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at the spot fixed upon to make fast the rope, which I very soon accomplished, and was just in the act of descending, when my friend Hewson arrived. In a few minutes, to my inexpressible satisfaction, all four were at the bottom of the first wall. Our principal object being now accomplished, we felicitated each other. We had two walls yet to descend; the heights I have already mentioned in a former page. We all clapped on to the rope, in order to break off as much of it as would enable us to descend the other ramparts; it soon gave way to our weight, and left us an abundance. We then made it fast to one of the upper stones of the embrasure, and again descended, – then clapped on again, and broke enough to go down the third rampart. We had taken the precaution of providing two long boot-hooks to stick in the wall, to make our rope fast to, in case we had no other means; and these we found of the greatest service in descending the last rampart, as there was nothing whatever besides that we could fasten it to. Having now descended three walls, we had only to pass the outside sentinels, who were few, and which we fortunately succeeded in doing; after descending the third wall, we remained in a large fosse or ditch, and had to watch the turn of a sentinel whom we observed walking just above us. – As soon as bis back was turned we rolled on our sides down the glacis. In a short time, we were on the high road to Strasbourg; on which we continued, running as fast as we could for nearly half an hour. We then halted to put on our shoes, which we had hung round our necks; and also to take a last view of the ‘mansion of tears[1].’ We returned our thanks to God, and shook hands with each other, replete with joy at this miraculous escape. Each took a little spirits out of a cantine procured for the journey; and which, from experience, I knew was necessary to preserve health when lying in the woods, dripping wet, in the day time. The transactions of the last hour actually appeared to me like a dream. I wished only that our three sick comrades who were in the room, had been with us; but we had left our door locked, and the window open, to deceive the commandant and save our friends. – I could hardly suppose I was again free and my own master. I frequently stared at my companions, and said to myself, ‘my God! is it then possible, that we are clear of the tyrants, and are delivered from abject slavery?’ I now addressed them, and observed how much it behoved us to proceed cautiously. It was Messrs. Hewson’s and Barklimore’s second attempt, Mr. Battley’s first, but my fourth. I, consequently, had most reason to be on my guard; and, of course, became the leader. I, therefore, candidly observed, that I should run no risks that could by any means be avoided; the moment they should attempt any thing that I deemed rash or imprudent, I would quit them, They expressed the utmost satisfaction at my observations, and ardently desired to conform to them. We unanimously directed our course (by the stars)
- ↑ A name given to Bitche by the prisoners.
