Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-10-02
FROM SLAVERY TO THE THRONE

was born named Martina haoe, whose
history is so wonderful it seems ideal
rather than real When she was be-
tween four and five years Of age her par
ents died, leaving her in SO destitute a
condition that the parish clerk, out Of
pity. provided her with a home in his
family. Soon afterward DR.. Gluck a
Lutheran minister Of Marienburg, near
Ringen, on his way through the latter
place. CHANGED to see the child, and was
so well pleased with her appearance that
he volunteered to take her under
his own protection. AS the expense
necessary to her support was quite an
item to one receiving his small income
and besides, knowing that her advantages
would be greater at Marienburg than at
Ringen, the clerk willingly committed
Martha to the ministers care. Bright,
active, amiable, she shortly endeared her.
self to every member of DIR. Glucks
household, and manifested great desire
TO be useful. she was induced into the
mysteries of housekeeping, and rendered
his wife valuable assistance. In 1902
she was sought in marriage by a brave
and honorable officer of the Swedish
garrison of Marienburg-then under the
government of Sweden-and with the
approval Of her foster-father, consented
to become his wife. Just prior to her
marriage the struggle between Russia
and Sweden began, and some authors az
firm that on her wedding day, Others that
on the day after, Marienburg was taken
by the Russian army. What became of
the husband is not known, though it is
certain that his bride never saw him again.
At this time less than fourteen years old,
she had womanly appearance, and Of
slight figure, regular features, fair COM
plexion, dark eyes. was really handsome.
Aware that the Russians were wont to
sell their female prisoners if young and
good looking, as slaves in Turkey, she
dreading such fate, concealed herself in
an oven, where she was discovered by
the soldiers. Gen. Bauer, lieutenant of
Sheremetief, who accompanied the victo-
rious army, seeing her among the cap
tives, was smit,en with her beauty and
sent her TO his tent, where she was given
the superintendent Of his domestic AZ
fairs. She had been in his service but
shor, time when Prince Menchikof saw
and expressed desire to purchase her.
Bauber made present of the fair servent
TO the Prince, into whose service she at
once passed About this time, I03. she
Joined the Greek church, taking the
name Of Catherine Alexiewna.
Peter the Great enjoyed nothing bet
ter tn TO dine with his favori,e quite
informally. One day, while seated at
the table of Prince MenchikoF, vision
of loneliness in the guise of young wo-
man who had poured wine into his cup
caused the laugh on his lips TO die away.
and, when she went from the room.
WHO is she ;" be asked TREMENDOUSLY.
my slave" was the response.
IL desire to purchase her, and will pay
any price you may ask"
IL shall be pleased if your Majesty
will accept her" said the Prince, defer
entially however adverse to parting with
his "slave" he may have been.
That very day Catherine went to Mos
COW with the Car. By her cheerfulness,
gentleness and mental vigor she acquired
great influence over him, and finally he
transacted all business with Ministers In
her presence, frequently asking her advice
with reference 10 important matters. In
1907 he privately married her For sever
al years the marriage was not made public,
but her position and power were well IN
derstood Peter was subject 10 attacks OF
which amounted TO almost
insanity, and caused him acute physical
suffering. While they lasted he was abso-
lutely dangerous, but even then Catherine
hesitated not 10 approach him, and found
that her voice and touch Gained his mind
and soothed his pain. So she accompan-
led him on all his journeys and expeditions,
deeming her presence essential 10 his COM
fort, II not 10 his very existsncc. In
March, III, he publicly avowed his mar
rage TO Catherine, and called upon Russia
TO acknowledge her as Czsrina. A few
mouths later hostilities were begun against
him by the Sultan OF Turkey, and he set
fourth TO meet the Turks. Near the Pruth,
a river that forms the boundary between
the Russian and Turkish dominlons, the
two armies encountered each other. The
position was an unfortunate one for Peter,
oil FOO Al talu
ed BY troops numbering i've times as many
as his own. For three days the Turks en-
10 force passage through the
Russian lines unsuccessfnlly. Then the
Grand Visler commanding the Sultan's ar
my resolved TO starve out the enemy or
compel IL TO surrender. Several thousand |
Russian lives had fallen on the battlefield ;
their ammunition and provisions were al |
most exhausted; they suffered terribly |
from thirst. Further resistance seemed |
both foolish and useless, and Peter, In des-
pair, retired TO his tent. Despite his or
iers that no one be admitted TO his pres
.pce, Catherine went to him, and by her |
.act and enegy effected the salvation OF
lis honor. At her dictation Sheremetief
wrote a letter 10 the Grand Vizler. which
ed TO declaration OF peace. The story
hat she gave her Jewels and money, col
ected from the soldiers, TO the Vizier as
bride Is without foundation. The 10th Of
February, l7l2, she was regularly pro-
claimed Czarina with considerable pomp
md splendor, though the ceremony was
ess magnificent than 1t would have been
ave for the disaster Of the recent war.
'or many years Peter and Catherine lived
ogether happily. but In 1874 there was an
which led TO their sepera-
ion, caused by certain rumors affecting her
However, when he died, Jan.
8, l725, 1t was In her arms Immediately
fter Peters death Catherine was pro.
laimed Empress of all the Russias. The
eginping Of her reign was marked by