
OF soldiers drew near, accompanied by
a large numher Of officers, who came
to witness the punishment of DEATH
Anthony Martel was walking with a
firm step to meet his doom. Arriving
a: the spot desi signated for him to die,
he was calm and unmoved at the ap-
preaching crisis. Twelve of his fellow
soldiers were brought into line. Eve
ry movement showed their unwilling
ness to perform the odious duty which
had been assigned them.
All being arranged, the command
ant walked up to Martel, and taking
him 10y the hand he shook it warmly,
Bidding him farewell, he gave him per-
mission to address his companions in
arms. This mark Of kindness moved
the condemned man, and a tear start
ed to l'lS eye, but quickly regaining his
ccnsposllre he addressed those who
were about to lay him low in death.
"Comrades, have come here to die
Ike man and a soldier. [ am guilty
OF no crime; I have never dishonored
my country or my regiment; | have
fought by your side in the thickest of
the battle, when the guns of the enemy
poured out hot lead into our ranks and
swept onr brave countrymen like chatf
before the whirlwlnd. But you can all
affirm that | did not quail or falter
when the grim monster stared me in
the face. And should [ tremble now,
when ] am to die by the hands Of my
beloved comrades No! | consider.
It an honor, and the last sound that
will greet my ears will be the glorious
dying music of your own true guns as
| fall. | know that YOU will not suffer
my ashes to go unaveneed. Let not
your hands trembIc, but with steady
aim level your pieces at my breast
when give the word fire, for [ would
have the mark of every man if Won love
me. Comrades, farewell. and may we
all meet here the warrior rests from
his battles and his Victories"
The soldiers brought their pieces to
their shoulders, Iut stopped suddenly
a the frantic Caiclinc rushed into the
:prias Of her lover.
"Ol, Anthony! you must not lie;
Col. LaviIler will have mercy; he can
not be SO cruel a< to murder YOU"
''Cadeline, there is no hope. I am
prepared 10 die, bat this meeting un-
nerves me. | con 4 have wished You
had beesa spared this scene, but calm
yourself, and do not weep when | am
gone. You will not want for defend
er>, for my regiment will go hard with
him who dares to offer an Insult to Cad
elihe, be'his rank what it may"
"Commandant,' said Col. Lavillier.
in an impatient tone, cit is past the
time ordered for the execution: sepa-
rate them and perform your duty
With great difficulty Cadeline was
torn from the embrace OF Martel.
The word ready was given, and
quickly followed by the second com
mand, aim, and the third and last IA
tai VOID, fire, was on the lips Of rne
conmandant, when stern voice from
i person who stood a sholt distance
apart, closely mufhed up, gave the COM
nand to recover arms.
80 sudden was the order that every
eve was turned to the person who had
thus dared unceremoniouSly to com
mand an order on SO important an oc-
casion.
''Order that man under arrest" said
Col. LayiIlier.
AS the person approached rapidly to
where he stood, throwing the cloak
from his face, the aStonished officer be
held in him Field Officer Mcdonald.
"Will Col. Lavilller inform ME for
what crime the culprit suffers 90
For all attempt upon my life with a
pistol" was the answer.
care you sure he is the guilty one?"
Yes"
"Will you not pardon him o.
sit has been decided by court mar.
tial that he shall die"
'Stih you have the same power to
pardon him."
"I decline all Interference in the
course Of Justice"