at first sight, that we were English prisoners of war, escaping from the French. I related the whole of our history. He regretted much, that he could not instantly grant us passports, since it was necessary to acquaint the government at Vienna, and have their sanction. But we should have an answer in fifteen days at most; and he jocosely added, ‘You have been five years nearly in France, so you cannot have any objection to remain amongst us for a few days.’ He was excessively kind; and I could not avoid observing, that our finances were greatly reduced – upon which, he very handsomely removed the difficulty, by saying, that the government would allow us a certain sum per day, agreeable to our rank, &c. whilst we were detained by them. We all felt very sensible of his goodness, and returned him our warmest thanks. He requested we would make ourselves as comfortable as possible, and keep at our tavern, until we heard from him. We took our leave, and returned to the inn. Mr. Hewson wrote the same evening to a Mr. Concannon, in Vienna, to assist in forwarding our wishes there. the director sent daily to know, how the American gentlemen did? We sometimes stole out in the dusk of the evening, to reconnoitre and survey the town, and we had fixed on a part to get out at, in case of receiving unfavourable news.
“It was on the eleventh morning, before we were out of bed, that a police officer rapped at our door, and informed us that the director wished to see one of us. Hewson dressed himself and waited on him. During our friend’s absence, the doctor and myself were in a most perplexed state. Hope and fear alternately took possession of us. It was impossible to have had an answer from Vienna in so short a time. I dreaded lest the French or Bavarian governments should have demanded us; yet still I concealed my fears from my companion, who was again very ill with a fever and ague. – Hewson shortly returned, and dissipated all these apprehensions, although he endeavoured to suppress his joy on the occasion. He had composed his countenance, and entered the bed chamber very grave and pensive, informing us, he was fearful we should again be sent back to France. We were not so ignorant of physiognomy, as not to be able to discern that he had no such apprehension; but had, on the contrary, received some joyful intelligence. He then congratulated us upon being once more freemen, and informed us, that the director had received an order from the Austrian government, to grant us passports to proceed where we pleased; and that we might quit the town that day if we wished. Good God! what intelligence to people who had been nearly five years in slavery! We sprang out of bed, fell on our knees, and greeted each other as free people. It is impossible to describe our joy and happiness at that moment. We instantly agreed to wait upon our old and worthy friend, the director, and shew him how grateful we were for his attention and kindliness. He received us in the most handsome manner, and appeared as much elated as if he had been in our situation. He wished to know how we meant to travel to Trieste? We answered on foot, as our finances were low; though we dreaded