The General in allowing the exercise of hunting, granted a Rayon of two leagues on each side of Verdun; but this was qualified by the necessity each prisoner was under of signing his name in a book kept for the purpose in an office at Verdun, twice in the course of the day; viz., once between eight and ten in the morning, and again between two and four in the afternoon. Those who wished to hunt therefore, took care to sign as early as they could in the morning, and provided they could ensure returning before four, they felt secure as to their last signature. It was necessary in consequence that the hunt should begin early, and it was seldom of long duration. This necessity of appearing twice a day was felt by the superior officers, who had been taken in arms, as a great indignity, and forcibly remonstrated against by them in the following letter. “SIR, “We feel it a duty we owe to ourselves, and the rank we hold in the British Navy, to remonstrate against the treatment we receive as prisoners of war. When under the necessity of surrendering the ships we commanded to the arms of the French republic, we considered ourselves under its protection. We were taken in the performance of our duty, which in all ages, and in every part of the world, has been considered as the most noble either in public or in private life; that of supporting the cause of our country in open and honourable warfare. No exertions could save us from captivity under the circumstances attending our ships; no honour was consequently lost, and misfortune ought to strengthen our claims to hospitality. The fate of war has placed us in the hands of the French republic, and from it, Sir, we have a right to demand that respect, which the customs of all civilized nations accord to officers of our rank, who have not forfeited their titles to it by improper conduct. Ours has been invariably regulated by a sacred attention to the word of honour exacted from us upon landing in France, nor can we recollect having given the slightest cause of complaint. We are now placed on a level with the lowest description of prisoner, and enjoy no distinction whatever above them. Notwithstanding we have pledged our honour not to leave Verdun without permission, we are ordered to present ourselves twice in each day, to verify our keeping it. The Captains of the French ships Carrieré, St. Nicholas, and Success, taken by the ships we commanded in the late war, can testify how differently they were treated whilst our prisoners. “You must naturally expect, Sir, that under such circumstances we should feel and act as we do in laying a statement of these facts before you. “We are, Sir, &c. E. L. GOWER, JAHLEEL BRENTON.” “TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE MINISTER OF MARINE.”