? THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES i f$ a , , , t> ; 1 -ZfawK-- ~. ■ ■ ■ Im* MS 119 over the head of the poker, and fastened a small line from the upper part of the poker to the lower part of the stake (see fig.l.) : this done, we gently let the rope down through one of the grooves in the rampart, which receives a beam of the draw-bridge when up. I then cautiously descended this half chimney, as it were, by the rope; when I had reached about two-thirds of the way down, part of a brick fell, struck against the side and re- bounded against my chest, this I luckily caught between my knees and carried down without noise. I crossed the bridge, and waited for Hun- ter, who descended with equal care and silence. We then entered the ravelin, pro- ceeded through the arched passage which forms an obtuse angle with a massive door leading to the upper citadel, and with my picklock endeavoured to open it ; but not rinding the bolt yield with gentle pressure, I added the other hand, and gradually in- creased the force until by exerting my whole strength something broke. I then tried to file the catch of the bolt, but that being cast iron the file made no impression ; we then 120 endeavoured to cut away the stone in the wall which receives the bolt, but that was fortified with a bar of iron, so that it was impracticable ; the picklocks were again ap- plied, but with no better success. It now appeared complete check-mate (see fig. 2.), and, as the last resource, it was proposed to return to the bridge, slip down the piles, and float along the canal on our backs, there being too little water to swim and too much mud to ford it. Hunter, with the most deli- berate coolness, suggested the getting up the rope again, and attempting some other part of the fortress. In the midst of our consul- tation, it occurred to me that it would be possible to undermine the gate : this plan was no sooner proposed than commenced, but having no other implements than our pocket-knives, some time elapsed before we could indulge any reasonable hopes of suc- cess ; the pavement-stones under the door were about ten inches square, and so closely bound together, that it was a most difficult and tedious process. About a quarter of an hour had been thus employed, when we were alarmed by a sudden noise, similar to the it-.- - r $-- ■■-■ -is^^"' '"'V- ~\ : f"" -'"it ' i*~.'-*~--"'fc-" y rr ^ : l. . V . -, i _i,y 4^, 121 distant report of a gun, echoing in tremulous reverberations through the arched passage, and as the sound became fainter, it resem- bled the cautious opening of the great gate, creating a belief that we were discovered. We jumped up, drew back towards the bridge, intending, if possible, to steal past the gendarmes, and slip down the piles into the canal, but the noise subsiding we stood still, fancying we heard the footsteps of a body of men. The recollection of the barbarous murders at Bitche on a similar occasion, instantly presented itself to my sensitive imagination ; it is impossible to describe the conflicting sensations which rushed upon my mind dur- ing this awful pause. Fully impressed with the conviction of discovery and of falling immediate victims to the merciless rage of ferocious blood-hounds, in breathless anxiety I stood and listened, with my knife in savage grasp, waiting the dreadful issue, when sud- denly I felt a glow flush through my veins, which hurried me on with the desperate de- termination to succeed or make a sacrifice of life in the attempt. We had scarcely 122 reached the turning when footsteps were again heard ; and in a whispering tone, "Boys." This welcome sound created so sud- den a transition from desperation to serenity, from despair to so pleasing a conviction of success, that in an instant, all was hope and joy. Reinforced by our two friends, we again returned to our work of mining, with as much cheerfulness and confidence as though already embarked for England. They told us the noise was occasioned by the fall of a knapsack, which Mansell, unable to carry down the rope, had given to Whitehurst, from whom it slipped, and falling upon a hollow sounding bridge, between two lofty ramparts, echoed through the arched pas- sage with sufficient effect to excite alarm. Whitehurst, with much presence of mind, stood perfectly still when he landed on the bridge, and heard the sentinel walk up to the door on the inside, and stand still also ; at this time, they were not more than four feet from each other, and, had the sentinel stood listening a minute longer, he must have heard Mansell land. Three of us continued mining until half- ■ 123 past ten, when the first stone was raised, and in twenty minutes the second ; about eleven, the hole was large enough to allow us to creep under the door. The draw-bridge was up ; there was, however, sufficient space between it and the door, to allow us to climb up, and the draw-bridge being square, there was, of course, an opening under the arch (see fig. 3.): through this opening we crept, lowered our- selves down by the second rope, which was passed round the chain of the bridge, and keeping both parts in our hands, landed on the " guarde fous."* Had these bars been taken away, escape would have been impos- sible ; there being not sufficient rope for descending into the ditch. By keeping both parts of it in our hands, the last man was enabled to bring it away; otherwise four ropes would have been necessary (see fig. 3.) We then proceeded through another arched passage, with the intention of undermining the second door, but, to our great surprise * The " guarde fous" a:e two iron bars, one above the other, suspended by chains on each side of the bridge, when down, serving the purpose of hand-rails. F 2 124 and joy, we found the gendarmes had neg- lected to lock it. The draw-bridge was up ; this, however, detained us but a short time : we got over, crossed the ditch upon the " guarde fous," as before, and landed in the upper citadel. We proceeded to the north- east curtain, fixed the stake and fastened the rope upon the breast-work for the fourth de- scent. As I was getting down, with my chest against the edge of the parapet, the stake gave way. Whitehurst, who was sit- ting by it, snatched hold of the rope, and Mansell, of his coat, whilst I endeavoured to grasp the grass, by which I was saved from a fall of about fifty feet. Fortunately there was a solitary tree in the citadel ; from this a second stake was cut, and the rope doubly secured as before. We all got down safe with our knapsacks, except Whitehurst, who, when about two-thirds of the way, from placing his feet against the rampart, and not letting them slip so fast as his hands, got himself in nearly a horizontal position ; see- ing his danger, I seized the rope, and placed myself in rather an inclined posture under him; he fell upon my arm and shoulder with 125 a violent shock ; fortunately neither of us were hurt : but it is somewhat remarkable, that within the lapse of a few minutes, we preserved each other from probable de- struction. The vivid imagination of the indulgent reader will better depict, than I can describe our feelings at this momentous period ; suf- fice it to say, that we heartily congratulated ourselves upon our providential success, after a perilous and laborious work of three hours and three quarters, and, in the excess of joy, all shook hands. Having put our knapsacks a little in order, we mounted the glacis, and followed a foot- path which led to the eastward. But a few minutes elapsed, when several objects were observed on the ground, which imagination, ever on the alert, metamorphosed into gen- darmes in ambush ; we however marched on, when, to our no small relief, they were dis- covered to be cattle. Gaining the high road, we passed (two and two, about forty paces apart) through a very long village, and hav- ing travelled three or four miles, felt our- selves so excessively thirsty, that we stopped 126 to drink at a ditch ; in the act of stooping, a sudden flash of lightning, from the south- ward, so frightened us (supposing it to be the alarm-gun), that, instead of waiting to drink, we ran for nearly half an hour. We stopped a second time, and were prevented by a second flash, which alarmed us even more than the first, for we could not persuade ourselves it was lightning, though no report was heard. Following up the road in quick march, our attention was suddenly arrested by a draw-bridge, which being indicative of a fortified place, we suspected a guard-house to be close at hand, and were at first appre- hensive of meeting with a serious impedi- ment; but observing the gates to be open, we concluded that those at the other extre- mity would be also open, and therefore pushed forward. We drank at the pump in the square, when it was recollected that this was the little town of St. Amand. Directing our course by the north-star, which was occa- sionally visible, we passed through without seeing a creature. About an hour afterwards, still continuing a steady pace, four stout fellows rushed out 127 from behind a hedge, and demanded where we were going. Whitehurst and Mansell immediately ran up; and, as we had pre- viously resolved never to be taken by equal numbers, each seized his pepper and his knife in preparation for fight or flight, replying, in a haughty tone of defiance, " What is that to you, be careful how you interrupt military men :" then whispered loud enough for them to hear, "la bayonette," upon which they dropped astern, though they still kept near us :* in the course of a quarter of an hour, on turning an angle of the road, we lost sight of them, and continued a rapid march, frequently running, until about five A. M., when we were unexpectedly stopped by the closed gates of a town. We retraced our steps a short distance, in the hope of disco- vering some other road, but we could find neither a footpath, nor wood, nor any other place of concealment. We quitted the high road, and drew towards a rising ground, there to wait the dawn of day, in the hope of retreating to some neighbouring copse; no * These men were robbers. 128 sooner had laid we ourselves upon the ground, than sleep overcame us. Our intention was, if no wood could be seen, to go to an adjoining ploughed field, and there scratch a hole in which we could hide ourselves from a distant view; upon awakening from a short slumber, we recon- noitred around, and found our position to be near a fortification ; being well acquainted with such places, we approached, in the hope of finding an asylum. At break of day, we descended into the ditch, and found the en- trance into the subterraneous works of the covered way nearly all blocked up with ruins and bushes ; an opening, however, was made, we crept in, our quarters were established, and the rubbish and bushes replaced in the space of a few minutes. This most providential and pleasing disco- very, added to our many narrow escapes from detection, excited a feeling of gratitude to that omnipotent Being, who in his infinite mercy had thus cast his protecting wings around us. I have since heard, that the first intima- tion of our departure at Valenciennes was at 129 dawn of day, when, on opening the north gate, the rope was seen, suspended from the parapet. The roll to muster was instantly beaten, and the alarm given to the neigh- bouring peasantry by the firing of guns. The midshipmen, on whom suspicion first fell, were hurried into ranks, half-dressed, and when the names of the absentees were called over, some one tauntingly replied, " Parti pour 1' Angleterre." — This tone of triumph considerably exasperated the gen- darmes, and inflamed the zeal of the pur- suers ; it also might have had some influence in exciting the solicitude of the commandant for our apprehension. But to give a more adequate idea of the fury of his wrath and disappointment, and also of his determina- tion to recover us, dead or alive, I may add, (as I have since learnt, from a respectable inhabitant who happened to dine in his com- pany a few days after he had received the mids' first application to be restored to pa- role,) that he treated escape as utterly im- possible and hopeless, and unreservedly spoke of the letter as containing a threat — a mere " gasconade." — " Nous verrons," said f3 130 he, " si ces blancs-becs peuvent m' echapper." The report of this threat was soon circulated, and when it was really executed, my inform- ant assured me, that no occurrence relating to the prisoners excited a more general sen- sation ; the whole town was in confusion. All the bloody-minded rabble were let loose, with multifarious weapons, and " carte blanche," to " massacrer" these lawless " tres mauvais sitjets.' n Besides which, 500 of the " garde nationale" were despatched to scour all the woods within five leagues, and an ad- ditional reward of 300 livres was offered, for the capture of each of us. The reason for limiting the search to that distance, was a belief of the improbability of our having ex- ceeded it, after the arduous task of under- mining, &c. The fact was, that in anticipa- tion of all this, we made a desperate effort to reach as far from Valenciennes as we could before dawn of day. But to proceed : — We were totally unac- quainted with the country ; an examination of the maps pointed out the place of our re- treat to be the fortification of Tournay ; the fallen ruins were the bed upon which fatigue 131 and a confidence of security procured us a sound and refreshing sleep. At three P. M. we enjoyed our dinner, notwithstanding the want of beverage, for upon examining the knapsacks, the flasks were found broken. Whitehurst, having lost his hat in descend- ing the first rampart, was occupied in manu- facturing a cap from the skirts of his coat. It rained all the afternoon, and the weather, in the evening, getting worse, we were de- tained till about ten P. M., when, no pros- pect of its clearing up presenting itself, we quitted our comfortable abode, walked round the citadel, to the westward, over ploughed ground, until, coming to a turnip field, we regaled ourselves most sumptuously. By eleven, we had rounded the town, and gained the north road. During the night we passed through se- veral villages, without seeing any one, and, at six A. M. arrived at the suburbs of Cour- tray, expecting there to find as snug a retreat as the one we had left the preceding evening; but, to our mortification, the town was en- closed with wet ditches, which obliged us to seek safety elsewhere. Observing a farm- 132 house on the right, our steps were directed towards it, and thence through bye-lanes, until a mansion was discovered ; this we ap- proached, in the hope of finding an out-house which would afford us shelter for the day ; nothing of the kind could be seen ; but, not far distant, a thicket was descried, of about 150 paces square, surrounded by a wet ditch, from fourteen to twenty feet wide. Here then we determined to repose our wearied limbs, and, it being day-light, not a moment was to be lost : the opposite side of the narrowest part of the ditch was one entire bed of bram- bles, and, in the midst of these, we were obliged to leap. Hunter, Mansell, and I, got over tolerably well ; but when White- hurst made the attempt, stiff with wet and cold, and the bank giving way from his great weight, he jumped into the water, and it was with some difficulty he could be extri- cated, and not without being dragged through the brambles, by which he was severely scratched. We lay down in the centre of this swampy thicket. The rain had conti- nued without intermission from the time of leaving Tournay, and, notwithstanding it 133 somewhat discommoded us, yet we were consoled by the additional security it af- forded ; this little island protected us till near dark, when we walked round it to find the easiest point of egress. From the tor- rents of rain that had fallen during the day, but which had now ceased, the ditches had become considerably wider, and there was only one opening in the bushes, whence a leap could be made ; of this three of us pro- fited, the fourth obtained a passage by the aid of a decayed willow, which overhung the opposite bank. Courtray being fortified, it was impossible to cross the river Lys at that place ; we were, consequently, obliged to go to Deynse, that being an open town. About eight P. M., proceeding over ploughed ground, rendered almost impassable by the heavy rains, to gain the high road, guided by the north-star, and assisted by a strong southern wind, we marched on at a great rate, and, about ten, entered the village of Haerlabeck. Ob- serving a " cabaret," at the north end, White- hurst here purchased bread and gin, our remaining bread being completely saturated 134 with moisture ; this regale re-animated and fortified us against the inclemency of the weather, which it was apprehended might be productive of sickness. At one A. M., the rain re-commenced, and, in such profusion, that it obliged us to retreat to the protection of a neighbouring hay-stack, where we lay some time, but, finding no chance of fine weather, we resumed our march until five, and then entered a wood about three miles from Deynse; a spot was chosen in the thickest part, where we fenced ourselves with fallen leaves, twigs, and rubbish of about a foot in height. We lay down in our little redoubt, and slept until day-break, when, finding our position too exposed, from its proximity to a cottage and the main road, we were obliged to quit it, but previously broke up the work. Having penetrated farther into the wood, we concealed ourselves as before ; here we remained during the day, listening to the howling of the wind, which rose gra- dually into a furious storm of driving sleet, rain, and hail ; and, such was its violence, that our garments were scarcely felt to be a covering. 