Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1874-05-19
sAZAINE's PRISON LIFE.
A Letter from BlantOn Duncan
on the Subject.

Mr.. Blanton Duncan, in a letter
written to General Hancock, gives an
interesting account of visit be was
permitted to make to Marshal Bazine.
The French Government had given
Mr. Duncan the necessary permit,
and armed with this document, he
presented himself at the guard room
of the fortress on the island of Sainte
Marguerite. He was politely re-
ceived by the director, and a subordi-
nate was detailed to act as guide,
He says. on entering the room the
Marshal met me at the 60 If and cords
ally dressed my hand, thanking me for
my consideration in visiting him.
Then we sailed out upon the paved
promenade, bounded by the parapet,
wherein was reserved for his use a
small space, and there was passed up
and down discussing the varied topics
which surged into the mind in con-
nection with current events.
While we this promenaded Nine
lie MARKETABLE came on: and Joined us,
walking between us and ia king her
full share III the conversation. She
is as you know, Mexican, with dark,
lustrous eyes, black eye-lashes, and
eyebrows beautifully curved, a mouth
indicating UNUSUAL resolution, and
radiant; lovely face, tinged with
carmine and lips like twin cherries
or half-opened rosebuds. L. seemed
TO ME that every time one Of her sun
ny glances fell upon the Marshal t
served to warm and quicken the blood
in his veins.
The wife is a prisoner, inder exactly
the same regulations as the husband.
For weeks she had been there,
circumscribed 20 exactly the same
limits, and denied communication
with the outside world, and not even
with liberty to read the newspapers.
The director came up to consult
Bazaine about something for his
con: enience, and my conversation
continued with his wife. l said it
was a gratifying sight to any one Of
true feel ng to see such an exhibition
Of wifely duty and affection. Her
reply was worthy one:
I'm Mexico the women as we'll as
the men are all brave. They never
Gesert friends in extremity. When
[ n arried the Marshal [ was seven
teen. He was at the summit Of
of power, with fortune and friends
to support his future, and not sha-
dow to overcast it. He gave me
that bright and enviable position
and when power and friends have
vanished, my place is BY his side, to
share the crust of bread and ali the
privations, with the same affection
that we're due to him in the zenith Of
his prosperity"
There is a very mistaken idea
prevalent about this family. Bazaine
had no forttIne, and acquired nolhirg
in Mexico. The gifts to his WILT
we're coRHSeated after the fall Of
Maxiniilian. Mrs. Bazaine's mother
was III very moderate circumstances,
and now resides in Mexico. As a
Sehator and a Marshal Bazaihe's in
come allowances were quite, hands
SOME; probably reaching 100000
francs a year. Since stripped of his
position his resources probably do not
| exceed 5000 income, Bazaine reco!>
lected with much pleasure meeting
with General Sherman, and desired
to be most cordially remembered.
! [ parted with them after hearty wishes
| for speedy good turn of the wheel
of fortune, and returned to my COM
panion to resume our hOmewaid
trip.