ENTERED AS THE ACT DIRECTS.DOVER, N.H. PRINTED BY SAMUEL BRAGG, JUN.

1807.

PREFACE.

SINCE my life has been chequered with no small variety of adventures, and may, for the greater portion of it, be deemed extraordinary, I presume a short account of myself will not be unpleasing to the public. For a number of years past has the name of HENRY TUFTS, the author and hero of the following narrative, been famous, or rather infamous, through most of the United States. But no part of my history has hitherto been published, either under the sanction of my authority, or, to my privity, in any other way. Some, I doubt not will sufficiently admire that my accord should be given to the present publication, and think this a departure from the common maxims of my fraternity. Indeed an air of mystery lurks under the procedure, since who but knows, that the greatest knaves and sharpers are ever the most vigilant in concealing their illicit practices.

But to elucidate a point of such obscurity, and account, in some
measure, for the propriety, or, if you please, novelty (in this
instance) of my conduct, it may be necessary to announce, that, not
unmindful of suitable examples, I have uniformly pursued the same
prudential secrecy with my worthy predecessors, the knaves, &c.
abovementioned, that is, as long as I thought myself obnoxious to the
stroke of justice, or feared arraignment before the tribunal of man. But
at length have my crimes and misdemeanors become antiquated, and the
effects of them, by lapse of time, been done away. I no longer dread the
scourge of future punishment, for on me has been exhausted its almost
every species. At length, too, has the notoriety of my misconduct
deprived me of all credit in the world, hence my indifference, as to
appearances, and disregard of the consequences of disclosure, must
appear less singular.

Having descended into the vale of years, become an old man, no longer
conversant in those active and busy scenes which were once the objects
of my eager pursuit ; the reasons, that heretofore compelled me to
secrecy and silence, have ceased to exist ; concealment has become no
longer useful, and the suppression of truth unnecessary. I therefore
intend, as my only practicable atonement to those I have injured, to
give, with truth and sincerity, a faithful relation of the principal
occurrences of my life, in as full and accurate a manner as my papers
and recollection will enable me. And to this I am the rather induced, as
many of my affairs have been misunderstood and grossly misrepresented ;
by means of which I have been often condemned, in the public opinion,
when entirely innocent, and sometimes acquitted, when really guilty.

But as the major part of the following account was digested from the
store house of memory, where long it lay quiescent in dormancy, perhaps,
I may not, escape, the imputation of fallacy or intentional omission ;
if such should be the result, permit me to say, that the insertion of
material facts has been a matter of choice rather than the contrary.
Being, in common with others, subject to forgetfulness, and truth, not
fiction, the object of my views, I have, it is true, in matters of less
moment, confined myself to mere general and abstract accounts, and this
for fear of misrepresentation, but in the more important concerns of my
life, have exhibited more copious details.

Would to God ! I could present the reader with the series of a life
devoted to pursuits of religion and virtue, but this, alas !
consistently with truth, is out of my power ; for what, but dissipation
and error, has been the general tenor of my conduct ? Notorious as must
be the above, it were folly in extreme to attempt imposition upon the
public by accounts false or mutilated ; especially, as my contemporaries
are well knowing to most of the facts herein related, and could
contradict my assertions if repugnant to truth. After all, should any
conclude, that the description of my own conduct is tinged with
partiality, I would remind such, that were they in my situation, their
ideas would be different on the subject.

With cautious scrupulosity I have repressed the names of most of my
accomplices, being averse to wounding the feelings of any, even of my
inveterate adversaries.

The want of literary advantages must apologize for defect of method
and inelegancy of composition ; in these respects, for the sake of the
fastidious, I wish my performance had been less exceptionable, but, such
as it is, I present it, without embellishments, for to such I make no
pretences. Above all, I trust it may be useful, in some measure, as a
caveat to others, to shun such pursuits as have involved me in
complicated difficulties and rendered my life truly miserable.

If fable and romance have long amused the world and attracted its
notice, why shall not plain truth and real fact, though clad in plebeian
habiliments, elicit subordinate attention ? One property of truth is,
whether it illustrate virtue or depict vice, to afford matter from which
some inference may be drawn or moral extracted, conducive to the use and
benefit of mankind. A virtuous action is for the imitation of others, a
vicious one for their avoidance ; the former should serve as an example,
the latter as a warning. The history of the wise and benevolent is
beneficial to society, by serving as a pattern or stimulus to deeds
equally laudable ; that of the vicious, affords, also, instruction, by
shewing the effects of vice and immorality. The one does good,
positively, by alluring to virtue ; the other, negatively, by exhibiting
guilt, infamy and punishment, as dissuasives from vice ; both may lead
to the same end, although the opposites of each other.

The author hereof, impressed with these sentiments, and actuated, as
he conceives, by the purest motives, in giving publicity to the
following pages, flatters himself with a favorable reception from the
public, and wishing the candid reader health and prosperity, subscribes
himself, his most obedient servant,

Lemington, May, 1807.

NARRATIVE OF HENRY TUFTS.

BOOK I.

CHAPTER I.

Nor birth nor parentage, or mean, or great,
Confers protection from the stroke of fate.

BEFORE proceeding with my own journal, it
may be requisite to premise, for the sake of those personally acquainted
with me, the little I know of my paternal ancestors, beginning with my
grandfather, Thomas Tufts ; for further than him my researches have
never ascended. He was born, as I have been told, in Devonshire, in
England ; but whether he descended from honorable or mean parentage is
the least of my concern, nor can I give any account. Certain, however,
it is, he was a worthy and pious man ; but not relishing his situation
in England, he early availed of a transatlantic passage, bid farewel to
his native shore, and emigrated to Boston in Newengland ; his
circumstances, however, I imagine, were not greatly advanced by the
removal.

As nature had endowed him with a literary propensity, he now soon
commenced, under the auspices of a few friends, an academical course of
study, finishing his education at the university of Cambridge ; whence
he was dismissed with the honors of a bachelor’s degree. In process of
time he became an ordained minister in Boston, and continued in his
vocation, as a preacher of the gospel in that town, till the time of his
decease, which happened in the year 1725 ; leaving a good report behind,
and a name free from reproach.

Besides other issue, he left a son, named Henry, whom, under
providence, I acknowledge as the author of my existence.

As my grandfather’s condition in life was by no means affluent, the
chief he had been able to do for his son Henry, my father, was to place
him an apprentice to one Witcher, a tailor, living in Boston. This man
he faithfully served till twenty one years of age, when, becoming his
own master, he tarried not long at Boston, but removed to Newmarket, in
Newhampshire, where he married a woman, whose maiden name was Wedgwood.
In the course of two or three years, he left Newmarket, and resided at
Lee, an adjacent town, where finding himself more eligibly situated, he
gave over the thoughts of further removal, and was shortly in a
condition to purchase a small farm, by help of which, and his trade, as
a tailor, he acquired no disreputable livelihood.

He died in the seventy sixth year of his age, two years subsequent to
the death of my mother, and the testimony of a good conscience, (I make
no doubt) followed them both to their graves. They left behind four
children, to imitate, (if so inclined) the example of a life dedicated
to religion and virtue. The above summary comprises such particulars
respecting my pedigree, as I judge of sufficient consequence to be here
inserted ; I add, therefore, no more, but hasten to the recital of my
own story.

I, was born at Newmarket, in the State of Newhampshire, on the 24th
day of June, A.D. 1748. My infantile years exhibited none of those
characteristic marks of a depraved disposition, which were so fully
developed in my riper manhood. Seeing therefore the following account is
little other than a detail of the crimes I have committed, and of the
frauds and impositions I have practiced upon others, I shall pass over
that period in silence, as requiring no especial notice in these
memoirs.

Happy, doubtless, I might have considered myself, had the whole term
of my past existence been spent in equal innocency with the first
fourteen years of it ; for then, in all probability, I had never
experienced those rugged trials, or those bitter sufferings, which have
since chequered my unpleasant journey through life. But lasting
happiness was not in store for me, but ills in succession, sufficient to
embitter by far the greater number of my days.

When I was about the age just mentioned the bent of my genius began
to display itself ; since at such an early stage, I exhibited numerous
indications of that natural propensity to theft, for which I was so
distinguished in after periods, that my name became proverbial.

My first efforts of this nature, were confined to the pilfering of
apples, pears, cucumbers, and other fruits of the earth,
indiscriminately, in which species of depredation I sometimes shewed
greater ingenuity, than was commonly to be met with in so juvenile a
practitioner. After a while, growing more bold and hardened in the ways
of misdoing, my thefts were of a different description and greater
magnitude ; as a specimen of which the following may here suffice in
lieu of more examples.

Being at a neighbor’s house, one day, I chanced to espy, in the hands
of the mistress, a paper money bill, which was deposited anon in the
corner of her cupboard, as a place of imagined security. The enticing
appearance of the bill, and the beautiful pictures and flourishes that
adorned it, had fixed my attention and captivated my childish fancy. I
had heard, too, that the value of such money was equal to the like sum
in silver. Enough this, to make me covet the treasure, and lay some
little stratagem for its attainment. I did so ; and was successful in
its removal, unnoticed by the family. Soon, however, the woman missed
her bill, when calling to mind, that none else had been present, she
placed her suspicions upon me. To know the certainty of the matter, and
recover her property, if possible, she repairs straightway to my
father’s dwelling, who being informed of particulars, had the culprit
forthcoming with a vengeance. At first I stiffly disclaimed all
knowledge of the fact, but my accusers being strenuous, and myself
unable to repel their arguments, I was brought, at last, to confess the
fault, and restore the bill to its rightful owner.

At the unlucky termination of this my first coup d’ essay,
at genuine theft, my feelings were not a little mortified, since the
untoward affair was soon blazed abroad, and brought me to open disgrace.
Even my playmates, as well as others, at every little miff, would cast
it full in my teeth. The former petty robberies, which I had committed,
occasionally, upon the nuts, apples, or fruits of the neighboring
farmers, had been passed over as a trick of youth, and as matters of
trivial import, in comparison of this. But my last scandalous offence
was construed to announce a vicious and depraved disposition, which,
might ripen into an aptitude for the perpetration of the worst of
crimes.

Observations of this sort I could hear resounding from different
quarters, and was thereupon led into a series of reflections, upon the
subject of theft and its consequences. My reveries were directed,
however, to unprofitable objects, for instead of contemplating aright
upon the doctrines of meum and tuum, as of age to have
done in some measure ; instead of considering the sanctity of individual
property ; weighing the vile and mercenary nature of my transgressions,
or guarding against a further repetition of them, my mind was
principally employed in adjusting the degrees of impunity, which might,
or might not attend, the commission of such deeds in future.

Ideas of this kind were my frequent concomitants ; and such is the
prevalency of habit, that it naturally begets a mental alliance in its
favor ; an inclination in the human breast to cherish familiar objects,
whether their complexion be virtuous or vicious, beautiful or deformed.
The above remarks were applicable to myself at this period, for the
longer I digested the above subjects, the more I became attached to
favorite irregularities, and more strongly inclined to provide means for
their gratification.

Such being my case I gave into the indulgence of corrupt appetites,
and commenced a career of filching such small articles, as chance flung
in my way. Success and safety generally attended those clandestine
enterprizes, as I had learnt already the necessity of caution, and used
to secrete each article till it might be disposed of to proper
advantage.

One affair took place about this time, which I recollect the more
especially, as the tumult it made in the neighborhood, was a fruitful
source of uneasiness to my feelings. Happening to pass, one day, through
an adjacent field, in the season of reaping grain, I casually came
across a sickle ; the opportunity was inviting, and the temptation too
strong for resistance. I took it ; but having no immediate use for
utensils of this stamp, concealed it, for the present, in a thick
cluster of bushes. The owner, who had a suspicious temper of his own,
soon wanting a sickle, and thinking me, of course the transgressor, came
in a furious rage to my father’s habitation, and charged me with the
theft. I denied the accusation with assurance, insomuch that the old
gentleman, after broaching many invectives, and chafing himself to no
purpose, was obliged to forego the bootless pursuit, and submit, though
against his grain, to my escaping with impunity. After the
round of a year I reclaimed the sickle, and converted it to my own
emolument.

The disposition, prompting those and the like petty larcenies, might
no doubt, by means of wholesome admonition and strict discipline, have
been cured in these my juvenile years ; but as such correctives were, in
great measure, neglected, my vicious habits continually gained ground,
till by length of time and frequent repetition, they became so strongly
rooted, that neither the fear nor infliction of punishment could subdue
the inveterate malady. Like as the tender oakling, while in a state of
infancy, is obnoxious to the attacks of its feeblest foe ; but when it
has stood for ages, and, by long duration, acquired growth and
stability, it then braves the rude tempest, mocks at the insulting
winds, and proudly stems those efforts, which once have been equal to
accomplish its ruin.

But not to trespass on the reader’s patience by moralizing thus on
the censurable parts of my character, I shall, by adhering more strictly
to the bare mention of facts, be less diffusive in future, leaving each
to make his own comments.

CHAP. II.

To my new optics novel scenes arise,
And furnish copious matter for surprise.

WHEN I was about sixteen years of age an
occurrence happened, which well might have ended my days, and so have
prevented the further career, both of my follies and sufferings on this
sublunary stage. While returning home one sunday, from meeting, I
chanced to be overtaken by an impetuous thunder storm. No house being
near, I ran, with several others, for shelter, under a tall spreading
pine, situate by the way side, on a Mr. Neal’s land. The violence of the
tempest soon increased, and the low hung clouds, surcharged with the
watery element, poured down their torrents of rain, and emitted, in
quick succession, horrid flashes of lightning, accompanied with loud
peals of thunder. By and by, a sudden flash, falling with terrific
glare, struck the tree under which we were standing, and split it into
myriads of pieces. A wooden tempest of splinters, which in fact darkened
the air, flew off from the tree, as its center, in every direction, and
overspread the earth at a considerable distance. With consternation and
surprise we saw the lightning running in streams upon the drenched
ground. All were greatly dismayed at the severity of the shock ; but as
good fortune, or good providence would have it, none of us received the
least corporal injury from the explosion.

Much about this time I went down into a deep, old well, for the
purpose of cleaning it out ; there tarrying full three hours, and,
having completed the task, I ascended, and, horrible to relate ! had
freed myself from the dismal cavity scarcely a minute, when the loose
rocks suddenly gave way, and, with a mighty crash, filled the whole void
in an instant. At this astonishing spectacle my hair stood on end, to
think how narrowly I had escaped destruction by being buried in the
ruins. Thus is man obnoxious ever to the stroke of fate ! thus is he
liable to many latent, impending dangers, which human prudence can
neither foresee nor prevent ! ! !

A while after the happening of these accidents, which made indeed but
a transient impression on my mind, I laid a scheme, in concert with two
other young fellows of my own standing, to steal some bread and cheese,
and at the same time, to rob a cucumber yard, owned by one Stevens, a
steady old farmer. My two accomplices, not being versant in exploits of
this kind, were both extremely timid and doubtful, as to the issue of
the enterprize ; and, when the case came really in hand, one of them
declined entering the yard at all, by reason it was contiguous to the
mansion of the proprietor. To induce our dispensing with his farther
attendance, he offered to procure the bread and cheese, as he said he
could take those articles from his own father’s house. On condition of
his so doing, we agreed to excuse him, and he set out for home
accordingly. In the mean time the other youngster and myself (it being
now late in the evening) ventured into the yard and stripped the vines
of as many cucumbers as we could well carry away. We all three met
again, the same evening, at a preconcerted place of rendezvous, when, to
our transport, it appeared that our pusillanimous companion had made
shift to acquire half a loaf of bread, and a large cheese weighing
fourteen pounds. We all sat down in order to commence a pleasing repast
; but the thought struck my fancy, that I should much rather have the
whole plunder to myself, than to share it in partnerships with my
associates. No sooner did the idea enter my imagination, than slyly I
took up a small pebble, threw it at one of my messmates, and with it hit
him on the back. He was much started at the stroke, as not knowing from
what quarter it proceeded ; while I also pretending to be panic struck,
jumped up, exclaiming, with affected surprise, “they are coming in
pursuit of us.” We all instantly took to our heels, myself in a
different route from the other two, but they sped only a small
distance ; wherefore least they should find out the mistake, and return,
I counterfeited a variety of strange voices ; at the hearing of which
the young novices were so sadly frighted, that they scampered away home
as fast as their legs would carry them, adventuring no more back for the
night. In a few minutes I returned to the cheese and cucumbers, and
conveyed the whole away to a place of better security. The next day,
meeting with the two young chaps, I told them, that, in trying to escape
the night before, I had been unluckily overtaken by old Stevens, who
found also and took possession of our booty, and besides threatened me
so harshly that I was obliged to promise him three days work to
compromise the affair. The young lads readily swallowed this fictitious
account, and were very well pleased that I had escaped so easily. Soon
after they paid me a day’s work apiece, as their due share of the common
penalty.

From the time of this little adventure, ’till I was twenty one years
of age, I pursued, at times, the same licentious system ; the theory of
which I had always contemplated with increasing delight ; but since the
latter part of my nonage was tinged with few events of darker complexion
than those already noticed, I shall pass over that interval (being about
four years) in silence, leaving the chasm to be filled up, in such way
and manner, as the reader’s imagination may suggest.

I would it were possible to pursue this history without repeating, so
frequently, the pronoun I ; but when the hero of the piece is the
relator also, egotisms are unavoidable. I must therefore bespeak
indulgence in that behalf.

CHAP. III.

All the world’s a stage
And all the men and women merely players ;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man, in his time plays many parts.

BUT now that the revolving wheel of time
had rolled away twenty one years of my existence, and admonished me,
that I was, at length, my own man, and no longer subject to the mandates
and authority of my parents, in the manner I had heretofore been, I
began to think it high time to think of providing for myself. To this
end I made application to my father desiring him to bestow on me some
part of his property, as an encouragement to industry, and towards my
obtaining a comfortable subsistance in the world, in proportion as he
had done by my elder brother. My father, for some time, evaded all
direct answers to my requests, while I continued both solicitations and
complaints. After he had been sufficiently teased (as perhaps he
thought) with my importunities, he finally rejected my suit, declaring
it his intention, that his eldest son should possess the whole of his
estate, which, might be worth (as I supposed) one thousand dollars.

Thus being disappointed in my hopes, and cut off from that, which had
long been the ground of my only dependence, I grew angry and
discontented, not well knowing what steps to pursue. The reflection that
I had pretty diligently served my father during minority, (the whole
term of which had been applied to the busiuess of husbandry) and that my
labour had contributed in a great measure to the support of the family,
was constantly present to my indignant view. I considered, also, that
little or no time had been allowed me to obtain knowledge, so that my
education had been totally neglected, save the small pittance I had
gleaned miscellaneously, by means of my own industry. My mind being
continually agitated with considerations of this sort, I was induced to
believe myself entitled to some share of my father’s estate, and thought
I was injured by his ill-timed parsimony. Whereupon I determined at all
events to seek redress, and that too in some clandestine manner, if
unable to persuade him to do me justice : accordingly, though with
diminished hopes of success, I made one trial more, to obtain his
paternal assistance ; but his ideas upon the subject corresponding in no
shape with my own, he remained inflexible, to my remonstrances and deaf
to every intreaty. Irritated at his obstinancy and my
own ill treatment, I resolved, without more hesitation, to
appropriate to my use some portion of his personal property, as a
partial indemnification for the labour and toil I had expended in his
service.

It is written (as ’tis said) in the Hebrew annals, that the man, who
gave his son, neither property, education nor trade, brought him up to
be a thief. The truth of this was verified in me, for after ruminating a
while in order to concert the most eligible method, in which to be even
with my sire, I at last concluded (as the outset and beginning of what I
had further in view) to take his horse ; that being the most convenient
article of his domestic inventory, and best suited to the dispatch, that
seemed needful in my novel undertaking. Accordingly, at a convenient
season, under pretence of riding but a few miles, I made my flight with
the horse to Chester, in Hampshire, where I sold him for about thirty
dollars, in ready money.

Never till now had I been in possession of so considerable a sum. It
appeared, in my enraptured view, as a plentiful fund, and sure earnest
of future riches and prosperity. Already was I as much swollen in
imagination, as though I had been proprietor of the mines of Potosi or
Peru, and enjoyed imaginary happiness, in long perspective, as my
indubitable destiny. With such sanguine hopes of success I now commenced
those first peregrinations, which fortune afterwards compelled me to
continue for many a painful year.

Leaving Chester, I strolled from place to place, defraying itinerary
expenses, in part by occasional labour, though principally with the
contents of my purse. This mode of life continued for nearly two months.
But mark the sequel of the present adventures ; although on leaving home
I had seriously resolved to return no more, at least for a long while,
yet now finding my pecuniary avails to be daily diminishing, and myself
unable to glide through the world in silver slippers, as the warmth of
fancy had pourtrayed in such glowing colours ; and withal being too
fickle and capricious to continue in the same mind long at a time, I
began to repent that I had forsaken my paternal residence at all, and
wished most ardently to return thither. But the effects of my father’s
displeasure I dreaded with peculiar awe ; and blamed the folly, that had
produced the present evils. Mean time the money, which, at first, I had
contemplated with so much delight, continuing to dwindle, till scarce a
moiety of its original sum remained ; my dreams of happiness became
wholly dispelled, and my expectations of felicity laid in the dust. In a
word I found I had made a wrong estimate of human life, and resolved
(however fearfully) to return home, like the prodigal son, and apologise
for my misconduct in the best manner I could ; hoping to pacify my
parent, by paying him what money I had left, and which I thought might
pretty well compensate for the loss of his horse.

With these views I set off on foot for Lee, and arrived thither in
the course of a few days. When I approached the much dreaded presence of
my father he appeared sorely displeased, and reprimanded me sharply for
eloping with his horse, desiring to know where I had bestowed him. I
replied, that I had sold him in Chester, and taking out the money I had
left, presented it most respectfully, expressing, at the same time,
great sorrow and contrition for all past offences. He took the money,
but complained that his horse was worth much more, and rebuked me
sharply for my past bad conduct, which he predicted would bring me to
the gallows in the end, if I persisted in such pernicious practices. But
my father’s displeasure subsided by degrees, and I continued to reside
with him as formerly.

Awhile after our reconciliation, I repaired to Nottingham, a
neighboring town, with intention to reside there for a season. In this
place I contracted some acquaintance with a young woman, named Sally
Hall. As lasciviousness I have every reason to suppose was an original
ingredient in my composition, I made love to this damsel, and continued
the courtship, with ardour, for a time ; but at last her pregnancy was
the result of our frequent intimacy. She gave me to understand her
situation, and hinted expectations of my healing the transgression by
marriage. This however I had no intention of doing. At present I was
averse from all thoughts of matrimonial alliance, especially so with the
young woman in question, of whose virtue and accomplishments I had not
the most exalted opinion. Nevertheless I gave her flattering
encouragement, that, I would in due season comply with her wishes, only
our connection must be kept secret, ’till things should be arranged to
our liking. In this she fully acquiesced—my discourse as the sugar plum
was pleasing to the credulous miss, and inasmuch, as her reliance was
strong on my assurances, she remained confidently easy for several
months. But after that, as I neglected the accustomed visits, she became
fully convinced of my duplicity and intention to deceive her, and, being
at this crisis, urged on by her friends, she went and entered a
complaint before Esq. Butler, a neighboring magistrate, whose warrant
for my arrestation was committed to one Dearborn, a constable, with
directions to see me forth coming with all speed.

This man dealt so craftily in the business, that, one day, he caught
me by surprise, as I was walking in a bye cross way, without suspicion
of his or any other person’s being near. I was carried before Esquire
Butler, and requested to find sureties for my personal appearance at the
next Court of General Sessions of the peace, which then took cognizance
of such matters. To be handled in this compulsatory manner was to me, at
that early period of life, an entire novelty, for which reason I was
greatly intimidated, not knowing in what way the affair would terminate.
But as my propitious stars ordained, I was at this juncture, pretty well
furnished with cash, and, by a judicious distribution of seven dollars
to one man, three to another, and so on, made a number of fast and able
friends, who promised to stick by and see the matter through. They
fulfilled articles to a tittle, for, through their management, the girl
was brought to settle for ten dollars, receiving which, she signed the
back of the warrant satisfied, giving me a receipt too in full of all
further demands.

At this lucky escape from the noose, which had been spread for me so
ingeniously, I felt completely happy, but at the precise moment of
finishing the business with Sally, I received a fresh alarm, by the
sudden appearance of a man named Peter Folsom, who, it seems, had
procured a warrant against me for stealing his saddlebags. He had heard
of my being in the custody of Dearborn, and thought this an opportune
season for my apprehension, wherefore he came, with sundry adjutants, to
execute that purpose. However, by the help of my new-made friends, who,
by the bye, were well paid for their trouble, I received some intimation
of his designs. They advised me to make a private escape, if feasible,
but if this failed, they were to knock down all, who should oppose my
retreat. Having gained assurance of their utmost exertions at the moment
necessity should call, I sallied out of doors with intent to gain the
woods, well knowing, when once there, I could baffle pursuit
undoubtedly. But this attempt was frustrated in the bud, for unluckily I
was seized by the adverse party within a few paces of the house. Still I
manfully resisted their efforts, ’till, my confederates issuing forth,
the rencountre became general, and was continued with undaunted heroism
on both sides. Victory however remained no long time dubitable ere she
declared herself decisively in our favor. We succeeded in knocking down
several of our opponents, and clearing my way from them all, I marched
off triumphantly to the nearest thickets, where I lay concealed until
evening. I then made the best of my way to Lee, inwardly exulting at the
curious issue of those perplexing affairs.

I was now free it is true, from the apprehension of a jail, on my
forsaken mistress’s account, yet not so from the effects of our
acquaintance, for the above fascinating amour had made a deep impression
on my fancy, and rendered me more unstable than before. Being once
initiated into the mysteries of the cyprian Goddess, a natural warmth of
temperament enrolled the name of Tufts among the number of her
votaries ever afterwards. In fine my inclination always fervid, but now
fired with new incentives, impelled me, more strongly than formerly, to
sacrifice at the shrine of Venus, nor could I resist the impulses of so
bewitching a deity. It was, rather, my coat of arms to pursue what was
pleasing in my own eyes, for to the rigid graces of self denial I was
quite a stranger. From this period, therefore, I waxed more industrious
in the pursuit of amorous adventures, and might, perhaps in this course
of the narrative, boast of success in atchievments of that kind, did it
either become my intended gravity, or were it consistent with that
taciturnity, which the delicacy of the fair sex has a right to impose.
Disliking therefore all ambition of the foregoing cast, I mean not to
plume myself on rehearsal of conquests in the fields of love, but, on
the reverse, to abbreviate the detail of my juvenile exploits, so far,
at least, as to repress the names of my female favorites, whose
connections with me are not already notorious.

I now continued to reside with my parents, for a considerable space,
and assisted them, as usual, in the management of their farm. Having met
with such miserable success in the transfer of my father’s horse, I
thought, contrary to former intentions, it would be the best policy to
drop all ideas of seeking redress by stealth, in the hope he would one
day relent and do me justice. In the interim I engaged in a variety of
amours with sundry females, to whom I paid my addresses alternately, as
best suited with my inclination or convenience. Nevertheless, when about
twenty-two years of age, those temporary connections were all dissolved
by an occurrence, which then took place, and which finally terminated in
my junction in marriage with the object of my fondest vows. The maiden
name of the young woman, who thus engrossed my affections and captivated
my heart, was Lydia Bickford. She lived in Durham, a few miles distant
from the place of my nativity. In one of my rambling excursions, to
which I was invincibly prone, I happened to meet with her in company,
and was so highly charmed with her person and conversation, that I
ardently coveted a more intimate acquaintance with so amiable an object.
As her beauty in my partial views, appeared unrivalled—so, for other
women, surely, I had never conceived such peculiar fancy. Unable to
resist the fervency of passion, I made her repeated visits, and had the
happiness of a favourable reception. At the end of a few months I
married and moved her home to the town of Lee.

If there be a propriety in denominating any portion of my adult life
happy, the first summer of it subsequent to my marriage, is more
especially entitled to that appellation, since with my pleasing wife,
for whom I had a sincere affection, I lived in the utmost harmony and
love. I met with no disturbance from abroad to allay the
happiness I enjoyed at home, and seemed to have forgotten all
former follies and vagrances. My vices lay listless and
dormant, as though they had lost primeval energy, and were fast
progressing towards oblivion ; while each succeeding day wore a more
serene aspect, and glided away in tranquility and peace. In supplying
the wants of my little family I took real delight, and my endeavours
were not altogether successless.

Had those halcyon scenes continued but a few more years, while in the
ardour of youth, and forming, as I then was, habits for life ; the seeds
of vice inherent in my constitution, might have been stifled, perhaps,
and overcome, so that I might never have perpetuated the crimes of which
I am chargeable, or have passed through the dismal tragedies, that have
since occupied the greater portion of my days.

