The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1860-06-13

who had already adopted the charac-
ter of a physician, was upon this ac-
count to travel with hilA Incompany
with only one servant, who was not
intrusted With the secret, and mounted
| upon the best horses money could pro-
| cure, the friends set out on their tour !;
| and visiting different places, the better
to conceal their real purpose, and con-
I firm the idea that curiosity was the
motive of their journey, they fingered
| so long at each, that considerable
| time had elapsed before their reaching
| OlmutZ.
| AS they had desired, q rnmor of their
Unsuitable curiosity had preceded them
| thither; and, acting up to their assumed
character, artery viewing everything wor-
thy of notice in the town, they repaired
to the castle, examined the Notifications
and, having 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 jailer; and now trusting that
any suspicion of their intentions, had
it ever existed, must be lulled to sleep,
they yentured carelessly to inquire
! what prisoners were under his care.
| Among other names, that Of Lafayette
| was mentioned, and they expressed a
curiosity to know how he contrived
to occupy himself, how he bore his i'm
prisonment, and whether greater in
dulgences 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 armed
guard, to take daily exercise without
the walls. Besides this, he was allowed
the use of books, pen, ink, and paper.
NJ. Blman then remarked, that some
new publications he had with him might
afford amusement to the prisoner, and
inquired whether he might be allowed
to make the offer
The jailer agreed, upon condition
that they were sent open, so as to as
sure himself, he said, that no conspir-
acy was to be carried on against the
state. 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 was unacquainted with
French, the language in which the note
was written; but, suspecting no trea
cherry where all was so openly carried
on. he conveyed it to Lafayette 1t
contained apologies for the liberty thus
taken by strangers, but as they were
anxious, they said, to contribute to his
happiness, they hoped he would atten-
lively read the book they had sent him,
and If any passages in it particularly
engaged his notice, they begged he
would let them know his opinion
This unusual mode of expression at
tracted, as was intended, the attention
of Lafayette, and carefully perusing
the book, he found in certain places
words written with a pencil, which, be-
ing put together, acquainted him with
the names, qualities, and designs of the
writer's, and requiring his sentiments
before they should proceed further.
He returned the book, and with it an
open note, thanking them for their civ
ility, and adding that he highly APP
proved of, and was charmed with the
contents.
Having TINS commenced CORES
pondence, no day passed in which open
notes were not written and received.
Some of these were brought for the
inspection of persons acquainted with
the French language bnt so carefully
were they worded, that no cause Of sus-
picion appeared, and the correspon-
dence was allowed to continue; a great
er difficulty, however, now appeared,
for the. plan Of escape being at length
arranged, they were at a loss how to
acqnaint Lafayette with particulars
that could not be hazarded in an open
note. A happy expedient presented
itself the whole was written in lemon
juice, and on the other side of the pa
per, anote Of inquiry after Lafayette's
health concluded with these words !:
"Quand Uous auya5-la &c billet met
ire le an feu." The experiment was
a hazardous one, but it succeeded.
The note was conveyed to Lafayette,
and, obeying the injnnetions given, on
holding the paperto the fire, the wri-
ting that appeared made him acquaint-
ed with the well-digested scheme of
his unknown benefactors
The day following was that fixed for
the attempted escape, and all the eau
ton used by NJ. Balman and his friend
was in truth required, to hold out any
: chance of success. The city of Oh
mutz, about thirty miles from Silesia,
= is situated in the rnidct If 111ain nY