/ THE LIFE And entertaining ADVENTURES O T Mr. Cleveland, Natural S O N of Oliver Cromwell, Written by H I M S E L F. Giving a particular Account of his Unhap- pinefs in Love, Marriage, Friendfhip, &c. and his great Sufferings in Europe and America . Intermixed with Reflexions, deferibing the Heart of Man in all its Variety of Paflions and Difguifes; alfo fome curious Particulars of Oliver s Hiftory and Amours, ne- ver before made publick. V O L. II. D V B L I N : Printed by S. Powell, For William Heatly, Bookfcller, at the Bible and Dove in College-Green. Mdccxxxvi, Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from Getty Research Institute \ / https://archive.org/details/lifeentertaining02prev Mr. CLEVELAND, NATURAL SON O F Oliver Cromwell BOOK V. E ACE, tranquillity, and an exa£t or- der, being now fo happily eftablifh’d among the Abaquis, I did not think of multiplying their laws and obligations i but apply’d myfelf wholly to make them itri£tly obferve thofe which were already enabled. This was the only method to fecure the fruit of my labours, which would have been very uncertain after my departure, had I not taken care to thus bind . as it were, the favages by the chains of habjt. We fpent fome months in re- peating our ufual exercifes, and in expectation of the re- A z turn 4 *fhe Life of turn of the favages whom I had Tent to Virginia , with theperfon whom Mrs. Lallin had fent to me. I poft- pon’d, till their return, my forming fuch a refolution, as might bring us to a certainty with regai d to the vifcount’s fate } hoping always that they’d hear where he was, and what had befallen him. I cou’d not judge exa&ly, of the length of the voyage he had undertaken, or the time he’d be oblig’d to fpend in it. This circum fiance per- plex’d me more than any thing elfe j I had been frequent- ly determin’d, particularly after my wife’s delivery, to fet out with my whole family ; and endeavour to find out the way to Carolina. ’Twas not but I expe&ed that the Abaquis would oppofe this ftrongly, as they now lov’d us more than ever: but then I pofiibly might have de- ceiv’d them, by alluring them that we would foon return among them. We fhould have taken a guard along with us, which would have made ’em conclude, that we did not defign to abandon ’em ; and thefe we might have ea- fily got rid of, had heaven been propitious to our de- fign, by directing us to fome Engli/h or Spaniflj colo- ny- How dangerous foever this refolution might be, yet this was the only one we cou’d think of taking, in cafe we fhould have no news of the vilcount. At laft I yield- ed to it, but in the fame manner as a fick man does to fwallow a naufeous potion, which he dreads very near as much as his ficknefs. I even communicated it to my wife and Mrs. Riding, who immediately approv’d it, and wererefolv’d to venture, whatever might be the confe- quences. We were now detain’d by no other motives, than the faint hope we entertain’d, that our favages might happen to arrive when we leaft expe&ed them. We were not difappointed, for word was brought me one day, that they were come. My furprize was fo great, that I cou’d Icarce fupport myielf ; but it increas’d pro- digioufiy, when I faw my wife feiz’d with fear, and fall into a fwoon. If the re2ciercorifiders, how uneafy we muftbe, after having liv’d fifteen months among favages, and not heard afingieword of the vifcount for upwards of a twelve- month 5 that the leaft glimmerings of hope, muft work after an extraordinary manner upon our minds. But in Mr. Cleveland. f cafe it were not joy, ’twasatleaft our uncertainty with regard to the news we fhould hear, that occafion’d thefe unufual cumults. However, we were feen to feel emo- tions of a lefs dubious nature ; they were thofe of a deadly fear, and confequently of the deepeft grief. Thefavages had firfh arriv’d in Varohatan. There they had feen Mrs. Lallin , who had procur’d them a guide to accompany them to Carolina. This man being a Virgini- an, and underftanding Eaglifh * they had traveled along the fea-coaft, enquiring, as they went, whether any one had feen the vifeount, or knew what was become of him. But all this being to no purpofe, and defpairing e- ver to find him, they had return’d towards the valley of the Abaquis, in the midft of innumerable dangers, and not knowing in the leaft whither they were going. At laft chance, or rather providence, whowou’d not fuffer us to be any longer in the dark with refpe£t to our naif- fortunes, and prepar’d us others of a much more griev- ous nature j brought into their way, as they were crofi- finga vaft defert, one of thofe brave Abaquis who had guarded the vifeount. Him they had brought along with ’em, and we heard from his mouth, the fad accident which had happen’d to my lord and his companions. That unhappy nobleman was not advanc’d above four or five days in his journey, before he was attack’d by a company of favages, about the fame number with the people he had with him. Thefe he had put to flight with very little lofs on his fide. However, thefe wander- ing barbarians, that inhabited the large defert of Drexa - ra, who pafs for the mod cruel people in all America , were not difeourag’d at their defeat. Remembring that the vifeount was mounted and cloath’d, and alfo the En- glishmen who attended upon him, they refolv’d to fall up- on them again, in hopes of plunder. They had, how- ever, very much increas’d their numbers, and intercept- ing the Abaquis in their way, at fome diftance from the place where they had fought ; they fell upon them with fomuch fury, and fhot fucha fhower of arrows, that they kill’d feveral on the fpot. The reft terrified to fee themfelves furrounded in a moment with enemies j and finding it impoflible for them to fly, had laid down their arms, in hopes of obtaining quarter. Thefe, accord- A 3 ingly. <5 The Life of ingly, remain’d prifoners, and alfo the vifcount. The victors having divided the fpoil, feparated, and took dif- ferent ways. Moft ot the favages of the defert of Drexara are man-eaters ; at leaft they devour their prifo- ners. Thefe have no fix’d dwelling, but are inceflantly hunting after beafts, and after men, whom they look up- on as their beft game. The only reafon why they are call’d favages of Drexara, is, becaufe as they ever feek out for mountains and woods, as the places where game moft abounds ; they therefore are fond of this vail; defert, which is full of wild beafts, becaufe ’tis cover’d withfo- refts of a vaft extent. I trembled and was in the utmoft confirmation, while I lift ned to this firft part of thefavage’s relation; and did not dare to defire him, to inform me ot what I wanted moft to know. So dreadful an opening, made me conclude that his lord fliip had come to fome fatal end. My wife, on the other fide, was in fuch diftrefs, that the bare fight of her muft have awak’d the moft tender fenfations of pity. We continued very attentive to the favage, without daring to fpeaka fingle word. Happily, fays he, my lord, and twenty of our companions, of whom I was one, fell into the hands of a band of wild people, who are the leaft cruel, and not fo greedy as the reft of human fleih. Notbutthey devour’dfix of ourcompa- nions, to fatisfy their carnivorous appetites; but they are us’d to go every year on the bank of a great river, where they meet with white men who are cloath’d ; and with thefe they exchange their prifoners, for fuch things as they may have a fancy to. Myfelf and fifteen others were kept alive for that purpofe, and were made to tra- vel a very long way to the river fide ; but the white men did not come this year. Upon this, we were carried back towards the defert of Drexara, in order to wait till the next year. However, fays the favage, I am fure that all my companions won’t live fo long; for four cut of the fixteen have been eat fince our return from the river. He afterwards told us in what manner he had efcap’d, and how he was fo happy as to meet with three of his countrymen, after having wandred for two months, without knowing whither they were going. I Mr. Cleveland. 7 I have fince heard, that thofe white men, with whom the favages traded for their prifoners, were the Spaniards of Penfacola , who go up, at a certain feafon, the great river of the Holy Ghoft ; and purchafe (laves for an incon- fiderable quantity of brandy, or fome merchandifes of no value. I order’d the Abaquis to withdraw, after he had ended his relation; and the deep affliction with which I was feiz’d, not permitting me to attend to my wife’s grief, I did, in an inftant, what I not only had never done, but what I thought it impoflible for me to do. 1 con- ceal’d in my heart, the deeped: pangs ; and tho’ I was ready to fink under the weight of my own anguifh, 1 yet had fo much ftrength of mind as to afifume an air of tran- quillity ; and thereupon endeavour’d to comfort my wife as well as I cou’d. But ’tison this occafion that I am a- fraid, no one will hencefor wards pity me. Such a part as I have been able to aCf , and which I (ball now exhibit to m y readers, will be look’d upon as fo ftrange a one, and poffibly fo extraordinary and uncommon , that in cafe my readers are fo good as to indulge me their belief, they will undoubtedly think that it merits admiration rather than pity. Before a perfon can befenfibleto the tender emo- tions of compaffion, he moll either have been tortur’d with the pangs which another feels, or elfe know that his mind is capable of being affeCied by them. But no man, fure, ever labour’d under fuch calamities as mine and indeed few will be able to comprehend them. The refolution I therefore form’d that inftant, of fup- prefling the inward pangs which tortur’d my heart, be- came a rule to me; and I have fince obferv’d it with a furprizing ftrength of mind. However, I did not per- ceive the prodigioufly difficult task I had fet myfelf : But the great affe&ion I had for my wife, whofe foul I defir’d to fortify by my example, engag’d me to make this kind of vow in fecret, which perhaps was too rafh a one. I yet have been fo much mafter of myfelf as to put it in execution, but then what pangs has it coft me ! and how imbitter’d is the remembrance of it ! Deareft Fanny ! fays I to my wife, we are to thank heaven for even fuffering us to know what is become of your father. Providence can never fail to affift innocence and virtue. The truth A. 4 of 8 The Life of of this he himfelf has prov’d, by thus falling into the hands of favages, who are not fo barbarous as their com- panions j and the fame prote&ion will be indulg’d him to the end. Perhaps he may e’re this time, have been deliver’d up to thofe whites, whom the Abaquis menti- on’d. Thefe muft either be Englijh, Trench or Spaniards ; and of what part foever of Europe they maybe, he’ll be fafe, in cafe he’s got out of the hands of the favages. Yes, fays fhe, arguing but too juftly on the fubjed of our fears ; yes, provided he is got out of the hands of the favages; but what probability is there that he has got out of the hands of thofe bloody-minded wretches ? *Tis not above two months, according to the relation of the Abaquis, fince they return’d from their great river ; they won’t return to it till next year, and who knows whether they’ll fpare my dear father’s life fo long? She burft into tears as fhe fpoke thefe words; and her great tendernefs reprefenting the thing fire fear’d in itsmoft dreadful fhapes; fhe feem’d to be under as great terror, as tho’ flie had feen his lordfhip really devour’d by fava- ges. To comfort her, Iobferv’d, that as thofe favages were us’d to barter their prifoners, there was no room to doubt but they’d ftill continue to do it ; befides, that I’d prevent the effedfs of their cruelty, I being reiolv’d to put myfelf at the head of two thoufand Abaquis ; and to fet out, by the direction of the favage who had accompanied the vifcount, for the defert of Drexara ; that heaven would condudi me in this enterprise, as it fo near- ly concern’d his goodnefs and juft ice; in fine, that 1 hop’d to meet with the vifcount which was the only difficult point; and that I wou’d refcue him with the greateft: cafe. My wife had too much judgment to delude herfelf with falfe hopes. She was as fenfible as I cou’d be, how difficult it wou’d be to put mydefign in execution ; and this was the refolution fhe took that inftant. Iam per- fuaded, fays fhe to me, that you’ll never abandon my father, and that you’ll perform your promife in all it’s exrent; but Iamfure, that an attempt like this, will be very dangerous and uncertain. You cannot leave me here behind you. Conftder what may happen to me in yourabfence? not to mention, that if you onceaban- Mr . Cleveland. 9 don me, ’tis a thoufandto one, whether ever wecome together again. The only thing I cou’d then do, wou’d be to accompany you in your expedition ; and then, we’ll either meet with my father, or die in our fearch after him How impracticable foever this propofol might be, I yet cou’d not, with any fhadow of reafon, oppofe it. However, I laid down feveral reafons, which made italmoft impoffible, as we had not coaches, horfes, e rc. for either herfelf and my daughter, Mrs. Ruling and our women. This appear’d to me an infurmounta- ble difficulty. She anfwer’d, that fhe was fenlible it was fo, but affiir’d me, that {he was not any ways terrified upon that account ; that they would travel on foot, as long as they were able to walk ; that in cafe they fhould happen to be weary, they might eafily make a kind of litter, which our Abaquis fhould carry; and that in cafe I fet out with two thoufond, they might carry it by turns, with very little trouble to themfelves. I then mention’d provifionsas another great difficulty ; but that fhe affiir’d me, fhe would run the hazard of wanting; andrefolv’d, in like manner as I did, to depend on the prodigious number of wild beaffs which arc found in all parts of America, of which our favages, fays fhe, may kill as many as they pleafe. We’ll fet out, fays T, clafping her in my arms; we’ll fet out, deareft of creatures. I admire your courage, and will perfuade myfelf that heaven wou’d not have inipir’d you with it were we nottofucceed. I acquain- ted the Abaquis with our refolution a little after ; but mentioned it only as an expedition, which I was defir- ousof undertaking, purely to deliver the vifeount from his captivity, and revenge the death of our compani- ons. The whole people accepted of the offer with the utmoff joy ; but as I depended more on bravery and an exaCt difciplinc, than numbers, I told them, that I wou’d have thole only march under me, who had learn’d the military arts under Mr. Young fier ; and of thefe, I wou’d form a body of about 2000 ftrong and refolute fellows. Tnofe whom weleft behind usin the (ettlemenr., deem’d very loth to have me and my whole family leave ’em? but they did not once fufpect, that this was the Lift tune they’d ever fet eyes on ns more. Upon any other A y oecafioAu 10 The Life of occafion but this, we cou’d not have lett this good peo- ple but with the utmoft regret; who, during our long ftay among them, had difcover’d the utmoft docility, fubmiftion, and affe&ion. I can never forget the great kindnefs they fhew’d us ; and I have befought heaven, ever fince I was among them, to increafe the knowledge and love of virtue, with which I endeavour’d to infpire them. Tho’ I had fix’d upon a number who were to follow me in our expedition ; I yet could notrefufe fome parti- cular perfons who had always given me the higheft tefti- moniesof their affe&ion, their defire of accompanying me in it. I was heartily forry that I cou’d not gratify old Iglou in this particular 5 who, not confidering his great age and weaknefs, offer’d to follow me round the world. However, I permitted his daughter Rem to attend upon my wife ; not to mention that her great fondnefs for us merited this rccompence j I confider’d that fhe might be of great fervice to Fanny upon a thoufand occafions ; at laft, we fet out, after having befought God to fmile up- on our journey, and poured out our hearts before him in a moft devout manner. Heavens ! what a fetting out was this, and what an undertaking ! I hardly knew whither to bend my fteps. All I fuppos’d, was, that as I was in Florida beyond the Apalatian mountains ; the gulph of Mexico was to the fouthof me, and the coafts of the north fea to the eaft. I believ’d, that very probably the white men whom the favages had mention’d to me, were Spaniards, who came up fbme great river from the gulph of Mexico ; for 1 did not know of any as far as the point of Tegefia , which was as broad as that the favage fpoke to me of. With regard to the defert of Drexara, which is the name of it tran Hated, I had never once heard the leaft mention of it : The only idea I cou’d have of its fituation, was, from comparing his relation, with the opinion I entertain’d that the white men the Abaquis told me of, were Spaniards ; and I concluded from thence, that this defart muft be fituated to the fouthof us, or a little more to the right, weft ward. Indeed, this did not agree with the way which the three favages whom I fent into Caro - Mr . Cleveland. ii linst, had gonej and with their meeting with theprifo- ner: But then I knew by their own difcourfc, that they had often travelled at random; and I judg’d by the great number of miles they travell’d, that they had gone pro- digiouflyout of their way. Such were the lights, or rather the profound obfcurity, which was to guide us in our unhappy voyage. I mufl neverthelefs confefs, in order that I may not give too terrible an idea of my per- plexity, that I entertain’d another hope, without which it would have been the utmofl folly for me, to have thus thrown myfelf into a labyrinth; and this was, that I fhould meet with feveral nations who would fet me in the way ; and being accompanied with fo great a body of men, I was not under any appreheniions from their cruel- ty and barbarity. We travell’d for the firft week with no manner of difficulty. Tho’ the weather was prodigioufly hot, our Abaquis did not feem to faint. They carried the four litters in which the women were, without the leaft reluc- tance; and as they reliev’d one another, upon the lealf fignor fymptom of wearinefs, they did not feem to be in the lead: fatigued. I encourag’d them as well as I cou’d, by marching at their Head; and finding that 1 flood in thegreateflneedof their alii fiance, I put on an air of refo- lution, purpofely to animate them. Neverthelefs, whether they were not as much inur’d to fatigue, as the wandring favages who are ever upon their feet; or that the heat and change of air might take away their fpirits; a great number of them were on a fudden attack’d with a dangerous illnefs, which obliged us to flop. 1 thereup- on made choice ot an agreeable meadow, in which I re- folv’d to continue for fome days. This meadow was at a very little di fiance from a river, whofe banks were co- ver’d with tufted trees, which afforded a moft grateful fhade, and kept off the burning rays of the fun. But notwithflanding this precaution, yet thirty of thebravefl of my favages died in two days. Th.r fwift progrel's thedifeafe made, fbew’d but too plainly, that it was of a contagious nature. I loll fifteen men the day after ; and word was brought me continually, that a great many o- therswere brought to death’s door. In lefs than feven days near two hundred were carried off, and there were eight ii 7*he Life of eight hundred in a very langai filing condition. As I was under the moft terrible apprehenfions, for fear my wife fhould catch the infection, I oblig’d her and her women, to retire at a diftance from the main body ; and forbad any favage, upon pain of death, to go near ’em. I or- der’d Mr. Young fler to take care of them ; and in the’ mean time, T endeavour’d to find out fome remedy againfl a difeafe, which made fuch fad havock among the poor Abaquis. But the brave, the faithful Youngfter, was himfelf feiz’d with this deadly diftemper ; and I faw him breathe his laft, two days after, in the moft dreadful ago- nies. The wrath of heaven purfued me. I was undoubted- ly more to be pitied, than the many unhappy wretches who expir’d before my eyes; altho’ my conftitution was fo good, as to preferve me from the intedted air which I breath’d every inflant. I was continually in the midft of th eAbaquis, exhorting, comforting and enquiring into the nature and fymptoms of their feveral diftempers. I feparated the lick from thofe who were not yet infedted ; I caus’d the dead bodies to be carried off, for fear they fhould fpread the contagion ; I flew up and down in all places, I myfelf afliftedin the moft laborious part of the work, and took more pains than the mcaneft of the ra- vages. However, I would often confider. that the in- confideiate zeal I fhow’d, might prove of fatal confe- quenceto my wife. I was always afraid, at my going home to her in the evening, of infedting her with the contagious air I had breath’d. Upon this, I refolv’d to wafh myfelf every day in the river before I went home to her ; and not to wear the fame skins with which I co- ver’d myfelf when I vifitedthe favages. How dreadful wou’d have been the confequences, had I mylelf catch’d the diftemper 1 dreadful fear! I diverted my mind from thatrefledlion, in the fame manner as a criminal who is fentenc’d to die, does the thoughts of his execution. I wou’d affume, tho’ this was thegreateft pain to me, a chearful countenance whenever I went to my wife; and fo far from acquainting her that the difeafe fpread more and more, fb as to carry off twelve, fifteen, and fome- times twenty Abaquis every day ; I on the contrary told Mr . Cleveland. 