But this tranquil period was not designed for long continuance ; for,
in truth, six months, from my marriage, had scarcely elapsed, ere an
untoward affair took place, which involved me in greater difficulties
and disquietudes than ever ; the bare recollection of those broils is
yet productive of painful emotions, and excites my indignation against
the unjust author of them. The particulars shall be recounted briefly. I
had a neighbour by the name of James Burleigh, a respectable farmer and
man of account. Some how or other, about the time I mention, he lost two
bushels of rye from his garret ; being well acquainted with my conduct
from childhood, particularly so, with the manner in which I had taken my
father’s horse, his suspicions alighted upon me, so he had no hesitation
in reporting that I had stolen his rye, for which it was reasonable I
should make restitution. He came and charged me with the fact and
threatened prosecution, in case of my refusal to make amends. I essayed
to exculpate myself, by pleading ignorance of the matter in question ;
but he discredited my assertions, went post haste and procured a
warrant, by which I was arrested and carried before George Frost, Esq.
who making some inquiry into the business, and finding the proof
insufficient for conviction, intimated to Burleigh (as I have reason to
believe) something to that amount, for the latter, by not having the
warrant returned in form, stopped all further proceedings and
permitted my return home. But the complainant Burleigh,
unsatisfied with this termination of the process, the writ was altered,
as I supposed, or a new one procured, by virtue of which I was again
taken into custody, and haled before Walter Bryant, jun. Esq. and there
examined sufficiently. However, this magistrate, finding no colour of
proof to my disadvantage, censured Burleigh’s whole management, and
thereupon discharged me without day.

And now seriously I affirm, that I know nothing of the rye
abovementioned, nor do I believe it ever went, unless with the privity
of Burleigh’s own family. I have been informed, that he laid himself
open to an action, for this false and causeless accusation, and had I
then known as much law, as I have since been obliged to learn, I should,
positively, have made him smart for his imprudence and folly.

This transaction of Burleigh’s, I have ever deemed the birthday and
beginning of the many mischiefs and misfortunes, which, with few
intermissions, have constantly attended me since that period.
Condemnation, in the contest, I had escaped, it is true, yet the affair
had caused me considerable loss of time and experience, and still more
vexation of spirit. But now that it had terminated in my favour, I was
in good hopes that the whole would have slept in oblivion, as would have
been but equity, considering I was so entirely innocent of the charge.
But the matter was not permitted to rest here. For it being published
abroad that I had stolen Burleigh’s rye, and credit given the report, I
was continually assailed with jests and reproaches, from friends, as
well as foes. The more I endeavored to obviate the falsity of the
allegation, the louder was the clamour raised to my prejudice, my wife
also joining in the concert, though in a different tone. Every thing,
stolen in the vicinity for years past, was now laid to the charge of
Tufts. Protestations of innocence did not avail me, consequently I
considered my character as ruined and my credit at an end. As I could
ill brook such injurious treatment, my peace of mind became effectually
destroyed, and life itself grew burthensome. My wife was importunate to
drive me into the law with those railing accusers, who thus calumniated
and aspersed my character, but poverty called aloud for prudence, and
admonished me not to squander away, in vexatious suits, the small
pittance I possessed, and which my little family so dearly needed for
its subsistance.

On the whole, I had no alternative but to remain at home, the butt of
indignity and reviling, or else to leave family and friends, and seek a
retreat in some distant quarter, where I should be an entire stranger.
The latter was my determination.

CHAP. IV.

On a sudden open fly, with impetuous recoil,
And jarring sound, th’infernal doors and on their hinges grate
Harsh thunder, MILTON,

I RESOLVED to forsake Lee, but the
reluctance with which I left my wife and tender child to the mercy of an
unfeeling world, and perhaps forever, as I saw no probability of
returning soon, exceeds all power of description. Suppressing, however,
to the utmost, my feelings, on the distressful occasion, I bade adieu to
my little family, and shaped my course eastwardly. Being but a
troynovant in travelling, and quite unhackneyed in the ways of the
world, I was put to many straits and difficulties in this new
pilgrimage, but after visiting many places, I came at length to Saco, in
the (then) province of Maine.

Here in quest of refreshment I chanced to call into a certain house,
in which I found a man by the name of James Dennis, by nation a
Hibernian. With this man I entered into discourse, and was anon much
pleased with his vivacity and the manner of his conversation. In the
formation of our minds there was something congenial, I believe, which,
like loadstone and steel, attracted each other. To him I made known as
much of my situation and circumstances, as I thought prudent to
disclose, informing him, that my present intention was to hire out as a
day labourer. He acquainted me that he had already done the same, with
the proprietor of the present house, and that his employer wished to
engage another hand. To me this intelligence was grateful ; we went both
together to the gentleman who, he said wanted to hire. I offered my
services, and the conditions being agreed on, I went to work with Dennis
the next day ; our employment being husbandry and the clearing of new
land.

Myself and fellow labourer soon contracted a very familiar
acquaintance, nature had endowed him with conversible powers, and for me
he had imbibed no small predilection. He had observed me, however, to be
frequently thoughtful, or in a brown study as it were, and was
solicitous to know the occasion. As he had gained my esteem as well as
confidence, I recapitulated my misfortunes and the cause of the
dejection, which, he said, was so visible in my countenance. He smiled
at the rehearsal and seemed to make light of my mishaps, avering them to
be merely ideal in comparison with the evils, that had fallen to his
share. My uneasiness he imputed to youth and inexperience ;
nevertheless, with much fraternal tenderness, he endeavoured to cheer my
spirits with the hope of better days in embryo. This confabulation ended
with a detail of some particulars of his own life, which I thought truly
surprising.

A few days after the above, hearing me complain of inability to
support self and family in the manner I desired, he started as from a
reverie, and said, if I would be led by his counsels, he would put me in
a way to acquire some considerable property. I requested an explanation,
so he went on to say, that he knew of a store in Saco, (Mr. Pickard’s of
Ipswich) with every avenue to which he was perfectly acquainted, and out
of which we might take goods to any amount whatever. The goods might be
carried, without danger of discovery, into the country and be disposed
of for ready money. This he observed would be a more expeditious method
to acquire the desiderata, than was the dull employment to
which we then submitted. In short, the scheme he had laid down far
surpassed any thing of the kind, which had ever entered my imagination.
Being no adept in the art of appropriating to myself, in a genteel
manner, the property of others, I was suspicious of ill consequences,
and therefore made objections, not only as to the feasibility of his
plan, but to the danger of detection in its execution. But my demurs
were all overruled by his engaging to be accountable for our success
ultimately, in case of my submission to his particular management. As I
had no contemptible opinion of the man’s capacity, I consented without
more ado, and thereon, collecting my arrear of wages, accompanied him
forthwith to Saco, the compact part of which lay only seven miles
distant. Dennis was very confident of success, and strove to encourage
his drooping companion, but, to confess the truth, the fear of detection
was a prevailing ingredient with me, pending the whole voyage.

We reached the village of Saco a little before nightfall, and entered
a shop to procure the means of exhilirating our spirits, and of fitting
us for the arduous enterprise. As the moments seemed precious we
resolved on effecting our business that very evening. Wherefore, after
tippling till near bed time, we sallied forth, and drew near the store
in question, concealing ourselves by the way side, so as to observe all
that passed. In this posture we waited till all was still, and the
people in bed and asleep, as we presumed. Then we set forward, and
coming up to the store, carefully reconnoitered every avenue. We were at
some loss about matters, so withdrew to a small distance to hold
consultation in what shape to commence the attack. My Irish friend began
by observing that one end of the shop had been fitted up for a wash
house, and he rather supposed this the most vulnerable quarter. In
short, we agreed to make a first essay on the wash house door. To this
end Dennis led the van, while I, staggered at the magnitude of the
attempt, followed with trepidation.

On examination we found the door less strongly fastened, than we had
imagined, for means were readily devised to force it open without
disturbance. Instantly we entered the wash room, and waited, a few
minutes, in a listening attitude, to catch the smallest echo, that might
float through the air ; but no sounds vibrated on the ear ; a profound
silence prevailed, as the general pulse of life stood still.

It being tolerably dark we ventured, at length, to light a candle,
which, by groping about, we found near the fire place. The only
obstruction that now remained, was the door communicating with the store
room. This entrance we found to be fast locked, but Dennis drew out his
knife and cut the hinges. This was not difficult, seeing they were made
only of leather. Every impediment being thus removed, Dennis directed me
to leave the house, and watch by the side of the outer door, while he
should explore the premises ; and since he knew me to be unversed, at
that time, in the flash tongue, he desired me to preserve silence, and
knock only against the door in case of alarm. I took post accordingly ;
meanwhile my file leader went into the store and proceeded with
prosperity and dispatch. He found, however, but little money, for which
reason it was needful to take the greater hold of other articles.
Finally, he packed together two large bundles, consisting of English
goods, and a few other commodities, to the value of about two hundred
dollars, and brought them forth to the outer door. This whole business
was completed in about thirty minutes, by which time we were ready for
departure. But here I would just give a small piece of cautionary advice
to shopkeepers in general : it is, to leave but little cash in such
stores, as are remote from their dwelling houses, since the loss of
goods may possibly be sustained with less inconveniency, than that of
ready money, which is an article to be spared not altogether so
well.

With the booty we made our way through the compact part of the town,
and then (veering) travelled westwardly six or eight miles, highly
elated indeed with our fortunate acquisition. But now we arrived at the
house of one Richard Dutton, an old acquaintance of Dennis’s, where we
proposed to make a stand, and deposit our booty for the present. We
acquainted Dutton and wife with the manner in which we had acquired the
articles, they engaging to secrete them effectually, and befriend us.
After devoting ourselves to rest and refreshment, during the residue of
the night and greater part of the next day, and regaling upon good cheer
and agreeable drink, till we became as merry as so many Greeks. Dennis
and Dutton, a little before the close of day, went out with a few
trinkets to dispose of them for cash and such necessaries as our present
inclination demanded. In transacting this business they took it into
their heads, that, as the goods had been obtained at a cheap store, they
might afford to sell cheap too, especially for cash in hand. In this,
however, they overshot themselves, for their customers, supposing they
sold at too low a rate to come by the things honestly, seized and
detained both them and their lading. A magistrate and other officers
being called in, the culprits were so hardly handled, and besieged
withal to acknowledge how they came by the articles, that Dutton (the
privilege of admission as King’s evidence being promised him) at last
confessed all, informing, more particularly, of the commodities secreted
at his own house. Dennis too, was so closely pressed that he confessed
every fact, and betrayed what he knew respecting his young proficient,
Henry Tufts.

When those ministers of justice (or rather vengeance) had gathered
the necessary information, they speedily set out for Dutton’s abode, in
quest of me and the other articles. Their arrival was excessively early
in the morning, so that I, who happened to be quietly in bed with my
friend Dutton’s wife, dreaming, I protest, of no harm, till I heard them
thundering at the door, had scarce time to retreat from the arms of my
playmate, ere they entered the room and made me prisoner. Seeing but one
bed in the cottage, they demanded where I had lodged the night
preceding. I replied “ on the floor.” They charged me with fallacy,
intimating, that from appearances, I must have bundled with Dutton’s
wife, but it being no part of my creed to criminate myself, where the
facts could not be fairly proved, I positively denied their assertions.
Dutton seemed to trouble his pate but little about the business, but,
being requested to produce the residue of the goods, he did it alertly,
to the satisfaction of the whole company. This over, they bade Dennis
and me prepare for jail, and presently after hurried us to Saco, where
having undergone another examination, we were escorted under a strong
guard to Falmouth (now Portland) jail, and there confined in irons.

It was late in autumn (1770) when it was our mishap to become inmates
of this horrid mansion, wherefore, being destitute of fire and bedding,
we suffered miserably during imprisonment. We continued in the most
comfortless situation for fifteen days together, without making a single
effort for effecting our escape. At length, growing uneasy, we thought
it high time to devise some stratagem for that purpose. We concerted
several, but on trial, the means proved inadequate to the undertaking.
We had instruments of no sort to force a breach through the prison
walls, so that in our desponding view, the obstacles to deliverance
appeared insuperable.

This was the first time I had ever been immured within the walls of a
prison, consequently I sustained my sufferings with less patience and
fortitude than did Dennis. My handcuffs I thought intolerable, and
bitterly regretted the part I had taken (thus unwarily) in breaking
Pickard’s store. But why do I mention the poignancy of my sensations at
this season ? How often, when under the pressure of affliction, have I
repented of my crimes, and of my follies, yet have plunged precipitately
into the like or greater miseries again ? So inconsistent, so mutable a
being is man ! ! !—We remained awhile longer in the same gloomy
situation, when Dennis, who was remarkably fertile in expedients,
suggested, that if we could prevail with Mr. Modley, the prison keeper,
to allow us a little fire, he did not scruple but we might burn a
passage through the side of the jail, and so make our escape. Had we
been provided with implements of any kind, fire, undoubtedly had been
our dernier resort, but destitute, as we were, of every
requisite, we knew of nought else, of which to avail ourselves, so
resolved, at all hazards, to try the event of that, if so lucky as to
obtain the article.

Accordingly, the next day, we represented to the jailor how much we
had suffered already from the severity of the cold, and from nakedness,
beseeching him, withal, to allow us a little fuel, to warm our benumbed
limbs in this inclement season. The keeper was a benevolent man and
truly pitied, I believe, our sufferings, wherefore, he granted our
request, but had the precaution, to extinguish the fire with a bucket of
water, every evening, lest we might compass some mischief. Yet we soon
found a remedy for this evil, for having a large piece of a broken
earthen milk pan, we contrived to place it crosswise in the funnel of
the chimney, as far above the mantle piece, as we could well reach. In
this vessel, one certain evening, we deposited a small brand of fire, a
few minutes previous to the customary return of the jailor. Presently,
coming in, he quenched the embers as usual, but, to our satisfaction had
no suspicion of our plan.

On his leaving us, we reclaimed the hidden fire, and were careful not
to lose it for lack of feeding. With some anxiety we watched the passing
hours, till about eleven o’clock at night, when thinking it high time
for all to be sound asleep, we set fire to the broadside of the jail, a
few feet above the flooring, intending to burn a hole through
sufficiently large for our exit. The timbers, which composed the sides
of the prison, were fourteen inches in thickness, being placed hard by
one another, and sheathed on the inside with two inch thick oak plank,
the outside was boarded and clapboarded. We attended the fire
unremittingly by the space of two hours, and burnt away the wood with an
expedition that scarce seemed tedious to our eager wishes. By this time
we had made an opening quite through the wall, as large in
circumference, as the head of our gallon keg. “ Courage, (said Dennis,
whose eyes, I perceived, were nearly closed with smoke,) courage, my
good lad, the game goes well ; if we manage the fire rightly, there’ll
be no kind of danger.” I thought so too, and, upon the whole, we both
grew pretty confident of success, but presently a provoking accident
occurred, which disconcerted the whole scheme ; overturned our fond
hopes, and rendered escape, in this way impracticable. The new disaster
was this. The fire had been creeping, though very gradually, through the
interstices of the timbers, from the time of kindling it, yet we had
made shift to controul it by the help of a pail of water. But by the
time we had burnt through as above, our water was all expended, the fire
then encreased with surprising rapidity, and began blazing, inside and
out, with much briskness. So that our room was immersed in such thick
volumes of smoke, as to admit the fetching of scarce a single breath.
One pailful of water more would have done the thing completely, as, by
means of that, the flames had been checked long enough for all purposes.
But the room being thus filled with smoke and fire ; water all spent ;
the flames spreading, and our design impracticable further, we were
constrained, at last, to shout for help. Our loud vociferations aroused,
anon, the whole family, which drawing near, found us, poor devils, on
the very point of suffocation. The whole posse were collected in a few
minutes, who united their efforts to conquer the unruly element, which
raged by this time, with ungovernable fury. Full three hours were
expended in this disagreeable service, though water, (not to mention
crow bars and axes) was used in abundance. At last, however, they
succeeded in arresting the progress of the fire, but the jail was nearly
ruined, for the breach in the wall was sufficient for the admission of a
team of oxen. I gazed on the fruits of our labour with some admiration,
and wished my hands at liberty, that I might have escaped ; but my sighs
were in vain.

All this while we had been treated with civility by the bystanders,
except that I received one stroke of the hand from the prison keeper at
his first entrance.

The jail was now adjudged unsuitable for the retention of prisoners,
so it was thought advisable to send us packing to Old York jail ; but
thanksgiving being near, we were kept under guard, in Mr. Modley’s
family, till that solemnity should be over.

Here gratitude obliges me to give testimonial to the humanity and
benevolence of that gentleman, to whom is due my peculiar thanks, for
using us, while left in his family, as well as I have since fared in any
part of America.

CHAP. V.

Fresh troubles flow, in one unceasing course,
From various follies, as their fruitful source.

THE day after thanksgiving we were confided
to the charge of Sheriff Bagley, and others, in order to be conveyed to
Old York jail. When we had gotten as far as Wells, we all entered a
tavern, to rest a little and procure a small portion of refreshment. Our
keepers leaving Dennis and me in irons, adjourned, for better
accommodation, into another apartment, but, while they were regaling and
feasting to a merry degree, my partner Dennis, broke his handcuffs in
the crotch of the chimney crane, and betook himself to immediate flight.
A few minutes after, our conductors coming out, demanded whither Dennis
had withdrawn. “If he be the prudent man I think him, (said I) he’s by
this time, three miles ahead at the least.” “At the least,
then, (replied they) we’ll take care of you.” Saying this they remounted
their steeds, and proceeded with me to Mr. Row’s, the jailkeeper of Old
York, where, instantly, I was thrust into confinement. The damages which
Dennis and I had done Falmouth Jail, had been much rumoured about the
country, so that now I was strongly handcuffed, and cast into the
securest ward. Here I thought it best to remain inactive, as my motions
were very scrupulously observed. I continued in this prison nineteen
days, when Pickard, the prosecutor, arrived from Ipswich, and made me a
visit. He said if I would agree to ship with his brother at Newburyport,
and sail on a three month’s voyage to the West Indies, (he, Mr. Pickard,
receiving my wages) that on such condition, he would have me liberated,
and, as a further encouragement to behave well, would furnish me with
two quintals of fish for a sea venture. To all this I agreed, so
Mr. Pichard went and procured my enlargement, by paying, as I supposed,
a small matter of cost. We then set out immediately for Ipswich, myself
on foot, having no better mode of conveyance. When we had reached
Newbury Old Town, he said he had a mind to call in at the next tavern,
inviting me to do the like, but I declined. So he told me, if I would
behave well, I might continue my journey, and he would overtake me
shortly. I said yes, and set forward, but travelling about three
quarters of a mile, without company, was so unfortunate as to miss my
way, and never came across my deliverer afterwards.

Once more, then, I enjoyed the sweets of liberty, ever grateful to
the human breast, and having smarted so severely in my late
imprisonment, I was minded to avoid the like entanglements for the
future. The difficulties I had met with gave me a disrelish to
adventures of a kindred species, so I concluded even to return home, and
visit again my family and friends. This I did without loss of time, but
my wife was surprised at my sudden appearance, for hearing of the
imprisonment, she had cherished but little hopes of my so speedy
acquittal.

I soon perceived that the people of Lee were in full possession of my
late misadventures, and that the same had been a subject of
animadversion through the neighborhood. My enemies had now a colourable
pretext to treat me with indignity, and of this they were not dilatory
in taking advantage. But my spirits naturally high set, ill brooked such
humiliating usage. The people I disliked, but their invectives I
abominated ; for my conduct though injudicious, had not extinguished all
sense of injury, nor annihilated my feelings as a man.

The people of Lee, for whatever reasons, were much embittered against
me, so that none cared to employ me ; but to live without means seemed
altogether impossible, wherefore I resolved to abandon the place, and
that as soon as family affairs would permit. My wife was greatly opposed
to my leaving her in this manner, insomuch that I hesitated upon the
subject, but my departure was accelerated by an accident here worth
noticing.

A certain party of men belonging to Lee and Newmarket, who had been
at Capt. Hill’s training, passed necessarily near my house, on their
return home, which was late in the evening. Among them was one Elisha
Thomas, a desperate fellow, but who hath since found his deserts. This
man was the ringleader, it seems, of the whole mob. When they had gotten
as far as my humble cot, they made a stand in the road, and Thomas
communicated to the others his design of pulling my house in pieces
before leaving the ground. As they were all highly stimulated, I
believe, with drink, they applauded the ingenious proposal, and
approached in a body. Thomas being foremost, seized the end of a board,
jutting a little beyond the residue, and pulled it off the house. By
this time I thought it stood me in hand to make some exertion in defence
of self and property. Having a good musket, charged with two balls, I
snatched it in haste, and looking out, demanded the occasion of such
treatment. Thomas, with terrible oaths, repeated his determination of
tearing my house in pieces before quitting the spot. I bid him touch
another stick at his peril, for I was an armed man, and would drop him
certainly, if he did. He damn’d me for a rascal, and told me to fire if
I dared, at the same instant, he again rushed forward, and catching hold
of another board attempted to wrest it off. By this time I had become so
exasperated, that for a few moments I was bereaved of reasoning powers ;
taking, therefore, good aim at my adversary’s breast, I pulled trigger,
but my gun, which I thought certain, only snapt in the pan. I made a
second, and a third attempt, but my gun still refused fire. I was
preparing to make the shot more certain, when Thomas, finding my
resolution as desperate as his own, thought it most prudent to desist,
and to march off with his whole party.

The next day not knowing the reason of my gun’s failure, I tried her
at a mark, and she gave fire without the smallest difficulty.

This furious attempt upon me, in my own castle, was a convincing
proof, that I could no longer abide at home in peace or safety. For that
reason I took leave of my family, and quitted Lee, not knowing whither
to shape my course.

Fortune directed my steps to Number four, where I engaged in the
service of John Spooner, and drove his sleigh for a month, but growing
weary of this irksome employment, I left it, and proceeded to Claramont,
in Hampshire, (it being now early in the spring of 1771) Here I went to
work with one Enoch Judd in clearing land. He was a man, as the saying
is, well to pass in the world, so I continued at his house (as will be
seen) a considerable time, and shewed so much attention to business,
that Judd was extremely well pleased with my assiduity. One day as we
were at work in his field, he enquired whether I was a married man, my
answer was in the negative, he asked the cause of my celibacy,—I
intimated the fault was not mine. He said he had a couple of likely
girls, and for that I was a good industrious lad, I might have my choice
of them. I thanked him cordially for his obliging offer, but here our
conversation closed on that topic. However his alluring overture wrought
so powerfully upon my imagination, that, maugre present conjugal
connections, I had no power to resist the pleasing idea, that prompted
me to make courtship to Sally, the elder of the two girls above
mentioned. Indeed for that pretty miss I had conceived no small liking,
so, without delay I paid her my addresses, and had the happiness to find
myself the object of her regard.

Our courtship was briskly continued nearly a month, by which time we
were so mutually delighted which each other, that we agreed to marry
without long procrastination. Preparations were now made for the
ceremony with all diligence it being my wish to bring matters to a
crisis as quickly as possible.

My dulcinea had been long meditating upon a journey to Waterbury, in
Connecticut, one hundred and sixty miles distant, where her brother in
law resided, the same being also the place of her own nativity, and now
was the time prefixed for her departure. Her father had a mind I should
escort her thither, in which his desire I heartily acquiesced. We sat
out well mounted, and arrived safely at Waterbury, without the least
perverse occurrence. We repaired immediately to Mr. Brewster’s her
brother in law’s house, who was a tailor by trade. I rode up to the door
and knocked. He came out and asked if that man (meaning me) was her
husband, she answered, “ I dont know as you will own him ;” he said
“walk in brother.” We went in, and were treated with every mark of
kindness and civility. Here we tarried about three weeks, and having
made every necessary preparation for our intended marriage before
leaving Claramont, we now sent for a priest, and by him were joined in
the bands of wedlock. A few days subsequent to this, we bade adieu to
our good friends in those parts, and returned to Claramont. As we
approached her father’s dwelling, the old lady, her mother, came out to
meet and salute us, when surveying us with much complaisancy, she said
“walk in children,” for she had heard of our union while absent. We were
now very graciously received by both father and mother, as well as by
the residue of the family. They were all greatly rejoiced at our safe
return, and must needs send for Mr. Faucett, the minister, to pay us a
visit on the occasion. He honoured the invitation, and the first words
he spake to my wife were. Sally, Sally ! I think you have used me
very ill, in being married while abroad—I have married all the rest of
the family in the church way, and you ought to have been married in the
church way too. Upon this, I gave her privately four dollars,
desiring her to present them to the priest, and make also, some apology
for our conduct. This duty she performed very gracefully, telling him as
things stood, it was not in her power to prevent what had
happened, but hoped he would esteem it the same as though she had been
married by himself. He replied that it was the same, and wished we might
live together in amity and the enjoyment of prosperity to the end of
life. He then uttered the following sentence, which I thought singular.
You seem to be man and wife, but if you are not so, I pronounce you
man and wife. On this we arose and made obeisance, to signify our
acknowledgment of the marriage. We spent the remainder of the evening in
good humour, conversing upon various subjects, till a late hour, when
Mr. Faucett returned home.

With my new spouse, (if I may so term her) for whose person I felt a
most tender regard, I should now have lived very happily, had it not
been for the continual inquietude that harassed my mind, lest my real
condition in life should some how become known. I dreaded lest my wife
or her friends might obtain information of my former marriage, and of
the many disgraces I had met with in the world. Reflections of this sort
had, from my first acquaintance with Sally, incessantly vexed and
tormented my imagination, stretching it upon the rack of unpleasing
expectancy. The consequences proved that my apprehensions were but too
well founded, for I had consorted with my new spouse little more than a
honeymoon, when that which I so much dreaded, came really to pass.

A certain man, named Abner Clough, who lived near the place of my
nativity, and was well knowing to most of my concerns, happened, at this
juncture, to pass through Claremont, when hearing of my new marriage
with Sally, he informed the people that I had a prior wife and family in
Lee, and was besides a very bad fellow, having behaved so ill at home,
that I was forced to run away to prevent punishment.

This story was soon carried to Sally and her friends, and gave them a
serious alarm. They sent directly to Clough, and received a full
confirmation of the ungrateful intelligence, together with the
particulars of my breaking Pickard’s store, and subsequent imprisonment.
By this black account they became axasperated to the last degree, and
loaded me with reproaches of every kind. To those reproaches I could
indeed make but little reply. Not content with venting their spleen in
this manner, they threatened me with exemplary punishment, for treating
thus my best benefactors. Such being the state of things, I thought it
wisdom to decamp seasonably, so I left Claremont that very evening,
without so much as bidding adieu to Sally, or any of her friends.

After a circuitous ramble I even ventured to revisit Lee, where my
first wife yet held possession of the castle. She had heard of my
extraordinary marriage, during my late elopement, and therefore gave me
an uncouth welcome ; however I cohabited with the dame, as formerly.

Soon after this I hired out, as a day labourer, with one deacon Tash,
of Newmarket. On a certain day, while mowing grass in his meadow, I
accidentally came across a huge wasp’s nest. Having a mind for a little
sport with the honest deacon, who was indeed quite a worthy and zealous
man, I slily cut the twig, from which the nest was suspended, and, in a
gentle manner, conveyed it to a cock of hay, where I concealed it for
the present. All this I did without the smallest disturbance to the
meddlesome race. In the afternoon the Deacon and I went out with the
team to haul hay. He mounted the wheels, as usual, to make the load,
leaving me behind to manage the team. At length I drove in course to the
bunch containing the waspy tribe, when pushing my fork through the nest,
so as to break it pretty well to pieces, I pitched it up, hay and all,
to the unsuspecting deacon, who was stript entirely to the shirt. An
armed host of those mischievous insects now seized him conjunctly, and
stung him so intolerably, that not being able to keep his post he
pitched head foremost to the ground. Being still surrounded with his
troublesome assailants, he scrabbled up with what agility he could
muster, in order to retreat to a more respectful distance, but
scampering away with more speed than forecast, he again lost his center
of gravity and had the fresh misfortune to plunge precipitately into the
main ditch. This had lately been thrown up to drain the meadow, and was,
moreover, full of water, so that the old gentleman lay floundering in
both water and mud, ’till I seeing the catastrophe, and fearing he might
be suffocated, ran up to his assistance. We had a fearful time of it, to
be sure, for in trying to clear him, I was prodigiously stung by the
wasps myself. The deacon was in a sweet pickle, but no sooner did he
recover breath for articulation, than he accused me of doing him this
piece of roguery intentionally, and desired I would instantly quit his
service. I asserted my innocence with much gravity, protesting I was
extremely sorry for his misfortune ; so that on further reflection, the
good natured man imputed the whole to mere accident, and expressed his
thankfulness at escaping with no greater injury.

CHAP. VI.

More grievous, than the ills of yore,
Are such as yet remain in store.

ABOUT this period I met with one James
Smith, a Dutchman, whose disposition, I perceived, was analogous to my
own. As kindred souls naturally agree, we became intimately associated.
I took some pains to cultivate an acquaintance with this convenient
blade, and to acquire his confidence ; in both of which I succeeded to
my wishes. At length we entered into partnership, and agreed to stick
close by each other, for the present ; but, being both in want of the
means of support, we were compelled to have recurrence to furtive
pursuits, my usual resort on pressing occasions. Hens, turkies, sheep
and the like, became the victims of our rapacious industry, and supplied
our wretched larder with just sufficient to enable us to continue the
unlawful pursuit. Farmers had to regret the loss of their fleecy tribes,
and wives of the poultry, which were immolated daily on the altars of
our hungry deities. But the solicitude of the sufferers was unavailing,
for Smith and I concealed our plunder so artificially, as to baffle all
attempts at detection, though we had frequent visits from such as
suspected us to be the demons, who had thus spirited away their
substance.