135 We quitted this wood soon after dark, and gained the high road for Deynse. After marching about an hour, and passing seve- ral people (Whitehurst and Mansell always preserving their stipulated distance in the rear), we were overtaken by two horse gen- darmes ; but it being exceedingly dark, they took us for conscripts, part of their own escort, for one of them, in a muffled tone, as if fearful of exposing his nose, said, " Make haste, you will be too late for your lodging- tickets ;" reply was made that we were fa- tigued ; soon afterwards, the rain increasing, they trotted on, repeating, "Make haste, Make haste." We were not much flattered by the honour of their company, but not in such danger as one might imagine, for the road was between two woods, with a broad ditch on each side ; had they stopped to dismount, we should instantly have jumped over, and run into the wood, where no cavalry could have pursued. The rain continued to pour heavily, and, having been completely soaked to the skin during many hours, about ten P. M. we held a council of war. Although such consulta- 136 tions have been designated the "bane of enterprise," and considered an effort on the part of the commanding officer to diminish his responsibility in the event of failure, it was not so with us ; — for, being without a commander, we consulted upon almost every important measure ; the unanimity that pre- vailed, not only rendered success more cer- tain, but made each bear his own individual privations with cheerfulness, and proved a stimulant to energy, which increased with increasing difficulties and sufferings. After mature deliberation, it was agreed to enter the town, and reconnoitre the low pub- lic houses, in order to purchase provisions; we accordingly marched on. Whitehurst entered one, which he found too full of com- pany, and then a second, in which he saw four stupid looking young men, almost as wet as ourselves. We resolved all to go in, keep- ing the door at the elbow in case of necessity; we did so, and, asking for gin, drew round the stove. From the conversation of these men, it appeared, that a large party of con- scripts had arrived that evening, on their road to Ghent, and were billetted about the town ; 137 this information we immediately turned to account. Our landlord was given to under- stand we were conscripts, who, in consequence of lameness, were allowed to travel at leisure, upon condition of reaching Ghent by seven on the following morning ; but that, having been prevented by the bad weather from arriving in time to procure billets, we would pay for lodging and supper ; to this he rea- dily agreed. One of the drunken fellows in the room, rousing from his lethargy, wildly stared, and abruptly complimented us with the novel information that we were deserters; when the landlord, observing our apparent indignation, which he mistook for real, inter- posed in order to keep peace, and begged us to take no notice of it, as they were drunk ; to which we feigned an unwilling acqui- escence, but were, nevertheless, somewhat disconcerted ; however, he fell asleep again, and, soon after, they departed, too drunk to make any further observation. Notwith- standing our fears and the garlic, we ate a most hearty supper ; at midnight, after pre- paring every thing for a start, in case of emer- gency, and all our clothes dry, we lay down 138 on two beds, each keeping watch in turn, until four A.M. when we bought two flasks of spirits and some provisions. The weather was fine, and not a creature stirring, but the landlord ; we paid him, and departed. Without thinking of the road to Ghent, we turned to the left, when he called to us, "You are going wrong;" we thanked him, and proceeded as he directed. The door, however, was no sooner closed, than we crossed the street, one by one, crept silently- past his house, and took the road to Bruges ; so that, had there been any suspicion, this accidental occurrence must have thrown the chase off the scent. Continuing our journey to the N. W., until dawn of Sunday, we entered a thick low wood, and here lay without disturbance, basking in the vivifying rays of the sun, and listening to the church bells summoning all good people to assemble. We would wil- lingly have joined them, had the church been ■ so secure an asylum as the wood. As White- hurst, with a praiseworthy and religious sense of the dangers he was about to encounter, , had packed his prayer-book in his knapsack, 139 ■ and preserved it through all his disasters, we read prayers, and offered up our humble thanksgivings for deliverance from the hand of the enemy. About sun-set, it began to rain again, we quitted the wood, and proceeded to the west- ward, by a very bad road, frequently halting to rest, our feet being excessively tender. At about one A. M., we passed through a vil- lage, and took shelter, for some little time, from a very heavy shower, under a portico, and then went on through another village. At three, we crossed the high road to Bruges ; a solitary public house was near, in which no one could be seen but an old woman, sitting by the fire; and being again thoroughly wet, we entered and asked for gin. Many minutes had not elapsed before a Frenchman came in, baited his horse, and departed, without ad- dressing, or seeming to take the least notice of us. After regaling ourselves with eggs, and drying our clothes a little, we continued our march in the rain till near seven ; then struck into a wood by the road side, and for- tified ourselves with leaves as before. The rain fell in torrents, during the whole day, 140 attended with repeated showers of hail. The increasing violence of the wind also, rendered the weather intensely cold, and caused such a perpetual chattering of the teeth, that it was difficult to articulate with sufficient dis- tinctness to be understood. In addition to these sufferings, our feet were severely blis- tered. I had a tumour forming on my left side, which obliged me to lie always on the right, and proved the foundation of a rheu- matism, which I much fear I shall feel through life. Towards evening, the incessant fall of rain had so nearly inundated the wood, that, had we continued two hours longer, we must have been floated out of our nest. Soon after five P. M. we proceeded by the main road ; but it being very dark, we could no longer direct our course by the stars. About eight, we met a Fleming, of whom we in- quired the road to Bruges, but through his misunderstanding us, we were induced to walk back a considerable distance. On passing a lone hut, we again asked the ques- tion, and were told not to quit the high road to the left; by this retrograde movement, we 141 had marched about four miles unnecessarily ; nevertheless, towards midnight we arrived at the gates of Bruges. At this time, we were all in a most deplo- rable condition — wet to the skin, our feet bleeding, and so swollen, that we could scarcely walk at the rate of three miles an hour. Near the gates we observed a public house, and, having hitherto found such places to afford relief and safety, at this hour of the night, we entered, and saw nobody but an old woman and a servant; at first they ap- peared somewhat surprised, but asked no questions except such as regarded our wants, frequently exclaiming, "pauvres conscripts." We dried our clothes, when the sudden tran- sition from cold to heat split Hunter's feet ; several of his nails also were loose, and Whitehurst had actually walked off two. The fire made us all so very sensitive, that we could scarcely bear a foot to the floor; but found some relief by bathing them in oil ; having, however, enjoyed a comfortable sup- per, we laid ourselves down as before, keep- ing watch in turn, until four A. M., when we paid the old woman, and departed. 142 After wandering about in the dark, endea- vouring to find out a road round the town, until break of day, we sought refuge in a neighbouring wood: here we reposed until three in the afternoon, screened by dead leaves : about that time a boy alarmed us. No sooner had he disappeared than we re- treated, one by one, to a place of greater security, near a windmill, which, for the sake of distinction, was termed Windmill Wood. This was the second fine day since leaving Valenciennes, and the sun, diffusing its benign influence throughout our whole frame, so renovated our strength, that, for- getting our wounds, we felt equal to the se- verest trials. At sun-set, the fort was agian broken up, and, having had time during the day to con- sult the map, we marched directly to the bridge over the canal, doubled the town to the westward, and gained the road to the coast. About ten, being exceedingly fatigued from the difficulty of walking in the lace- rated state of our feet, we thought of halting for the night ; judging this to be more pru- dent, than going into increased danger with 143 the certainty of being unequal to any sudden effort, or rapid retreat; however, unwilling to lose an hour, and dreading the probability of becoming weaker and worse, we deter- mined to proceed. About eleven, having gained only a mile in three quarters of an hour, we were com- pelled to halt, and bivouac 'd in an adjoining- copse, exposed to severe cold and repeated showers. At eight A. M., being surprised by an old woman collecting wood, who immediately fled in the utmost consternation, we de- camped, deeming it imprudent to remain in any spot where we had been seen ; scarcely had we quitted the copse, when two sports- men were observed to enter it; we imme- diately jumped over a ditch, hobbled about two miles to the eastward, crept into an almost impenetrable thicket, and there re- mained in the rain till nine P. M. We then gained the high road, and continued our route to Blankenberg, a village on the coast, a few miles to the eastward of Ostend. At ten, passing by a solitary public house, we observed through the window, an old 144 man, two women, and a boy, sitting round a comfortable fire, at supper. Hunter and I entered for the purpose of purchasing provisions to take on board any vessel we might be enabled to seize, being then about four miles from the sea. We asked for gin — the woman of the house rose and stared at us, apparently alarmed at our appearance ; we repeated the demand without obtaining a reply ; still gazing, for a few seconds, re- gardless of our request, she rapturously ex- claimed, " Mon Dieu, ce sont des Anglois," and immediately offered us chairs. Somewhat disconcerted at this unexpected reception, we again asked for gin, to which she replied, " Take seats, and you shall have whatever my house can afford." We thanked her for the attention, and reiterated our request. She insisted we should partake of her fare, and assured us that not a soul should enter the house during our stay, if we would but sit down; we again refused, and observed, that, being conscripts, ordered into garrison at Blankenberg, we were fearful of punish- ment should we not arrive there that night. She burst into a loud laugh, and ran to 145 bar the door and window shutters, at the same time directing the servant to fry more ham and eggs ; we assured her it was use- less, as we had already taken supper at Bruges, and that we durst not stay, adding, it was a pretty compliment to us French* men to call us English; she jocosely replied, "Well, then, you are not English, but it is so long since I saw any of my good folks, that I insist on your eating some ham and eggs with me; besides, you will not be able to get away from Blankenberg to-night." We used every means in our power to dis- possess her of her suspicions, to all which she only replied, "Take chairs, if it is only for a few minutes, and then ( par complai- sance,' I will believe you." Her persevering deportment, bearing the almost certain stamp of sincerity, together with our hungry incli- nations, induced us to accept the invitation, and partake of her luxuries, knowing there could be little danger, as Whitehurst and Mansell were on the look out. During our most comfortable regale, she talked of no- thing but her dear English (notwithstanding our repeated endeavour to change the sub- 146 ject), and dwelt particularly on the happiness of her former life, when in the service of an English family. She uttered several broken sentences in English, of which we took not the slightest notice, but which confirmed in our minds the idea of her having lived some time where the language was spoken. Being just about to rise, furnished with provisions for our companions, a loud rap announced some one at the door: — the woman started up, seized me by the arm, and, pushing me into the next room, exclaimed, " Pour l'amour de Dieu par ici, les gens d' amies. " Al- though we felt sure it was Whitehurst, yet we had no objection to see the result of this manoeuvre, and therefore made no resistance to her wishes, but complied with seeming re- luctance. Still, as it was possible he might have knocked to warn us of the approach of some one, we followed her to the back door ; at parting, she took me by the hand, and repeated her assurance of the impossibility of getting off from Blankenberg that night, and desired us to return, adding, "Good night, friends, I shall see you again." Nothing but a thorough conviction of our being abscond- 147 ing prisoners of war, added to a sincere re- gard for the English, could have produced such conduct; certainly neither our actions nor accent betrayed us, for they were less foreign to the French than her own. No sooner had we regained the road, than our companions joined us; from them we learnt, that being alarmed at seeing the window closed, they were on the point of bursting open the door ; when, peeping through the shutter, they saw every thing that passed within, and, wishing to be of the party, gave the rap which alarmed our friendly hostess. Continuing our march for the coast, we passed through a village about midnight, stopped occasionally to listen, with delight, to the pleasing monotony of the waves rolling over the beach, which, as we approached, created feelings of enjoyment that I had never before experienced. Between twelve and one A. M. we entered the village of Blankenberg, protected from the sea by the sand-bank. Observing a large gateway, apparently the road to the beach, I passed through to re- connoitre, leaving my companions in the street ; to my great consternation, I found g2 148 myself near a guard-house, and close to a sentry-box, from which I had the good fortune to retreat, unobserved. Proceeding through the village, to the westward, and finding a foot-path leading over the sand-bank, we ran down to the sea, forgetting our wounds, and exulting as though the summit of our wishes were attained, and we were on the point of embarkation. Indeed, so exquisite was the delight, that, regardless of consequences, we dashed into the water, drank of it, and splashed about like playful school-boys, without being- in the least disconcerted that the few vessels which could be seen were high and dry, close under the battery. Nor will these feelings create surprise, when it is recollected, that more than five years had elapsed since we last quitted the sea in the Mediterranean, and that to regain it was con- sidered as surmounting the principal obstacle to final success. But when these first trans- ports had a little subsided, and were suc- ceeded by rational reflection, we could but acutely feel the disappointment; although, had we been enabled properly to calculate the tides, we might have foreseen this event ; 149 for it was high water, on that day, about half-past five P. M., consequently low water about midnight, and, as the vessels cannot be launched from that flat beach, excepting about the last quarter of the flood, and the first of the ebb tides, we could not have gotten afloat, had we arrived even four hours earlier.* Our spirits, however, were not to be damped, and, notwithstanding our original intention was to make for Cadsand, we re- solved to wait in the neighbourhood the issue of another night ; to this end we returned by the same path, to the village, and, while going leisurely along the strand-street, heard a distant sound of the clashing of muskets, and footsteps of a body of men running ; this was decidedly the guard, who had probably seen us from the heights. We instantly doubled back, crossed by a bye-lane, leaped * A few days previously to my leaving England for the Mediterranean, in September, 1802, I asked my father how I was to get home, to pass my examination for lieutenant, when my six years as mid were com- pleted. He replied, " Walk home across the con- tinent." Thus, with the exception of a few miles, were his orders that night accomplished. 150 a ditch, and ran over the fields, until we judged ourselves out of reach of the pursuers. This was another instance of our narrowly escaping danger, which some may attribute to blind chance, but which, by us, was felt to be an interposition of Divine Providence in our favour ; for there can be no doubt, that, had we continued two minutes longer on the beach, or had not the muskets' clash given the alarm, we certainly should have come in contact with the guard ; the result of which would have been imprisonment, or, not im- probably, death. On regaining the high road, we consulted what measures to adopt ; after some consi- deration, it was determined to revisit the " cabaret." We accordingly returned to an adjoining wood, and there lay until day dawned, when Hunter and myself proceeded to the house, and were told the old lady had not yet risen. The nature of our embassy not admitting of much time being wasted in " punctilious etiquette," we went to her cham- ber-door, and solicited an audience ; this was readily granted, without any confusion, or even quitting her bed. After the usual sa- 151 lutations, we apologized for our early call, attributing: it to the commandant at Blanken- berg having ordered us back to Bruges by seven o'clock; adding, that gratitude for her kindness, the preceding evening, had induced us to call " en passant." " Bah," she ex- claimed, with a significant grin, " I told you, you could not get off from Blankenberg, and that I should see you again ; sit down, we will have coffee, and then talk over matters ;" at the same time ordering her son, a lad of about twelve years of age, to look out of the door and let her know when he saw any one coming; she then rose and dressed herself. We were recommencing a train of compli- ments, for the purpose of bringing about the truth, when she exclaimed, " Hold your tongues, I knew that you were English gen- tlemen the moment I saw you." The whole tenor of her familiar and pithy style of ad- dress, convinced us of her sincerity, and we immediately offered one hundred pounds, to be divided between her and any boatmen who would undertake to land us and our com- rades in England, or put us on board an English vessel. " Comrades," she exclaimed, 152 " what comrades ?" We replied, there were two others in the neighbouring wood, anxi- ously waiting our return, " Call them in- stantly," she said, " and twenty others if they are there ; in three or four days you shall all be in England, or I am not an honest wo- man." The signal was given ; Whitehurst and Mansel 1 promptly joined, — when, at- tempting to congratulate each other upon this auspicious occasion, we were so over- powered, so choked with joy that we could scarcely articulate ; the tear of gratitude trickled down the cheek, whilst the hand of friendship simultaneously met that of its neighbour; even the old woman (notwith- standing her vivacity) could not refrain from participating in our feelings. After cutting the money, amounting to about twenty pounds, out of our collars, to let our hostess see we were not pennyless, we sat down to breakfast before a comfortable fire. She afterwards conducted us into a hay-loft, over a back room which was never made use of in winter, so that we were now in comparative safety; dependant, indeed, on the sincerity of the family. It was not, how- ^ ■ rfl rfl 153 ever, probable, they would prove treacherous ; for, exclusively of the woman's apparent de- votion to the English, the sum we proffered so much exceeded that of the French govern- ment, viz. 21. Is. 8d. per head (for she, as well as ourselves, at the time, was ignorant of the reward offered at Valenciennes), that it would amply compensate for the risk. The roof which now sheltered us, covered a solitary t( cabaret," situated midway be- tween Bruges and Blankenberg, known by the sign of the " Raie-de-chat," which, by way of abbreviation, we called the " Cat," and being the house of police correspondence, it was visited regularly three times a week, and sometimes oftener, by the gendarmes, consequently the less likely to be suspected. According to the " code Napoleon," the penalties attached to favouring the escape of prisoners of war, were a fine of 12/. 