which I intended, should I effect my escape, to leave at some convenient place near the American line, and inform the Colonel by letter, where he might find him.* In taking this course, which in fact was the only one I could in safety adopt, I was in pressing need of money to defray my expenses; and not being able to demand any of my pay in consequence of being obliged to buy several articles of winter clothing, by which I was deeply involved in debt, and fearing my entire destitution would expose me to the suspicion of those men among whom I travelled, I resolved to purloin a sum from one of the officers sufficient to meet the wants my peculiar situation demanded. I intended also to arm myself with a loaded pistol, being

*The example of many of my fellow soldiers who had adopted similar measures to effect their liberty, and who had escaped detection, was a powerful stimulous to urge me on to my undertaking; and, indeed, I may say it was through the success of their attempts, that I received encouragement, and was led to do as I did. One circumstance I will here mention. Two of my comrades, who were great intimates together, and who were both officers' servants, became so dissatisfied with a soldier's life that they resolved to make their escape in company with each other, when the first opportunity should present. When the night came that gave them the desired opportunity, one of them, dressed himself in an officer's full uniform, belonging to the one with whom he was living; took also his com mission, in order that they might escape with greater safety. His companion dressed himself in a servants habit, and attended him in that capacity; after thus preparing themselves they took a horse and sleigh and proceeded with all possible baste; alleging, where they had occasion to stop, that they were in pursuit of deserters. Thus they both made their succesful escape.

determined, in case I should be overtaken by pursuers, not to be taken alive.*

The day at length arrived when I was to execute my project, which, if successful, was to free me from my troubles, and confer upon me the blessings of liberty; but if detected would plunge me into a worse situation, and a deeper misery. Early in the evening the Captain and Colonel R. went in company to partake of the pleasures of a splendid ball, and having waited until the tattoo sounded, which called every soldier to the barracks, I began to make preparation for my exit. After carrying my plan into effect, so far as to encourage me with success, and while in the very act of making the most important preparations, I was suddenly interrupted by Colonel R's. servant, who coming near to me, spoke to me as if he suspected my design. But fearing I should take the alarm, he coaxingly requested me to go with him into the servant's room, where no doubt he meant to have secured me, as another servant was there who would probably have readily assisted him to detect me. But knowing he must have discovered my design, and fearing he was only laying a trap to catch me, I made him an indifferent reply; but promised him I would

*I placed all my hopes of deliverance upon my horse and a single pistol; which latter I intended to have well loaded with balls, and not to be taken without firing through the first man that should attempt to apprehend me. I should have provided myself with another pistol, but for fear of ex titing suspicion of my design I was obliged to desist.

return in a few minutes. Upon this, we parted, and by watching the movements of the servant, I was fearfully alarmed of the fact that he was going, with all haste, to report me as a deserter.

Now indeed, was the decisive moment; and 1 felt it; and although I had not accomplished my purpose of changing clothes from the wardrobe, nor secured an outer garment.* I sprung out of the house into the stable, saddled the horse, mounted him, and galloping upon the full speed, I passed in front of the barracks by the guard, the sentinels of which were on their posts, and in a few moments, left my master and the troops, far in the rear. Soon, however,

I began to feel the effects of the cold; even before I had crossed the St. Lawrence, which distance was about nine miles on the ice, I thought I should have perished; my dress being altogether unfit for my circumstances, being composed of a pair of woolen regimental pantaloons, woolen vest, a light fustian jacket, hat, and a light pair of calfskin shoes. My sufferings increased beyond description; I became chilled almost to death, and those parts of my body most exposed, became frozen and stiff in spite of all my exertions. Sometimes I would

*Notwithstanding I had not accomplished my design, yet I had carried my plan too far to be desisted from I had evidently given the most decisive proof of my intention. To have remained without making any further exertion would soon have brought me into confinement, and to the dreadful torture of the whip, or some other severe punishment. Therefore, without the least hesitancy, I resolved to try my escape forthwith, perchance I might succeed in gaining my liberty from a life of such insufferable tyranny!