But here for brevity’s sake, I shall pass over more trivial incidents
and observe generally, that an endeavour to particularize the numerous
tricks and villainies which first and last I have practiced would be a
vain and useless task : as well might the husbandman recount his hours
of painful toil, or the prodigal, of his dissipation ; a mere catalogue
of which must swell a volume.

My partner and I not having accumulated property by such
spoliations ; but in lieu thereof becoming destitute of apparel and
other conveniencies, we saw the necessity of striking some more
important blow than any we had hitherto attempted. And the way to affect
this readily presented ; for Smith was familiar with a man belonging to
the Newfields (in Newmarket) who had hinted that a certain
store, the property of Smith Gilman and Levi Chapman, might be opened
without difficulty. Moreover (Smith my informant) was well assured, that
the same man would lend some assistance, though he bore at the time, the
character of a gentleman. In expectation of this, we set out for the
Newfields, and repaired to the house of Smith’s friend and confident. We
communicated the secret of our embassy and requested his advice. The
project we found was far from displeasing our entertainer, for with much
volubilty, he went on to digest the proper mode of procedure, advising
us to enter the store through a particular casement, which he
represented as slightly fastened. We followed punctually his
prescriptions, and our efforts were crowned with brilliant success ; we
forced a passage through the window, as directed, and took out of the
store, cloths to the value of about one hundred dollars, two guineas in
money, sundry pieces of silver, with a large quantity of other
articles.

The goods we carried directly to the gentleman’s house, and presented
him with a pail of sugar, several rolls of ribband, and a piece of
gauze, as a recompence for his trouble, and then took our leave. As we
intended to steer southwestwardly with the booty, we took, under cover
of darkness, the highway leading through Stratham. I was mounted on a
horse I had picked up a day or two before, but Smith being destitute of
such conveniency, we contrived to supply the defect, by stealing a horse
from one Barker, as we passed through the town last mentioned. Being now
whole footed, we pushed on, full tilt, till we gained Haverhill ferry.
It was about dawn of day, when we arrived at this place ; so that,
nobody being stirring, we took a boat, and crossed over without
observation ; and then drove on, with our half famished steeds, to
Pepperell, in Massachusetts ; ourselves and horses, by the time we had
recovered this station, being sufficiently fatigued with a forced march
of forty-five miles.

Here we made a final halt for the day, and exposed our goods to sale,
the same afternoon. On the edge of the evening, Gilman and Chapman
entered Pepperell in pursuit of the thieves, and, if possible, to
recover their property. Their coming was so abrupt that they surprised
us effectually, before we had opportunity to secrete the goods, or make
the smallest arrangement for a personal escape. Thus were we suddenly
arrested, and taken into custody ; when to our no small surprise, we
found that the man who had contrived so conveniently, the method of
breaking the store, and who had received also his quota of the stolen
commodities, had turned informant against us, and had revealed the
probable route we had taken. Deceitful and treacherous as this person
proved, I am unwilling to reveal his name to the public, especially as
he has since removed to a distance from Newmarket, and now supports the
character of a better man.

The next day Smith and I were conveyed back as far as Exeter. He was
shut up in the common prison ; but my doom was close confinement in the
dungeon.

As they expected I should try hard to give them the slip, every
precaution was taken for its prevention. My feet were shackled together
with a large iron bolt, of two feet in length, which, at either end, was
fastened with rivets to the irons surrounding my ancles ; a strong
chain, of two feet only, proceeded from the bolt to the floor, and was
there secured with a huge iron staple. These iron appendages kept my
feet at just such a distance asunder, and rendered my stepping one foot
before the other upon the floor, altogether impossible. It was with
extreme difficulty I could reach the place of office, or stretch my
limbs on a misterable couch of straw. In such deplorable condition I
continued ninety days and nights, or rather one continued night of so
long duration. Judge then what were my sufferings, and what my
sensations must have been at that distressing time ; what trouble,
anxiety, and gloomy apprehensions must have taken possession of my mind,
and absorbed every comfort of life ; sequestered from all intercourse
with the rest of mankind, and accompanied only with pain, shame, remorse
and darkness, in a mansion of darkness, with hardly sufficient
food and clothing to prevent me from perishing ; and bearing, for so
long an interval, what God only knows, or the heart of man, by
experience alone, is able to conceive ; think, I say what must have been
my sufferings, both of body and mind, at that dismal period.

The dampness of the dungeon, the offensive effluvia of the prison
vault, my want of necessary food and clothing, and the troublesome
vermin, which are generally the undisturbed inhabitants of a jail,
altogether, so much dispirited and afflicted me, that I could obtain
none, or very little rest, night or day. The consequence was, my health
visibly declined, and my strength daily decayed. At length, after a
lapse of ninety tedious days, which seemed an entire age, the superior
court sat at Exeter, and I, with my accomplice, Smith, were brought
forth for trial. The proof of the felony being full against us, we were
adjudged guilty. Our sentence was to receive thirty five lashes
on the naked back, of which twenty were assigned to my peculiar share.
The whole were to be inflicted on the Monday then next ensuing ;
receiving which, we were to be imprisoned thirty one days longer, and to
pay, moreover, a certain sum in damages with costs ; but in default of
payment to be sold to make good the same.

After hearing sentence, Smith was recommitted to the common prison,
but I was immured in the dungeon and loaded with chains as before. On
the Monday succeeding, we were carried out to receive the destined
punishment. The stripes were laid on by one of the prisoners of the
yard, Jacob Hardy ; who, thinking to gratify the spectators, laboured
hard in fulfilling his odd vocation, administering the strange medicine,
with so lavish a hand, that one had been led to imagine he intended this
potion should be our last. But had he known the minds of the people, he
would have abated (I presume) somewhat of his exertions ; for being
afterwards blamed by several of the bystanders, for exceeding the bounds
of his duty, and his conscience (I suppose) smiting him severely, for
punishing, so greedily, two of his unfortunate fellow prisoners, and
that without offence received at their hands, he offered to treat us
with a dollar’s worth of punch ; and doubtless would have done us that
favour, had he not been discouraged by the keeper of the prison ; who at
the same time, observed with his usual ingenuity and humanity, that to
be punished was nothing, when once accustomed to the exercise.

After the receipt of the stripes, we were reconveyed to prison, there
to abide yet thirty one days, in pursuance of the order of court, and
then to be sold for damages, if unable to pay them.

Being now placed in a more eligible apartment, and exonerated of the
ponderous iron trappings I had so lately borne, of course I could take
more comfort here, than in the horrid dungeon I had just abandoned ;
this was a propitious event, affording no small consolation of mind, as
well as ease of person.

In a few days my friends supplied me with instruments, by which, with
much toil, I drilled a hole through the wall, sufficiently capacious,
when stript to the skin, for my corporal exit. The process of cutting I
had concealed so effectually, by filling up the cavities with bread,
whenever I ceased work, that none mistrusted my undertaking ; and before
the thirty one days were fully elapsed, I was prepared to evacuate that
most odious of tenements, the jail at Exeter. During all this while, no
chapman (I intend no pun) appeared for the purchase of either Smith or
me, though exposed to sale every day. But being thus ready to leave my
detested abode, I determined to improve the first convenient season for
that purpose. This occurred the ensuing evening. Yet, previous to
departure, I had a fancy for a small matter of merriment with my fellow
prisoner, Smith, who was in the cell overhead. With a view to this, I
acquainted him with my intention of quitting the premises that very
night. He was importunate to learn by what means. I replied “By the help
of the devil, who is now at my beck and call, whenever I need his
assistance.” Smith had heard it reported, that I was a wizard, and,
being always the dupe of his own credulity, had now the simplicity to
credit my ridiculous tale. Anxious of deliverance from his tedious
confinement, he begged me to extricate him in a similar way. “Yes, said
I provided you will follow, with exactitude, my directions.” He assented
: so waiting till I presumed the people of the house were sound asleep,
I called again to Smith, in a low key, and told him it was time to be
doing, and that the first thing necessary was to strip off all our
clothes, turn them inside out, and fling them out at the window. This
injunction Smith executed with alertness, and so did I (bating the
inversion of apparel) from more substantial motives. Being both stript
to the buff, I told him I should break bulk first, ten minutes after
which he might follow, by repeating the following distich, to wit :

“Come in old man, with that black ram,
And carry me out, as fast as you can.”

After giving my fellow sufferer this lesson, I crept out at the
partition fracture, and slipping on my clothes, stepped into the yard,
just under Smith’s window, who was listening at the grates, with no
small solicitude, to learn the issue of my experiment. I informed him of
my success, bade him repeat his creed, as instructed, which would
certainly procure his enlargement also. He promised a punctilious
performance, while I, without more colloquy, gathered up Smith’s
apparel, which I expected in all likelihood to need, and with it, sped
away precipitately, leaving the poor wight to mumble over his ceremony
at leisure.

Breathing once more the free air of liberty, I looked back with
horror upon the severe trials I had lately passed through, and found
sufficient cause to congratulate myself on the present happy
deliverance. Wishing to revisit Lee, I sat off for the place, but such
was my enfeebled condition, in consequence of so long and rigid a
confinement, that it was not till after great difficulty that I arrived
thither. My wife was both surprised and concerned at seeing me, so
nearly was I emaciated to a skeleton ; yet she might have expected this,
as a consequence of my starving so long amid the impurities of a
dungeon. Notwithstanding which, the natural firmness of my constitution
soon replaced both health and spirits in pristine vigor. Had I not been
a confirmed slave to vice, and dupe to folly, I should now have
attempted an amendment of my ways. The call to do this had been loud and
frequently repeated, but abject poverty treading snugly on the heels of
my late misfortunes, I discarded, of course, both delicacy and probity
in the choice of my conduct. In other words, I resumed with more daring
activity than ever, the illicit game of pilfering whatever fortune
presented or ingenuity could supply. Acquisitions of this sort
constituted the major part of my subsistence at this period, for I had
seldom respect to persons ; but roamed far and near in quest of prey. As
the vortex of my rapacity enlarged its circumference, in like ratio did
the number of my enemies increase ; they now reprobated my unjust
practices with greater indignation, and wished nothing more sincerely,
than an exemplary punishment. Their zeal, doubtless, was laudable ; yet
I may fairly aver, if in the least it can palliate my offences, that
many times, I saw no other method than theft, however horrid
the name, by which to obtain a possible livelihood, all being diffident
of trusting a man, who was ostensibly unworthy of confidence.

I might mention too, were it necessary, that I always spent my money
freely when I had it, relieved the indigent and the distressed, with the
greatest alacrity, and indeed, to the utmost of my power, when others,
in better circumstances, have refused. It appeared, on the whole, that I
received no less satisfaction in the disbursement of property, than in
its acquirement, and that I took such peculiar pains to ravish with one
hand, merely for the pleasure of refunding with the other. But I insist
not on these particulars.

About this time, chancing to call into the shop of Mr. Daniel
Chapman, in Newmarket, I received from him a smart reprimand on the
score of stealing. He also, in facetious mood, charged me never to
embezzle his property, and said, as an inducement to honesty, he would
tap my shoes. This piece of service he performed ; while I from motives
of gratitude, promised never to meddle with his substance, and was ever
as good as my word ; for, in fact, I was so handsomely treated, in all
respects, by this gentleman, that I never harboured a thought of doing
him the least injury, although opportunities were frequent.

My name, ere this, had sounded far and near, and divers people, who
had been in the habit of insulting we with impunity, began now to be
more fearful for their own interest, and more cautious of giving me
needless offence, than formerly, as thinking me very revengeful, and
capable of attempting any thing, but impossibilities ; for my own part I
was extremely well pleased with their apprehensions.

It is an old observation that, “ there are more thieves than
one ;” and really, at the period I speak of, as well as before and
after, I was charged with many thefts and misdemeanors, of which I can
plead entire innocency ; as an instance of this the following may be
adduced.

While I was last confined in the dungeon at Exeter, a certain
countryman entered the town, in quest of Henry Tufts, who, he said, had
stolen a yoke of his oxen. A gentleman present asked if he did not
mistake, as to the person of the thief. The relator said, “ No ; for he
was very confident that Tufts was the rogue, since he knew him well, and
had, by immediate pursuit, overtaken him with the oxen, and snapped a
pistol at his breast ; yet the sturdy knave escaped with the booty,
after all.” Upon this the gentleman told his informer, that Tufts was
then fast chained in the dungeon, and had been thus for more than a
month, so that it was impossible he should be the thief. He
then dismissed the accuser with this salutary admonition. “ To be
careful in future how he brought an accusation against any person till
well assured of his identity.”

About this time I came across a man, who was in possession of a set
of pictures, called shows, which were viewed by looking through
magnifying glasses, artificially disposed for that purpose. I was so
much enamoured with the sight of those rarities, that I purchased them
of the showman, at the price of thirty dollars, although, to make out
the sum, it swept away nearly the whole property of which I was master.
I was greatly fascinated with my new acquirement, and the principal
business I followed for one winter, was carrying about those
insignificant trifles, which I exhibited with great ostentation, at
about a groat a sight. But my pecuniary emoluments being in no wise
answerable to my expectations, I began to regret not only the
consumption of time, but the original purchase also. In consonance with
my feelings and situation, at that season, are the following
stanzas.

Now to and fro, thro’ snow, lo, how I go,
On hope some ore to cope for jocund show,
Tho’ soon (so sorry for old folly grown)
I would, whole tote for good, to demon thrown.

Or thus ;

Away at dawn, at dark afar and near,
At back a pack (a bauble rare and dear)
I wayward rake and take, each weary day.
Great pains, which gain a lazy lad may pay
At saddle bad, made sad, and cast at last,
At jailor L-dd (fay glad) I had all cast.

Did the foregoing rhymes require explanation or glossary, I’d furnish
the desideratum, but as whoever can supply the elipsis may comprehend
the text, and whoso cannot, may pass it over, I shall close this article
by observing, that after the consumption of much time on the aforesaid
peurile toys, to the no small detriment of myself and others; the people
in general, took it into their heads to rally me so immoderately, on the
score of my indolence and vagrancy, that, at last, from conviction of
its inutility, I grew quite ashamed of my trifling employment, and so
gladly parted with the shows for ten dollars, making a losing go, every
way, by this execrable business.

Some time posterior to all this, being on a visit at Ephraim Clough’s
in Lee, the company present started a novel diversion ; namely, each in
turn essayed to force open, with a strong and quick jerk, a sharp, half
bent jack-knife, without touching the blade. Some could do this, others
not, I tried the experiment amongst the rest, but, unhappily for me, had
the ill luck to strike the knife into the thick of my thigh, where it
stopped only by lodging against the bone. The wound was three inches
deep, and came within an ace of costing my life. I continued bleeding so
long, that my blood lost its usual colour, and I had no strength
remaining. I lay ill, with this dreadful wound, three months, before
recovery of power to walk abroad, and even then was so weak and pale,
that I more resembled a ghost, than a living person. In a word, every
one supposed the malady would terminate in a consumption and so end my
days. Judging from my own feelings, I thought it time to set my house in
order, and make some kind of preparations for departure hence. At this
discouraging crisis I happened to meet with Capt. Josiah Miles, the
great Indian hunter, who strongly advised my visiting the Indians of
Sudbury, Canada, who, he affirmed, would cure me, if the thing were
morally possible. Upon due consideration I thought best to close with
his advice, if perchance, I might surmount the long and tedious voyage.
At present I was too well conscious of my inability to attempt it, and
for that reason, concluded to abide at home a month longer, in which
interim to make all needful preparations for the journey.

CHAP. VII.

I far prefer a savage life
To gloomy cares or vexing strife.

BY the time prefixed I was equipt for
departure, and had gathered (in my opinion) such a portion of health and
strength, as might enable me to travel a few miles in a day. So bidding
adieu to family and friends, I set out on the precarious enterprize, but
the most gloomy doubts of success and uncertainty of return, were my
constant attendants on the way. I proceeded by short and slow marches,
travelling sometimes not more than a mile or two in a day. The people,
whom I visited on the road, used me, for the most part, with much
kindness, otherwise, of necessity, I must have abandoned the
expedition.

I shall not here attempt to decypher the multiplicity of difficulties
and discouragements, arising from pain, sickness, want, and sometimes
almost despair, which I encountered during this long and tedious
pilgrimage. To render an adequate description of my sufferings and
trials would far exceed my feeble ability ; suffice it to say, that,
after many and repeated efforts, I reached the Pigwacket country, where
I suspended my travels a few days, to recruit, in some degree, my
exhausted strength and spirits. Obtaining by this delay some renovation
of vigour, I proceeded to collect a few necessaries, and then prosecuted
the tardy way, till I had past the English settlements. But now was I
frequently put to my trumps to trace the most direct course toward the
Indian encampments, which, as yet, were thirty miles distant. And to
complete my distresses, I was necessitated to pass several uncomfortable
nights in the howling wilderness, where the frequent yellings of the
wild beasts inspired ideas of horror and amazement. However, after
surmounting many obstacles, I had the good fortune to procure the
company of some English hunters a small part of the remaining way.

Thus I pursued my course, ’till certain footsteps, and other
vestiges, indicated my proximity to the frontiers of the Indian
settlements. No long time supervened, ere ascending a great hill, I had
a view, for the first time, of their camps and wigwams in Sudbury,
Canada. But the uncouth appearance of those wretched habitations
inspired my imagination with a kind of awe, not knowing what sort of
reception I should find among the rude and uncultivated sons of nature,
their inmates.

Feeling much fatigued with travelling in my languid condition, I
seated myself on the brow of this eminence, to rest my weary limbs
awhile, and contemplate upon the present posture of affairs. Here I
remained devoted to serious reflection and thoughtful melancholy,
brooding over past and dreading future ills. How long I might have
remained in this pensive attitude, had not the solar orb, by hastening
to the western mountains, dispelled my reverie, and pointed out the
necessity of removal, I shall not pretend to say. Noticing at last,
however, that the close of day was at hand, and dreading to abide
another solitary night in this dreary desert, I arose hastily. When
feeling refreshed with some food I had just eaten, and with respiring
the salubrious zephyrs, that played gently through the tall waving
trees, I prepared with alacrity to surmount the remaining way. And now
descending the declivity of the mountain, I traversed the intervening
distance with all the celerity my feeble limbs could afford. Fortune
favoured my expectations, for, just as night enwrapped the earth in her
mantle of obscurity, I arrived at the nearest huts in view.

It was now the beginning of June, 1772, the trees had assumed a rich
foliage, nature wore a most pleasing aspect, and the voice of the
nightingale was melodious through the groves. The mildness of the
present evening had been joyous to me in health, but now I was unable to
relish its comforts. The whole scene was in contrast with my feelings,
since weakness and lassitude had produced a general apathy with regard
to every surrounding object.

On my arrival near the entrance of one of the wigwams, I was descried
by several of the savages, who came out, with uncouth signs and
gestures, to welcome me into their homely cabins. Being quite
unacquainted, at that time, with the Indian language, I was unable to
comprehend a single particle of their discourse ; but they presently
brought several others, who could speak English, though broken yet
intelligible. With these people I conversed several hours, informing
them of my indisposition, and how I had taken a long and tiresome
journey, on purpose to reside among them. That my motives were founded
on the hopes I had entertained of regaining my health through their
assistance. They expressed great willingness to receive me, provided
their leading men, into whose presence I was to be introduced the next
day, should have no objections.

During the first night I was treated in a friendly and obliging
manner, but the supper, which was, prepared principally, as I imagined,
for me, I by no means relished ; though out of complaisance to my host,
I endeavoured to partake of it freely, knowing that they would of
course, be offended at the omission. The repast consisted of smoaked
venison only, fried a little in fat, but without salt, bread and every
kind of sauce whatever. A considerable time elapsed before I could
accommodate my palate to such uninviting fare. The friendly behaviour of
the Indians, however, so far dispelled all apprehensions of uncivil
usage, which I had entertained so unjustly to their prejudice, that I
slept the first night with tolerable composure. My bed was composed
entirely of bear skins, that were spread on the floor for my better
accommodation.

The next day I was escorted to the chieftan’s wigwam ; this was built
in a stile superior to that of the others. It was a structure of some
curiosity, being ornamented with many rude draughts and pictures of men,
various other animals and implements of war. These devices appeared (as
was obvious) extremely magnificent in the eyes of this unpolished
people.

On my approach, their chief, whose name was Swanson, gave me a very
cordial reception, and presently ordered his domestics to prepare
dinner. Meanwhile we commenced a prolix confabulation, in the course of
which I acquainted him with my circumstances, and the design I had
formed of residing in Canada for a season. He seemed pleased with my
intentions, and gave me free toleration to abide in his tribe during
pleasure. To these instances of benignity he superadded another, which
was to enjoin Molly Occut, at that time the great Indian doctress, to
superintend the recovery of my health. At my departure he gave me a
general invitation to visit his house whenever I saw fit, or might stand
in need of his assistance, and this I assured him I should never fail to
do.

Those formalities over, I felt myself at liberty to shape my conduct,
as inclination or convenience might dictate. Recovery of health was my
first and earliest concern, so I made direct application to the lady for
such medicines as might be suitable to my complaints. She was alert in
her devoirs, and supplied me for present consumption, with a large
variety of roots, herbs, barks and other materials. I did not much like
even the looks of them ; for to have contemplated an encounter with the
formidable forrage might have staggered the resolution, doubtless, of a
much greater hero than myself. However I took the budget with particular
directions for the use of each ingredient.

My kind doctress visited me daily, bringing new medicinal supplies,
but my palate was far from being gratified with some of her doses, in
fact they but ill accorded with the gust of an Englishman. Nevertheless
having much faith in the skill of my physician, I continued, to swallow
with becoming submission, every potion she prescribed.

Her means had a timely and beneficial effect, since, from the use of
them, I gathered strength so rapidly, that in two months, I could visit
about with comfort.

Returning health inspired my breast with newborn hope, and was a
source of lasting consolation. And now curiosity prompting me to visit
the Indian settlements in this department, in order to become more
intimately acquainted with their customs and modes of life, I followed
the daily practice of traveling from place to place, until I had visited
the whole encampment, and from the best conjectures I could frame on the
subject, found there might be about three hundred inhabitants in this
quarter. The entire tribe, of which these people made a part, was in
number about seven hundred of both sexes, and extended their
settlements, in a scattering, desultory manner, from lake Memphremagog
to lake Umbagog, covering an extent of some eighty miles. Finding
travelling to agree with my feelings I continued the salutary exercise,
every day, for several months, until my health was restored in as full
and perfect a manner, as I had possessed that blessing at any former
period. This happy restoration to pristine ability I attributed
principally to the good offices of my doctoress, who during my
convalescence, was indefatigable in her care and attention. Her
character was, indeed, that of a kind and charitable woman. As a
specimen of this I will relate an incident, that took place a short time
subsequent to my arrival.

There was a certain poor, white man, who lived in Pigwacket, and had
a large family, which by reason of his indigence and the dearth of
provisions, he was quite unable to supply with food. So great was the
scarcity at that time, of bread-corn, the staff of life, that no pay
would procure it except money. Of this he was wholly destitute, so that
himself and family were reduced to great straits, and literally in
danger of starving. This man had used sometimes to visit the Indians for
the benefit of hunting, trading, &c. by which means he had
contracted some acquaintance with them, and had heard, that Molly Occut
always kept on hand a considerable quantity of money. As he knew not, in
this his extremity, what other means to pursue, he took a journey into
the Indian country, and straightway applied to Molly, to obtain a loan
of about twenty dollars, while the ensuing winter. She rallied him on
the score of his coming to borrow of the poor Indians, who (she said)
were generally despised by the white people. Nevertheless she lent him
the money, but charged him to come the next winter and hunt furs to
refund her the sum. This he promised, and performed very exactly, for
the winter following, he came sure enough, and was so lucky, as to
collect a sufficient quantity of furs to repay his benefactress, and had
remaining some overplus for the relief of his own family. But to quit
digression : I had now been in these northern regions nearly half a
year, and the warmth of summer had receded to make way for winter’s
unrelenting reign. The severity of the weather had already become
intolerable ; yet the savages seemed to pay so little regard to the cold
piercing blast, that one would have been tempted to consider them as
insensible of feeling, as their native oaks and pines. For my own part I
was inclined to keep pretty much within doors, wishing to render life as
agreeable as possible. My food which was chiefly smoked venison, had
given me for a while much horror and disgust, but by use and habit it
had grown, at length, more savoury, insomuch that I now thought it
preferable to salted provision. I procured, notwithstanding, from time
to time, a small supply of salt, corn, potatoes and other vegetables
from one or other of the natives, who were so friendly as to bestow on
me, not unfrequently, even what they needed for their own subsistence.
They thought me, perhaps, less able than themselves to dispense with
such requisites.

Since beginning to amend in health under the auspices of madam Molly,
I had formed a design of studying the Indian practice of physic, though
my intention had hitherto remained a profound secret. Indeed I had paid
strict attention to every thing of a medical nature, which had fallen
within the sphere of my notice. Frequently was I inquisitive with Molly
Occut, old Plilips, Sabattus and other professed doctors to learn the
names and virtues of their medicines. In general they were explicit in
communication, still I thought them in possession of secrets, they cared
not to reveal.

Knowing them to be extravagantly fond of rum, of which I had seen
flagrant specimens, it struck my mind, that if I could procure a
quantity of that liquor, with which to treat them occasionally, I should
doubtless obtain their favour more effectually than by any other method.
But I had no way to purcure money for the purchase, except by hunting
with the Indians or setting traps, wherefore to such expeditions I
resolved to have recourse. Already had I received pressing invitations
to accompany their hunting parties, so that (though hitherto had I
declined such proposals) I anticipated no obstacle to the accomplishment
of my design. The rigour of the winter was yet too severe for my
feelings, but as I had often found profit from being in a state of
readiness, I took care to provide a fusee, with good store of amunition.
And no sooner had the inclemency of the atmosphere abated in some
degree, than I joined a number of the hunters, who were about setting
out in quest of moose, deer and such other game, as might come to hand.
We stayed out upwards of a week ; our custom being to traverse the woods
in almost every direction, during the day, and at the approach of night,
to strike up a large fire, and lie down upon hemlock boughs, with each
man a blanket, but no other covering, than such as the canopy of heaven
afforded. To me these hardships were quite irksome ; I wished them at an
end, although we had very good success in our business, for beside
killing several moose and deer, we acquired a variety of fur animals. On
return to the camps the booty was equalized, in usual manner, among the
hunting adventurers.

After this I continued the same pursuits throughout the remainder of
the season, which ends usually in April or May, and my dividend of the
furs sold for about thirty dollars.

As divers English people used occasionally to visit us to purchase
furs and the like, I disposed of my fare to those visitants ; and among
other articles procured ten gallons of rum, with which I regaled a
number of my Indian friends, as long as it lasted. By this exploit I so
far engaged their good will and gratitude, that no sooner did I acquaint
them with my desire to learn the healing art, than they promised me
every instruction in their power, which, subsequent to this I ever found
them ready to afford.

Having thus far succeeded in my favorite scheme, I henceforth devoted
the greater part of my time to the study of Indian botany and physic,
and being naturally possessed of a strong retentive memory, I made rapid
proficiency under such skillful guides. My studies were rarely
interrupted, except when I was obliged to hunt or attend to my traps ;
but to such kind of drudgeries I was forced sometimes to submit, in
order to procure furs to purchase necessaries, the use of which I was
unable or unwilling to forego.

CHAP. VIII.

Venus presents me with a miss,
Who proves a source of present bliss;
Yet, tho’ in manners wild and rude,
Know, pretty belles, she was no prude.

NOW had the more vertical rays of
propitious Phœbus subdued the rigors of the inclement year, and
transformed the surly, hiemal blasts into pleasing zephyrous gales.
Already had he renewed the beauties of the vernal bloom, and restored to
the animate world the festive joys of a mild atmosphere. These were
circumstances most congenial to my feelings. Already had I acquired such
competent skill in the Indian dialect, as to be able to converse freely
with the natives, and had moreover formed a personal acquaintance with
most of them belonging to the vicinity, particularly so with Polly
Susap, the niece of old king Tumkin Hagen, who inhabited near the
borders of lake Umbagog. Upon this young squah, who appeared more
beautiful in my eyes, than any other female of her whole tribe, I had
placed all my desires, and bestowed much of my attention. From time to
time I had presented her with many little tokens of my love and esteem,
till, by such assiduities, I attracted her notice, and captivated her
fondest affections. From that time forth, she was always desirous of my
company, and I was much in hers. As I was a frequent visitor at her
father’s hut, we had many opportunities of conversing together, and when
I went into the forest, with Molly Occut or others, to collect
vegetables, or for whatever purpose, she was generally a sure attendant
in the train.

Her parents observed our growing partiality with much complacency,
and fondly looked forward to that epoch, when they hoped to see us
joined in the bands of wedlock. But to concur with propositions of that
nature was foreign from my wishes, since I allotted to make no permanent
residence in the society of this people.

My principal and indeed sole inducement in cultivating the friendship
of this young woman, or if you please, savage, was to remedy the want of
a female companion, while in these rude regions. It is the nature of man
to need such helps and conveniencies, as smoothe the asperities and
soften the rugged condition of life, and intercourse with the sex is not
the smallest of those advantages. I have often heard it observed of a
sailor, that he has a wife in every port, and indeed, at the time here
spoken of, I supposed myself entitled to a like privilege, though
belonging to a different element. However this might be, I successfully
prosecuted my amour with the aforesaid beautiful savage, who now
supplied to me the place of a wife, though without the fashionable
appellation. By her unwearied condescention she rendered my abode, in
this unpleasant wilderness, much more tolerable, furnishing me with many
of the comforts and necessaries of life. My frequent rambles abroad and
tedious hours at home were enlivened with her social company. Whether my
employment happened to be hunting, or visiting traps, she was a careful
follower of my footsteps, or faithful attendant at my side.

