MAIL NEWS.
APPEAL TO THE LEGIONAIRES
ONE OP GENERAL VILLEBOIS MAREUIL'S LAST ACTS.
The following spirited appeal to "French Legionairies was issued by General de.Villebois Mareuil just prior to his death at Boshof : — To the Legionaires Who Have Known
Comrades, Officers, Non-Commission-ed Officers, and Soldiers,—l know that you have not forgotten me. You have been in my memory and affection. We understand each other, and therefore I address this appeal to you. There live here beyond the Vaal River a brave people, small in numbers, who are threatened with the deprivation of their liberties, their rights, and their belongings, in order that the greedy and grasping- capitalists may prosper. These people in a large number have French blood running in their veins. France therefore owes them, in their' hour of need, a striking manifestation of its assistance. Comrades, your true soldierly instincts Impelled you to range yourselves beneath the fla°" of Erance, even without the impulse of national obligation, and it is
to you I look for the aid which is due from France to a kindred race, manfully fighting against overwhelming numbers for the preservation of its independence.
You have remained to me the perfect type of troops, always ready and eager for attack without a moment's self-consideration; troops without rivals in impetuosity for the assault.
Such soldiers trained to these methods are wanting here. We have unrivalled shooters for a deadly defence. We do not possess the disciplined forces necessary to complete a victory when the enemy has been repulsed or beaten, troops to rush in and deliver a crushing blow. Comrades, come to me. You'll find your Colonel as ready to lead you as you have known him always to be, and your corning will give him that supreme satisfaction in fighting this just cause which your absence from his side on the field of battle has alone denied him, the honour of leading you within striking distance of the enemy.
Group yourselves according to military rules. Leave France as citizens travelling for their own purposes. I will receive you here,, and I promise you that very few days will elapse before we shall show the world the mettle of which the French Legionaires is made.
VTLLEBOIS MAREUIL, Kroonstad, March 30.
MAIL NEWS.
Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 132, 5 June 1900, Page 5
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