States feel the power of our Government. The Dey of Algiers, to whom tribute had been paid since 1795, had been informed that the navy of the United States had been annihilated during the war, and he became more insolent than ever. Our Government resolved to submit no longer to his demands or his depredations; and, in the spring of 1815, Commodore Decatur was sent to the Mediterranean with a squadron that spread dismay along the southern shores of that sea. DECATUR'S MONUMENT. He captured the Algerine admiral and full six hundred of his piratical companions, and then appeared in the harbor of the Dey with a peremptory demand for the instant release of all captives, indemnity for all losses, and a relinquishment of all future claims for tribute. The trembling Governor submitted to the humiliation, and complied with the demand. Decatur then sailed for Tunis and Tripoli on a similar errand, and accomplished a similar result. The overawed pirates were confounded, and the people of Europe were amazed. In that single cruise Decatur had accomplished what the combined powers of Europe had not dared to attempt. He crushed the dreaded power of the corsairs, and gave security to the commerce of the Mediterranean Sea.* Stephen Decatur was of French lineage, and was born on the eastern shore of Maryland in January, 1779. His father was a naval officer. Young Decatur was educated at Philadelphia, and entered the navy under Commodore Barry. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1799, and, as we have seen, performed gallant services in the Mediterranean Sea. He superseded Commodore Barron in the command of the Chesapeake, and, during the whole war with Great Britain, he was one of the most gallant and most beloved of the naval commanders. On his return to the United States, after his last cruise in the Mediterranean, he was appointed one of the Board of Navy Commissioners, and resided at Kalorama, near Georgetown, District of Columbia, the former residence of Joel Barlow. Decatur, like Hamilton, "lived like a man and died like a fool." He and Commodore Barron quarreled. The result was a duel at Bladensburg and the death of Decatur. That event occurred on the 22d of March, 1820. His remains were taken from Kalorama to Philadelphia in 1846, and now repose beneath a fine granite monument in St. Peter's Church-yard. R THE ZOU-ZOU. |and gallant cavalier by a jaunty huzzar jacket ; To bugle-note and beat of drum They come the gallant Zouaves come!" EADER, have you ever noticed what a change dress makes in a man? "Most certainly I have!" exclaims the reader; "but that is an old remark, verified by hun-quaintance was a Fire Zouave who, in early life, dreds of trite sayings, and even clenched by a proverb." had been designed for a preacher; whose tastes and wishes had apparently well suited him for Very good! But I mean not alone in his per- the position; and whose every action had, as son, but also in his character. Have you ever- far as one could judge, proclaimed his vocation, well-dressed, quiet citizen that you are-rolled until he got that infernal jacket on! Verily, up your pants, soap-locked your hair, stuck your extremes meet. But it's little of preachers you hat on one side, and felt all over the Jakey? If ought to be thinking, and your article headyou have not, I advise you to try it once, and see ed "The Zou-Zou!" Very true, gentlest— if you are not quite surprised at the amount of ahem!—yes, gentlest of readers; but you must rowdy element lying latent in you. Mind you, remember that we have been philosophizing, I mean in feeling as well as in look. After that and that there is an immense distance between you will be less "hard" upon that very extens- Philosophy and Zouaves-an immense space, ive ingredient of our great cities-the rowdies. through which it would not do to come down I know you will!—and ascribe half their faults, "plump," but through which one must descend at least, to their rolled-up breeches and accom- gradually. Besides, is not the preacher the pet paniments. And if you are the good-hearted lamb of his congregation, just as the Zouave is soul that I think you are, you will institute, on the pet lamb of the army? Both are held up as the moment, a society with the style and title of respective examples, and both congregation and the "Anti-turn-up-Breeches Society," take large army are ready to-to (swear, is it?) by their "offices" on one of the most extensive thorough-respective chiefs. The army is, I know; and fares, and expend all the money you can lay why should not it be so, when our pet General your hands upon for salaries to its officers-(M'Clellan) says that he is, "with his graceful good, charitable soul that you are! You will dress, soldierly bearing, and vigilant attitude, agree with me then-so will all the world, ex- the beau-idéal of a soldier!" cept your enemies, perhaps that dress does make a difference. The