Alas ! those scenes are past and gone ; yet, even to this day, does
the recollection of them diffuse, through my bosom, a melancholy gloom,
difficult of resistance, and akin to the remembrance of departed
friends.

Amid the pursuits I have been describing, the second summer, since my
arrival here, had taken its flight, and dreary winter, robed in snow,
had again displayed its forbidding form.

It being altogether problematical how much longer I should abide in
these parts, and my desire being ardent to acquire some further
acquaintance with the situation of this extensive country, before taking
a final leave of it, I purposed availing of the very first opportunities
to explore it east and west.

Early in February, which is the commencement of the main hunting
season, I was positive several parties would set out in quest of moose
and deer, because on the improvement of this season, depends, in good
measure, their livelihood for the whole year. With a view of joining
some or other of those hunters, I carefully provided myself with
whatever necessaries might be had, and when the time for departure
arrived, we set out, loaded with steel and squat-traps, guns, hatchets,
ammunition and snow shoes ; those accoutrements making up the bigger
part of our luggage ; since with itinerary provisions we were very
little incommoded, our whole viaticum consisting of only a morsel of
salt, and a mere trifle of smoked or frozen venison. But, though our
dependence for sustenance was altogether on the fruits of the chase, yet
were we in no great jeopardy of famishing, for the sagacity of the
hunters in starting game, and their dexterity in running it down with
their dogs, far exceeds any thing of the kind known among civilized
people. Our daily stages were from twelve to twenty miles only, except
when the heat of the chace tempted us to exceed those limits, as was
sometimes the case.

What I disliked most of all, was our cold, uncomfortable mode of
lodging, which absolutely forbade the reception of much repose. Our only
accommodation of this sort was a parcel of hemlock or spruce twigs
thrown upon the snow, on which we lay down, before a large fire, rolled
up in our blankets. In this expedition, however, we met with
extraordinary good fortune, killing a variety of moose, deer, bears,
saple, minx, raccoons, wolverines, &c. and in the course of it
visiting lake Memphremagog, and the Indians residing in that
department.

After we had collected, as we supposed, a sufficient quantity of meat
and skins to serve present exigencies, and had secured, Indian like,
such materials, as were more cumbersome, we returned home, loaded with
as many of the most valuable and portable articles, as we could well
carry ; leaving moreover in bass and pine troughs (for the purpose of
freezing) several large parcels of moose and other wild meat, which we
allotted to convey home at a more convenient season.

This winter, also, I took another excursion eastwardly, visited lake
Umbagog, and made some acquaintance with old king Tumkin Hagen, who was
at the head of the whole tribe. The dress of his family was somewhat
gaudy, especially that of his wife, who was adorned with nose and ear
jewels, and bracelets on her arms ; besides a variety of trinkets and
gewgaws decorating the other parts of her body. I tarried here several
days, and received, during my stay, the politest attention, both from
the king and his household.

By these late peregrinations I had seen a considerable part of the
country, and had visited a majority of the savages belonging to the
whole horde. What I had seen and undergone in those troublesome and
fatiguing marches, had fully sated my curiosity. I desired not a
repetition of them ; wherefore, taking leave of the king, I made the
best of my way toward those Indian settlements with which primarily I
had been conversant. In a few days, looking forward, I saw the smoke of
them at a distance, and presently arrived thereat in health and
safety.

By this time I had become an able proficient in the methods of
hunting, as practiced by the natives of Canada, could construct and set
any kind of wooden or steel traps, in a very adroit and expeditious
manner, and was likewise, when attentive to such functions, as fortunate
in the acquisition of game, as were the Indians themselves ; though,
about this time, an accident happened, which gave me no small
disquiet.

On a certain day, in the beginning of April, 1774, having sojourned
in this place almost two years, I went out towards Androscoggin river,
in company with one Indian only. We carried a number of steel and
squat-traps to set for saple, and other furred animals. When placing the
machinery, I asked the Indian if he was willing to go shares with me in
the game. He shook his head, and said “ No.” We returned home, and the
next day went out, as before, to visit the traps. On arrival it
appeared, that my success had been greater than his ; but he wanted to
share stakes, though he had refused my proposal to that purpose but the
day before. I reminded him of his refusal then, and told him, on that
account, I should decline doing the like now. Not satisfied with my
reasoning, he insisted on an equal division of the game, while I as
strongly remonstrated against the impropriety of his request. At length
finding himself unable to gain my compliance, he grew infuriate, and
holding up his tomahawk, made motions, as if in the act of hurling it at
my head. At this moment I had no weapon of defence, having laid aside my
fusee to unload the traps. I was fully sensible of the imminent danger I
was in from the deadly weapon of so dextrous an adversary, and despaired
of being able to evade the blow, in case he should let fly the fatal
instrument. I had now no means of safety, but in my endeavors to assuage
his turbulence, at least till I could recover my gun. this device I
essayed to practice, by accosting him in the most soothing terms,
intreating him to do me no violence, and I would comply with his wishes.
Pacified, in some measure, by those concessions, he dropt his menacing
attitude, and stept up, as if to divide the spoil. This afforded me time
to recover my fusee, seizing which, I hastily cocked and presented it at
his breast, bidding him drop his tomahawk instantly, or I would finish
him upon the spot. Seeing my resolution the savage was appalled, and
threw away his offensive weapon, which I gathered up speedily, and then
drave him, as a prisoner, into the camps.

Each of us carried his own game, but at the moment of return, the
offended savage repaired to the rulers, and entered a complaint against
me. Whereupon, a counsel of inquiry being called, my antagonist came
forward, and accused me of maltreatment and abuse, to wit, of defrauding
him in the division of the game, of menacing his life, and of disarming
and driving him, prisoner like, into the camps. Soon as I had permission
to speak, I made my defence by stating the particulars, just as they
occurred. The assembly was attentive, and after a patient hearing of all
we had to say, the senior Indians held a sort of consultation, which
over, one of them, addressing the complainant, delivered a long
harangue, in substance, though not precisely, in the terms
following.

At the first coming of this white man to reside among us, we received
him with open arms, adopted him as a brother, and promised him
hospitality and good usage, during his sojournment in our land. You, in
particular, were not remiss in shewing him offices of kindness and
humanity. Encouraged by such tokens of our friendship, he has abode here
a long time, and we hoped his confidence in us would never be shaken,
especially by the ill treatment he should receive from any of our
nation. But we are sorry to learn, that our hopes in this have been
wholly defeated, by the late contention that has arisen betwixt you. We
have heard all you had to say (respectively) in vindication of your
conduct, and now we desire to render you both due justice, yet without
partiality to either.

It has long been the privilege of our hunters to enjoy, unmolested
the fruits and effects of their individual exertions, whether acquired
by successulf stratagem, or the more arduous toils of the chace. That
our English brother is entitled to like advantages none will deny. With
what view, then, did you require partition of his spoils ? That
a prior agreement, for that purpose, existed between you, we have no
evidence, save your own assertion, which is inadmissible, in cases of
this kind. For those reasons we consider you culpable, not only for
requesting a part of his game, but for threatening his life and safety,
seeing it was your duty to protect both.

But now listen to that part of our discourse, which more especially
challenges your attention. We, the elders and chiefs of our nation,
wishing to prevent a repetition of such disorderly conduct, and
resolving to punish its perpetration in future, do strictly prohibit
your further attempts to the prejudice of this stranger ; for in case
you be known, henceforth, to do him the least injury, we assure you
beforehand, that we will bend down a young sapling, lash your legs fast
to the top of it, and then, suffering the tree to recover its former
position, will leave you hanging by the heels, as a spectacle of
wretchedness, till death.

Such was the sentence they pronounced against the offender, and I
firmly believe they would have put it in execution, had he afterwards
rendered me the least essential mischief. This, however he attempted
not, yet I perceived his secret enmity, and was fully convinced of his
desires to obtain a bloody revenge. For that reason I was obliged to be
very circumspect in my conduct for fear of some personal damage. Though
here I would mention, that several months after, happening to have
spiritous liquor, I sent for the same Indian, and gave him a good
portion, at which mark of civility he was so highly pleased, that he
told me, he should be glad to drop the animosity, and drink with me in
friendship, which being as ready to do as himself, we agreed to bury the
hatchet, and live in amity for the future. From the time of this
settlement he appeared an altered man, and his behaviour toward me was
quite different.

This same spring I was out upon a hunting match with another Indian,
when, happening to espy a female deer at some small distance, I levelled
my piece, and dropped her dead upon the spot. The Indian ran toward the
game, but presently called aloud for my approach. Drawing near, I
discerned, in the bushes, about a rod from the deer, a large buck lying
dead also. On examination it appeared, that I had killed both of them at
the same shot, though the buck had been invisible at the time of
fire.

All this while I had pursued my courtship with pretty Polly, but her
parents began now to be importunate for our union. They urged the
unusual length of our courtship, and said it was high time to think of
marrying, if we intended to follow the worthy example of their
ancestors. I excused the matter, by saying I wished to procure, first, a
better Indian habit ; but Polly’s mother thought my dress good enough,
and insisted upon a speedy consumation of the nuptials. This pertinacity
of theirs put me to numerous shifts, but at last it was agreed to let
the affair rest, till such time, as I should procure a more fashionable
apparel, corresponding with the etiquette of the country. But here I
leave my fond companion to speak of other particulars

It had long been an approved custom, among the savages of Sudbury, to
visit Quebec, every spring of the year. All who had ability, were
desirous of performing this necessary duty. The principal motives of
such journeys were the purchase of absolution of sin, and to have the
souls of deceased friends prayed out of purgatory. Those spiritual
benefits the Roman catholic priests and friars had taught the Indians to
consider, as of very essential consequence, but for favours of this kind
they had to pay in furs or money, and sometimes at a very dear rate.
Many were the egregious frauds and impositions practiced by those
selfish, hypocritical beings upon the poor, ignorant Indians, as I have
heard them frequently complain, notwithstanding which they still
continued their visits every spring, though the travel was one hundred
and sixty miles.

However the Indians had other purposes to subserve, (beside the
spiritual ones above mentioned) by those vernal expeditions to Quebec ;
for thither, at such season of the year, they practiced the conveyance
of their winter hunt of furs, with which they purchased blankets,
muskets, amunition, and other warlike implements ; the rest of their
conveniencies being obtained from the New England settlements. About the
beginning of May, this year, a considerable party, laden with furs, as
customary, set out for Quebec, but now Molly Occut herself made one of
the itinerants. Her motives, in undertaking so troublesome an
expedition, were the pardon of her own sins, and the strong desire she
had, that the soul of her deceased husband should be prayed out of
purgatory. He had been dead several years, and she had hitherto
neglected to discharge this pious duty. Resolving to atone now for
former remissness, she set out, as above, with the rest of the company,
and with a valuable pack of furs at her back. After an absence of two
weeks they returned, bringing home divers articles, which they had in
exchange for their furs. on arrival several of the adventurers
recounted, in my hearing, a pretty ludicrous anecdote of the worthy
doctoress. It related to a transaction, that took place between her and
a certain catholic priest, at the time of his praying her husband out of
purgatory. On account of the drollery of the incident I will here insert
it.

Molly having disposed of her furs for cash, about forty dollars, was
not forgetful of the pious purposes of her journey, so with several
others, she went directly to a priest, and acquainted him with her
wishes, requesting to know the sum he should ask for performing the
godly services. The crafty priest, knowing the sum she had recently
received, demanded the whole forty dollars, and insisted on the money
being told down, previous to his entrance on the sacred duties. With
this unreasonable request she complied, though with some reluctance, and
then the treacherous old Levite, with much pretended sanctity, began the
solemn farce. In the first instance he gave her pardon and absolution,
and next undertook to petition for the departed soul of her late
husband. At length making a finish of his foolish ceremony, he informed
her, that the business was happily completed, and that her husband’s
soul was safely delivered from the bonds of purgatory. She, however, was
very particular in her enquiries, whether he were certainly clear or
not. The old priest asservated repeatedly, that he was absolutely free.
On this she scraped the money off the table into the corner of her
blanket, and tying it up was about to depart. The priest somewhat
nettled, demanded the meaning of her manœuvre, and threatened to remand
her husband back to purgatory, unless she gave him the money. Her reply
was, that she knew her husband too well to believe it in a priest’s
power to do that, for (added she) my husband was always a very prudent
man. I have often observed, when we used to traverse the woods together,
if he chanced to fall into a bad place, he always stuck up a stake, that
he might never be caught there any more. Without further ado, she made
the best of her way off, leaving the poor ecclesiastic to console
himself for the loss of the money in the best manner he could.

But to continue my own story—The late expeditions I had accomplished,
had impeded for a spell, my medical improvements ; though I was far from
losing sight of that favorite object, and now when Molly had returned
from Quebec, and I was more at leisure, I renewed my intense application
to medicinal enquiries ; generally attending my patroness, when she
visited her patients, gaining, by those means, a much better insight
into the Indian methods of cure, than had otherwise been possible.

I fondly hoped to reap the benefit of all my acquirements at some
future period, and my expectations have not been wholly abortive.
Indeed, frequently since, has the little medical skill I possessed,
procured me a night’s lodging, or a morsel of bread, which otherwise I
had dearly wanted.

The third summer since my residence in these barbarous regions now
came on apace, moderating the intemperature of the cold northern
latitudes and dissipating the huge masses of snow ; these to me were no
unjoyous circumstances, for not being so well inured to excessive
hardships, as the Indians, I frequently suffered much in their company,
not only from the inclemency of the weather, but also, from the want of
suitable apparel.

During this summer my pursuits were much of the same tenor, as those
above related. However, in the course of it, one occurrence happened
that requires a more particular recital because it affected my feelings
so greatly at the time, and my health so considerably afterwards, that
scarce ever can it be erased from my memory.

On a certain day, about midsummer, I went a distance into the forest,
with several other hunters, in quest of a little venison. In the course
of our travels I separated from the rest of the company, intending to
join it again upon occasion. Not being acquainted sufficiently with the
country, and the atmosphere becoming cloudy, I mistook the way, and
wandered about (unconscious whither) till approach of night. When not
hearing any tidings of the Indians, I struck up a fire and lay myself
down before it, in hopes to take some little repose. But in this I was
disappointed, for not being used to encamp alone in such a dismal
wilderness, I was in constant dread of being torn in pieces by the wild
beasts of prey. Their terriffic notes and echoeing responses, forming
altogether a most horrid melody, which assailed me from all points of
the compass, and sometimes within a stone’s throw of my encampment. The
night seemed almost an age, and when morning appeared, I knew not which
way to shape my course, as it still continued cloudy and rainy. What
added to my distress was, I had no sort of provision to satisfy the
craving of appetite, for by travelling and fasting, for twenty four
hours together, I already began to feel quite feeble.

Conscious it could answer no good end to remain in my camp, I set
out, early in the morning and travelled, the whole day, greatly
fatigued, without finding food, other than leaves and a few wild
berries. When night overtook me, a second time, I was still utterly at a
loss to know where I was, or which way to proceed on the morrow. With
those gloomy prospects before my eyes, I kindled up a fire to warm and
dry my weary limbs ; but hunger and anxiety became so poignant, and the
howling of the savage beasts so dismally terrifying, that I received
very little refreshment from sleep. Next morning the sun rose clear, and
I trusted in being fortunate enough, in the course of the day, to find
some settlement, where possibly the means of preserving me from
famishing might be procured. With fainting hopes indeed, but with the
utmost exertion, I took the direction most likely to answer my purpose,
but my expectations were again foiled, for the third night arrived
without bringing the smallest prospect of relief.

By this time the reader may well suppose, I was so far debilitated
with hunger and fatigue as seriously to apprehend inevitable death in
this woody labyrinth. The greater part of this night was spent in
considering what steps I should pursue on the approaching dawn. At last
I came to a resolution to steer a southerly course, which, of necessity,
must conduct me to some English settlements, before I should have
travelled, at farthest, one hundred miles. But how to accomplish a
journey of such extent, under present disadvantages, was the fearful
question. The very thought of it seemed to stagger my utmost resolution
and dishearten my wishes. Yet I thought it more eligible to proceed,
than to lie down without a struggle, and await the hour of dissolution.
Accordingly, the next morning I prosecuted my travels southwardly,
guiding my steps, by help of the sun, in the best manner possible. I
proceeded this day, as far as I found myself in any capacity of
travelling, being convinced, that of consequence I must grow weaker,
every day, upon such miserable aliments, as the wilderness afforded ;
for, as yet I had caught no living thing, not even a squirrel.

As soon as night, for the fourth time, overtook me, I struck up a
fire, as usual, by the help of my gun, which as yet though with great
difficulty, I had made shift to carry. This night was more painful to
me, than any of the preceding, for although the raging keenness of
hunger had in some measure abated, without being satisfied, yet a faint,
listless weakness, with incessant griping pains, had succeeded. The
ensuing day I renewed my journey with scarcely surviving strength to
enable me to drag along my debilitated limbs. Having travelled two or
three miles, as near as I could guess, to my great joy, I was so
fortunate as to strike into a hunting path, following which, I found the
Indian encampment from whence I had wandered.

My arrival was about evening twilight. Thus after having wandered in
the lonely deserts, without food, for five whole days and four nights,
did fortune conduct me to my kind Indian friends ; an event much to
their satisfaction, as well as my own. Upon reflection it appeared, that
my distance from the settlements had not been so remote, as my
apprehensions had painted, and that, in all probability, the different
circuitous direction, I had meandered, during the overcast weather, had
consumed the above period, as no other hypothesis would account for my
arrival at the time above noted. However this misfortune gave me a
distaste against hunting in future, and it was several months, ere I
gained the entire re-establishment of my health.

After the above, nothing memorable befel me during the residue of
that summer, but, in the winter ensuing, I began to harbor serious
thoughts of leaving this rude, though hospitable people, and of
returning to the land of my nativity. I had already seen as much of the
manners and customs of the Canadians as I wished ; had become acquainted
with their language, and had acquired (as I conceived) such a competent
share of medical knowledge, as might enable me to practice physic with
some prospect of success. For those reasons I formed a design of
quitting the country sometime in the spring ensuing, or whenever the
weather and travelling should permit.

CHAP. IX.

To ridicule we’re strongly prone,
All other customs, save our own.—

MEANWHILE, before taking leave of a people,
among whom I had continued so long, and from whom I had received,
generally speaking, much hospitality, I do not think it amiss to give a
brief account of some few of their more singular and remarkable customs,
in addition to those already noticed. In doing this I shall confine
myself to the mention of such particulars only, as ocular demonstration
will enable me to avouch.

The Indians of lower Canada are straight in stature, but of a slender
make. Their eyes are black, quick and piercing, and their features
regularly shaped. The colour of their skin is reddish, similar to that
of tanned leather. Their motions are deliberate and their dispositions,
the general affect of ignorance, prone to suspicion. They are always on
the lookout, as though apprehensive of danger ; are generally hospitable
to strangers, from whom they have received no offence ; but their thirst
of revenge, when they have experienced the least injury, is insatiable
beyond comparison. In fine, being unpolished and naturally capricious,
they are ticklish, uncertain friends, as well as dangerous enemies.

In the article of dress they are proud and gaudy, when of ability to
procure finery. Their garb is thin and loose, and various parts of the
body are suffered to remain quite naked, even in winter. Their principal
clothing however, is a small coarse blanket thrown over the shoulders,
and tied about the waist with a wampum girdle. On their head they
usually wear, in cold weather, a fur cap, and frequently a small strip
of saple or other skin round the neck. They have a sort of buskins that
reach above the knee, with mockasons on their feet ; and lastly, a small
piece of cloth, called a band, fastened round the middle. The
particulars above enumerated constitute their ordinary dress, their arms
and thighs being bare at all seasons.

They are so enured to cold and hardships, that they will lie down in
deep snows, before a fire, each rolled up in a small blanket, sleeping
comfortably all night; their diet being whatever they may chance to
catch during their rambles.

As their reliance is principally upon hunting and fishing, the plenty
or scarcity of food among them is altogether matter of uncertainty,
depending pretty much upon the fortunate successes of the chase.

When provisions are scarce, they are sometimes, from necessity
abstemious and sparing, but, on the contrary, in times of plenty, they
are constitutionally profuse and excessive, both in eating and drinking
; devouring, at such seasons, as much at once, as might have sufficed
for several days.

In winter they preserve their meat by freezing it in bass or pine
troughs. Their method of seasoning it in summer is the following ; they
cut it into quarters or joints, and hang it upon poles, three or four
feet above the surface of the earth. When collecting a mixture of old
withered leaves, dry rubbish and green boughs of pine or hemlock, they
set fire to the mass, and continue the fumigation, till it has
thoroughly penetrated the meat, and the outside becomes hard and seared.
This process requires usually two or three days and nights ; after which
their venison will keep, without putrefaction, a whole year. When I had
become familiarized to the use of smoked meat, I esteemed it more
savoury, than that which had been preserved by freezing ; as the latter,
when destitute of salt, became excessively nauseating and disgustful to
the palate.

One pernicious practice, to which those poor people were miserably
addicted, as I had frequent opportunities of witnessing, and which was
one great cause of their wretchedness, was their excessive fondness for
spiritous liquors ; with which they were supplied, for the most part, by
the Newengland traders. Such was their insatiable thirst for the fatally
intoxicating potion, that they would cheerfully barter away, in purchase
of it, their most valuable furs, even after encountering every
incredible hardship, of cold, hunger and fatigue, in their acquirement.
Frequently have I remonstrated with them on the folly and impropriety of
this conduct, but without making any lasting impression upon their
minds. Whenever they happened to procure a supply of rum, from that
moment, while it lasted, all business was wholly laid aside, and the
most horrible and alarming scenes immediately took place. At such
intervals I was obliged to be extremely cautious for fear of being
assassinated, or at least wounded in the fury of their bacchanalian
revels ; dancing, whooping, singing, fighting and drinking, making up,
alternately, the circle of their phrenzical amusements.

The slightest affront, on those occasions, was sufficient to throw
them into a state of perfect madness, in which were spared neither
friends nor foes. It was not uncommon for those demons, when enraged, to
draw their long knives, with which they went usually armed, and with
those dangerous weapons, to cut and slash one another in the most horrid
manner. This I have frequently witnessed, though I never knew any one
actually slain in any of their infernal frays. Once, however, upon a
sudden uproar, which arose about the division of some rum, one Indian
was so miserably lacerated, that he came near death in consequence. One
long gash, in particular, he received below the breast, but luckily for
him, the wound was hardly deep enough to let out his intestines. Through
the unwearied care of the Indian doctors, his wounds were in time
healed.

After those infuriate orgies had subsided, which was never the case,
till the liquor failed that inspired them, it was not unusual for those
votaries of Bacchus to recline indolently in their cabins, for several
days upon a stretch, ere they could assume prowess to shake off the
effects of their pernicious surfeit.

Respecting their religious tenets it is difficult to frame suitable
conclusions. It appeared on the whole, that they entertained some belief
of a supreme Being, but were pretty indifferent as to rendering him any
kind of worship. What little they knew of the christian religion, they
had learnt (I presume) of the Roman catholic friars, but their notions,
relative to such matters, were a confused jumble of crude, incoherent
ideas, about which they seemed to trouble their heads very little, but
would notwithstanding, now and then mention. In a word ; it appeared in
my view, that their religious system was worth very little, and their
modes of worship not much removed from a farce.

Their nuptial rites were few and simple, being only the following. As
soon as the parties had fully concluded upon the match, and relations
had accorded their consent, it was customary for the bridegroom to go
and throw a deer’s leg into the bride’s tent, after which she was wont
to throw an ear of corn into his. Those solemnities were intended as
symbolical of the appropriate duties of each, and, when duly performed,
the marriage was legally consummated. Although I have frequently been
told of the many ceremonies practiced by the Indians on such occasions,
yet the above were the only material ones occurring within my notice.
After marriage they generally hold their festivals and days of visiting
and rejoicing. When they sleep together the man’s head is placed at the
woman’s feet, and vice versa. This position, however, I presume, is not
always the same. Before marriage they are a little prone to
incontinence ; but very few instances of matrimonial infidelity are to
be found among them, as they entertain a peculiar veneration for the
sanctity of the nuptial covenant, and severely punish its violation by
their laws, which require that the end of the culprit’s
NOSE shall be amputated.

When they lose a friend or relative, by death, their grief and
lamentations are great and unfeigned. They spare neither cost nor pains
to celebrate the funeral obsequies of the defunct with all possible pomp
and solemnity. I have, a number of times, partly out of curiosity, been
present at those solemn spectacles, and have observed them with some
attention. There is scarce any end to the multiplex ceremonies, they
think necessary to perform at the time of interment. The most material
of which are the following. Having carried the corpse to the grave, they
lament over it a while with loud complaints and bitter howlings, which
are accompanied, also, with extraordinary gestures and violent
contortions of body. This over, they place, in the grave, the deceased,
with his body in an erect posture, wrapped up in a blanket, and dressed
out as usual. They then put his fusil into his arms, his pipe into his
mouth, and deposit, by his side, a sufficient quantity of tobacco,
powder, balls, steel, tinder and provisions ; these were undoubtedly
designed to enable him to perform the long and tedious journey he had to
encounter. Having done every thing which they suppose might contribute,
in the least, to his benefit or comfort, they cover him up, in an
artificial manner, with wood, stones and earth, taking care, that the
body be incommoded with none of the materials. In this manner are the
rites of sepulture executed.

After performance of the above and other ceremonies (all being deemed
indispensable) the spectators are allowed to return back, and partake of
a feast provided on this solemn occasion.

Those being the most remarkable usages I observed while residing in
Canada, I shall add no more, but in a laconic manner, proceed with my
own history, as usual.

It being my conclusion, as already stated, to quit these territories,
and return to New-Hampshire, as soon as the travelling should become
good, which I supposed would be the case, sometime in the month of May,
ensuing ; and that time drawing near, I began to make preparations for
departure. Calling to mind, however the many kindnesses I had received
from these uncultivated people, I had a desire before bidding a final
farewell to the country, to treat for the last time, such of them, as
had conferred on me the greater obligations.

To this end I purchased five gallons of rum ; when, inviting a round
number to my hut, I gave it them to drink, with which token of civility
they were extravagantly gratified.

I also acquainted Polly Susap, (my marriage with whom I had by
various devices procrastinated to this period) that I was under an
indispensable necessity of returning to my native land, for the purpose
of settling business of importance to myself there. At these tidings she
appeared greatly afflicted ; and, to console her I was compelled to make
reiterated assurances, that I would return to her embraces, on the wings
of love, the first favourable moment.

Thus having made every necessary arrangement, I was ready for the
prosecution of my journey. Wasting no time, therefore as the footing was
already tolerable, I took leave of my old friends, and departed from
Sudbury Canada, on the way towards Lee, the place of my ancient abode.
This occurence took place about the last of May, 1775, after a residence
with the Canadians of nearly three years. Several of them escorted me
about fifty miles, that is to say, as far as Pigwacket, where, with some
fur skins, I purchased two gallons of rum, and a large roll of tobacco,
both of which articles I presented my Indian guides, and accepted their
hearty thanks in return.

And now having been so long absent from my family, and friends at
Lee, I felt an ardent desire to visit them without longer
procrastination. Accordingly, being in good health and spirits, I
pursued my way so briskly, as soon to reach that town, where I had the
satisfaction of finding all my concerns well.

As my friends had received no certain intelligence respecting me,
during my long absence, they had begun to foster doubts of my welfare ;
so that my sudden appearance, at this time, was a matter of surprise to
them all ; nor was it diminished by the account I gave them of the
various scenes I had passed through, while resident in Canada.

Upon inquiry I now learnt, that, for the greater part of her three
years abandonment, my wife had been reduced to many difficulties to
sustain herself and children, in any tolerable manner. At hearing those
things I was exceedingly chagrined, though there seemed little
probability that her condition would be meliorated by my present return.
In fact, the wilds of Canada were but a scurvy place, in which to gather
riches ; so that I had come home, save a store of health, as empty
handed, as I went. To this may be added, that by so long an abidance
among the slothful Indians, I had contracted (it was obvious) a habit of
indolence, that unfitted me for laborious employments, and this at a
time when unwearied efforts were necessary for the support of myself and
family.

NARRATIVE OF HENRY TUFTS.

BOOK II.

CHAP. I.

Lo ! martial clarions, sounding from afar,
Excite the supine, and arouse to war.

DURING my Canadian adventures, the horrors
of a civil war had burst forth between England and her colonies in
America. In consequence of this, orders for the enlistment of troops to
join our armies were frequent in most places. Being by nature volatile,
and prone to novelty, I was strongly impelled to become acquainted with
a military life. This my fancy pourtrayed, as the best method of
supporting self and family, in a way consistent with beloved ease, and
at the same time, as, certainly more honorable than thievish pursuits,
though a soldier in fact, may be a thief.

Soon, therefore, I left home, and meeting with Captain Clarke,
enlisted into his company for two months. We were marched directly to
Portsmouth, and employed in the building and repairing of forts, in the
vicinity of that town. I served as cook to part of the company, and
tarried the whole time of enlistment, without desertion.

