to set sail in less than six or seven months, and they assured us, that before that period it was not probable we should meet with any other opportunity of returning to our native country. The dysentery which I had caught among the marshes of Strait Bouton, made me apprehensive that a relapse would be produced by those of Batavia, where the exhalations are still more noxious. Besides, the situation of Batavia is so pernicious to Europeans, particularly during the first year of their abode there, that out of every hundred soldiers who arrive there from Europe, twenty-four generally die in the first year, and those who become somewhat accustomed to the climate, still remain in a languishing state of health. Other Europeans who have all the conveniencies of life at their command, do not die in so terrifying a proportion: but from the small allowance that was granted us as prisoners of war, we could not hope to be able to procure ourselves any thing beyond the mere necessaries of life.
Citizen Piron and myself obtained permission to delay our departure for Batavia till the Dutch fleet was just about to sail. Our companions in misfortune, Laignel, Ventenat, and Willaumez, set off for that place; and as soon as they arrived there they were sent to Fort Tangaran, more than 7,500 toises distant from the town. Richeand
