repeated separate examinations, Mr. O’Brien and his late travelling companions were ordered to prepare themselves for a march to the fortress of Bitche, in Lorraine, a wretched place, in the dreadful caverns of which many a valuable British subject, during the late war, terminated his existence in all the agony that illness and despondency can create.
“The morning of our departure arrived,” says Captain O’Brien. “We joined eight culprits at twilight, and were placed in a large waggon, under a very strong escort of gend’armerie, with a brigadier to command it. We were confined the first night in a village called Malatour. The dungeon was so very small, and there were so many of us, that we could scarcely breathe. Our allowance of straw, a pound and a half each, was given us to lie on; it was so short, that it had exactly the appearance of so many bundles of tooth-picks. The following night we were lodged in Metreuil, where we remained several days.
“At last an order came for half of us to proceed towards our destination; two others, with us four, were accordingly commanded to get ready. We were now in hopes of having another chance of getting out of these scoundrels’ clutches, but were much mistaken; our guard watched us so closely. – We were so well secured with handcuffs and chains, that it was impossible to attempt it, and we were safely lodged in Sarre Louis jail. This is a dépôt for seamen, and one of punishment for officers who may transgress; but it is many degrees superior to the one at Bitche. which we were ordered to. Several of our countrymen obtained permission to see us; and from one I received a small map of Germany, torn out of small book of geography, which I carefully stitched in the lining of my waistcoat. We were now joined by those left in Metz prison, and were soon again on the march towards our destined habitation; the same precautions were taken for securing us, and but little or no hopes ware left of our escaping. We arrived at Sarreguemine, only 6 or 7 leagues from Bitche, and were secured as usual in the jail. The next day we expected to arrive at our horrible abode, about four in the afternoon. In the morning our guards came with a large waggon, in which we were placed, and to my great astonishment and delight we were not chained. I considered this as a most wonderful circumstance, and as a favourable opportunity that ought to be embraced, particularly as there could he no hopes of any other chance; indeed it appeared an interposition of Divine Providence in our favour. I communicated my intentions to my companions, and after we had got out of the town, we descended from our waggon, observing to the guards that we preferred walking a little. Mr. Essel remained in the waggon. Messrs. Askworth, Tuthill, and Baker, of the merchant service, with myself, were walking a-head of the waggon. We had not got more than two or three miles when I discovered a wood at about 150 yards from