One night, however, as I was travelling in the streets of
Ports-mouth, it was my ill luck to meet with two riflemen, one of whom
accosted me with “ You are the devil, that served us so to
day.” Not knowing to what he alluded, I inadvertently replied
“ Yes.” At which without more ceremony, he knocked me down with
a club ; striking out two of my foreteeth, and leaving me for dead in
the street. Soon, however, recovering some use of my senses, I made
shift, with very great difficulty, to reach a neighboring house, where I
tarried till morning. Being determined upon revenge, I loaded my gun at
the moment I awaked, and issued forth in quest of the assassin. I found
him at Tilton’s tavern, and resolved to shoot him instantly. In the
broad entry, I met Gen. Sullivan and Col. Cilley, who, having heard of
the abusive treatment I had received, suspected my real motives, and
demanded the surrender of my arms. Instead of immediate compliance, I
shewed my wounds, related the whole adventure, and protested my
determination to have recompence. The general said the villain deserved
chastisement, and should receive it ; still peremptorily ordering me to
deliver up my weapons. Not daring to disobey the general, who was our
commander in chief, I complied with his injunctions though with
reluctance. At that moment, Col. Cilley approached the rascal, who had
thus maltreated me, belaboured him soundly with his sword, and ordered
him under guard, to the jail in Portsmouth. There he was confined ; I
know not how long, but my term of enlistment having expired, I returned
home to Lee, and spent several weeks to little or no advantage. After
this, being solicited by Capt. Denbo, I enlisted into his corps for two
months more, and was directed to repair to Winter hill, near Boston.
Here our troops fared, at times, so slenderly, that we had to atone for
the dearth of allowance, by stealing pigs, poultry, and such like
articles.

One night I went to Mystic, with two others, and stole a number of
dunghill fowls. Just as we had caught and killed them, the owner
happened to hear a disturbance among his poultry, and ran out to
discover what the fracas might be. I happened to espy him, just as he
was stepping out of doors ; so to give my comrades a better chance to
secrete the plunder, I marched up to the farmer, and made enquiry for
some cider. He said he believed somebody had been stealing his poultry.
“ Nothing more likely, (quoth I) for just now I saw several
fellows running down street.” “ Damn them, said he, I
believe they have carried off some of my fowls.” Uttering this, he
invited us into the kitchen, and treated us plentifully with cider ; we
then bid him adieu, and marched off jovially with our feathered booty.
On the way back to quarters we picked up a couple of geese more, and
made a delicate feast on the whole the same evening ; but, the next
morning, the proprietor of the geese paid our commissary a visit, and
complained to Capt. Denbo of his loss. The captain told him to search
where he pleased, so the farmer made inquiry, till weary of the pursuit
; but not being able to track his property, or fasten the theft upon any
one, we had permission to drive him out of the camp : this we exultingly
put in execution, pelting him unmercifully with snow balls, and using
him, in other respects, I must confess, extremely ill. At the expiration
of the two months I was dismissed with the commendation of having
behaved as a good soldier, and returned to Lee.

I staid at home but a short space, ere I once more enlisted, for
other two months, under Capt. Folsom, and marched back to Winter Hill.
In a few days our company was stationed at Cambridge college, and
assisted in building the forts at Lechmore’s point ; but, while engaged
in this business, we were forced to submit to much hardship, and were
extremely exposed to the fire of the enemy the whole time. Provisions
being also scarce, we were reduced to half allowance, and obliged to
spend part of our wages to prevent absolute starvation.—Not relishing
such short commons, I resolved to trick, if possible, something out of
the commissary, whose name was Smith. Accordingly, with the connivance
of several of the subaltern officers, I went and drew our company’s
quota of pork for the day, and conveyed it to the place of destination.
In a few minutes I returned back to the commissary’s quarters, who was
yet dealing out provision, when spying on the head of a barrel, a large
portion of the side of a hog, weighing about forty pounds, I called out
in Mr. Smith’s hearing, to James Hall, one of our company, saying, “ You
lazy devil, why don’t you take away our meat ? You expect me to do the
whole drudgery, but I’ll see you hang’d first.” The commissary, who
heard this rough greeting, turned about in a pet, exclaiming, “ What’s
your meat here for ? If you don’t take it out of my way in a twinkling,
I’ll lay an embargo on the transport.” As I was to the full as anxious
for the speedy removal of the nuisance, as the gentleman himself could
be, I thrust the pork through with a stick, in which manner, Hall and I
lugged it off very triumphantly, thus easing the unsuspecting commissary
of the incumbrance in a trice.

As our wants had been pressing, the officers of the company were by
no means offended at my successful stratagem, justly concluding we
should need a moderate quantity of rum, while devouring this
acquisition ; I told them I would undertake to provide that desideratum
likewise. So running out of doors with much alacrity, in order to find a
suitable tool to dispatch upon the embassy ; whom should I meet with but
old Hall, the father of him abovenamed. Without preface, I requested him
to go to the sutler’s, and get us a gallon of rum, but he declined,
unless I would furnish him with the money. As it happened I was
destitute of the necessary evil, but knowing Hall to be an illiterate
man and very ignorant, I drew from my pocket an old summons, which had
been served on me for debt some time before. Presenting this, I told him
it was a four dollar bill, and desired him to procure me the rum with
all speed, and return the change. His scruples being now removed, he set
off to execute his commission, while I, knowing the imposition must be
detected by the Sutler, and wishing to make both ends of my project
meet, dispatched after Hall another man (whom I let into the secret)
with directions to bring away the rum at the moment of its delivery, and
before Hall should present his old summons to the tapster. My envoy
arrived in the nick of time, and fulfilled articles to a punctilio ; but
scarce was his back turned, when Hall pulled out the supposed bill to
make payment. The sutler, not being familiarized to such odd kind of
money, demanded its value. Hall replied it was a four dollar bill, and
requested his change. At this the sutler, who was an arch blade, had
much ado to repress risibility, but being willing to carry on the joke,
and knowing hall to be a responsible man, told him he was unable to
break the bill just then, but would charge the rum and take pay another
time. With this answer, Hall went away entirely satisfied, and very
honestly returned me the old summons, together with a history of his
proceedings ; and here the affair rested, for he never discovered the
cheat, till called upon by the sutler to make remittances.

We regaled ourselves like lords upon these goodly things, which we
devoured with as keen avidity, as though they had been acquired ever so
honestly, while I received the applause of every guest, as well for my
zeal, as ingenious contrivance.

Much of a piece with the above was the rest of my conduct, till my
discharge and return to Lee. Soon after my arrival at the place last
mentioned, I went to Newmarket, where being bantered to wrestle, I
accepted the challenge ; but, some how or other, my antagonist’s knee
was so badly sprained, by a fall I gave him, that he was wholly a
cripple for six months, and had a stiff knee ever afterwards.

I was, at this time of life, both strong and athletic ; valued myself
much, as a wrestler, and was to boot, quite fond of this exercise,
which, however, is a pernicious one, and attended with evil
consequences, as experience has proved. A few of the misfortunes, that,
first and last, have befallen me, while pursuing these practices, I will
here enumerate. At one time I had my wrist put out of place by wrestling
; at another, one of my arms was broken ; at a third my elbow joint was
dislocated, after which my collar bone was broken, and again two of my
ribs ; all done, at different times, by wrestling.

About this period I went to Wallingford in Vermont, where at the
raising of two buildings, was a great wrestling match. A certain mulatto
man threw all out who had the hardiesse to engage him. At his
success he exulted immoderately, and continued calling out to the
company to bring in their trash. I had been standing, as a
quiet spectator the whole time, without a wish to intermeddle in the
business. But at length a number of the bystanders requested me to enter
the lists. I declined, to little purpose ; they still absolutely
insisted upon my taking a turn with the champion, who was yet in
possession of the ring, and boasting of his prowess. At last, to gratify
the company, I yielded to their persuasions, and approached the ring. My
opponent, vaunted excessively, accosting me in terms none of the
politest. We engaged with equal animosity, but I had the satisfaction to
bring him upon his back, twice successively. He insisted upon a third
trial ; I complied, but now my antagonist was more unsuccessful than
before, for finding himself likely to fall, he clapt out his hand to
prevent it. At that moment I struck, his arm with my foot, and snapt it
short off. This, for the present, cured my hero of his athletic
disposition, but I was seriously agitated at his misfortune, and the
more so, as I had been the unlucky cause of it. No surgeon being near, I
undertook the office of setting the bone, and performed it adroitly ;
three months, however, elapsed, as I afterwards learnt, before the
fellow was capable of ordinary labour.

At another time I wrestled with a black fellow (belonging to Col.
Smith, of Newmarket) when, unluckily, he was so much hurt by the receipt
of a fall I gave him, that he died within the first fortnight. I
understood that the poor fellow did not acquaint his master with the
true state of the affair, but pretended to have fallen from a hay loft ;
yet the fact was, as here represented.

The above tragical accidents, though occurring at different periods,
I have preferred bringing into one point of view, the better to
illustrate the melancholy effects of wrestling, and as a caveat to
others to avoid similar pursuits. In short so many were the mischiefs
continually betiding myself and others in consequence of such pernicious
exercise, that at length, though much in vogue, they became my aversion
and abhorrence.

CHAP. II.

With Mars I quarter spurious grace and zeal,
And, Proteus like, a novel semblance steal.

SINCE my return from Canada, I had
followed, occasionally, the practice of physic, more especially when
absent from Lee ; making use of Indian medicines, and observing their
methods of cure. By such expedients I gained, now and then, a few
shillings, and was eased of many itinerary expenses, to boot. But the
æra now commenced in which I was to appear on the theatre of action in a
new character. This originated from a desire for novelty, and partly
from a strange notion that took me of assuming the deportment of a
religious convert. My new metamorphosis was quite sudden, and had its
rise from the following circumstances.

A set of religionists, stiled new-lights, who pretended to far
greater sanctity than their neighbors, had arisen of late in divers
places, especially in the town of Lee. The enthusiastic meetings of
those zealots I had frequently attended from motives of curiosity, and
to their manner of praying and exhorting had paid the minutest
attention. As I was possessed of mimic powers, and had a tenacious
memory from my cradle, I was quickly in capacity to imitate their
canting tone, and to adopt the tenor of their discourses with precision.
It was even thought by some of my cronies, that, in the gift of
exhortatien, I far surpassed all in the town of Lee, or, indeed,
elsewhere. I felt a degree of exultation at their encomiums, and having
a mind to view the country, and try my skill as a preacher, I purchased
me a new suit of black, a large Scotch plaid gown, and cocked up beaver,
though, to tell truth, these articles squeezed my purse dry in the
purchase. But I regretted nought, since I now fancied myself equipped to
a T, and had moreover sanguine hopes of some lucky reimbursement. I
believe my family admired at my strange conduct, and were desirous to
find out what was going forward ; but I kept my views the profoundest
secret.

Not daring to exhibit any religious pretences near home, I set off,
directly, in the ministerial habiliments abovementioned, for the
Kennebec country, where I expected to be an entire stranger.

Advancing as far as a place called Little Falls, in the
district of Maine, I made a stop, and attended a week-day lecture. Here
one Mr. Gould was the officiating minister. Every person present,
judging by my clerical dress, took me for a real priest also ; and after
the religious exercises were nearly finished, Mr. Gould observed, that
there was room for any person to speak, who might see occasion. Thinking
this a convenient opening in which to display my talent at exhortation,
I arose, and, with much outward zeal, addressed the assembly in a speech
of considerable length. When I had made an end of speaking, I resumed my
chair, and the pious parson, rising in turn, averred, that I had
preached as loud a sermon to his soul, as ever he had witnessed in his
life, and that he verily believed I was a heaven born saint, if there
were one upon the footstool. In reply to this, a young woman, by name
Peggy Cotton, who was a member of the same church, rose also, and
exclaimed, “ He a saint ? so is the devil incarnate ; for my own part I
have no belief in his pretended sanctity, let him profess what he will.”
At this abrupt declaration, the ghostly priest was much astonished, and
demanded the reason of her jealousy. “ If I must explain myself further,
added she, permit me to say, that my opinion of this man is derived from
his conduct, as it is said a tree may be known by its fruit. I took
notice, on his entrance into the meeting, that he first surveyed my
face, then my feet, then my whole person, in such a carnal way and
manner, that I perceived he had the devil in his heart.” This
accusation, which I confess was literally true, disordered my muscles
not a little, though I could not but admire at the intuitive sagacity of
the young gypsy, who was able to hit off, so adroitly, my real
character. In short, I felt myself in an awkward situation, and knew not
what reply to bestow upon her accusation, when, luckily, I was relieved,
in some degree, from the perplexing hobble, by the well meaning parson,
who, at this instant, took part in my defence. He reprimanded, in severe
terms, my fair accuser, for harbouring an idea so greatly to my
disadvantage, and on no better foundation than suspicion, which is
frequently fallacious. Resuming courage at this diversion in my favour,
I seconded the parson in a similar strain, and expatiated on the
excellency of christian charity and forbearance. As two against one are
odds at tennis, so poor Peggy, finding her ground untenable against
both, prudently withdrew from the meeting, and left me master of the
field, as well as argument. This flurry having subsided, the people were
about to depart ; but the reverend priest invited my tarrying at his
house all night ; I accepted of the courtesy, and received the most
polite treatment. The next morning, bidding my kind host adieu, I
journeyed on still eastwardly ; and now, taking a retrospect of the
occurrences of yesterday, I thought I had succeeded tolerably well in
this my first ministerial coup d’ essay, notwithstanding the
little rub I had met with from female observation. Accordingly I was
bent on trying the event of a second experiment, if a suitable
opportunity should occur. While such thoughts occupied my brain, I
jogged on, and, as things happened, was present at another meeting the
ensuing sunday, where, at the close of service, I gave the auditory so
pathetic an admonition, as drew tears from the eyes of several. In fine
; exhorting and praying, either in public congregations or private
families, was my daily practice during this whole tour, which as now
appeared, I had spun out far beyond my original plan or intention.
Therefore, after so long a time I returned to Lee, well satisfied with
my novel adventures, and the more so, since what with preaching, and
what with doctoring, I had made out to fare splendidly, and to bring
home a seasonable relief for domestic exigencies.

In the course of a day or two, (it being now midwinter 1777) I went
to Greenland, and spying a bee-hive, (the property of Dr. Weeks) in a
tangible predicament, I made a halt while evening, and then conveyed the
prize to the house of a friend, where we shared the contents between us.
A few days after, being at Folsom’s tavern in the same town, I was met
by the Doctor, who not only charged me with stealing the hive, but
threatened my commitment to prison. I found he watched my motions very
critically, but, while he, with his adjutants were preparing to execute
their menaces, I jumped out at a back window, fled to parson
M’Clintock’s garden, and there concealed myself in a cluster of bushes.
The doctor, with his whole party, followed hot foot, but while they were
eagerly exploring every cranny of the parson’s precincts, I slipped off
unnoticed, reached the great bay, crossed over on the ice, recovered
safe home, and met with no further obstruction on the same score
afterwards.

Subsequent to this, I ventured nocturnally to Portsmouth, in hopes of
meeting with some windfall there ; but discovering no prospect of that
kind, I wheeled to the right about, and set off under shroud of darkness
for Stratham, where I had several trusty associates. Not far from
Portsmouth I drew near a certain gentleman’s seat, which I had often
visited before. Here I made a halt, when feeling a sharp desire for some
kind of food, as I had been fasting for many hours together, it
occurred, that I knew of a horde of apples and pears not far distant.
Some of those I intended to obtain ; so I groped about, till, as I
thought, I had found the spot where they lay ; but after all met with no
small resistance in breaking into the deposit. At last, however, I
effected that purpose, and entered a dark subterraneous cavity. Without
delay I fell to searching about, in expectation of finding, among the
rubbish, something to assuage hunger ; but, in a minute or two, I
stumbled upon some old trumpery, that at first touch seemed to give a
hollow, clattering sound. I pressed on, intending to explore the
premises thoroughly, when in fumbling about I presently discovered, that
I had got hold of a great coffin, which stood in one corner of the cell.
The fact was, I had broken, thus heedlessly, into an old, crazy tomb,
where lay interred a grandmother, and her daughter. It will be hardly
possible to form an idea of my surprise, my utter astonishment, when I
found myself environed with those frightful inhabitants of another world
; for a few moments I was unable to move hand or foot ; literally
speaking “ my hair stood on end, and my voice clave to my jaws.” I
feared to retreat, lest the old lady and her daughter should muster arms
to obstruct my exit. At last, however, I recovered motion, and with a
bound, evacuated the horrid domains, leaving those tenants of the tomb
to enjoy henceforth their repose unmolested. With tremulous steps I
reclaimed the highway, and without veering to the right or left, passed
on, till I found a welcome asylum in the bosom of my own family.

During my present continuance about home, I perpetrated a variety of
thefts of minor consequence ; but being desirous of brighter
atchievments, I digested the scheme of journeying westwardly, in like
manner as I had lately travelled east. Leaving Lee, in pursuance of this
arrangement, I passed from place to place, appearing sometimes in the
character of a physician, and sometimes of priest, as best suited my
purposes ; which practice I continued till I had strolled to Norwalk in
Connecticut.

The science of deception, as my readers must suppose, had been ever
my favorite study, and, among other acquirements, I had learnt to
disguise a horse so artificially, by various methods, most frequently by
the help of different paints, that the owner, to have known his property
again, must have had uncommon sagacity. A trick of this kind I put in
practice on the present occasion ; for happening to meet, one evening,
with a valuable horse belonging to one Johnson, I did not lose the
propitious moment, but seized the prize, and rode him to a secluded
place, where I so altered him, by painting his face white, spotting his
feet and legs, and clipping his mane and tail, that he had altogether
another appearance.

The next day I was overtaken on the road by Johnson himself, who, on
missing the horse, had set out in quest of him and the thieves. He
surveyed the nag repeatedly, but never recognized his property. We
travelled in company several miles, and then parted without his
entertaining the smallest suspicion of the deceit. The horse I kept but
a day or two longer, for not daring to appear with him at Lee, I sold
him for the money, and with it repaired thither.

Shortly after this, I was taken by one Cilley and Butler, who gave me
to understand, that I must attend them to Andover. I requested to know
on what emergency, and was shewn an advertisement purporting, that a
man, named Henry Tufts, had enlisted as a soldier under Lieut. Frye (a
recruiting officer, for the Ohio) but had absconded. The deserter was
described as light haired, and having lost his foreteeth ; a description
completely applicable to my person. Being conscious I had enlisted with
no man breathing, since the two months service under Capt. Folsom, I was
much at a loss to account for this strange coincidence, but was positive
there must have been some mistake or other in the business. I told
Cilley and Butler to that amount, and remonstrated against the measures
they were taking, but giving no heed to my assertions, and wishing to
obtain, forsooth, the reward offered for the deserter, they enforced my
departure for Andover.

I was carried before Lieut. Frye, of that town ; by whose papers it
appeared, that some person, calling himself Henry Tufts, had enlisted
for the Ohio, and had actually drawn his bounty money, blanket, &c.
I informed Frye, that some impostor, allured by the bounty, had imposed
upon him by the assumption of my name, but that I was entirely innocent.
Frye was at a stand, but conceived I must be the identical person who
had enlisted, yet would not be altogether positive. As it happened,
another gentleman had been present, who being sent for and asked the
question, replied that I was not the man who enlisted, which decided the
controversy at once. I was discharged, and received from Cilley and
Butler the sum of four dollars, which was some indemnification for my
time and trouble, and the only reward they acquired for their officious
conduct.

I posted home ; but it seemed at this juncture, as if evil was indeed
determined against me, for directly upon the back of my last
misadventure, I met with further molestation, which was briefly as
follows.

One afternoon, I set out with two others, for the purpose of catching
fish, and, as it happened, we staid out all night. Early the next
morning I arrived home, and presently after received a visit from one
Ichabod Hilton of Newmarket, who, coming to my door, vociferated loudly,
“ It is you I am after.” Supposing he intended I should help him on his
farm at Lee, as was sometimes my practice, I made answer, “ I can’t help
you to-day, for I was out all last night.” “ I know that,” replied he ;
and without further ceremony, he burst into the house, with several
followers ; seized, instantly, my person, and carried me before Walter
Bryant, jun. Esq. where I learnt, that while I was on my fishing
excursion, some ill minded persons had broken into Hilton’s cellar, and
stolen thence nearly a barrel of pork, being all he possessed in the
world. Hilton, as was natural enough, suspected me to be the thief, and
such were the reasons for the strenuous measures he had then taken.

Justice Bryant gave me but a slight examination, for finding no
damning proof, he rather advised my being forwarded to Exeter,
to the end that some further council might be had on the trial. This
expedient was adopted, and I was escorted to the complainant’s house,
where I was closely guarded while dinner was preparing. In the interim,
I sent for one of my fishing adventurers, in order to prove an
alibi (not an alibo ;) my witness came and placed
every circumstance in its proper point of view, so that Hilton ; who was
at length convinced of my innocence, waved further process, and gave me
a cordial dismission.

Three days after this, the stolen goods were discovered in an old
cellar, in Hora’s woods, so called, by Hilton himself, who afterwards
laid in wait near the spot, and was so lucky as to catch two of the
thieves, the father and son. They were both cast into Exeter jail, and
the old man was constrained to sacrifice a yoke of oxen, and receive
nineteen lashes in the bargain, before obtaining his release.

No sooner did I escape from Hilton’s clutches, than I made a cruise
to the Isle of Shoals, distant from Portsmouth about nine miles ; my
purposes being twofold, the one, to catch a few fish, the other, to
traffic a small matter with the inhabitants of those sterile rocks. Our
crew, four in number, met with ample success, as well in the business of
fishery, as in our other undertakings ; but, on return homeward, it was
our mishap to be suddenly overtaken by a cruel and distressing storm. It
would be in vain to attempt a description of its fury, or of the fears
and sufferings of our little company. Suffice it to say, that, at last,
after every fatiguing exertion, we made shift to recover land, but were
more dead than alive in consequence of the disastrous voyage. As this
had been the first, I resolved it should be the last time, of my
trusting to so treacherous an element as the ocean, unless driven
thereto by imperious necessity ; although I well knew that he who was
born to be hanged would never be drowned.

At this epoch, one Ephraim Clough, of Lee, made me a proposal to
carry on his farm at Canterbury, on terms so advantageous, that I
hesitated not to close with his offer, and to remove my family thither
with all convenient brevity. My new place of abode bidding fair to be
productive of many advantages, I applied to business with much
assiduity, and amongst other pursuits, drove a pretty brisk traffic in
buying and selling horses and neat cattle. One day I set out on a
speculating tour, and journeyed on as far as New Concord. Here I met
with one Eastman, who took a fancy to my horse, which indeed was an
excellent one. After chaffering awhile, he bid me in exchange for him,
an aged mare (on which he lavished many encomiums) and his note of hand
for forty shillings, payable at a short day. With this proffer I
closed ; but, on my passage homeward, discovered, to my mortification,
that my purchase was hardly worth picking up in the street, for she soon
tired, and, what was worse, had been wind broken, and otherwise
essentially damaged. I was much chagrined at the loss of my horse, but
well knowing that recantation was out of the question, I concluded to
sit down easy, and make the best of a bad bargain. A while after, upon
inspection of the note, I found it had been written for forty
dollars, instead of forty shillings. This had been
Eastman’s mistake ; but I meant to profit of the circumstance, so far,
at least, as to bring him to an equitable compromise. With a view to
this, I paid him a visit, acquainted him with the fact, and demanded
payment, which he refused, being then quite intractable ; but at length
finding himself caught, he paid me twenty five dollars for the
redemption of his note, which restored harmony between us, but concluded
our dealings.

In the course of six months, while residing at Canterbury, I bought
and paid for fifty acres of wild land, though afterwards being offered a
small farm much to my liking, I sold it, and every other article I could
spare, for paper money, intending to collect a sufficient sum for the
purchase of the farm in view ; yet, after all, the owner and I differing
a mere trifle in the price, we never made out to finish the bargain. I
kept the money on hand, as many wise people have done, for some time,
during which it depreciated, at such a rate, that I eventually lost the
major part of my little all. But why do I complain of this, since
similar indeed has been the fate and issue of my every enterprise
through life ?

Being now reduced to pretty great straits to make out a subsistence,
and meagre poverty staring me in the face, I went to Lee, and carried
away, clandestinely, a notable quantity of flax, with several other
articles. The owner suspecting that Tufts must be the thief, followed
post haste, and took me prisoner. I was arraigned before
justice Batchelder of Loudon, where the proof being sufficient, I was
driven to a compromise, which cost me in the end, a very good yoke of
oxen.

I was not, however, so far discouraged by those reiterated
misfortunes, as to remit any part of my exertions in the retrieval of
them. On the contrary ; I applied, with redoubled diligence, to my
farming and healing business, alternately, just as occasion called ; and
fortune so far smiled upon my honest endeavors at agriculture, as to
send me a plentiful crop the same year, which caused me to forget, in a
manner, all former losses and inquietudes. But the present interval of
seeming prosperity vanished more rapidly, than the morning dew before
the solar beam, by the intervention of disaster more destructive in its
consequences, than any I had lately experienced. While I was absent on a
journey, my house accidentally caught fire, and was burned to the
ground. In it were consumed all my household furniture, meat, corn, and
indeed, every article I possessed ; it being in the autumn of the year
1778 (according to my chronology) when the conflagration took place, I
lost a sufficient quantity of provisions to have sufficed my family the
whole year. I had earned the little I then lost by industry ; yea, by
the sweat of my brow. It was my all. I must have been callous and devoid
of feeling, to have been insensible to so bitter a calamity ! feel it I
did, with anguish and despondency of mind.

The above dismal catastrophe compelled me to move back to Lee, where
I undertook to manage my father’s farm for one year. But no long time
elapsed, before I chanced to fix my eye upon a likely, young mare, that
belonged to my townsman, James Davis. This beast struck my fancy so
forcibly, that I coveted the conversion of her to my own use, though
decidedly, a transgression of the tenth commandment. Without loss of
time, I laid a stratagem to steal and ride her away to Norwalk in
Connecticut, that town being upwards of two hundred miles distant. All
this I executed successfully, and there swapped her for a sightly horse,
which I bestrode, and trotted toward West Point, where lay a part of the
American army. My only motive in this portion of the journey, was to
visit my brother Eliphalet, who was a soldier in that quarter.

On the road I met a man riding express, who having tired his horse,
was importunate to exchange him for mine, averring the urgency of doing
the business in a minute, if at all. Thinking to take advantage of his
necessity, I demanded as much boot, in cash, as my own horse was
reasonably worth, which he, having no other resource, was obliged to
tell down. Elated at so lucky a windfall, I jogged on slowly, (though in
prime spirits,) till I alighted at a tavern in the town of Woodbury,
where I put up for the night.

The landlord and his wife were absent from home, and the woman, who
was left in charge of the house, being immoderately fond of a cherishing
glass, she, with the other domestics, made so great a clatter all night,
that I took very little repose. In the morning I ordered out my horse,
and called for the reckoning, which being shewn by the hostess, I handed
her a fifty dollar bill. She took it, but being much intoxicated with
her morning draught, as well as evening debauch, she gave me back two
hundred and fifteen dols. by way of change. I asked, if she had made no
mistake. She damn’d me, and said I had better call her drunk ; adding, I
had not received my proper due by ten dollars ; but, on account of my
insolence, she would pay me nothing more, till my return from the camps,
nor even then, unless I asked her pardon. Hearing this, I begged
forgiveness, and she, in token of reconciliation, presented me with a
gill of rum ; but said, for her word’s sake, she must withhold the ten
dollars till my homeward return. On this I left the house, and presently
perceiving that my new horse was as good a nag, as legs e’er cross’d, I
soon reached a place called Soldiers’ Fortune, near West Point, where I
saw my brother Eliphalet, with whom I tarried one night. I had brought
him a pair of shirts, but he would receive only one, having an ample
supply already ; the other I sold to sergeant Hodgdon, and took
seventeen cartridges and a quarter of a pound of powder in part pay.

Betimes in the morning I quitted the camp, with intent to return to
Newhampshire, but had been gone but a few minutes ere one Dockum, who
had seen me purchase the cartridges, went and informed Col. Reid, that I
had been buying up the soldiers’ ammunition. On this information the
Colonel dispatched one sergeant Fowler, with a file of men, in pursuit
of the transgressor. They overtook me at a tavern, a few miles from the
army, where I had stopped to take breakfast, and instantly ordered me to
return back to camp. I remonstrated ; but to no purpose ; wherefore,
knowing opposition to be useless, I made a virtue of necessity, and
complied. They carried me before Col. Reid, who sternly enquired, if I
had been purchasing the soldiers’ ammunition. I answered affirmatively.
“ Were you not apprised (demanded he) that, by law martial, such a crime
is capital, and may cost the offender’s life.” I replied that I had no
such knowledge, but he affirmed that such was the case, and thereupon
called in sergeant Hodgdon, who sold me the cartridges. The sergeant’s
story was, that he found them, as well as the powder in question, at
Morristown, where they had been dropped by the British, when they
abandoned that place. The Colonel not satisfied with this account, which
he supposed fabulous, caused the long roll to be beaten, and three
companies of foot were paraded under arms. These solemn preparations
filled me, I must confess, with terror and amazement, as I knew not in
what manner they were to terminate. I expected nothing short of severe
corporal punishment, if so fortunate as to escape death. Every man’s
cartridge box and other accoutrements were next examined ; but, while
this was doing I shook in my shoes, lest a deficiency should somewhere
be found ; however, I was at length eased of my fears on that head, for
it turned out that each soldier had his just complement both of
cartridges and other ammunition. Such being the case, the companies were
dismissed, but I was still retained under a strong guard, because a
court martial had been called, and was then in session. What their
decision would be I knew not ; nevertheless my suspense was of short
continuance, for, in less than half an hour, the court broke up, and
order arrived for my final dismission.

