A complete history of the Marquis de Lafayette, major-general in the American army in the war of the revolution. Embracing an account of his tour through the United States, to the time of his departure, September, 1825. By an officer in the late army.

280 HISTORY OF THE
and that in all accounts of him sent to court, he would be designated only by a number; that he would never receive any
notice of his family, or of the existence of his fellowprisoners. At the same time, knives and forks were removed
from him, as he was officially informed, that his situation
was one which would naturally lead him to suicide.%
Thus was the patriotism of Lafayette punished by privations and hardships which exceeded the rigours of inquisitorial severity. But he was sustained by a firm mind and
quiet conscience; and bore his misfortunes with manly resignation. His sufferings were of no ordinary magnitude,
The walls of his dungeon were twelve feet thick; and air
was admitted through an opening two feet square, secured
at each end by transverse massive iron bars. A broad
ditch was situated directly before these loop-holes, which
was covered with water only when it rained; at other times,
it was a stagnant marsh, constantly emitting a poisonous,
effluvium: beyond this, were the outer walls of the castle,
so that the slightest breeze could never refresh the miserable captives, although the heat was almost insupportable.
Sentinels, with loaded muskets, were stationed on these walls,
who were prohibited to speak a word with them, and ordered to shoot them dead, if they attempted an escape. A
strong guard was also posted before the door of the prisoners, who were forbidden, while on duty, either to sing, speak,
or whistle.
Each cell had two doors, one of iron, the other of wood,
nearly two feet thick; and both were covered with bolts,
bars, and double padlocks. When the jailer, twice a day,
brought their wretched pittance, it was scrupulously examined, to discover if there was any note or communication
whatever contained in it. A miserable bed of rotten straw,
filled with vermin, together with a broken chair, and an old
* North American Review, January, 1825, p. 164. -Wars Fr, Rev. ii.
67-8. Mem.-Lafayette, 126.-7.