ecured at each end by massive
iron bars. Before these loopholes was situated a broad ditch, which was
filled with water only when it rained; at other times it was a stagnant
marsh continually emitting disease; beyond this were the outer walls of
the castle, so that the slightest breeze could never refresh the inmate.
Each cell had two doors, one of iron, the other of wood nearly two feet
thick, and both were covered with bolts, bars, and padlocks. When the
soldiers twice a day brought the prisoner's wretched portion it was
carefully examined to find out if there was any note or communication
contained in it. A messy bed of rotten straw filled with vermin,
together with a broken chair and an old worm-eaten table, formed the
whole furniture of his establishment. The cell was from eight to ten
paces long and six wide; in storms the water frequently flowed through
the loopholes; when the sun did not shine he remained almost in darkness
during the whole day.

He was a prisoner of war and entitled to be treated as such. But instead
he was confined in a dungeon and was given to believe that he would
never again see beyond its four walls, that he would never receive news
of any events or persons, that his name would be unknown in the citadel,
and that in all accounts of him sent to Court he would be designated
only by a number. Even knives and forks were denied him, and he was told
that this was done because his situation was such as naturally to lead
to suicide. His sufferings proved almost beyond his strength. The want
of air and decent food, and the loathsome dampness of his dungeon
brought him more than once to the borders of the grave. His frame was
wasted by diseases, and on one occasion he was so reduced that "his hair
fell from him entirely by the excess of his sufferings."

Following a bold attempt to escape, the torture of his imprisonment was
increased. Irons were securely fastened around his ankles. During the
winter of 1794-1795, which was extremely severe, he had a violent fever
and almost died; he was deprived of proper attendance, of air, of
suitable food, and of decent clothes; in this state he had nothing for
his bed but a little damp and mouldy straw; around his waist was a chain
which was fastened to the wall and barely permitted him to turn from one
side to the other. No light was admitted into his cell. To increase his
miseries, almost insupportable mental anguish was added to his physical
suffering. He w