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The National Music of America. in
from Marseilles, wrote to his city for "six hundred men who knew how to die." The stirring appeal struck home, and almost immediately the men were volunteered. Nor were they the dregs of Marseilles; history has been strangely misled regarding the character of these patriots, "qui savent mourir;" it has been stated over and over again that they were but the offscourings of a maritime city; only in most recent days has an examination of municipal records established the fact that these men were respectable burghers, honest workmen, worthy tradespeople.
There were, however, not six hundred, but five hundred and sixteen, who started on the weary march northward, "to bring the tyrant to reason," although Carlyle, in his great history, erroneously adds an extra man. With three cannon, a portable forge, sledgehammers, and pike, sword, and musket, this strange procession began its pilgrimage.