Zou-Zou, though rapidly acclimatizing himself, is, in this country, a novelty; and was But if a mere difference in a civilian's cloth- first produced prominently before the American ing can produce such a change, how much great-public by the late lamented Colonel Ellsworth. er must the change be when a civilian dons a uniform. Witness the martial stride of our friend Jones-behold that attitude-that look! Who would ever think that it was the same man who used to sell tape at two-pence the yard? Who would ever have thought that it would have made such a difference? The original Zouave corps had its origin soon after the taking of Algiers, when the French Government found it advisable to present some way in which the numerous native applicants for admission to the French army could attain their ends, and at the same time render valuable aid to the Government. The French Government thereupon, at the recommendation of the Algerian Army Bureau, organized a battalion of infantry, of which the companies, though commanded by French officers, were almost entirely recruited from among the native inhabitants of the country. The Dey of Algiers had been in the habit of recruiting from one of the great tribes of the Kabylia a body of troops, to "But then the dress suggests the character," say you for you are somewhat slow in coming to a conclusion-"and in putting on the dress he naturally assumes the character; just as you, in putting on a mock look of terror or smile of happiness, feel, to a certain extent, a corresponding emotion within you." Precisely; and that is just what I've been driving at! And now, as we are both agreed, and as our subject is a mil-which he had given the name of Zouaves; and itary one, we will ratify our agreement in camp style, if you will; up will go our canteens, and down we will come to our subject again. Ha! ha ha! philosophical soul that you are! I know that when I said "up and down," you were thinking of the ups-and-downs of this world. "No; you were thinking of the way the liquor went down." Oh, well! one thought is productive of the other, for when the liquor goes down the man goes down; so let us go on with our subject. Now, some uniforms are more productive of change than others. Thus I have seen a most timid horseman transformed into a most daring These the new corps assumed this name, and at the began to dwindle away, and it became ingrafted—and for a whim! How many a one beat out in into the French army as an essentially French that applause the last life-drop from his manly corps. It had already, by its zeal and the great heart! But surely it is allowed that the Zouave services which it had rendered the Government, has his whim, when the whole war-to quote the become quite famous, and its mysterious name, words of his Emperor-was but "for an idea." gorgeous uniform, and dazzling renommée, made (See Speech of Napoleon III. to his Ministers it begin to be considered by the French soldier of State, upon his return from the Italian Camas a privilege of the first degree to be allowed to paign.) enter its ranks; so much so, indeed, that many of the best non-commissioned officers of other corps were both willing and ready to sacrifice their chevrons for the honor of entering into the ranks of the new corps. Thus it became, as it were, the very concentration of the esprit of the French army. With great judgment those selected were men of a most vigorous temperament, both morally and physically, and these included within the new battalions, which the Government in view of their great usefulness determined to raise, a large proportion of that singular outflow of Parisian life known as "les gamins de Paris." These gay children of Paris-always ready for any new excitement-charmed by the fascinating influence which surrounded the novel corps—“ mauvaise sujets,” but at the same time brave and reckless as devils, hastened to place themselves beneath its standard, and while they guarded jealously its ancient glory, never let pass an opportunity to add to its renomméeuntil, by almost unheard of deeds of valor, it has attained a blazing brilliancy, which has lit up its name in words of fire, as it were, throughout the world! Since then the name of almost every battlefield in which the French have been engaged has been emblazoned in the vividness of blood upon their banners, until they have served to throw a halo of glory about their standards, that the very sight of them alone overwhelms their foes, and adds redoubled vigor to their friends. For recklessness and daring the Zou-Zou has ever held the palm, and these very qualities go far to palliate the many undoubted faults to which they lead. With the recklessness of irresponsibility and mischievousness of monkeys, the pranks that they play are often of the most daring and laughable character. I have often seen them, when the French and Austrian armies were encamped on either side of the river