We read that an Italian prisoner on parole at Derby in 1797 went to Leicester and bought a pair of pistols, thus committing a double breach of his parole by going beyond the limit, and by possessing himself of arms. ‘It is presumed,’ remarks the chronicler, ‘from the remarkable anxiety he showed to procure possession of these offensive weapons, that he has some particular object to accomplish by them—perhaps his liberation.’
It is much more likely that his object was to fight a duel.
Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Mr. Richard Holland, of Barton under Needwood, Staffordshire, has favoured me with this note about Ashbourne.
‘Here in 1803 were Rochambeau and 300 of his officers. The house where the general resided is well known, and a large building was erected in which to lodge the prisoners who could not afford to find their own houses or apartments. I have heard that the limit of parole was two miles.... I never heard of any breaches of parole or crimes committed by the prisoners....
I have often heard that the prisoners made for sale many curious articles, models, etc., ... but I remember a fine drawing of a man-of-war on the outside wall of the prison referred to, which now happens to belong to me.... Even fifty years ago very little was remembered of the prisoners. One of them was a famous runner, and I knew an old man who told me he ran a race with the Frenchman, and beat him too!’
In 1804 General Pageot was on parole at Ashbourne. Here he seems to have been received, like so many of his countrymen prisoners, on a footing of friendship at the houses of the neighbouring gentry, for he received permission to live for eight days at Wooton Lodge, the seat of Colonel Wilson. In granting this unusual indulgence the Commissioners remark that ‘as our people are very strictly treated in France, it is improper that unusual indulgences be given to French prisoners, and we hope that no other applications will be made’.
Later on the Commissioners wrote to Colonel Wilson:
‘As it appears by letters between General Pageot and some of his countrymen that he is paying his addresses to a Lady of Respectability in or near Ashbourne, the Board think it proper that you should be informed that they have good authority for believing that he is actually a married man, and has a family in France.’
Still later, writing to Mr. Bainbrigge, the Commissioners say that General Pageot has been sent to Montgomery, and they recommend Mr. Bainbrigge to take measures to prevent him having any communication with the lady, Mr. Bainbrigge’s niece.
Say they: