Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-11-17
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Charcoal Burners.

Inc GnarCoal buTnerS'
Many of the dense forests for which France
in the olden times that are gone, was famous
have now disappeared before the advancing
march of civilization and thriving towns and
villages have taken their places but some,
| like the forest of Fontainebleau, still remain
in all their beauty and luxuriauce. But
while these forests were pride to the peo-
! pie, they were often sore trouble and annoy
ance to the government; for in their gloomy
depths they hid away from the eye of justice
many criminal and malefactor and from
| such haunts these men would issue constantly
upon expeditions of robbery and crime.
One of these forests was, during the reign
of Francis /, occupied by band Of Char
boniers, or charcoal burners, whose avocation
was proiessedly peaceful, aud who claimed to
be true and loyal subjects of the king. But
there were dark rumors of the deods that were
done in this forest, and of the character of
the men who inhabited it. The King, who
was man of energy, determined TO break up
this "nest of thieves" as he termed it, and
his forces were sent against the charcoal
burners. a partisan warfare at once ensued,
| in which the royal troops suffered as much
injury as they inflicted.
At last the matter became so serious that
King Francis determined to look into it for
himself He had much on his hands at the
time for the relations OF Trance with Spain
and Germany were of delicate nature, and
it was not uncertain that England. also. might
join the league against him. Nevertheless
the King determined to settle the matter with
the Charboniels as quickly as possible. So,
leaving Paris with small retinua. and trav-
cling in disguise, he reached the forest 4; and
dismissiug his escort with orders to wait for
! Il E,,CT. g,
provided only with a stout staff. He soon
reached the wood and had not gene far in
VIXEN he was stoppcd by large, roughly clad
man, whose features were stained by exposure
and the smoke of a furnace. In reply to the
mans question concerning his business in the
forest, the King said he was a poor foot trav-
eler who had lost his way in the wood. Tho
man then said that rs lie had vcDtured within
the domain Of the Charb0niCrs, he must go
with him to the chief, who should determine
whether he was spy or an honest fellow
TO this the King consented, and the two set
of. BY dcxterously questioning his cons
pauiun, the monarch gained much valuable
information concerning the condition and
grievances Of the occupants Of tEc forest.
At last, after walk Of seven miles, they
reached the stronghold of the band. Here
were collected more than one hundred sturdy
fellows; but though they were rough and
rude in their looks aud dress, King Francis
could have sworn that there was not villain
in the whole number, and he began to doubt
the truth of the tales he had heard about them.
The chief questioned the King closely as
to his business in the forest but Francis,
who was an accomplished diplomatist, an
swercd so readily and plausibly that the hon
est foresters voted him good fellow, aud
bade him stay with them and partake of their
| hospitality as long as he pleased. The King
consented to pass two days with them, and
| during that time they found him so charming
and lively companion that they told him
they would be loath TO part with him when
! his time expired. They answered his ques-
tions truly as to their grievances. They said
they were true and loyal subjects of King
| Francis, and had taken up arms only in self
| defence when uDjustly attacked. The King
found this story to be true, and bitterly did
| be repent the war he had in his ignorance
waged against them. At last they proposed
to him that he should be their chief and as
| he could tell their story well, go to Paris, and
ask for peace at the hands of the King. To
this the disguised monarch gave willing as
sent and promised to do his best.
Just then two of the forGsters came in with
richly dressed gentleman, who, they said
mutioned to the old chief to conduct the bu-
siuess, and the stranger was charged to speak
his Grand He said he came from the Em-
peror Charles V, who was about to invade
! France The Emperor had heard of the
/ CbarbonieTs, and be wanted them TO join hi:
standard. lie was in need OF reliable guides,
and if the foresters would perform this duty
for him, he would pay each man thousand
golden crowns.
The old chief listened to the proposal il
silence. Then rising TO his full height, he
said sternly:
"Go back to the Emperor, sir stranger, anG
say to him that we be true liegemen Of ouI
sovereign lord, King Francis, and that, if wal
comes, we will march under the golden lilies
The officer was then led away by the men
who had brought him. The chief turned tc
the King. aud to his surprise beheld hin
weeping.
what means this!" he asked. 'Wh
art thou ?"
81 am Francis replied the King in bro
ken voice. by the grace of God: will b.
trne King TO my brave Charboniers"
The foresters fell On their knees; but tn
King babe them rise, and when the sun wa
sinking that evening, they set off for Par
with hiE,. no longer band of forest outlaws
but the chosen body guard of the King q
France They served him well. too; aud il
toe fierce battle where the pridc Of the golde
lilies was hamhied, the last of the Charbonier
yielded up bis life at his mn1aTchs side befo:
'hs KING fsii into The hands Of h!= enemies.