AMONGST the many extraordinary characters which the eventful times we live in have produced to the notice of the world, no man has undergone greater vicissitudes of fortune than La Fayette. At one time we behold him tearing himself from the fascinations of the most licentious court in Europe, braving the elements in search of the bubble reputation, and combating for the cause of liberty under the banners of Washington; at another, sowing the seeds of confusion in his native country, idolized by an enthusiastic populace, and raised to the chief command of his emancipated countrymen; then proscribed and hunted by those associates who no longer stood in need of his assistance; a fugitive in a foreign land, obliged to seek an asylum amongst his enemies; and lastly, sei,

zed as a traitor, and delivered up to the Emperor of Germany; who, regarding him as one of the chief instruments of the insulting degradation and subsequent death of the royal family of France, ordered him into close confinement in the castle at Olmutz. Compassion for his fate drew petitions from all quarters for his release. The emperor was inexorable, and Fayette had dragged on two miserable years in his solitary prison, when a stranger and a foreigner stepped forwards from pure motives of compassion, and an anxious wish to be of service to a man who had so signalized himself in the cause of liberty. Balman was a Hanoverian by birth, young, active, intrepid, and intelligent. He repaired alone and on foot to Olmutz to gain such information as might enable him to judge

of the best means to execute the purpose he had in view, to assist Fayette in making his escape from the power of Austria. He soon found that, without an able coadjutor, the difficulties which presented themselves were insurmountable. He was foreed, therefore, for the present to abandon his design until he should be so fortunate as to find a man equally zealous with himself, and with ability sufficient to execute the hazardous plan he had formed. Accident threw in his way the person in the world best suited to the enterprize by nature and education. At Vienna, he entered into the society of young Americans, whom he thought most likely, from their veneration for the character of Fayette, to dare such an undertaking. He soon singled out one, to whom, after proper precautions, he imparted his secret. Huger entered into and adopted his schemes with all the keenness of youth, and that enthusiastic enterprize peculiar to the inhabitants of the new world.

Francis Huger was the son of Colonel Huger of Charlestown, South Carolina, who lost his life in the service of his country against the British troops on the walls of the town, when besieged by General Prevost. The year before his death, he had retired to a small island off the Charlestown bar, with his family, for the benefit of sea-bathing. There happened one evening a violent storm, the report of cannon was heard at a distance; concluding the firing came from British ships, then cruising in those seas, it was necessary to avoid giving suspicion that the island was inhabited. About midnight a knocking at the door of the cottage obliged Colonel Huger to open it. Two persons appeared, who, in a foreign accent, informed him that their ship

had been driven on shore by the violence of the wind, and the crew had dispersed themselves over the island in search of assistance. They were hospitably received, and provided with such necessaries as they most stood in need of. When the strangers were made acquainted with the quality of their host, and his political principles, they made themselves and the object of their voyage known to him. The one was the Marquis de la Fayette, then about eighteen, and the other an elderly gentleman, a Chevalier de St Louis, who, like another Mentor, had followed the fortunes of the young Telemachus. "They beheld," they said, " with indignation, the tyranny the inhabitants of North America laboured under from the mother country; and, animated with the true spirit of liberty, they were resolved to espouse the cause of the Congress, and either partake with them the happiness of emancipation, or perish with them in the glorious effort." Colonel Huger quitted the island with his guests, and, repairing to head quarters, introduced them to General Washington, who gave each of them a command in the continental army. Francis Huger was only four years old when this happened, but the adventure remained deeply impressed on his memory; and though he had never seen Fayette since, yet he felt the greatest attachment to his person, and the highest admiration of his actions; with ardour, therefore, he participated in Balman's scheme for the release of his favourite hero.

Thus agreed, they began their operations. It was necessary to conduct themselves with caution, for the Austrian police was vigilant, and particularly jealous of strangers. Huger pretended ill health, and Balman gave himself out for a physician, who on

that account travelled with him. They bought three of the best horses they could find, and with one servant set forwards on a tour. After travelling many weeks, staying some time at different places, the better to conceal their purpose, and to confirm the idea that curiosity was the motive of their journey, they at length reached Olmutz. After viewing every thing in the town, they walked into the castle to see the fortifications, made themselves acquainted with the jailor, and having desired permission to walk within the castle the next day, they returned to their lodging. They repeated their visits frequently, each time conversing familiarly with the jailor, and sometimes making him little presents. By degrees they gained his confidence, and one day, as if by accident, asked him what prisoners he had under his care. He mentioned the name of Fayette; without discovering any surprise, they expressed a curiosity to know how he passed his time, and what indulgences he enjoyed: They were informed that he was strictly confined, but was permitted to take exercise without the walls with proper attendants, and, besides, was allowed the use of books, and pen, ink, and paper. They said, that, as they had some new publications with them, it might add to his amusement if they were to lend them to him, and desired to know if they might make the offer. The jailor said he thought there could be no objection, provided the books were delivered open to him (the jailor,) so that he might see there was nothing improper in their contents. With this caution they complied, and the same evening sent a book and a note to the jailor, addressed to Fayette, written in French; who, though he did not understand that language (as