Once more then I left the camp, happy at escaping this unforeseen
difficulty with no greater detriment ; but before leaving the
neighborhood of the army I disposed of my horse, saddle and bridle, not
daring to be seen with such appurtenances at or near Lee, where the
people would have surmised that I obtained them fraudulently. On
entering a wood five miles from the encampment, I was suddenly assailed
by a French deserter, who presented his loaded musket, and demanded the
surrender of my purse. I plead poverty, alledging that a trifling matter
of change was all I possessed in the world. The robber grew impatient,
and with horrible denunciations enjoined the immediate delivery of that
little. To pacify him I promised compliance, but while I was rummaging
my pockets under pretence of finding my purse, we heard the trampling of
footsteps at no great distance. The highwayman wheeled about to descry
the intruders, when instantly I cocked my fusee, and pointing at his
breast, damn’d him, most vociferously, for a pigtailed rascal, swearing
I would dispatch him, as an oblation to Vulcan in a twinkling, if he
attempted moving so much as an eye in his head. At this rough greeting
my hero was much daunted, and called out for quarter. I bade him march,
with his gun clubbed, or I would blow his brains out, on the least
symptom of disobedience. Those menaces had the desired effect, for
fearing their literal execution, he marched off to the tune of the “
rogue’s march,” till quite out of sight.

Proceeding onward I presently discerned a parcel of soldiers, who
were coming toward me. I turned out of the way to avoid them, but, at
sight of me, they presented their guns, and commanded me to halt, under
penalty of immediate death. On wheeling, they drew near, and told me,
they had been out several days in pursuit of deserters, but had found
none. I assured them I was not one of that description ; they were
convinced, and gave me a dismission.

I met with no further impediments till evening, when I found myself
near a tavern occupied by a young, Dutch widow. Feeling a degree of
lassitude, I went in, and requested accommodations for the night, which
were readily granted. By and by, the mistress of the inn, who was an
arrant coquette, enquired if I had a mind to sit in a likely young
widow’s lap, and share a bowl of punch. I answered, my reader may rest
assured, affirmatively, and, with much seeming gallantry, took
possession of my seat. While we were romancing and drinking very
lovingly, she took out her silver snuff box, made in the fashion of a
heart, and vowed she would give any man a bowl of punch, who could
produce another of equal curiosity. As it happened, I then carried in my
pocket an elegant silver box, which had lately stood me nine crowns in
the purchase. This I presented for the jolly widow’s inspection, who
could not but confess, that I had beaten her at her own weapons. This
whole night was devoted to festivity, but seasonably the next morning I
resumed my journey on foot, and having concluded to explore the country,
as far as possible, it became a matter of indifference what route I
should pursue. Consequently I made a circuitous peregrination, and
passed on through many towns and places, both in Connecticut and
Massachusetts, meeting, as usual, many little rubs and incidents by the
way. Those, however, I shall forbear relating, except in one or two
instances.

From the sale of my last horse I had received a few dollars in
silver, and while it lasted, met with no kind of difficulty in procuring
necessaries ; but no sooner did that resource fail, than I found some
difference, since many people were scrupulous of taking paper money.
Beside my stock of paper was quite inconsiderable, so that evils
beginning to accumulate, I saw no remedy, save one, which was to shew
some old curmudgeon a Rowland for his Oliver. Abounding with such
thoughts, I drew near a shoemaker’s shop, it being already eleven
o’clock at night, and withal pretty dark. As, of this juncture, I had
scarce a shoe to my foot, it appeared quite advisable to attempt a
supply, I therefore, marched up to the shop window, but was somewhat
alarmed, on hearing the joint and several snoring of two men within.
Nevertheless I lifted up the sash, and with some trepidation, entered
the room. The slumbers of the two men were as yet undisturbed, so I
rummaged about till I found a calf skin, and two pair of men’s shoes,
being the only articles of much importance in the whole shop. Those,
however, I made sure of, and was so fortunate as to recover the main
road without disturbing their nasal chorus.

Plodding onward, I digested affairs, so as to reach a certain dairy
the next night, as I intended, at a late hour. This stood within two
rods of a dwelling house, but with its situation I had previously been
acquainted. If hunger, as says the adage, will break through stone
walls, I supposed it might easily enable me to break through a milk
house door. At any rate I resolved to try the experiment ; I stepped up
softly, and to my great joy, found the door upon latch. I went in, but
it was so dismally dark, that I could distinguish no kind of object ;
however, I groped about, till I happened to put my hand upon the cock of
a gun full bent. This gave me a terrible shock ; I took her down,
however, instantly. The gun had been placed there undoubtedly to pepper
some intruder, and it appeared the greatest wonder in nature, that I had
not crossed the line of demarkation, and thus ended my journey. If such
had been the case, few people, I suppose, would have pitied my perverse
fate ; but, be as it might, it was my intention to take greater
precaution for the future. Quitting, therefore, the buttery, I found a
board fence, which I sat down behind, and there struck up a fire with my
matchlock. Making then a sort of torchlight I re-entered the buttery,
and presently found a profusion of butter, cheese, bread and cold meat ;
with which travelling requisites I made bold to gorge my pack. This
necessary business completed, I trudged onward, and had a sufficiency of
food to last me a French decade in the consumption. As the above was the
last remarkable adventure, that I recollect, the present tour, I shall
only further observe, that a few weeks subsequent to the milk house
robbery, I arrived safe at Lee, and had the satisfaction to find my
family in statu quo.

Here one of my neighbors desired my assistance in cutting a walnut
tree, standing in a certain gentleman’s inclosure. To assist him, more
than any other purpose, I consented ; but just as we had committed the
trespass, and were splitting the sticks, we beheld the owner
approaching. My companion, not choosing to be caught in tricks of this
kind, leaped into a cluster of bushes, and lay close to the ground, but
at this moment our visitant came up. Now as bad luck would have it,
there was a wasp’s nest in the very spot, which my accomplice had chosen
for his sanctuary ; but the inhabitants, like the Chinese, not relishing
a strange guest, assailed him from stem to stern, without mercy ; while
he, dreading detection, was forced to lie still, and abide their goads
and stings without a murmur. Meanwhile, the gentleman, as proprietor of
the soil, demanded his moiety of the walnut, but to content him, I
proposed cutting another tree. This met with his approbation, and the
business being dispatched in a moment, he returned home ; when my
partner was relieved from his ticklish confinement, but as much swollen,
to appearance, as a bladder with wind.

Knowing our landlord to be extremely forgetful we hazarded hauling
away both the trees ; and without doubt the whole vanished from his
memory, since he never was heard to complain of the injury.

Meantime, James Davis, abovementioned, believing I had deprived him
of his steed, made me a domiciliary visit, and challenged me
with the theft. As usual, I denied the fact, but on his promising, most
solemnly, to take no advantage, if I would only declare the truth, I at
last frankly confessed, that I had ridden her to Norwalk, in
Connecticut, and there sold her. I further consented to accompany him,
or his son, thither, in order to reimburse him, if practicable, by
stealing the beast a second time. Agreeably to this, young Davis and
myself commenced the expedition, during which, I defrayed every
expenditure by doctoring. As we went on foot, the journey was tedious,
but maugre all impediments, we reached Norwalk in the course of a
fortnight, timing matters so as to enter the town just in the edge of
the evening. I conducted my partner, who was a mere novice in
wickedness, to the stable, where I supposed the mare yet in keeping. He
went in, with intent to lead her forth, but finding a dozen or more
steeds, tied together in the same stall, he was incapable, in the dark,
of distinguishing his own from the others. So being utterly averse from
taking any other horse, he returned empty handed. The night being
obscure and cloudy, what measures to pursue we could not devise. He was
very apprehensive, that his mare had been removed to some other quarter.
In this dilemma, I offered, in turn, to make trial of my skill in
obviating the difficulty, so, entering the stable, I led out a beast,
and told Davis it was his own. He was incredulous, but upon my avouching
her identity, we both mounted, and rode a few miles, when finding a
horse, saddled and bridled, by the way side, I stript him of his
trappings, and tried them upon ours, merely to see if they would fit ;
which finding to be particularly the case, I suffered them to remain,
and remounting, with my associate, pushed on with much rapidity. We rode
upwards of thirty miles before the appearance of the morning dawn ; but
no sooner did objects become visible, than Davis, much to his comfort,
found himself, in fact, on the back of his own mare. Strange as it may
seem, I distinguished her from the other horses in the stable, by the
manner of her chewing hay.

Never hearing that any person pursued after the lost beast, we
reached home without obstacle or annoyance.

CHAP. III.

Still, adverse fortune, with increasing weight,
Augments his sorrows and decides his fate ;
Evincing that our various scenes of woe
From our own vices and misconduct flow.

ABOUT this time, in pursuance of
congressional orders, troops were enlisting in every quarter, for three
years, or during the war ; to the end, that a more regular and permanent
army, than heretofore, might be established for the defence of the
country.

Without advertising to consequences, I went to Salisbury, and
enlisted under Capt. True, for three years. This step, as will be seen,
turned out greatly to my disadvantage, and became, for a long while, a
source of continual persecution and embarrassment. Having enlisted, I
had orders to repair to Andover by a certain day, there to pass muster,
and receive bounty and accoutrements, which, indeed, had been my only
inducement to the transaction. At time and place I appeared, and was
furnished with some money and other articles, but not with the quantity
stipulated. In a short time we were marched to Castle Island, in the
harbor of Boston, there to remain, till ordered to join the regiment,
under Col. Crane, at West Point. Our continuance at the Castle was four
weeks, when directions arrived from head quarters for our proceeding to
the place last mentioned. We were three hundred in number, and were
marched first to Roxbury, where we drew one week’s provision, and then
advanced seven miles further to Watertown. Here, evening approaching,
every man was obliged, of necessity, to look out for his own lodging and
accommodations. While others were engaged in this business, I was quite
differently employed ; for growing sick, at the thoughts of a three
years’ campaign, and having now a convenient opportunity for desertion,
I made use of the privilege, and returned by unfrequented paths to my
own dwelling.

Immediately, however, I found myself in a more critical situation
than heretofore, since many stratagems were now devised for my speedy
apprehension, insomuch that I durst not shew my head abroad for fear of
apprehension.

By clandestine methods, then, I was constrained to procure the means
of support, shooling poultry, sheep, and such other conveniencies, as
chance threw in my path. In this occupation, by so long experience, I
had acquired a masterly adroitness, so that now I should have yielded
the palm to none of my competitors. However, being in continual danger
of seizure, either for theft or desertion, I passed every moment in
abject fear and perplexity. My farming business was wholly interrupted,
and I durst not venture to hire out. To steal or starve, then, was the
question ; I wisely preferred the former, and drove a brisk stroke at
the dangerous pursuit.

By such conduct I acquired many new enemies, who were determined, at
all hazards, to have me arrested and sent on to the army. The first
visit I received for this purpose was from one John Barter, and others,
who, thinking to take me by surprise, surrounded my habitation, just as
I had returned from a nocturnal excursion. My brother Eliphalet, at this
critical instant, happened to be in my company ; we therefore concluded
to resist their attempts as manfully as possible. They ordered me to
open the doors and surrender, otherwise I must expect the storming
of my castle. My assistant, bade them keep their distance, swearing
he would shoot the first man, who should offer to touch the door ; still
our assailants, regardless of his menaces, pressed on with vigour, and
appeared obstinately bent upon breaking into the house. In this
conjuncture I suggested to my second, that if he would open the door and
flee, it was more than probable (seeing it was a dark night) they would
pursue him instead of me, while, in the interim, I might chance to
escape. This project meeting approbation, was put directly to the test,
and the result was his being followed by the whole gang. I now had a
favorable moment in which to escape, so slipping out at a back door,
with the utmost precipitancy, I fled to the deepest recesses of the
forest.

Barter and his followers had a fatiguing chace of it, but, in the
end, made out to overtake the fugitive, whom they escorted to the house
of one Burleigh, where by the help of candle light, they discovered
their mistake, and were egregiously ridiculed for the comical blunder
they had committed. My brother afterwards complained of the assault, and
several of the aggressors were fined as peace breakers.

The foregoing incident alarmed me so greatly, that, for a fortnight,
I durst not return to my dwelling, unless, perhaps, in the dead of
night. By degrees, however, I grew bolder, and began to lodge at home as
usual ; of which, some how or other, the same party gained intimation,
and besieged my house in the gloom of night, a second time. They now
rushed on with more impetuosity, if possible, than before, and bursting
through the door, made me a prisoner, in spite of my utmost effort to
the contrary. The next day they conducted me, under bonds, to Exeter
jail, in which I was closely confined, for the purpose of being with
other deserters conveyed to the army.

In this forlorn receptacle I continued five days, oppressed with the
most gloomy apprehensions of approaching punishment, when unexpectedly
the sight of a screw auger and two compass saws, presented by a friend,
gave me more heart felt joy, than the receipt of a purse of gold would
have afforded. With those tools I quickly commenced operations, and
bored nearly through the jail wall, just under the scuttle window,
intending to drill a sufficient opening into the broad entry for my
emancipation. The wall plaistering I was obliged to remove at each
renewal of my toil ; but, to prevent suspicion, was careful to replace
it at the moment of quitting work. In this mode I proceeded, till the
timbers were nearly cut through in two several places, so that I could
remove the block at pleasure, and only waited for an opportune season,
in which to break bulk. This presented at a time when Mr. Ladd, the
jailer, and his wife were absent at a funeral. As he passed through the
entry in his way to that solemnity, he enquired whether I was ready to
break jail (for sometimes I had jeeringly threatened him with so doing)
I answered “ yes.” Ladd, however, whose head was never formed for the
discovery of plots, supposed me only in jest, and therefore passed on.
But soon after his exit my whole scheme had like to gave been rendered
abortive, through my over eagerness, to regain freedom. For, at the
critical moment of my removing the block above mentioned, two or three
female hoity toities, having a desire to peep behind the curtain of
futurity, happened to be coming up stairs, to importune my telling their
fortunes ; so that I had scarce time to reinstate the block, ere they
made their appearance. I was in momentary expectation of their espying
the new fracture ; and in truth they must have been blind, as the deity
they were about consulting, not to have discerned it ; but luckily for
me they were too much engrossed with their own fiddle-faddle to notice
the fissure, though so glaringly visible. As I deemed it more eligible
to be rid of their impertinence, than to enter into a prognosticating
dialogue, as they desired, I fell to jesting with them in such unseemly
language, as caused them to scamper down stairs with more than customary
agility.

Without a moment’s delay I once more pushed out the wooden
obstruction, and though it still wanted two full hours to sunset, stript
of my apparel, and attempted to force myself through the breach. This
had seemed an easy matter in theory, yet, as is common, proved hard in
practice, for, in obtaining this second birth (to liberty) I
had a desperate struggle indeed. Nevertheless after suffering the most
excruciating tortures, owing to the narrowness of the
passage, I at last effected my purpose, and, to my great joy,
found myself in the broad entry.

There happened to be in the apartment I had just forsaken, a certain
man named Whiting, who had also been imprisoned for desertion. This
fellow seeing me thus far successful, was encouraged to attempt,
likewise, his own escape in the same way. So stripping himself with all
diligence, he essayed to croud, feet foremost, through the aperture, in
the manner he had seen me, but, being a personage of some greater
corpulency, he stuck fast in the passage. To aid his delivery, I
continued pulling at his feet, till he, bruised to a mummy, could abide
the extremity no longer, but roared out most vehemently, insomuch that I
feared he would alarm the whole posse. Dreading lest my escape
should be frustrated at last, I quitted Whiting, and sprung to the entry
door, which I fastened with an awl, then running to my comrade, I used
every exertion to extricate him from his uncomfortable birth ; yet,
after all, was obliged to leave him fast wedged in the passage, and how
long he remained in that doleful posture is to me wholly unknown.
Regardless, now, of all things, save my own deliverance, I searched
about, till I found an unfastened back window, thro’ which I descended
into the jail yard, and, when running off with much agility, met a man a
few rods from the jail, who cried out as I passed him, “ An inch is
as good, as an ell, pull, Tufts, pull !” I made no reply, but ran
with all possible speed to a place, by the river side, called the
roundabout, where, stripping a board fence, I constructed hastily a
raft, crossed over to New-Market side, and without further obstruction
gained my own fathers house.

The next day I met with James Smith, that worthy knight of the post
aforementioned, in whose company I went to Berwick, where by the use of
false keys, we opened Moses Purington’s fulling mill, taking thence
about fifty yards of fulled cloth. We conveyed the whole to Newmarket,
and sold the greater part of it at half price, to people in creditable
circumstances. Some of the purchasers, however, though duly apprized how
and where we had procured the effects, were so improvident, as to leak
out the whole affair, consequently Smith and I were forced to indemnify
the injured owner.

On discovery of the foregoing scandalous exploit, my adversaries
bestirred themselves so briskly, that I was again arrested, hurried to
Exeter jail, and secured closely in an upper back room. the day after, a
man looking in, advised me to beware how I meddled with the timbers
fronting the entry, as the same were loose and unfastened. I assured him
I should be careful to attempt no such thing. He then importuned me for
the loan of a few dollars, but I handed him only a couple, which he
gratefully received. Perhaps, if Capt. Ladd, or some others, equally
sharp, had overheard this discourse, immediate measures had been taken
to prevent all possibility of escape ; but, luckily, every thing abode
in statu quo till evening, when I made out to remove several pieces of
the aforesaid timber, and thus found myself once more in the broad
entry. I made bold to march down the front stairs, and when passing out
of doors, heard the jailor and his family conversing unconcernedly over
a cup of tea.

Gaining the open street, I made the best of my passage to Lee ; but
fearing to abide long there, went to Nottingham, and betook myself to
the woods. As I was now extremely apprehensive of being diligently
pursued, I never adventured into any house, but encamped in the forests
and subsisted upon dunghill fowls, vegetables and such other fare, as my
nightly depredations afforded. In this manner, two or three weeks
elapsed, when growing weary of such miserable existence, I returned to
Lee, and took shelter in my father’s barn.

Disrelishing, however, even this mode of life, I came to the hasty
conclusion of stealing the Longfellow mare, the property of Ephraim
Clough. I had entertained an opinion for some time, that this chap had
jockeyed me out of a suit of clothes, and a barrel of rum, which
articles I could never prevail with him to refund. On those accounts, I
owed him an old grudge, and having no other way to be even with him,
determined on making reprisals in the manner abovementioned. Whereupon,
one night, I repaired to his pasture, and finding the object of my
search, rode her to Gilmanton, and thence to Meredith ; in which last
place, though distant but forty miles from Lee, I had the effrontery to
ride about doctoring. I had continued in this employment but a few days,
before Clough gained some intimation of my route, and dispatched
Capt. Joseph Thomas in quest of his mare, with directions to seize and
convey me to Lee, at all events. Thomas procured the assistance of a
Robert Bryant. They found me at the house of one Marston, (a
blacksmith,) who had been just shoeing my horse. Thomas approached with
a muffler over his visage, so that I suspected him not, till he had made
me his captive. As the men, in whose custody I now was, were both strong
and active, I had little prospect, or indeed, hopes, of eluding their
vigilance ; so judged it most prudent to submit quietly to the indignity
of being manacled ; which office they exultingly executed, and then
started with their prisoner for Lee.

Riding a few miles we called in at Ray’s tavern in Gilmanton, where I
treated my keepers so profusely with spirits, that both became
excessively mellow. The waiting maid observing their tippling
propensity, advised my treating them freely ; in which case she
would warrant me out of their clutches before morning. I thought her
advice apropos, and plied my conductors so warmly, that, before leaving
the house, they both grew reeling ripe, and were scarce able to
remount their horses. Bryant, soon losing his equilibrium, was incapable
of farther progress ; we dropped him on the road, and rode on to
Gilman’s tavern, in the town last mentioned. Here Thomas and I alighted
just after sunsetting, and concluded to refresh ourselves and horses
before renewing the journey. I called for more liquor, when my Argus,
making free with the cup as before, was soon in as bad a pickle, to a
trifle, as his colleague, Bryant.

At this stage of the business, Thomas insisted upon remounting our
horses, while I urged the necessity of tarrying all night, promising to
be ready, as early in the morning, as he might wish. My remonstrances
were ineffectual, but as I had no notion of travelling in the dark, I
was bent on studying some scheme of prevention. So stepping to the door,
under pretence of getting the horses in readiness, I fell purposely to
the ground, roaring out at the same time, most bitterly, that I had
dislocated my collar bone. This pretended disaster set aside all
thoughts of removal, at least for the present ; the company thought me
exceedingly ill, and sent for a neighboring doctor, who pronounced my
case extremely difficult. He assured the people, in a tone as wise as
Cullen, that my removal any where, in less time than a fortnight, would
be altogether impracticable. I was well pleased that my device had taken
such complete effect ; in which the dictator, Thomas, was constrained to
acquiesce, though, by this time the liquor, which he had gorged, in such
profuse quantities, began to operate so forcibly, that he was obliged to
prostrate himself on the floor, before the kitchen fire, in order (as he
said) to take a nap. He soon fell into the profoundest slumbers, out of
which he did not experience a resuscitation, (as I afterwards learnt)
till late the next morning. I also took a temporary lodging ; but in the
dead of night, (all being asleep) stole softly out of the house, and
sped away with the Longfellow mare, leaving Thomas to discharge my
reckoning in addition to his own. The next day, Thomas, having neither
prisoner nor money, with which to clear out, was obliged to leave in
pawn, his saddle, and ride home without that conveniency.

I made the best of my way to Canterbury, and there staid about a
week, when news arrived, that I was a deserter from the army, and had
moreover stolen Clough’s mare. This report excited no small stir among
the inhabitants ; but, by means of a friendly hint, I discovered the
danger just in season for elopement. Thus I left Canterbury ; but not
daring to keep the road, was forced to abandon the mare, which was taken
up, and sent home to the owner.

Soon after this, my evil genius, Clough, was so pertinacious in his
researches, that he succeeded in taking me with a warrant ; and, as
preferable to imprisonment, I compounded with my adversary, by paying,
and securing to him the payment of, one hundred dollars. At the instant
of release, I set off for my father’s dwelling ; but my bad luck was so
predominant at this juncture, that, before reaching the intended asylum,
I was again captured, and hurried away to Exeter jail.

CHAP. IV.

Labor omnia vicit
Improbus, et duris urgens in rebus egestas.

IN requital of my former vicious tricks and
imprudent behaviour, I was now guarded with more suspicious vigilance,
and treated with greater severity than usual. Moreover, from the aspect
of affairs, it seemed to strike my imagination, that some greater
mischief was yet in embryo. My suspicions were far from being visionary,
for a day or two after my imprisonment, the compassionate Simeon Ladd,
Esq. who had still the charge of the prison made me an unwelcome visit
and imparted a piece of intelligence in its nature the most ungrateful.
He affirmed, that my removal into the dungeon was now in contemplation,
where I was destined to be chained in irons. I expostulated against the
cruelty and barbarity of such a proceedure ; yet he, as he was, indeed,
callous to the feelings of humanity, left me, without consolation, and
repairing to Daniel Jones, a blacksmith, in Exeter, bespoke a set of
massy irons or shackles, weighing, with their appendages, twenty five
pounds. Jones, having prepared those trappings of cruelty, brought them
in person, and having removed me to the dungeon, fixed a strong shackle
round each of my ancles. Presently after, a large bolt, about two feet
in length, was introduced red hot ; the taper ends of which were twisted
about either shackle, thus distending my feet to an uncomfortable
distance asunder. To cool the bolt they poured on water, which,
trickling down, boiling hot, scalded my feet and ancles so miserably,
that I remained a cripple for three months after. While this process was
on the anvil, those tiger hearted animals ridiculed my sufferings, and
without regard to my tears and outcries, continued the effusion of
water, till the bolt was sufficiently cooled. This tragedy ended, all
was made fast with a chain, two feet in length, one end of which
communicated with the bolt, the other being inserted into a staple, that
was now driven through the flooring.

In such wretched state, incapable as I was, of stepping one foot
before the other upon the floor, I was abandoned to my own reflections.
My situation was now deplorable indeed ; I was entirely destitute of
wholsome food and lodging, and pent up in a loathsome dungeon, the
windows whereof were kept for the most part closed. The mouth of the
vault was open, hard by, but which for the brevity of the chain, I could
scarcely reach ; while the nauseous and disagreeable damps and stenches,
that evaporated incessantly from the filth deposited therein,
impregnated the cell with the most odious effluvia, and rendered my
condition horrid in the extreme. Hence my health and strength visibly
declined, and with them my intellectual faculties. Having no means of
healing my scalded feet and ancles, the pains I endured at intervals
were in a manner intolerable ; while too, the benevolent
janitor refused to supply me with the smallest medicinal
assistance. The above were a few of the multiplex evils, which conspired
to depress my spirits, waste my corporeal powers, and sink me into
despair.

In the shocking circumstances above described, I continued for
upwards of three months, without aid or assistance from either friend or
foe, or so much as the expectation of relief ! It seemed indeed, as if
there had been no hand to help, no eye to pity me ! Fain would I believe
that very few were acquainted with the real state of my sufferings at
that period ; sufferings, of which I could foresee neither diminution
nor end ! !

Becoming daily more and more debilitated, I was at length convinced,
that I must shortly fall a victim to this barbarous treatment, unless
some speedy method of extrication could be contrived. Accordingly
rendered outrageous by despair, I at last undertook the tedious and
operose task of breaking jail, destitute as I was, of all needful
implements ; a task and labour it proved indeed.

To free myself from the chain, by which I was holden to the floor,
was apparently the first thing necessary ; for unless this were severed,
I could move in no direction to any manner of purpose. Instruments I had
none. However, one day, when served with my pittance of food, I
contrived to keep back an old case knife, which I notched against my
irons and so converted it into a kind of saw. With this miserable
instrument I made shift to file off a link of the chain, in so
artificial a manner as to be able to close the fracture whenever I had
occasion. I could now move conveniently to any part of the cell ; but my
strength wasting apace, it was certain that unless expeditious, I should
reap no possible benefit from my operations.

My first step was to examine and pry into every portion of the
apartment, if happily I might find any one part of slighter structure
than the rest, or more obnoxious to attack. The whole however appeared
firm and impervious, only I imagined that the timber composing the vault
or drain to be of somewhat less stability, than the residue. Against
this quarter, therefore I finally determined to direct my whole battery
; but after the most critical research and multiplied exertions, I found
it impossible to make the slightest impression, unless by sawing off the
tenon of a joist four inches in thickness. This, obviously, was a task
herculean, yet I set about it with much bravery ; and, by the help of my
knife, at last accomplished the undertaking, though it cost me three
days and nights of painful toil. Whenever I expected a visit from those
who brought my daily allowance, it was my care and practice, to
reinstate myself in chains ; yet, maugre this precaution, it was a
miracle that I escaped detection.

I had now rendered practicable my descent into the vault, yet still
found to my grief, that all further progress was impeded, by the
intervention of new obstacles. The fact was, every side of the
subterraneous cavity was surrounded with impenetrable timbers, so stroug
that my utmost prowess was inadequate to the removal of a single piece,
without the aid of more forcible implements. To remedy this, I resolved,
if possible, to cut out the iron bar, or mantel piece, from the chimney,
which was a difficult piece of business ; yet I effected it, by scraping
away the lime or mortar that cemented it to the bricks. With fresh
animation, then, I fell to work, and by the help of this able
instrument, so loosened the opposing timbers, that I removed them out of
the passage effectually. Fearing, however, lest some inauspicious event
might yet mar all, and prevent my escape, I went back, and with much
sang froid, replaced the mantel piece in its original situation.

During the whole of this elaborate process, I had remained free from
suspicion, though visited by sundry people, particularly the sagacious
Mr. Ladd ; that lynx-eyed gentleman, though constantly upon the lookout,
never discovered the least part of my design ; nor do I believe, had an
opening been made in the floor, that Ladd would have noticed it, unless,
unfortunately, he had fallen therein.

Being now ready for departure, and anxious to leave the domains of
this horrid cavern, I descended, for the last time, into the vault, and
to my great satisfaction, made out to creep, on all four, into the jail
yard, leaving the broken timbers supported with a prop in token of
derision.

It was already past the hour of twelve at night, and some place of
refuge must be sought out, before the light of the morning should betray
my proceedings. Therefore, from the environs of the prison, I instantly
commenced a singular mode of procession ; loaded, as I was, with the
ponderous iron trappings, which, by reason of the bolt, distended my
legs to just such a distance asunder. Encumbered in this guise, I could
advance but tardily, my feet describing the portion of a circle at every
step I advanced. The clattering sounds, emitted from the chains,
disturbed the general silence of the night, and awakened, in my
palpitating bosom, ideas of horror and amazement ; lest, unfortunately,
I should be obstructed in my retreat at last, and reconveyed to that
habitation of darkness, which I had, thus recently, abandoned ; to that
mansion of woe, which already had made such fearful ravages upon my
constitution, and might well, ere now, have become my tomb.

