The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1867-01-26 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

MILITARY EXECUTION AT VINCENNES.  Two soldiers of the Imperial Guard. Cioai and Agostini, were shot on Monday morning at Vincennes, pursuant to the sentence of a courtmartial, for the murder in the wine chop at Champerret (the portion. lars of which our readers will doubtless recollect) The execution mu a grand and terrible military spectacle. A company from every regiment of the army of Paris attended. The 2nd and 3rd regiments of Voltigeun of the Guard, to "rhino the unfortunate prisoners belonged, were on the ground lin full force. Oentral Soumain commanded the parade. The firing party consisted of four sergeants, four corporals, and four privates, commanded by two adjutants. The men to whom the sad task was assigned were feelingly told by their effl iens. while loading their firelocks in their respective barracks that they had not only a militaiy duty to perform, but one of humanity, which required them to take good aim. The prisoners were warned at tom in the morning that their request for the Emperor's pardon had been rejected, and that they most prepare to die One of them, Clint, received the fatal news with A coolness and courage which he maintained to the last; but ArostlnPs nerve failed him. The two priests in attendance effected • reconciliation between the two men Agostini had !molten very bitterly of his comrade; and when at last he stretched out his hand to him, he said, ° You know well enough that you alone are guilty " Before mounting the cellular carriage In waiting to conduct them to the place of execution they were offered wine, brandy, and bread Agestint took some refreshment, hut clod asked only for cigars, which he continued to smoke to the end. The morning was terribly cold. At half-past eight the condemned men stepped out of the carriage to the spot where they were to be shot to death. They were warmly clad In full uniform, with military cloaks around them, and Clod had carefully put on white gloves. General Sonmalu exercised the prerogative which the military code gave him of excusing the men from military degradation, and they were shot in their unifonis When a French soldier is shot he is permitted, if he pleases, to refuse to have his eyes bandaged. ClO.l at first refuted; afterwards, at the suggestion of his confessor, consented ; but ultimately tore i ff tne bandage, knelt i'ewe, and looked steadily in the face of his old comrades who were to fire at ten paces. Looking at Agostini, who, though with eyes bound, was not able to k ep upon hit keen, but fell down. he said, in • tone of pity and contempt, "Poor Agostint !" Immediately before the order to tire was given, Closi, in a firm voice, addressing the thing party, said— Dear comrades,—l am guilty of the crime; but, upon in; conscience, I did not intend to rob. I beg pardon of God and of you Adieu!" A {reliant completely broken down by fear, was obliged to be tied to a poat before he could be shot at The criminate were fired at separately. One of them, the reports; diger as to which, did not al pear to be quite dead after the volley; and one of the soldier, conning near him blew out his brains, which scattered about in a manner shocking to behold. According to military regulations, all the troops present flied past before the dead bodies, drums beating and colours eying. One of the Paris evening papers remarks that these unfortunate men were victims of the system, much complained of, which allows men when off duty to go abut with their arms. There was • great crowd of Parisians on the vast plain of Vincennes, attracted by the news of the execution. Night nehmen who had seen Lir-, movement of troops and ascertained the cause canvassed many witn succeis. But all the would-be sights, ers w. in disappointed, Ind hail • cold ride for nothing. - the military kept all civilians outside their lines, and the spectacle of the death of the two Corsican soldiers was witnessed exclusive 4 oy the soldiers for whose example it was intended.