Page:Englishmen in the French Revolution.djvu/319

Rh suite, Temple Lutterill, and Swale. There were there many other English, but most of them of an inferior class.

As the decree for the arrest of the English had not been repealed, I saw but little chance of obtaining my liberty before a peace. However, it at length came by accident, and when I the least expected it. A friend of mine applied to a printer of his acquaintance to demand me as his journeyman. By that means, together with a little interest of friends, I slipped my neck out of the collar, after having remained near fifteen months in prison. I shall remain here during the winter, and perhaps for a longer term, as this place, all things considered, is the best to reside in as long as the war lasts.

I take the same opportunity of sending you this as the inhabitant of Davies Street took when she wrote to me in the beginning of last June, which I received but a few days since, the person to whom it was directed not daring to deliver it, or even to inquire after me, such was the severity of those times.

As this epistle, or rather narrative, is already too long, I shall not add to the length of it, especially as I think there is a degree of uncertainty of its ever reaching you. But that my packet may risk the less, I have confined my correspondence to females only, notwithstanding it is said that there never was a plot but that there was a woman in it. If such be their ideas in this country, I shall have taken some pains and have used much ink and paper for nothing, and had better have confined myself by merely saying, "If you are well, I am well, &c., &c. I am so, and hope you are so; so adieu!"—Affectionately yours W. C. Salut et fraternité. Pray remember me to all the family.