13 her that all our people grew better. She would feign as tho’ fhe believ’d me ; and at the lame time that I thus pal- liated our evils, purpofely to prevent her taking them too much to heart; fhe, on the other lidc, wou’d pre- tend an entire ignorance in that affair, for fear of gi- ving me pain. In this dreadful calamity, ’twasa great happinefs that herfelf, our little daughter, and the women, continued in per fedt health. We {pent three weeks in this place, and did not once fee all that time, the leaft likelihood that our miferies wou’d be leflen’d. Near four hundred of my favages were dead, and as the infedion If ill con- tinued to fpread, I was juft ly apprehenfive that it wou’d fweep them all away. I therefore refolv’d to try what a change of air wou’d do; and accordingly order’d the camp to remove to an eminence, which did not appear to be above a day’s journey, from the wide-extended plains where we then lay. I commanded the favages to march off with all imaginable difpatch, but perceiv’d that they were not pleas’d with the news. Tho’ the place I direc- edthem to, lay at no great diftance from us; yet as it wou’d carry us farther off from the valley of the ASaquis, fome of them gave me to underftand, that they were abfolutely determin’d to return homeasfoonas poffible. This was a irefh fubjed of uneafinefs to me ; however, I wou’d not infill upon their removal the way I direded, purpofely that I might be the better able to find out di- redly how they might be difpos’d. I foon found, that they had affembled for feveral nights together, in order to confider what refolution it wou’d be proper for them to take; and as they were grown much more unruly lince Mr .Yomgfters death; they had murmur’d againft me, as tho’ I were the onlycaufe of all their calamities. I therefore found ’em fo exafperated, and fo little difpos’d to obedience, that I was afraid they wou’d rebel in a lit- tle time againft me. This muff neceffarily be of very fatal coniequence. The leaft, and that which I muff naturally exped, was, that they all would abandon me at once; and by that means expofemeand my whole fa- mily, to the mercy of wild beafts, or favages, who are equally cruel. I fpent fome days, in folliciting and en- treating thofe whofe fidelity 1 leaft fufpeded; andbe- fought 14 STZtf Life of fought them to do their utmoft, to bring over their com- panions. This they endeavour’d, but to no purpofe. Even the fightof five or fix hundred ot their country- men, who were ftill fick ; and whom confequently they wou’d be oblig’d to leave behind ’em, did not make the leaft imprefiion on the rebels ; and cou’d not engage ’em to ftay, at leaft, till they were recover’d. None of the reafons I gave were any ways effectual, and they re- fus’d to liften to any of ’em ; like to a flock of fheep, who run impetuoufly together towards the fame place, when they are excited by fome impulfe, the caufe ot which is even unknown to ’em. In a word, the once fubmiflive, obliging Abxquis, were now a multitude of capricious and inflexible favages. I now look’d upon the evil as paft all cure. The only remedy I cou’d think of, and which I refolv’d to try, ruin’d the whole affair ; as it gave thofe worthlefs wretches an opportunity of executing their refolutions at once. I caus’d them to afiemble round me* when reproaching them, haughtily, with their inconftancy and perfidy ; I added, that I was neverthelefs affur’d that thefe were few in number, and that great numbers among ’em were difpos’d to continue faithful ; that I wasdefir- ousof knowing ’em, and diftinguifhing ’em in the ho- nourable manner they deferv’d 5 and was very willing to letfuchas were otherwife, depart forever from my pre- fence, and return immediately home. I had flatter’d my- felf, that the fear of pafiing for a fet of perfidious crea- tures, would force them .again ft their wills, to be obedi- ent. Upon this I gave immediate orders for all fucli as were for abandoning me, to draw off to the left; and defir’d thofe of a different refolution, to go on the right. Having faid thefe words, I look’d ftedfaftly upon ’em ; and during fome moments, not one of ’em offer’d to ftir from his place. They gaz’d upon one another, with an air of aftonifhment and uncertainty. At laft, fome of themoft rebellious running off to my left, they were foon follow’d by the greateft number. Scarce had they, flood a moment, to fee whether or no they might de- pend upon one another, but fettii g up a great fhout, they turn’d their backs upon me, and flew like lightning towards their valley.' There ftill remain’d about three hundrd Mr. Cleveland. if hundred on my right, who I imagin’d wou’d adhere to me ; but thefe feeing their countrymen take to their heels j and having look’d upon them as they were flying, as un- certain what they fhou’d do } they made off likewife, and cou’d not be perfuaded to come back a moment} tho’ I begg’d, reproach’d, and did all I cou’d to engage their Hay. How wou’d it be poffible for me to give an idea in this place, of my forrow, and the furprize with which I wasfeiz’d ! I was now left quite alone in the midft of: the meadow. As the two Englifhmen who furviv’d, were with my wife and the women} and as the place where thefick lay, was a quarter of a mile off, and fhaded by trees} not one favage was left with me, from whom I cou’d obtain the feeble confolation which is found when we reveal our woes to another. I had nodeflgn to acquaint my wife with thefe fad reverfes } file wor/d have divided ’em with me, and her uneafinefs wou’d only have fill’d me with defpair } for which reafon I was forc’d to conceal ’em, deep in my bofom, tho’ this was a mortal pain. Upon this I feated myfelf on the grafs, in the very place where I flood. Tho’ heaven feem’d to pour all its wrath upon me, I yet lifted up my eyes, and be- fought the creator to commiferate m y fu fferings. I begg’d of God, in cafe he did not think fit to indulge me the confolation which might leffen my forrows} however to point out to me how I fhould a£l} and give me, atleaft, lome little glimmerings of hope, in the deplorable ftate I was reduc’d to } and to which, I believ’d, no man but myfelf had been ever brought. Gracious God ! fays I a thoufand times, thou canfl not delight to fee thy creatures in defpair. If thy works were the effedt of all goodnefs, how canft thou take pleafure in deftroy ing ’em ? What is to be my fate ? What will' become of the vif- count, my unhappy wife, and oun innocent daughter ? To what purpofe is it to invoke tnee, if thou art al- ways deaf to my prayers ? My God 1 hear me, and take pity of thy unhappy creatures. However, after having been thus tortur’d for fome time," I fummon’d up all my fpirits, in order to draw from the circumftances of ourmifery, fuch weakrefourcesas me- thought it afforded. I at firft fuppos’d, that we had no other 1 6 The Life of other courfeto take, but to return back to th zAbaqtiis. After I had duly confider’d the neceffity there was that we fhou’d do this, I repented from my heart, that I had not yielded to the impatience of the fugitives. But as this was to no purpofe, I examin’d whether there was any probability of my being fafe among the favages, after they had fo bafely abandon’d me. I imagin’d they would be afraid of my punifhing ’em ; and either a dread of fhameor punifhment, fometimes makes thofe complete villains, who were but partly fo before. Neverthelefs, I flatter’d myfelf tha: it would be poflible for me to recover their efteem by gentle treatment; but there were two difficulties Which perplex’d me infinitely more. The firft was; thd’ dangers to which we fhculd be expos’d in the journey. We were now going to be obnoxious to the infultsof all thofe whom heaven might think fit to bring in our way; but ’twas equally dangerous which way fo- ever we might ffiape our fteps ; nor fhould we have been fafer, had we continued in the place where we were. All therefore that cou’d be done, was, to fubm.it ourfelves to providence, and flill to implore its affiflance. The fe- cond obftacle was, the fatigue which rnuft neceffarily be unde^pone in a journey of ten days continuance, which was more than the two ladies and the women cou’d go through. Befidesthefe, there remain’d Rem only and the two Engli fhmen . ; and as for the great number of favages who lay fick . I cou’d not hope for theleaft affiftance from any of them. The two women wou’d be forc’d to walk on foot, how fatiguing foever this might be; and I r«- folv’d, in conjunction with Rem, to carry my wife’s Titter, and that the two Englifljmen fhou’d do the fame fer- v ice to Mrs. Ruling. I then began to think what wou’d become of the un- happy favages, whom we fhould be forc’d to leave behind us. The difeafe with which they were feiz’d, made ’em fo weak and feeble, that they cou’d not fo much as hand upon their legs. Death continued to make a havock a- mong them daily, and my prefence cou’d not afford them the lead: relief. Neverthelefs, after having long ponder’d this matter, I found humanity would not fuffer me to leave fo many poor wretches, in fo melancholy a condition. I cou’d not, indeed, as was obferv’d above, contribute Mr. Cleveland. 17 contribute in any manner to their cure ; but then T obferv’c! that my vifits were fome confolation, which ^hey even affur’d me in their expiring moments. This fufficiently determin’d me to flay with ’em To long as any fhould con- tinue alive; and do them all the good offices I poffibly cou’d. 1 conlider’d, farther, that they had undertaken this journey purely for my fake, and in compliance with my commands ; and therefore I thought that gratitude o- blig’d me to do, what tendernefs and humanity prompted me to indulge ’em . We were not afraid of wanting pro- vilions. Our perfidious deferters, having hunted after wild beafts for three weeks together, had left us a pro- digious quantity of thefe; and alfo eggs of different forts of birds, of which we made our moil delicious repaffs. This was the moft rational plan that heaven cou’d pof- fibly have infpir’d me with, in fo difficult a jundfure ; and the only one it was proper for me to fix upon. But my evil ffarwas to get the bet' er of all myfchemes, either to deffroy , or turn them wholly to my ruin . I refolv’d not to vifit my wife fooner than I us’d to do j for fear fhe fhou’d be alarm’d, to fee me more uneafy than ufual. I therefore did not go to her till the evening, after having vifitedthe poor, fick Abaqui$\ and inform’d ’em of the perfidy of their countrymen, which fill’d ’em with the higheft indignation. They were fo ftrongly affected with the promife I made to ftay with ’em, that they afiur’d me they cou’d almoft die with pleafure for my fake ; and thefe tefti monies of their gratitude, made fo deep an impreffion on me, that I thought this alone overpaid all 1 had done, or cou’d do, for them. Night being come, I went to my wife, who did not yet know that the la- vages had left us; I having fix’d her in a by-place. It flood behind a little hill, which feparated it from the mea- dow; and being fhaded by very lofty trees, the peftilen- tialair did not annoy them in the lea ft. I made her a hut of the branches and leaves of trees, in which fhe cou’d fit commodioufiy enough with her women ; fo that they were in no fear from infection. I ft ill continued to waffi myfelf every evening in the river, and to change my clothes a little before I came into the hut. Tho’ I was a- gain prey’d upon by my wonted anxiety, at my leaving 1 8 The Life of the fick ; and had not one Toothing refle&ion till I Taw my wife j I neverthelefs a flam’d a chearful countenance upon my coming into her hut. She immediately enquir’d how I did, and whether the lavages were better. They have left us, fays 1, with a very compos’d air. Had they ftaid. not one of ’em wou’d have efcap’d ; we ourfelves (hall be forc’d to return back to the valley, as Toon as our fick are either dead or recover’d. Notwithftanding I had deliver’d myfelf without the leaft apparent uneafinefs, fhe yet was prodigioufly fur- priz’d ; when looking ftedfaftly upon me, in order, if poflible, to read my foul thro’ my eyes; and as tho’ fhe were perfuaded that this was owing to fome extraordinary accident. Mrs. Riding Teem’d no lefs aftonifh’d ; and they both endeavour’d to make me explain myfelf farther. I continued, however to conceal the truth from ’em ; and even confefs’d that there was fome juftice in the reproach- es they made me, for not being fo prudent as to oblige a few of the Abaquis to flay behind, in order to ferve as a guard. In this manner I was oblig’d to fuftain the whole weight of this terrible event; and 1 accuftom’d my- felf, more than ever, to put on a philofophical coun- tenance, even when prey’d upon by the molt cruel pangs. ’T was five weeks, which was to melike a continual mar- tyrdom, of fo many years, before the ficknefs abated a- mong the lavages. The perpetual reflections which I made on my ill fate ; my fears which cou’d not leflen, fo long as I did not fee any glimmerings of hope; the firuggles I made to conceal my anxiety ; tortur’d me more during that fhort time, than all the part; misfortunes of my life. At laffc the infection ceas’d ; and there fcarce were left threefcore of the Abaquis, among five hundred who lay fick when the reft ran away. I yet thought to fet out with thefe few who had efcap’d the wrath of heaven ; and defir’d my wife to give me her opinion of it, who {bed tears when I mention’d it to her. I imagin’d, as fhe did, that her grief proceeded wholly from the neceflity we were under, of laying afide our fearch after the vifcount ; a reafon, which juftified both her forrow and mine. But file has fince confeft to me, that her heart was then tor- tur’d with fharper pangs, than it was natural for our pre- Mr . Cleveland. ip fent woes to excite ; whether it were, that the uncertain- ty of what would become of us, rais’d fuch tumults in her breaft as (lie cou’d not account for; or that itarofe from fome thing which whifper’d to her the dreadful calamities we fhould undergo, before we left the Weft- Indies. The incident I am going to relate, fhall be told with the utmoft fimplicity ; and is of fo tragical a nature, that it does not require to be heightned by ornaments, to move a reader, who is not a barbarian ; and is not afham’d of be- ing a man, that is fenfible to the tender emotions of pity andcompafiion. However, I fhall not pretend to defcri be what I felt. ExprelTion was invented by art ; a faithlefs mirror, which can reprefent but very imperfe&ly, all the ftrong, the intimate fenfations of nature. Wefctout. My wife trembled as we were going a- way; fhe carried our dear little daughter in her arms. I embrac’d, with the utmoft: tendernefs, thefe dear obiecfts of myaffe&ion; and recommended them to the fuperior powers, who are appointed to watch over innocence. Notwithftanding the Abaquis were fo weak, they yet wou’d not fufifer me to aftift in carrying ’em ; but fhar’d this fatigue among themfelves, and reliev’d one another by turns. Mrs. Ruling was alfo carried. I walk’d at my wife’s fide, always deeply involv’d in thought; but efpe- cially on the reception we might expedt to meet with from the Abaquis. We had now tra veil’d two days, and eafily found the way by which we came. Some of my favages, whom I had bid to go on before for our greater fafety, and order’d to call their eyes incefiantly round them, ftopt on the top of a hill. After having gaz’d a few moments about them, they came running towards us with prodigious fpeed. As they were near a quarter of a mile from us, I waited for their coming up; hoping, in cafe they brought ill news, that I fhould have time to retire either to the right or left with all my people. I kept my eyes continually upon my fcouts. Scarce were they got to the bottonf of the hill, when I faw thirty or forty perfons on the top of it, who feem’d to purfue ’em ; but ftopt on a fudden, when they faw fo great a number; all my favages being now got round me. As it wou’d be an eafy- matter for us to engage twenty 20 The Life of twenty or thirty men, I did not think it prudent to dif- coverthe leaft fymptoms of fear; efpecialiy as they had diicover’d us; and that it v/ould he impoffible for us to efcape’em, incafethey fhould refolve to com; up with us. I evenrefolv’d after a moment’s deliberation, to detatch part of my favages. who fhould advance towards ’em with the two Englishmen at their head, to prevent an at- tack, in cafe they came upon a villainous defign; and I myfelf flay’d behind to guard my wife, having fifteen of the Abaquis with me, w ho were to be as a corps de referve . Whilft I was thus dividing my favages, Ifawamuch greater number of men advance upon the hill; fo that I believ’d there might be at lafl near five or fix hundred of them. 1 then found that I flood in need of the protec- tion of heaven ; and that it would be impoffible for me to get out of this danger, either by flratagem or force of arms. Thou knoweft myGod 1 with what warmth 1 invok’d thy aid. The feveraldeep fighs that came from my heart, were fo many ardent prayers, by which I begg’d for thy powerful fuccour. I conjur’d my wife no; to Air from the litter ; andconfefs’d to her in one word, that we were in the utmoft danger. However, fays 1, my dear, don’t let fear overcome you, and let us not do any thing impru- dently : Heaven does not fometimes -indulge its fuccour, till the danger is extreme ; and perhaps it has referv’d it for us till this inftant. My heart was fo oppreft as I fpoke thefe words, that I was not capable of entertaining the leaft hopes. 1 ckfp’d her fora moment to my breaft, when fhe begg’d me not to endanger my life, but to re- member that I ow’d it to her, and our dear daughter. I made her no anfwer, for fear of heightening her forrows, by letting her fee mine ; and fqueezing her hand, I left her tally determin’d to advance in perfon againft our enemies. This I was prompted to from two reafons; firft from the fear I was under, that in cafe we fhould fight too near the place where the women flood, they would be in dan- ger from the arrows ; the fecond was, -a ftrong defire 1 had to try thedifpofition of thefe favages before we engag’d, or fuffer’d them to come nearer. My fcouts could not tell me any tiling more than what 1 myfelt had feen. They Mr. Cleveland. i i They had taken to their hceels, as I before obferv’d, upon finding themfelves purfued. Having therefore not one moment to lofe, I left the Englijhmm with my wife ; and commanding my fixty Abaquis to follow me, I march’d towards the enemy with an air of refolution, who ad- vanc’d in much better order, than favagesare us’d to do. Being perhaps furpriz’d to find us fo intrepid, tho’ we were fo few in cumber, they halted at about an hundred paces from us. 1 ftill advanc’d forward ; intending to go off from the reft and prefent myfelf before ’em, in fuch a manner as fhew’d I fued for peace. Butfcarcehad we advanc’d a few fteps farther, when one of the Abaquis told me we were undone ; the favages before us being the Rouintons. Thefe words fill’d me with inexprefiible ter- ror. Heavens! the Rouintons ! I was motionlefs like a ftetue, not knowing what courfe to take. The enemy who prefentlydifeover’d my companions to be Abaquis , difeharg’d a fhower of arrows upon us. My favages had hitherto flood their ground being perfuaded that my great skill in war, wou’d make ’em victorious; buttheinftant they faw what enemies they had to engage with, they immediately took to their heels. If the fmallnefs of their number, made their flight excufable, it yet was not of any fervice to them ; for their cruel enemies purfued ’em foclofely, that not a foul of them efcap’d. When they began to run away, I was come within thirty paces of the Rouintons. Poffibly, I myfelf fhou’d have fled, had my wife, my child and Mrs. Riding been out of danger; but as matters were otherwife, 1 was de- termin’d to offer mine as afacrifice, to preferve thofe who were dearer to me than myfelf; and in cafe 1 cou’d not make it of fervice to ’em, the only happinefs I cou’d wifh, was, to lofe it. A moment’s reflexion fuggefted, that refiftance wou’d be vain ; and thereupon I threw down my arms, to fhew the Rouintons I did not intend to make ufe of them. Some of thefe took me prifoner, while the reft were purfuing the Abaquis. They foon perceiv’d that I was not born among the people, whom they hated with fo much inveteracy ; they gaz’d forfome time upon my drefs, anddidnotdifeoverthe leaft figns, as tho’ they in T tended to ufe me ill. Tho’ 21 The Life of Tho’ their language differ’d pretty much from that of the Abaquis, I yet found it bore fo much affinity with it, that I flatter’d myfelf I cou’d make them underftand me. Brave people, fayslto’em, in a moft fubmiffive tone of voice, I am not your enemy. I am an unhappy ftranger, whom chance has conducted into this defert ; and who was coming to you with the Abtaquis, purely to fue for your protection and friend fhip. I implore your pity for my own life, and for that of my family who are going to fall into your hands; fuffer your hearts to be touch’d withcompaffion, for a man that never did you the lead: injury. Thefe mercilels favages look’d upon one another with a grin, or rather gnaffi’d their Teeth in a moft dread- ful manner. Their glances were ftrong and fparkling, but cruel and malicious, like thofe of a tyger. They were fhort of ftature and fquat ; and their mouths were frightfully wide. I judg’d that they had not yet difcover’d my wife; for having turn’d my eyes towards her leafy hut, as foon as I had done ipeaking to them, they ran to- wards it. The moft nimble foon got up to her, during which a few of ’em led me after ’em, holding me faft by my two arms. My heart then funk within me; and I thought the fatal moment was at hand, when, what I valued above all things, would be unmercifully but- cher’d. I was now come up to the litter, when I found that my deareft creature was fallen into a fwoon, with our fweet babe in her arms, juft ready to drop from ’em, and to have its brains dafh’d out. Perhaps the favages thought my wife was dead, for they did not offer to fuccour her ; but were taken up with gazing upon Mrs. Riding and the two women who had not fainted away, but then the fright they were in, bereav’d them of their fpeech. As I did not value what became of me on this dreadful occa- fion, I forc’d out of the hands of thofe who held me ; and threw myfelf upon my wife’s face, in fuch an excefs of grief as it wou’d be impoffible to defcribe. I fup- ported the dear Infant with one hand ; and endeavour’d at the fame time to revive my wife, by putting my lips to hers, as it were to infpire her with a little of the ftrength with which I wasftill inform’d. At laft Are open’d her eyes. Where is my daughter, fays Che? and feeing the babe in my arms ; Alas I my dear Mr. Cleveland , fays fhe with Mr. Cleveland. 23 a figh {Vie fcarce had ftrength to vent ; give me my child ; don’tleave me; my heart can bear up no longer ; are we not undone? I had but juft time to fpeak a comfortable wordortwo. God, faysl, cannot abandon us, without being guilty of the greateft cruelty. Take a little cou- rage} the lavages have not yet us’d me ill } and who knows but they may commiferate our diftrefs ? While this was doing, thofe who had purfued the Abet- qtiis, having foon overtaken ’em, return’d in triumph with their prey } and as they came forwards, broke into fuch {bouts of joy, as chill’d the blood in my veins. Thefe were got up with us in a moment, when fo many of ’em crouded about my wife, out of curiolity, to fee her, that they drove me at a great diftance from her. How- ever, they did not once attempt to ufe her ill } but then flie was almoft frighted to death, to fee herfelf thus be- come the gazing ftock of a multitude of hideous favages } fome of whom took her hands and view’d them, darting their fierce eyes upon her at the fame time. I ftill held our dear infant in my arms. ’Twas to no purpofe to employ entreaties, nor cou’d we be once heard, amidft the tumul- tuous joys of thofe furious favages. To which among them could I have direded myfelf ? They feem’d to de- fpife me, and to look upon me as a cowardly, mean-fpirit- ed wretch, feeing me carry the child in my arms, with fo dejeded an air } infomuch that they wou’d not fo much as look upon me. I at laft got nearer to my wife ; and the croud moving off, I fat down by her litter. 