The weekly union record., 1865-07-01

! VINO, al nlgnt we're posted De2feSt AuS Hues u
! the enemy. II any seniioel could be allowed
to judge under what circumstances be might
disobey the orders of his superior. there would
! be an end OF all discipline.
l a am sorry" said the gray haired old war
rior, as he folded up the petition and banded it
back to the officer who had presented it. a. l
am sure that man meant no wrong. and yet q
great wrong wss done. He knew what be
was doiug-he ran the risk-be was detected
be bad been tried and condemned, and be must
suffer! ]"
They asked Lefrbvre if be would see the
condemned.
No, no!'' the marshal cried quickly.
"Should / see him, and listen to one half his
story, might pardon him and that must not
/ be done. Let him die, that thousands may be
saved"
/ The time Fixed for the execution of Dubois
was the morning succeeding the day of his
| trial. The result OF the interview with Mar
shal Lefebvre was made known to him. and be
was not at al disappointed. He blamed no
one, and was only sorry that be bad not died
upon The battle field.
Il have tried to be good soldier" be said
to his captain, who came TO visit him after the
marshals decision was known, land have
intended to do my duty. l know that accord
ing to military rules | must die, but l hope
that my companions will remember me with
kindness and compassion. l feel that | have
done no crime that should leave stain upon
my name"
The captain took his hand aud assured him
| that his name should be held in respect, and
that bis memory should be held 10 love.
| Towards evening Pierre Valiant, with his
wife and child, were admitted TO see the pris
oner. This was visit which Jerome would
gladly have dispensed with, as his feelings were
already wrought up TO pitch that almost un-
manned him but he braced bmself for the
| interview. and would have stood it like hero
had not little Natalie, in the eagerness Of her
love and gratitude, thrown herself upon his
bosom and offered 10 die 10 bis stead. This
tipped the brimming cup, and bis tears flowed
freely. Pierre and Lisette knew not what to
say They wept. and they prayed and they
would have willingly died for the noble fellow
who had been thus condemned but alas they
could give him no help. They could only
look heavenward, and ask God to bless and
care for him.
Later 10 the evening came a companion
who, if be lived, would at sometime return to
Jerome's boyhood home. First, the condemn.
ed thought of his widowed mother, and be
sent her message of love and devotion. Then
he thought of brother and sister. And fnal-
ly be spoke of one-a bright eyed maid
whose vine clad cot stood upon the banks of
the Suzon, one whom he had loved with
love such as only great hearts can feel.
90, my God = he cried bowing his head
upon bis clasped hands, "you need not tell
them faIsehood but if the thing is possible,
let them believe that fell 10 battle p
His companion promised that be would do
all be could and. if the truth could not be
kept back. it should be so faithfully told that
the name of jerome Dubois should not bear
dishonor in the mirds of those who had loved
him in other days.
Morning came, dull and gloomy, with driv
Jog sleet and snow. aud at an early hour Je-
rome Dubois was led forth to meet bis fate.
The place of execution had been fixed upon
low, barren spot towards the sea, and thiher
hi. division was being marched to witness the
fearful punishment. They had gained not
more than half the distance when the sound of
strange commotion broke upon the wintry air,
and very shortly an aid de camp came dasbing
to the side OF the chief of brigade, with the
cry:
A sortie. A sortie The enemy are out
in force. Let this thing be stayed. The mar
shal directs that you face about and advance
upon the peninsula ?"
In sn instant all was charged 10 that dvis
ion, and the brigadier, who bad temporary
command, thundered forth bis orders for the
couDtermarcb. The gloom was dissipated, and
with glad hearts the soldiers turned from
thoughts Of the execution of brave comrade
to thoughts of meeting the enemy; for already
the sound Of battle was beard upon the out
posts, aud they knew very well if the Rus.
SLAMS and Prussians had decided to make an
attack, it would be 10 full force and of q des-
perate character; and, furthermore, they had
selected this dark, stormy morning thinking to
effect q more complete surprise over the camp
of the besiegers.
What shall we do with the prisoner ?"
asked the sergeant who had charge of the
guard.
Lead him back TO the camp said the
capiian.
The direction was very simple, but the exc
cution thereof was not to be so easy; for
hardly has the words escaped the captains lips
when a squadron OF Prussian cavalry came
dashing directly towards them. The disvision
was quickly formed into four hollow squares,
while the guard that held charge of the pris-
oner found themselves obliged to flee.
IN Gods name," cried Jerome, "cut my
bonds, and let me die lie soldier !"
The sergeant quickly cut the cord that bound
bis elbows behind him, and then dashed TO.
wards the point where bis own company was
stationed. The rattle Of musketry had com
menced, and the Prussians were vaiuly en-
deavering to break the squares Of French
troops. Jerome Dubois looked about him Tor
some weapon with which to arm himself, and
presently be saw Prussisn officer not far off,
reeliug 10 his saddle as thought be had been
wounded. With a quick bound be reached
spot, pulled the dying officer from bis seat.
seized the heavy sabre, leaped into the empty
saddle. and then dashed away from full pia-
toon of the enemy that was charging down to-
wards him.
Dubois was fully resolved ths; be would sell
his life oD that day-sell it 10 behalf of France
and sell it as dearly as possible. But be was
not needed where be was He knew that the
Prussisns could not break those hollow squares,
so he rode away thinking to join the French
cavalry. with whom be could rush into the
Iappar SuDpnsinr hot ha hao