Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v4p1.djvu/307

 “My brother officers getting intimation of my intention, whispered it about from one to the other, till it became a topic of general conversation: at length, it reached the ears of the police, and, in consequence of this, I was so closely watched, that all my prospects, for the present, were blasted. The only way to remove these suspicions, was perfect tranquillity for some time; and to divert the attention of the public, I sent to Verdun for my clothes and dogs, which I had left there, to avoid incumbrances on the road to Valenciennes. I should not neglect to mention, that a sentinel was now placed at the before-mentioned sally-port, and stricter orders issued throughout the depôt.

“The midshipmen began to manifest much impatience at the continuance of their ‘durance vile,’ and, after several fruitless applications to the commandant, drew up a letter to the minister of war, requesting restoration to parole, one sentence of which insured a flat denial, as it plainly intimated that a refusal would be attended with escape. A few days after, I was delighted to learn, that the minister’s answer was confined to a simple negative. * * * * I kept up a correspondence, per post, with my friend Moyses. It was my wish, that he should make interest to be sent to Valenciennes, such removals being sometimes effected through the application of our own officers. Finding there was no probability of a junction, and all suspicion being at length removed, I again commenced sounding those around me, when I found an opening to make a proposal to a midshipman, named Rochfort; he came into it immediately; the strictest secrecy was observed, and we determined to be seldom seen together, although the most perfect harmony and cordiality prevailed between us, and, I may add, an implicit confidence in mutual support. * * * * With the assistance of Ricketts and Cadell, our preparations were completed, and the 15th Oct. was fixed for our departure. I was the more anxious to carry our plans into execution, so soon as matured, because the commandant, with unremitting diligence, was daily visiting the citadel, and as frequently changing the posts of the sentinels, and issuing stricter regulations for the security of the prisoners. * * * *. There still being a sentinel at the sally-port, my first plan was changed to that of getting into the upper citadel, which could only be effected by creeping upon the parapet above the north gate, letting ourselves down upon the bridge over the canal, and passing through the ravelin; but being unacquainted with those parts of the fortifications we intended to risk all, and trust to Providence for deliverance. * * * * * By the friendly aid of a déténu, residing in the town, we procured provisions, a map of the northern department, and several other necessaries, almost indispensable on such an expedition. The only thing now wanting was rope, which we obtained by purchasing skipping lines of the French boys, this being a general amusement amongst them at this season. * * * * * About five on the day fixed for our departure, I was walking with Ricketts, and discussing the proposed plans,