1 know not yet, fays I, deareft creature, what providence intends to do with us 3 but let us hope that heaven will be ftill gracious : conlider it has already wrought almoft a miracle in our fa- vour, by fuffering thefe barbarians to fpare us, in the firffc tranfportsof their fury. My wife was fo oppreft with grief, that fhe cou’d hardly make me one word of anfwer. Give me, my dear babe, lays fhe} which I did. Upon this, her tears, which forrow had fuppreft till this mo- ment, began to ftream from her eyes, as foon as fhe had got the infant in her arms. She hugg’d it, as tho’ {he were refolv’d never to part from it. O Lord/ fays fhe, how happy ftiould I be were I once out of this vale of miferies j but take pity on my husband, and my poor helplefs daugh- ter. ’Twas fome confolation, to fee Mrs. Riding and her 24 The Life of her women about her, they not being deny’d that liberty. I trembled to think how all this would end. The fa- vages-were aflembled round, at about feven or eight yards from us j the unhappy Abaquis alfo (landing in the mid- dle, whofe fate the Rouintons feem’d now deciding. At laft the crowd began to wheel off, and divided themfelves into fix bands : The threefcore Abaquis were likewife di- vided in the fame manner, and each band took an equal number of them. Immediately they fearched for wood round about the foreft ; and made other preparations which I fuppos'd to be the prelude to a dreadful facri- ficej for I did not doubt but the Rouintons intended to burn their enemies alive. This made me bewail their fate, and I was feiz’d with the moft cruel pangs, when I found I fhould be a fpedator on this (hocking occa- £on. But a circumftance which furpriz’d me prodigioufly, was, to fee 'em not only chearful, but even fo gay as to ling ; tho’ they had appear'd fo dejedled but a moment before, and cou’d not but know the cruel death they were to fuffer. One wou’d have concluded, that they were determin'd to infult their mercilefs vidtors; and that be- ing loft to all hopes, they were unanimoufly refolv'd to brave their enemies, and not difcover the leaft tokens of weaknefs or fear. I even heard thefe ill-fated wretch- es cry aloud, that they themfelves had treated the Rouin- tons after the very fame manner ; and had either cut to pieces, or burnt, a multitude of ’em in their laft wars. At laft, the fires being lighted, the Rouintons of each band took only three of their prifoners j when inftead of throwing them into the flames, as I imagin'd they wou’d have done, they tied 'em to flakes which flood very dole to the fire ; fo that thefe unhappy Abaquis were tor- tur’d with the heat of the fire, which foon chang’d the colour of their skin. Thus were they roafted alive by flow degrees, which, however, had not the power to fhake their refolution. Their companions, tho’ they waited the like doom, did neverthelefs exhort them to be- have manfully ; at the fame time that their barbarous ene- mies fhouted for joy, and dancing round, treated ’em in a moft injurious manner, This This was but the opening of afcene, theconclufionof which was to be infinitely more terrible. When that the three Abaquis out of each band were quite dead ; the Commons loos’d their bodies from the flake, which be- ing quite roafled, they fat down in a ring, and prepar’d to diflribute thefe dreadful eatables among themfelves. Accordingly the carcafles were cut up, a piece of which were given to each ot them, when they began the mofl horrid of allfeafls, in the utmoft raptures of joy. We, till now, had preferv’d fo much ftrength of mind as to look upon all they were doing ; but this laft fight was fo prodigioufly fhocking, that we cou’d not view it any longer, and thereupon we hung down our heads and fhut our eyes. We continued in this pollute, till they had ended their execrable meal ; and had not the power to once open our lips, to exprefs the horror with which we were feiz’d. I know not what my wife thought of all this ; but as for my own ideas, they were confus’d beyond imagi- nation. The judicious reader will believe, that my an- guifh did not proceed altogether from the fight of fo bar- barous a fcene ; and chat, at the fame time, as a bare fen- fation of humanity, made me fo deeply concern’d for. the fad fate of the Abaquis, I was tore to pieces with reflec- tions of another kind. Altho’ the treatment which the Rouintons had hitherto fhewn us, was far from barbarous ; befides my knowing certainly, that as it was not their general cuflom to devour men, but only on thofe occa- fions in which mofl of the Americans are cannibals, I mean with regard to the prifoners they take in war ; I therefore cou’d not conclude that they would put us to death, becaufe they had us’d the Abaquis in fo cruel a manner ; yet notwithflanding this refledtion, my fears were as great as ever. ’Tis in vain for the mind to arm itfelf with fortitude; our fears are not always proporti- onable to the greatnefs of the danger, but to the value we have for thofe things which we are afraid of lofing. Had I not juft reafon to be feiz’d with the moft terrible apprehenfions, confidering the barbarity which threatned thole who were fo dear to me ? Were we not in the hands of a multitude of cruel favages ? Wou’d it be poflihle for us to make the leaft oppofition, in cafe they fhou’d take V o l. II. B it i6 The Life of it into their .heads to ufe us ill ? — - I then would fay to myfelf ; no, they’ll never have fuch an inclination — Alas 1 my reafon was not ftrong enough, to calm fo dreadful, fo natural an apprehenfion. But farther, fup- pofing that the example of the Abttquis ought not to have alarm’d me ; cou’d I yet fay what might happen the next moment ? Among the numberiefs things I had to dread, was there one which could naturally infpire me with the lead hopes ? What could we expert from the greated indulgence of fortune, but the extremes of mi- fery ? In this manner I view’d my eyils in all lights. So far from feeding myfelf with imaginary hopes, I dai- ly reprefented to my imagination, the word that cou’d poflibly happen ; and after I had thus confider’d things in their mod dreadful fhapes, it fo happen’d, that the blow with which I was threatned, was more terrible than any thing I had yet figur’d to myfelf. The fix bands of the Rouiraons , had poded ’emfelves in fuch a manner, that they almod furrounded us. After the bloody execution was ended, the greated part of them fell afleep. I found, however, that they had fenfe enough to obferve fome order and take a few precauti- ons. I obferv’d that they appointed a guard to watch ■over the prifoners. Some of thefe came up to me. I took that opportunity to befeech them, in the fofted terms, to tell me what was to be our fate. But, whe- ther it were that they did not rightly underdand me $ or had our little company in theutmod contempt j they anfwer’d me only by a horrid grin. I then endeavour’d to move 'em by my prayers and entreaties, but ’twas all to no purpofe. When night was come, we were guarded as dridtly as the Abaquis ; and the next day, the lame cruel fead was again made, which was to lad till all the Abaquis were devour’d, and this happen’d four days after. By good fortune we dill had our provifi- ons, and thefe they did not touch. But I cou’d fcarce perfuade my poor dear wife, to eat a little, in order to fupport nature. At lad, our enemies having nothing farther to do in the place where we then were, my blood curdled in my veins when I reflected on the fate which perhaps attended us. I obferv’d all their motions ; they now were preparing to Mr . Cleveland. 27 to fetout, when twenty- five or thirty of ’em coming up to me, bid us rife and follow ’em. We obey’d the com- mand inftantly. I intended that the two Englifhmen fhould carry Mrs. Riding’s litter,and Rew and I my wife’s ; but the barbarous wretches feeing this, took the litters from us, which they broke to pieces, and forc’d us to walk. I then took up the child in my arms, and fup- porred my wife with the other. I bid the two Englifh - men lend the fameaffiftance to Mrs. Riding , who was fb far advanc’d in years, and fo corpulent, that file cou’d not walk an hundred fteps without a fupport. We walk’d for about half an hour in this manner, when Mrs. Riding declar’d, that it would be impoflible for her to go a ftep farther; and thereupon, venting a deep figh, file told me, that as (he was not able to go any farther, fiie was re- folv’d to die in the place where we flood. Immediately fomething Teem’d to whifper tome, that her death was at hand, and thereupon Ibefought her to fummon up her fpirits, but ’twas in vain. But as (lie cou’d not be prevail’d with to rife up ; or rather, as file had not ftrength enough to do it, the favages came up. They view’d her for fome time, and having confulted together for fome time, they all fhouted after they had taken their re- folutions, and thereupon mofl of them came and feated themfelves round us. Unhappily my arm was fomuch tir’d with carrying my dear little girl, that I was forc’d to give her to one of my wife’s women. This the Ron - intons took notice of ; and poflibly occafion’d her being included in the dreadful fentence which was pafl on Mrs. Riding . As they wanted to make all the haftepoflfrble, they therefore were refolv’d to rid ’emfelves of every thing that wou’d retard it. I feek for reafons to juftify their barbarity. Alas ! 1 feek for fome ; for who otherwife cou’d ever believe, that there were monflers under a human fliape, capable of per- petrating fuch bloody crimes? Mrs. Riding was immedi- ately feiz’d by a dozen of rhofe inhuman brutes. She cri- ed aloud for mercy, but as fhe was foon furrounded with a multitude of rhefe butchers, their fhoutsfeon drown’d her voice, and I prefently loft fight of her. A moment after, fome of the favages tore my dear, harmlefs infant, out of the hands of the woman who carried her. A’as ! B 2 knowing 28 The Life of. knowing their defign but too well, I flung my felf upon ’em in a tranlport of grief; I threw down feveral of ’em who offer’d to flop me, and got at laft to my un- happy child. But what could I do after all ? She was car- ried away in an inftant, and flopping me, they beat me to the ground. They likewife ftopt my unfortunate wife, who had rufh’d with no lefs fury than myfelf on our barbarous enemies. They likewife ftopt our Englijh- men, and the two women ; and as I ftill continued to ftruggle tho’ I was on the ground, they tied my hands and feet, and did the fame to all the reft of us. It was now impoflTible for me to ftir. My reafon, which feem’d to be darkned by the violent tumults of my foul, abandon’d me fo far, that I gnaw’d the ground in the firft tranfports of my rage; and now confidering no longer, what I ow’d to my wife any more than my felf, I was incapable for fome moments of once think- ing or refledting. A violent throbbing at my heart, be- reav’d me even of the power to breathe one Angle com- plaint. A few interrupted words broke from me, fuch as oh ! my daughter ! Alas ! my child ! O i barbarous villains thus to tear her from me ! My face, which I preft againft the ground, was bath’d in tears ; and the racks, the fcourges which fore my heart to pieces, were a thou- fand times more painful, than the pangs of death are thought to be. Neverfhelefs, my wife lay, at a little diftance from me, in much the fame pofture. More happy than my- felf in thefe firft moments of horror, (he had fainted a- way, and was equally motionlefs as tho’ fhe had been in the arms of death. It was not long before I began to think of her, and to conlider how much fhe wanted my afliftance. I open’d my eyes, when I faw her in the condition I juft now mention’d. Let the reader figure to him felf, in cafe this be poflible, my fore afflidfion j divided equally, between the impulfes of paternal ten- dernefs, and thofe of conjugal love. I recover’d my voice, when I addrefs’d her in the moft tender, the moft melting expreflions. She was pale, and feem’d to have loft all her vital warmth, and ’twas a long time before fhe recover’d from her fwoon. The Rouintons who flood round, gaz’d upon us without fhewing the leaft pity, or once Mr. Cleveland. 2.9 once offering to affift us. As fhe did not difcover the lead fymptoms of life, I concluded fhe was really dead, and immediately refolv’d not to furvive her long. I threw myfelf down by her, and begg’d of heaven to put a period to my torments, by difcharging me of the intolerable burthen, life ; and thereupon fhut my eyes, with a firm refolution never to open them more. When I begg’d of God to take me out of this vale of miferies, ’twas a favour Ifuedfor, which however was not indulg’d me. ’Twou’d have been a great happinefs, both for my wife and myfelf, had the earth open’d, and fwallow’d us up. But we werefentenc’d to live many years more, and to a long courfeof fufferings. I conti- nued above a quarter of an hour in the pofture above men- tion’d. Having fo often call’d upon death, I was firmly perfuaded it was not far offj and the refle&ion that my torments wou’d be at an end, did pofiibly leffen them. However, as my wife difeover’d, by an almofi: infenfible motion, that fhe was not yet dead ; I rous’d from this fad lethargy which tor fome minutes had benumb’d all my faculties, in order to afTift my dear wife, fo far as it might lye in my power. I call’d her by her name ; fhe anfwer’d me by mine j and a moment after ask’d me, with a moll melancholy tone o f voice, what was become of our daughter ? Love (till ftronger than all our evils, foon fhew’d that fhe did not think our misfortunes fo great as they really were. I refolv’d to heighten the er- ror, by diverting her fear from that which fhould natu- rally be the objedt of it ; and being pleas’d with myfelf for hitting upon this thought, as it might prevent her being plung’d into a frefh excefs of grief ; this alone ena- bled me to ftrengthen the tone of my voice, and to form fuch an anfwer as ought to footh her imagination. You know, my deareft, fays I, that God has fuffer’d the Rouintons to force away our babe ; but whitherfoever they may carry it, be perfuaded that the divine protecti- on will never forfake the tender innocent. This is a misfortune which is not to be remedied at this time. They have hurried away Mrs. Riding. Probably, as they defign to carry us farther, they thought proper to fend ’em both to fome neighbouring hamlet, in order that they might not retard our journey. Alas ! fays fhe, what B 1 have 3 o "The Life of have they done with our daughter ? I won’t live a mo- ment longer, in cafe they don’t reftore her to my arms. I interrupted her, in order to confirm her ftill more, in the opinion I perceiv’d fhe ftill entertain’d. I reproach’d her, but in the moft tender terms, for talking of dying, in cafe the child was not brought back. You love her then, fays I, more than you do me? and will not be prompted to live, from my prefence, and the never-dy- ing affe&ion which I bear you ? Be affur’d that the child will be reftor’d to us; a happy chance, fuch as we have been favour’d with athoufand times, may give her back to us, at a time when weleaft expedf it. But what will become of me, in cafe you fhould obftinately perftft in your refolution of dying ? And what conftrudfion can I put upon your love, in cafe it does not engage you to prefer living for my fake* to death and the grave ? I ad- ded a great many other very cogent reafons, without allowing her time to anfwer them ; and made her at laft confefs, that in wjiat manner foever heaven might pleafe to difpofe of our daughter and all that belong’d to us, we ought to comfort ourfelves with the reflec- tion, that we were fure of being dear to one another} and to conftder it as a very great happinefs, that the barba- rians had not feparated us from one another. Nothing lefs than an extraordinary afliftancefrom hea- ven, could have infpir’d me with refolution fufficient to leflen my wife’s defpair; for having turn’d my head as I was fpeaking to her, I perceiv’d about an hundred fteps from us, aflame that rofe above the heads of the favages who were feated round it ; when I did not doubt but my deareft child, and poor Mrs. Riding , were then roafting, in order to be afterwards devour’d by our enemies. Let a father, in cafe there is any one whole heart is as tender as mine, fancy himfelf for one moment in my condition ; let him conftder my torments, and then form a judgment of ’em ; and in cafe he feels, that he is mov’d to compafiion at the bare recital ofthisftory, let him think how great my torments muft be; and then let him allow me the fad advantage I claim ; that of being the moft unhappy man that ever liv’d. I therefore put fo great a conftraint upon my felf, as not only to difguife the excefs of my anguifh from my wife* Mr. Cleveland. 31 wife, but even to prevent her difeovering the dreadful flames above mention’d, a circumftance which very pof- fibly wou’d have fill’d her with alarms. I feated myfelf down in fuch a manner, that I hindred her from feeing any thing on that fide. I even gave her to underftand, that the lavages were afiembled at fome diftance from us only to pitch upon thofe perfons who were to convey our daughter and Mrs. Riding to the hamlet that lay near- eft to us. With regard to the manacles wherewith both our hands were faftned, and which had been put upon hers while fhelay in a lwoon - r I confeft that thefavages had done this, in order to prevent ourefcape. In fine, Ifpoke with fo much compofure of mind, and anfwer’d all her obje&ions with fuch an air of tranquillity ; that in cafe I did not leflen her grief, I prevented thofe tranfports of del pair, with which fhe would have been feiz’d, had ftie known the inhuman feene that was then going forwards. Our people flood very near us. Thefe law the fire as plain as I did, and had the fame fad apprehenfions as my- felf i however, they law that I did my utmoft to con- ceal, what I believ’d thofe cruel butchers were about.- ’Twas not till two months after, that fhe was inform’d of our unhappy babe, and poor Mrs. Riding's death } and I took care not to let her hear the dreadful circumftances of it. Hay by, and talk’d with her, till fuch time as the re- turn of the favages, fhow’d ♦'hat they had fatiated their horrid appetites. I then held out my arms, astho’ I be- fought ’em to take off our manacles, which they thought proper to do. 1 then oblig’d my wife to take a little fuftenance, which however I was fome time before I cou’d prevail with her to do. I was afraid fhe wou’d now be fo weak, that it would be impoffible for her to walk ; which could not but fill me with the moft dread- ful alarms} but it happen’d fortunately for us, that the fa- vages had refolv’d to fpend the night in the place where we then were. I employ’d part of it in foothing her grief } and I did not exhort her to take a little fleep, till after fhe had promis’d me to endeavour as much as pofii- ble to be chearful. ’Twill hardly be believed, that as fhe was in fo ill a ftate of health, and of fo delicate a B 4 con- 32 The Life of conftitution, fhe yet had ftrength enough to bear up a- gainft fo much grief and fatigue, particularly during the iix weeks which we fpent in this manner among the Rouintons ; oblig’d to undergo almoft every day a*painful march, and be expos’d in the night to the inclemencies of the weather. But what might fhe not go through, conftdering the two motives which animated her ; her affedfion for a father, and love for a husband ? My wife lov’d me as dearly as it was poffiblefor woman to love. A bare word, the moft infignificant expreflion from me, wou’d alone call up her fpirits, and make her intrepid in the greateft dangers. She had very near as great an affec- tion for the vifcount her father. The uncertainty of his fate j tlie dangers which fhe trembled to think he was perpetually expos’d to ; the hopes, but faint and remot'e ones, which Die entertain’d, of meeting one day with him again, fupported her daily in the midft of her fa- tigues and anxieties. That was the perpetual theme of our difcourfe, till the unhappy day on which we loft our daughter ; and tho’ this pierc’d her to the heart, fhe yet combated her grief with the utmoft refolution. More- over, altho’ the Rouintons were fuch barbarians, they did not hinder us from employing the greateft endeavours, particularly in the night, to procure her fuch conveni- ences, as our unhappy ftate permitted. We had brought fome skins from the habitation ot the Abaquis : With thefe we made a bed for her : and the afliftance of her women, and the two Englifhmen who were ever ready to ferve her, prevented her from do- ing any thing that might endanger her health. If I may prefume to fpeak it, without leffening the me- ritsof whatmydear wife fuffer’d forme ; I was infinite- ly more wretched in our common misfortuues. I don’t fpeak of the pains and fatigues which opprefs the body, for mine feem’d feafon’d to them. But what idea will not the reader entertain of the torments of my foul, when he confiders that I was rack’d by my own pains ; by thofe of others; and that I was conftrain’d, not only to fup- prefs them all, but alfo to fummon up all my reafon, to enable me to counfel others ; tho’ I myfelf was forc’d every inftant, to ftrugele prodigioufly in order to fupport my- felf. As Mr. Cleveland. 3 $ As the lavages did not acquaint us, what their inten- tions were in this rambling up and down, we were carried about for a long time, entirely in the dark, as to what they intended to do with us ; and without the leaft ap- pearance of our ever being extricated from ourmiferable condition. I pafs over a thoufand difficulties which we encounter’d and got over. Providence, which had hitherto treated me with To much rigour, was however very in- dulgent to me, in thus preferving my wife’s health. It likewife prepared me fome moments repofe, after the numberlefs evils which had befet me ever fince my leaving France. I neverthelefs was oblig’d to pay very dear for it ; and thus fuffer, fo long as I liv’d, the decree by which I was fentenced, not to taffe any pleafure, but what was embitter’d with pain. After having wander’d about for fix weeks, during which it was an eafy matter for me to perceive, that the Rouintons did not fteer any certain courfe ; and that they rambled up and down in queft of prifoners, they now feem’d to be going dire&ly for fome place; and obferv- ing that they did this for fome days, I no longer doubted of it. Seeing that they advanc’d towards the South, 1 took notice of it to my wife, who was overjoy’d upon that account; becaufe we were both perfuaded, that in cafe we could ever have the leaft hopes of meeting with = hislordfhip, it would be that way. The Rouintons had a confiderable number of captives along with them ; and we fuppos’d that they intended to carry them to the place where they ufually made their abode. They therefore made fiich great diligence, that we foon arriv’d in their new habitation, where they v/ere receiv’d with the ut- moft joy by their wives and children. We were guarded with the ftridfeft care, during the time that they fpent in unbending themfelves after the fatigues of their journey. As loon as they had taken fome repofe, they oblig’d us, at a moment’s warning, to fet out again with them. Very little time was employ’d in this new expedition. In lefs than two days we got to a vaft foreft, into which we advanc’d a confiderable way ; and were farpriz’d to • find ourfelves furrounded on a fudden by a number lels multitude of other favages. who receiv’d us with the greateft acclamations. I could never learn the name of B x this 34 'Fhe Life of this people, and what kind of tra flick they carried on, with the Rouintons ^ but in reflecting on the manner in which we were receiv’d, I judg’d, that thefe after hav- ing been in the countries adjacent to the Abaquis, had re- tir’d to the fpot whither we then were; and that they engag’d themfelves by a treaty, or by their own free will, to furnifh them with Haves. The Rouintons went away a little after they had deliver’d us up. Whatever might be our fate in this change of condition, I thank’d heaven for having freed us from our barbarous tyrants. In re- collecting the terrors with which I had been fill’d during my abode among them, I ftarted a reflection which would have encreafed them in cafe it had occur’d to me before. What cruel ufagemuft I naturally have expeCted, had the Rouintons known that I had been the chief inftrument of their ruin; and the perfon who had caus’d fuch hard and fevere terms of peace to be offer’d them, by Mr. Youngfter and the Abaquis ? Heaven, who was determin’d not to quite complete my ruin, undoubtedly prevented their entertaining fuch a reflection. Befides, as they had found no more Abaquis with me, and met with meat fo great a difiance from the habitation ; they cou’d hardly fuppofe me to be the formidable governor, whofe reputation had ltruck them with terror; not to mention, that as they did not fee Mr. Youngfter , they did not once fufpeCt who 1 was. Be that as it will, this happy change was a fig- nal favour which heaven indulg’d me. Our new ma- ilers treated us with the greateft humanity. They con- fin’d us, with fifty three prifoners more, in a place fur- rovlnded with flakes, of a great height and thicknefs, and cover’d with branches of trees, which fecur’d us from the inclemencies of the weather. We were very well fed. ’Tis true indeed, that their cramming us in this manner, fill’d me with the moft baleful apprehenfions dur- ing fome days; and I imagin’d, that they perhaps intend- ed to feed upon us, after having fatted us as they thought proper. However, the air and behaviour of the favages, who did not difeover the leaft feverity in any of their ac- tions, fet my mind at eafe in that particular. I even began to entertain a hope, which was afterwards happily ful- fill’d. 1 remember’d that the Abaquis had told me of a na- tion of favages, who trade with the European colonies for Haves, Mr . Cleveland. 