Po, come down to the bank, and wash their clothes as unconcernedly as though there was not an enemy within a hundred miles of them; and after they had finished, wave, in the most audacious manner, a graceful acknowledgment to the Austrian sharp-shooters, whose admiration of the "daring" displayed had alone stayed the deadly bullet. At the battle of Melegnano, too, while in the midst of a terrific charge, a well-known air played by the magnificent band of the enemy struck on their ears, and with one impulse they dropped their muskets and applauded till the very welkin rang: this tribute to the performers over, the next moment they were up and had possession of the heights! But how many gallant spirits fell never more to rise At the same battle an equally cool and most touching incident took place in the Austrian ranks. A gallant Hungarian regiment was in the act of charging the rapidly nearing enemy; with leveled bayonets they came sweeping on like a resistless avalanche, when, just before the shock of steel against steel took place, their much-beloved Colonel, who was at the head of his regiment, fell pierced through the heart. The body was seized by those standing near and borne rapidly to the rear, and as it passed the whole regiment, five thousand men, presented arms in honor of their chief! A higher tribute was perhaps never paid to a commanding officer than this, and it at once evinced the discipline and spirit which he had infused into his troops. A military man may possibly exclaim, as a French General did in relation to the famous charge of the "six hundred" —“C'est bien magnifique, mais ce n'est pas la guerre!" Very true; but oh! if there be aught to palliate the horrors of a war, it is such incidents as these. Why reduce war to a mere slaughter? why not surround it by every noble enthusiasm that can soothe or throw a charm about its horror? Why not cover the ghastly sight with the gilded cloak of romance? Is it that it bears looking on in all its ghastliness? Nay, let us rather robe the warrior in the royal webs of glory that befit the brave, and placing upon his head the diadem and nodding plume of gallantry, bid him stand forth, not less brave, but more gallant, the fitting illustration to our historic title-page! Believe me, our deeds will live longer for such incidents-our names be remembered when the battles and their dates are long forgotten. Why is it that one hero stands forth from the bright page of chivalry, surrounded by such a halo of glory and of romance? Is it that his companions were less brave? No; others were as brave as he, whose names are all unknown; but it was that he endeared himself to our hearts and minds by his deeds of gallantry as well as bravery; and the fame of our youthful idol, the chevalier, 66 sans peur et sans reproache," shall live as long as there remains a page of history on which to write it; as long as there remains a heart on which to inscribe it. These little incidents of gallant daring are also often productive of wonderful results; sometimes the very results which the stern disciplinarian has in vain attempted to attain after his own fashion. An incident has been related to me which happened at the battle of Bull Run, where a young lieutenant, for the purpose of encouraging his troops, coolly took from his pocket a cigar, and tranquilly lighting it, smoked with the most appar ent unconcern, amidst what an experienced officer designated "one of the most terrific fires that he had ever seen." And had it much effect? Effect? it was electric! Those who had begun to shrink, animated afresh by this piece of coolness, rushed with renewed courage upon the foe, and were victorious, until that fatal order of retreat came to change their victory to defeat. Now all these little things, while they serve to encourage and animate our troops, are necessarily proportionally discouraging and dispiriting to the enemy. Of this fact the Zou-Zou, and more particularly his officers, are fully aware; and they endeavor, by a thousand such incidents, to nurture that esprit which has ever distinguished their corps. As for their mere acts of mischief, for which they are equally celebrated, these are rich and numerous; for the Zouave is ever the life of the camp-he keeps alive himself, and keeps every body else alive: thus assisting much, no doubt, in preserving that cheerful tone so necessary to health and efficiency. One of their most whimsical freaks exhibited itself soon after the battle of the Alma, while on the march toward Sebastopol. rush and stir among the usually orderly populace, and pushing forward to see what could possibly be the cause, I saw, amidst the glare and pomp of the Rue de Rivoli, two Zouaves seated in an old weather-beaten baronche, with their feet resting on each other's shoulders, riding along as grave as judges. Well, it was a funny scene, to be sure, and I don't wonder that the lively Parisians