I read much during my confinement at Glatz, where books were allowed
me; time was therefore less tedious; but when the love of liberty
awoke, when fame and affection called me to Berlin, and my baulked
hopes painted the wretchedness of my situation; when I remembered
that my loved country, judging by appearances, could not but
pronounce me a traitor; then was I hourly impelled to rush on the
naked bayonets of my guards, by whom, to me, the road of freedom was
barred.

Big with such-like thoughts, eight days had not elapsed since my
last fruitless attempt to escape, when an event happened which would
appear incredible, were I, the principal actor in the scene, not
alive to attest its truth, and might not all Glatz and the Prussian
garrison be produced as eye and ear witnesses. This incident will
prove that adventurous, and even rash, daring will render the most
improbable undertakings possible, and that desperate attempts may
often make a general more fortunate and famous than the wisest and
best concerted plans.

Major Doo {2} came to visit me, accompanied by an officer of the
guard, and an adjutant. After examining every corner of my chamber,
he addressed me, taxing me with a second crime in endeavouring to
obtain my liberty; adding this must certainly increase the anger of
the King.

My blood boiled at the word crime; he talked of patience; I asked
him how long the King had condemned me to imprisonment; he answered,
a traitor to his country, who has correspondence with the enemy,
cannot be condemned for a certain time, but must depend for grace