Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1867-09-14
The Vow Of the Soldier.
A TRUE INCIDENT.

One beautiful Indian summer day, in
,he autumn OF 1874, stranger appeared
in the streets Of Hanover, n. H., whose
garb bespoke the utmost poverty and
des,ItuIion. As he staggered along, he
was surrounded by crowd OF village
boys, who amused themselves by insult.
ing hlm with coarse jests and personal in
dlgnilies. lie bore their abuse with ex-
emplary patience, and begged them to
wait ill he felt hrtle better. and he
would sing them fine song. bis voice
was thick with unnatural excess and he
was too weak TO protect himself from the
rude ostling of The crowd yet he smil-
ed on his ormensOrs, and exhibited no
other sense of his helpless and forlorn
cond,ion than look of grie! and shame,
which, despite his efforts and smiles,
would occasionally oyerspread his coun-
lenance. Late in the afternoon, the VIII
ter,then sudent,p passed him in company
with friend, when our attention was d.
recicd by voice Of unusual powtS and
beauty singing that (avoTie national song
of France, "I,l Parisienne." As he pro.
! ceeded, great number Of students from
the college gathered around him, and at
! The conclusion an involuntary expression
of delight broke from the entire mass.
, He was enthusiastically encored, and al-
/ terwards the Marseillsise was called Tor.
| The Same rich, clear voice rang out that
wild melody in the very words which afe
/ wont TO arouse the spirit Of tie French
/ soldier 10 frenzy. The admiration OF The
! poor inebriate's auditory was now raised
to the highest pitch. Despite his taier-
ed and filthy garments, bis squalid beard
and brmless hat, now ha, the fumes Of
liquor bad subsided, his form appeared
symmetrical and manly, aud his face
glowing with the sentiments Of the pa
trioIc song, and flushed with excitement
at The unexpected praise he was winning,
assumed an expression OF intelligence
and Joy that beautifully set off his really
ffhe leatures.
"What, and who is the stranger -
was the universal inquiry. "HiS singing
is incompatible, and his French and Eng
ush are both fsultless." ."
"Yes," said he, dropping his eyes,
land can give you German, or Spanish,
or Italian as well, or Lain or Greek,
ether" he added, carelessly. In refly
10 the many questions that were shower
ed upon him, with the coin he so much
seemed 10 need, he length said, in sad
tone, and slowly endeavoring 10 push his
way through the crowd "Genllemen, |
am poor vogabond, entirely unworthy
your kind sympathy Leave me 10 my
rags and wrelchedness, and | will 60 on
my way"
But our curiosity was too much excited
10 allow this, and amid loud cheers we
escorted him 10 room, where he was
furnished with water and an entire suit OF
good clothes the barber's arI was put
into requisiIion, and alter an incredibly
short time he re appeared upon the col
lege steps, smiling and bowing graceful
! ly, man OF fine appearance and noble
bearing as ever eyes beheld. The delight
of The crowd at this transformation was
intense, and repeated shouts rent the air
"Give US La Persistence" echoed from
all sides and as soon as silence could
be obtained, again that clear, rich voice
uttered those inspiring words:
';Peuple Francaise, peuple dc braves,
La LlbeEte rouyre ses bras"
He was conducted 10 the spacious
chapel, aad ihere. for Two hours, he held
an audience spel-bOund by one of the
most oslmleresIing sutobiograPhies that it
was ever our lot 10 hear. Born In Paris,
of wealthy parents, he had in early life
been thoroughly educated stihe UnIV!r-
! sity Of Wittemberg, and received the
masters degree. He soon after joined
The fortunes Of Napoleon, and, with the
rank Of Lieutenant, was with him during
all the campaigns in Egypt in Italy, IN
Ausris, in Russia, and at Waterloo. lie
had been engaged in more than seventy
battles. His account Of The scenes IN
these battles, and bis description Of pIa-
ces and cities, were expressed in cholce,
graphic terms, and on being compared
with history, were fonnd to correspond IN
every particular. He related many un'
written and curious incidents in the lie
of Nspoleon. which had come under his
observation, ans finally closed with
touching account OF his own career al'er
The bsuIe Of Waterloo. In the terrible