Extract from the Register of the Bastille, published in the Work entitled, “La Bastille Dévoilée.”
An old prisoner from Pignerol, obliged always to wear a mask of black velvet, whose name and quality have never been known.
September 18th, 1698. At three o’clock in the afternoon.
Dujonca, Volume 87.
It was never known.
This is the famous Man in the Mask, whom no one has ever seen or known.
This prisoner was brought to the Bastille by M. de Saint-Mars in his litter, when he took possession of the Government of the Bastille, coming from his Government of the Islands of Saint Margaret and Saint Honorat, and whom he had before had with him at Pignerol.
This prisoner was treated with great distinction by the Governor, and was only seen by him and M. de Rosarges, Major of the Fortress, who alone had the care of him.