Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-11-24
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THE DEsERTER's MOTHER.

geant IN the twelfth regiment OF the llne,
then quartered in Strasburg. lie was a
native of that halfsavage, half civilized
part of Burgundy, known under the name
of Morvan and his comrades ever spoke
Of him as a tough customer Always
the first and the last to fire, he had the
reputation Of liking but two things in the
world-the smell of powder and the whis-
tling Of bullets.
Now one day our friend Pierre took it
into his head to address letter to his col.
onel, in which he applied for leave of alb
sence to go and see his aged mother, who
was dangerously i'll. He added that his
father, being seventy years of age, and
suffering under paralytic affiiction, could
not be of any use in nurse-tending the
poor woman, and he pledged himself to re-
turn as soon as the health of his mother
should be restored.
The coloneIs reply to Pierre's applica-
tion was, "that as the regiment might at
any moment be ordered to take the field,
no leave of absence could be obtained"
Pierre Pitois submitted. A fortnight
elapsed; and then a second letter was re-
ceiyed by the colonel, in which Pierre in
formed him that his mother had died with
out the consolation Of giving her last bles-
sing to her only child, and in which he
again solicited leave of absence, saying
"he could not state his reason for this re-
quest-it was family secret"-but earu-
estly imploring the colonel not to deny
this favor.
Pierre's second letter was as little sue
cessful as the first. The poor fellows cap
tain merely said, Pierre, the colonel has
received your letter he is sorry for the
death of your old mother, but he cannot
grant the leave of absence you require, as
the regiment leaves Strasburg to morrow.'
'Ah the regiment leaves Strasburg
and for what place may l ask you?' said
Pierre. s...-.--.-.-.......a....-.
'Wt are to see Vienna, my brave Pitois
we are to fight the Austrians Is not tina
good news for you? You will be in you
element, my fine fellow
Pierre Pitos made no reply he seem
ed lost in deep thought. The captain
caught his hand, and shaking it heartily
said, why do You not speak, man ar
you deaf to day am telling you that, il
less than week, you are to have the pleas
ure of set,to with the Austrians, and yc
have not one word of thanks for the goo
news; nay, verify believe you have nc
even heard me.
Indeed, captain, have heard ever
word, and thank you, with all my hear
for your news, which l consider very good
Il thought you WOULD said the office
But captain, is there no chance of oil
tanning the leave of absence?
Are you mad :? was the reply. LeaN
of absence the very day before taking tt
field 2
Il never thought of that said Pierr
Eve are, then, on the point of taking Il
field, and at such time, suppose, lea
of absence is not given!'
1T is never even asked
1T is quite right-it is never even as
cd. 1t would have the appearance
cowardice. Well, then, l will not press
any more / will try and get on witho
it.
'And you will do WE'LL replied the ca
tain.
The next day the twelfth regiment e
tered Germany, and the next-Pierre
tois deserted!
Three months after, when the twelf
regiment, having reaped in the field
battle an abundant harvest of glory, W
making its triumphal entry into Strasbu
Pierre Pitois was ANONYMOUSLY dragg
back to his corps by brigade of g
darmes.
A court martial was Immediately call
Pierre Pitois was accused of having
serted at tie very moment when his +
iment was to meet the enemy face to ia
The court presented singular specta'
On the other side stood forth the accus
who cried, Pierre Pitois, you, one of
bravest men i'll the army you, on wh
breast the star Of honor yet glitters Y
who never incurred either punishment
even censure from your officers, you co
not have quilted your rcgiment-quit
almost on The eve of battle-without sc
powerful motives to impel you this n
tive the court demands of you, for it VIC
gladly have in its power-if not to sc'
you, which it ought not, perhaps, eithe
do or desire-at least recommend you
the Emperor's mercy
On the other side stood the sccu
who answered, Il have deserted with
any reason, without any motive DO
repent. Ii it were to do again, woud
it again. eryc death pass sc nter