Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1886-06-09
THE STORY OF A DEsERTER

In Queen Anre's reign, soldier belong
ing to a marching regiment, that was quar-
tered in the city Of W, was teken ul
for desertion, and being tried by court
martial, was sentenced to be shot, The
colonel snd lieutenant-colonel being both in
London, the ceT nond of the regiment had
devolved in cor'se to the major, who was
account ed very c.lel and obdu~ate msu
The day Of oxecutioa hoing come, the regi.
ment, as usual upon those ccasions, was
drawn up to witness it; but when every
one present who knew the custom ct thee
executions expected to sec the corporals cast
lots for the ungracious Office, they were sur
prised to find it fixed by the major upon the
prisoners own brother, who was also SOL
dier in the regiment and was ut the moment
taking his last cave OF the unfortunate cr'-
prit.
On this inhuman order being announced
to tt,c hrr.he7,, they both fell down upon
iho;I knees ti.o one snppiicatad il tho
nc5s ;'ifact;nG terms that he might bs spared
thu horror OF shedding brothers blood and
tllc ether !:roth"r that he might receive his
doom from any other hand than mis-. But
vain !; tho major W@s not to be moved.
10 swrro ia, ti,t III 'svi,ia., and me broth
er only, Should IL tho man, That the exam.
pc "a, =, - &c s.rCn.e:, ana The oxecu-
sos: .":: :A.'t ~, !. several o, tho
officers ati;ryuptrd 70 ramo-s:sate with him,
10 no prl:r .se. I''c hro' .ter prepared to
q; cY The prjs ,rcr, having gora through
the usual service with tho minister, knel5
down al tho plac" appointed Io receive the
ia.;.i shot. TIL n"icr stct'2 ~. saw thc
afflicted 5:.iLer :oaI - iausS~.; and this
being done, ordered him TO observe the
Third simnai with his cane. ana Mt that in
slant t. do Iii: rGice, ana dispatch tho
prisoner.
But, behold! when the major was dealing
his fatal signals for the priaoGcr'a death, ut
the last motion Of his ccue, the soldier, us if
inspired by some superior power, suddenly
turned about, npd shot the tyrant in mo-
ment through the heart Then, throwing
down bis piece, he exclaimed, HE that can
show no mercy, no mercy let him receive!
I had rather die this hour for his dca.h thsu
live hundred years, and give my brother
his!"
Nobody seemed To bp ..jrrv ~ :itis unex-
cected event, and some af ;ha chief citizens,
who came 10 soc the execution, and were
witnesses Of oil that pnsscd, prevailed with
the next commanding officer to carry both
The brothers hack to prison, and not to exc
cut isc first prisoner until iurther orders,
promising 10 indemnify him for the conse-
qucrc,s rs t.sT as their whole interest COZ d
possibly 10 with tic Queer.
This request being complied with, the
city corporation that very night drew up a
most pathetic and moving address to their
sovereign, Luub!Y setting forth the cruelty
Of tEa deceased, apd praying her Majesty g
clemercy towards both the prisoners. The
Queen. upon the perusal of this petition,
which waa presented to her Majesty
by one OF the city representatives, was
pleased TO promise that she would inquire q
Iiu!e further ;utc t!.e matter On doing so,
she fouud The truth of the petition confirm
ed in all its particulars, and was graciously
pleased - pardon both of the offending
brotbers, and discharge them from her ser.
vice. For which good mercy she received a
very grateful and most dutiful address oi
thanks if.om her loyal cty.-Eng. Magazine.