It was the brave General Gilly who was treated in this cruel manner.
Meanwhile the news became more disastrous every day: Napoleon was moving about with the rapidity of his eagles.

On the 24th March it was reported in Nimes that Louis XVIII had left Paris on the 19th and that Napoleon had entered on the 20th.

This report was traced to its source, and it was found that it had been spread abroad by M.Vincent de Saint-Laurent, a councillor of the Prefecture and one of the most respected men in Nimes.

He was summoned at once before the authorities and asked whence he had this information; he replied, "From a letter received from M.
Bragueres," producing the letter.

But convincing as was this proof, it availed him nothing: he was escorted from brigade to brigade till he reached the Chateau d'If.