SUFFERINGS OF LIEUTENANT o'bRIEN. 19 



^vhich irritated him to such a degree, that had not the officer of infantry who 

 was escorting us, and our own officers, interfered, I do not know to what 

 length he might have carried the business. The officer of infantry expostu- 

 lated with him on the impropriety of drawing his sword upon a naked 

 prisoner, who could not even understand a word that he said ; he declared and 

 persisted, that I spoke as good French as he did ; that we were all prisoners 

 alike ; that we were now in a country where every man enjoyed liberty, and 

 he would take care, that while with him, we should not tyrannise over one 

 another. I observed, there were some of the crew who understood him, and 

 who explained his conversation to the others, which appeared to please them 

 extremely. We had not marched more than a mile, when a circumstance 

 took place, which gave us all a specimen of the liberty just boasted of: a poor 

 man, at least 70 years of age, happened to be conducting a cart along the 

 road ; and as he was approaching us, this lover of liberty called to him to turn 

 his horses and cart aside, until we had passed ; but the poor unfortunate old 

 man not hearing, and continuing his way, this brute rode up to him, and beat 

 and mauled the poor old creature so unmercifully, that the seamen literally 

 hissed him, and asked repeatedly if that was the liberty he so much vaunted 

 about, but a few minutes before ? 



At about five, we arrived at Morlaix : the people were placed as usual ; 

 the officers were allowed to go to a tavern. On inquiry, I found this captain 

 of gens d'armerie had been a weaver before the revolution, and got advanced 

 by his perfidy to the rank he then held. I was informed that he visited our 

 people in the night, to induce them to turn traitors, and enter into the French 

 service ; but found himself much disappointed, as every proposal he made 

 was rejected with disdain. I had the pleasure of waiting on three countrymen 

 in the evening, who expected to be permitted (hourly) to return to their 

 native country. A Colonel Macnamara, a Mr. Scot, and a Mr. Fiol. They 

 had been detained before war was declared, and w ere so fortunate as to obtain 

 passports. I availed myself of this opportunity of acquainting ray friends with 

 my misfortunes. 



The 22nd of February, about 8, we again commenced our route ; and after 

 a long march, arrived at a small village (Bell'isle en terre) where we 

 remained for the night, disagreeably situated, the village being excessively 

 poor, and small, the people imposing and extorting double price for every 

 thing. On the 23rd, at the usual hour, (about 8), we recommenced our route 

 towards Guingamp, were we arrived tolerably early. It is a spacious town 

 and appeared well peopled. We rested here during 24 hours, and were pretty 

 well used. On the 25th, at daylight, we recommenced our march towards 

 St. Brieuc, the last town on the sea coast that we had to touch at, and arrived 

 about 4 o' clock. We were very closely guarded, which certainly was 

 necessary, as it was the intention of a great number to slip their fetters at this 

 town : however it proved impossible. We had another guard ordered here, 

 which we all regretted, as the officer who conducted us from Brest to this 

 place, was a perfect gentleman, and preserved the utmost moderation towards 

 the prisoners, who were not, by the bye, at all times very well behaved. 



Feb. 26th., at day-light, we recommenced our route with our new guard. 

 About 10, in passing close to the sea, we were halted ; the guard loaded their 

 pieces, examined their locks, &c. They appeared rather alarmed, though 

 they were nearly as many as the prisoners in number. About 5, we arrived at 

 Lamballe, an ancient little town, the chief of the late duchy of Penthievre ; 

 and which gave the title of princess to the unfortunate lady who was massa- 

 cred at Paris, for her inviolable attachment to the late queen of France 

 Rennes is about 12 or 13 British leagues S. E. of this town. 



