[Translation.], November 9, 1866

[Translation.]

My General: Following out your excellency’s orders, I sent this morning, to Feroli, Lieutenant de Farnel, to make examination into the escape of Zouave Watson. I have learned some other details of this unfortunate business. Watson at the moment when he was arrested must have been on his guard, having obtained knowledge of a letter addressed to Zouave St. Marie, which concerned him, probably. This letter, sent by mistake to a trumpeter named St. Marie, was opened by him and shown to Watson, because it was written in English. I have sent it to your Eminence, with the report of Captain Lambilly.

I am assured that the escape of Watson savors of a prodigy. He leaped from a height of twenty-three feet on a very narrow rock, beyond which is a precipice. The filth from the barracks accumulated on the rock, and in this manner the fall of Watson was broken. Had he leaped a little further he would have fallen into an abyss.

I am, with respect, my general, your Eminence’s very humble subordinate,