10s., the expenses of the law proceedings, and two months' imprisonment. This law, however, did not intimidate Madam Derikre, for such was her name; she resolved upon serving us ; yet, notwithstanding her apparent sin- cerity and assurance of success, our minds g3 154 were not perfectly at ease until twenty-four hours had elapsed ; that being the time allowed for proprietors to announce to the police the presence of strangers in their houses. In order to excite confidence, we offered her all our money ; this she generously refused, declaring that if success did not attend our exertions, she should not expect a stiver. No sooner were we in the loft, than, aided by our friendly hostess, our separate wounds were examined and dressed. After dark, the servant maid, named Cocher, and the dog Fox, being placed at the front door to watch, we descended to partake of some broth; anxiously waiting the return of a messenger sent by Madam Derikre to Blan- kenberg, for her confidential friend, a man named Winderkins. About nine, the boy came with intelligence, that he was gone to Ostend, and that his wife would send him to the " Cat" upon his return. We remounted into the loft, and slept as comfortably upon clean straw, as the pain of our wounds would allow. The following evening, Mynheer Winder- kins was introduced. He undertook, upon 155 condition of sharing the reward, to rind a fisherman who would either land us in Eng- land, or put us on board an English man of war, and promised information on the subject the following day. In continual expectation of the happy hour of departure, we remained in our snug retreat; receiving frequent mes- sages from Winderkins until the 1st of De- cember, when he appeared, and attributed his delay to the precautions necessary to be taken on so critical an occasion; but having at length succeeded, we were to hold ourselves in readiness to depart that night. Soon after eight P. M., furnished with a few provisions, we quitted the " Cat," leav- ing with Madam Derikre bills to the amount of 50/., reserving the other fifty for Win- derkins and the boatmen. In an hour we reached Blankenberg; followed our guide down the beach to the eastward of the vil- lage, and concealed ourselves amongst the sand-hills, whilst he went to apprise the fish- erman of our arrival. In this position we remained about two hours, Winderkins occa- sionally returning and desiring us to be par- ticularly silent, there being several men on 156 the beach, and the patrole on the alert. After a further absence of half an hour, he again returned, told us, we must be patient, and postpone the event to the next night, the tide having: then ebbed so as to leave the ves- sels high and dry. We returned to the " Cat," much to the surprise of Madam Derikre. The following day, Winderkins not ap- pearing, the boy was despatched to learn the cause. About noon he returned with an- swer, that as there was not the slightest chance of success that night, he thought it imprudent to expose us to useless danger. We now began to suspect his fidelity, and thinking he might doubt the performance of our promise, it was agreed to give him half the remaining cash, and a bill of 30/., when on the beach, on condition that he fulfilled his eng:ag:ement, or returned it. On the 3d he appeared, and informed us, that in consequence of the fishermen having been unsuccessful, they had obtained per- mission to remain afloat a mile from the shore, and, provided no English vessel was seen, it was probable that that permission would be extended to several days ; we must, 157 therefore, be patient, and he would, upon the honour of a Fleming, insure success. On the 4th he sent his daughter to say that all was well, and he would be with us in the evening. He kept his word : to insure his fidelity, we divided our money as before agreed, between him and Madam Derikre, having previously paid her the greater part of our twenty " louis" for food. We now bade adieu to the " Cat," and, accompanied by Madam Derikre and Win- derkins, proceeded to Blankenberg. After leaving us some time behind the sand-hills, the latter returned with information that he could not find the fisherman who had under- taken to embark us. It was instantly deter- mined to seize one of the schuyts ; we ac- cordingly ran down to the beach, preceded by Winderkins as a look-out, gave him his bill, and leaped on board the outermost ves- sel ; the sails were arranged and every thing speedily prepared for weighing. The night was dark, the wind fresh and favourable, the sea smooth and inviting ; we sat silent as the grave, waiting with intense anxiety, until the tide, which was then flow- 158 ing, should float our little bark. Whilst thus listening to the murmuring break of the sea, which seemed slowly to approach, as if chiding our impatience, yet inviting us to the protection of its bosom, our dearest hopes appeared upon the point of being realized. These hopes, however, were but of short du- ration, and only tended to render our disap- pointment more bitter : the tide rose, just to cast a few sprays against the bows, and to retire. So high had our expectations been raised, that the water had receded some feet, ere we could believe it had left us ; it was, then, however, too evident to be doubted. In so critical a situation, within pistol-shot of the fort, there was little time for delibera- tion ; disappointed, but not disheartened, every article was replaced as it had been found, and we reluctantly withdrew, fully convinced, however, of the practicability of getting afloat from Blankenberg, if we did but seize the proper opportunity. It was, therefore, determined to repeat the attempt the following night, and, in the mean time, to re-occupy our old quarters. In the morning, Winderkins sent to say, 159 he had reason to suspect the fisherman had proved treacherous ; that we had better not quit the " Cat," being there in perfect secu- rity; and that a day or two of patience might save us years of misery. The soundness of this reasoning made us content in the loft, until the evening of the 9th, when he came, and exultingly congratulated us upon the pre- sent certainty of success. " In two days," said Mynheer, " you shall be with your fa- milies, for I have now found a fisherman who will undertake the job, provided his vessel be restored to him." Of this we gave him every assurance, and he left us. After so irksome a state of suspense, we were the more elated at the now flattering prospect of a speedy restoration to our native shore. On the 10th he returned, damping our hopes with information, that, in consequence of the appearance of several English vessels of war, all the fishing smacks were hauled above high water mark. Suspecting such repeated excuses originated either in fear, or incapacity to fulfil his engagement, it was determined to go again that night, so as to be on the beach at half flood. We, accord- ICO ingly, departed towards midnight, and ren- dezvoused at his house ; his daughters keep- ing watch at the doors, for it appeared all the family were in the secret. Leaving my friends there, I went with Winderkins to the beach, and found the vessels as he' had re- presented, except one, which was moored with five hawsers, about pistol-shot from the fort, just to the eastward of a jetee. I got on board to examine her sails, and to see that every thing necessary could be got ready in an instant. I found that the wind, being nearly on shore, we should be obliged to make aboard to the eastward, which, in a flat-bottomed craft, without sufficient ballast, the ropes and sails all covered with frozen snow, and a good deal of swell upon the beach, would have been of very doubtful issue : should, however, the wind shift only two points, there was a chance of success. With this information I returned to my com- rades, and we all went down to the beach, there watching the rise and fall of the tide ; when, the impracticability of getting the ves- sel to sea, as the wind then stood, being evi- dent, and seeing her again hard and fast, we 161 returned to the country from the fourth trip. The next day, bad weather prevented the fishermen from going to sea, and obliged them to haul the vessels beyond the reach of the surf. The hopes of getting away from Blankenberg being somewhat lessened, our attention was directed to other quarters. Winderkins was despatched to Ostend and Nieuport, to find what chance there was of succeeding in that neighbourhood, with in- structions to return in forty-eight hours. Three days, however, elapsed, without our hearing a word, and the continuance of bad weather rendered ni^ht excursions to Blankenberg useless. Repeated messengers were now sent, but no tidings of Mynheer. I therefore resolved upon going myself in disguise, for the double purpose of seeing if he were there, and of ascertaining the posi- tion of the schuyts. Equipped with Mon- sieur Derikre's great coat, large broad-brim- med hat, and canvas gaiters, and with scraps of paper directed to two of the inhabitants, under pretence of purchasing pigs, I set out at two in the afternoon, attended by old Co- chcr, the servant maid, who walked about 162 fifty paces in advance. On my arrival, Ma- dam Winderkins received me in the utmost confusion. I questioned her upon her hus- band's delay ; she told me she was appre- hensive some accident had befallen him, or he certainly would not have failed in his promise. In the midst of our conversation, he entered, having visited the coast as far as Calais, without discovering any prospect of success more promising than at Blankenberg. He assured me, that not a craft, nor a boat of any kind, was to be seen in a situation whence it could be carried off. After a ful- some train of compliments, upon the pa- tience and perseverance we had hitherto dis- played, he repeated his entire devotion to the cause, be the risk never so great, and promised, that during the detention of the fishing vessels, he would range the coast, and endeavour to find out other means of embarking. I then went with- him to the beach, and examined the precise situation of the schuyts. During an hour's promenade in this delight- ful, though perplexing, situation, an English brig hove in sight. I fear I might incur the 163 imputation of bordering on the romantic, were I to attempt to describe the varied and conflicting sensations by which I was agi- tated at again beholding the British flag; nor can I say, what risks I would not have hazarded in order to get afloat, had there been a boat at hand ; in which case, I, of course, should have returned in the night, to carry off my comrades. I left this scene with reluctance, and returned to the " Cat," pre- viously directing Winderkins to go the fol- lowing day towards Flushing. On the 16th, he returned without any sa- tisfactory information; but he was enabled to assure us, that it was utterly impossible to seize the Flushing packet-boat, as we had intended, every passenger being strictly exa- mined, and his passport proved, before he was suffered to embark; so that our hopes seemed limited to Blankenberg. He also assured us, that the number and vigilance of the patrole were such, that an attempt to range the coast would be attended with cer- tain capture. This intelligence, anything but cheering, made it difficult to decide upon the best mode of proceeding; but, being still 164 persuaded of the possibility of getting afloat from Blankenberg, it was determined to make another effort before we left that part of the coast. Madam Derikre informed us, that the cause of Winderkins' delay, when despatched to the westward, was — his going to Dunkirk, where he had a private conference with a banker, who expressed a favourable opinion of the bill we had given him, as he had before negotiated others with the same sig- nature ; but he advised Winderkins not to make use of it at present — observing, at the same time, that he was aware the gentleman had eloped. This information, no doubt, urged him to persevere in our behalf, and was also an additional stimulant to the avowed friendship of the Derikres. In the evening, Winderkins sent word that the vessels were all preparing for sea; but the next morning our expectations were again disappointed, by information that the govern- ment had laid an embargo on all the Blan- kenberg craft, until they furnished five seamen for the navy. The vessels were again hauled up above high water mark, and the fisher- men fled in all directions. We now thought 165 of making our way into Holland ; but the severity of the weather, the extreme difficulty of penetrating into that country, the want of means to travel, combined with the dissuasion of Madam Derikre and Winderkins, who re- peated their assurances of shelter and assist- ance, induced us to remain in our present situation. In the daily hope of a favourable change, we continued in the loft, but were occasion- ally in some danger ; for the house was sel- dom without gendarmes, custom-house offi- cers, or foot soldiers, looking out for the sea- men. The door of our loft was, however, kept shut, and the ladder, by which only it was accessible, placed over head, in the stable, out of sight. Day after day elapsed, without any relaxation in this decree. Feeling how precarious was our situa- tion, Hunter and I proposed to reconnoitre the woods, in order to find out the most secure asylum, in the event of being dis- turbed. About two P.M., the boy first look- ing out to see if the coast was clear, we sal- lied forth on the high road to Bruges, but had scarcely gone a mile, when two horse 166 gendarmes were observed coming towards us: being then near a gate, we struck off into a large ploughed field, surrounded with wood, and, when screened from the gendarmes by the hedge, took to our heels. It appeared, that, no sooner did they observe us turn off the road, than they galloped for the gate ; for they entered the field just as we were about to reach the wood. Luckily, there was a wide ditch, so overflowed, that part of the wood was inundated ; we instantly plunged in, swam over, escaped into the interior, and there lay concealed until dark, when we re- joined our friends in the loft. To our sur- prise we learnt from Madam Derikre, that she had heard of our adventure from the gen- darmes, who, halting to bait, told her, they were very nearly catching two of the Blan- kenberg sailors, " but the rogues swam like ducks." This narrow escape was a warning to be more cautious. I mention it, because it was the only act we committed, which had not an object in view worth the risk. We, consequently, now confined ourselves to the loft, receiving from, and sending messages to, Winderkins. 167 At this time, we occasionally amused our- selves by writing, in French, bulletins of our proceedings from the 16th of November; and it is upon these memoranda that this " Nar- rative" is principally grounded. On the 2d of January, information was brought that two of the vessels had been nearly floated by the last tide. Upon the receipt of this joyful news, it was resolved to pay them a visit that night; the wind being from the east- ward, and the weather fine, our hopes were most sanguine, amounting almost to a confi- dence of immediate departure. Accordingly, soon after eleven, we went down to the coast, and remained behind the sand-hills as before, until the tide rose within a few feet of one of the vessels, which was found embedded in the ice and snow ; we, however, jumped on board, and, in this situation, remained about twenty minutes, in the anxious hope that every succeeding wave would lift her bows; but, the tide ebbing, we were obliged to retire. The next night, we again pro- ceeded to "Mynheer's" house, who seemed to consider it the last time they should see us; "To-morrow," he observed, " we shall all 168 be chez nous." When the tide had risen within a few feet of its utmost height, Hun- ter and I got on board the same vessel as before, and made several preparations, that there might be no delay or confusion, when she floated. So soon as all was ready, we ran to the other two, with the joyful informa- tion. On our way thither, Hunter expressed some doubt, which proved nothing but an untimely difference of opinion. The exact state of the vessel I represented to Whitehurst and Mansell, who, always ready to run any risk, rather than suffer the slightest chance of success to escape, coincided with me in the propriety of making the attempt. Hun- ter, believing it useless, declined attending. Nevertheless, we three instantly repaired on board, let slip the stern-fasts, and began to heave upon the bow hawser. Each wave, as it rolled in, lifted the vessel, and, having hove a taut strain, she crept seaward about a foot every rise, falling upon the sand, with a shock almost sufficient to drive the mast through her bottom. We exerted every nerve, and had got her out about ten fathoms, when, to our mortification the tide receded 169 faster than we could heave a head ; soon after, she became immoveable. On jumping ashore, Hunter rejoined us, and, in justice I should add, was exceedingly distressed at his previous decision, as the result proved that his additional strength would have ena- bled us to get to sea. We were thus obliged to return to the " Cat." In the morning, Winderkins entreated us to remain quiet, as various rumours, relative to the moving of the vessel were in circula- tion ; some attributed it to the unusual height of the tides, whilst others confidently asserted that an attempt had been made to steal her. This dispute was productive of no other evil, than an order to haul the vessels higher up ; that, however, was sufficient to deprive us of all hope of getting away from Blankenberg until the embargo was taken off; we, there- fore, consulted upon other means, when Ma- dam Derikre agreed to go to Bruges, and advise with a friend of her's, named Moitier, with whom she had before been leagued, in unlawful practices respecting conscripts. To guard against treachery on his part, she was instructed in the following tale : — H 170 " A young Englishman, late a prisoner of war, is concealed at Flushing, and offers 50/, to any one who will land him in England, or cause him to be put on board an English vessel." In the event of succeeding, my plan was to get away, and return in the night to carry off my comrades; but they, unwilling that I should leave them, proposed that Man- sell should be the one to effect this, believing, that with his smooth face, he might pass, in disguise, for a girl. Moitier, at first delighted at this new source of acquiring wealth, rea- dily assented, but was afterwards intimidated by the apprehension of this Englishman being a spy of the French government, and, as he was at that time under its particular " sur- veillance," for other illegal deeds, declined interfering. A few days elapsed without hearing any thing further upon the subject, when Madam Derikre was again despatched to him ; she returned with the information that he would be at the " Cat"' in a day or two. In the mean time, Winderkins was reconnoitring east and west, ignorant of her having consulted Moitier. In fact, all par- ties were equally desirous of forwarding our 171 views, and, therefore, the more anxious to prevent our quitting this part of Flanders. On the 11th, we wrote a letter to the commander-in-chief, off Flushing, and oave it to Winderkins, who was desired to offer a bribe to any one who would put it on board an English ship ; but we had no reason to believe it reached its destination. On the 12th, we again sent Madam De- rikre to Moitier, who now consented to go immediately to Flushing, and make an agree- ment with a smuggler, promising information on the subject in a very few days. Our hopes being thus kept continually alive by new projects, without any definitive arrange- ment, it was again debated whether we should remain in the loft or march into Holland : the former was determined on until the result of Moitier's trip to Flushing should be known ; our present comparative security being preferable to a dangerous uncertainty, particularly as we were convinced that it was the interest, as well as the most anxious desire of all our friends, to effect our departure. On the 14th, we were overjoyed to learn, from Winderkins, that the embargo was taken H 2 172 off, and the vessels all preparing for sea. This joy, however, was not of long duration ; for, on going to Blankenberg the next even- ing, we found that not a vessel had been launched, and that the permission to go to sea, was but a " ruse de guerre," to entrap the seamen required for the navy. Winder- kins, alarmed at our presence, requested us immediately to retreat to the country, for the whole of the police were out, lying in ambush for the sailors. In order to insure our safety, and to give the signal to disperse, if neces- sary, he marched on before, through bye- paths, until we regained the " Cat." On the 16 th he sent word, that, the five seamen having been taken, the extra police was withdrawn. The night being very dark, we ventured down, and found that some of the vessels had been to sea, but were replaced in their former positions. The following night, knowing the tide would rise gradually higher, the jaunt was repeated. But the recent circumstance of one having dragged her anchors, as was supposed, induced them to obey the commandant's order. At this time we learnt, that Moitier was gone from 173 Flushing to Holland, determined to find a smuggler who would assist this young Eng- lishman, for he was still ignorant of our number. On the 25th, Winderkins, having been daily pressed for the fulfilment of his en- gagement, to find a fisherman to take us off, but which he had as often evaded under one frivolous pretext or other, was obliged to confess that all his endeavours had been hitherto unavailing, and that he at length despaired of success. It was now evident that we must depend upon our own exertions alone, to gain pos- session of a vessel, if we persevered in the attempt to embark at Blankenberg. He, however, undertook to continue on the look- out, whilst we seized a boat : this, indeed, was a very important service ; he was a ser- geant of the national guard, and frequently on duty at Blankenberg ; consequently, not only the less likely to be suspected, but able occasionally to give a turn to the conversa- tion at the fort, which might otherwise ex- cite increased vigilance. We, therefore, gave him for past services, and as a retain- 174 ing fee, a bill of 15/., instead of the 30/., which, with what he had already received, amounted to about 17/. He expressed his gratitude, and vowed to deserve it. A few days elapsed in this state of uncertainty, during which, we occasionally received mes- sages from both Bruges and Blankenberg, serving to keep us in continual expectation of the morrow bringing forth something de- cisive. On the 2d of February, having again journeyed to Blankenberg, we found the tide to approach within a very few feet of two of the vessels. The following night, the ex- cursion was repeated, when the same vessels were lying with their bows awash, but there was not sufficient water to float them. We were now completely puzzled how to act : could cash have been raised, we had resolved upon marching into Holland, for the thoughts of continuing any longer in a state of inac- tivity became insupportable. Money, how- ever, could not be procured : we were, there- fore, compelled to remain in the loft. Scarcely a day passed without something occurring to revive our hopes, until the 17th, 175 when Winderkins again appeared, and told- us the evening- tide would float one of the vessels ; we, therefore, at a proper hour, went to his house, and thence to the beach, most anxiously watching the roll of every wave ; but, as if fortune had doomed us to be the shuttlecock of her caprice, our hopes appeared excited only to put to proof our patience and perseverance ; the water re- ceded, without reaching a single vessel. Very bad weather setting in, attended with heavy falls of snow and hail, rendered night excursions to any distance almost impracti- cable. Madam Derikre proposed our being below at night, for the covering of the loft being nothing but open tiling, through which the wind blew from three sides, we were fre- quently benumbed with cold, particularly as we durst not move about to take exercise. This offer was readily accepted, one keeping watch at the door all night, regularly re- lieved, and occasionally assisted by our friend Fox. Being now more comfortably lodged, we forsook the loft entirely ; occupying in the day a place about eight feet by four, 176 with a door opening directly upon the wood. Many schemes were suggested, but none sufficiently tempting to induce us to shift our quarters, during the present inclement weather. One project was, that I should go in disguise to Moitier : and I consulted Madam Derikre, who insisted on apprising him of my intention, that he might not be absent. Moitier, however, declared he would have nothing to do with the affair if I attempted to approach his house ; pro- mising, at the same time, to give me a con- ference at the " Cat," in the course of the week. The week, however, expired without our seeing him ; but a message was brought to the effect that he had again been to Flush- ing, and that we should see him ere long. Amono- the various schemes that were suggested in our repeated and fruitless jaunts to Blankenberg, it was proposed to procure shovels, and in the first dark and rainy night to dig a channel in the sand up to one of the schuyts, so as to admit of the tide flowing high enough to float her. Ma- dam Derikre had agreed to furnish these tools, and to look out, whilst her son and 177 Winderkins assisted in the operation; but not being able to procure shovels, the expe- riment was never tried, nor indeed would it have been mentioned, except to prove, that our minds were never idle in the furtherance of our object. On the 1st of March, Winderkins came, and assured us, that every thing had been so long quiet at Blankenberg, that the fisher- men were gradually neglecting to haul the vessels up, and that he was certain the next spring tide would float several. Upon going the following night, we found them situated as he had described, though none were yet within reach of the water. On the 3d, we waited until the tide began to ebb ; it, how- ever, only broke against the bows of two or three : but as it had considerably gained, and would still increase the two next tides, we again encouraged a hope of the speedy termination of our troubles, and the final ac- complishment of our object. With heart elate, as in the moment of victory, on the night of the 4th of March, I made my thir- teenth and last trip to Blankenberg, and, leaving my comrades at " Mynheer's 1 ' house, h 3 178 went with him to the beach to reconnoitre ; when, finding several vessels nearly afloat, we returned to our party with the joyful information. Furnished with provisions, and a lantern, we took a friendly leave of Winderkins' family, proceeded silently to the water's edge, and jumped on board the easternmost vessel, in the pleasing confi- dence of having at length evaded the vigi- lance of the enemy, and of being on the eve of restoration to our native soil. The wind was fresh and squally from the W. N. W., with a good deal of swell ; the moon, al- though only three days after the full, was so obscured by dark clouds, that the night was very favourable for our purpose. The vessel was moored by five hawsers ; two ahead, and three astern : it was arranged, that Whitehurst and Mansell should throw over-board the latter, Hunter and I the former ; this was preferred to cutting them. We had been so long in Flanders, and re- ceived such protection from the natives, that all harsh feeling which might have existed towards an enemy was so mellowed into compassion for their sufferings under the 179 Corsican yoke, that we were unwilling to injure one of them, and therefore had deter- mined, if in our power, to send back the craft, which being a fishing " schuyt," might probably be the only support of an in- digent family. Whilst Whitehurst and Mansell were executing the duty allotted to them, Hunter and I got ready the foresail, and paid* overboard one of the hawsers. The tide now rolled in, the vessel floated, and we hove her out to within about four fathoms of her buoy. Whitehurst and I being ready to cut the other hawser, and hoist the sail, Hunter went to the helm, when he found the rudder was not shipped, but lying on the poop. We instantly ran aft, and got it over the stern, but the vessel pitched so heavily, that it was not possible to ship the lower pintle. We were now ap- prehensive of the total failure of the attempt ; for, to go to sea without a rudder would have been madness, and being nearly under the battery, we were in momentary expecta- tion of being fired into. Several minutes * Let run fathom after fathom. 180 were passed in this state of anxiety and dan- ger, still persevering in the attempt to ship the rudder, but at length, finding it impos- sible, without a guide below, and feeling that our only hope was dependant upon the suc- cess of this important effort, in the excite- ment of the moment I jumped overboard : at the same instant, the vessel springing a little ahead, and the sea washing me astern, it was not without the greatest exertion I could swim up to get hold of the stern-post. Hunter, seeing that I was dashed from her by every wave, threw me a rope ; this I made fast round my waist, and then, with some trouble, succeeded in shipping the rudder. The effort of swimming and getting on board again, although assisted by my comrades, so completely exhausted me, that I lay on my back for some time, incapable of moving a limb ; but at length rallying, I went forward to help hoist the foresail, whilst Hunter cut the hawser, and then ran to the helm. The sail was no sooner up than the vessel sprang off, as if participating in our impatience, and glorying in our deli- verance ; such, however, is the uncertainty 181 and vanity of all human projects, that at the very moment when we believed ourselves in the arms of liberty, and our feelings were worked up to the highest pitch of exultation, a violent shock suddenly arrested our pro- gress. We flew aft, and found that a few fathoms of the starboard quarter hawser hav- ing been accidentally left on board, as it ran out, a kink was formed near the end, which, o-ettins; jambed between the head of the rud- der and the stern-post, had brought the vessel up all standing ; the knife was instantly ap- plied, but the hawser was so excessively taut and hard, that it was scarcely through one strand ere the increasing squall had swung her round off upon the beach. At this cri- tical juncture, as a forlorn hope, we jumped out to seize another vessel, which was still afloat ; when Winderkins, seeing a body of men running upon the top of the sand hills, in order to surround us, gave the alarm : we immediately made a resolute rush directly across, leaving our knapsacks, and every thing but the clothes on our backs, in the vessel ; the summit was gained just in time to slip over on the other side unseen. We 182 ran along the hills towards the village for about a hundred yards, when, mistaking a broad ditch for a road, I fell in, but scram- bled out on the opposite side. Mansell, who was close at my heels, thinking that I had jumped in on purpose, followed ; this obliged the others to jump also. Thus was the pur- suit of the enemy unexpectedly cut off, and a safe retreat to the " Cat" providentially secured. We regained our head-quarters in about three-quarters of an hour, and re- lated this heart-rending disaster to Madam Derikre. Fearful that some of the many articles left in the vessel would give a clue to our late abode, and be the means of caus- ing a strict search, she was desired to destroy every thing that could lead to discovery, or suspicion ; then taking all the bread in the house, and leaving Mansell there, the rest immediately set out for Windmill Wood, on the other side of Bruges, where we arrived a little before day -light. It had been previously agreed, that Mansell should go in disguise, as a girl, to Moitier, and detail the whole truth, for he was still ignorant of there being four of us. Mansell 183 was to procure a pair of shoes for each, some provisions, as much cash as he could raise, and, in his girl's dress, bring these articles out to us. Should he succeed in this, our intention was to quit Flanders, and walk through France and Germany, to Trieste, in the gulf of Venice; for, having previously learnt that the entire coast of Holland was guarded with as great strictness as that of Flanders, we had abandoned the idea of penetrating into that country. Although, before this catastrophe, it had not been arranged that Mansell should be introduced to Moitier, for the purpose of getting away, and returning in the night to take off the others, yet, knowing from his youth, that he was incapable of undertaking the journey at present meditated, we were now unanimous that he should profit by this chance. Not having had time to dry our clothes at the " Cat," we were in a most deplorable state, shivering with cold, and wet to the skin ; the extremities of our garments solid boards of ice, and not a shoe amongst us worthy the name. In this wood we remained three 184 days, each succeeding hour seeming to re- double the sufferings of the last; for, besides bodily exposure, the knowledge that we must fly the coast, and traverse the continent at this inclement season, without a certainty of adequate means, excited the keenest anxiety. As Mansell did not appear with the pro- mised supplies, we concluded he had either forgotten the situation, or was taken prisoner; and, being apprehensive that Moitier had proved treacherous, I reproached myself for having consented to expose him to this danger. The stock of provisions was now almost expended, and, being incapable of marching any distance for want of shoes, it was resolved to return to the vicinity of the " Cat," in the hope of learning the fate of Mansell, and of being there supplied with necessaries for our projected journey. We set out at eleven o'clock, and, reaching a neighbouring wood, about one A.M., halted to listen ; being ap- prehensive that if any article had been found in the vessel to create suspicion of the " Cat," that gendarmes would be lying in ambush ready to butcher us. It was arranged, that 185 Whitehurst and Hunter should remain under the hedge of the orchard, whilst I approached the house; and, in the event of my meeting with such numbers, as to render their assist- ance unavailing, I was to give the alarm, and they were to fly, regardless of me. With firm, yet cautious step, I advanced, crept through a gap in the hedge, and entered the orchard, looking around, and listening like the timid deer, for the approach of the savage hound, whose thirst nothing but blood can satiate : starting, as by electricity, at a cold touch on my hand, I involuntarily threw myself into an attitude of defence, but seeing nothing, and judging that coward fancy had created this alarm, I again advanced, when I perceived by my side the dog Fox, whose cold mark of recognition in the dark, had been the cause of it, and who, trotting before me to the house, every now and then returned, as if to invite, and assure me that no enemy was near. Having reached the window, I gently tapped; Madam Derikre opened it, begged me not to come in, and sent the dog to look out. My first and most anxious inquiry was, of the doubtful fate of Mansell ; she said, 186 that she had escorted him to Moitier's dis- guised as a girl, had left him there, and had not seen him since. She then related, that, soon after her return, the house was sur- rounded and minutely searched by thirty-six gendarmes and police officers, without their finding any thing to corroborate their sus- picions. During our residence in the loft, we had procured five sticks, and put spike nails, with a sharp edge and point into the ends, to use as weapons of defence ; four of these were taken in the vessel, the fifth we had given to young Derikre, who incautiously left it by the fireside ; fortunately it was not noticed, or it would have been sufficient proof to im- plicate the whole family. She likewise re- lated, that the lantern, having been known to belong to Winderkins, his house was also searched, and both of them were taken before the police. He confessed that the lantern was his property, but swore he had lent it to Madam Derikre; this she acknowledged, stating, that she had put it out of the door in lieu of her lamp, sent to be repaired, and that some one had stolen it. The baker, who was 187 also taken before the mayor, proved that the consumption of bread at the " Cat," had been more than doubled, for several weeks ; this, however, was evaded by a declaration of an unusual increase of custom, to which she could safely swear, without risk or perjury. This explanation did not entirely clear her of suspicion, the house was again surrounded, and searched on the second night, but with no better success. Being, therefore, in apprehension of sur- prise, she requested me not to come too near, and agreed to go to Moitier, in order to borrow some money for us, and procure shoes. I described to her the spot near which we intended to conceal ourselves ; and then, provided with some bread, gin, and cold potatoes, returned to my comrades. We now retreated to a thick wood, about three miles to the westward, and remained there without hearing from the Derikres until noon of the 10th, when a rustling