The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1873-06-06
SERGEANT HoFF.



cosrNUEp.
lie hui assumed the name Of Wolf
and said that he was n native OF Colmar.
an imprudence calculated to Gil most
people with dread. lie offered himself
to the prison authorities rs cook, and
as he spoke German well, the Prussisns
accepted his proposition One Of his old
comrades who had always accompanied
him in his expeditions around Paris. by
name Huguet, was his assistant, distrib-
uted the soup. cut the meat, and in the
performance Of these duties, enabled Hon
TO shun all communication With the 9TH
or prisoners. This lasted nearly a month.
Every morning, the German non-com-
mi-sioued officers came 10 10 partake of
a warm soup before the French soldiers
received their very ordinary quality.
Outside Of this they gave themselves no
conc.rn about. the cook or his assistant,
but Hofr in little while perceived that
he was watched. and brave Hanoveri-
an put him on his guard. Doubtless
some imprudent expression that had fall
en- from his lips in the barracks had ava
kened Suspicion, and besides that the
Pruzsisns having read the accounts OF a
pretended spy in our papers would be
hunting for him everywhere. Que day
while he was IN his kitchen, seemingly
gazing inienily at bis frc, and altogeth-
or occupied in his business, some one IN
the door cried out Sergeant Hoffi' He
pretended not TO hear aud did no, bulge.
Sergeant Hof ! !" was repeated. IL was
a German officer who had recourse TO
this straiassm to make him discover
himself. A little Disconnected at first,
the officer approached him and tapping
him lightly on the shoulder, said: "fou
are Sergeant HolFl" III You are mis-
taken" replied the old soldier quickly,
and tuning around with an astonished
air, "my name is wolh, aud am from
Colmar'---and forthwith began to relate
the history Of his life. The German
shrugged his shoulders, gave mischiev-
ous smile and without another word
caused Hoff to be carried to the dungeon.
Tho question is. why should there be
so much severity in his case and how
could be explained this spirit of retalia-
tion upon vanquished foe' According
20 the statements Of other prisoners who
were confined in the different camps of
Germany. and who probably read them
selves the proclamation, reward OF sew
erai thousand thalers had been offered
for his head. lie was accused Of ma
king war In an illegal manner, not like
soldier, but like an Assassin. II such
De the fact, what ought we to think Of
hose Bayarians, who, in the morning Of
the affair at Villiers, raised the white
flag as il they wished 10 surrender, and
when our men approached them, entire
ly decimated them with grape shot
What ought we TO think Of those who,
At the base of the plateau Of Avror, ar
eanged in two opposing lines the better
TO deceive our Ifobiles. fired point blank
at each other and ieigned an engagement
between Prussians and Frenchs When
they saw their opportunity they turned
and all fred in Que direction These are
ailsr all allowable ruses aud wewill not be
indignant about them. Whenever war
is allowed, il must be allowed in all its
horrors, and as the result Of a bitter ha-
tired and desire " kill. Fora time
our enemiss were reasonable, but afier-
wards they had the bad grace, while pre-
tending not TO be scrupulous themselves,
to demand Of Us that generosity and
magnanimity Of action which they ney.
er practiced. However, Hod passed
three entire days ID the citadel Of Co
logus, immured in a cell six by four feet,
fed upon bread and water, without even
being allowed . change of linen. lie
was persistently interrcgaied, but he was
obstinate in giving no account Of himself
Then II vas letter came for him 10 the
Grimpsrt Camp. He himself had,
about the first of December, written
hrisf letter to his parents, at the close Of
which be merely said, J'ai charge, and
igned il WO!6, Madres like all tru'
peasan,s understood his meaning and 70
lied BY addressing the name signed
Thus the Prussians were thrown of th'
he track. Yet they caused him 70 aP
oar before cOnneil of MAR and even
nterrogated bis companions at diiieren
INES, but all we're unanimous In deelar
NJ thai bis name MAS wolf.and that h'
AS from Colmar. There was no othe
course but to release him and he re
nlrped 10 the barracks.
Time was passing 7ths armistioe va
,cl,,doA-the war was ended and IN