hailed it with shouts of laughter. Sometimes these tricks display an almost childlike simplicity, or a most noble generosity, and at other times the accompaniments are so at variance with all reason, that one is left completely in doubt as to the possible actuating motive. I remember, while seated at one of the brilliant cafés so numerous in Paris, having seen an old beggar-man almost knocked down by some object thrown with great violence by a Zouave, who, seated at the open window of a restaurant, was feasting with his friends to his heart's content. The first impulse of the beggar was to turn upon his assailant; but upon looking at the missile thrown, he was softened upon finding that it was a well-filled purse, attached to which was a paper bearing the words, "Accept, Monsieur, these, my most humble apologies." Apologies offered in this insinuating form, it may be readily understood, were satisfactory. Thus their deeds of glory and of devilment go side by side, and keep one in a continual glow of admiration, disturbed throughout by irrepressible paroxysms of laughter. For as no hardship can dampen their ardor, so no peril can exhaust their capital stock of fun. So it always is, and so it must ever be; for fun and courage are the inherent elements of Zou-Zou One night the Second Zouaves came across a splendid Russian villa, and among other spoils found a magnificent pier-glass. This glass was evidently of Parisian manufacture, and in the best possible style-so it was agreed forthwith to carry it to the colonel, albeit that the camp was full six miles distant. This they did, with the most complete success, over a country impeded by what would be considered, in ordinary cases, as insurmountable obstacles, and setting it up amidst a vernal bower immediately in front of their colonel's tent, awaited antil morning to witness the results. In the morning the colonel, on appearing at his tent-nature. door, was surprised at beholding the exact counterfeit of himself, issuing, apparently, out of an opposite tent. It may readily be imagined that his confusion and surprise was great; for with scarce a piece of looking-glass larger than one's hand in the whole camp, it was hardly to be realized that it was a mirror that was before him. The shouts of laughter of his mischievous jackals" soon showed, however, that there was some joke up," and upon examination he found that it was but his reflection in the mirror which his faithful Zouaves had presented to him, that he "might," as they expressed it, "make his toilet in a Christian-like manner." Though these "carryings on" have their origin, no doubt, in the wild life and the scenes that usually surround them, yet city life does not tame them a bit. Nay, even Paris-the great civilizer-fails to effect any change. How , often have I seen them on the gay Boulevards of Paris, seated, eight, ten, twelve, in an old tumble-down carriage, some turning back-somersaults, some balancing themselves upon the horse's back or on the edge of the equipage; in short, doing all kinds of outre things. And one day, being attracted by an unusual Amidst the snows of the Crimea, upon the bloody fields of Solferino, or in the gay streets of Paris, they are always the same, always "bon vivants;" for they believe in the commandment, "Take care of thyself." Always gay-for with their gayety they combat more than half their griefs. Always bravedashing-the fiend-the idol--the gallant-the reckless-the noble-hearted-the mischievous; in short, a conglomeration of the most opposite characteristics, which yet resolve themselves into those three residues which should form the basis of every good soldier, viz., courage, good spirits, and gallantry. No other European army possesses a corresponding corps, for the proper element is wanting; and it has remained for America to prove that which she has always contested, that whatsoe'er the requisite needed, she possesses it within her own bounds-no matter what the trial imposed, that she is equal to the task. Already have we seen this exemplified in the arts and sciences of peace, and now we see it exemplified by the wonderful rise and progress and gallant deeds of a corps which, it was thought, was peculiarly and solely French, fully proving that "We're very sure what they Have done can here be done to-day." A PENNY DEXTER. BRIGHT and beautiful morning in early June was shining on the earth, with almost earth's primeval splendor; the softened air was full of perfume, and birds were singing cheerily amidst the fresh young foliage; and over the lawn, which lay spread out in its summer greenness before a stately but old-fashioned country seat, the soft shadows of the fleecy clouds and the yellow butterflies were chasing each other in rival swiftness. The only occupant of the drawing-room, whose windows commanded this fair prospect, was a woman of small stature, and rather inclined to embonpoint. She