amongst the bushes, set us all upon the "qui vive." I crept forward, and, having listened attentively for a few moments, to my great joy perceived it was occasioned by our faith- 188 ful friend, Fox, who having hunted us out in our new abode, now fawned upon us, appa- rently as much elated at the meeting as our- selves. On going with him in the direction whence he came, I found his young master bringing cheese and eggs. We had been so long together, that this youngster became really attached to us, and, on the recital of our hardships and sufferings, he was so struck with the view of our camp, which was fortified with twigs made into basket work, that the kind-hearted boy burst into a flood of tears. We learnt from him, that his mo- ther had been to Bruges, but that not finding Moitier at home, she was afraid to say a word to his wife. She had, however, seen Man- sell, who was concealed in the house, he told her that he had not been able to procure money, and that he had gone out to Wind- mill Woody but that his search for us had been ineffectual. This afterwards proved in- correct, for not being able to obtain sup- plies, he never made the attempt. She also learnt that Moitier was gone into Holland, and was expected back in the course of the week. All this the boy related with as much 189 feeling as if he thought our situation the most deplorable and wretched that human nature could endure. He promised to bring us bread and eggs, so long as we remained in the neighbourhood, but thought it much better to be in prison than to perish with cold in the woods. In order to recompense him for his trou- ble, and to insure his future assistance, I made him a present of my watch, the only- valuable I possessed. Two days more were passed in this basket fort, when we were alarmed by the approach of an old peasant ; well knowing that the Fleminos entertained the utmost horror of the conscription, we passed ourselves off for con- scripts. The old man seemed to sympathize in our distresses, and promised to bring us a loaf of bread; but, as it would have been imprudent to have suffered him to depart, and to have waited his return, he was kept in conversation until nearly dark, and when he left us, we broke up the camp and fled. Scarcely had we gone a mile, following each other at some little distance, when Fox and his master were discovered: he advised us 190 to go to a thick wood about two miles east of the house, and gave information of Moi- tier's return. Soon after our taking up this position, the weather set in intensely cold, and, literally clad in armour of ice, we lay listening to the whistling wind, and shivering with exposure to the chilling blast, which not only defied repose, but threatened the most calamitous effects ; indeed, the limbs were sometimes so benumbed, that it became absolutely indis- pensable to shake and twist ourselves about, to promote the necessary circulation of the blood. Nor did there appear any prospect of the termination of this misery, but in death; for as the black and ponderous clouds passed swiftly over us, the wind increased, the hail beat furiously down, the trees trem- bled, and buckled to the squalls, until the raging violence of the storm seemed to threaten the uprooting of the very wood we occupied. In this exposed situation,* with variable, though piercing cold weather, we remained until the 15th, when the boy, with the help of Fox, again traced us out, and said, his 191 mother had seen and detailed to Moitier our exact situation. He pretended surprise, de- clared that Mansell had never given him reason to suppose that he had companions, and, lamenting at the same time his inability to be of service at present, promised assist- ance in a day or two. This affectation of surprise, and assertion of Mansell's silence, we suspected to be an excuse only to detain us in the neighbourhood, by keeping alive our hopes of aid, until he saw what profit he was likely to make of Mansell; little caring what severe reflections he was thereby cast- ing upon the lad's character. Whatever may have been the fact, we could obtain neither shoes nor supplies of any kind to enable us to depart, although kept in daily expectation of them. Whitehurst now suffered so severely from illness, that doubts arose as to the possibility of his continuing much longer in this state of exposure, and had not his complaint taken a favourable turn, patience and fortitude must soon have yielded to the sinking energies of nature. In addition to our anxiety for the sufferings of our companion, a degree of 192 gloomy restlessness pervaded every thought, auguring nothing but evil ; but whether these feelings proceeded from pain and despon- dency, from experience of the past, or bore any affinity to that instinctive foresight which teaches the tenants of the forest to prepare for tempestuous weather, I will not deter- mine. With this presentiment, however, we prevailed on the boy to bring a horse-cloth, and as neither of us had a second coat, it proved one of the greatest comforts I had ever experienced. Indeed, it so renovated our strength that we were more firmly bent than ever upon marching into Germany ; but the increasing severity of the season confined our attention to present preservation, rather than heedlessly running into greater dangers. The dark and cheerless clouds, upon which our eyes were continually fixed, soon discharged flakes of snow in such profusion, as to threaten our being cut off from the "Cat;" but in order to prevent the too fre- quent passing and repassing, by which we might be retraced in the snow, Madam De- rikre very considerately sent us a stock of bread, gin, and a little meat, which were m I •a 193 economized to the best advantage. At the commencement of the fall of snow, we moved about the wood, and finding a hollow, from which a tree had been du£, we laid a quantity of twigs in it, so as to make a dry bed ; the horse cloth was then spread loosely over, propped up by a stick in the centre, fastened down with pegs, and dead leaves strewed round the edge, thus forming a kind of tent ; one corner was left open for the free admission of air, and for our own entrance and exit. Here we lay in such comfort, that the sensation experienced can only be imagined by comparing it to turning into a warm bed after being nearly frozen to death. The snow falling all night, in the morning our nest was covered nearly a foot deep, and scarcely rose sufficiently above the surrounding white surface, to indi- cate the place of our concealment. It being almost impossible to travel in such weather, we determined patiently to wait its breaking up; unless, indeed, Moitier, in the mean time, should furnish us with sufficient sup- plies to justify a fresh movement. Very little change occurred until the 19th, when i 194 we again despatched a messenger to Bruges, with a note to Mansell ; but, as we received no answer, it was, doubtless, intercepted ; it being Moitier's policy to prevent communi- cation between us. A sudden thaw almost inundated the wood, and it was with much difficulty that the boy could get to our retreat with provisions. On the morning of the 21st, he came, almost out of breath, with information, that a party of men were again about to surround the house, and, it was supposed, to search the adjoining woods. Upon this, we instantly broke up our camp, threw our bed of twigs in all directions, and ran through the woods a mile due east. A ditch, about eighteen feet wide, now presented itself before us ; luckily, at a little distance, was a piece of timber lying across, upon which we passed without a moment's delay, and being too well versed in military tactics to leave the bridge for the enemy, it was drawn over, and thrown into a hedge. Our hasty retreat was continued about three miles, when reaching an almost impenetrable thicket, we crept in and hid ourselves. In this thicket we lay some 195 time, expecting every moment the approach of the pursuers ; but, as we occupied a very favourable position for retreat, the surround- ing woods being intersected with wide ditches, one of which was immediately in our rear, we were in no very great apprehen- sion for the issue. In the midst of our con- sultation, a distant noise was indistinctly heard, which seemed gradually to approach, until the actual motion of the bushes put an end to all doubt. We instantly jumped up, ready to fly, when a dog was discovered drawing near, and not far behind, some per- son penetrating through the thick wood ; but, ere we had time to decide, our faithful friend Fox burst to view, fawning and curling himself in silent congratulation, as if sensi- ble of a narrow escape : almost at the same moment came his affectionate master, who brought information, that a body of gen- darmes only halted at his mother's, on their way to Blankenberg, but fancying they were come to make another search, he immediately ran off to give us timely notice. The keen lad, guided by the sagacious Fox, had followed our footsteps, until he came to the broad i 2 196 ditch, when finding the bridge gone, and suspecting we had pulled it over, he had run round a considerable distance ; having so done, he returned to the opposite bank, and continued hunting us up. We immediately retraced our steps, replaced the bridge, and marched back to our "trou," which was ren- dered as comfortable as before. This little trip, we fancied, did us good, from the exer- cise it afforded. A heavy fall of rain during two days, pre- vented the boy from getting to us ; and, ap- prehensions were now entertained, that, from the overflowing of the ditches, and the almost inundated state of the woods, we should be compelled, by hunger, to expose ourselves in the day; although, in preference, we had resolved to endure the utmost extremity of privation. Indeed, we already felt the want of food ; our fare was seldom more than bread, sometimes potatoes, and occasionally eggs, though a few days previously we had had a little meat, the bones of which were thrown away ; but such was my state of hunger, that for these I now searched, and felt delight in finding one, which I ground 197 down with a canine voracity, reproaching myself for my previous extravagance. At length, hunger and wet forced us to quit the camp, and, about ten at night, approaching the " Cat," two of us went in, dried our clothes, and got something to eat, whilst the third, with Fox, kept watch at the door, The sagacity of this dog was really wonder- ful, Madam Derikre assured us, that latterly, this faithful animal, as if he knew our ene- mies, growled at every gendarme he saw, although he had been in the habit of seeing, and being caressed by them almost every day of his life. She again said, that Moitier had promised to assist us the moment Manse! i was gone. Our hopes being somewhat en- livened by these repeated assurances, it was determined to wait a few days longer, could we survive the cold, to see the result of Man- sell's departure. We now ventured to pay nightly visits to the " Cat," in order to procure provisions, taking each time a different direction, to avoid making a path. One night, White- hurst, exhausted with illness and fatigue, while crossing a ditch, fell in, and swinging, 198 with his face upwards, under an old tree that overhung the water, it was with some difficulty we could extricate him. After this accident, we always left him in the nest ; but Hunter and I continued our nightly excursions to the " Cat," and found its in- mates at each succeeding visit, more and more determined to persevere in render- ing us assistance ; indeed, so much had we grown upon their esteem, and so intense was the interest excited by our extreme suffer- ings, that, on one occasion, poor old Cocher, the servant, offered to pawn even her gold cross and heart, and all she possessed, to Moitier, if he would but befriend the poor " Englishers." About this time, Madam Derikre's visits to Moitier were so frequent, that he, at length, forbade them. She, however, learnt that Mansell had embarked for England, with a smuggler, in an open boat, fifteen feet in length. This was a great point, and our hopes were once more turned towards the coast, in the full expectation that he would return in the night, with a boat to take us off: or in some manner send us assistance, 199 but day after day passed without intelli- gence. Moitier not having fulfilled his promise of sending us supplies, so soon as Mansell was gone ; and, indeed, seeming to have for- bidden any further communication between us, by refusing to admit Madam Derikre ; I determined — in spite of his previous threat, that he would have nothing to do with the affair if I attempted to approach his house — to go to Bruges, and see him myself; nor was this a hasty, though then an unconcerted resolution ; for, notwithstanding we had been nearly a month in this dreary wilderness, ex- posed to the severest weather, and the keenest distresses, with clothes worn to threads; — notwithstanding my comrades had hitherto evinced no impatience at the doubtful result of our protracted sufferings, which they would have seen multiplied to the utmost extremity of human endurance, rather than have been taken; and, notwithstanding my confidence in their perseverance ; yet so strong was their repugnance to separation, and my belief of their disapproval of the attempt, that I judged it more prudent to take this step, without 200 consulting them, than to enter into a discus- sion which might create an unpleasant dif- ference of opinion ; and, as it could not involve them in danger, the odium, and con- sequent punishment attendant on failure, would fall solely on myself. With this view of the measure, on the night of the 3 1st of March, so soon as Hunter relieved me in watch, at the door, and we were ready to return to the woods, I communicated to liim my plans ; adding, that if they neither saw, nor heard from me the next day, they might rest assured, I had fallen into the hands of the enemy, and might then act for themselves. He in vain endeavoured to shake my deter- mination, but, after the maturest deliberation, as I was convinced of the practicability of the project, and had taken my resolution, we shook hands, and parted. After making the necessary arrangements with Madam Derikre, I lay down in the stable with my friend Fox at the door, who seemed to watch with increased vigilance, as if aware of the importance of his trust. My bed, in this solitary cell, was certainly not one of roses, for, independently of the anxiety 201 arising from the fear of surprise, I at first felt something like compunction, at not having previously consulted my companions; nor was I without apprehension, that they might suspect I intended to desert them; and, should any thing occur to cause the capture of either party during our separation, the report of such a disgraceful act might be circulated, without my ever being able to prove its fallacy: but the evident necessity for some decided step, and the conscious rectitude of my intention, presently dissi- pated such thoughts, and created a cheering presentiment that my plans would lead to a favourable result. Satisfied, therefore, that I was acting for the best, I lay meditating a variety of schemes, as to the best mode of performing the task, till about four o'clock, scarcely able to close my eyes : at that hour, I gently tapped at Madam Derikre's window ; she immediately equipped me in the same dress I had worn to Blankenberg on the 15th of December, and furnished me with a carpenter's rule, line, chalk, &c. After taking some refreshment, we set out " tete-a- tete," for Bruges. At dawn of day, we sepa- i 3 202 rated, keeping about a hundred yards apart, and entered the town, just as the labourers were going to work. In passing the guard at the gates, I was chalking and rubbing out figures upon the rule, as if my mind was wholly occupied in my business. Although I did not turn my head, I could, nevertheless, observe, from under my broad brim, two gendarmes eyeing me from head to foot ; I, however, trudged on, uninterrupted, and followed the guide from street to street, until we entered that in which Moitier lived. Fortunately not a creature was to be seen ; on passing his door, she made a momentary pause, placing her hand on her hip, as a signal to me, and then went on, without looking behind her. I knocked, and asked for " Mon- sieur," but he was not at home. Upon in- quiring for " Madam," she appeared; I told her that my business was of such importance, as absolutely to require my seeing " Monsieur son epoux ;" and, if she would permit it, I wished to wait his return. She politely shewed me into an apartment, but seeing it to be a public waiting-room, and being desir- ous of privacy, I made one or two observa- 203 tions remotely bearing upon the purport of my visit ; when, finding she entertained no suspicion of who I was, I ventured to con- gratulate her upon the success her husband had met with respecting Mansell. " Man- selle," she emphatically exclaimed, starting with surprise, and fixing her large black eyes upon me. On my bowing most respectfully, and repeating — " Oui, Manselle, Madame; I learn that by your husbands kindness, he is restored to the bosom of his family ;" she, evidently much agitated, asked if my name was " Boi^e ;" on my replying, " Yes, Ma- dam, I am that unfortunate wanderer," she seized me by the hand, and immediately con- ducted me to the attics. I happily succeeded in interesting her in my behalf, by so detail- ing my sufferings and disappointments, that she remained for some time immersed in tears, every now and then exclaiming, with genuine sensibility, " Pauvre enfant; pauvre malheureux." Finding now, that I had gained another friend, whose influence with her husband was of some importance, I en- deavoured to confirm her in the interest she felt for me, by holding forth the pecuniary 204 advantages to be reaped from assisting us, and compared them with the attendant risk. After some inquiries about Mansell, she left me to my reflections ; and, although, from Moitier's having so frequently broken his word with Madam Derikre respecting us, I was not without apprehension, yet I was nevertheless determined, that something de- cisive should be the result of my trip. At the expiration of half an hour, Moitier intro- duced himself, and commenced the conversa- tion with relating difficulties innumerable. He represented the chance of detection in favouring the escape of prisoners, greater with him than any other person, as he was under the 'particular " surveillance'' of the police ; so much so, that his very footsteps were watched; and, that my presence in his house, if discovered, would be the cause of the confiscation of all his property; for which it was impossible I could make any adequate compensation. Suspecting that these diffi- culties were only started to enhance the value of his intended services, and to draw from me an offer, I came immediately to the point, and proposed his putting us into some place 205 of temporary security, under cover, until he could cause us to be landed in England; for which I offered him one hundred and fifty pounds, in bills, payable on demand. He replied, that he had been put to considerable expense on account of Mansell, had not yet received a stiver, and had trusted solely to his honour; that if he now undertook this affair, and it failed, he should be ruined ; however willing, therefore, he might be to serve us, he was necessarily obliged to de- cline having any thing to do with it. He questioned me about Mansell ; when I en- deavoured to convince him of the respecta- bility of his connexions, and that his bills would be honoured, he appeared to waver ; by this, I concluded, he had no objection to the undertaking, provided he was certain of payment; but, as I had no means of giving security, I endeavoured to excite his confi- dence, and proposed various plans ; none of which seeming to please him, I requested he would leave me to myself for a few minutes, and I would, in the interim, turn over in my mind, other schemes ; he consented, and left me. My object for requesting this suspension 206 of the negotiation, was, to send him to his wife, whom, I had been informed by Madam Derikre, he always consulted upon any im- portant matter, and as she had appeared disposed to be friendly towards me, it was a " ruse" I thought worth the experiment. In about half an hour, Madam Moitier brought me up some coffee, gave me no hopes of her husband's assistance, but told me kindly, that I should remain there till the evening. I thanked her, and again endea- voured to work upon her feelings, by dwell- ing upon our sufferings, and impressively re- presenting the extreme distress to which we were reduced, by her husband's refusal to assist us. She excused him, by pleading his poverty, and the risk of ruin ; this I treated as very improbable, and enlarged with em- phasis, on the paramount duty of an affec- tionate mother, to encourage her husband to lay up in store for his children, and that to decline so favourable an opportunity as the present, was to do them an injury. To every thing I said, she listened with apparent inte- rest, and, promising to do all she could for me, retired. 