3 f flaves ; and not being able to form any other judgment of the kind treatment which we met with from them, I imagin’d that we fliould be fold with the companions of our captivity. I communicated this reflexion to my wife, who was foon perfuaded that I had guefs’d the very thing ; but I cannot fay whether I may give the name of joy, to the emotions my difcourfe feem’d to excite in her. The remembrance of her father, and that of her daughter, employing her whole thoughts; fhe declar’d, that fhe could not confider as a happinefs, nor confe- quently wifh for acircumftance, which would remove her every day farther from her child; and perhaps make her lofe all hopes of our feeing any more our dear babe, or her fond father. I hid nothing to objeX to thefe juft reflexions; and was therefore oblig’d to reduce my felf to fuch general motives of confolation, as I drew from the will of heaven, and the neceflity we were under of following the unhappy current of our ill fortune, which it was not yet in our power to divert. At laft, the favages thinking we had now enjoy’d time fufficient for our complete recovery, they let us out of our confinement, and gave us to underftand that we muft follow them: We obey’d, and travell’d four days. At the beginning of the fifth, we arriv’d on the bank of a large river, where we were made to flop. A great num- ber of branches, and trunks of trees, which were fcatter’d up and down, fhew’d that the place was fometimes inha- bited by human creatures. We fpent fome days here, un- certain what would be our fate. However, f was ftill confirm’d in my opinion, that we fhouldbe fold either to Europeans or favages. About a week after our arrival, the favages who guarded us, fbouted on a fudden for joy ; and turning about to look what might be theoccafion of it, I faw five or fix large boats vowing towards us. I foon difeover’d that they were Europeans by their drefs, and ’twas now that my heart was fenlible to the ftrongeft emotions of joy. Accordingly I lifted up my eyes to hea- ven ; clafp’d my wife to my bofom ; and was perluaded that part of my prayers, at leaft, were heard. The boats came up to us in an inftant, and I knew that the failors in them were Spaniards. But of what country fo- ever they might be, they were men, and not a company 3 6 ^The Life of of brutifh and infenfible favages ; and 5 twas a mofl agree* able refledlion to us to confider, that we were now go- ing to be with rational creatures, with whom we might converfe. Neverthelefs, my wife put a quite different conflruc- tion on thefe appearances of our change of condition. As her Mother was a native of Spain, fhe under flood the language of that country ; fo that, being, no longer in doubt, after having heard the failors difcourfe for fome- time together, that we were juft going to leave the fava- ges, and confequently to go farther than ever from the Rouintons-, file fhed a flood of tears, and feem d inconfb- lable. We were fitting on the ground, and her head was* lying in my lap. I knew what it was that afflidled her to- fuch a degree. Befides, as fhe call’d upon our daughter a thoufand times, I found that fire was now afraid of lofing her for ever, as we were going to bid adieu to the favages. 3 Twas then I thought proper to acquaint her that our dear babe was dead, being perfuaded that after this, fhe’d not only be very glad to leave the favages ; but that fhe’d look upon the death of her child, as an evil much eafier to be fupported, than to have left her among the Rouintons. I obferv’d to her, but without carrying matters too far, that fhe was not fo much to be pitied as fhe imagin’d j that fhe ought not to be any ways troubled upon her ac- count, fince fhe was now with God $ that the only rea- fon why I had not acquainted her with this before, was, my being afraid it would overwhelm her with grief ; but that as our Condition was now fo happily chang’d, I* thought this the befl opportunity to inform her of it $ and told her, that fhe ought not to be fo much difquieted, fince the child was infinitely more happy than we. Thefe arguments made a furprizing impreflion on Tannfs mind. She look’d upon me fledfaflly, when I faw that her furprize had dried up her tears on a fudden , But, my dear, fays fhe, don’t you impofe upon me ? Is the poor babe really dead ? I affur’d her that fhe was by> the flrongefl proteflations ; but I conceal’d the circum- flances of its untimely end, and invented fuch, both with regard to our dear innocent, and the unhappy Mrs. Riding, as I thought moft proper to heal her forrows. She heard me with the utmofl attention $ but after 1 had done- fpeaking, Mr. Cleveland. 37 fpeaking, I obferv’d that the tears began to trickle down her cheeks. She wrung her hands and cry’d, gracious providence 1 take my dear, dear baby, to thy bofom: Be thou to her inftead of a mother, and make her happi- nefs perfect. Live, deareft babe, live in the bofom of thy Creator ; thou wilt be more happy there than thy ill fated mother. After this turning about to me, with a countenance which fhew’d fhe was a little confol’d; her death, fays fhe, is not fo grievous to me as I thought it would have been. I fhallnotbefo much afflicted, be- caufe Hie is gone to heaven before me. I now am no longer troubled about my daughter 5 for we {ball affured- ly meet in heaven I confirm’d her as much as I cou’d in thefe fentiments, tho’ I cou’d eafily perceive, that this fuddenconfolation, proceeded lefs from the hap- py ftate to which lbe thought our daughter was gone, than from the wretched condition, out of which fhe heard fhe was deliver’d. The idea of our dear babe, which could not but occur to her mind whenever flic thought of the cruel Ronintons, and their horrid barbari- ties, was a perpetual torment from which I had juft de- liver’d her j and by making her diretft her thoughts to heaven, where her imagination was footh’d with the moft happy, the moft delightful images j I had rais’d her mind to a delicious fituation, in comparifon of that it was in a moment before. I had nothing fo confolatory to offer her with regard to her father ; but I foon brought her to aperfuafion, that how feverely foever the Spani- ards might ufe us, they yet would let us enjoy a little more liberty than the favages had done ; and confequent- ly that it would be eafier for us to take fuch meafures, as might conduce to the vifeount’s welfare. Whilft we were thus difeourfing, the Spani/h mer- chants were bargaining with the favages about the price, of theflaves, which was done wholly by figns. As the "things they traded for were upon the fpot, it was not a difficult matter for ’em to underftand one another. All the {laves were prefent in order to be view’d and the riches of the Spaniards which confifted in a great num- ber of runlets of Brandy, in looking-glafles, whiftles, and little knives, were laid upon the grafs, in order to allure the favages. After they had agreed upon the price, and 38 The Life of and that the merchandife was deliver’d, the favages went away, fhouting at the fame time for joy. The Spani- ards then bid us walk towards the Shore, in order to be put on board their great boats. Altho* myfelf, and my whole family were cloath’d with skins, they yet did not take us at fir ft for Europeans. Had they known this, they poflibly would not have purchas’d us, from the reflexion that we fhould not yield them any profit. This thought, which had occurr’d to me, when we firft came in fight of the Spaniards , made me ftri&ly enjoin my people not to fpeak a word, till fuch time as we were fold. There are favages of various colours and ftature in America j and befides, the fatigue and perplexity we had fuffer’d under, had fo chang’d the colour of our skins, that it dif- fer’d very little from that of our companions, except that it was a little whiter. ’Twas therefore juft as we were ftepping into the boats, that I addreft the SpaniJI) merchants in the moft civil terms. I fpoke their language fo well as to make my- felf be underftood. My wife, whom I took by the hand, her two women, Rem and my two Englijhmen , forming a little circle round me, drew the whole atten- tion of our mafters upon us : but their furprize was pro- digioufly encreas’d, when they had heard me fpeak to them in Spanijh ; which made them gaze upon us for fometime, without once opening their Lips. My wife, fearing they did not understand my meaning, becaufe I was far from fpeaking Spanijh with propriety ; told ’em, in very few words, that we were Englijhmen and thought ourfelves infinitely oblig’d to them for the fer- vice they had done us. At laft, they open’d their mouths, when they began to ask us, what chance had brought us into fo unhappy a condition ? I anfwer’d them, that we would give ’em all the fatisfa&ion they might defive on that head, as foon as they fhould have the generofity to indulge us fome place, where we might take a little reft. Altho’ they did notfeem to be in any manner fatisfied with the purchafe they had made, of us I mean, they yet could not help treating us with fome little civility * and a little after, they feparated us from the reft of the flaves. The firft circumftance I entreated them to in- form ^.Cleveland. 3P form us, was, in what part of America we then were. They told us, that we were on an arm of the river of the HolyGhoJly which difeharges its felf into the gulph of Mexico ; and that they inhabited the town of St. Jofepk, which is fituatedat a little diftancefrom the coaft above- mention’d ; that it was their cuftom to advance up in the country feveral times in a year, in order to trade with the favages for different commodities. That they us’d to trade for (laves with fome, for furs with others, and that this traffick was very advantagious to them . I con- tented myfelf with what I now heard, as fuiting well enough our defigns. As thefe traders did not appear to be wealthy or polite, I depended as little on their civility as their afliftance ; and therefore refolv’d not to reveal my- felf to ’em, unlefs fome occafion might make it proper. However, ’twas not long before they perceiv’d, that we were not born to flavery, which rais’d their curiofity to a very great degree 5 but then I did not think proper to gratify it. We arriv’d at St. Jofeph's after twelve days journey, but did not find it was inhabited by perfons of any figure. They cou’d not refufe us our liberty ; but then they did not accompany it with any offers of fervice, or any marks of generofity, which cou’d engage our efteem for thofe who granted it us. We could fcarce prevail with them to give us what was abfolutely neceffary to keep life and foul together. Weneverthelefs were forc’d to continue fix weeks among ’em, in expectation of fome opportunity of removing from among them. This time muft neceffarily hang very heavy upon our hands, confidering how greatly impatient we were to know what was become of the vifeount. After a thoufand re- flexions, on every thing that mightferveasa foundation to my conjectures ; I refolv’d to adhere to a refolution which appear’d to me the moll rational. I was deftitute of every kind of fuccour j and yet I flood in need of more than one, in order to render myfelf capable of ler- ving his lordfhip. 1 was refolv’d to go for the ifland of Cuba , it not being at avail: great diftancefrom St.Jofcph , and beg the governor of it to indulge me fome afliftance ; he being now my grand-father by my marriage with lord Axminjler’s daughter. Altho’ he had refus’d to grant any to 40 The Life of to the vifcount, in order to enable him to annoy the Eng- lijh ; I was perfuaded he would afford me whatever fuc- cour I might want, fince the oc.caffon was fo different. I intended alfo to leave my wife with him, when I deter- min’d to ramble up and down the continent in fearch of his lordfhip. But I cou’d not execute this refolution, which my wife highly approved, for want of provifi- onand fomekind of vehicles or other ; till a certain fea- fon in which the little veffels belonging to St. Jofeph , fail for Carlos, in order to traffick for flaves. However, as the la ft mention’d city, flood not far from the point of the peninfula of Tegefta, I did not doubt but I fhould meet every day with an opportunity of embarking for the Havana. We therefore waited for this time, with an impatience which increas’d every day. My wife’s tender heart, which had been eas’d of part of its pains, when her af- fliction for our daughter was fufpended ; was not yet more eafy upon that account. The dread fhe was under, upon her father’s account, wou’d not fuffer her to think of any thing elfe. I, on the other fide, was continually revolving my own anxiety, and endeavouring to con- fole her. Thus we fpent our days and nights, which feem’d to us of a prodigious length. One day, fome of the Spaniards who had feem’d lefs hard-hearted than the reft, came to acquaint us that a veflel belonging to Penfa- cola was come into the harbour 5 and that as her captain had fignifiedhe was going for the Havana, he in all pro- bability wou’d not refufe to take us on board, in cafe we continued in the fame refolution. Hearing this I went and found him out ; notwithftanding the defpicablenefV of my drefs, he yet receiv’d me with great civility, up- on hearing that I was a foreigner. He fpoke Englijh, I told him, that being call’d to the Havana by affairs of great confequence, and having waited a long time for a paftage, I therefore befought him to take myfelf and fix 1 more perfons on board with him. Hearing this, he told me, but in the moft civil terms, that it would be impof* Able for him to take fo many perfons onboard. 1 am, fays he, naturally inclin’d to ferve the unfortunate to the- utmoftof my power, and efpecially foreigners ; and in- deed I undertook the voyage merely upon that account. But Mr. Cleveland. 41 But altho’ I intend to coaft along, as I have hitherto done from Venfacola ; and that you, poffibly, might go along with me without the leaft danger, fo far as the point of Tegefla ; I would not dare to crofs the (freights of Bahama. with you. Upon this I left him, without giving him any farther trouble. I might, however, have accepted of his offer which he feem’d to make me, of carrying us part of the way ; but as the veflels belonging to St. Jo - Jeph, were to fet fail in a few days for Carlos, I was re- folv’d not to put him to the leaft inconveniency . Being return'd to the little hut, which had been given us to live in, I told my wife what I have juft now re- lated ; and added, that as the Spaniard ' s countenance pre- judic’d me very much in his favour ; I was very forry he had not an opportunity of taking us on board his vefleL As we were puriuing our difcourfe ; 1 fa w him at fome diftance from our hut, to which fome people were di- redting him. He came up to the door in a moment, and walk’d in with a very affable air. After having view’d fora little time our perfonsand our habitation; he recoi- led ed that I was the fame perfon he hadfpoketo a quarter of an hour before. Youarefurpriz’d, fays he, to fee me here ; but I will own to you, that being heartily forry Icou’d not take you on board, I therefore have enquir’d farther about your affairs ; and what I have heard of your miferable condition, makes me wifh that it lay in my power to do you fervice. I am going toth c Havana.. Have you any friend there ? Can I carry any meffage from you to them, or bring you any from thence? Or can I be of any manner of ferv ice to you ? He made me this compliment, and put thefe feveral queftions to me with fuch an air of goodnefs and generoftty ; that not be- ing able to exprefs myfelf in Spanijh , in fuch a manner as might fhew the deep fenfe I entertain'd of his humanity; I deftr’d my wife to do it for me. This fhe did with the utmoft grace ; and as fhe fpoke the Spanijh tongue in perfedion, he cou’d hardly believe fhe was an Englijh woman. This doubt making him conftder her more narrowly, he foon perceiv’d, notwithftandingher fatter’d drefs, and the change which grief and fatigue had wrought in her face, that fhe was not born among the dregs of the people. He was a young gentleman of a very 42 The Life of good family, who being naturally kind and generous;, and having fill’d his imaginations with extraordinary ad- ventures, as moft of the Spaniards do, by poring fo much upon romances ; was infpir d with the moft heroick notions, and breath’d the moft noble virtues. Over- joy’d, therefore, with what he thought he had difcover’d, he told my wife that his eyes could not be miftaken; and that tho' fortune fhould deprels her ever fo much, it yet wou’d be impofnble but (he muft difcover what fhe once was. He added to this feveral offers of fervice. My wifeanfwer’d, that the only favour fhe defir’d, was to be convey’d as foon as pofiible to Cuba. The young Spanijh gentleman having aflur’d us, that he was ftill more uneafy, upon account of the impofiibi- lity it wou’d be for him to give us that teftimony of his good will ; took an opportunity from this, to acquaint us with the occafion of his voyage.. I am, fays he, fon to the Corregidor of Penfacola. Some of our inhabitants who trade with the favagesfor Haves, brought us a great number about a fornight fince ; and amongft the reft an J European, whofe name and country I am yet a ftranger to- He fpeaks feveral languages to perfection. I went to fee him arrive, with the feveral companions of his mifery, when I was ftruck with his air ; and curiofity prompting me to go up to him, I foon difcover’d that he had me- rited a better fate. I then offer’d to take him to my father’s houfe, and to entertain him in it, which he ac- cepted. He had not been there above two days, before this fudden tranfition from mifery to abundance, threw him into a dangerous diftemper. He is ftill afflidted with it, but as I did notvifit him thelefs upon that account, I found him fo polite, fo judicious, and inform’d with fuch noble fenti men ts; that I take him to be one of the greateft men in the world. Tho’ I have entreated him over and over to inform me of the feveral circumftances of his life, I have not yet been able to get a word out of him. I have only heard him repeat over and over, that all he wifh’d, was, an opportunity of failing for the ifland of Cuba. I fuppos’d that he wanted to go thither himfelf, and thereupon I offer’d to convey him : But hefaid, he wanted only to fend a letter to the governor, who is his friend. Now, continued the Spanijh gen- tleman. Mr. Cleveland. 43 tleman, I have fo much We for him, that I have under- taken that commifiion myfelf. From Tome words he let drop in converfation, 1 believe fate has feparated him from ibme perfons who are very dear to him; and that he is afraid of quitting the continent, for fear of leaving them behind. ’Twas impofiible for us not to befeizfd with the mod extraordinary emotions, upon hearing the latter part of this difcourfe, and particularly my wife. Her tears and fighs broke from her, tho’ fhe did her utmoft to fup- prcfs them. Alas! fays (lie in a faint voice ; ’tis my father 1 ’Tis certainly himfelf, and I cannot doubt of it She was for going that inftant to Fenfacolay but I ftopt her, when fhe fat down, holding me by the arm, and continuing ftill to cry aloud, the tears ftream- ing afrefli from her eyes; ’tis my father! Can it, my dear Mr. Cleveland, be any other but him ? Let us hafte, let us fly to him, and not lofe a moment. I was as much perfuaded as fhe cou’d be, that it mud neceflfarily be the vifcount, and the feveral circumftances confpir’d to con- firm me in the belief of it. However, I had fome far- ther difcourfe with the Spaniard ; when having acquaint- ed him who the perfon was that we were feeking for, and giving a defcription of him ; he then did not doubt but that the unhappy gentleman he entertain’d in hi? houfe, was the vifcount himfelf. This fill’d him with the higheft admiration and joy, when he lifted up his hands to heaven, and cried that he thought himfelf the happieft man in the world, in thus having an opportunity to aflift diftreft virtue ; and there- upon he defir’d us to difpofe of hiseflate, and his life. Never, furely, did the Spanifh generality difplay itfelf in a more graceful or eloquent manner. I thank’d him in the warmefi: terms, and faid ; This gentleman can certainly be no other than my father-in- law. The prefent you’ll hereby make us, will be dearer than life itfelf. Your generous heart will now have the beft opportunity it cou’d ever de- fire, of gratify ing its impulfes. But, Imuftbegyouto carry us to Venfacola, the very firft opportunity you have for that purpofe. Be aflur’d that the commiflion you was pleas’d to undertake for the gentleman at your houfe, is now altogether ufelefs, and that the mod grateful fer- 44 The Life of vice you can ever do him, will be, to bring us together as foon as poftible. The generous Spaniard wou’d fain have cloath’d us fir ft, but we begg’d him to defer that till we came to Penfacola, where we fhouldbe proud of accepting any good offices he fhould pleafe to indulge us ; and added, that we did not doubt but it wou’d be in our power, to difcover our gratitude in an efifential manner. Penfacola is a pretty handfome Spanifh fettlement,fituated to the weft of St. Jofeph on the coaft of the fame fea. Tho’ I did not exadtly know the diftance of thofe two places, I yet believe it is not confiderable, becaufe we were but two days in our paflage. Upon our arrival in the port, our Spaniard, meeting with fome perfons of his acquaintance, ask’d them whether no new thing had happen’d in his abfence ? Nothing, laid they, except that the foreigner you took into your father’s houfe, is at the point of death. This wasmoft fatal news to my wife and I, and immediately chang’d our joy into a deadly fear. We made hafte, but trembled at the fame time, to reach the Corregidor’s houfe. His fon firft went alone in- to the vifcount’s room ; a precaution that was neceffary, in order to prepare him by degrees for our arrival. We waited at the door j and confounded by the different im- pulfes of joy, fear and forrow, which warr’d in our bo- foms, we clasp’d each other faft, the tears gu fifing, tho’ unheeded by us, down our cheeks. The vifcount was told, after a few words had been exchang’d, that we were, near him. Heavens 1 how tender are the fenfati- onsof nature! notwithftanding hisexceflive weaknefs, he yet ftruggled to runout of bed. We heard him get- ting up, and repeat the name of Fanny , but in the faint- eft voice, which his fighs and tears had almoft luppreft. We ran in, the inftant as the Spaniard kept him down in his bed, when the vifeount feeing us come in, he did not offer to move, but fitting up in the bed, heftretch’d out his arms to us in the utmoft extacy of joy. Alas! daughter! Alas! Mr . Cleveland \ His fpirits were in fuch prodigious hurry, that it depriv’d him of the faculty of fpeech. We then fell upon our knees before him. I kifs’d one of his hands, and my wife fqueez’d the other, put it to her lips, and bath’d it with her tears. We exprefs’d our felves i/r. Cleveland. 45- felves in a certain manner ; but we did not fo much break into articulate founds, as a tender and plaintive murmur, which fhew’d how ftrongly we were affected. We con- tinu’d thus for lomc time, the vifcount reclining his head upon us, being equally incapable of uttering a fingle word. At laft, I firft broke this render and pafTionate filence. Are we then met again, fays I ; we are fo hap- py as to be once more bleis’d with the fight of you! Your abfence, and the uncertainty of your fate, have af- flidfed us mortally. But I now forget all the evils I have fuffer’d ; I excufe fortune for all her cruel treatment. Does fate then give you to our longing wifhes ! What moredearcan we defire? But we meet with you on the bed of ficknefs, and at the point of death ! Alas, will not heaven complete the miracle it has wrought in our fa- vour ? Has it brought us happily to you, but only to fnatchthe blefting away, the inftantit was indulg’d us ! At leaft let it permit us to breathe our laft with you ; let it feparate us no more, in cafe it has brought us together out of mere compaftion. 1 added a thoufand other par- ticulars, whilft my wife and our dear father were reco- vering from their tranfports. My lord then open’d his lips ; and though he was in a very dangerous condition, his fondaffedtion gave him fpirits Sufficient, to exprefs his joy in the moft melting terms. But the words with which he ended, were far from giving us the leaft fatif- fadfion. I find, fays he, that I have but a very little time to live. Death appear’d to me in the moft frightful fhapes, a quarter of an hour ago; but now it is far from being terrible, fince I fee you both here. You may very eafily get to Cuba, where you’ll meet with your grandfa- ther, who, no doubt, will be overjoy’d to fee you. Let my body be carried thither, in cafe you have an opportu- nity to do it; and I farther defire you to take care of my burial. Gracious heavens ! fays he, with a freffi trans- port, thou haft thenreftor’d my dear children, my Fanny, my Cleveland, to my longing wifhes! They fhall clofe my eyes, they fhall receive my lateft breath, I fhall die in their arms ! He then embrac’d us again with frefh tran- fports of joy and tendernefs. I could anfwer only by my tears, to a difeourfe, every word of which pierced me to the foul. My Wife con- tinu’d 4 6 Tide Life of tinu’d alfo to fhed tears in abundance ; and was unable to exprefs her melting grief, any otherwife than by a few words, which fighs interrupted every moment. The young Spaniard who feem’d touch’d to the very foul at to moving a fpedfacle ; and who knew better than we did, how ill his lord (hip was, deftr’d us to withdraw a mo- ment, in order that he might recover his fpirits a little. This I intended to do j I even told him, that hehimfelf cou’d not wifh fo much to live, as we were defirous that he fhou’d; and that we were going to leave him a mo- ment, tor fear left the ftrong tumults he then felt, fhou’d heighten his indifpofition ; however, he wou’d not per- mit us to go away. Don’t, fays he, bereave me of the only confolation I can pofiibly tafte in this life. Don’t you plainly perceive that your prefence has reviv’d me ? I was dying but a moment before ? and ’tis you who pre- vent my foul taking its flight from this weak, this feeble body j and were I not fure that it is impoflible for me to recover, I wou’d fooner expeft that from your prefence, than from the power of medicines. — Wetherefore were oblig’d to ftay with him. He then told us, fo far as his weaknefs wou’d give him leave, the misfortunes which had befallen him fince our fad feparation. The circumftances of it differ’d but very little from what the Abctquis, who had been taken prifoner, told us. Iglou , and the Englijhmen who accompanied him, had loft their lives in defending his. He had fufter’d under a long cap- tivity, and being oblig’d to follow the favages in all their inroads ; in which he had been perpetually expos’d to fuch exceflive fatigue and mifery, that thefe had quite ruin’d his conftitution, which had before been very much weaken’d by the misfortunes with which he had been op- prefs’d for fo many years. ’Twas but a fortnight ago that the favages had brought him to the river whither we had been carried ; and that he had been fold, with a great number of other flaves, to the Spaniards of Penfaco- la. After having thus related all that had happen’d to him, he defir’d us to relate alfo what had befallen us. This. I did in a few words, and omitted purpofely all fuch gloomy circumftances as might increafe his illnefs. He did not know that heaven had given us a dear daughter. My wife Mr. Cleveland. 