Herald Of The Valley

LONDON SEPT. 21.

GENERAL BERTIN.

When the President of the Assize Court at Poictiers informed the conspirators that they might add anything they wished to the defence made by their Advocates, Gen. Bertin addressed himself to the Jury in a speech of considerable length. Towards the close of it, the General spoke concerning his own fate in the following manner:--

"I have been made to experience every subaltern vexation. I cannot hesitate to mention to you one among a thousand. Such means are certainly used only at Poictiers. Three times did my gaoler, Champion, taunt me yesterday, by saying, 'We have here a turnkey who bears the same name as you; he is called Bertin.' I know whence his sneer proceeds, but I despise it. I shall reply to it as to all other such taunts. Go tell him who taught you to lisp the language of insolence, that the name of Bertin will be spoken of with honor in France and in Europe, when that of Maugin shall be mentioned with execration. My children shall bear the name, and shall always glory in it. Do you forget that the name of the family of the brave Crillon was Bertin; he was called Louis de Baille Bertin de Crillon. Here, then, is evidence of my fame, which the Attorney General, perhaps, will not recognize. I call to witness all my companions in arms and in glory. Something tells me that the shades of the brave Crillon, and those other heroes without number who in every age laid down their lives for their country, will not refuse to consort with mine. Here is my bosom--strike, gentlemen, & I shall die without fear. My soul defies death--it is undismayed, and smiles at dissolution; it will depart with content. I look forward with hope, as I expect with confidence to enjoy that eternal rest, the highest reward to man, if man can obtain it. But gentleman, though I am silent on my own behalf, I would be trumpet tongued for those comrades, who are placed in the same unhappy situation with me. It is for those unfortunate men, and for them only, that I implore your justice & your indulgence. I feel that at this moment there are many Frenchmen who would envy me this situation; but I would not yield the honor to any man. Once more, I say, I go to meet death, with hope and without fear. Nay I be only permitted to express a hope, that my death may be useful to my fellow citizens and my country."

Caffe, Sauge, Ferrel, Fredin, Rique, and Ledin, protested their innocence, and implored the consideration of the Jury. Some of the witnesses were recalled; and again examined, at the desire of Caffe.

The President having then asked if the prisoners had any more to say, and no one answering, declared that the debates had closed.

The President then charged the Jury who retired at half past eleven to deliberate on their verdict. The accused were, in the mean time, conducted to the prison of the Visitation.

At ten o'clock the accused were again introduced; when the declaration of the jury assigned a different place to each of them. Bertin, Alix, Fredin, Caffe, Jrylin, Sauge, and Senechaud, with astonishment, observed by the place assigned to them, that they were condemned to death. Caffe and Fredin seemed greatly depressed. Rique and Ledin, who during the trial, were placed by Fredin, could not check their tears when they were separated. Bertin shewed the greatest coolness--he was chewing tobacco, and smiling on his fellow prisoner.

At eleven, the sound of the clock made known that the Court had finished its deliberation.

The President then pronounced judgment on the accused.

Bertin and Caffe being members of the legion of honor, were then solemnly degraded. They, Fredin and Senechaud are to be executed in the public square of Poictiers. Sauge and Jrylin are to be executed in the village of Thouars.