Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1872-06-14
Gclclte0 nlisrcIIanD.
The Generals Watch.

General Hoche was an amIablc, indulgent,
frank aud generous man towards all his asso-
ciates Freed from military duties or AT the
head of his table, he would seem to deieh in
drawing from us n relation OF some of the army
adventures which cluster so ibickly in every
soldiers memory, and would even permit us
to amuse ourselves Mt his expense, when he
narrated his own-never upon any occasion
manifesiing the least ill-humor Bat once
upon horseback and under arms and all was
changed. Never then seemed there n more Sc
riOuS man than he--never was there more
rigorous observer Of military discipline.
A the time Of which would speak he had
just taken up his quarters at Wire, near the
centre Of the country of the Chouans. He had
only few troops with him, and fearing an
attack from the enemy, he ordered the fourth
battnlion Of the Sarthc, stationed nj Lavol, 10
join him without delay. This battalion num-
herring more Than "A thousand men commanded
| By an aged and brave officer named Francis
| Eloudard, had distinguished itself in many
conflicts, both against the Vendeans and the
| Chouans and hnd won for itself name that
was noble, and lanrels whose greenness could
never fnde. Ever desirable acquisition to
our army, in The present emergency it seemed
a necessity for whose arrival We could scarcely
wait patiently.
| The third Of November was the appointed
! time, and during the whole gloomy day Gen.
! floclie awaited with anxiety lis approach.
! The weather was terrible, alternately showing
and raining, with the temprst-blasts bowling
INCREASINGLY, drifting The flakes ere they touch
ed the earth, and dashing the rain-drops hiihrr
and h iher till they seemed developed in he
spray of mighty cataract, aud the roads, al
ready broken up seemed each moment 10 grow
more impossible. Having ordered his dinner
hour to be postponed, the General dispatched
several of his light horse to meet the advance
ing battalion, and, if possible, accelerate It's
march Finally. just MS the brief autumnal
twilight was fading into utter darkness, We
received word that it was close at hand. !
acting as ad-decamp Of the parade-ground,
was sent to meet it and to give orders TO its
commander, lloudard, TO be upon that spot
| for review at seven O'Clock the next morning,
and 10 invite him likewise to dine with our
General that evening.
Having executed my commands, ! conducted
! lIoudiard to the supper room, where Iloche
and his principal officers were already assem-
blcd. lie met with reception worthy his
name and bravery. and was seated by the Gen.
who showed him the &ndlicst attentions and
/ the rarest honors. Never had he appeared To
us more amiable, more frank, generous and
/ lively never had he made the hours glide
more swiftly, more agreeably, keeping US with
him till alter midnight.
Next morning he repaired TO the parade
] u b.
| Dsnounting from his horse he walked here
and there, without proferng word to any
one seeming 10 be not only serious bnt angry
At the same moment that he left his strrups
we all did likewise, without word Of speech.
| The music OF the new battalion resounded over
the field, the captain ranged his men in the
order Of battle, opened his ranks, presented
arms and advanced toward the commander-in-
chief TO receive his orders noticed that as
/ cbn baar ri lo EroI pf.ta oFf Ia hap
he drew ont his watch, made that slight sig
nfcant gesture with his right elbow, in re-
placing il, which indicates so ceary suppressed
anger, but said nothing. Bat no sooner had
Iioudard given the customary salute with his
sword than his anger burst forth and in a
loud voice he exclaimed
4" My order, Monsieur Houdiard," (empba-
sizing bitterly the word Monsieur, it being at
that time, and especially on the lips Of Iloche,
n sign Of anger aud insult, as much rs 10 say,
citizen when he usually designated the officers
by their rank - my orders. Monsieur Houdi-
ard, are that you be arrested on the spot"
% But NV general. " said the other, almost
too astonshed to speak, what is my crime?"
"This Monsieur, this" drew forth his
watch; the appointed hour was seven you
are we minutes too late and in five minutes
the fate of a battle has been often decided. Is
not be unworthy 10 command thousand sol
diers. who by his own fault peris their lives
and honor?''
Al soon as ascertained the state Of the case,
hesitated not q moment in turning back the
hands of my watch ten minutes, and in rs low
a voice as possible told those on my right and
{ left 10 do likewise, and 20 whisper the same to
those behind, sending thus the request through
( the whole file Like lightning the idea swept
! through The tbrong behind me, and satisfied
I by glance back that it was working
with happy issues, ! advanced toward Hoehe,
who standing Immediately in front conld not
discern the maneuver, and Offering him my
watch. said in a whisper:
Nv general, yours is too FAST it lacks
now five minutes TO seven
He turned quickly and in tone Of surprise:
g II cannot be, il is impossible Yours, and
yours, and yonrs " addressing rapidly my
comrades. They all agreed with mine, and he
conid not but he convinced.
Hondiard was recalled as quickly as arrest
ed and with open arms his general advanced to
meet him. gave him a cordial reception, asked
a thousand pardons for bis error, casting the