Captain Discau's duty was to visit the banks of the Rhine, and the Eslar island, to take certain measurements of distances, and obtain accurate information on various minute points respecting the late engagement, for, while a brief announcement of the victory would suffice for the bulletin, a detailed narrative of the event, in all its bearings, must be drawn up for the minister of war, and for this latter purpose various staff-officers were then employed in different parts of the field.
As we issued from the fortress, and took our way over the plain, we struck out into a sharp gallop; but, as we drew near the river, our passage became so obstructed by lines of baggage-wagons, tumbrils, and ammunition-carts, that we were obliged to dismount and proceed on foot; and now I was to see, for the first time, that dreadful picture, which, on the day after a battle, forms the reverse of the great medal of glory. Huge litters of wounded men on their way back to Strasbourg, were drawn by six or eight horses, their jolting motion increasing the agony of sufferings that found their vent in terrific cries and screams; oaths, yells, and blasphemies, the ravings of madness, and the wild shouts of infuriated suffering, filled the air on every side. As if to give the force of contrast to this uproar of misery, two regiments of Swabian infantry marched past as prisoners. Silent, crest-fallen, and wretched-looking, they never raised their eyes from the ground, but moved, or halted, wheeled, or stood at ease, as though by some impulse of mechanism; a cord coupled the wrists of the outer files, one with another, which struck me less as a measure of security against escape, than as a mark of indignity.
Carts and charettes with wounded officers, in which often-times the uniform of the enemy appeared side by side with our own, followed in long procession; and thus were these two great currents—the one hurrying forward, ardent, high-hearted, and enthusiastic; the other returning maimed, shattered, and dying!
It was an affecting scene to see the hurried gestures, and hear the few words of adieu, as they passed each other. Old comrades who were never to meet again, parted with a little [pg 629] motion of the hand; sometimes a mere look was all their leave-taking: save when, now and then, a halt would for a few seconds bring the two lines together, and then many a bronzed and rugged cheek was pressed upon the faces of the dying, and many a tear fell from eyes bloodshot with the fury of the battle! Wending our way on foot slowly along, we at last reached the river side, and having secured a small skiff, made for the Eslar island; our first business being to ascertain some details respecting the intrenchments there, and the depth and strength of the stream between it and the left bank. Discau, who was a distinguished officer, rapidly possessed himself of the principal facts he wanted, and then, having given me his portfolio, he seated himself under the shelter of a broken wagon, and opening a napkin, began his breakfast off a portion of a chicken and some bread—viands which, I own, more than once made my lips water as I watched him.
“You've eaten nothing to-day, Tiernay?” asked he, as he wiped his lips, with the air of a man that feels satisfied.
“Nothing, mon capitaine,” replied I.
“That's bad,” said he, shaking his head; “a soldier can not do his duty, if his rations be neglected. I have always maintained the principle: Look to the men's necessaries—take care of their food and clothing. Is there any thing on that bone there?”
“Nothing, mon capitaine.”
“I'm sorry for it; I meant it for you; put up that bread, and the remainder of that flask of wine. Bourdeaux is not to be had every day. We shall want it for supper, Tiernay.”
I did as I was bid, wondering not a little why he said “we,” seeing how little a share I occupied in the co-partnery.