Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1883-05-30
ACTS OF COURAGE.

A small flag had been seen at the side
OF a rock standing near the flank OF one
Of the French trenches before Sebasto-
pol. No one knew how the flag had
come there. Il was remarked that can
non balls and shells had fallen into the
trench with fatal effect, ~ IL there had
been nm entilading fire. A sudden light
broke upon the officer In command. The
flag was point to aim ut from the ram
parts, and the rock sent tho shot by TT
cochet into the trench. He called for a
volunteer 10 take away the flag. There
was no reply. In the French army II Is
not enough to give a word of command,
which has 10 be explained before IL Ii
obeyed. The officer went to private
soldier named Victor Picault and asked
him 10 so. The man answered that he
would Ii he knew why. The case was
made clear 20 him. He sprang out Of
the trench and ran to the flag under a
shower Of rifle bullets. He pulled il
down. Al the moment when IL fell q
whole battery discharged grapeshot Mt
him. He threw himself ON the ground.
Both the French and Russians thought
he vas killed. He suddenly jumped up,
unhurt, and ran 10 the trench with the
Tag in his hand. He received non-oom-
lnissioned rank and the cross Of the
Legion Of Honor.
An incident displaying the coolest
courage was next related. | am sorry
not b have noted down the name of the
young lieutenant alluded 20. A small
detachment of infantry under his COM
maud had beer sent ont of one of the
trenches IN attack a Russian rifle-pit
with the bayonet as soon "a the FIRE.
directed upon il from the trench. should
have ceased. Shot and shell were mean
while discharged from the ramparts at
the detachment. Some of the men re-
marked 10 their young officer that by
staying there they would soon BE- all hin,
while taNy might reach tho cover of the
trsEHh ~ time 10 return nj the cessation
Of firing from Ii. Tho officer answered
that they had been ordered 20 stay, and
that being under FIRE was no reason for
their running away. Al that moment
shell fell al bis feet and he thanked the
Russians. touching his cap to them. for
sending him light for his cigar, which
be pulled from his pocket. He bit of
the end Of IL, lighted Il at the fuse of
the ahell and held out his cigar case to
the soldiers. asking il any of them would
like 10 smoke. The shell burst, and.
strange to say, neither the brave youth
nor any ono Of the detachment was hurt
by H. The soldiers were thus shaanei
into standing by 50 self possessed and
gallant an officer.
A gunner was then praised for his
courage and strength. During an attack
ON ono Of the French batteries he had
remained alone 10 defend II. all OF his
comrades having been either killed or
wounded. He hrandisAed ore of the
levers Of his cannon like quarter staff.
striking down i've Russians With il. He
received tvo hsyonet thFusts In his
shoulders, but still had vigor enough 20
wrcst rife from one who had wounded
him. He shot one with II and Knocked
another over with blow on the head
from its stock. Some Zuuaves came 10
his aaHistAnce and saved him BY chary-
ing the Russian line Of attack. They
carried him In triumph 10 the com
mandcr. in chief, who was at breakfast.
On hearing the report given OF the affair
the great general made the gunner sic
down 10 share his meal. When he vas
retiring, cro9 Of the Legion Of Honor
vas pinned On his breast by the general
hinaslf. The gunner offered bis humble
thanks and asked II he might nov 90
70 have his vounds seen 10. Intense vas
he establishment of the officers present.
Among them vas stad surgeon. Who
vAs ordered b examine the man At once.
Ihs two wounds were pronounced 20 be
very seri00s but not mortal. and the
bravo and happy gunner vaa ssnt 10 the
ambalancs.