was far advanced in life, even beyond "the middle ages" upon which Mrs. Skewton professed to dote, in which so many of her sex would be content to linger; but the erect figure, the well-preserved teeth, the glossy black hair, and the sallow complexion-sallow in spite of the rather artificial bloom upon the high cheek-bones-betrayed the French woman. Mademoiselle de St. Loe, or Miss Low, was a native of Paris. She was the descendant of a patrician family, and had been driven from France by the terrors of the Revolution; and having neither money, friends, nor influence at her command, she had remained through life in exile-having, indeed, little desire to return to scenes where such fearful tragedies had been enacted, and to the home which they had desolated. She was dressed with care and neatness, and had the unmistakable air of a lady; and her well-worn chiné silk, though somewhat passée in pattern, had been rendered effective by the judicious admixture of a little black lace and a good deal of French taste. She was leaning upon the back of a high cushioned arm-chair, standing just within the window, out of which she was gazing abstractedly, and from her lips dropped-all unconsciously, as it seemed the murmured music of an old French song, to which she was idly tapping an accompaniment with her fan upon the back of the chair. "What are you doing, Mademoiselle ?" asked a clear, sweet, young voice. Mademoiselle started; she had roamed so far away in thought, she had been so entirely absorbed in her own musings, she had not even heard the entrance of the young and lovely girl who thus addressed her. “Ah! ma dear Mees!" she said, turning gayly toward the new-comer. "Pardonnez moi; I vas not aware. I did not to know how dat you 'av entré. Ah, ma foi! ma dear Mees Rose; mais you is charmante to-day! Mon Dieu! when dey chreesten you dey 'av ze grand perspicacité, sagacité, prescience-your sponsors! Dey call you ze Rose: you is dat ze queen ov ze flowers. I you rendre ma homage; permettre me!" and, advancing, she kissed her young friend on both cheeks with courtly French grace, but real warmth of affection. "Thank you, Mademoiselle; you are very complimentary," said the younger lady, as she bent, laughing and blushing, to receive the offered caress. "But you have not yet answered my question. What were you doing when I came in?" "I vas not doing notting at all, ma dear Mees; I vas ony vaitin'." "And for whom do you wait and look so anxiously, Mademoiselle ?" "I 'av not no anxieté, ma dear Mees. I 'av wait for ze Docteur; for Docteur Summer-ville.” "For Dr. Summerville!" said Rose, looking up in friendly concern; "why, Mademoiselle, are you ill ?" "Me?" said Mademoiselle, laughing gayly; "me seek? ma foi! non; I 'av nevair seek— nevair! nevair!" "Who, then, has sent for the Doctor ?" "It 'av be ma dear Mees Marie," said Mademoiselle. "My aunt Mary! is she ill? I did not know it; I will go to her at once. It must be very sudden; she did not complain of being ill at breakfast; I thought she seemed as well as usual; I had no idea that she was sick." "She is not seek, ma dear Mees! Stop, my dear chile; I sall explain; she 'av not no seekness, she 'av not no maladé, mais she 'av ze cough, she 'av ze cold, she 'av not ze strength, she not 'av ze good sleeps at night; she is just la-la; and so she shall consult ze Docteur, her broder say; and so I wait him to receive. Ah! here he 'ay come, I perceive ze wheels." And even as Mademoiselle spoke a somewhat dusty-looking vehicle, drawn by a horse of more bone than beauty, drew up to the door, and a stout, burly-looking man-hale, hearty, and cheery-first hitching up his reins to the top of the gig in the most approved Esculapian method, descended heavily, climbing out backward, and lugging out a heavy check-weight, proceeded leisurely to secure his horse, which looked full as likely to sit down as to run away. When, by this apparently unnecessary performance, he had "made assurance doubly sure" in regard to this interesting quadruped, the Doctor walked round in front of him and looked him full in the eye, stroked his old parti-colored face, and patted him approvingly on the neck, and then dusting his hands together, as a preliminary operation, while he took a cool and apparently satisfactory survey of the equipage generally, he drew from his pocket a huge red silk bandana, in size and color resembling an auction-flag, and having dusted his hands a second time with it, he proceeded to put it to its more legitimate use by blowing a shrill clarion peal, which was his usual announcement of his arrival on the field of action; then restoring the red flag to his pocket, and replacing it with a white one, he deliberately shook out its spotless folds to the air, and ascended the steps. Placing in one corner of the entrance-hall the cane which he had gravely invested with the hat taken from his own head, Dr. Summerville ad |