THE MENNONITE BROTHERHOOD IN RUSSIA (1789 - 1910), P. M. Friesen, 1911

singular impression on me and my heart truly sank! The soldiers locked the second gate .... We were taken to the previously mentioned prison school: one large room, four tables and benches for the students in it, room for 20 in all, who were taught there diligently to read and write for four hours mornings and afternoons every day. Their presence made our room unpleasant, but we were thankful nonetheless that we had a place where we had the opportunity to write and Hardships at Einlage 323 to read, something not permitted anywhere in the prison except in the superintendent’s office. We will likely not make it out of here without picking up lice either; we can see them crawling up and down the backs of the other prisoners. b) “The teacher ... is an imprisoned noble; and another young gentleman out of this city shares our room. They inquired about our circumstances. Two other noblemen from the adjoining room were present as well and invited us to join them for some tea. Thus the Lord immediately took care of our needs. After prayer we lay down to sleep, but the many thoughts about my imprisonment and my sick family which passed through my soul, the sight of our vaulted room with its iron-barred windows, the horrible yelling of the guards, for a long time allowed no sleep to come to my eyes. I cried to the Lord and he gave me comfort: finally I fell asleep. c) “July 17. Y esterday evening we received the news that we should be brought before the court today .... They took us from this place with 14 soldiers. Quite an impressive appearance! They took our Lord and Master in the same way : the servant is not greater than his master! In this way we were taken to a military court, some two versts distant .... Inspector Biller [of the Ekaterinoslav German colonies] was there as well. Following much discussion, they were at a loss to know what to do with us and finally decided to release us on bail. Two officials were already waiting to prepare the necessary documents for signature, which the court officers were to sign. And then suddenly there was a turnabout— they would first see whether it was possible!? The soldiers were ordered to return us to our place. Biller informed us that we would be freed; he would see to it. We promised him that our bail would be paid, thanks to . . . . So it was back to the prison for us ... . There are 450 men within these prison walls . . . creating a din and clanging of chains which are enough to strike fear within one. O God, when will you remove all the misery of mankind! Lord, have mercy upon us and be gracious! Amen. d) “July 18 ... . The director has given us another two days in this room [the school], but then we are to go down below, since we are disturbing the students. Dear Lord, do grant that we might have received a full release by then .... Around 12 noon our bail guarantor came and explained to us that we could be free by Saturday, but that the (jail) secre