207 Soon afterwards, Moitier came up, with " bien fache, vraiment chagrine, meme au desespoir." Until this moment I never doubted his intention to further our views, and had flattered myself, that, although he might not choose to take an open and active part, still he would prove the moving power, and that reaching his house in safety, would pave the way to final success ; nevertheless, I persevered, as if I doubted not, and attri- buted our detention in this neighbourhood to the hopes his promises had created. He assigned very cogent reasons for declining his aid, though he frankly admitted the prof- fered remuneration to be most liberal ; but the dread of banishment from the district, as cutting off his professional resources, he being " Notaire publique," seemed to out- weigh the temptation. He, however, listened with intense interest to the recital of our ad- ventures ; when I seized the opportunity of appealing to his common sense, whether it was probable that officers, who had acted as we had done throughout, could be so base, so inconsistent, as finally to tarnish British integrity, by refusing to fulfil the very en- 208 gagement which had probably saved our lives and restored us to our country. Never- theless, if it were more satisfactory to him, I added, I was willing that he should keep me as an hostage, and convey the other two to England ; and when the money was paid, should procure me the means of following them. To this he objected, from the danger of concealing me in his house. I then pro- posed his placing me somewhere in the country, but he shrugged up his shoulders in reply, and paused in seeming doubt. 1 asked if he would have any objection to go to Verdun with bills which I would give him ; he might there inquire who we were, get some of them cashed, and be insured pay- ment for the remainder. At this, his coun- tenance appeared to brighten, he consented to reconsider the matter, and retired. About two hours had elapsed in this state of harassing uncertainty, when he came up again, and declared it was utterly impossible he could secrete three, but would not object to take me into his house, provided I had no intercourse with the others. At this pro- posal, a sudden glow of indignation flushed 209 through my veins, which, for the moment, sealed my lips, and excited an inclination to turn my back upon him, and stalk out of the house ; but, on reflection, I suspected it a mere " finesse," to see if I was infamous enough to forsake my companions, and, there- fore, with some warmth declared, that, how- ever disastrous our continuing together might prove, it was my unalterable determination to share their fate, — with them to be restored to our country, or with them to be enchained in the dungeons of the enemy. At length, despairing of bringing him to any decision, I requested the loan of a few louis, to enable us to purchase shoes and other necessaries for a long journey, as we intended to march through France and Germany to Trieste, and get home by the Mediterranean. For a mo ment he gazed with astonishment, and then exclaimed — " Mon Dieu ! quelle perseve- rance." After some further conversation, he desired me not hastily to depart, but to return to the woods, and there wait a few days ; he would then be able to say positively whether he could assist us or not ; at any rate, he would then lend us some money. As for 210 that, I replied, with an air of indifference, he was as well able to lend us money now, as he would be a week hence, and that, if he refused, I should, in the evening, join my comrades, and immediately proceed on our journey. I saw that this kind of " hauteur" now became necessary ; for it was evident his object was to gain time, in order to ascertain the validity of Mansell's bills, and, satisfied on that head, he did not in- tend letting so good a speculation escape. I therefore requested, in a tone of firmness, a decided answer; this he declined, and left me. Many reasons may be assigned for this man's conduct; but, it is probable, the pre- vailing one was, that he thought to make a greater profit by thus embarking us in detail. It was, however, sufficient to exonerate Man- sell, in my mind, from any suspicion which might have existed, of his not having done all that he could for us ; for every charitable allowance should be made for so inexperi- enced a youth being completely in the power of so experienced a rogue. About two o'clock, Moitier returned, in- 211 troducing Auguste Crens Neirinks. After some little preamble, it was agreed, that this Flemish " Chevalier d' industrie" should find us a place of concealment. Moitier was to go to Verdun, with my bills, to my friend Wills,* who, I knew, would risk his all to serve me ; and, on his return, to hire, or pur- chase a boat for us. The success of my trip being thus complete, the next step was to communicate it to Whitehurst and Hunter, and get them into the town in safety. Madam Derikre, whose anxiety to learn the result of the interview had detained her in a neighbouring public-house, was now despatched with these auspicious tidings. On her arrival at the " Cat," she sent her son into the woods, to escort its forlorn inmates through bye-paths and thickets so as to reach Bruges, just before the shutting of the gates, when mingling with the throng passing and repassing, they entered the town unobserved, and were conducted by her to the attics of a small uninhabited house, in a back street ; here I rejoined them after dark. • Now Captain T. G. Wills, R. N. 212 The pleasure derived from success in any laudable undertaking, generally increases with reflection ; and, in due proportion to the importance of the event. On this occasion, my delight was great indeed ; and, if any thing could heighten the enjoyment, it was the gratitude which my comrades expressed for bringing them to this place of security, and for the promising prospects that once more opened upon us, after a long career of anxiety and suffering. In order to prevent any suspicion which might arise from intercourse with a house supposed to be uninhabited, a poor friend of the owner, was put in to occupy the front rooms. The furniture of our apartment, con- sisted of a table, four chairs, and a stump bedstead, filled with clean dry straw ; this, compared to the sticks in the dirty wet " trou," was a luxury only to be appreciated by those who have experienced similar vicis- situdes. During the absence of Moitier, Neirinks and his brother frequently visited us, and sent provisions by our fellow lodger. It was not until the 10th of April, that we were cer- 213 tain of Moitier's departure for Verdun. At this time, Neirinks introduced me to his fa- mily, consisting of an elderly mother, and her daughters, Mary and Pauline, with whom I frequently passed the evening, exciting the commiseration of these kind-hearted girls, by the relation of my adventures. Moitier being now gone with despatches to Wills, and not likely to return for ten days, it occurred to me, that I might make an effort in the interval, to release Moyses, who, it will be recollected, was at Givet. Although, at first sight, the idea may appear a mere flight of the imagination, it led to such de- lightful reflections, and so much in harmony with my feelings towards him, that I indulged in them almost without intermission the whole day, and when Neirinks came in the evening, I mentioned it to him ; but, finding he did not enter into the spirit of the enter- prise, with a zeal promising success, I thought of going alone, and consulted Whitehurst 214 and Hunter, in order the better to digest my plans; but they were averse to it, from friendship to me, and from the consideration of the numerous obstacles I should have to overcome. There was, no doubt, truth and prudence in their observations; nevertheless, I resolved not to give it up. Accordingly, I again mentioned it to Neirinks, who, doubt- ing how to act, yet desirous of gaining our confidence, now consented to assist me with the loan of his pocket book, together with certificates and passport ; provided, that, in the event of my being taken, I would declare I had found them in a certain road. This, however, was not all that was necessary, for money and clothes were wanting; at length, so many difficulties arose, that I feared suc- cess was impossible, still, as the plan I had laid down, though fraught with danger, af- forded a chance, 1 felt that my friend was entitled to it; knowing, that if he were simi- larly situated, he would not hesitate a moment in risking his liberty, and even his life, to rescue me. Indeed, so much was my mind occupied by these thoughts, and so much were my spirits exhilarated by this pleasing 215 hope, that I worked myself into a belief, that an opportunity of proving my friendship now- presented itself, in order to put its sincerity to the test. With this conviction, all hesita- tion vanished, and spurning impediments, I determined on the attempt, " coute qui coute." At length, Neirinks, seeing I was not to be diverted from the project, resolved to dis- play a degree of " bravoure" on his " debut" in this new speculation, and boldly consented to accompany me; as well as to furnish a little cash, clothes, &c. My plan was to proceed to Brussels, there to procure a ca- briolet, and go on to Givet ; leave them in the suburbs, and walk to the house of my old friend Lawmont, a surgeon in the navy, with my face bound up, under pretence of con- sulting him for the tooth-ache; then smuggle a note into the prison to Moyses, desiring him to obtain leave to get into town, under pretence of marketing ; and being escorted by an armed gendarme, he, of course, would not be on parole. Moyses was to en- deavour to intoxicate, or in any way evade the guard, for which purpose he was to se- 216 lect one not averse to the juice of the grape. It may be necessary to explain, that it was a common custom in all the depots of punish- ment, when any one of the rank of midship- man wished to go into town, to purchase provisions, or for other purposes, for him to be always accompanied by a gendarme, who expected his fee, the amount of which generally influenced him in the length of time he remained. Although this was sup- posed to be done in secret, it was always connived at by the commandant, who, proba- bly, had his portion of it. Succeeding thus far, Moyses was to get out of the town the best way he could, and join us in the suburbs; when we should immediately drive off for Brussels. At this place, a false passport was to be ready for him, to proceed and join the inhabitants of the garret. In the event of being pursued, we were to desert the ca- briolet, fly to the woods, and travel to Bruges by night : or, if it should appear that Moyses could suggest any plan more practicable, I was ready to adopt it. Neirinks having entrusted the secret of our intended enterprise to his sister Mary, a 217 lass about eighteen, she sounded me on the subject, offering to go with us as far as Brussels, and there wait our return. I need not describe the astonishment this proposal excited, but it was not for me to question its propriety. I was, however, resolved her mother's consent should be first obtained, and I saw her for that purpose in the even- ing; it was then arranged, that we should travel as brother and sister, and Neirinks as a wine-merchant. He gave me his pocket- book, and I studied his signature, which I could soon execute " a, merveille ;" for, it may be proper to state, that in the examina- tion of a traveller, when any doubt as to identity arises, he is ordered to sign his name, and it is compared with the one in the passport; if they correspond, the gen- darmes seldom say more than " cela suffit," and he proceeds. On the evening of the 14th of April, Nei- rinks, the young lady, and myself, in high spirits, took leave of our friends, and em- barked in the night passage boat, by the canal, to Ghent ; where we arrived the next morning, about nine, without meeting with K 218 any unpleasant occurrence. I took but little notice of my sister, there being several pas- sengers in the boat who knew her. After our baggage was inspected, we took up our quarters in a tavern, in one of the squares, and sent our passports to the " municipality," to be examined, and countersigned. Neirinks having received orders from Moi- tier, to go to Antwerp and Flushing, to see if Peter the smuggler had returned from tak- DO ing Mansell to England, I directed him to make himself acquainted with the state and number of the vessels of war, in those parts ; also, with all the military strength in the neighbourhood ; and he proved himself most discreet and indefatigable in obtaining this information. After Neirinks' departure, Mademoiselle and I amused ourselves by walking about the town, and visiting the fair. In this sin- gular situation, I passed one of my pleasant - est days during my stay on the continent. To be accompanied and protected by an amiable and innocent little girl, rendered doubly engaging by the deep interest she manifested in my fate ; to be thus escorted 219 through a hostile town, where, if known, I should have been chained by the neck, and cast into its darkest dungeon ; to be ac- costed with the appellation of " frere," im- perceptibly growing into " mon cher frere ;" (" Honi soit qui mal y pense")— was, indeed, an interesting novelty — a change of circum- stances, which could not fail to excite the most lively feelings of gratitude and esteem, and which I shall ever think and speak of with the most pleasing recollections. I felt myself bound to be particularly circumspect in my deportment. It was necessary to main- tain a certain degree of easy vivacity, with- out being too forward ; for this might have been considered as taking advantage of the confidence reposed in me ; whilst being re- served would have appeared cold and insen- sible to the value of her protection. In one of our promenades, during the two days we were at Ghent, we met about twenty prisoners, chained to each other by the neck, and escorted by four horse gen- darmes; instead of turning down a cross street to avoid them, we walked boldly past, to the great amusement of my sister — of k 2 220 whose firmness of mind I cannot speak too highly. Neirinks rejoined us on the third day with some important information, and assured us, that the vigilant manner in which the pa- troles performed their duty, communicating hourly, along the whole line of the coast, would render our embarkation extremely ha- zardous ; this, however, was only a reason to be the more prudent. On the 17th of April, we proceeded by the " diligence" to Brussels, where the same routine of sending our passports to the po- lice-office was necessary to insure our safety. We escorted the lady to her aunt's, and re- tired to a public-house, where our conversa- tion was generally upon the subject of wine, for fear of being overheard, knowing that such places swarmed with spies. I went to the park, hoping to meet with an old Ver- dun acquaintance, named Hinds, residing here, through whom I expected to recruit my finances, and in whose friendship and secresy confidence might be placed ; but without finding him. Neirinks and I then visited his aunt, to whom I was introduced 221 as his brother " Jean," who had been absent many years ; of this, however, the loqua- cious and merry old lady was not to be per- suaded, and accused me of being the lover of her niece, for which, added she, you are the more welcome. Still passing by the name of " Jean," her daughter, if I mistake not, named Julie, an interesting young lady, about nineteen, received and embraced me as her long-lost cousin. The next day, I again visited the park, and, still missing Hinds, went to inquire at an adjoining hotel, when, to my surprise, I almost ran against a lieutenant of gendar- merie, standing at the door ; I, however, strolled in, as if unconcerned, gently bending as I passed ; but gaining no intelligence, I returned to the park, when, at length, meet- ing Hinds, and bowing respectfully, I ad- dressed him in French, for fear of observa- tion. His surprise was so great, that he ap- peared to doubt the evidence of his senses ; knowing, that five months before, I had broken out of a prison, only eighteen leagues distant. We retired to his lodgings, where the leading occurrences since my escape, and 222 the cause of my visiting Brussels, were briefly related. He seemed to suspect a hoax, taxed me with having some deep scheme in view, which I would not disclose, cautioned me against remaining any time in the town, as the police was very strict, and assisted me with the loan of a few pounds. On returning to Neirinks' aunt's, and enter- ing the spacious drawing-room, I found the young ladies sitting "tete-a-tete" by a com- fortable fire. As they arose when I drew near, I perceived a transparent drop trickling down the pale cheek of Julie, and something like confusion stealing over the evidently excited countenances of both; "quel fatal present du ciel, qu'un cceur sensible." Fear- ing that my untimely intrusion was the cause of this perturbation, I gently bowed, and was in the act of retiring, when Mary ad- vanced, and modestly led me up to her cou- sin, who, with a graceful affability, presented her hand, faltering something quite unintel- ligible ; nor could I divine the mystery of this scene, until she wished me a safe arrival in the bosom of my family. It being evi- dent, by this observation, that she had been 223 entrusted with the secret of my disguise, we drew very cosily round the fire, and I amused them with my history : " Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances, " Of moving accidents by flood and field, " Of hair-breadth 'scapes ;" which seemed to excite so lively an interest, that Julie entered into the spirit of the plot, with as much warmth and ardour as her cousin, and determined upon asking her mo- ther's permission to return with us to Bruges; but it was not granted. The next day, Neirinks not appearing, I strutted about the town, with the ladies under my arm; visited all the fashionable prome- nades, and, in the evening, went to the thea- tre : towards the close of the performance, Neirinks came in ; we escorted the ladies home, and retired to our tavern. On the 21st, under the responsibility of our jovial old aunt, we hired a " cabriolet/' left Brussels early for Charleroi, intending to take the cross road thence to Charlemont,* * Charlemont is a fortification situated on the left bank of the Meuse, commanding the two towns of Givet, whither we were bound. 