The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1864-07-15
The Village Garrison.
A CAPTIVATING WAR sKRLcH.

who com manded the Spanish troops, then
oyerrunnipg the Palatinate, found il ne.
cessary to possess himself Of little wall
ed village called Ogersbeim, that lay 10
his way On the first intelligence OF his
approach. all the inhabitants fed 10 Man.
hem; and when Gansalvo at length drew
near and summoned the place 10 surren. l.
der, there remained within the walls only
a poor shepherd and his wife, the latter
OF whom, having that! very morning
brought lt:le infant into this world OF
misery. was unable 10 leave her bed; and
her husband, Of course, remained with
her.
The anxiety and distress OF the poor
man may be more easily imagined than
described. Fortunately. however, he
possessed both courage and sbrewdness,
and on the spur Of the moment, be;hought
himself OF scheme TO give his wife and
baby a chance 10 escape. which after EN-
bracing them both, he haslenad to put
into execution.
The Inhabitants having run of in n tre-
mendous hurry, had LETT almos. all their
property at his disposal; SO be had no dif.
6culty in finding what was requisite toe
for his purpose, namely, complete
change OF dress. Having first accoutred
his lower man in military guise. he tossed
away his shepherds hat, which be repla.
ced with huge helmet, "a world too
wide," he buckled long sword 10 his
side, threw goodly cloak over his shoul.
der, stuck two enormous pistols in bis
belt, and putting on boots SO thick 10 the
soles and high in The heels that they lift.
ed him high above the ground, he fasien-
ed TO them pair Of those prodigious jim.
Cling spurs which were The fashion Of the
times. Thus acoou,red, lie forthwith be-
took himself 10 the walls, and leaning with
a ponpous air on his sword, he listened
cody 10 the herald who advanced 10 sum.
mon The village to surrender.
"Friend," said cur hero. as soon as
the herald had concluded his speech,
"tell your commander that though have
not made up my mind to surrender o,
all, may possibly be induced to do so
provided he agrees to the three following
conditions First, the garrison must b.
allowed TO march out with military hon
ors. Second, the lives and properly o.
tue inhabitants must be protected. Third,
they must be left TO enjoy the free exer.
cise of the Protestant religion"
The herald Immediately replied, that
such preposterous conditions could not,
for a moment. be listened 10; adding. thai
the garrison was known 10 be weak, and
concluded by again demanding tie in.
slant surrender Of the place.
"My good friend" answered the shep.
herd, edo not be too rash. ad, ice you
to inform your general from me. that no
|, thing but my desire to avoid bloodshet
could make me think of surrendering oI
, any terms whatever !. and please to add
that il be does not choose TO agree to tbos
already stated. be will gain possession o
the Town only at the point OF the sword
for assure you, on the word of an honest
man and christian, as on the honor Of q
gentleman, that the garrison has lately re.
ceived reinforcement he little dreams o."
So saying. the shepherd lighted his
pipe and puffed away with an air Of the
most consumnate nonchalance. Con
founded by his appearance OF boldnes,
and security, the herald thought it pru'
dent to return and state TO Gonsalvo the
demands which had been made. Th'
Spanish general, deceived by this show o
resistance, and being unwilling to vast
. either men or time in reducing this paltr,
town. resolved TO agree 10 the condition
, offered, and followed by his troops ap
preached the gates. This lenient deter
mination was announced by the herald tt
the shepherd, who only vouchssfed 10 say
in reply: II find your commander maj
OF some sense" He then left the walls
let down The draw bridge, deliberately
opened the gales, and allowed the Span
ish troops 10 pour into the town. Sur
r prised al seeing no one in the streets bu
a strange looking fellow. whose caricaturt
OF military costume hung upon HIM like
patch work, Gonsalvo began to suspect
ireachery; and seizug the shepherd, de
manded to know where the garrison was
III your highness will follow me, will
show you," answered the rustic.
"Keep by my stirrup, then." exclaim'
ed Gonsalvo land on the least symptom
that you mean 10 betray me, shall send
a bullet through your heart"
J, agreed" said our friend. "Follow
, mo, Spsniard for assure you, on the
word Of an honest mau and Christian,
as we'll as on the honor Of gentleman,
lha, the garrison will offer you no injury"
He then placed himself by Gonsalvo't
strrup, and followed by the troops, pass
ed through several silent and deserted
streets, till al length, turning in 10 mar
row lane. he stopped before mean look
ing house, knd having prevailed on Con
salvo TO enter, be led him into mal
room, where lay hi, wife with her boy be-
side hei.
"Nobe General" he said, pointing tc
the former, this is our garrison" and Ia
king his infant son in his arms, "lhis il
the reinforcement of which told you"
Aware now Of the real state OF matters
the sbsurdi.y and cIeverness OF the tricl
moved even Spanish gravity, and Con
saivo gave free course TO his mirlh. TbeI
taking of rich gold chain which deco
rated his own person. he passed il rounc
ths neck OF the infant.
Permit me to offer this mark Of my
esteem," he said, good naturedly. for th'
r,arrteon nf nnars h;or, Ry III.