Rensselaer Republican, Volume 14, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 December 1881 — War Reminiscences. [ARTICLE]

War Reminiscences.

There is a certain melancholy interest in reminiscences o? the war of 187071 which the French are never tired of relating. An officer who went through the campaign of the Loire has recently given some idea oi lhs state of demoralization of even the no beaten soldiery who deserted in hundreds and gave themselves up to tne enemy. At times,, when provisions and transport were scarce, “the Prussians” would not make them prisoners, bat only broke their rifles and took away their cartridges and accoutrements. In such cases the wretched bands had to be driven oil at the point of (the bayonet. This officer alleges that some . French Generals commenced shooting their few German prisoners, in the hope that the enemy wonld make reprisals, and so deter the crowds of French deserters; but “the Prussians” saw through it and did not fall into the trap. The late D’Anrblin de Paladine was a disciplinarian of the strictest kind. All men falling oat of the ranks were disarmed, tried, and shot out of hand; and if an officer alone encountered a straggler, his poitive orders were to blow his brains out. On one occasion a sergeantmajor, passing a peasant's house, took a fowl, telling the owner he had no

money with him, but would return the camp, hard by, in ten minutes and pay him what he asked. When he came hack, according to his promi-e, the found the man who fancied he had been robbed, telling his wrong to E’Aurelles de Paladine, who was passing on a tour of inspection “Was it vou said the General, “that took this'man’s fowl?” “Yes, my General,” said the sergeant major, saluting, “and I have now brought him the money.” He was immediately put under arrest, tried by court martial, and shot the next morning