224 that being, as we thought, less dangerous. Nothing remarkable occurred, but the occa- sional meeting of a gendarme, which had now become so common an event, that it gave me little concern ; still, however, I could not help feeling a degree of anxiety at the first sight of two of these fellows, stand- ing at the door of a public-house in the vil- lage of Waterloo, where it was necessary that we should stop to bait the horse. Neirinks proposed going on, but as he knew of no other house on the road, it might have cre- ated suspicion; I therefore judged it more prudent to brave it out, fully confident, should any question be asked, of cajoling them into the belief of our being wine-merchants. We drove up to the door, jumped out, and called for the "garc^on d'ecurie," with an air of im- portance, in imitation of that French dignity, with which travellers are not unacquainted, gave the necessary orders, and mounted up the steps to the door, the two gendarmes opening, right and left, to make room. In passing, I saluted them with " Bon jour, Mes- sieurs, peut on trouver a dejeuner ici ;" to which, reply was given in the affirmative; 225 we walked in and ordered breakfast. Soon afterwards these fellows entered, and marched up, as if to question us ; I forestalled them by an observation on the weather, and ask- ing them if they had breakfasted, followed up this address with so rapid a succession of interrogatories and remarks, as to lead them into conversation, and prevent their being too inquisitive : when, proposing we should all breakfast together, they were so completely diverted from their apparent intention, that we sat down in a very friendly manner, and fared sumptuously, without any embarrassing- inquiries. Having paid the host, we conti- nued our route, arrived at Charleroi, about seven in the evening, and supped with some countrymen, who informed us, the road to Charlemont was impassable for a " cabriolet,'' and that we should be obliged to go round by Namur. After a savoury regale upon frican- deau and garlic, I retired to a comfortable bed ; but my mind was so wholly engrossed by the pleasing reflections of meeting, and delivering my friend from bondage, that I could scarcely close my eyes. The next morning, we set out for Namur, k 3 226 and arrived about noon. At three, we pro- ceeded on our journey, intending to go no further that night than Dinant, about three leagues from Givet; so that the horse might be fresh on departing thence, with our prize. Just as we were approaching the southern gate, to our astonishment, and, I may add, confusion, we met Moitier, on his return from Verdun, who, no less surprised than our- selves at this unexpected " rencontre,"' de- manded where we were going, adding, with- out giving us time to reply — " Follow me," and went into an adjoining hotel. On re- tiring into a private room, he gave me a let- ter from Wills, containing a confirmation of every thing I had expected from so valuable a friend, and, indeed, more; for he had con- cealed and entertained Moitier at his house two days, treating him in the most handsome manner; got my bills cashed, and guaran- teed payment of every engagement I should enter into with him. Strange to tell, Wills was the very first Englishman Moitier ad- dressed on his arrival in Verdun. The incredulous may probably smile at these extraordinary events, and term them 227 " chance," but let him recal to mind the many such chances, herein recorded, and ask himself if they do not look like " Chance, direction, which thou canst not see." Moitier also told me that a brother mid named Blackwood had escaped from prison, and was secreted in Bruges, ready to join our party. Wills's letter also gave me information of Moyses having been sent from Givet to Bitch e, distant about two hundred miles, for an offence similar to the one for which I was " cachoted" in Valenciennes : but I had been so anxiously brooding over his anticipated rescue, that this letter did not, at first, de- stroy all hope of prosecuting my plans, even to the very walls of this horrible bastille; but, when I calmly discussed the subject with Moitier and Neirinks, the impracticability of success became so evident, that I was com- pelled, although very reluctantly, to abandon the design. Moitier's vacillating, equivocal conduct, was now changed into a bold and steady de- termination to enter into the cause with spirit 228 and energy : in proof of which, he offered to lend me any sum I chose to borrow. Leav- ing him to follow by the " diligence," Nei- rinks and myself immediately departed for Brussels, but did not arrive until late that night. Here we remained during the 23d, not anxious to hurry back, knowing that we should be at Bruges before Moitier. This day was passed at my aunt's ; the next, Nei- rinks, my sister, and myself bade adieu to the family, and took the " diligence" to Ghent, where, on the following morning, we were joined by Moitier, who, in the afternoon, left us for Flushing, in order to make arrange- ments with Peter. The next morning, we embarked in the canal-boat for Bruges, and arriving there after a pleasant day's journey, waited at the very public-house I had visited with my com- panions on the night of the 22d of Novem- ber, until (it being then after hours) the por- ter had taken our names to the commandant, with the request, that the gates might be opened — little could he imagine, that this application was, in part, made for an ab- sconding English midshipman. After con- 229 ducting- my sister home, I rejoined my friends in the garret, who were much elated at my return ; for, from my long absence, they were apprehensive I had been taken. The relation of the various events which had occurred since our separation, afforded matter of amusement during the next day, though it was not without its alloy, arising from the failure of the expedition. During my absence, Madam Derikre see- ing the tattered state of my friends* wardrobe, applied to two Irish nuns in the convent, who in the spirit of true charity, discarding all religious prejudices, immediately sent them shirts, stockings, and a trifle in cash. Soon after my return, I was introduced to a Mr. Edwards, an Englishman, residing in Bruges. I have since learnt, that it was this gentleman, who put Moitier in the right way of sending Mansell to England. Indeed, the imminent risk Mr. Edwards ran, in receiving Whitehurst and Hunter at his house, at all seasonable hours during my absence, to share 230 his scanty meal, when they were literally starving, without even a hope of recompense, but that of our gratitude, and the pleasure derived from the performance of a benevo- lent act, cannot be mentioned without the warmest feelings of esteem. In hourly expectation of Moitier's arrival from Flushing, with orders to depart, we waited till the 28th, when Neirinks brought word, that the guide would be in attendance the following day. After my return, I passed the evenings with his family, and entertained his old mo- ther with various tales, for by this time I had, with the aid of my fair friends, acquired suf- ficient knowledge of the Flemish language to make myself understood; the old lady could only speak her native tongue. From the account her daughter had given of our adventures, she evidently felt pleased with my attention. I have already mentioned the agreement I had made with Moitier ; but, on his return from Flushing, he declared that Peter, from the imminent risk he had run in his late trip, would not undertake to carry us across the 231 Channel under 80/.; that he, Moitier, had calculated on paying him only 40/. : Peter was to receive one-half on landing in Eng- land, and a note of hand was to be left with Moitier for the other. The 80/. were paid ; but, I have since learned from Neirinks, that this story was a fabrication of Moitier's, who pocketed the additional 40/. The hour of departure, from Bruges, now drawing near, I sent my adieu to Madam Derikre, repeating my assurance of the faith- ful discharge of her bills, which, with the cash she had already received, amounted to about 80/., besides what Mansell might have given her. To Madam Moitier also, I con- veyed the expression of my best thanks, for all her attentions, assuring her, that although, in all probability, I should never see her again, yet, the recollection of the first recep- tion I had met with from her, would ever excite my most heartfelt gratitude : and, that the manner in which her husband should be remunerated, would prove that she was not deceived, in the favourable opinion she had entertained of the honour of British officers. On the 29th, soon after sunset, I visited 232 Neirinks's family, expressed my acknowledg- ment of their kindness, more particularly to " ma chere sceur ;" embraced them and de- parted. Having rejoined my comrades, just at the close of the evening, we made ourselves as much like Flemings as possible, and stole out of the garret, singly, following each other at about fifty paces distance, conducted by Nei- rinks. Our almost only danger now, was in not escaping the observation of the guard, at the gates ; but as, at this time, many people were passing and repassing, we mingled with the crowd, and, unnoticed, joined the guide, who was waiting in the vicinity. Our joy was now great indeed, almost equal to that experienced when we found ourselves in the ditch, after descending the last rampart at Valenciennes. It had been previously ar- ranged, that Neirinks should accompany us to England, to receive the stipulated reward. Attended by him we marched in pairs, by woods and cross roads, towards the island of Cadsand, opposite to Flushing, till about one, A. M. expecting immediately to embark. On arriving near the coast, we met Peter's 233 wife, who ordered us to lie down on the ground, whilst this Amazonian chief recon- noitred the strand. She had scarcely pro- ceeded a hundred yards, when she was hailed, and saluted with a shot: like a skil- ful general, she instantly made good her re- treat, and bivouac'd with the main body. In this position, we remained for about two hours, whilst Peter and his chief were occa- sionally watching the motions of the enemy, and looking out for the private signal from the boat. Our anxiety was now at its utmost stretch, and every passing moment appeared an age. The look-out, every now and then, was obliged to retreat, to avoid the patroles ; although, had the boat arrived, being well armed, amidst irregular sand hills, and the spirits inflamed by confidence, our object could not have been defeated easily, or with impunity. The boat not coming, when day dawned we retreated to Peter's hut, for con- cealment. This habitation in the midst of the sand hills had but one room ; a few loose boards lying across from side to side upon mud walls, which supported a straw roof, formed a kind of ceiling to about one half of it : 234 on these boards were spread some dry rushes, upon which we reposed. In this situation, day after day closed, whilst we expected each succeeding one to be the last in this country; but no appearance of the boat — and, as no exertions on our part could expe- dite its arrival, we did not quit the loft. Peter finding- the boat could not leave Holland so soon as he expected, and his hut being frequently visited by the custom-house officers, determined to advise our conceal- ment in the subterranean passages of the ruins of the fortress of L'Ecluse. On the very eve of our intended removal, the body of a youth, supposed to have been murdered, was there found; so that had we been taken in that situation, the presumptive evidence that we had committed the murder to prevent dis- covery would have been strong against us ; this, coupled with our former offence of "chef de complot," which no doubt would have been revived, in all probability would have subjected us to the punishment of death, or condemnation to the gallies ; but Divine Providence, which had so repeatedly and so remarkably protected us throughout, here 235 also interposed, and saved us from the threat- ened danger. At length, on the 8th of May, positive in- formation was brought, that all would be in readiness at ten P.M.; accordingly, at that hour, the weather fine, and the night dark, we marched down to the beach, and as soon as the patrole had passed, the private signal was made and answered. The boat gliding silently in shore with muffled oars ; we rushed in with the rapidity of thought, and in an instant were all safe afloat ; each seized an oar, and vigorously applying his utmost strength, we soon reached beyond the range of shot. It were in vain to attempt a faithful de- scription of our feelings at this momentous crisis ; the lapse of a few minutes had wrought such a change of extremes, that I doubt, if amidst a confusion of senses, we could im- mediately divest ourselves of the apprehen- sions, which constant habit had engrafted on the mind ; nor, indeed, could we relinquish the oar, but continued at this laborious, thouo-h now delightful, occupation, almost without intermission the whole night 236 When day dawned, the breeze freshened from the eastward, and as the sun began to diffuse his cheering rays, the wide expanse of liberty opened around us, and in the distant rear — the afflicted land of misery and bon- dage, was beheld, with feelings of gratitude and triumph. No other object intercepted the boundless prospect, save a solitary gun- brig, which was soon approached : naturally anxious to proceed with despatch, we passed on, and, unobserved, reached a considerable distance, when a boat was discovered making towards us ; being in no fear of Frenchmen thus venturing so far from land, we hove to; and, having made the officer acquainted with the circumstances of our embarkation and destination, again spread the canvas, and made rapid progress to the N.W. About noon, the wind still increasing, and the sea rising, it was deemed prudent to close reef the sail. While thus delightfully scudding before the foaming billows, which occa- sionally broke, as if to overwhelm our little boat, only fifteen feet in length, each eye was steadily fixed a-head, anxious to be the first to announce land. It was not, however, 237 till towards three P. M. that the white cliffs were seen. Although our situation was al- ready replete with "joy and gladness ;" still, the first sight of our native shore, after so long an absence, coupled with the recollec- tion of conquered difficulties, excited in- creased happiness ; and afforded ample com- pensation for past sufferings, though not without a pleasing hope, that promotion would be their reward- On falling in with a fishing smack, at the back of the Goodwin Sands, the master wel- comed us on board, and taking the boat in tow, ran for Ramsgate. On entering the harbour at five o'clock, I landed with such ineffable emotions of joy, and gratitude to that Almighty Disposer of events, who had vouchsafed to support and protect us through a constant succession of dangers and suffer- ings, during a period of nearly six months, and who, in his infinite mercy, had permitted our exertions to be finally crowned with suc- cess ; that, with a heart throbbing almost to suffocation, regardless of the numerous spec- tators, I fell down, and kissed with rapture, the blessed land of liberty. 