Autobiography, Reminiscences and Letters of John Trumbull, from 1756 to 1841

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1841 edition. Excerpt: ...my post a night, and had been watching some time for the arrival of some traveller, from whom I might ask a ride, when you drove up, and I thank you for your kindness. I breathed more freely. He took his seat, and appeared to be a plain blunt soldier. You will stop at Chantilly V said he. It is not my intention; I am in haste, and mean to travel post, night and day. You are going to Calais? Yes. You are an Englishman? No, an American of the United States. But your carriage is English; you are going to London V True, and impatient to get on. You cannot go on to-night; you must stop at Chantilly, and sup with me, for the forest is dangerous, and my men are harassed, so that I cannot give you an escort until morning. Again my heart beat quick. I was completely in the power of this man--there was no possibility of escape--he would execute his commission at his leisure, and search me in his own quarters; surrounded by his troops. We drove on, and after a short silence he abruptly asked, Do you know the Prince de Poix in London 1 I have seen him. He is a great fool, exclaimed he. He commanded a company of the royal guard, in which I was a private soldier; he emigrated, and I command in his place. Was not that folly V Again I began to be reassured, and to believe that he was indeed an honest, blunt, heels-over-head soldier. We rode on, and all his conversation was in the same heedless style; and I recovered my tranquillity, though vexed at the unavoidable delay. We reached Chantilly early in the evening, and he hurried to his quarters, promising to return in half an hour to supper. This he did, and we supped together most amicably and cheerfully. At length, he asked at what hour I chose to proceed in the morning, and...