it afterwards appeared,) yet did not suspect any treachery where every thing was conducted so openly. The note contained apologies for the liberty they had taken; but, as they wished in any way to contribute to his happiness, they hoped he would attentively 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. He received the note, and finding it was not expressed in the usual mode of complimentary letters, conceived that more was meant than met the eye. He therefore carefully perused the book, and found in certain places words written with a pencil, which, being put together, acquainted him with the names, qualities, and designs of the writers, and requiring his sentiments before they should proceed any further. He returned the book, and with it an open note, thanking them, and adding, that he highly approved of, and was much charmed with, its contents.

Having thus begun a correspondence, seldom a day passed but open notes passed between them, some of which the jailor shewed to persons who could read them; but, as nothing appeared that could create any suspicion, the correspondence was permitted.

Their plan being at length arranged, the particulars were written with lemon juice, and on the other side of the paper a letter of inquiries after Fayette's health, concluding with these words: Quand vous aurez lu ce billet, mettez le au feu (instead of dans le feu.) By holding the paper to the fire, the letters appeared, and he was made acquainted with every arrangement they had made. The day fol lowing was fixed upon to put the plan in execution. The city of Olmutz

is situated about 30 miles from the frontiers of Silesia, in the midst of a plain, which, taking the town as its centre, extends three miles each way. The plain is bounded by rising ground, covered with bushes and broken rocks; so that a man standing on the walls might distinctly see every thing that passed on the plain. Sentinels were placed for the purpose of giving an alarm when any prisoner was attempting to escape, and all people were ordered to assist in retaking him: great rewards were likewise due to the person who arrested a prisoner. It seemed therefore scarcely possible to succeed in such an attempt. Aware of these difficulties, Balman and Huger were not intimidated, but took their measures with the greater caution.

Under pretence that his health required air and exercise, Fayette had obtained permission to ride out upon the plain every day in an open cabriolet, accompanied by an officer, and attended by an armed soldier, who mounted behind by way of guard. During these excursions he had gained the confidence of the officer so far, that when the carriage was at a distance from the walls they used to quit it, and walk together.

The plan determined upon was this; Balman and Huger were to ride out of town on horseback, the latter leading a third horse; as neither of them knew Fayette, a signal was agreed upon at their meeting. Fayette was to endeavour to gain as great a distance as possible from the town, and, as usual, to quit the carriage with the officer, and draw him imperceptibly as far from it as he could without exciting his suspicions. The two friends were then to approach, and, if necessary, to overpower the officer, mount Fayette upon the horse Huger led,

and ride away full speed to Bautropp, 15 miles distant, where a chaise and horses awaited to convey them to Trappaw, the nearest town within the Prussian dominions, about 30 miles from Olmutz, where they would be safe from pursuit. In the morning Huger sent his trusty servant to endeavour to learn the precise time that Fayette left the castle. After a tedious delay, he returned, and told them that the carriage had just past the gates. With agitated hearts they set out; having gained the plain, they could perceive no carriage; they rode slowly on till they had nearly reached the woody country, but still no carriage appeared. Alarmed lest some unforeseen accident should have led to a discovery, they hesitated; but, recollecting that their motions might be distinctly seen from the walls, they retraced their steps, and had arrived at a short distance from the town when they beheld the long-wishedfor cabriolet pass through the gates, with two persons in it, one in the Austrian uniform, and a musqueteer mounted behind. On passing, they gave the preconcerted signal, which was returned, and the carriage moved on. They continued their ride towards the town, then turned, and slowly followed the carriage. They loitered, in order to give Fayette time to execute his part of the agree ment. They observed the two gentlemen descend from the carriage, and walk from it arm in arm. They approached gradually, and perceiving that Fayette and the officer appeared to be engaged in earnest conversation about the officer's sword, which Fayette had at the time in his hand, they thought this the favorable moment, and put spurs to their horses. The noise of their approach alarmed the officer, who, turning round, and seeing