Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/73

 joy of some few, besides the peculating general, the result was an order for the whole class to be removed, and on the 7th of August, on going to the afternoon "appel," we were arrested, to the number of one hundred and forty-two, and sent to the citadel. Although we felt somewhat disconcerted at this sudden and unexpected movement, the natives were still more alarmed. It was natural to suppose, that among so large a number, there were some few in arrears with the "bourgoiserie," who flocked to the gates of the citadel to obtain, if possible, payment, or some security; and it is difficult to say, whether they were more enraged against the general, or against the poor unfortunate mids, who were deprived of all means of making any arrangements, by an order of non-intercourse, which was strictly enforced.

The previous occurrence of similar events, though on a minor scale as to numbers, warned us to prepare for an early departure, but not a word to that effect escaped the commanding-officer, until late at night. Besides the usual inmates of St. Vannes,