Amid such reflections I continued the complex, orbicular kind of
movement I was forced to adopt, till I had gotten clear of the compact
part of Exeter, when I halted to listen ; but the din of pursuers was as
yet unheard, all seemed hushed, and still, as the house of death ; only
the noise of a distant cascade, trilled through the air in broken
murmurs, and stole softly upon the listening ear. My agitations began to
subside, and fatigued as I was, I marched, or rather hobbled slowly
along, till I found myself in a small woody valley, situate a mile east
of the jail.

In this sequestered spot I reclined upon the earth, exhausted with
excessive toil, and lengthy abstinence. It was certain I could proceed
no farther, for the present ; I therefore made use of the little
strength yet in my possession, to lop down some tall brakes, for the
purpose of precluding the raw, piercing air, and of screening my
retirement from the sight of pursuers ; or at present, of eluding the
inspection of those who might pass that way, ere my final retreat should
be secured.

In this comfortless place, I endeavored to compose my agitated
spirits ; but the chilly damps of night (it being fall of the year)
effectually baffled all repose, and caused the solitary hours to linger
in their passage.

Soon as ruddy Aurora had dispelled the nocturnal shades, and
emblazoned, with new born light, the east, I could hear the busy race of
mortals, with freshest activity, renewing their temporal employments,
while I seemed banished, as it were, from society, a mere excrescence ;
an outcast from among men.

Bright Sol had scarcely gilded the lofty spires, in plain words, the
steeple of the meeting house at Exeter, when I received a serious alarm,
by a distant cry, which I supposed must have proceeded from those who
were searching for the poor fugitive Tufts. I listened till the murmurs
began to approximate, when I found I was not deceived in my conjectures.
Unable to flee, I lay close to the ground, and presently discerned about
sixty persons, old and young, with Capt. Ladd, like Falstaff with his
ragged corps, at their head, marching in a direction toward the river,
and exploring with houndlike sagacity, every hole and corner, as they
proceeded. I trembled in every limb, expecting to be unavoidably
detected, for they appeared determinedly, to bend their course towards
my place of refuge. However, fortunately for poor Henry, they passed by,
at a small distance, and pursued a track leading to the river side,
where espying no traces of my flight, they concluded I had broken the
shackles, and, perhaps by swimming over the river, had effected my
escape. This induced them to turn homeward, but on their way back,
Philip Johnson, one of the troop, chanced to approach so near to the
place of my concealment, that, on turning his head, he espied my person,
and drawing nearer, stared full in my face. Then it was, I gave myself
up entirely for lost ; Johnson, however, sounded no alarm as yet, but
going toward Ladd cried out, “ What’s to be the premium for finding
Tufts ?” Ladd with his usual ingenuity, replied “ Nothing.” “ Then (says
Johnson) I’ll hunt for him no longer.” “ Nor will I,” echoed Ladd ;
saying which, he steered homeward, with the whole posse
commitatus at his heels.

No sooner were they out of hearing, than, for fear of another visit,
I shifted my quarters, crippling along, till I reached a sequestered
spot, at some distance. Here I made a halt, but so exhausted with
alimentary privations, and my uncouth method of travelling, that I vowed
to budge never an inch farther, till divested of my dangling
accoutrements. Nevertheless as the bustle was now laid, and a ray of
hope had moderated my anxiety, I thought first to lie down, and obtain,
if possible, a little repose. In this I succeeded so far as to fall into
a drowse ; but sleep was of short continuance, the smallest sound
vibrating on the ear, or the shaking of even a leaf, being amply
sufficient to disturb my uneasy slumbers. Finding it chimerical to hope
for refreshment from sleep, in my present circumstances, I quitted the
mossy couch, and, having a pair of old scissors, bequeathed me a few
days since, by a friend, I twisted them in twain, and by notching the
two pieces against each other, converted them into a couple of saws.

With these poor utensils, I commenced dividing the centre of the
bolt ; and in the course of two or three hours, by repeating the flying
touches, with the utmost agility, made a visible indentation. This so
weakened the bolt, that upon my placing the extremities upon two stones,
and smiting it with a third, it parted asunder, and eased me of my
irksome manacles without further resistance.

Being now exonerated, I hastily tied the iron fragments together,
flung them to my back, and trudged away to a place of more safety, where
I rested under covert for the residue of the day.

No sooner had the evening shades advanced, than I left my hiding
place, and went to the river which separates Stratham from Newmarket.
Here the first thing I earnestly undertook, was to wash away some of the
filth, contracted by so lengthy a familiarity with Exeter vault. This
done, I constructed a kind of raft with pine boards, of which I bereft a
neighboring fence, on which I crossed the tide into Newmarket, so that
late at night, I reached home, being, of a truth, almost famished for
lack of sustenance.

The next day I sold my brother the disgraceful shackles, I had
transported hither, which being converted into a pair of clevices, so
termed, were esteemed the most durable and valuable utensils of the
kind, in the town of Lee.

This last absence from home had been of so long duration, that my
wife and family had suffered immoderately ; and, on my arrival, were
destitute of many of the comforts of life ; wherefore I resorted, almost
necessarily, to the old trade of pilfering ; which, at this time,
afforded us a temporary supply.

In obedience to a strict adherence to truth, I am here constrained to
confess, though I am apprehensive this declaration may add, more
essentially to my manifold transgressions, than the mention of numerous
other miscarriages, that very frequently sometimes for several months
together, I have left wife and children, wholly destitute of the
conveniences of life, without previous notice, and without the least
excuse for a conduct so inhuman.

The recollection of these enormities fills my mind with remorse and
contrition, even to the present day. How excruciatingly painful are the
goadings of an upbraiding conscience !

CHAP. V.

Omnia vincit amor ; et nos cedamus amori.

DESIROUS of portraying, as an admonition to
others, the real picture of my life and manners, in their native,
original colours ; I have advanced thus far, without contracting, or
even shadowing a single feature, however, unnaturally prominent or
disgusting, in the group. Wishing still to be influenced by the pencil
of truth. I shall proceed in my subsequent delineations with customary
frankness, and I fondly hope, without fatiguing the curious
observer.

At this period I digested a scheme, which had long been a favorite
subject of contemplation ; viz. that of visiting some of the southerly
states. The real inducements, for atchieving a journey of such
prolixity, were, in the first place, curiosity ; and in the second, a
desire of liberating myself from the persecution of industrious enemies,
who ill brooked my abode at Lee, in any degree of tranquility. I,
therefore, quitted home, a pedestrian, but, as we all aim at
advancement, soon furnished myself with an excellent horse. Passing
through Wilmington, I stole, in the day time, for myself, and a number
of soldiers, a bee hive, from the end of a farmer’s house ; the owner
being nearly within reach at the very moment. The prize I conveyed to a
stone bridge, distant about one furlong, where we devoured as much of
the honey as we could well gorge down, sweeter on account of the
stealth, and then flung the residue, hive and all, into the river,
remembering the injunction, “ cast your bread upon the waters.”

From Wilmington, I patrolled the country as far as Virginia, having
daily recourse to customary artifices for a subsistence. I afterwards
traversed a great part of that gigantic state, the land of presidents ;
but, because Virginia, however, colossal, was ill suited to my
particular exigencies, I rode back to Newyork ; where, one day, as I was
jogging deliberately along the highway, I met a young woman of German
extraction, with whom I entered into familiar converse. After some
minutes whiled in this manner, I happened to enquire whither she might
be travelling, and was told, that she was in pursuit of a husband. I
observed, that she and I, then, might shake hands with propriety, for I
also was in quest of a wife. Upon this, with a smile, she gave me an
invitation to attend her home, to which, as may well be supposed, I
assented most cheerfully.

On our arrival, she introduced me into her father’s presence, who was
an elderly widower, and very rich. The old gentleman, after a
multiplicity of queries, told me he had a parcel of idle negroes, but
was in want of a good overseer to keep them diligently at work. His fair
daughter, seizing this opportunity, ventured to recommend me to her
sire, as the fittest person he would meet with to discharge that office.
Pleased at the intelligence, the old man bade me very handsome wages,
provided I would consent to tarry in the family. This was precisely what
I desired ; and if I exhibited the smallest reluctance in acceding to
the flattering proposal, my conduct, certainly, did not correspond with
my inclination ; though, to tell truth, the personal charms of the young
lady, rather than the old don’s money, were my principal temptations in
courting an alliance with the family.

The day following, I was invested with the superintendence of the
negroes ; an undertaking to me quite novel, and which presently became
irksome ; since the tardiness of the drones committed to my oversight,
and their disinclination to labour, but ill accorded with the impatience
of my temper.

However, my commission was executed in general, much to the
satisfaction of my employer, who could not but observe with what
rapidity his business progressed under my strenuous management.

The young lady, on whose account solely I lingered in her father’s
employ, was remarkably handsome ; of easy access, and of a winning
deportment ; these fascinating qualities impelled me to pay her my
devoirs with assiduity, which, at length, gained her affections so
entirely, that her fortune, I make no question, as well as person, might
have remained at my disposal. Meantime I fared like a prince ; for my
enamorata supplied me abundantly with every gratification that
imagination could suggest or heart desire. It seemed as if I had found,
at last the horn of plenty, and that the cup of pleasure and prosperity
was fondly presented to my lips. Yet it was not in the allotment of
fate, that my felicity should be of long continuance ; for anon it will
be seen, that both horn and cup vanished as a phantasma, or the fleeting
image of a nightly dream, leaving nought but regret behind.

I now learnt that my mistress was a young widow, who had been married
to a young gentleman of some repute ; but that her partner had died,
(herself childless) within two years of their union. She now appeared
desirous of a new husband ; wherefore, as our intimacy increased, she
shew the fondest desire that I should carry my end of the marriage yoke,
and settle in that part of the country ; but, as if controlled by some
invisible power, I declined the (perhaps advantageous) proffer, and
frankly acknowledged myself within the matrimonial pale already. This
objection, she considered as trivial, and sought to allure me by holding
up to view the prospect of future riches and happiness ; averring that
she was an only child, and sole heiress to her father’s plentiful
estate, who, she said, was too far advanced in years, to encourage the
hope of his much longer survival. But, after all, her persuasions were
ineffectual, since I had determined to quit the precincts, and that at
no distant period.

Her aged sire being afflicted with a complication of infirmities, I
acquainted him, that the practice of physic had been sometimes my
favorite employment ; making him a tender of my services, for that
purpose. The information was agreeable, having long submitted to the
care of the faculty, in vain ; he therefore employed me as a family
physician, during my after residence at his house.

About two months after my first acquaintance with this family, I met
with an unwelcome surprise, owing to one Lieut. Mooney’s sudden arrival
at the house. He was a waggoner to the army, and had known me from
infancy, egg and bird. I was in momentary expectation of his divulging
something to my disadvantage, but as he did not, my fears on that score
were unnecessary. Before his leaving the place, I had a private
conference with him, and obtained his firm promise of inviolable
secrecy, as to my situation and character. After the above incident, I
tarried with my dulcinea a month longer, during which my felicity seemed
incapable of further augmentation ; but at the end of these delicious
days, I acquainted her, that the critical posture of my affairs demanded
a speedy return to Newhampshire. At this news, being infinitely averse
to my departure, she was much affected ; but I assured her the urgency
was absolute ; so I settled with her sire, and received the arrear of
wages yet my due ; which done, I took an affectionate, though reluctant
farewell of the young lady, who, in all things, had proved my kind
benefactress, as well as indulgent mistress. At parting she presented me
with a handful of dollars, besides many other tokens of her affection,
all which, save the money, I preserved for some time subsequent.

Having separated myself from the enchanting spot, in which the god of
love had so held me in silken chains, I prosecuted a continuation of my
journey, till it brought me to Lee ; where I had the pleasure of finding
my family in as decent plight, at least, as at the commencement of my
late eccentric tour.

Tarrying but a few days at home, I set out on a pedestrian expedition
to Vermont. But previous to departure, I had picked up, by chance, the
small claw of a lobster, which I informed the people, as I passed along,
was an enchanted horn ; by virtue of which I could predict future events
; but that, unfortunately, I had lost another horn, its counterpart, to
which had been attached the rare property of enabling its possessor to
foretel past events. This ridiculous tale was accredited by
many ; I therefore, gained much celebrity, as a conjuror ; sometimes my
fees amounting to eight shillings in an evening. In this journey I
passed through a considerable portion of Vermont, going thence, in a
circuitous route, through the Pigwacket country, and then directly
home.

I next visited Litchfield ; but a rumour prevailing, that I was a
deserter from the army, caused sundry people to concert schemes of
seizing me by surprise. Of this, a certain friend gave me, under the
rose, a suitable item, and advised my immediate decampment, unless I
preferred bondage. This seasonable hint, induced my speedy flight ; but,
before making good my retreat, I discerned several men on horseback,
riding at a smart rate. By their behaviour, it was clearly manifest,
that poor I must be the object of their eager pursuit ; yet, to escape
by flight, I knew to be difficult, if not impossible, as the troopers
were already in plain sight. Which way to turn, on so sudden an
emergency, or what measures to adopt, seemed no easy matter to devise.
It happened that I was travelling, at the moment, by the side of a stone
wall, enclosing an orchard ; so, the more effectually to deceive my
pursuers I fell to patching up a part of the wall, which had been thrown
down by people, who had passed that way after apples. Presently the
horsemen drew near, but seeing me so busily engaged, they indulged no
idea of my being the object of search ; they only made inquiry, whether
I had seen a stranger pass by, within the last hour. I answered, as was
my duty, not negatively ; and affirmed that he had passed along a few
minutes since, and had taken the road leading to the river bridge, which
was distant about a mile. Without lingering to propound further
interrogatories, they clapped spurs to their horses, and away they
tilted, Jehu like, as if in the most pressing hurry, and certain of
their object. Soon as their absence gave me leave, I quitted my assumed
exercise, and cut through fields and pastures, woods and bogs, without
stop or stay, till I found a retreat of greater personal security.

Afterwards I strolled from pillar to post ; but was in perpetual fear
of being apprehended and carried to the army, in the dangerous quality
of a deserter. At this period, a gentleman offered me a suit of blazing
red clothes, at a very cheap rate ; they being, indeed, a little the
worse for wear. In want of apparel, I inconsiderately closed the
bargain, but soon found, as “ red coat,” carried terror in the sound,
that the singularity of my dress excited great notice, wherever I
ventured to appear. Still sheer necessity compelled my wearing the
inauspicious suit, because I had, at that time, no change of raiment,
save an old frock and trowsers.

At length visiting Plastow, I was again recognized, and one Johnson,
a military officer, undertook my apprehension. By this man, I was
industriously tracked from house to house, and from place to place, and,
more than once, had like to have been made the dupe of his artifices. To
elude observation, I stripped off the red coat and tied it up in a
bundle, wearing the frock and trowsers over my other apparel. By this
expedient I escaped much notice ; yet was obliged to travel,
principally, under the shroud of darkness, and to lodge in the woods and
barns. But in spite of this precaution my active pursuer had like to
have caught me at last ; for hearing that I much frequented a certain
obscure swamp in Plastow, he was induced to explore it thoroughly. I lay
concealed near its border, without knowledge of the search, till
Johnson, with his adjutant, had drawn so near, as to render secret
flight altogether impracticable. Before they espied me, I took out a
jacknife, and fell to cutting withes, as if to repair an old fence near
the environs of the wood. My pursuers saw me at work, and drew near ;
but as I was dressed in the frock and trowsers, and personally unknown
to both, they had no suspicion of my being the delinquent. We conversed
together, for some time, and talked much concerning Tufts, whom they
pronounced a bad man, and a fellow whom they alloted to capture, at all
events. After this they marched off ; and I instantly, also, quitted
Plastow, making no halt, except to refresh my body with food, and my
weary limbs with occasional repose, till I reached my own castle.

But in Lee I found my exchange of quarters had been from bad to
worse, for I was now more sedulously persecuted than ever, insomuch,
that I was forced to take refuge, at last, in my brother Thomas Tufts’
house.

At this era of the revolution, there existed the greatest exigency
for men to recruit the army, which was the main reason, I presume, of my
being hunted with such obstinate pertinacity.

I had enjoyed my brother’s hospitality but a short period, ere the
people of Lee discovered the sanctuary I had chosen, and came, twenty or
more, to arrest the obnoxious culprit. My brother espying them, directed
me to flee to the woods with all speed, as the only possible means of
eluding their vigilance. The band was formidable, being armed with every
kind of weapon, and already within pistol shot ; so that I was glad to
flee with the utmost precipitancy. Luckily, I made out to escape through
a back window ; to reach unseen, the neighboring woods, and to conceal
myself in the obscurity of a thicket.

After they had sufficiently ransacked the house, from top to bottom,
to no purpose, they made toward the skirts of the wood, and two of the
company, Tuttle and Frost, happened to steer directly to the place of my
concealment. The rest of the party had taken a different circuit, and
were removed from them, at least a quarter of a mile. Soon as I found
myself discovered, I hastily arose, and pulling out a brace of pistols,
which I was rarely without, cocked both, and told Tuttle and Frost, I
would shoot the first man who attempted to stir, or give the least
alarm. As they both were destitute of guns, and sadly intimidated at the
outrageous menaces I uttered, they thought it most prudent to comply
with my injunctions. Detaining my guests, till the rest of the scout
were a good distance ahead, I permitted their departure ; but no sooner
were they out of sight, than I made the best of my way to another
coppice, near Packer’s falls, in the recesses of which I carefully
concealed myself till evening.

Sequestered in this woody labyrinth, from all human intercourse, I
had leisure to brood over former calamities, and the infelicity of my
present situation. Whithersoever I turned my eyes, to the right hand or
the left, I still beheld industrious adversaries ready to seize and
deliver me into the hands of inexorable justice. I was conscious, that
my person and flagrant misdemeanors were known and reprobated so
generally, as to preclude the hope of my abiding in safety, near the
place of my nativity. Even a reformation of life and manners could have
little tendency, I supposed, after such a series of enormities, to
re-establish my credit or reputation. All thoughts, therefore, of
present amendment I cast away as useless, and as a task too unpromising,
too arduous even to attempt, much less accomplish. Upon the whole, I
felt a disinclination for every laudable pursuit, and a
disposition to travel on in my former dissolute courses ; for,
really, my sufferings, though severe, had not cured my vicious
propensities, nor had the school of adversity, though bitter, taught me
the salutary doctrine of repentance.

Thus did I pass the hours, till the shades of night enveloped the
face of things, and invested my person with a sort of invisibility.
Whither, after all, to shape my course, I wist not ; for horror and
despondency had engrossed my imagination, and operated, as a deadly
weight, to clog the wheels of useful enterprise ; yea, to plunge me more
deeply, more irreversibly, into the abyss of depravity and woe.

To abide longer in this wretched spot, without sustenance, I found
physically impossible. Already the calls of nature had become querulous,
and pointed out the necessity of instant removal ; I therefore left the
thickets, and repaired to the house of a friend, where having quieted
the cravings of appetite, I commenced a solitary journey toward the
east.

Loaded with mental discouragements, I rambled from place to place ;
intending however, to gain a subsistence without submission to the
drudgery of labour. To effect this I travelled as an Indian Physician,
and had recurrence, also, to every other artifice and device within the
sphere of my invention.

As I passed through Kennebunk, one of my quondam associates delivered
me a bundle of clothes to carry a mile or two, and deposit at a certain
house. Very innocently, I undertook the trust, but had discharged the
freight scarcely a second, when I perceived a group of people, coming
with hue and cry, in quest of the thief. The goods had
been stolen, it seems, the very day I received them, and the owner, by
some means or other, had gotten upon the right tract. As I was
particularly wishful of avoiding entanglements at this ill-boding
conjuncture, I slipped out of doors, took advantage of
leg-bail, and sped to the deep coverts, eluding by which means
those industrious thief-takers.

Quite disgusted with wandering thus on foot, I contrived to
appropriate a horse, which I rode a number of miles, under the screen of
darkness ; but on the approach of day-light, thought it most advisable
to secrete him in the bushes, till the advent of the next evening should
again favour my retreat. At a good distance from the road I found a
station, in which it was presumable I might pass the day unmolested. I
had also reclined at my ease upon a hillock, and was preparing to take a
nap, when suddenly I was much startled at the sight of a man, running
toward me with much velocity. Unable to hide, unwilling to flee, I
sprang on end, and threw myself into a posture of defence ; but it
turned out in the sequel, that he was only in pursuit of a runaway cow.
This was better than expectation ; yet as the man had seen me with the
horse, I thought my greater safety would be in flight ; so, quitting
all, I sped off with the greatest swiftness. What became of the horse I
never knew, yet have little doubt of his being recovered by the legal
owner.

After strolling a field a while longer, I even hazarded an
approximation to Lee ; and, when within about twenty miles of that town,
accidentally fell in with a daughter of Love, whom I found propitious to
my warmest wishes. The first three weeks I was rarely absent, night or
day from her bewitching company, proving to my satisfaction in that
interim, (if the thing needed proof) that,

“ In soft battles I could pass the night,
And rise next morning, vig’rous for the fight,
Fresh as the day, and active as the light,”

I had serious thoughts of pulling the matrimonial noose, with this
young Doxy, to which she appeared most amorously inclined ; but, at
last, I formed an opinion, natural to every capacity, that, to enter
Hymen’s soft domains, within so short a distance of Lee, would be a
procedure too perilous for experiment.

While engaged in this amour I casually contracted some little
acquaintance with one Ebenezer Hubbard, a straggling adventurer, whom I
perceived to be a bird of my own feather. Our meeting accelerated the
dereliction of my new mistress ; whose personal charms had otherwise,
commanded the devoirs of her humble servant a longer period.

Hubbard and I agreed to commence a career of larceny, in concert and
to share the profits jointly. Our first essay commenced at Durham, where
we eased George Frost, of the trouble of a horse ; and, when passing
through a part of Vermont, disposed of him to one Daniel Elridge, of
Pownald. Frost, gathering some information of this circumstance, went to
Vermont, and persuaded Elridge to surrender the property. However I was
detained by the latter to respond damages, and rather than controvert
the affair, I engaged to pay thirty dollars and a yoke of oxen, as the
mean of avoiding worse consequences.

Hubbard being unable to make remittances, and both being considered
as holden by the law of firms and copartnership, the burden
fell principally upon my shoulders, reducing me thereby to a pitiful
strait ; I was enabled, however, in the end, by one means or another, to
clear the incumbrance, and thus obtained a dismission.

Hubbard and I then resorted to Lee, where, on account of the late
unlucky disaster, we were reduced to the very lowest ebb. I was in
favour of dissolving partnership, but Hubbard opposed the idea. For
whatever reasons he was averse from quitting my company, so I gave up
the point, and set out with my auxiliary for the purpose of breaking
open and robbing, in the neighborhood, a fulling-mill. This we
accomplished, and acquired by the means a quantity of milled cloth,
which we conveyed to Lee, and secreted in my father’s field.

The losers naturally mistrusted Hubbard & Tufts, and, on
instant search made, succeeded in securing us both. We were separated
forthwith, when Hubbard, being threatened by some, and coaxed by others,
had the simplicity to confess every fact, and to reveal where the cloth
lay concealed. The owners, meeting with such brilliant success, both in
finding their property, and in detecting the aggressors, conducted us
triumphantly before a justice of the peace, who awarded our commitment
to Exeter jail. The court happened to be then in session, we were tried
out of hand, and sentenced to receive twenty lashes a piece, which order
was executed, without mercy. The residue of our punishment was to lie in
durance twenty days, and then to be sold for damages and in the event of
non-payment, cost.

The penalty of imprisonment, we satisfied in its fullest extent ;
for, as no man in his senses would purchase such kind of trumpery, as
were a brace of condemned malefactors ; our dismission was the
consequence.

Luckily for my health, none of the officers of the Bay State, as
Massachusetts was then called, (for there had been my three years’
enlistment) nor any of their obsequious tools, happened to come along
during my confinement. I say, luckily, since had their old master, the
devil, sent any of them to Exeter, at this crisis, it is more than
probable, that, in lieu of a dismission, I had been taken into custody,
and forwarded to the army. It was not long, however, before I met with
fresh disturbance on the score of desertion, in consequence of which I
was obliged to leave house and home, and betake myself to precipitate
flight.

The first place I halted at, for any length of time, was Canterbury ;
this being a country town, I felt here a reasonable degree of
confidence.

One day, being at work with a farmer in his field, I shewed him a
method, recently invented, by myself, of playing upon three pompion
vines at a time, so as to make a kind of melody, not indeed music,
though consisting of such a variety of strange harmonious jargonic
sounds, in combination, as might, at a distance, be thought to resemble
harmony ; the larger vine carrying a sort of bass, and the smaller ones,
tenor and treble. Those sounds, in a still night, may be heard, very
distinctly, at the distance of a mile or more.

As it happened, the night ensuing was pretty dark, so the man, to
whom was imparted the above secret, and myself, out of sheer mischief,
agreed to travel the rounds, in order to astonish the inhabitants, by
blowingaupon the vines. To this end we furnished ourselves with a
suitable apparatus, and away we hied, “ whistling as we went,” and
making such a wonderful chime, that the very woods rang again, and
Orpheus himself might have listened. The inhabitants of Canterbury,
naturally superstitious, were one and all, in a most dismal amazement,
as appeared the following day. Some concluded the sounds must proceed
from trumpets, others said it was warlike music in the air, betokening
war and bloodshed ; while a third class verily believed, that the great
day of judgment was at hand.

After we had sounded a general alarm, and spent a deal of unnecessary
breath, we returned to our quarters, sufficiently wearied, indeed, with
the extraordinary exercise.

The next day the whole town was in a ferment, some running hither,
some thither, till at length the greater part had assembled at one
place, and a religious meeting was held on the gloomy occasion. From a
taste for novelty I attended the curious scene, and hardly ever
witnessed such a stir among a set of quaking enthusiasts, in my life.
The tremor was universal, many crying out, “ What shall I do to be
saved ?” in fine, there was a great reformation, as it was called,
and it lasted for the space of six months.

CHAP. VI.

Tippies ! to your lovely lasses,
Kindly pledge the brimming bowl ;
Nought pure love and wine surpasses ;
Or so raps the jocund soul.
Should tomorrow bring vile trouble,
Look for comfort from your purse,
Know content, makes pleasure double ;
Banish care, life’s foulest curse.

LEAVING Canterbury, I hastened to Old
Wells, where I met with a jolly shoemaker. At the pressing instance of
this laughing son of Crispin, I went home with him, to share, in his
company, a bowl or two of grog. While at his house I scraped
acquaintance with a tempting daughter of Venus, to whom I warmly paid my
addresses, under a borrowed name.

Oft, ere this, had it been my fortune, to stoop to the dominion of
the fair sex ; the fascinating charms of my new mistress again riveted
her fickle captive in voluntary chains. Three weeks rolled away, in this
courtship, and to complete the luxury of the scene, I fared most
sumptuously, though at the expence of my own purse. I may say, in this
place, with the greatest propriety,

With the joys of great Bacchus I quicken’d each sense,
Till my guineas and pounds were transmuted to pence ;
In the arms of my mistress, entranc’d ev’ry night,
I pass’d the soft moments in am’rous delight.

At the end of these three weeks, it occurred to my reflection, that I
had far outstaid my time ; and what was worse, that my full purse had
dwindled to the mere dwarf and skeleton of its former glory. This was no
pleasing consideration, to be sure ; yet I was loth to forego my
delicious banquet. The pretty minx had entirely engrossed my affections,
at least, for the moment ; I therefore dreaded to sound a retreat from
her tender embraces. Accordingly, I prolonged my stay till the end of a
few more days, by which time the terrors of personal insecurity gained
such entire ascendancy over the softer sensations, that I gave way to
the dictates of prudence, and hastened my departure from Wells.

The thoughts of my late mistress were soon eradicated from my breast,
by the intervention of new cares and new adventures, more especially, by
my return to Lee, which took place within a fortnight after I had
quitted her society.

At home, however, I was no better than a nuisance, since, fearful of
being seen, I could earn nothing ; I therefore, took an opportunity to
obtain, without saying, “ by your leave,” a complete mare from
the enclosure of a neighbor, who must be nameless. I rode but a few
furlongs before meeting with a man of my acquaintance, whom, though the
night was gloomy, I recognized ; but as he had not the slightest
knowledge of me, I jogged securely on, intending to reach No. 4, then so
called, in the first instance. On the way thither a suitable chance
occurred of turning the mare for cash, which I seized, and then
proceeded on foot.

At Fishersfield, fifteen miles northeast of No. 4, I put up at a
tavern for the night ; but, through my inadvertency, a glimpse of the
well fraught purse (the fruits of my late adventure) was caught,
accidentally, by mine host of the garter, at the moment of my supplying
him with a small matter of change.