47 wife look’d upon me with a tender and melancholy air, when I came to that part of our ftory . I read in her eyes, that fhewifh’d to inform him ot this aftedting incident, which muft neceflarily have pleafed him, had it not been attended with fuch melancholy circumftances. I alfo took care never to mention Mrs. Riding’s name, but when I was abfolutely forc’d to it. But although the agitations with which he wasfeiz’d, had, perhaps, prevented him till now from thinking of her ; it yet was not long before he ask’d us what was be- come of her i where ihe was, and why we had not brought her along with us ? My heart wou’d not now fufifer metoput on a difguife; upon which I told him plainly, that heaven had been pleas’d to take her to itfelf. We then all paid a tribute of tears to her memory : how- ever, thevilcount wou’d not fuffer his to flow. Where- fore, fays he. fhou’d I bewail her death, fince in lefs than two days I fhall meet her in the region of fouls? Alas, fays he, your condition will be far more unhappy than ours. I poflibly may leave you the wrath of heaven for an inheritance, which has continually purfuedmej and which, no doubt, will henceforwards follow you, whi- therfoever you may fly. God! how can I hope to be eafy after death, in cafe I muft be forc’d to die with this fad reflexion? But refum’d he, interrupting himfelf, wherefore, ftiou’d I afflid myfelf in this voluntary man- ner? Ought I not, on the contrary, to give a favourable interpretation to our unexpedted meeting ; and the ex- quifite pleafure I tafte, in thus embracing you before I die ? *Tis impoflible for heaven ever to deceive. It now begins to relent} and I will look upon this as a favourable omen, with regard to my dear children and myfelf. I did whatever I cou’d, during the little time he had to live, to confirm him in this confolatory idea; and 1 ob- ferv’d that it footh’d his latter moments to a furprizing degree. He was undoubtedly not miftaken, in hoping that heaven wou’d beftow the greateft bleflings upon him- felf. His virtue, which had fo long been put to the trial, was now going to be rewarded } and this happy prefage, which now foothed his agonies, was one recompence. However, his unfortunate children were not included in the 48 *Fhe Life of thefentence, which put a period to his woes, and call’d him to immortal blifs. He died the third day after our arrival. He had em- ploy’d the day before, not only in giving us advice, in what manner we fhould return back to Europe, and what we fhould do when we were arriv’d in it; but iikewifein pointing out to us, how we fhou’d aft, both toraife our fortunes, to reingratiate ourfelves in his majefty’s favour ; and to recover the eftate which he had made over to the lord Terwill, and which he was perfuaded that ge- nerous friend wou’d not fail to give up to us. Towards night he grew much worfe ; neverthelefs as he ftiil had all his fenfes about him ; he, by intervals, wou’d recover fpirits enough, to breathe a few tender and melting ex- preflions. He kifs’d his daughter’s hands, he fqueez’d mine ; he befought us every moment to fupprefs our tears, and to love one another eternally: At laft he told us, that he was fenfible he was juft going to his long home; and indeed he expir’d a moment after, as he had deftr’d within his daughters arms and mine. So violent were the pangs with which I was tortur’d at this fight,that I ;ou’d have wifh’d to fly from the prefence of men ; andindulge noother fenfationsbutthofeofforrow. I wou’d have been glad to be alone, in the moft defert part of ail America ; to be there employ’d in filently bewailing my misfortunes; to contemplate my felf in this melan- choly condition ; to ask heaven why it thus pour’d out all its wrath upon me; to fue for its juftice or clemency with flghs and groans ; in cafe it wou’d indue me with patience fufficient, not to exafperate it ftiil more by my murmurs and complaints. I put my felf for fome moments in this deplorable condition, by mere ftrength of imagination, and found fome confolation, even in thefe hateful images. But now my wife’s tears and fighs, having recall’d me from this kind of delirium, I experienc’d by feeing her, that it is poflible for the foul to be mov’d at one and the fame time, by a variety of Paflions, and all of ’em equal- ly violent. She embrac’d her father’s pale corps, and her grief was fo affe&ing, that the Corregidor his Ion, and all the perfons prelent, cou’d not forbear burfting into tears before her. It was impoflible for me to fee her in fuch diftra&ion, without feeling the moft exquifite pangs. Her • innate M*. Cleveland. 49 innate goodnefs, which To ftrongly prov’d how dear I was to her ; that air of fweetnefs which (lie always wore, even in this affliction, which border’d fo much upon def- pair; the flood of lovely tears, which ran fo gracefully down her cheeks ; and more than all, my love which was as ftrongas ever, hurried away my ipirits to fuch a degree, that I abandon’d myfelf entirely ro the impulfes of my heart. I then took her on a fudden into my arms, when ■clafping her to my bofom, I fate down. Come, fays I in a tone of voice breathing the ftrongeft paflion; come, my amiable Fanny ; mix your tears with mine, and let not a Angle one drop, but what falls into my bofom ; pour out all your wailings in my bofom. I alone will receive them all, and die a thoufand deaths to fpare you one. « Notwithftanding flie was prey’d upon by the molt violent grief, flie neverthelefs was fenflble to this tender tranfport. I have 90 w, fays fheina moft languifhing voice, none but you left , my father, my mother, my child ! all I ought to love are dead. Alas! did not you furvive, life wou’d be quite infupportable, and I wou’d not preferve it an inftant! The Corregido rand his fon, took this oppor- tunity to get. the vifcount’s corpfe carried into another room ; and after we mifs’d it, we beg’d it might be brought back, but to no purpofe. ’Tisnot without reafon, that I thus intermix with a relation of one of the moft fad calamities of my life, that of an impulfe of love, and fome tender expreflions which both my wife and my felf breath’d. This obfervation will not be thought indifferent, by fuch of my readers as have penetration fufficient to judge of the nature of a paflion, which two years of marriage, and an uninterrupted leries of misfortunes had been fo incapable of leffening; that it ftill had power enough to make itfelf be heard in fo im- perious a manner, even amid the tranfports of the moft violent forrow that ever tortur’d a human breaft. Will it then be furpriz,ing, to fee it produce after this the dreadful effedfs which the reader may expeCt to meet with, and which I have oblig’d my felf to relate ? I was dearer to my wife than fhe cou’dbe to her felf ; and was ftill deaie : to her, now flie had loft her fond, her indulgent fath< r. ' Alas ! I who thus reprefent the love fhe had for me, what words {hall I find to paint my own ? Will it be enough to V 0 l. II. C fay fo The Life of fay that I worfhipp’d her as my idol ? I ador’d her, and flie lov’d me with a reciprocal affe&ion. By what charm was it poflible for diftruft and black fufpicions, to fucceed foiweet a certainty ? This is the only circumftance in this particular that is aftonifhing; for ’tis well known, that when once a perfon no longer confides in another, the ftrongeft love is apt to turn to fury , and to produce the fame effe&sas hatred. I know not what gloomy pleafure I find, in proportion as I proceed in the ftory of my life, to interrupt my felf in the manner I do ; and to anticipate my readers with re- gard to what I am to relate hereafter. Does not every in- cident of my life abound with circumftances of a moft lingular nature j and is not each of ’em affeding enough to engage the reader’s attention ? No ; but I confult my own grief, much more than I do the laws of hiftory, and the rules which are prefer ib’d to biographers. How nu- merous foever and various my misfortunes may be, they now ad altogether upon my heart ; the fenfation which now remains to me of them, is not the effedof variety ; S tis now, if I may fo exprefs myfelf, but an uniform mafs of forrow, which opprefifes me continually with its weight. I therefore (hould be glad, were it in the pow- er of my pen to unite in oneftrokeof it, the feveral ca- lamities of my Hfe j in the fame manner as their effed is united in my foul. Then the reader would be much better able to form a judgment of the Hate of it. Regularity and order are a con (train t to me j and as I am not able to re- prefent all my misfortunes at one view, the greateftprefent 1 themfelves with the ftrongeft force to my memory ; and thel'e I cou’d wifh at lea ft , that I were allow’d to lay before the reader before the reft. However, I will ftill continue to relate the feveral inci- dents as they happened. After fome days fpent in the higheft excefsof grief, which yet I difguis’d as much as {I poifibly I cou’d, in order to encourage my wife by my [: example ; I refolv’d to leave Penfacola, and to get his lord- I (hip’s corpfe embalm’d, in order to take it along with us. ; ; Th cCorregitlor and his fon continu’d ftill as humane and ge- 1 : nerousasever! I thought it wou’d not be improper, to inform them of the vilcount’s birth and quality, in order ■ to Mr. C L E V E E AND. ft to engage ’em to extend their civilities dill more to us, during the lad days of his ficknefs. Tho’ they were naturally generous, yet their letting them into thefe circumdances, inclin’d them dill more in our fa- vour. Both the father and fon did not fparc either care or ex- pences. We confented to accept of fome clothes they gave both to us and our fervants, who were five in number ^ and when the day which we had fix’d upon for our arrival was come ; we not only found that a little veffel had been fitted for us, but were greatly furpriz’d to find that our benefa&ors weredifpos’d to accompany us. I did notop- pofe their refolution, being, on the contrary, very glad to fee them in \he Havana-, where I was perfuaded Don Pedro woud enable us to difeover our gratitude in fuch a manner as was agreeable to our wifhes. The only thing that gave me uneafinefs at our fetting out, was the fmall- nefs of the veffel, which cou’d fcarce hold us all, being nine in number, and a few failors : but this was the larged that cou’d be met with in the road of Penfacola. I wou’d not for the world have my wife expos’d to the lead dan- ger ; and therefore I took a refolution to coad it along to Carlos, and to difpatch one of my Englijlsmen from thence, to inform the governor of Cuba where we were $ who, I knew, wou’d not fail to fend a good tight fhip for us. We arriv’d happily at Carlos, when I difpatch’d Bring who was one of my Englijhmen , who return’d in lefs than a week with a veffel fent by the governor. This we went mmediately aboard of, and having a dronggale of wind, we arriv’d in twenty four hours at the Havana. Bon Pedro receiv’d us with the utmod tendernefs, as he lad lod his daughter, and faw her image reviv’d in my wife. He embrac’d us a thoufand times, and declar’d hat we mud comfort him in his old age. The vifeount’s orpfe, which we brought in a coffin, was a melancholy •refent. He cou’d not forbear fhedding tears when he re- olledted how drongly he had endeavour’d to prevent his saving Cuba. Had he follow’d my advice, fays he, he vou’d have dill been alive ; he might have commanded very thing here as much as myfelf ; and I wou’d have one my utmod to make life agreeable to him. But his rief was vadly increas’d, when he heard the lamentable enes we had pafs’d through during two years ; and how C 2 many The Life of many misfortunes his lordfhip had met with, for fome time before he died. The good old gentleman cou’d hardly recover from his aftonifhment. Sometimes he wou’d re- proach himfelf with our calamities, as though he had oc- cafion’d them $ and a little after he wou’d call heaven to witnefs, that he, fo far from endeavouring to increafe, had done whatever lay in his power to prevent them. Did not I, faid he every moment, employ all the arguments I coud think of to detain him ? Did not I even foretel part of the fatal accidents which afterwards befelhim? Was it in my power to aflift him with forces after a peace was concluded between Spain and England ? Did I not advife him every thing for his good ? But why did not he, at leaft, leave his-daughter with me ? As I was his father-in- law, ought he not to have confided in me, foonerthan in any other perfon in the world ? Why did he not, at leaft, return to Cuba , after he had fail’d in his enterprize upon Virginia Although thefe wailings were now in- effectual, they yet (bowed, that we might expert the greateft indulgence from our grandfather. Of this he gave us, a few days after, the ftrongeft teftimonies, by the fplendid manner in which he buried his lordfhip. This fadly-folemn ceremony awak’d all our forrows. The on- ly motive of confolation I had now left, was, that as I now enjoy’d my freedom and eafe in the Havana , I was now enabled to return to the ftudy of wifdom, which the many fufferings I had undergone for fome time, wou’d notfuffer metopurfue, but in meditation only. I now poffefs, fays I, my dear wife and my books. Thefe are two powerful remedies which may contribute to footh my anxiety, and heal my tortur’d heart. Bon Pedro, from the very moment of our arrival, treat- ed us as though we had been his children, and continued to do fo, all the time we ftaid with him. He firft figna- liz’d his generofity , by rewarding the Corregidor of Penfa - cola for the great fervice he had done us. He beftow’d ve- ry confiderable prefents on the father, and beftow’d one of- the moft honourable employments in the ifland on the fon. As I had been married to my wife, only by th( reciprocal promife we made, and the confent which hei father was pleas’d to indulge us ; Don Pedro defir’d i might be ratified by the prieftly fanCtion. This threw u: Mr . Cleveland. f 3 into Tome perplexity. We were not of the Romijh per- fuafion; and there was no probability of our meeting with a proteftant clergyman among the Spaniards ; To that Don Vedro's defiies, as well as our own, wou’d not have been gratified for a long time, had we not atlaft confented to | receive the nuptial blefTing from a pried: of the church of Rome. But although, properly fpeaking, 1 did not immedi- ately profefs any religion ; I yet was of opinion, that it was our duty to venerate the clergy of all thofe whoacknow- . ledge and ferve one only God, merely upon account j of the Deity they reprefent. And thereupon I exhorted j my wife not to fcruple to repeat her folemn promifes in , prefence of Don Vedro's chaplain. The governor and all ! the inhabitants oi th e Havana, wou’d have been overjoy’d, ! had we embrac’d their communion ; but their worfhip is fo whimfical and fuperftitious, efpecially among the Spa - | niards ; that it is impoffible for a man of fenfe, who is not blinded by the prejudices of education, to entertain , a favourable idea ot the church of Rome. I therefore begg’d , of the governor not to infid: upon my turning catholick ; I promifing, at the fame time to let my wife chufe for her- J felf. My dear Fanny , notwithftanding the fatigues of the i voyage, and the various calamities fhe had fuffier’d, was . pretty far advanc’d with child. 1 had trembled a thoufand , times, when we were furrounded with dangers, for the j dear infant fhe then went with. But the tranquillity we r enjoy’d at the Havana , having foon reftor’d her to health j , fhe was happily deliver’d of two children a very few , months after our arrival. She was firft brought to bed of a fon ; but as the other remain’d behind, I was afraid it would be attended with fome unhappy confequences , fix i weeks after, fhe was as happily deliver’d of another fon. I offer’d up my lincere thanks to heaven for thisprefent, but yet did not dare abandon myfelf to joy, when I re- fle&ed on the fad fate our dear daughter had met with. In- . dulgent heaven 1 did I cry in the bitternefs of that thought, . thou giveft me more than thou bereaved: me of j but what , fatisfa&ion foever I may receive from the birth of my two j fons, will it ever outweigh the exceffive forrow which my dear daughter’s unhappy death fill’d me with ? . . As C 3 for f 4 The Life of for Don Tedro and my wife, they were greatly comforted i to fee our family increas’d in this manner. I fpent fometime in th e Havana in themoft eafy man- ner, and very feldom went abroad. Thofe hours I did not pafs with my wife or Don Vedro , were devoted to ftu- dy. I generally perus’d Spanijh authors j and tho’ I fel- dom approv’d of their thoughts, or their diction, I never- thelefs frequently met with excellent touches in their works, on which I would build the moll profound and ufeful fpeculations ; and all thefe I directed to the improve- ment ot my conduct, and the ftrengthening of my mind. My old principles, that precious inheritance which my mother had left me, were not fo eras’d from my memory, but I cou’d eafily difcover the traces of them . Although my imagination had been lefs employ’d on thefe for fome time, (it having beenalmoft perpetually fill’d with a nu- merous multitude of other obje&s, which had divided my attention) yet the footfteps of them ftill exifted in it ; and the reader may have obferv’d, that they always had a ftrong influence on my behaviour. Thefe principles I re- colleded, in the fame order that they had been inculcated. 1 imagin’d m y felf to be adling over again the fame fcenes I had pafs’d thro’, from the time I had left Rumney-Marfb , and my mother’s grave. I compar’d all my a&ions, my virtues and weaknefles, my pleafures and pains, my hap- py and unhappy adventures ; the ufe I had made of them, with thofe moral precepts, thewifdomof which I once was fo fenfible of. I examin’d on what occafions, and what were the motives which had made jne depart from them i and whether it were their fault or mine ? Whether it were weaknefs of mind, or a hurry of the paflions on my fide ; or on theirs, a want of truth to condudt me, or of ftrength to fupport me ? I difcover’d in a clearer manner than I had ever done, the fource of all my im- pulfes, and the mod fecret fprings of all my paflions. In fine, I was not fatisfy’d with having carry’d, as it were a torch to view the molt fecret receffes of my heart ; every thing I perceiv’d in it of an evil tendency, I endeavour’d to banifli from it $ or to eftablifh it in a ftill ftronger man- ner, in cafe I found it was relative to virtue. Endeavour- ing even to extend my cares to futurity, I form’d to my felf a kind of arfenal of moral and philofophical wea- pons. Mr. Cleveland. f f pons, fit for all occafions, and adapted to a thoufand circumftances which it was impofiible for me to fore- tel. I muft be oblig’d to acknowledge, to the glory of phi- lofophy andrealon, that thefe two guides were more powerful than all my evils. Atter fo many forrows as l had been affl idled with, they were’able to reftore a certain tranquillity to my foul ; and to raife it to a, height, whence 1 cou’d perceive happinefs, as a (late to which I was ftill allow’d to afpire. Indeed, a melancholy ftill fate brooding over my fpirits, which I cou’d not flatter my felf that ei- ther time or all my efforts wou’d ever be able to difpcl ; but I now accuftom’d myfelf to confider it, not fo much as an indifpofition of the foul, as a change which age brings about; and which moft people are troubled with, after a certain number of years are paft. Add to this, that the fatigue alone I had gone through in my troubles, and the continual misfortunes I had met with in them, might have wrought this change in me. Though it was not poflible for me to forget my misfortunes, I neverthe- kfs had acquir’d, fo much ftrength, as to bear ’em fo far with patience and resignation, as to aftfuft: myfelf without trouble; and to complain, if I alfo may be allow’d the expreflion, without grief or murmuring. Such was the frame and lituation of my mind at the Havana. During my refidence there, I had been inform’d of the feveral revolutions which had happen’d in England, fince the time I had left Trance. I had heard that the new fa- brick of the commonwealth was deftroy’d ; that the Protestor’s family was ruin’d ; that the royal houfe was return’d, with the feveral circumftances of King Charles’s happy reftoration, and how propitioufly it had been brought about. This happy news made us wifh to be in England, had it been poftible for us to have left the ifland of Cuba in a decent manner ; but we were bound to Don Tedro by number lefs obligations, who ftill began to fhower down his favours upon us. My wife was defirous of liv- ing with him, ’till heaven fhou’d pleafe to take him out of the world ; in order that he might enjoy the confolation, of having fome perfon who was dear to him to clofe his eyes. I acquiefc’d readily with her wifhes. With regard to him, he did not doubt but we intended to continue al- C 4 ways f 6 The Life of ways in his houfe. He indeed was the neareft relation my wife had left* and he’d look uponher,and our children, as though they had been his own. Neverthelefs, not- withftanding the great love we had for this venerable gen- tleman, yet as we were born in different countries, we cou’d not but look upon our felves as Grangers in his houfe ; fothat we were far from thinking, though the contrary afterwards happen’d, that he would have made us his foie heirs. I happen’d, before the year was out, to fhare in an ad- venture of fo extraordinary a nature, that it deferves to be taken notice of in this place, tho’ I thereby interrupt the thread of my narration j and I don’t doubt but it will be agreeable to my readers. The captain of aSpanifh veffel which was arriv’d from TortoRico, being come to pay his compliments to DonVedro , told him, before me, that he had met with a dreadful ftorm between Jamaica and the coaft of Nicaragua ; and had been drove, by the winds, onthefhoreof a fmalldefertifland call’d Serrana. He told us that he had fpent two days on it, waiting till the tempeft might ceafe ; during which/ fome of his failors wentafhore, and had rambled up and down the ifland, which is not above three leagues in cir- cumference. Altho’ it feem’d to be uninhabited, he ne- verthelefs had perceiv’d the footfteps of a man in feveral places j and therefore not doubting but they fhould meet with one, they had fearch’d the moft remote places in it for that purpofe. At laft, continued the captain, they faw coming out of a hole at the bottom of a deep valley, a man of a tall ftature, cloath’d in a pretty rich drefs, but dirty and torn ; who the moment he fpy’d them, ftruck into a little wood. They foon found him, and having laid hold