The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-08-16
"To be Shot ut Six"

writer. He had long been connected
with La France, one of the leading
journals. The army which he was de-
tailed to accompany was that of General
Forgcmol. This officer is martinez,
and entertnins the most rigid ideas re-
garding discipline. Before the expcdi-
ton left Algicrs, he, in conjunction with
General Vinccndon, concocted the fol-
lowing pledge, which NIL tho journalists
were obliged to sign
VI, - -, promise upon my honor to
transmit no information whatever, either by tcle-
graph or by mall, or by any other means, without
ilrst having submitted my manuscript to the en-
animation of the officer commanding the expedi-
tion, or to such officer or officers he may delegate
that power TO- | further agree that any failure to
keep this pledge will expose me to the rigors of
martial law. (SgnctD -.-."
This document was signed by all the
correspondents attached to the eXpedi-
ton. When Farcy's turn came, he took
the pen, but it was with evident reluc-
tance that he signed. When he had
done so, he turned to Forgemol and
said
''Gcneral, J. sign this document only
because am forced to do so because
without doing so 1 could not fulfil my
duty rs n correspondent; because with
out doing so could not accompany the
expedition. But warn you, sir, that 1
shall speak the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth, touching
such matters rs may come under my
observation. And with defiant glance
ut the General, Camille withdrew.
The old general gnawed his grizzled
mustache to conceal his wrath. He did
what perhaps most men would have
done-he set spy to dog the footsteps
of Farcy.
The cxpedient was successful. Two
evenings after, the spy detected the
journalist, under disguise, quitting the
camp. Hc followed, and saw him de-
posit Il large envelope in one of the
minor post-oflices upon the Algerian
frontier. He was ut once arrested,
and conducted to ForgcmoPs head
quarters.
"Ahn" said the general, "nt it al
ready, my fine fellow. Well, what have
we here ?" and he seized and broke open
the envelope. "Hum-adtlresscd to La
France. Evidently some correspond
f&}efh a NM]1G9lA You were sending without
eyes, general, said Farcy, calmly.
'Let us see what lti j" said Forgcmol,
as he began to pcruse the letter.
"General," said Farcy, coldly, "per'
NIT me to remind you that you are
violating private correspondence"
"Privato correspondence Bah !"
retorted Forgcmol. every private,
indeed all Paris would know it in MI
other day." and he resumed his read
ing.
There were some severe structures in
the letter upon the conduct of the cam
pnign. Forgcmol's reading was inter-
ruptcd by oaths, and when he finished
he was purple with wrath.
49," said he grimly, "you consider
yourself competent to judge Of the
operations of general in the field, do
you? Well, sir, you shall have a taste
of martial law to add to your knowledge
of military affairs"
Farcy dlsdained to defend himself A
court-martial was immediately convened
It's proceedings were summary its sen
tence short: "Camillc Farcy is con-
dcmned to he shot Mt six in the morn
ing"
1t was then midnight. The doomed
man was placed in charge of lieutenant
and squad of soldiers, put upon q
special train, and he was borne swiftly
to the capital city, Algiers, where the
execution was to- take place.
At half-past five o'clock the train
dashed into the city. 1t passed under
the walls of the palace where Albert
Grcvy, the encouragement, lives in
state. The windows were brightly
lighted, and the strains of waltz were
borne to tho ears Of the prisoner. The
governor was giving ball.
"You have half an hour in which to
prepare for DEATH" said the lieutenant,
compassionately "would You like to
have me send for pricst?"
IT suppose" said Farcy, ."you will
grant my last request p
eyes"
"Thcn let me go to the ball. I would
like to have waltz before / die"
The officer bowed, and repaired te
Monsieur Grevy's palace.
ellis request shall be granted" SAID
the presidents brother. "Who coulC
refuse dying mans request? Bring
him here he shall dance with my
daughter"
, And it was done. The last moments
of his life were spent upon ballroom
r floor.
At six o'clock the officer spoke:
"rhe file is Waiting" said he.
"Lct us CO." said Farcy. He salutet
the dancers, and withdrew. When HI
. reached the ground whore tho file wa
awaiting him, he refused to allow hi
, l>o-In<,n1 on1 II,