The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1875-08-04

| 10 pTOceeu-OuF Struggle WAS near
drawing to q close, and bne bold attempt
must be made; tt was done; but ahl how
Itruitlessly. l had been ordered to COM
mand the advance guard, and having
met company of Russians, determined
! to give them battle, though evidently far
inferior in point OF numbers. We ad-
i vanced, and-oh, Godl what can equal
my feelings-my surprise-to see my old
companion, my former friend, now my
present foe. Istood amazed confused !;
! attempted to mention his name. No;
my tongue refused its utterance, and
know not how long / might have re-
mained, had not discharge from the
enemy caused me to recover my self
possession.
We fought, but were at last overcome,
and 1 and my brave associates were
made prisoners. had even at this time
one ray Of hope-perhaps might hear
from him of my Annette; but no. When
was taken, to my exceeding astonish-
ment, by his express ORDERS, I was cast
into prison to be sent to Russia as q
captive. -
| 1t was over, and Poland lost that inde-
pendence, however small. And was
compelled to join as private in the Rus
sian ranks, TO my great surprise, under
the command of my former friend, now
my deadliest foe. The first opportunity
that occurred intended speaking to him
| (fully relying on our former friendship J
Of my Annette; but, alas! the last ray
of hope was banished from me. soon
found out my mistake; was accused OF
insolence to my superior officer, and was
sentenced to three months close. con-
| finement. This conduct almost drove
me mad; what could have induced him
to act SO?
This change in my situation l could not
endure. Ingratitude from one whom /
loved as brother, and anxiety for MY
| Wits, determined me to commit some
deed which might terminate my miser-
able existence. Chance soon favored
me. Being on duty as sentinel, had
been Geaply engrossed with such
schemes, and was startled by hearing
the voice of Captain Ny, and not OBJ
serving him, did not give that salute
which Is customary for superior officer
% receive. was ordered to appear be-
neglect OF duty; and being once tried for
the same offense previously, now was
sentenced to seven years' transporta-
tion. now gave up all hopes Of my
Annette. t., "a
Tie overseer Of conyicts WAS mild,
good nian-one that we do not commonly
| lind in that capacity--and to him told
my misfortunes. After three years. suf-
Lferance, by the testimony Of good con-
duct, my sentence was mltigated, and
was ordered to return to my former sit
uation in the ranks. IWas already worn
down with anxiety, fatigue and hard.
ships, until could no longer endure the
labor, and fever followed. After long
illness, and through the kind attention OF
the matron, l became convalescent. l
was allowed the privilege of walking In
the gardens (Which are very large) at
tached TO the intirmary.
Frequently, at my entrance into these
gardens, observed a female closely
wrapped up, whose features l could
naver discern, and who always seemed
| to avoid me. Curiosity made me Inquire
who she was; when l was informed that
have spoken to her; but no--one more
breach of duty and should be lost to all
chance of ever seeing her whom could
not Danish from my mind. Imade inqui-
ries Of the matron, to whom had l0r-
merly told my misfortunes. She said the
lady was Captain NoWistchy's Wife, that
he was very unkind to her, and was very
| careful thar she should not 60 out with
| out him, and appeared always to keep
her confined. A thought crossed my
mind-was this my Annette? but no; 1
| w c4PPiOSo AVy Oou COulu
not; night and day had her image be-
| fore mine eyes, yet l could not Danish
the thought. "For While there's life
there's hopes" yet how could l expect
ever to see her to whom | had Sd often
! written, and never received an answer2
One day, while deeply absorbed in
thought, l extended my usual limits and
did not observe what was passing about
until | came in contact with my capL
tain's wife, when-Oh, God! who can
paint my feelings, who can describe my
sensations, When l now recognized my
Annette--my long lost vile; she as soon
knew me and fdinted in my arms. i
called Tor assistance, and was immedi-
ately answered'by my captain, WHO had
me Instantly confined, when, alter few
days., was to be again tried by court.
martial, for insulting his wife. could
not, during my trial, get liberty to ex.
plain; and was accordingly sentenced TO
perpetual banishment. Before my de-
parture tor Siberia, L obtained materials
Tor writing, and soon made full state
ment of facts and had them conveyed to
the colonel of the regiment, who, after
perusing it, came to my condemned cell,
and questioned me very strictly. He
was a man Of honor, and soon caused
inquiries to. be made into the affair, and
| ouUlAllVtu buCm w tuC I1IupGIUI, WHO
having discovered the truth, transferred
the sentence to my OLD school-iel-
low; who before going into exile, de-
clared that it was through him L suf-
fered all these misiortunes; that after he
and first separated, ne sent for An
nette, to whom he made it appear was
killed IN an engagement, and to prevent
The opportunity OF our meeting, he de-
serted his native country. Fate still de-
creed that he should not pass in the ease
and luxury of quiet mind, for he
seemed as il he had been haunted by me
more like an evil genius than a human
being, to remedy which he planned all
those ills, and endeayored " have me
Danished the Kingdom.
The Emperor, after due deliberation,
restored me my long lost wife; and, as a
recompense ioI my misfortunes, he has
returned me to my native land, with a
sufficient annuity to spend my days in
ease and happiness, which we now en-
joy, and OF winch We have been SO long
deprived. Never does night unfold her
sable curtains, but our hearty orisons
are poured forth for health and, happi-
ness for him who has been so kind, and
our humble thanks to the Giyer Of all
GOOD.