of him, he was brought to me. I ask’d him in Spa- nijh who he was ? He anfwer’d in his own tongue that he was an Englifhman ; and that he was very much furpriz’d, as he had not injur’d any of my crew, why they Hop’d him in a forcible manner. I defir’d him to excufe their rude- nefs, and offer’d to ferve him to the utmoft of my power. He feem’d to be loft in thought a moment, when recover- ing himfelt, he told me that he flood in need of two things j and that he wou’d be vaftly oblig’d to me, in cafe I ccu’d procure ’em him. The firft, was, tofurnifhhim with the fevers! Mr . Cleveland. f7 feveral materials which were neceflary for writing, that is, paper, pens and ink ; the fccond, was to give him a few books, in cafe I had any on board my veflel, in or- der to divert him in his folitude. I immediately pro- mis’d to oblige him in thefe two trifling favours ; but being defirous of knowing who he was, and part of his ftory ; I entreated him to tell me what it was that could engage him to d well in this folitude, and why he wou’d not take the opportunity of embarking along with us ? In cafe I could be perfuaded, fays he, interrupting me fuddenly, that there was one honeft man in the world, I would leave this ifland immediately. But after the bafe- nefs and treachery I have met with, I would gladly hide myfeltinthe bowels of theearth, in order to be remov’d from thofe who dwell on the furface of it. He abfo- lutely refus’d to explain himfelf farther ; when being ur- gent with me to give him what I had promis’d ; he left' me, and begg’d I wou’d not fuffer my crew to moleft him any more. I pitied him, continued the Spanifh captain, becaufe he appear’d by his countenance and be- haviour, to be a man of honour and aperfon of diftinc- tion. But not being able to force him away from thence againft his will, I took advantage of the favourable' gale which had fprung up, and immediately made for this place. This relation, which had nothing in it that fhould af- fe£t me more than it did the reft of thofe who heard it,’ ftruck me neverthelefs in fuch a manner, as fhow’d ! had been vaftly more touch’d with it than another perfon j . and indeed I cou’d not put it out of my head', for feve- ral days. I was inceflar.tly meditating on that force of reafon and bravery, with which I fuppos’d the breaft of that man mu ft have been infpir’d, who could thus refolve with himfelf to retire to fo deep a folitude. To this I fubioyn’d the motive which had prompted him to it, viz., a hatred of treachery and injuftice, and from thefe two, I form’d to myfelf a mod amiable idea of this un- known. This, fays I to myfelf, is a man I fhould in- fallibly love, in cafe I were fo happy as to know him. He would alfo love me, for he would find thatreffitude of foul in me, which he fancies is abfolutely banifh’d from among men. I have no friend left. Wherefore . C f then 5*8 The Life of then {hould I not endeavour to make him one, whofe temper and principles feem fo fuitable to mine ? Beftdes, I (hall do a generous and charitable office to an unhappy man, who feems not to deferve his ill-fate, if I contri- bute to the confolation of hisforrows; and to make him, perhaps, tafte a thoufand fvveets, which he could never have flatter’d himfelf with the hopes of enjoying in this life. I therefore found myfelf ftrongly prompted, to ga to the ifland of Serrana for this purpofe. I enquir’d af- ter its fituation, and how far it was diftant from us and the feveral particulars I heard,engag’d me ftill more to vifit it. This ifland lies to the fouth of Jamaica ; fo that as T had a defign for fome time to go for Tort-Royal , ia order to be certainly inform’d of the ftate of England ; I could go by that city without going out of my way. This voyage wou’d not take up much time ; and as the ieveral nations who have fettlements in this part of the iVeJl-Indies, were in a profound peace, I cou’d not appre- hend the leaft danger. My wife was neverthelefs very uneafy when I talk’d of going ; however, I at laft, by the arguments I us’d, made her approve of my enterprize. You wou’d not, fays I, be againft my undertaking a voyage, in cafe it would bring me to the poffieflion of a treafure 5 and can you be againft my undertaking one, which is fuggefted by virtue and compaffion? Suffer me to go in fearch of the riches which I efteem. In cafe you love me enough to wifli me happy, what need you care which way it is brought about, in cafe I am made fo efientially ? And then, as you are naturally fo good-natur’d and generous, can you think after a dif- ferent manner from me, what it is that forms the felicity of a tender and upright heart ? When I tell you that I am in want of a friend ; and that I fhall undertake that voyage merely in this view ; don’t you perceive that fuch a treafure is worth looking after ? My wife made but one objection to this: Am notl, fays ihe, your wife? Am not I moreover, your tender, your faithful friend ? Do you hope to meet with fomething in another, which you cannot find in me ? To this I anfwer’d, that what I call’d the happinefs of friendfhip, ought to be taken in a diffe- rent fenfe. With regard to myfelf, fays I, it is fo far from fuppoling that I don’t meet with every thing in you Mr . Cleveland. fp you that is eflential to the forming of my happinefs; that ’tis on the contrary, becaufe I am infinitely To ; that I now want this other felicity which Ifeek in friendfhip. Hear me, dear Fanny, fays I, and comprehend this rid- dle if you can. You, my charming creature, create my happinefs ; but then in order that I may be fenfible of the happinefs which I enjoy by your prefence, it is ne- ceflary that I fhould have fomeperfon who is not you; to whom I may not only tell this, but in whom I may have confidence enough, to declare it with pleafure j and who may love me dear enough to be pleas’d at hearing it. I embark’d at the Havana on a good fhip, which was well mann’d ; and the wind was fo favourable, that I got to Jamaica the day after. I there met with an Eng- lift 7 veffel, arriv’d from the port of London , the captain whereof happily confirm’d all that Don Pedro had told me, with regard to king Charles's reftoration. This was not a new event, that monarch having been return’d above two years from his exile ; but then I was unacquain- ted with a great number of circumftances, which I had heard with the utmoft pleafure. I afterwards enquir’d, whether any one had heard at Port-Royal, of an Englijhman who had banifh’d himfelf to the ifland of Serrana, where he refided, firmly refolv’d not to converfe with his fel- low creatures more. No one had heard of him ; but I was told feveral particulars concerning that ifland, which made me much more defirous of vifiting it. Theyaf- fur’d me, that it borrow’d its name from one Serrano , a Spanijh gentleman, who had liv’d a great number of years in it, in the fame folitary manner as the Engliflj - man whom I mention’d to them ; that it was not only a very difficult matter to get near this ifland, becaufe of the rocks which furroundit ; but evendreadtul, Speci- ally in the night, becaufe it feems to throw out flames, on that part of it which lies towards Nicaragua ; that this had not prevented feveral people from having the curiofity to vifit it ; and that fome things had happen’d which fhow’d that the flames jufi: now mention’d, were owing to an extraordinary caufe. Thereupon I was told, that Sir George Afcough , after having feiz’d in the parliament’s name, upon Barbadoes , which. ; 6o The Life of which the lord* Willoughby commanded in the king’s name ; had intended, on the relation which he had heard of the ifland of Serranct, to go thither, merely out of cu- riofity. He arriv’d at it very happily, juft after it was dark, but was a little afraid at the fight of the flames with which it Teem’d to be entirely furrounded. Aftonifh- ment fucceeded his fears, when he>©b£erv’d, as he drew nearer the fhore, that the flames Teem’d to draw back from him. He then went afhore with his crew, who were as brave as himTelf ; and being reTolv’d not to put off till the next day, the fearching after the cauTe of this phenomenon ; he advanc’d forward into the ifland, ob- ferving that the flames Teem’d ftillto fly, as it were, be- fore him. At laft, when he now began to be perfuaded that thefe flames were not real, but only an illufion ot fancy; they flopp’d in Tuch a manner, that it was im- poflible for him to go farther. But now being prodigi- oufly furpriz’d, he walk’d a great many times round the place whence the flames iflued, which Teem’d to riTe out of the earth, and to have no other fuel but that. He then held out his hands towards the flames, but they fcorch’d them To prodigioufly, that he was oblig’d to draw them back. The night being Tpent without any other accident, he obferv’d that the flames diTappear’d with the darkneTs. But Teeing that a black vapour con- tinued to rife from the fame place, he order’d Tome of his Tailors to return to the (hip, and to bring back Tuch inftruments as were proper for digging. Four of them undertook to throw up the ground ; but Tcarce had they dug up a lay of hot, and almoft burning ftones, which cover’d the Turface ; but the ground opening under their feet, they were fwallow’d up alive, none of their com- panions daring to advance forwards, toaflift them. Sir George , being vaftly aftonifh’dat what he Taw, and per- haps terrified, was for returning immediately on board j but both himTelf and his crew were intoxicated, whether this were owing to the vapour, or Tome other cauie ; infomuch that they found it a very difficult matter to get back to the fhore. They even felt the moll dreadful pains in all their limbs, as they drew farther from the ifland; and were not recover’d, till after they had repos’d them- felves for Tome days. Without Mr . Cleveland. 6i Without endeavouring to examine into the truth of this incident, which methought might be accounted for from natural principles, I thought only of fetting out for Serrana as foon as poflible. The wind continuing favourable, I reach’d it in a little time, but did not per- ceive any flames as I drew near the (bore. ’Twas then, indeed, noon ; and we were on the north fide of it. I found that the banks of the ifland were very Tandy and barren. We Taw fuch a multitude of tortoifes on the fand, that I had reafon to believe, thofe who inhabited that folitude, did not want provifions. The ifland is not above three leagues in circumference, To that I did not doubt but it would be an eafy matter for me to go round it before the day ended ; and to find in Tome part or other, what I chiefly came in fearch of. Neverthe- lefs, after I had gone a little up into the country, I Taw To many little woods, and Tuch a variety of foils; that I imagin’d it would not be To eafy a matter for me to find the Solitary as I at firfl imagin’d. I rambled up and down, with part of the Tailors, a great part of the afternoon. And now the evening coming on, I refolv’d to go to the top of a hill whence, I Taw, not only the iurrounding ocean but alfo a great number of little val- lies, which I had not Teen before. I had not flood ten minutes upon it, when Ifpy’d, at about half a mile di- ftance from me, a man who was walking flowly to- wards the bottom of a valley. I cou’d not doubt but this was the perfon I was in fearch of ; and thereupon I order’d my Tailors to wait there ; and taking only one with me, I made as much hafte as I could towards the valley, in order, if poflible, to come up with the Solitary , before it was dark. I got to him before he had taken any notice of us, and found that he was very near the place of his abode. I ftop’d, in order to give him time to enter into it. ’Twas not a hole, as the Spanijh captain had defcrib’d it, but a commodious hut, tho’ built wholly of turf, rais’d up- on wooden poles. I then went to the entrance of it,' when the Solitary Teem’d to be in a prodigious furprize. However, without dflcovering the leaft fear, he ask’d in Englijh, what had brought me into that ifland, and if I had any bufinefs. As I refolv’d to be a little acquainted 6 1 The Life of with him, before I reveal’d myfelf to him, I conten- ted myfelf with making him a civil anfwer, to prevent his being alarm’d at my coming. He then ask’d mefe- veral queftions ; fuchas, whether I were anEnglifbman* whither I was bound for ? whence I came ? And having fatisfiedhim in thefefeveral particulars, he feem’d to be highly pleas’d, when I told him I intended to go back to Jamaica > and thereupon defir’d I would carry him thi- ther. This requeft furpriz’d me very much. I fuppofe, fays I, that you are now weary of your folitude, and are refolv’d never to return again into this ifland — I came fays he, with an air of the deepeft melancholy, into this ifland, with a defign of fpending my days in it 5 but the juft caufe I have to hate mankind, cannot get the better of the affliction which preys upon me night and day. I am refolv’d to leave the ifland, and return to Europe. The world is fill’d with treacherous creatures j but ftnce ’tis a neceflary evil, I muft arm myfelf with patience, and live as well as I can among them. I gaz’d upon him attentively as he was talking. He had a promising afpedt ; but then I difcover’d fomething fevere in his looks, that did not fill me with the fatif- fadiion, which I had flatter’d myfelf his prefence would give me. He was pale and wan, and his clothes were very much tatter’d. I am furpriz’d, faysl, that the mo- tives which prompted you to withdraw to this folitude, fhould not be ftrong enough to engage you to continue in it. Are thefe fo abfolutely a fecret, that you cannot reveal them to me ? Upon my faying this, he defir’d me. to fit down by him ; and after mufing a few moments, he faid, that he did not know any reafon which ought to engage him to conceal his name from me, as I appear’d to be a gentleman and a man of honour $ and that the fer- vice 1 was going to do him, by the opportunity 1 fur- nifh’d him with of returning into Europe , deferv’d, atleaft, that he fhould reveal himfelf to me. My name, fays he, is well known in the world. I am general Lambert. Oliver Cromwell, who ow’d all his fortune to me, and for whofe fake I had facrific’d every thing, abandon’d me in fo perfidious a manner ; that he was not afhamed, at laft, to remove me from all my employments, which I had purchas’d with my blood Mr. Cleveland. 63 blood and fervices. Fleetwood and Desborough, who were never capable of undertaking anything without my ad- vice ; and who muft have fallen, the moment I ceas’d to fupportthem; betray’d me in a ftill more cruel manner $ and this at a time when I ventur’d my life and fortune for their fakes. Ingoldsby , the moll wicked wretch that ever Jiv’d} and who, neverthelefs, was more oblig’d to me than to any other perfon, has neverthelefs carried his in- gratitude to fuch a pitch, as not only to abandon my in- tereft, but even to attack me fword in hand j to feize, and fell me to general Monk for a fum of money } and af- ter this to imprifon me in a dungeon, where I was loaded with irons. Shall I relate to you, thefeveral treacherous adfions of my friends, of my creatures, andfervants? I fhould now enjoy the proteSlorfhip inftead of Cromwell , in cafe I cou’d have infpir’d thofe on whom I fhower’d down numberlefs favours, I won’t fay with a lively fenfe of gratitude, but with thofe firfi: feeds of humanity, which ought, at leaft, to engage people not to betray and ruin thofe to whom they owe their all. Unhappy man that lam! I have not met with fidelity in one man in the world} I have been abandon’d, betray’d, de- liver’d up, condemn’d to die by amoft cruel fentence; and afterwards pardon’d, but with fuch intolerable marks of contempt and difdain, that I cannot look upon life as a favour. The king had banifh’d me for life to the ifland of Guernfey. 1 was divided for fome time, whe- ther it wou’d notf be better for me to kill my- -felf, than to go and bury myfelf in this fad folitude. I was in this uncertainty, when I was plung’d again into frefh diftrefles, by an accident which now fills me with as much ihame, as it once did, with joy and forrow al- ternately. During my confinement in the tower, continued ge- neral Lambert , I had form’d a very ftridt intimacy with Venables , whoalfo was imprifon’d in it, after his return from Jamaica. Altho’ he had fucceeded in his expediti- on, and had fubje&ed this ifland to the Englijh-, the pro- testor was not fo well pleas’d with this conqueft, as he was diffatisfied that he had not feiz’d upon the ifland of Hifpaniola. The meafures which Cromwell had taken at London , tor reducing that illand, appear’d fo infallible to liimj 64 The Life of him; that being perfuaded the ill fuccefs in this particular was owing to Venables’s imprudence; he threw him into prifon at his return from the Weft- Indies, where he con- tinued till the king’s reftoration. 1 meeting with the fame fate fome time after, and as we were allow’d to converfe with one another, he acquainted me with the fecret caufes why his enterprize had mifcarried. He had fail’d from England with fivethoufand men ; and with the prote&ov’s orders, feal’dup, which he was not allow’d to open, but when we was got to a certain latitude. A few days after they had loft fight of the Englifh coafts, they met a Spani/h veftel which was failing for the Weft- Indies ; and making themfelves mafter of her, Venables found a moft beautiful Spani/h lady on board her, who was returning to St. Domingo, the place of her birth. Venables was captivated with her charms, when opening the protedfor’s orders, and finding that. they were com-' manded to make themfelves mafters of Hifpaniola , and feizefirftupon St. Domingo , which is the capital thereof; he difcover’d the fecret of the expedition to his millrefs. She was anartful woman, and took advantage of Venables' $ weaknefs, to make him betray his truft. ’Tis true, in- deed, that fhe facrific’d her charms upon this occafion ; and whether it were out of gratitude for his having given her this ftrong tefttmony of his affedfion, or from the love fhe bore her country, whofe ruin, fhe thought it her duty to prevent, even at the expence of her honour; fhe furvender’d her perfbn to her lover, as foon as he had per- form’d his promilb. Venables- therefore negledfed upon va- rious pretences, to follow the plan which Cromwell had laid down. He made a defcent at fo great a diftance from St .Domingo-, that before he could put himfelf into a condi- tion to befiege it, the Spaniards had time enough to for- tify it fo ftrongly, that it would be impoflible for him to take it. He even made but very flight attacks, and merely* as a blind. The conqueft of Jamaica was afterwards the raoreeafy, becaufehe fpar’d his failors till he came upon that ifland; imagining that in cafe he could make him- felf mafter of it, this would more than attone for his ill fuccefs before St. Domingo. But he had to deal with a mafter, who was not to be ealily impos’d upon ; and who, tho’ he was. not inform’d of the motives oi Venables’ s\ condudf, Mr . Cleveland. 6 f conduct, he neverthelefs threw him into prifon at his re- turn to England. However, the Spanifh lady whom he brought with him into England, confid'd him for this dis- grace. During his imprisonment, he put her into the hands of fome trudy friends, who reftor’d her to him faithfully. Being releas’d from his confinement, he re- tir’d with her to a houfe in the country, where (he was not feen by any perfon but himfelf. I cannot fay whe- ther this dangerous creature grew weary of her Solitude* or thought of methods how to return to her country j but I cou’d eafily drfcover, the fird time I fawher, that her love for Venables was very much abated. This was after the king had given me my life, fentenc’d me to perpetual ban i fitment. I was dill under the guard of a ftate-meflcnger, but had the liberty to vifit nay acquaints ance ; and as Venables had been one of long (landing, 1 took a ride to his country retirement. I was charm’d with the beauties of his midrefs, who perceiving it, and in all probability, thinking I might be of fervice to the defign fire had in view; fhe took fuch advantage of the inclination die fa w I had for her, and which I took an op* portunity of revealing, that (he impos’d upon me in fuch a manner, as makes me blufh at my weaknefs and credulity when I think of it. Her beauties made a very (Irong imprefiion on my heart. Having been lefs us’d to thepleafures of love, than the intrigues of ambition and the military arts; I was overjoy’d to find her acquiefce fo eafily with my wifhes. I.felldefperately in love with her, and thought myfelf infinitely oblig’d to fortune, for preparing me fo fweet a confolation, after the barbarous treatment I had met with from the fickle goddefs. 1 fird thought to propofe her going with me to Guernfey ; but (lie afiur’d me, in the mod artful terms, that we fhould be muchfafer, andfpend our days in a more agreeable man- ner at St. Domingo. As I was quite intoxicated with love, I made little or no objection to her propofal, and thereupon fhe defir’d me to enquire after a fhip which might carry us to Spain, and I prefently met with one that was ready to fail for Cadiz,-. We both dole away (b happily, that we were out at fea before any one cou’d have the lead fufpicion of our flight, or which way we were gone. The artful fair indulg’d the utmod of my wifhes i 66 The Life of wifhes ; and being arriv’d at Cadiz, we went on board another veflel, which carried us fafe to Hifpaniola. Here I was fo much enchanted by my paflion, that I did not entertain theleaft fupicionof any treacherous deflgn. Her parents receiv’d her with the utmoft joy ; when (he inform’d ’em, I being prefent, that having been taken prifoner, by the Engl if and carried to London, I after- wards had procur’d her efcape from thence. She did not fay any thing farther upon this head, altho’ we both had agreed, that I fhould pafs for her husband, and confe- quently that we fhould cohabit together. I muft con- fefs that I was vaftly uneafy, when I found fhe did not mention any thing tending this way ; and therefore re- folv’d to reproach her for it, as foon as we were alone : but as I ftill continued not to fufpett any thing, I ima- gin’d that fhe chofe rather to declare our pretented mar- riage to her relations in private; and therefore I with- drew in order to give her an opportunity for that purpofe. She, indeed, made her advantage of it, but ’twas to de- ceive me in a moft barbarous manner. She confefs’d our whole ftorv to her father and her brothers, who thereupon refolv’d to difpatch me fome way or other; in order to bury in the fame grave with me, their After’s adventures, and the fcandalthefe might bring upon their family. I don’t relate this merely from conje£hire, for I heard it from their own mouths ; and therefore may juftly look upon it as a miracle, that I had the happinefs to efcape out of their hands. The fatal blow would undoubtedly have been (truck the following night ; but one of ’em hav- ing heard, that a veflel was to fet out the next day for Car - thagena , they chang’d their^bloody refolution, and there- upon refolv’d to put me on board of her, and to accom- pany me to that port, whence Ihips are continually failing for Europe. Their defign in going along with me, was, that I might not have a Angle opportunity of difcovering my intrigue with their After, till I had loft Aght of the American coafts ; and therefore they refolv’d not to let me be a moment out of their Aght. Three of thefe refolv’d to guard me in this manner. As I cou’d not once get to the Aght or fpeechofmy miftrefs all that afternoon, I at laft began to fufpedt that matters did not go right. At night the three brothers inform’d me of the caufe of it ; Mr . Cleveland. 