Page:Statement of the attempted rescue of General Lafayette from Olmutz.djvu/31

 expressing his regret at the injury he had unknowingly inflicted, the Count assured him he perfectly understood and accepted the apology to himself personally, but that he only spoke of himself to shew the extent of the offence which he had committed, and added, if I were in trouble, and needed a friend, I would wish that friend should be an American.

On another occasion, some time after this, on again meeting Count D’Arco, while waiting for the continued examinations, Mr. Huger again expressed his annoyance at the injustice with which he was treated, and showed some irritation and dislike to the Count’s assertion that he might depend upon the clemency of the Emperor, asking how he could expect clemency from one who would not show justice to Gen. Lafayette? He was answered: “You speak like one in a fever—do you know what is the punishment awarded to the crime which you acknowledge—of trying to free a State prisoner?” “No!” “Well, the penalty is !” A solemn announcement, which silenced, and for the time astonished and overcame the youth, who could only bow to it, hardly hearing the words of kindly interest of the dignified, noble-looking old soldier, who still bade him hope in the clemency of the Emperor.