Escapes from Cayenne

56 I have received an answer fram the new Governor, Mr. W a l ­ ker ; 1 have not had the honor to be received by him—he is too high and I too low—but his Secretary, Mr. Goodman, told me that his Excellency was willing to give a free passage to Suri­ nam to three of us. I thanked him, and hoped to be able to prosecute my way to the United States in company with Paon and Bivors.

1 had news from m y friend in Cayenne ; he sent me a kind letter and some money. I thought I was certain to leave Eng­ lish Guiana. I went to the colonial hospital, inquired for the doctor, and asked him if it was possible to remove Paen without any serious danger. " W i t h a good bandage and some precautions he can make the voyage," said the physician.

I then inquired for the captain of the Dutch mail packet.

Captain, I am your most devoted servant." " Good morning, sir; how can I oblige y o u ? " " B y carrying me and two of my friends from here to Suri­ nam." " W h o are you, sir ? " " A political refugee, captain." " What countryman are y o u ? " " French." " I can not do what you require." " W i l l you be so kind as to tell me why not ? " " Because I have strict orders not to bring any French refu­ gees into the Dutch possessions." " But we don't intend to go into Paramaribo ; we will stay in the harbor, on board the brig Frederic, until she starts for Salem." " Well, sir, I will ask the Governor of Surinam. I f he al­ lows me to take you, I will do it with the greatest pleasure on m y next voyage." " B u t , Captain, the Frederic will be gone then." " I can not help it; I must execute the orders I have re­ ceived. I f you were in Surinam, I could take you here ; but from here to Surinam I can not. I am sorry for it, but it is quite impossible for me." " But our passage will be paid, Captain—well paid." " Never mind ; 1 can not take you at any price."

Farewell to my hopes of going to the United States by that way. I must look for another.

I inquired for American ships; there were none in the har­ bor of Georgetown. N o w I spend money every day and re­ ceive n o n e ; Paon is wounded and Bivors is sick; he has a bad cold and a worse fever ; he lies on his bed. What shall we do, good God ?—what shall we do ?