6 y 1 1 and being, very probably, afraid, left I fhould refufe to . ' yield to their wi flies, and by that means put them to fome ! trouble; they declar’d to me, that they had fivft taken a refolution to difpatch me ; however, as they had been fo indulgent as tochange it, I ought to be thankful upon that account, and embark immediately, in compliance with their defires. This plainly fhew’d that my miftrefs had impos’d upon me, and that her brothers made me i their laughing-ftock, In the mean time, I was fo nar- rowly watch’d, that I found it impoftible for me to make myefcape. I was made to leave the city, and walk to the port before day, when I was put on board a fhip, I which fet fail a little after. The reader will naturally fup- pofe that I was exafperated to the higheft degree. I begg’d a thoufand times of heaven, to fink the fhip be- • fore we fail’d out of the harbour. The three brothers keptfo vigilant an eye over me, that I had no opportu- nity to throw myfelf into the fea and fwim away. ’T was now no longer love that tortur’d my mind, but the confufion and fhame I felt, to find my felf fo bafely deceiv’d. To increafe mv misfortune, I fcarce undcr- ftood a wovdofSpam/l}. My guides, indeed, fpokeBzg'- lij!) perfectly well; but I wilh’d I had been able to ex- prefs myfelf in all languages, in order to give myfelf the confolation, as foon as I fhould be got out of their hands; to publifh a genuine account of the whole adventure, and to throw a lafting fhame on the infamous creature who had treated me fo cruelly. Whilft I was in this diftradti- on, a ftrong gale fpringing up from theeaft, drove the fhip a conliderable way out of its courfe. The three bro- thers, who affedied to treat me with the higheft civility, bid me take notice of a greatnumber of little ifiands, which are fcatter’d up and down in this fea. They then, pointing to that in which we now are, gave me an ac- count of one Serrano, who had led a folitary life in it for many years; and related fo many things to the advantage of this little ifland, fuchas the beauty of the climate, and tfie fruitfulnefs of the foil, that 1 was at once determin’d to make it an afylum. 1 acquainted them immediately with my refolution, and as they had nothing to objedb to it, they defir’d the captain to let me be fet afhore on it. He granted their requeft, and I was put on board the long boat. 68 The Life of boat. Never, {lire, was refolution undertaken with greater eagernefs, or executed with To much courage. Scarce wou’d I accept of fome provifions, which were necellary for me, ’till fuch time as I fhould be a little ac- quainted with the iftand, and be able to furnilh myfelf with fuch aliments as nature indulg’d fpontaneoufly there. 1 faw thofe fail away who had brought me in the long boat, and would not lo much as look upon them, or bid them farewel. May the whole progeny of perfidious mankind perifh ' wou’d I cry out an hundred times, in the traniports of hatred, which fwelPd my bolom ; may all the habitable parts of the earth perifh, fince they abound with nothing but traitors and ungrateful wretches! I will live here banifh’d from them all, and by that means fhall be fecure from treachery. In what other place cou’d 1 hope to meet with greater confolation ? I am excluded my country for ever. Will it be worth my while, to undertake the voyage of the ifland of Guernfey , where I am allow’d to live ? I poflibly might raife my fortune in fome foreign court, and get fome honourable employ- ment in the fervice ; but then what conftraint muft I put myfelf under, and how muft I mask myfelf, in order to procure friends and patrons ? And then, fhall I not be furrounded with men, that is, with wicked, perfidious wretches, whole fociety I fo much abhor ; and among whom I never enjoy’d theleaft fatisfaClion, even when I moft endeavour’d to imitate their conduCt ? Thefe reflections, continued general Lambert , have had the power to fupport me in this place for fome months ; and to cheer my folitary hours, notwithftand- ing the miferable condition to which I am reduc’d. But I muft confefs, that I every now and then, am out of all patience. I don’t find enough within myfelf, to fill my imagination perpetually ; and to flop the reftlefs acti- vity, which makes me inceflantly feel, that my heart ftill defires fomething more. By a very lucky accident I got a few books 5 but then, if you confider that war and po- liticks have been the chief employments of my life, you won’t be furpiz’d when I tell you, that I am not much delighted with reading; and that I perhaps perufe the fineft works that were ever writ, without knowing them to-be fuch; or, at leaft without tailing that ex- quifite Mr. Cleveland. 69 quifite pleafure, they would naturally give to a man who is fond of letters. I therefore fhall think, myfelf eternally oblig’d to you, in cafe you will be fo good as to receive me on board your veflel, and carry me to Jamaica, to which 1 intend to banilh myfelf. I am fenfible that I fhall meet with men in it ; thefe will perfecute and betray me again: But after I have fuffer’d fo much by their villainy, methinks I cannot dread it fo much. As I know ’em fo well, they can never treat me worfe than I expert to be us’d by ’em. Altho’ the general had told me thefe particulars with fome emotion, they yet were faint in comparifon of thofe I felt, as he fpoke. The very found of his name, made my blood run cold. I knew but too well, that he had been one of the abominable inftruments of my father’s cruelties j and in cafe he really was not one of thofe, who iign’d the horrid lentence for executing the king ; yet ’tis but too well known, that he had a great fhare in that crime by hi > deteftable infinuations and counfels. So far, therefore, from finding my companion increafe for him, I was forc’d to commit a violent flruggle upon myfelf, to reftrain my indignation and the impulles of my hatred. Never thelefs, the relation of hisfufferings gave me fome anxiety for a moment. What I did not find myfelf prompted to from inclination, pity would have effected j had I been fure, that his abhorrence of ingratitude and treachery, arofe from a love for virtue. He is a man, lays I, and unfortunate, both which entitle him to my compaifion. In cafe he has long fwerv’d from duty, perhaps a happy repentance brings him again into the right path} and, indeed, his misfortunes ought naturally to produce this effect. As I made thefe reflections, while he was difeourfing to me, it was impoflible but I muftdifeover an abfence of mind. This he took no- tice of juft as he was ending his ftory, when he ask’d me with a melancholy air what I thought of his calamities. Ilook’d upon him ltedfaftly, and did not fpeak till af- ter I had confider’d a moment what it would be proper for me to fay. General , fays I to him with a refolute tone of voice, you have aCted imprudently. You ought, for your own lake, to conceal your name, which can- not but fill all thofe who know you with horror. Be alfur’d, 70 The Life ef aflur’d, that a man cannot with any grace exclaim againft his fellow creatures, and call 'em perfidious wretches, when he himfelf may be juftly reproach’d with the fame crimes. But, continu’d I, you little think who I am. Any other man but myfelf, who detefted your wicked attempts, and all thofe who refemble you; wou’d riot, perhaps, let flip fo fair an opportunity of ridding the earth of fo wicked a wretch as you are. But as his raa- jefty has indulg’d you his clemency, ’tis nowthebufinefs of heaven to punifh you, I wifh from my heart, that you may efcape the punifhment you defer ve, by a fpeedy repentance. Go back to Europe, and there fpend your days, if this be not an impofiibility, in a virtuous and honeft way. I won’t refufe to give you a caft to Ja- maica. The General was naturally proud and haughty, and therefore this anfwer fill’d him with indignation. His eyes darted fire; and thereupon he cry’d aloud, be who you will, you are a bafe creature, to infult me in the de- plorable condition to which I am reduc’d. I am alone and defencelefs ; but thou art arm’d, and haft many com- panions. I beg of heaven that I may never fet eyes on you more. He then defir’d me to go out of his hut ; and added, that he’d fooner die than have the leaft obligation to me, and therefore bid me leave the ifland, and not trouble him more. General, fays I in a mild voice, I did not intend to infult you. I have told you franklywhat I think of y our paftcondutt ; and fhou’d have declar’d my thoughts with the fame freedom, were we both in En- gland, and you at the head of your forces. You ought to look upon my fincerity as a favour; iince after I had reproach’d you with your crimes, I neverthelefs begg’d of heaven to change your inclinations. Don’t be exafperated without a juft caufe; and in cafe you are weary of liv- ing in this ifland, lay hold of the opportunity you now have to leave it. His pride was io prodigioufly fliock’d to hear me continue to fpeak to him in this manner, that he was ready to burft. He therefore rufh’d out; of the hut, fwearing that he would find fome opportunity of meeting me, when he fhou’d be in a happier condition, when he wou’d make me pay dear for the reproachful words I had us’d. I did not attempt to fetch him back, hut Mr . Cleveland. 71 but left his hut, and return’d to my companions. I thought I had done enough for a man of his character, in offering to take him aboard with us. Neverthelefs, in order to make this voyage of fome advantage to me, I continued to view every part of the ifland, particularly the fouthern part of it ; where I was very defirous of feeing, if poffible, the phenomenon which Sir George Afcough had difeover’d. As the night was not fo dark, but I could fee any thing of that kind, I coafted for a long time the fhore oppofite to Nica- ragua ; but I did not perceive the flames, or any thing of this nature in that part of the ifland. All Icou’dfee was, a mixture of light and darknefs, behind a hill, which perhaps may appear like fire and fmoke, to thofe who fail at fome diftance from that ifland in the night. Although there was not any thing extraordinary in this fight, we yet made towards the hill, in order to difeo- ver the caufe of that appearance. The whitenefs or light feem’d to increafe as we drew nearer to it; when at laft, we found that it was no more than a fat and bituminous foil, on which there did not grow fo much as a Angle blade of grafs; and which was divided at cer- tain diftances by very deep ditches. Although it grew much lighter, we yet cou’d not difeover thofe ditches perfectly, and therefore refolv’d to flay till day light, in order to view them. We then laid down in a meadow, in expectation of the dawn, which appearing, we plain- ly perceiv’d fmoke iflue from feveral of thofe clifts, and that the bottom was black and dry, like a place through which fire has pafs’d. They werefo deep, that we did not dare to go down into any of them ; but I' conjectur- ed, that whether lightning had fallen on that bituminous earth, and fet it on fire; or that the heat proceeded from fomething under the earth, there had been a prodigious fire in that place, which (bow’d there was fome truth in the adventure that was related of Sir George Afcough. Being return’d on board, the firft thing I heard was, that a ftranger was juft come into the (hip, who firft ask’d where I was ; and hearing I was ftill on (bore, had defil’d to be convey’d to Jamaica. This perfon was general Lambert. I was told that he had hid himfelf in a nook of the fhip, where he continu’d alone, deeply involv’d in thought, with 7 * the Life of with an air of gloom upon his countenance} and that all he did, was, only to enquire who I was, and upon what motives I was come to the ifland of Serrana. As the Spa- niards, to whom he addrefs’d himfelf, knew nothing of my private affairs } they therefore could tell him nothing farther but that I was an Englifhmen, and that I was very intimate with the governor of Cuba, I therefore fup- pos’d, that, notwithstanding his refentments, he yethad confider’d matters coolly, and that he chofe to be oblig’d to me upon this occafion, rather than continue in his folitude. I refolv’d not only to give him his paffcge, andufehimin a handfome manner, but even not to fee him till we came to Fort-Royal , in order to fave him the uneafinefs which my prefence mud naturally give him. I order’d fome of the failors to attend upon him, and to fet before him the beft provifions we had on board the fhip. However, he wou’d not accept of any thing but bare neceffaries, and continu’d as referv’d as ever. After we had fpent part of the day in wandering up and down the ifland, we put out to fea, and meeting with a profperous gale, we foon ar- riv’d at Jamaica. As the crew were going afhore, the general defir’d to fpeak with me privately in my cabbin, which I readily confented to. He came up to me with an air of civility} when, fays he, the fervice you have done me in taking me aboard, makes me forget the harfh 'and offenfive expreffions with which you accofted me. I do not know what reafon you could have, to treat me in that manner, as. I abfolutely don’t know you } and re- veal’d my name and misfortunes to you, for no other rea- fon but that they might engage your companion. Ne- verthelefs, I fhall leave you without harbouring the lead: refentment, and fhou’d even be proud to return the obli- gation. Thefe words, being fpoke in the mildeft man- ner, made me doubtful for fome moments, wh^tanfwer I fhou’d give him : But at laft, after having reflected a little, I concluded, that one cou’d hardly expedt that a Man of his odious character wou’d ever be reform’d, and confequent- ly that he was not worth my notice. Thus, without ex- plaining matters, I contented myfelf with affuring him that I did not wifh him harm, and was evendifpos’d to do him farther fervice. The only one, fays he, I requeft of you, is, not to reveal my name to any perfon here } and to Mr. Cleveland. 75 to order alfo fuch of the Tailors as may know it, to keep it a fecret. This I promis’d to do, and thereupon we part- ed. I have never Teen him fince; but I am inform’d, that he is now in Guernfey , and there leads a calm, un- ruffled life. Tho’ I had not any particular motive which cou’d oblige me to put in at Jamaica,, I yet was pleas’d to be in Tort-Royal, becaufc 1 met with many of my countrymen in it. I had no particular friend there ; but feveral per- fons whom I had fpoke with when I firft vifited the I (land, receiv’d me with great civility. I had not acquainted them with my fortune or defigns; and all they knew of me, was, that I was their country -man, and had married the governor of Cuba's grand-daughter. As I was talking with Tome of them, they ask’d me whether I had not heard of the lord Axminjier. The emotion I felt at hear- ing that name pronounc’d, had like to have made me re- veal- more than I intended to do. However, having re- cover’d myfelf, I thought proper to ask the perfon who put this queftion to me, what reafon he had for To doing. Heanfwci’d, that he had no other view in it, than only the curiofity of knowing what was become of his lord- flrip, who had made Tome noife in the Weft-Indies a few years before ; but fince that time had difappear’d, no body being able to give any account of him : that the general opinion was that a company of barbarous lavages had put him to a cruel death ; but that the king, fince his reftora- tion, had employ’d feveral perfons to find him out, if pofflble, which yet had been done to no purpofe ; that fince my putting in at Jamaica, in my way to the land of Serrana , a (hip had pafs’d before Fort-Royal, the captain whereof being an Englifljman, (his crew confifting of va- rious nations) had made great enquiry after that noble- man and his followers ; but not hearing any thing fatif- factory, had put out to Tea again, without faying any thing with regard to the defign of his voyage. 1 could not doubt, upon hearing this, but that Mrs. Lallin had given orders for making this enquiry. I even fancied that fhe herfelf was on board the (hip they men- tion’d ; and that not being able to hear any news at Ja- maica, fhe was, in all probability, return’d to Cuba , in order to get fome informations from the governour, V o l. ll. D whoiff 74 The Life of whofe daughter fhe knew vifcount Axminfter had mar- ried. I thereupon refolved to fail forthwith for the Ha- vana. ’Twas a very great pleafure to me, to think that I thou’d, very likely, meet again with a lady, to whom I ow’d fo many obligations. This made me think the time • very long. At laft we arrived, when I found two perfons coming to meet me upon my landing. But who fhou’d ; thefe be but my brother Bridge and his friend Gelin ? I was ; in raptures at feeing them, and immediately forgot our paft animofities, not knowing the troubles which wou’d i afterwards be brought upon me. I flew to embrace them, and exprefled myfelf in the warmeft language which friend fhip cou’d fuggeft. They arriv’d a week before me, and having acquainted the governor and my wife with their names, they had , met with the kindeft treatment. As we walk’d towards the town, they related their adventures to me. Thefe were a mixture of plcafures and forrows, as always hap- i pens in thofe incidents which depend on fortune. Having : long wandred in fearch o'f the ifland they fo ftrongly want- I ed to find, they at laft difcover’d it j but had ow’d that : Happinefs to a moft fatal accident. After they had con- ' tinued their courfe for feveral months fince we parted } they return’d to St. Helena, forc’d thereto, as much by the defpair they were in of ever finding what they fought ! for ; as by the necefllty they were under of getting pro- - vifions, they having now fcarce any left. They had i winter’d in that ifland, defigningto put out tofea again : in the fpring. Whilft they were beginning to prepay | for it, they one day faw a little veffel belonging to the colony come into the harbour, with but a few people j on board her. As they were equally overjoy’d and fur- : priz’d, they ran to fpeak to them, when they carefs’d them with the higheft tranfports; but at the fame time were refolved to watch them fo narrowly, that it fhou’d be impoftible for them to fteal away unperceiv’d. But ! there was no occafion to ufe thefe precautions $ for theie unhappy people were coming voluntarily to difcover ! their habitation, and to fue for the governor’s afliftance. A contagious diftemper which fpread the year before in the colony, had fwept away the greateft part of them } ; infomuch that fcarce an hundred of them furviv’d. The few Mr. Cleveland. 77 few who remain’d, had ftruggled couragioufly with their affli&ions ; they had paid the laft friendly office to their companions, and as the infe&ion was abated in the beginning of the winter, they had flatter’d them- felves with the hopes of repairing, in time, the dreadful havock death had made. However, as their lands lay un- cultivated, and a deep melancholy reign’d ; befides a thoufand prefent difficulties, and the moll dreadful fears with regard to futurity ; thefe made ’em unanimoufly refolve to leave the country, and to feek for fome o- ther afylum. This defire was very much increas’d, af- ter they came to know the fituation of the ifland. Thofe who were entrufted with that fecret, had been forc’d to reveal it in their dying moments; and in the perpetual uneafinefs which the prefence of death cou’d not rail of filling every perfon with ; they had not taken the ufual care to prevent its fpreading. All the furviving inhabi- tants were therefore foon inform’d of it ; and the cir- cumflance at laft happen’d, which the wifdom and pru- dence of their anceftors had made ’em apprehenfive of in the infancy of their eftablifhment ; I mean that when once they fhould come to know the place, they would be for leaving it immediately. In order to clear up whatever may have been found ex- traordinary in the defeription I have given of th : s my- fterious colony ; I muft relate what I myfelf faw of it, in my return to Europe. The fouthern part of the ifland of St. Helena is furrounded with rocks, fome of which are of a prodigious height, and ferve as fo many ram- parts to that part of the ifland ; the others, which a- rife no higher than the furface of the water, keep large (hips from coming near it ; and is inaccefiible even to the fmalleft veflels, in cafe thofe who fteer them are not perfectly acquainted with all the turnings and windings in that part. This is the realon why this coaft, which befides is far from appearing beautiful has been along time negle&ed by the inhabitants of the ifland. ’Twas firft inhabited by the Portuguese ; but thefe were but a few, and their fettlement towards the north was a very inconfiderable one. But what is Angular, is, that thole craggy rocks which furround the fouthern part of the ifland, have a Plain in the midft of them, feventeen or D i eighteen 7<5 3 The Life of eighteen miles long ; and as they furround it not only on that fide which lies towards the fea, but alfo on the land fide ; ’tis by that means hid from the fight every way. Whenever any of the inhabitants who go round it, perceive that the rocks lie between them and the plain, they fancy themfelves at the extremity of the ifland, and that there is nothing beyond it but the lea. Thofe who fail towards them from the fouth, imagine, on the contrary, that the rocks which they perceive to- wards the lea, are the boundaries of the inhabited and known part of the ifiand. Thus, on both fides diffe- rent rocks arefeen, in the midfl whereof the plain above mention’d is fituated ; and which are of fo prodigi- ous a height, that they all look to be but one rock, altho’ the piece of ground within, is a great many miles t wide. This plain which is fb well conceal’d, and fo happily defended by nature, is the very place whither providence had conduced the Rochellers ; and which my brother bridge, calls in his relation, the ifiand of the colony. The reader may now eafily fuppofe, how it was poffible for the inhabitants of this peaceable retreat, to fpend fo many years in it undifcover’d by their neighbours; and without knowing that the fpot they liv’d upon was part of the ifland of St. Helena,. This fecret, after ha- ving been difcover’d by Drington, had been preferv’d by a fmall number of old men, who had kept it inviolably, till the havock made by the infe&ion abovemention’d , had forc’d them to reveal it. As foon as the inhabitants who furviv’d, knew that fo many of their fellow-crea- tures liv’d near them, theycou’d not but defire to have a correfpondence with them; and in the perplexity with which they were fill’d, to fee fo many of their compa- nions fwept away, they confidently mufl grow weary of this once delightful folitude ; and thereupon had re- folv’d to difpatch fome of their people, in order to in- form the governor of St. Helena of their diftrefs, and to implore his afliftance. My brother and his two friends were overjoy’d at the fight of thefe deputies; but felt emotions of a very dif- ferent nature, when they heard that the colony was ruin’d, and fcarce had power to ask whether their wives were living ) Mr . Cleveland. 