The North-Carolina standard., 1846-03-18

IN view, ana releasing Lafayette from the power
OF Austria. He soon found that, without an able
coadjntor, the difficulties that presented themselves
were insurmountable, and repaired, therefore. to
Vienna where he devoted himself exclusively to
the society OF young Americans; for among them,
from their vcneration of the character of Latay-
cite, he hoped to find one who. with enthusiasm
like his own, would dare the undertaking
What followed is Interesting as a proof that the
spirit of nationality may engender principle of
gratitude. Lafayette, is we'll known, had in
his early youth proceeded to America. and serv.
ed in her armies. Shipwrecked at his first arriv-
al, he had been kindly received into the house OF
a gentleman named Huger, residing in Charles
ton. AND by him was the youthful votary of lib
erty introduced tothe American army. By chance,
a SON OF this gentleman was now in Vienna and
to him did M. Balman apply. Although a mere
child when the shipwrecked party visited his IA
theirs house, The young American retained a vivid
recollection OF, and the highest admiration fo:, M
de Lafayette; and he entered, therefore, with all
the Jealous ardor of youth, and the enthusiasm of
a generous nature, into Balmans scheme for the
| release of his favorite hero
From the vigilance of the Austrian police and
their jealous watchfuness Of strangers, il was me-
cessary that the greatest caution and secrecy should
be maintained, and the scheme proposed promised
well for the completion of their design. Huger
assumed the pretence of ill health. and M Bal
d
physician, was upon this account to travel with
him. In company with only one servant, who
was not entrusted with the secret, and mounted
upon the best horses money could procure, the
friends set out on their tour and visiting different
places, the better to conceal their real purpose,
and confirm the idea that curiosity was the mo-
| tive OF their journey, they fingered SO long at
each, that considerable time had elapsed before
their reaching Olmutz.
Is theu had desirod ruroor of III IL
curiosity had preceded them thither; and, acting
up to their assumed character after viewing every
thing worthy OF notice in the town, they repaired
to the castle, examined the Notifications and hav-
ing made acquaintance with the keeper obtained
permission to visit the interior of the prison on
the following day.
Thus their first step being happily achieved,
they continued, by frequent visits, TO improve their
acquaintance with the jaiIor; and now trusting
that any suspicion of their intentions, had ii ever
existed, must be lullcd to sleep, they vcntured
carclessly 10 inquire what prisoners were under
his care. Among other names, that Of Lafayette
was mentioned and they expressed curiosity TO
know how he contrved to occupy himself, how
he bore his Imprisonment and whether greater
indulgcnccs were granted to him than to captives
of lesser note. He was, they were informed,
strictly confined, but on the plea of bad health,
had obtained permission under charge of an arm
ed guard, to take daily exercise without the walls.
Besides ihis he allowed the use of books, pen,
ink, and paper. M. Balman then remarked, that
some publications he had with him might
afford amusement TO the prisoner and inquired
whether he might be allowed to make the offer
The jailor agreed, upon condition that they
were sent open, so as to assure himself he said,
that no conspiracy TO be carried on against
the Stale. This caution was complied with, and
the same evening book and open note, addressed
TO Lafayette were sent TO his care AS afterwards
appeared, he unacquainted with the French,
the language in VI hich the note was written; but,
suspecting no treachery where all was so openly
carried on, he conveyed it to Lafayette. 1t con-
tanned apologies for the Liberties thus taken by
strangers, but they were anxious, they said, to
contribute to his happiness, they hoped he would
attentvely read the book they had sent and if any
passages in it particularly engaged his notice,
they begged he would let them know his opinion.
The unusual mode Of expression attracted, as
was intended the attention of Lafayette and care
fully perusing the book he found in certain places
words written with pencil, which, being put to-
gcther, acquainted him with the names, qualities,
and designs of the writers, and requiring his sen
timcns before they should proceed further. He
returned the book, and with it open note, thank
ing them for their cvity, and adding that he
highly approved Of and was charmed with the
contents.
Having thus commenced correspondence, no
day passed in which opcn notes were not Written
| and received. Some of these were brought for
the inspection of persons acquainted with the
French language; but SO carefully were they
wordcd, that no cause of suspicion appeared, and
the correspondence was allowed to continue. A
greater difficulty, however, now appeared; for
the plan Of escape being at length arranged, they
were at loss how to acquaint lafayette with par
ticulars that could not be hazarded in an open
note, A happy expedlent presented itself; the
other side of the paper note of inquiry after
Lafayette's health concluded with these words
Quand rous 0urai Iu ce billet METRE Ie fen"
The experiment was hazardous one, but it sue
cecded. The no;e conveyed to Lafayette,
and, obeying the njunctions given, on holding the
paper to the fire, the writing that appeared made
him acquainted with the well-digested scheme Of
his unknown benefactors.
The day following was that fixed for the at
tempted escape and all the caution used by NJ
Balnan and his friend was in truth required, to
hold out any chance of success The city Of
Olmutz about thirty miles from Silesia, is situated
in the midst of plain extending three miles on
either side, and bounded by dark woods, so
that the smallest object on any part OF the level
ground is distinctly visible from the walls. Sen
tinels, too, hold continual guard; for the purpose
of giving the alarm should any attempt at escape
be made, and the whole people are bound to as
sst in the pursuit while the successful individual
is literally rewarded for the recapture of pris
oner.
These obstacles to the success of their scheme
were we'll known to the adventurous friends OF