Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 June 1877 — A Pardon with an Addition. [ARTICLE]

A Pardon with an Addition.

Among the officers of the brilliantcourt of the grand Monarch of France, Louis XIV., was the Marquis Hugh de Vemicourt. This Marquis was of an ancient family, very.: wealthy, and had proved himself a brave and efficient Captain on more than one hard-fought field. In his sober moments, though inclined to be haughty and overbearing, he could yet be a gentleman; but when the fumes of the wine cup had seized his brain, which was far too often the case, he was turbulent and quarrelsome, and his duels were numerous, so that in time it came to pass that his companions feared and dreaded him. Feeling secure in his lordly estates, his high nobility exempting him from certain penalties which might have rested upon one of lower degree, he pursued his reckless and inebriate course for a time unchecked. At length, in a hostile encounter, the Marquis slew a gentleman of the Royal Guard, whose friends made mach complaint. De Vernicourt appeared before the King, and pleaded in extenuation that he was much heated at the time, and begged the royal pardon. The pardon was granted, with the addition of a severe reprimand, and caution for the future. But the caution availed little. Before long afterward the troublesome Marquis quarreled with a gentleman of the Cardinal’s household, the result of which was another fatal sword thrust. Once more the nobleman was summoned before the King, and his old excuse was offered, and again he implored the royal pardon. “ Hugh de Vernicourt,” said Louis, “ thou art pardoned.” The Marquis would have expressed his thanks, but the King stopped him. “ Hold, Sir Hugh. We wish not for thy thanks; for know that thon art not the only one to whom we have extended our royal pardon. We have caused a pardon to be prepared in blank, and have placed it in the hands of our trusty Minister of Police. It is for the man who shall l kill thee!" The caution proved sufficient to the end desired.