77 living or dead. My poor brother Bridge fear’d to hear the latter, as much as he wou’d to have fentencc of death part upon him. It happen’d however, by the indul- gence of heaven, that the greateft lofs fell on theperfon who was beft able to bear it ; I mean that Gelin only had loft his wife. My brother made the deputies repeat over and over, that his dear Angelica was living ; and happy, for ever happy, fays he, ami, in that I fhall fee, and poftefs her again. J-ohnfon was in no lefs raptures. Their joy was not interrupted till they heard of Mrs. Eliot's death, of that of her eldeft daughter, and a great many other perfons, for whom they had the greateft affe&ion. The three faithlefs young fellows, who had betray’d their wives and companions, had alfo left the world. Gelin was feiz’d at fir ft with the deepeft pangs * but thanks to his complexion, which made him equally incapable of being long afflided ; he foon recover’d fo well, that his companions were no longer afraid griet wou’d prove fatal to him. My brother’s impatience to fee his wife wasfo great, that hefcarce wou’d allow the deputies to declare their commiflion to the governor. He was of great fervice to ’em upon that occafion, in- fomuch that they obtain’d whatever they requefted. A great many of the inhabitants of St. Helena, accompanied them in little veflels, and the governor’s curiolity was fo great, that he himfelf went alfo. Being arriv’d, they found fo much of the antient order and difeipline, re- maining among the unhappy furvivors, as furpriz’d them very much. Johnfon's and my brother’s unexpec- ted arrival, fill’d their wives with inexpreftible joy. They now no longer dreaded a tyrannical Ecclefiaftic, or fevere elders, to oppofe their happinefs. Love, virtue and even fortune confpir’d together to reward, and make them forget their paft woes. Happy husbands ! who at laft faw their tranquillity founded on a moft: lolid bafts, and which was not to be interrupted till death. The governor having offer’d to convey all the inhabi- tants of the colony and their effedfs, to the other pare of theifland, there to incorporate with thofe who were under his government i they confented to it, and imme- diately prepar’d every thing for that purpofe. They di- D 3 vided y3 the Life of vided, equally , the monies which were in’ theftore-houfe i and by that means each of them had ahandfome com- petency for the remainder of his days. However, they confider’d that being proteftants, it would perhaps be a Very difficult matter for them to live for any time, in a good harmony with the Portuguese, as they are fuch bigots to their religion. A prudent forefight with regard to what might happen, prompted them to entreat the f overnor to indulge them, at fome difiance from their abitation, a place convenient for them to form a new one in. They promis’d tofubmitto his authority, pro- vided he would allow them a liberty of confcience, and allow them the fame privileges with the reft of the in- habitants. This was concluded on both fides by a fo- lemn oath ; after which, fome Englijhmen who liv’d a- mong the Portuguese, joyn’d with their countrymen in order to lay the foundations of anew town. It was fbon built, and made regular, and has fince been very much enlarg’d by the great number of Engliflj and Prench refugees who came and refided among them. My bro- ther and his friends had fix’d their abode there 5 and fpent a year in repofing themfelves after their toils, and in tailing the fweets of their good fortune. However, my brother was of fo excellent a difpofition, that he ecu’d not refolve with himfelf to be happier than I was. The unhappy condition in which he hadlefc me at the Havana, was incelfantly prcfent to his memory, and wou’d not fuller him to take a moment’s eafe. Tho 1 he had once abandon’d me for his wife’s fake, at a time when he was really as much to be pitied as myfelfj he afterwards confider’d that I was his brother, and confe- quently had fome right to his affi fiance. Having acquain- ted Gel'in with the refolution he had form’d, of going in fearch of me ; or at leaft to go as far as the iftand of Cuba, in order, if polfible, to hear whether I was li- ving or dead > he engag’d Gelin to accompany him. He defir’d Johnfon to take care of his wife and daughter during his abfence j and then going aboard the fame vef- fel, which had carried them before, they fail’d directly for Jamaica, and afterwards for the Havana, where they arriv’d fafe* I Mr . Cleveland. 79 I was overjoy’d to fee him, and thank’d him a thou- fand times when he told me what he had undertaken fur my fake. I not only met with a brother ; I who had always confider’d myfelf as a branch that was cut away from the trunk, and had no root ; but now I acquir’d unexpectedly, what I fo earneftly panted after, and what I had fought tor in vain in Serrana, 1 mean a friend ; a companion of my fortune ; one who was witnefs to my conduct and my fentiments, and the con dent of my pleafures and my pains. I difeover’d to him, the vaft fatisfation that this was to me. You fhall not, fays I, clafping him tenderly to my botom, leave me any more ; or in cafe you fiiould be forc’d to go to fome place, you fhall let me go along with you. You are my brother j but I feel that you are going to be fomething ftill more dear and precious ; you fhall be my tender, my faithful friend. Fortune may treat me as fhc plea- fes; but I fhall not fear the utmoft efforts of her malice, provided fhe does but fuffer me to enjoy always what I now poffefs. And indeed, my heart was fo eafy, and my imagination fo agreeably fill’d ; that I cannot but confiderthis inftantas one of the moft happy I was ever bleft with. In the fame moment, I united in the fame point of fight, thefeveral circumftances of my felicity, and I contemplated them with extafy. I held my dear brother in my arms : I was going to be clafp’d in thofe ot my fond wife; all gloomy reflections on my paft mif- fortunes, were now banifh’d from my mind. I now wanted only to have my After- in-law at the Havana ± not only from the fatisfaction which I propos’d to reap from her prefence, but becaufe I forefaw my brother wou’d foon grow weary of the Havana unlefs fhe were there, and therefore would return to St. Helena. This reflection made me advife him to difpatch immediately fome perfon whom he cou’d truft, on board the fame fhip which had brought me. I foon prevail’d with him to change the place of hk abode, and to fettle at the Ha- vana with us ; but could not keep him from going after his wife ; he therefore told me, that he was abfolutely refolv’d to embark in a few days, and fetch his wife from St. Helena . D4 My So The Life of My wife was overjoy’d to fee him, and was much more fo with the thoughts of having my ftfter-in-law ioon with her. However, I form’d a defign that gave her fome uneafinefs, which was, to accompany my bro- ther in his voyage. I had been fo much us’d to ramble lip and down the Teas, that I wou’d go any where. My wife was fafe at the Havana : A few months abfence wou’d make us fonder of one another at my return : not to mentiop, that fuch is the difpofition of our fouls, that we fometimes have occafion for this remedy, to prevent our love from growing cold. This I had often reflected upon. A heart that is naturally tender and conftant, can never grow obdurate $ but familiarity with what one loves, and a habit of feeing one another perpetually, deadens the fire of love at laft. A little art keeps it from falling into a lethargy $ and the affiftance, which a man who is us’d to refledtion, may draw from his ideas, in order to ftrengthen hisimpulfes, renders him more fuf- ceptible of aftrong and laft ing paifion, than the gene- rality of mankind. In cafe there was a little experience in this reafoning, it yet did not proceed from a diminu- tion of my affedtion for my wife ; but I hadobferv’d, that thefe little cautions, w hich I call art in a lover who makes ufe of his reafon, had more than once increas’d both her ardour and mine ; and I concluded, that a cir- cumftance which was capable of heightning a paflion like ours, ought confequently to be more able to prevent its dying away. I frequently, for inftance, us’d to fpend the greateft part of the day among my books, and not to admit any perfon into my folitude. Then the image of my wife wou’d prefent itfelf a thoufand times to my fancy, when I wou’d wi(h myfelf with her. I wanted fomething to be perfectly eafy in my mind : But after I had fpent the time I had propos’d in ftudy, I return’d to her with all the eagernefs of a lover, when I would be infinitely de- lighted with her fond endearments. My wife did not deny but fhe found the very fame effe&s ; and I my felf plainly perceiv’d that it heightned her ardour. She would complain with a moft lovely grace, of my un- kindnefs in leaving her, and (hutting myfelf up in my ftudy. The uneaftnefs (he felt in my abience, made her deftro Mr. Cleveland. 8 1 defire to be with me, in thofe hours which I fpenr among my books. I’ll only be in the room, wou’d fhe fay, but I wont interrupt you a moment ; I myfelf will read fome good book or other, or write down the trifling thoughts which may come into my head. I confented to indulge her this fatisfaftion } but found her prefence was incom- patible with the application which ftudy requires. If (he ftirr’d but ever fo little, my eyes would, involuntarily as it were, be upon her ; (he wou’d not fpeak a word upon thefe occafions j but then a glance, or a (mile, would con- fufe my imagination, more than the noife of alargecom- panyof people cou’dpoflibly have done. Sometimes, it was not in my power to continue in my feat, and check the impulfe which prompted me to go and fit down by her. This wou’d fill her with the utmoft joy, when (lie wou’d reproach me ; laughing at the fame time, at my great weaknefs, which (he faid difhonour’d my philofo- phy . W e then wou’d fpend the reft of the time in tender - nefsand toying. To fpeak the truth, I cou’d not reflect feriou fly on this whimfical medley of grave and ferious occupations, with- out being a little afham’d at it. My ftudies were of fo fevere a kind, that they merited refpedf even from love it- felf ; and therefore I begg’d my wife not to come any more into my ftudy, but to let me go on in my ufual me- thod. This (he at laft confented to, but with the utmoft: difficulty. However (he would fometimes come running into my ftudy, and afliire me at her coming in, that fhe ! d ftay but a moment : Neverthelefs, (he’d iometimes ftay feveral hours, which fhe would employ either in en- tertaining me with trifles, or in buzzing about me, and tumbling over my books and papers. In fine, Iatlafthad fo much ftrength of mind as to tell her one day, that I was • abfolutely refolv’d not to be interrupted, and that I was vex’d fhe interrupted me fo often. I can’t fay whether the air with which I fpoke thefe words- wasfo ferious as to perfuade her I fpoke in earned ; but having continued iilent for iome time, and finding I read on, fhe left the' room without fpeaking a word, and withdrew into her own . I did not recolle favourable for Mrs. Lallin, that I did not doubt but fhe might be at xheHav ana, btioxe I was return’d from St. Helena . After reftedbing how eafily this voyage might be undertaken, I refolv’d to accompany the captain t oPawbatan and was perfuaded that I might juftly pay this compliment to Mrs. Lallin, fince I had receiv’d fo many obligations from her. However I con- fider’d that my brother and Gelin would perhaps be dif- pleas’d to find I had changed my refolution of going along with them, altho’ my company cou’d not be of any great advantage to them . I then propos’d my defign to ’em, which they declar’d to be a very juft one ; and only feem’d forry that I was going to leave them. In fine, what (hall I fay to juftify this fatal voyage ? In cafe all e- vents are conduced by the hand of providence, in fuch a manner that nothing happens without its immediate di- redtion 5 ought I toafcribe it to any other caufe than its will; and is it not manifeft that neither wifdom nor re-> fle&ion, could have chang’d its decrees ? I left my friends, after having agreed upon the time when we fhould meet again ; and was perfuaded that I Ihould 8 <5 "The Life of fhdukl return before them . I then went on board, high- ly delighted with confidering how agreeably I fhould fur- prize Mrs. Ldllin. In this manner my blind defire led me to deitrudUon, for every ftep I now took brought me nearer it. I was going to light the fire which was to con- fume me^ and involve my wife, my friends and every thing I held deareft, in my ruin. To what a degree ought I to hate Mrs. Lallin ! a fury, whofe memory I ought to abhor ! To her I owe my deftru&ion ; and but for her fhould 1 not have been happy ? Had not fate now foftned its rigours, and had I the leaft reafon to fufpedt a change? Alas 1 I was fo overjoy’d at my condition, that I began to forget my paft misfortunes j and now faw them only in diftant profpedt, when a fatal brand of hatred and difcord, came and lighted again the almoft dying flames ; tore open the former wounds of my heart, and added to thefe the moll dreadful, the moll unforefeen fhocks which endanger’d my hon- our, my life and my reafon. Neverthelefs, at the fame time that I accufe this lady of being the caufe of all my woes, I yet mull confefs, that fhe was innocent- ly fo. In what part of the world foever, her def- pair and unhappy fate may have conducted her fteps, this is a piece of juftice I owe her. She was affable o- bliging, kind to my family, of a m oft peaceable difpofi- tion, and incapable -of contributing voluntarily to the evils flie has brought upon me. She has ruin’d me, but then ’twas undefignedly j however, ’tis not in the power of her innocency to change my wretched con- dition. The wind having continued to favour us, till we ar- riv’d in the raotith of the river Yasobatan, we arriv’d hap- pily at the town. I was inform’d by the firft perfon I met with, that Mrs. Lallin was ft ill in it, and had liv'd there in a very honourable manner. I got this perfon to carry me immediately to her houfe. The fight of me fill’d her with inexpreffible fatisfaftion. I dilcovei’das much, and heigh, tned her joy confiderably, when I pro- tefted that I had undertaken that voyage, purely for her lake. She accepted with pleafure the afylum, I offer’d her in the illandof Cuba-, when fhe befought me to be- lieve, that next to my wife, no perfon in the world Joy'd. Mr . Cleveland. 87 lov’d me To dearly as herfelt ; and that flte wou’d always endeavour to behave in fuch a manner, as might make her worthy myefteem. She gave me a long account of the various advefltures fhe had met with, which mov’d me prodigioufly. Captain Wills, to complete his villainy, had made her his wife by force ; for he oblig’d the chap- lain of his fhip to repeat the form of words us’d in mar- riage ; but as he had extorted anfwers from her, it confe- quently was not valid ; nor, indeed, did he himfelf ever intend to confider himfelf as lawfully married to her. All he wanted was to fave his reputation, by covering his bafe attion with that veil of honefty ; and to prevent not only the fcandal, but even the punifhment, which he might juftly dread at his return to England. As he wasab- folute monarch on board his own fhip, he forc’d Mrs. Lallin to fubmic to all his brutifh laws. He had carried her to Jamaica and Virginia ; and tho* he at laft began to treat her a little more civilly, he yet did not ufe her as a wife, but as a miflr efs, whom he imagin’d he might dif- pofeof as he thought proper. As for poor Mrs. Lallin , who was perpetually bewailing her fid fate, Are had made feveral attempts to get out of the tyrant’s hands; but all was to no purpofe, fo long as the captain’s wild paflion made him watch over her continually. At kfl, when it began to cool; and that he, defigning to return to Europe, wanted, poffibly, to leave her in America, {he found he did not watch her fo ftridtly as before. Captain Wills was then return’d to Jamaica , where he was to leave part of his forces ; and had given Mr s. Lallin leave, to go afhore at Fort-Royal, and ftay there fome days. Being there, fhe acquainted an honeft gentleman with the barbarous ufage fhe had met with, who thereupon promis’d to aflift her in her efcape ; and indeed found an opportunity to put her on board a fhip which fail’d for Lucayoneca : ’Twas not till after a great variety of adventures, and a numberlefs multitude of troubles, that fhe got to Virginia , where fhe flatter’d herfelf with the hopes of meeting with vifeount Axminfter, and perhaps me along with his lordfhip. As fhe had taken care to keep all the money and jewels fhe had brought from France, fhe was thereby enabled to lead a very agreeable life at Pawbatan ; where her prudence and politeneis gain’d her fo much efleem, 88 The Life of thatfeveral of the moft wealthy gentlemen in the town, were her fuitors, and were very urgent with her to change her condition. Mrs. Lallin was fo well pleas’d with what I had done for her ; and the hopes fhe entertain’d of living peaceably in my family, and enjoying my wife’s company, footh’d her fo agreeably ; that fhe was very impatient to leave Bavohatan. The captain finifh’d all his affairs in a fort- night, when the wind being fair, we fee fail. I had the pleafure, at our fetting out, to fee all the worthy part of the inhabitants difeover the utmoft regret at her depar- ture, and give her the higheft teftimonies of their efteem and veneration. In the voyage, I found by her converfation, that not- withftanding the calamities fhe had pafs’d thro’, her good fenfe and fweet temper were not any ways dimi- nifh’d. So far from it, her forrows feem’d to have ftrengthned her reafon ; and I efteem’d her infinitely more, for having drawn fuch excellent fruits from adver- fity. She had a julf turn of thinking; expreft herfelf withthe utmoft grace; and every thing fhe laid was fo judicious and folid, as footh’d very agreeably my contem- plative difpofition. I did not conceal from her the plea- fure which this was to me. 1 fhall gain, fays I, a much greater advantage by our meeting, than you ; for you now will very much contribute to the happinefs of my life. Thofe things which I thought myfelf bound to do for you out of gratitude, I now fhall be prompted to from felf-intereft. Your converfation will be a kind of delightfulftudy, whence I fhall reap greater benefit, than it will be pofiible for me to do from books. I then told her, that I expected to meet with my brother Bridge at tlie Havana, whofe temper and difpofition and mine were very like. Whata happy life, fays I, are we going to lead! Our life will be a life of wifdom. We fhall: fpend part of it in reading, and the reft in communicat- ing our reflections to one another. My wife too is qua- lified to have her fhare in it. Our felicity will now be perfect ; for, there is no likelihood that fate will ever perfecuteusmore. Our condition of life is fix’d; fo that, now we feem to be fecure from the malice of fortune. Such was myblindnefs iathe greateft danger with which Lwas Mr. Cleveland. 8p I was ever threatned. I was juft on the brink of it, at the fame time that I thought myfelf in the greateft fecurr- ty ; and all things confpir’d to confirm me a long time, in in the moft fatal of all errors. We arriv’d at the Havana. Somebufinefs I had to do for the captain who had brought us, having detain’d me a good while in the port ; my return was fpread fo foon, that Don Pedro the governor and my wife, came to me, before I had done the captain’s affairs. I was furpriz’d to fee the governor’s coach ; and believing that he was come in it with my wife ; I took Mrs. Lallin by the hand, and walk’d with her up to the coach. My wife took her at firft for my fifter-in-law, whom fhe imagin’d I had brought from Sr .Helena. I immediately undeceiv’d her, and inform’d her that this was the lady who had writ to me when we were among the Abaquis^ who had left France with me, had given me the higheft teftimonies of her friend fit ip and generofity ; in a word, that ’twas Mrs. Laltin , whom I prefented to her, a lady of the greateft good fenfe and merit. T then told her in very few words, the opportunity I had met with of going to Pawhatan ; and that I had defir’dher to live with us, as I had agreed at her leaving France. Look upon her as a fccond Mrs. Riding , and I defire you to make her your friend. If the reader recollects what I havefaid, on more than one oc- cafion, of my wife’s temper, and of that uneafy delicacy which inclin’d her to jealoufy; he then will eafily account for all I am now going to relate. Let him call to mind the deep melancholy which prey’d upon her, when we liv’d among the Abaquis-, the fears which it was not in her power to fupprefs even but a few weeks after our marriage ; her diftradtion, her fighs and tears; then who- ever perufes this fatal part of my ftory , will be much bet- ter acquainted with the caufe of my calamity, than I my- felfwas when itbefel me. But who would have found t out, had not I let him into thefe feveral particulars? Sutas 1 have thus prepar’d my readers, they will clearly fee into the obfeurity, in which they will behold me walk . They’ll have a full view of all my woes; alas-! ►vhy did not fome power whifper to me, that 1 was run- ling headlong to deftru&ion ? As 90 < The Life of As I did not entertain the lead: fufpicion that this inter- view would be attended with any fatal confequences ; I did not fo much as obferve what countenance my wife a (fum’d, when I fpoke the above-mention’d particulars ; I was wholly taken up with the plcafure which her pre- fence gave me, and the reflection that 1 had now pro- cur’d her an agreeable friend. Neverthelefi, had I exa- min’d my wife’s countenance, I fliould have perceiv’d, as I flnce heard, a great alteration in it, as well as con- (Iraint in her whole perfon. The opinion my wife had en- tertain’d that I lov’d Mrs. Lallin , ever flnce (he had known that this lady had left France purely for the fake of accom- panying me to the IVefi-Indies ; and the confirmation (he imagin’d (he had, by my having folong conceal’d the lad mention’d particular ; thefe two reafons, I fay, were alone more than fufflcient to make her hate Mrs. Lallin. When fhe found that I myfelf not only deflr’d to have her live with us j but that I had undertaken the voyage, pure- ly to fetch her to the Havana, and offer her an afylum with us; (Ire fancied it was but too plain, that I lov’d her, and confequently that I had impos’d upon her, even in the very infancy of our marriage ; or did not value her, now I had met with her rival. What an unhappy progrefs did this reflection make, in a perfon of my wife’s character ? Tender beyond exprefflon; fearful and eafily alarm’d j ever fancying I did not love her enough ; prey’d upon, moreover, by a gentle melancholy, which made her fond of folitude, in which (he might indulge her meditations in my abfence. Alas', theinftant of my arrival was the lad of her repofe. My dear wife now tailed fictitious joys only, a circumftance fhe neverthelefs conceal’d from all ; and her habitual difpofition was grief, with all the * fad effeCts which accompany it. I was fo far from perceiving this change, that I, on the contrary, thought myfelf in the happiefl period of my life. I now wanted only my brother, and his Angelica , and then, methought, I cou’d have nothing farther to wifh for. I obferv’d this to my wife, who anfwer’d with her ufual tendernefs. I deflr’d her to ufe Mrs. Lallin kindly ; and as this lady feem’d now entirely cur’d of the paflion fhe fo long had for me ; I did not fcruple to be ex- tremely Cleveland. pi jtremely civil to her upon all occafions, which (lie inter- preted as a mark of the great efteem I had for her. My , wife would every now and then put fo much a conftraint upon herfelf, as to (hew the utmoft complaifance to Mrs. Lallin i however, it afterwards appear’d that this was merely fpecious. Sheherfelf wou’d be vex’d to the foul, whenever I lavilh’d compliments upon a woman whom flie confider’d as her rival ; and diicours’d to, or took a turn with her in the governor’s garden. On thefe occa- fionsfhe would often come and interrupt us ; and tho’ fhe would afliime a fmiling countenance, I iince confider’d, that I might eafily have perceiv’d fhe was very uneafy in her mind, had I not always confider’d the uneafinefs in her temper, as the ufual effects of her melancholy. During two months, fhe did not give the lead: indica- tion of her being under any manner of concern upon Mrs. Lullin'^ account. But the arrival of my brother, his wife and Gelin , plung’d both Fanny and myfelf into an abyfs of calamity. Don Pedro, who was vaftly kind, was perfuaded, as wedifeover’d fo much joy at their arrival, that he could not pofhbly oblige us more, than in offer- ing to take them into his houfe ; a favour which I at laft prevail’d with them to accept of. My brother Bridge lov’d Gelin fo dearly, that he cou’d not bear to live apart from him j fo that to prevail upon one of them was engag- ing both. This was the more eafily brought about, as the governor’s houfe, or rather palace, was fo fpacious, that we could all live in our feveral apartments without in- commoding one another. Accordingly we all dwelt un- der the fame roof. After we had fpent a few days with that pleafure which the meeting of friends who have been long abfent from one another, gives ; each of us began to think in what* manner he fhould employ the hours, which we cou’d not always fpend together. My choice was already fix’d, viz,, ftudy; and my brother, who was no lefs fond of it than myfelf, refolv’d alfo to devote himfelf to the mufes. Mrs. Lallin likewife determin’d to pafs away two or three hours every day after the fame manner ; and as I had purchas’d all the good books I cou’d meet with at the Havana, fhe us’d often to come into my little li- brary j either to chufe out fuch pieces as fhe look’d upon - as P* The Life of as the mod agreeable, or' to enjoy a moment's conver- fation with me. I alfo fuppos’d that my wife would alfo give into the fame amufement, as fhe had always dif- cover’d an inclination for it. Ncverthelefs fhe declar’d, that fhe intended to keep my fifler-in-law company, and topafs all her hours with her, in working at her needle. ’Twas her fecret vexation, and the averfion fhe had to Mrs. Lctllin, which made her take this refolution j par- ticularly after fhe found, that th