The Canton mail. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 18??-1882, 1875-08-28
THE FLOWER OF REMEMBRANCE,
BY p.

THE FLOWER OF REMEMBRANCE
BY PIP.
It was in the spring of 1909. Napo
leon had decided to lead his grand army
into the heart of Germany. Among
the officers garrisoned at Strasboure
was Colonel St. Lo. Under the COM
mand of st. Lo was captain named
jules LIE Preux. Young in year, LIE
Preux was, nevertheless, q veteran in
he service of the emperor, having
taken part in the battles of Austerlitz,
jena, Eylau, and Freidland, in all Of
which he had displayed great bravery.
LIE Preux rose by degrees to the rank
OF captain and vas well beloved by his
companions. Although he had passed
through the campaigns mentioned, and
had often joined in the fervent cry OF
"Long live the Emperor I" he had
never seen the great man whose migl ty
arm seemed at will to sweep all Europe,
and who was destined to leave to pos
terity an immortal name and crown of
victories, the glory and brightness of
which not even the folly of his nephew
could dim.
One morning Colonel st. Lo had
given orders that he should not be dis
turbed: He was engaged in writing,
when his attention was attracted by
hearing the corporal on guard warmly
expostulating with some one, and, re-
membering the directions he had given,
and judging it best to discover the
cause, he listened attentively.s He soon
recognized the voice of Captain LIE
Preux, and, rising, babe him enter.
You desired to see me?" inquired
st. Lo, as he seated himself before the
table on which lay official papers.
Eyes, colonel" replied the officer,
with embarrassment.
Well, well be quick, my friend.
Important matters demand my atten-
ton" was the impatient reply.
wish to obtain leave of Absence
month, no more. have Just received
letter from my mother, telling me she
Is Ill. l cannot rest without seeing
ruptly.
It is quite impossible, LIE Preux,"
replied the colonel, with look Of sur
prise. "You know would willingly
grant your request, but we are awaiting
orders and may move at any moment"
The captain bowed submissively,
and, seeing the audience concluded,
retired.
Ten days elapsed, when Jules again
presented himself at headquarters.
His face wore an anxious, troubled look,
and was exceedingly pale.
This letter Is from the curate of my
native village; it announces that my
mother is dying" The words were
spoken abruptly, and his voice was
even harsh as he added, 81 desire to
leave" Colonel st. Lo was about to
answer angrily, annoyed by the impor-
tunity; but seeing the young mans
evident distress, he rose and grasped
his band kindly.
sic Preux," he said, cit cannot be;
the orders have come, and the cam
paIgn opens Immediately, leave your
mother to the care of God. Courage,
duty"
The young man was about to speak.
but the words died upon his lips. Hav.
ing received hasty instructions, he with
drew. That night the regiment left
was found, to the establishment of all,
p that LIE Preux had deserted. The fact
was generally deplored, as Jules was
beloved and respected by all. That
some powerful incentive had actuated
him none doubted, for he had borne
the heat of many battles and the raking
fire OF the enemy too often not to have
won for himself reputation for courage,
and lie Brave" rs he was called, was
missed and regretted.
Search was made, but as it was of
necessity limited, the fugitive escaped.
The successive victories of Eckmuhl
and Essing followed. Vienna was
taken, and on the 9Th of July the great
victory at Wagram was gained. Ma
poleon then dictated peace called the
Peace of Vienna.
Three months after, the grand army,
having reaPed q harvest of glory, made
tr1umphal entry into StrasbourR. On
the same day a wan. wearv-Iookino
man passed through the gate, and in.
quired for the headquarters of st. Lo,
who had been promoted to the grade Of
general. Having found his way into
the presetce of st. Lo. he briefly in
formed him that he was Jules De Preux,
and desired to be placed under arrest
or having deserted,
General st. Lo recognized him i'm
diately, and, although much astonished
at the request, complied. lie Preux was
instantly placed under arrest, and,
having been tried by court-martial,
was convicted and sentenced to be shot.
Daring the trial Jules made no
attempt to eIculpate himself, freely
admitting his fault. Having been ad-
dressed by the presiding officer, he
replied calmly, but with no shade of
pravado, 81 deserted, but do not
do again would not finch. 1 merit
death, and accept my sentence as
simple Justice" Those present were
impressed by the dignity OF his bearing.
as, with folded arms, he followed his
guards from the room.
lie Braves" conduct had ALWAYS
been 80 exemplary, his obedience so
perfect, that his fate awakened keen
sympathy. The few officers belonging
to his regiment who had been spared in
the hot strife at Wagram implored him
to petition for pardon; but he resolute-
ly refused, nor did he offer any solution
OF the mystery that vailed his conduct.
No feeling of regret or desire for life
seemed to disturb his tranquility.
1t was the night prior to the day
fixed for his execution. Having made
his final preparations, and taking
leave of one or two friends, LIE PreuI
threw himself upon a rude couch in his
cell and was soon in a deep sleep.
The cathedral clock had struck the
hour of midnight, when the bolts were
softly drawn, and q man, dressed in the
uniform Of an under officer, entered.
The narrow room was lighted by the
white mooDbeams that stole through
the barred window and rested caress-
Ingly upon the sleeper.
The officer advanced cautiously.
Standing beside the bed, he bent over
the condemned man. Having looked at
him attentively for some moments, he
touched him gently upon the arm. LIE
Preux opened his eyes.
Has the time come ?" he inquired,