Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-08-27
MARSHAL BAzAINE'S ESCiPE

Recent correspondence from France sup
plies some details respecting Marshal Ba-
zaines escape. 1t appears that he was in
duced to make the attempt at the urgent So
icitaton of his wife, who told him that in
France revolutions were frequent, and one
might burst upon the country at any moment.
1.-THE Radicals were to succeed to power again,
by any chance, the first act Of the new Gov
eminent would be to sign the death warrant
of Bazaine. She at last gained his assent to
the proposed plan of escape. He was not on
parole, and having been refused all the priv
ileges he had asked, he considered tha, he had
good right to get free if he could. The fol-
lowing are the particulars of the achievement
so far as they have come to hand
"Col. Villette, Bazane's faithful friend,
the man who sat by his side during the trial
and who asked to share his captivity, thus
giving up his own hopes of advancement, was
not allowed to sleep upon the island, but was
granted the privilege OF coming over for few
hours each day. During the winter Niue.
Bszaine and her children had been upon the
island, but owing to the unhealthy air of
summer they had 10 be sent away. As Nine.
Bazane could no longer be confined within
the walls, under guard, she was allowed to
visit her husband at stated periods only and
forced to procure permit in advance: On
Saturday she made her usual visit, and it
was on Sunday night that Bazane escaped.
The care of the prisoner was confined to only
four guards drawn from the company of 100
men which comprised the garrison, At night
4 4 l. e =
the fortress. Upon the side of the sea there
is perpendicular descent Of thirty metres,
nearly thirty-f five yards, and as this side was
narrow, no spot was found for placing a SEN
tinel. The guard had to march upon the
other angle, at some distance from this toler.
able safe point Indeed, owing to the enor-
nous size Of the prisoner, and his advanced
age, it was thought impossible for him to es-
cape from this dangerous point. Moreover,
as in the case of Rochefort and the Commu-
nists Of Noumea, it appears that the Govern
ment counted upon the sharks with which the
waters are filled TO guard the seaside of the
castle.
On Sunday the marshal had passed the
greater part CT the afternoon upon his narrow
parapet, pacing up and down with Col. Viii
lete but soon after the departure of the latter
Bazaine went to his room, and in a short time
retired. About 10 o'clock the Commander
made his usual visit, finding his prisoner in
bed. The guard had been set, and the pick
ct post was also visited. 1t was dark and
stormy night, the minstral bowling about the
fortress, aud raising menacing white caps
upon the sea, and the black clouds hanging
low in the sky. giving promise of rain Al
thougha steamer had been signaled just at
dark, the Commandant felt that the conditions
of the nj hit wara faynrahln IN rannSa ond &c
ter seeing things in order, he too retired
What then passed could only be OWNED. 1t
is known to-day that about 7.30 on Sunday
evening Nine. BaZaine hired boat, and, &C.
companied by avery young man started out
for row. Crosette fisherman recognized
the lady, and saw her pulling an oar with few
erish anxiety, and steering towards Sainte
Marguerite. The boat was soon lost to sight.
1t was very dark when the boat came upon the
island, where Nine. Bazaine and her compan-
ion must have lain for several hours tossed
about by the storm. Meanwhile the Marshal
had risen, and after having attached his knot
ted rope tp the iron bars of the window, had
let himself down this giddy height. The
rope was found there in the morning, and
bearing eleven fresh blood stains upon il to
show that the descent was not effected without.
danger AS the small boat had to keep be-
yond the surf, Bazaine had to swim in for
some distance; but he was soon drawn in by
his courageous and loving wife, and next
morning the Italian coast was reached, and
Bazaine safely landed at Saint Reno. 1t
was not until the next morning that the guard
had any intimation of the escape of their pris-
oner, but it seems strange that no one on the
island should have seen either the boat close
under the walls or the steamer only short
distance away.