taken into the debtor's prison, near to
the sisters, in a separate chamber.

When Mr. Pressoir heard of this event, he visited his brethren at the
prison. The following extract is from one of his letters.

I would not run into prison of my own accord, but having waited, and
finding nothing was said to us, I went to see my brethren and sisters. I
found there were thirty-two, and St. Denis preparing to write to the
president, which he did, and I carried this letter to his excellency, by
which we requested him to cause us to be judged, and punished, if we
were found guilty by the law. When I arrived under the piazza of the
palace, I asked an officer on duty if I could see the president, who
answered, Yes. I entered the hall, where I found the president seated,
and surrounded by a circle, as well of officers as civilians. After
saluting them, I presented the letter to the president, who asked me
from whence it came. I replied, "From the methodists who are in prison."
His good humour was immediately changed. "Methodists," said he, "I did
not know that." Colonel Victor, who was present, thinking that through
fear I would wish to conceal myself, addressed himself to the president,
saying, "President, this is a methodist," as if the president did not
know it. Immediately the president replied, "You are fanatics." "Pardon
me, president, we are not." "Why, you have changed your religion." "If I
have changed my religion, president, it is the government which has made
me do it." "How is that?" said he. "It was the late president who sent
for the missionaries. I heard the letter read, and saw the late
president's signature: this is what I can tell you." "Enough, enough,"
said he, "I will send an answer." I went to the prison and waited till
it was late; but hearing nothing, and being ill of the fever, I returned
to my mother's.

The next day orders were given for the brethren and sisters to appear
before the chief judge. A dollar was demanded of each on leaving prison,
and they were conducted by a single serjeant. On their arrival the chief
judge forbade them, in the name of the president, to assemble together
again. "No one can hinder you from worshipping God as you please; but
let every one abide at home, for as often as you are found assembled you
shall be put in prison; and if you unhappily persist, I have received
orders to disperse you every where." Several wished to reply, but he
refused to listen, saying, "It is not from m