238 After a short conversation with the har- bour-master, to our surprise and disappoint- ment, we found that foreigners were not al- lowed to land here, but were ordered to Dover. Although convinced that they were in perfect safety, we felt it a point of honour not to have even the appearance of deserting those, to whom we were indebted for the happiness we now enjoyed : though the im- patience to embrace our long-lost families (mine only eleven miles distant), may be more easily conceived than expressed. We therefore determined to accompany, and see them comfortably placed in a public-house. To this end, I returned to the smack, the master of which agreed to run us down. Be- fore making sail, I wrote a note to one of my brothers, residing at Margate, apprizing him of my arrival, that he might communicate it to my family. We reached Dover about eight P. M., but not being permitted to land after dark, slept on board. At daylight, of the 10th of May, we landed, and having taken the foreigners to the Custom-house, thence to a public-house, and ordered them whatever they desired, we took chaises and 239 departed for Betshanger, the residence of my father. Mansell, on his return to England, anxious to bear glad tidings to my family, called at Betshanger, and, injudiciously, assured a younger sister, whom he happened to find alone, that " we should be either dead or in England in three weeks, as we had vowed not to be taken alive." Many months having elapsed since any letters from France had reached home, my parents received this in- formation with mingled feelings of joy and fear, and immediately set on foot every me- thod ingenuity and affection could devise, to render assistance through the smugglers. As the time of the stipulated return drew to a close, so did parental fear and anxiety pro- portionably increase, till, at the expiration of six long weeks, hope itself sickened ; still no returning child — no possibility of afford- ing relief, nor of learning his fate; their minds agitated too with the consciousness, that if not already numbered with the dead, he must still be wandering through dreary woods, exposed to the severest sufferings, and " every man his foe." These were indeed 240 heart-rending reflections, sufficient to harrow up the feelings, and tincture every thought with inconsolable grief. It was in the ple- nitude of these feelings, at the day's first dawn, for " Nature's soft nurse, " Had fled their pillow :" when they were endeavouring to afford mu- tual consolation, and actually discussing the propriety of family mourning, that my bro- ther burst upon their deep, yet pious sorrow, with news of our safety and arrival. The effect which this sudden information must have had upon the best of parents — parents alone can judge ; suffice it to say, they were not unmindful that their prayers were heard by Him, "who is able to save." On the road from Dover, at a moment when my attention was directed towards a neighbouring village, in search of the roof under which I had received the first impres- sions of discipline, Neirinks, whom I had taken with me, and who was admiring every thing he saw, as " magnifique," suddenly ex- claimed — " Regardez ce venerable dans cette 241 belle voiture," when I immediately recog^ nized my father; we joined, and speedily drove to Betshanger, where a scene awaited me, that I had little anticipated. But as I do not intend to intrude upon the public, what more properly belongs to private detail, let the imagination of the reader depict to him- self this family meeting. Nevertheless, as these pages may probably fall into the hands of some who may be de- sirous of knowing what became of the fo- reigners, and how we were all finally dis- posed of, I shall add, that Neirinks remained at Betshanger, until the return of the boat on the 17th, which, being put on board a gun- brig, was sent, together with the foreigners, off Flushing, by order of Commodore (now Admiral Sir Edward) Owen, to whom this little volume is dedicated as an offering of esteem. With the money they received, and which they considered amply sufficient to recompense them for their services, they had previously purchased a quantity of in- .digo and coffee, which yielded them a profit of about 600 per cent. We had, therefore, not only the satisfaction of knowing that they L 242 were content with the result of their present trip, but that it would be an inducement for them to afford every assistance in their power to any of our countrymen, who might, at a future period, escape from confinement, and reach that part of the coast. Our own ex- penses amounted to 135/. each. Hunter was soon afterwards employed, and promoted in 1811. Whitehurst was sent to the Halifax station, where he had not been long before he was again made prisoner in the Junon, and detained in France during the remainder of the war. Mansell, a short time after, died at sea. The day after my arrival I proceeded to London, and had the honour of an audience of Lord Mulgrave, then first Lord of the Ad- miralty. A few days subsequent to which, his lordship was pleased to issue an order for my examination, without waiting the usual pe- riod fixed for that purpose, and then im- mediately appointed me lieutenant of the Arachne. This particular mark of his lord- ship's approbation, in thus dispensing, in my favour, with the customary regulations ob- served on such occasions, was very flattering, 243 and for which I was, in a great measure, in- debted to Captain Sir Thomas Lavie, the senior officer of the prisoners of war, who, soon after our getting out of Valenciennes, had written to his lordship in my favour. At the Admiralty, I learnt that Ricketts' father was in the Theseus, in the Downs. On my return into Kent, therefore, I apprized him of his son's situation, and of the obsta- cles which had prevented his accompanying me from Valenciennes, pledging myself that he would attempt escape, so soon as it could be done with credit to himself. In June, Captain Sam. Chambers was ap- pointed to command the Arachne, and when ready for sea, was ordered to Flushing-. The very first day I went on shore, in walking through Middleburg, I unexpectedly met my old friend, " Peter, the smuggler," who, to the amusement of some of our military officers, and my own temporary confusion, threw his arms round my neck, and kissed me. Being in full uniform, I could at that moment, have dispensed with this public tes- timony of his joy, yet I was not so weak as to spurn it, or be insensible of its value : " a l 2 244 Rome comme a Rome." I felt that I was still morally his debtor, for without him, I might, at that very hour, have been attired in a galley garb, decorated with a ponderous chain, far from this busy scene, in lieu of the proud habiliment which thus innocently pro- duced a transient blush. Nevertheless, I was as much elated at the '-'rencontre," as Peter could possibly be. But, reader, figure to yourself my increased delight, when, on retir- ing to an adjoining tavern, he put into my hand a letter from Ricketts, Rochfort, and Robinson, containing information of their having escaped from Valenciennes, and being then concealed in the neighbourhood of the " Cat." As the Theseus was then at Flushing, not a moment was lost in communicating this joy- ful information to Ricketts' father, and in making preparations for the deliverance of the fugitives. In the mean time, the contents of the letter, through the channel of my worthy Captain, were communicated to the Commander-in-chief, together with my offer of services, who directed him to give me a written order to adopt such measures as I 245 should judge prudent for their liberation. This order was given to prove, in the event of my being made prisoner in the attempt, that I was no spy.* In consequence of the capture of the island of Walcheren, which had taken place since my departure from this coast, it was reason- able to suppose that the vigilance of the enemy had considerably increased ; it, there- fore, became indispensably necessary, that the greatest circumspection should be ob- served in my proceedings. * H. M. Sloop Arachne, Flushing, Sept. 20, 1809. "SIR, " Understanding there are several English persons, who have made their escape from the prison of Valen- ciennes, now in the neighhourhood of Bruges, and it meeting with the approbation of Sir Richard Strachan, K.B., &c, commander-in-chief, you are hereby directed to take such steps as you may think necessary for the liberation of the above-mentioned persons, taking care not to be absent more than twenty-four hours at any one time. " I am, Sir, your humble servant, "(Signed) Sam. Chambers, " Comm. H. M. Sloop Arachne" " To Lieut. Boys, H. M. Sloop Arachne" 246 On returning on board the Theseus, I found that the greater part of the ship's com- pany had volunteered their services : thus evincing the eagerness with which every ser- vice of danger is courted by a well-organized ship's company. The crew of the eight-oared cutter (chosen for the occasion) claimed, how- ever, the right of precedence, and to them was the task resigned. Towards sunset, with this crew of Bas Roads "fire-eaters" for such were they desig- nated on board, we made sail with a fresh and favourable breeze, accompanied by Peter. On approaching the main, about mid- night, we struck the mast, pulled in shore, with muffled oars, and landed him, unob- served by the patroles, on the very spot from whence I had embarked on the 8th of May. We rowed gently out, and came to a grapnell, about a musket-shot off, there we waited Peter's return with the fugitives, till dawn of day, when we returned to the Theseus with- out them. After reporting my return to my captain, I went on shore at Flushing, and there re- cognized a young Frenchman, named Ribierre 247 a native of Verdun, who had been made pri- soner at the capture of the island. At that time, my old friend, Captain Woodruff, was at the head of the transport department, in the expedition. I went to him to solicit his interest in behalf of Ribierre, when, with his accustomed benevolence, he immediately waited on the commander-in-chief, and ob- tained an order for his release ; the night fol- lowing, he was sent to France, but I never heard that he either thanked Captain Wood- ruff, or paid my friend, in Verdun, the money I lent him to take him home. Five successive nights I returned with the crew oijire-eaters, and took up the position appointed by Peter, but no Peter was there. On the sixth day, the Arachne was ordered to sea, and I was thereby most unwillingly deprived of the heartfelt satisfaction I had anticipated in being the deliverer of those very friends who had assisted in my escape from the citadel of Valenciennes. Happily, however, they did not suffer by my absence, for the same night my place was supplied by Lieutenant Edgar of' the Theseus, who, al- though a stranger to the parties, nobly volun- 248 teered his services on the occasion. He pro- ceeded to the same spot as before ; about ten P.M. the private signal was made — he pulled in shore — in. an instant Peter and the fugitives rushed into the boat, and were happily re- stored to their families and his Majesty's service. APPENDIX. As there may be some readers desirous of knowing what transpired in Verdun after my departure, I have thought it necessary to add the following particulars. In August, 1808, General Wirion found his system of " espionage" so very expensive, that he was compelled either to continue raising the necessary funds, or to abandon it in toto : to this, however, he could not yield ; so that no sooner did one source of collection fail, than he had recourse to others equally nefarious and degrading : thus he went on from exaction to exaction, until the representations of Sir Thomas Lavie to the Minister of War became so urgent, that Wirion was ordered to Paris to reply to the charges brought against him. " His in- timate friend Bernadotte (says Latreille, one of Wirion's minions), interested himself in l 3 250 his behalf with the Emperor, who answered, that he wished as much as any to draw Wirion out of the scrape, and that the best proof he could give of his inclination was to order his trial, and appoint him (Berna- dotte) president of the Court. In Septem- ber, 1809, so soon as this was announced to the unhappy General, he attired himself in full uniform, went to the Bois de Bou- logne, and blew out his brains." Such was the end of a man, who, with all his faults, possessed some good qualities, some transient moments, when he felt for the misfortunes of others, and revolted at the injustice he himself committed ; the last fatal act of his existence proves, how- ever much he may be condemned in a moral view, that he was not altogether lost to every sense of shame. " It is the middle compound character which alone is vulnerable, the man who, without sufficient resolution to avoid a dis- honourable action, has feeling enough to be ashamed of it.'' The melancholy and ignominious death of Wirion made but a transient impression on his successor, the Colonel Commandant Courcelles, who, independently of a private 251 fortune of a thousand a-year, was also Com- mandant of the department of La Meuse, and, therefore, even penury could not be advanced in palliation of his turpitude. On his first assuming the command, he was somewhat cautious, but he soon grew impatient of restraint and retail, and launched boldly out into wholesale plunder : to wit — he was possessed of extensive vine- yards, and determined that the English should " bon-gre, mal-gre," assist in the consumption of their produce ; to effect which, he had recourse to the Minister of War for an order to make the citadel a depot of punishment. Pretences for arrest were soon found against nearly two hun- dred, when no wine was permitted to enter the gates but his own ; and this was re- tailed at an exorbitant price, by his natural son, the jailor. At length, Cour^elles' extortions became so multiplied, and his conduct so tyrannical, that the midshipmen represented their many grievances to the Minister of War, amongst which was that of accusing him of pocket- ing the difference between the franc and the livre-tournois of their pay, which had amounted to £720. 252 Courcelles soon had intimation that what was passing- in Verdun was known in Paris, which so alarmed him, that he sent for Massin, the lieutenant of gendarmes, and Cure, the paymaster ; when, after several fruitless conferences, he persuaded the for- mer to burn the accounts. Massin, deeply implicated in conscious guilt, seized the ledger, and threw it into the fire ; thence arose a scuffle between the Commandant, the Lieutenant, and the Paymaster ; the two former endeavouring to destroy, the latter to preserve the book — the book, however, was burnt. The next day, the Lieutenant, finding he had destroyed the only docu- ment which might have mitigated his of- fence, or pleaded some extenuation, by shewing that his superiors shared the spoil with him, retired to his quarters, and shot himself. Courcelles was obliged to report this tra- gical event to the Minister of War, who, in reply, in September, 1811, summarily re- moved him from the command of the depot, three days subsequently from that of the department, and final dismissal from the army, after a service of forty-six years. Courcelles (as if to mark the extremes of 253 evil and good) was succeeded in the com- mand by Colonel the Baron de Beauchene, who immediately renounced all secret po- lice, spies, and informers ; broke up the establishment in the citadel ; restored all to parole ; and granted permission to many to reside in the country ; in a word, he con- ducted the depot in such a mild, gentle- manly manner, that he was revered as a father, rather than a military keeper of a numerous assemblage of prisoners of war; the effect of which was an immediate stop to desertion, which during Cour^elles' reign had averaged nearly one a-week. A new measure was adopted, which would have had a beneficial effect during the Wi- rion or Cour^elles' administrations, namely, that which was termed a Council of Ad- ministration. This consisted of three French and two English officers, for the purpose of inquiring into all complaints ; but under the Baron de Beauchene, who was the very fountain of justice and equity, it proved of very little use. The career of this great and good man, who united every social virtue with the lofty feeling of the veteran soldier, was unfortu- nately but too short, he was taken ill on the 254 21st of March, 1813, and died on the 27th, respected and lamented by everyone. Nearly the whole body of the English, attired in full uniform or deep mourning, attended the funeral : thus shewing that it matters not in what country a good man is born, for reason (with the reasonable) will dispel all prejudice and constrain even his enemies to venerate his virtues and his memory. The prisoners immediately set on foot a subscription for the erection of a monument, little suspecting, that the jealousy and hatred of the French government to the English, would frustrate a design which would have proved a proud memorial of the pre-eminent virtues of the individual, and a lasting encomium on the magnanimity of both nations. On the death of De Beauchene, General Dumolard succeeded to the government of the depot ; but one short month was sufficient to prove that the Courc_elles' tyranny was not to be renewed with impunity, and he was superseded towards the latter end of April, by Major de Meulan. This gallant soldier, as honourable as brave; as generous as just; adopted the mild measures of the high-minded De Beau- 255 chene, and thus continued to alleviate misery and diffuse contentment and resignation to the care-worn captive, until the French ar- mies, meeting- with serious reverses, rekindled a hope of deliverance, that had been nearly extinct for ten long years. At length the glorious battle of Leipsic was fought, which compelled the French armies to retreat to the Rhine. In January, 1814, soon after the allied armies had crossed the Rhine, the depot was ordered to be removed to Blois, in the department of Loire and Cher. During the three days, given for the accomplishment of this order, scenes of confusion occurred never before witnessed in Verdun. Eleven hundred prisoners of all ranks, rejoicing and exulting in the move ; of whom one hundred had families; two hundred, from age and infirmity, together with five hundred children, need- ing carriages, and few horses to be procured. About three hundred young women claim- ing, by the ties of affection, the right of emi- gration ; tumultuous assemblages in almost every street; Jews and tradesmen bustling from house to house for payment of debts, when by far the greater number of prisoners were almost pennyless. The military chest 256 exhausted, and unreplenishable from the ra- pidly approaching theatre of war. Major de Meulan gone to Blois;— thence no com- manding officer ; no arrangements ; no sub- ordination ; and the feeble French autho- rities in hourly dread of the English taking possession of the place. These conflicting occurrences combined to give Verdun, during these three days, the appearance of a modern Babylon. Vehicles and draught quadrupeds of every description were put in requisition, and con- gregated masses of youth and age, of vigour and infirmity, moved off in dense confusion, affording a faint idea of Israel's retreat from the land of Egypt. Scarcely had the prisoners been a fortnight at Blois, when the rapid approach of the allies upon Orleans, compelled a further re- moval of the depot to Gueret, in the depart- ment of La Creuse, when the prisoners experienced sad distresses, which would have been seriously aggravated but for the mild and judicious arrangements of Major de Meulan. It was computed that there were about 21,500 English at that time in France, viz. 257 Verdun 1100 Sarre Louis 3000 Givet . . 2500 Arras ' • 3000 Valenciennes 2000 Longuy 1500 Briancon 3000 Mont Dauphin 1000 Bitche 400 Cambray 2000 Sedan 500 Auxonne 1500 21,500 All the depots in the eastern departments were put in motion about the same time as that of Verdun. It was said that had there been a single individual in each of these, capable of directing the movements of large bodies of men, they might easily have taken possession of these places ; and joined the allies. But this was incorrect ; for the men grown grey in the tedious monotony of a prison, had so completely lost all energy, save that of mere animal existence, that they may be said to have become not only indif- ferent to change, but actually attached to their cells — so much are we the children of habit. Thus they were marched, in large 258 masses, from prison to prison, with scarcely an individual effort made for liberty. The Verdun division, on parole at Gueret, did not long continue there, for on the 2d of April, 1814, news arrived of the abdication of Buonaparte, when they were all set at liberty. The other depots also marched for the coast, and embarked for England ; many of them after a cruel, wanton, barbarous, and unprincipled imprisonment of nearly eleven years. THE END. Printed by J. F. Dove, St. John's Square. LIST OF BOOKS PUBLISHED BY J. F. DOVE, PICCADILLY; OPPOSITE BURLINGTON HOUSE. 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