_Dear Master_:
I have just been notified that tomorrow I must undergo the most
terrible affront that can be administered to a soldier. I was
expecting it; I had prepared myself for it; yet the blow is terrible.
In spite of everything, I hoped up to the last moment that some
providential chance would lead to the discovery of the person really
guilty. I shall march to this frightful torture worse than death,
with head high, without blushing. To say that my heart will not be
frightfully tortured when they tear from me the insignia of the honor
that I have gained by the sweat of my brow would be to lie. I would
have preferred death a thousand times. But you dear master, have
pointed out to me my duty, and I cannot fail in it, whatever the
tortures that await me. You have taught me to hope. You have persuaded
me that an innocent man cannot remain forever condemned. You have
given me faith. Thank you again, dear master, for all that you have
done for an innocent man.
Tomorrow I shall be transferred to La Santé. My happiness would be
great if you could come there to give me the consolation of your warm
and eloquent voice, and revive my broken heart. I rely always on you,
and on all my family, to unravel this frightful mystery. Wherever I
go, your memory will follow me. It will be the star from which I shall
expect my happiness,--that is, my full and entire rehabilitation.
Accept, dear master, the expression of my respectful sympathy.