The commandant evidently does as he says, and makes the money he gets for our keep go far.

Let us drink his health, and a better employment to him.

He evidently feels being kept here, instead of being with the army in the field.

In fact, he is just as much a prisoner as we are, without even the satisfaction of being able to talk over plans for escape.
"Ah! I see he has sent a box of cigars, too.

I finished my last as we rode here today, and was wondering when I should be able to get some more in; also tobacco for my pipe.