The Globe-republican. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1889-1910, 1892-08-05
TIE TRUMPETER.

Those who have not assisted in great
battles, and know Of them only from
brilliant description, have little idea
of these desperate conflicts, where
the massed armies launched against
each other struggle through the whole
day in an atmosphere of flame and
iron rain. Dwelling only upon the
victorious result, they ignore the I'M
certainties, the detOurS and the un-
expected happenings, Of these terrible
days. Reading in the narratives OF
historians of the strategy Of generals,
one is led to believe that all that
takes place is like parade-a kind
of mathematical chess carried on by
players who have soldiers for pawnS.
1t is necessary to take part in this
melee to understand the sanguinary
chaos. The plan of battle, so easy
to follow in history, cannot be COM
pretended so clearly upon the ground.
developed in clouds of dust and
smoke, one knows nothing of what is
tranSpiring around him, distinguishes
with difficulty corps Of friends from
that of enemies, and dies without be-
coming aware with which side rests
the advantage. Each one does his
duty blindly, and often knows of vic
tory but from the order Of the day.
1t was thus with certain regiments
at Auerstadt. The Prussians who
presented battle front of six leagues,
were attacked along the whole line at
nearly the same time, and there re-
suited series of conflicts which led,
as one may say, to two battles, one
won by Napoleon. the other by Mar
shall Davoust.
Our company, sent into one of these
encounters, was successful after q
struggle of several hours, and drove
the enemy from village which they
abandoned only after it was set on
fire. was pursuing the last skirm-
isherS, who were retiring toward the
wing commanded by the Prince OF
H0henlohe, when in scaling an en-
closure l was struck by a musket ball
which knocked me over and caused
me to lose consciousness almost in
stantly.
When regained my senses 1 found
myself alone at the foot of the wall
had attempted to climb. The other
houses were still burning: some dead
Bodies were dispersed here and there,
and there could be heard in the dis
lance the boom Of cannOnS and the
crack of muSketry.
( I partially arose. and with diff
Guilty drawing myself upon my
knees, sought to discover some
near point to which to proceed
for succor; but all was silence. Evil
IDENTIFY the battle had concentrated
itself in the two extremities of the
enemy's line. and was abandoned.
This conviction, together with the
blood l had lost, reduced my courage;
I saw myself condemned to perish
miserablY amidst this ruined hamlet
However, l made last effort to gain
a small, isolated dwelling which
seemed the only one that had escaped
destruction. The inhabitants had
without doubt abandoned it before
the approach of the two armies, for it
was entirely vacant. The PruSSian
soldiers, who had bivouacked there
the preceding night, had broken the
furniture up for fuel. l found but
the four walls and scattered debris.
OF all the sufferings endured that
of thirst was the most intOlerable.
In crossing the court had perceived
a well, but it was deep; had no
means of drawing from it, and, like
a new Tantalus, it was in vain for
me to bend toward this water the
lips that could not reach it l was
at the end of my strength and cour-
age. NY leg, stiff from the bleeding
of the wound, did not permit me to
take another step. Everything be-
gan to swim before my eyes; cold
ness seized me. and darkness came on.
gained a corner Of a room on the
ground floor. where fell, groaning.
A sort Of numbness dulled the pains
which penetrated my body; l gradu-
ally lost the perception of my suffer
ing. had, as might he said, &C
copied my miserable situation, as one
buried alive.
A considerable period of time
elapsed. l thought that all was at
an end for me, when a step sounded
at the door of the cottage. With an
effort l raised my mead and tried to
give cry for help, but my voice was
extinguished between my teeth, con-
vulsively set together. l could only
perceive by the lingering evening
light a trumpeter of our regiment
who was about to enter. seemingly
himself seeking for shelter. He
crossed the sill with caution, and
looking into the depths of the apart.
ment, perceived me.
"a contradict" he cried, approach.
ing. 81 see you have had bad en-.
counter. Some ball wanted TO chat