In the evening I took notice, that he drank immoderately ; insomuch,
that it was quite late, ere we had permission to retire to rest. I had
been in bed, as I conjectured, upwards of an hour, when I overheard
people whispering in the adjoining room. Listening awhile, I imagined
the conversation to be between the landlord and his spouse ; it appeared
they were in a kind of dispute about something, though I heard scarce
enough of the subject to conjecture what. At length, elevating their
tones to a more audible pitch, I heard the woman say distinctly, “ That
won’t do, for such a thing can never be hid.” “ Hold your damn’d tongue
(retorted the man) and let me alone.” This uttered, they conversed again
in so low a key, that it was impossible to guess at the purport ; though
the accents of the landlady resembled those of lamentation. Soon after I
conceived her to be weeping. This made me conjecture, that I was the
subject of altercation ; and that the landlord had predetermined some
scheme of robbery, or perhaps murder. Those thoughts weighed so
powerfully on my imagination, that, instantly, I should have quitted the
horrid mansion, if the thing had been morally practicable ; but since it
was not, I saw no remedy, but to lie still, and watch while morning ;
if, haply, I should remain undisturbed, till then. However, this dubious
scene existed but a few minutes, ere I overheard some one busy at the
kitchen fire, as if in the act of raking up the embers ; and, quickly
after, the landlord entered my apartment with a massy fire shovel in his
fist, the weapon being held in a proper position to give a decisive
blow. He advanced toward my bedside (for by the light of the moon
through the casement, I could see distinctly) with cautious steps. My
pistols, were also ready, at the moment ; intending, therefore, to give
my assailant the handsomest reception, I sprung on end, and aiming one
of those speedy messengers of destruction toward his breast, bade him
advance an inch further, and I would sacrifice him to Dagon. At this
unexpected salute, he stopt short, which gave me time to convince him,
that I was armed, and should certainly take his life, if he attempted
the least mischief ; but in case he preferred an armistice, and going to
bed, it would be well, otherwise I should consider him an assassin, and
deal with him accordingly. As the villain thought to have caught me
napping, he was unprepared for opposition ; and seeing little else than
hard blows for his encouragement, he grew sick of the unpromising
enterprise. Thus situated, he began to apologize, begging me to overlook
his misconduct, or to impute it to the effects of strong drink, which he
declared, had overwhelmed his natural reason. Being willing to admit of
any excuses, however specious, to be once rid of the troublesome rascal,
I told him I could pardon the whole, on condition of his using me with
civility for the future. This he promised, protesting I should live like
a king, without money or price, let my stay at his house be ever so
lengthy.

Thus ending without bloodshed, this extraordinary affair, the
landlord withdrew to his own lodging, making no further disturbance till
morning ; but for my life I was unable to tranquilize my spirits, so as
to obtain the least quiet repose.

This was a night prolific of terrors, for, in the course of it, I
experienced another alarm, which turned out, in the end, to be nothing
but an old horse, that came beating about the house in search after
salt, or some such savoury article.

In the morning, early, I arose from my pillow of thorns, and the
landlord, as a kind of compensation for his nocturnal disturbances,
entertained me, scot free, upon the very best his house afforded but as
soon as I had taken breakfast, and regaled sufficiently, I bade adieu to
the detested spot, and resumed my circuitous rambles.

Having passed through Number four, I wheeled to the right about ;
came, in a short time to Nottingham, and soon arrived at Hampton-Falls.
Here I wheedled away a large dog, and sold him near Newbury, for ten
shillings ; but had crossed the Ferry, scarce twenty minutes, when the
dog returned to me by swimming. I ventured into a house in Newburyport,
and sold him a second time for six shillings, good money ; then taking
the road to Bradford, I went on about two miles, when my faithful dog
again overtook me. At Bradford I parted with him a third and last time,
for about one dollar more ; so that, on the whole, my trusty dog turned
to a pretty good account. I halted at Bradford just long enough to
replenish with food, when my journey was renewed with increased ardor,
adopting a sort of disguise, and altering my name, frequently, with a
view to baffle pursuit.

One day I called into a gentleman’s house who happened to know me,
and who, had heard much of my (ill) fame. This man was possessed of a
valuable horse, which I examined with some attention. Noticing this, he
enquired if I coveted the animal ; my answer being in the positive, he
proceeded in the following strain : “ This horse I keep closely
locked up, and guarded by sentries every night ; so, if you can make out
to steal him, you shall be extremely welcome, and never be called to
account for so doing.” I could not but marvel as much at this
declaration, as at the very prudent care the gentleman took of his horse
; but, on further enquiry, I discovered that he had himself bought him
of a thief, and that, being apprehensive of a clandestine visit from the
primitive owner, he had taken the above precautions to secure his
purchase. Feeling somewhat nettled, as a gentleman of my profession
would, at being bantered thus, I resolved to execute some stratagem for
the attainment of the horse : I went away, and procuring a quart bottle
of rum, and adding a suitable quantity of opium, tarried till late in
the evening : I then drew near the stable, where I knew the courser must
be. Here I was hailed by a couple of servant men, who demanded my
motives for travelling at that season of the night. I told them that the
object of my pursuit was a thief, named Henry Tufts, who had
stolen my horse ; but that I believed I had gotten already in advance of
him. They said they had frequently heard of that gentleman, and that he
was accounted the greatest knave and most arrant horse-thief in all that
country.

Our dialogue growing familiar, I finally concluded to make a halt in
this place, that Tufts might arrive. Meantime I expressed a desire to
purchase a little rum to cheer my spirits that cold evening ; but being
told that none could be attained in that quarter ; without more ceremony
I took out my bottle, and tasting of the contents, offered it to my new
acquaintance, who received the gratuity with cordiality. Upon the whole,
making a quick dispatch of the liquid, I could but admire at its sudden
effects, which were such, that immediately my pot-companions
were both stretched on the ground, encircled in the arms of Morpheus. By
searching their pockets I found the key of the stable, which I unlocked
and directly had the pleasure of fixing myself on the back of a very
fine horse.

Avoiding the glare of day, I rode him a night or two, till, being out
of harm’s way, I exchanged him for another horse, and received as boot,
thirty-five dollars in ready cash. This last horse I sold for forty
dollars more ; and, with the property, made a speedy decampment. Thus,
my late undertakings, however villainous, had been successful : but
fickle fortune had now like to have turned the scale ; for, at this
juncture, I came within an ace of being detained, as a deserter
by a certain Lieutenant belonging to the army ; from whose fangs I
luckily escaped.

Hitherto, I have been, perhaps, tediously minute in the description
of this journey ; to make amends, gentle reader, I will tell thee a
story, I hope, more diverting, though connected with the foregoing
events.

Feeling a degree of exultation at the sight of my pecuniary
successes, I purchased an elegant suit of wearing apparel, a laced hat
and embroidered waistcoat with other articles of equal value. To these I
added rings of gold, to adorn my dainty fingers, and a costly watch to
decorate my fob. In this splendid garb, I continued my travels as far as
the town of Hudson, in New-York. Here, one night, I took shelter in a
house, in which were two young ladies, the one as Rachel, very
beautiful, the other as Leah, not only tender eyed, but, whose whole
contour of physiognomy was irregular, uncouth and forbidding, to a
proverb. I scraped some acquaintance with both ; but felt the most
irresistable inclination to make the more beautiful miss my companion
for the night. As it fell out, we all three lodged in the second story
of the house, though in separate apartments. Unable to conquer my
insatiable desire, I even mustered courage, with silent steps, to invade
the precincts of the handsomest damsel ; and had the supreme felicity to
find her so far from obstinacy, that at the first summons she
surrendered the castle, and admitted a friendly parley, till morning.
Even yet, O, memory, thou presentest to view, this feast of love, as of
yesternight ; how delighted, how transported was I, with the elegant
person of my fine companion ! the hours passed away in transports of
ecstacy unutterable ; nor was the potent charm dissolved till Phœbus
shot his officious beams through the casement, and imparted to my, till
now intoxicated senses, a view of surrounding objects. But paint now in
imagination, who can, my surprise, my confusion, when I saw myself
encircled in the arms of the ill-favoured, the rejected damsel, in close
contact, with the same bundle of deformity, whom I had contemplated with
such cold indifference, such killing disgust, the preceding evening. The
scene was truly farcical ; I was planet struck ; what surprise she
noticed in my aspect, I pretended not to say ; but she demanded with a
sarcastic sneer, whether I had been deceived in my partner, I answered
that I had been confoundedly so.—“ See, cried she, the
force of imagination.” Her logic was irrefragable ; but, as I
wished, for cogent reasons, to wave further discussion, I quitted the
house abruptly ; and upon revolving in my mind, as I paced the street,
the ludicrous adventures of the night, came to the following
resolution ; never to differ with a wife, much less a mistress, upon so
light and trivial a consideration, as the want of external beauty.

The present journey was long and intricate. In the course of it I
visited the high lands near West Point, and had the mortification to see
a number of Pennsylvania riflemen receive one hundred lashes each, as a
punishment for the rescue of some prisoners.

From West Point my rambles were vague and fortuitous, till I reached
Vermont. Having, passed through a portion of that state, the whim took
me to visit, in rotation, the town of Claremont, to gain sight, if
possible, of Sally Judd, my former mistress and almost wife. The
delightful scenes I had passed in her company, recurred afresh to my
recollection, and induced a secret wish, that similar scenes might again
occur ; but of this there was no present prospect, nor could I expect to
renew a connection, which had thus long been dissolved.

At Claremont I put up at Spencer’s tavern, and having money
sufficient for present exigencies, allotted to tarry in the place
several days. Sally and her friends were the objects of my earliest
inquisition. I learnt that she still remained unwedded, and resided, as
formerly at her father’s house. I had a peculiar fancy to see and
converse with her ; but, in truth, had not the effrontry to approach her
father’s dwelling, so that, should I meet her at all, it must be, I
supposed, by mere accident.

The day after my arrival at Spencer’s came in a stranger, a genteel,
well looking man, who, on committing his steed to the hostler, assumed a
seat near mine ; we entered into familiar conversation. His deportment
was affable and engaging, and his appearance that of a man of sense and
information. He tarried in my company till near night, and then talked
of the prosecution of his journey. I hinted, that, as the close of the
day was so near at hand, to travel far must be out of the question ; and
that, consequently, he had better postpone his departure till morning.
In return, he observed, that his absence from home had been tedious, and
that still he had a lengthy journey to perform ; that having but little
money to defray expences, diligence, in his circumstances, became a
matter of expediency. If that be the case, (said I) as you are a
stranger, and must need be in want of refreshment, if you choose to stop
here I will discharge your reckoning with pleasure. He finally concluded
to tarry, and thanked me in handsome terms for my civility.

The hours passed agreeably till bed time, when the new guest proposed
our sleeping in the same bed. I could have no objections, so having
retired to rest, we resumed the theme of our former conversation. Our
intimacy improving, he enquired, whether he might venture to entrust me
with a secret ? I replied, that he might, without the least scruple,
even if it concerned his life. This being settled, he told me “ his name
was Whiting ; that he had long been an agent for the British, who had
now employed him as an emissary to explore the country, and circulate
counterfeit money. That, as Congress had issued a paper medium to raise
armies, and pay off their troops, it imported their adversaries to
discredit the currency as effectually as possible. And, as such large
quantities of paper, had been emitted already, the speediest way to
effect the entire dissolution of that system was to inundate the country
with counterfeit bills. I have now with me, a large sum, in money, of
that description, executed in a very masterly manner, and can supply you
in the morning with a competent sum, if you think you can pass it to
advantage.” I thanked him for his liberality, and confessed I should be
glad of a small quantity, which I had no scruple of putting off without
difficulty.

This was the substance of our evening discourse ; agreeably to which,
the next morning, before leaving the chamber, he counted me out upwards
of one thousand dollars. I expressed some anxiety, lest it might
discommode him to part with so considerable a sum ; but he replied ; “
No, no, I can spare it very well, as I have, now, fifty thousand dollars
in my pocket. However, I should be glad of a little silver to discharge
bills, at particular places, and if you could supply me with a trifle, I
should esteem it a great favour.” As I was pleased at the opportunity of
requiting, in some measure, my benefactor, I handed him three dollars,
for which I had his peculiar thanks.

This important business being adjusted, we descended into the
parlour, and joined the rest of the company. Mr. Whiting staid to
breakfast, and then took his leave ; but never, since that morning, have
I had the satisfaction to behold his face.

On the same day of my receiving the spurious bills, couriosity
prompted me to make experiment of their currency. On trial, I found not
the slightest difficulty in passing them. Indeed my bills were such an
exact imitation of the genuine ones, that a man must have had more
penetration than ordinary, to had discerned the slightest
difference.

I now found that my new fund of money would turn, doubtless, to good
account ; yet, as it daily depreciated, I supposed it my wisest course
to lay out a considerable quantity of it the first opportunity.
Accordingly I purchased a good horse, a new suit of clothes, and
materials for a complete suit of female apparel : the last I sent, as a
present, to poor Sally, accompanied with a message, that I wished to see
and converse with her before leaving the vicinity. She accepted the
offer with gratitude. I intended this offering as some kind of atonement
for the damage her character had sustained through my means.

A day or two after this, hearing that Sally was on a visit at a
neighbour’s house, I went to see her. Our interview was interesting ; I
attempted an apology for former transgressions, but my excuses did not
obviate the severity of her censures. After a lengthy conference, in
which were discussed our former concerns, I took leave, to present her
at parting with fifty of those very dollars which I had received of
Whiting.

Thus, having negociated at Claremont the business nearest my heart, I
meditated a sudden removal ; bidding, therefore, adieu to all, I mounted
my nag, and departed from the neighbourhood. I had not travelled many
miles before I had the address to traffick away my horse for money and
goods ; which articles I transported like an honest man, to my own
family, well knowing they must be thrice welcome there.

Not daring to abide long at Lee ; the dread I yet entertained of
being seized and transmitted to the army, operated so forcibly, I
hastened to Berwick, and was hospitably entertained by one Warren. This
man was prodigiously in debt, and having to take every precaution to
keep clear of executions, his house became the fittest receptacle I
possibly could have chosen, in this region. As it fell out, my stay was
protracted, at Warren’s, for twenty days together; this happened in
consequence of a courtship I then managed with a young woman, resident
at his house. In all probability I should have hazarded another Hymeneal
tug, had not the proximity of my sparrow’s residence to old Lee,
prevented that measure. She, in fact, made marriage the sinè quá
non of our intimacy ; I therefore chose to decamp, and leave my
amorous charmer to pick up a spark, less strongly tramelled, for her
husband.

From Berwick, I came to Dover, the land of alewives, lawyers and
clay ; where, being tempted to steal a horse, I improvidently conveyed
him to Lee. Here a certain man (whose name needs not repetition) who was
always very busy in the important office of detecting thieves,
transacting however, occasionally, himself a little of their appropriate
business : this wiseacre, forsooth, bloodhound like, dogged me so
narrowly, that he discovered the stolen horse, and wrested him forcibly
from my hands. After which, the same puppy, not content, with his
present success, and envious of my prosperity in the rule of Thumb,
hunted me so perseveringly, that I was glad to abscond, or do worse.

In the course of my flight, I once more met with my quondam associate
James Smith ; who being also, a deserter, and forced to play hide
and go seek, we consorted together, and transacted the same
business in co.

Our joint petit larcenies supplied the greater part of our sustenance
at this season ; remedying, however, any contingent deficiency with the
money I had received of Whiting, which, by the bye, had dwindled
already, to a pretty diminutive sum.

It was late in the autumn 1780, when this accidental recontre, with
my fellow laborer, took place. We had been descried in company
repeatedly, and were of course put to our trumps to keep out of harm’s
way, being forced to lodge in barns and sometimes even in the forests ;
although the earth was covered with snow, and the atmosphere extremely
cold.

In this despicable manner, we rambled from one haunt to another, till
we reached Allentown, where fear and necessity induced our abiding in
the woods altogether. We had provided fireworks, however, with which we
could kindle a flame, to seethe our viands, and a hatchet, that sufficed
to erect a shelter, to screen us from the inclement season.

As these woods were solitary, and rarely pressed by the foot of man,
we had little apprehension of disturbance ; and by traversing a few
miles every second or third night, we made shift to procure such store
of turkies, geese, pigs and other eatables, as precluded any pressing
lack of food. One evening we took a beehive, from a Mr. Batchelder, and
conveyed it, entire, to our place of resort. My companion and I were
much tickled with this acquisition ; and upon the honey, regaled more
deliciously than we had for a long time before. After supper we
reclined, as usual, by a small fire, and for a few hours, steeped our
senses in the softest forgetfulness. Hardly had the rays of light
streaked the chambers of the east, when we shook off the drowsy God, and
kindled the willing blaze to warm anew our bestiffened limbs. We had
begun also to prepare breakfast by heating, over the cinders, a few
fragments of cold fowl, the relics of a former repast; and were musing
in melancholy mood upon the uncheery aspect of our affairs, when
suddenly to our great consternation, we were alarmed by a rustling noise
hard at hand, among the bushes. Starting up, and looking whence the
sounds vibrated, we saw the woods full of men, armed cap a pie. That
they were in quest of us we could have no doubt ; and on second view we
readily discerned them to be the people of Allenstown ; who, on account
of our depredations on their property, had investigated the place of our
retreat, and mustered, en masse, to the tune of thirty or more to take
us prisoners.

With a sudden bound I leaped forward, and, crying out to Smith to
flee with all speed, or it would be game up with him, we both took to
our heels. Our pursuers, seeing us make off so briskly, set up a great
shout, and pressed on with fury. They had received, it seems, strict
orders to kill us upon the spot, in case we attempted to flee ;
consequently, having us in fair sight, and within pistol shot, they all
discharged their pieces full in our rear. The balls whizzed about my
ears, as thick, in my then multiplying imagination, as hailstones ; yet,
fortunately, I survived the leaden tempest unhurt. Smith too received no
other damage than the loss of an earlock, which being separated by a
musket ball, dropped down upon his shoulder. So rough a salute was
enough to rouse to alertness the dullest of mortals ;—it electrified us
in an instant ; and, in as little time, was our every nerve exerted to
make good a retreat. Having sustained this heavy fire, thus ungenerously
made by the enemy, I was determined never to be taken alive, by the
dastardly villains, who occasioned it ; and so peculiar was my reliance
on my own dexterity, that I harboured little doubt of escaping in spite
of them all. But for my messmate Smith I had somewhat, sincerely, to
fear, since I found him quite unable to hold pace with me. My
prognostications were realized, for, the next minute I had the
mortification to see him overhauled and made captive.

By the time this was done, I was approaching a narrow but deep
rivulet, the surface of which was incrusted with ice ; though of
insufficient thickness to bear me over. As I saw no remedy, but to
surrender, or cross this stream, I made the hazardous attempt, and
passed over at a single leap. The foremost pursuer was snug at my heels,
who, thinking to do the like, gave a sudden bound, but, in lieu of
gaining the opposite bank, as intended, he had the misfortune to miss
stays, and alight midway the stream. A lucky hit this, for the ice,
being thin, broke through, and plump went he to the bottom. His disaster
gave me some advantage in the race ; since, most of the company were
forced to halt, and lend a hand in relief of the drowning person. The
residue of the gang, however, pursued with vigour, and one of them, at
this stage of the business, Johnson by name, a tall, crane-like fellow,
with legs as long as maypoles, far outstript his rivals in the chase.
This spindle shanked sneak, was, several times, upsides with me in the
race ; but being a gawkish, cowhearted chap, he could not muster
resolution to seize upon his prey. Mean time was rescued, from his
frigid bath, the unfortunate sufferer ; when, once more, the chase
became general, and continued with ardour, till Johnson, spying his
colleagues too far in the rear, thought best to give up the fruitless
pursuit, and leave me in possession of a well earned victory. Poor
Smith, if I remember right, was conveyed to Exeter, and lodged in
prison ; but of his after-fortunes, or misfortunes, I can give no
relation.

Allenstown being no longer the land of promise, I set out with
diligence for the Kennebec country ; to which, after shunning many
perils, and submitting to much hunger and toil, I made out to
attain.

CHAP. VII.

Behold the vagrant ! on he hies,
While happiness before him flies :
Attach’d to vice, to virtue blind,
Misfortunes cannot cure his mind.
The wicked, says a well known text,
Like troubled seas, and oceans vex’d,
Cast miry dirt, as on they sweep,
From the low caverns of the deep.

IN this interesting tour I passed over a
large portion of the eastern territory ; but still dreading to return to
my native State, went to Pigwacket and thence to Saratoga, with full
purpose of mind to leave my own country forever, and to reside somewhere
in the settlements of Upper Canada.

From Saratoga, I advanced towards Quebec, and putting up, one night,
at a humble cot, received of my entertainer the detail of a tragical
event, which took place in that quarter a short time prior to my
arrival. Without apology for the episode I shall give it a place
here.

Three of our countrymen had been hunting, it seems, for several
months in the wilderness, north of Saratoga ; when, it happened that one
of them, named Abbot, took it into his head, in the absence of his
partners, to visit their traps. This was an imprudent step to besure,
because the woods were infested with hostile Indians, who kept the
frontiers in consternation, and did no small mischief.—Abbot reached the
traps unmolested ; but while busied in securing the game, unhappily for
him, he was discovered and taken captive by six Indians.

The savages soon formed the horrid conclusion of putting their
prisoner to a painful and lingering death ; and, in order to execute the
infernal purpose, led him off to some distance, where having gagged and
prostrated the wretched victim on his back, they cut holes through his
wrists and heels, between the bones and tendons, in such a manner as to
draw metump lines and green withes, through the apertures. Then
extending his arms and legs to a degree exquisitely painful, they, with
the ligatures above mentioned, lashed him fast to four small trees ;
which bloody exploit finished, those horrid hell-hounds left the
writhing sacrifice, and withdrew to a cluster of bushes, with intent to
make merry, and enjoy, in idea, the excruciating tortures of the
sufferer. Mean while, as Abbot returned not to his anxious companions,
they began to be solicitous for his welfare, and set out in quest of him
accordingly.

Coming to the hunting ground, and not finding whom they sought, they
were quite at a loss what route to pursue. But observing the dog, which
they had led thus far in a string, to be very urgent for going in a
particular direction ; they knew not but something especial might be the
cause of his earnestness.

They therefore gave him his own humour, and by following the
sagacinus animal, as he led the way, came in a few minutes upon their
partner Abbot, stretched and bound in the above related manner. With
trembling haste they released him from his horrible confinement ; and,
having two guns well charged, agreed to venture up within shot of the
Indians, whom they now heard at some distance in the height of their
rejoicing. Advancing with much caution to a proper station, they made a
halt, levelled their pieces, and, at a given signal, both fired at the
same instant. To their great satisfaction they found that each shot had
taken the best possible effect ; four of the tawny rogues were killed
outright, and a fifth so crippled, as to be incapable of flight. The
sixth and only remaining Indian fled for his life. At this moment our
hunters let loose their faithful dog, which overtook the fugitive in a
trice, and before they could gain the spot, had destroyed his prey in a
manner too shocking to relate. These savages reaped the reward of their
cruelty, being killed to a man ; but Abbot survived, and is now living,
it is said, in the district of Maine.

I sojourned several days with the person, who made me this
rehearsal ; in which time he gave me such unfavourable accounts of the
Canadian territories, and of the severity of their laws and customs,
particularly, in the chastisement of offenders, that I grew skittish of
consequences, and resolved to shun even the barriers of a country, so
rigid in its internal police, as to destroy entirely my favorite
schemes. Relinquishing therefore all present ideas of voluntary
expatriation, I shifted my course, went down to number four (now
Charlestown) and thence, after the respite of a few days, returned back
to Lee. This was, indeed, a trying season ; for as my last excursion had
been attended with every loss and expenditure, I had brought home little
or nothing to bear my own charges, much less to make glad the hearts of
expecting relatives.

It was immediately famed abroad that Tufts had returned ; and as
former evils existed in abundance, I was obliged to be extremely
circumspect to avoid surrounding difficulties. Many were officiously
anxious that I should be caught and punished, regarding me as a pest to
society, and my nefarious misdeeds as altogether insufferable. Their
perseverance caused me unceasing solicitude ; I still persisted,
however, in my former practices, in defiance of public reprobation, or
legal menaces.

At this juncture an adventurer arrived, John Sanborn by name, a
droll, unlucky chap, very light-fingered, but unworthy even of
my confidence. In a word : being a man pretty much of my own
kidney ; we associated together at all convenient seasons ; my cottage
being selected as the place of our common rendezvous. By robbing friends
and foes indiscriminately, we became the scourges of the community,
while our mischievous pranks, though a source of complaint far and near,
afforded us (alas, the depravity of human minds) nought but exultation
and triumph. Custom and habit gain ground imperceptibly ; and I may
declare from experience, that the farther a man travels in dissolute
courses, the less will be his compunction when deviating from the paths
of uprightness. To this effect sings the poet :

“Vice is a monster of so frightful mein,
As to be hated needs but to be seen ;
But seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace.”

It will be necessary to pass over, in this place many incidents,
which, after so considerable a lapse, I recollect but indistinctly ; and
which, though retained in memory, would be too trivial for recital. The
following may claim some attention.

One evening, when my “ boon companion,” and myself had been out upon
a customary expedition, and were returning homeward richly laden with
booty ; chancing to pass by Lieut. John Burleigh’s house, we espied two
shirts, as we supposed, suspended on a pole for the purpose of drying.
Without so much as asking leave, however light, we made free to snatch
both, and hastened to our usual retreat. The next morning, on review of
the spoils, we found, that in lieu of two shirts, we had brought home a
couple of (the ladies will pardon the expression) elegant smocks. In
want of a shirt each, the disappointment was a little mortifying ; but
being in the habit of making even shifts, upon emergency, we
thought it not impossible to transform a couple of them into as many
shirts ; so we agreed to adjourn to the woods to accomplish that
purpose. Having procured thread and needles, with other necessary
apparatus, away we trudged ; and after some research, finding a secluded
spot, that promised complete security from intrusion, down we sat, and
commenced the elaborate process. But the rays of the sun falling with a
little more intensity, than accorded with my feelings, I stripped off
coat and waistcoat, and to work we went. Sandborn being himself a piece
of a taylor, (a small thing indeed) undertook to be foreman, and as my
own father had been the ninth part of a man, by trade, I could sew a
pretty tolerable seam ; all which considered, we had little doubt of
bringing the business to a fortunate conclusion. As a beginning,
Sandborn cut off a large slice from the bell muzzle of each, in order to
eke out the sleeves, and fabricate a couple of delicate collars with
their appendages. Those pieces were adjusted, after a queer fashion, to
the uses designed ; our work went on, to be sure, swimmingly, and was
fast approximating to a close, when, suddenly the whole was interrupted
by the unhoped for appearance of some six or eight men, who had turned
out that morning in search after the aggressors. They might be fifty
paces distant, when I caught a first glance, as they crept silent,
through the bushes ; wishing, therefore, to take time by the forelock,
remembering he was bald behind, I threw aside my unfinished shirt, and
took instantly to my heels. Sandborn did the like ; we ran through thick
and thin, with the agility of a couple of mountain stags, and were out
of sight and hearing in a twinkling. Thus were our sharp sighted
neighbors disappointed of their aim, for the present. I was chagrined at
the loss of the shirts (or rather shifts) as may be conjectured ; but
more so at that of my other garments. The spoils were gathered by the
victors, who restored the two smerries, in their mutilated condition, to
the primitive owners ; who happened to be two young women, then on a
visit at the lieutenant’s. It is almost needless to add, that these
pretty articles, by passing through our hands, had undergone such a
strange metamorphosis, as to be quite useless to the young ladies, as
far as it concerned their original destination. The foregoing incident
was a matter of merriment to as many as heard of it, and the poor girls
had to bear a load of railery, for indulging the licentious Tufts in an
intimacy of such close concern.

One evening, after the above, as I was passing by Stratham meeting
house, it occurred abruptly to my recollection, that I had seen a
splendid cushion within, and that it might be of great utility in my
forlorn condition ; not reflecting that the horrid crime of sacrilege
would then be annexed to the catalogue of my iniquities. I therefore,
wheeled up to the church, and without deference to the sanctity of the
place, made bold to enter through a ground window. Making prize of the
cushion, I conveyed it, in the first instance to Exeter, and there sold
the ticking and feathers to a confidential person. The exterior
covering, which was green plush, I carried to Lee, and after giving it a
different complexion, had it converted into a pair of small clothes,
which lasted beyond calculation, and did me eminent service.

My next route was to Kingston, where time for refreshment was hardly
afforded, before I was seized, and dragged before a justice’s court, on
suspicion of purloining a farmer’s calf. The complainant averred, that
the night before, hearing a disturbance at his barn, he repaired
thither, and found a thief rummaging his possessions in quest of plunder
; that he snatched the first weapon that came to hand, being a pitchfork
; that with this he rushed forward, and had the luck to drive the prongs
so forcibly against the rogue’s forehead, that positively he must have
left some bruise or wound ; that the thief then eloped, and the next
morning, on search made, one of his calves was missing and no where to
be found. Such being the complainant’s account the court ordered my face
and head to be examined ; the result was, that no mark, or even a
scratch, was any where discernible. Other witnesses were then
questioned, but their testimonies not substantiating my guilt, a
dismission was the consequence.

Freed from this embarrassment, I posted away to Greenland, and in
concert with another of my cronies, set out to break open a shoemaker’s
shop (one Pickering’s.) We succeeded in the attempt, and took possession
of half a side of sole, and a like quantity of upper leather, that being
the whole we could find in the shop. Both articles we crammed into a
sack, and were making off very leisurely, when it was our ill luck to
meet with a man on horseback, whom by his speech we discerned to be a
Pickering also, and the brother of the one just mentioned.

It was too dark for the traveller to know the physiognomy of either
of us, and what sprite put it into his noddle, I won’t say, but he
roared out, “ Thieves ! Thieves !” so vociferously, that had he
split his throat with the exertion it had been no miracle. I happened to
be the Judas just then, and was lugging the bag ; but fearing that his
obstreperous bellowing might arouse the whole posse, I made neither
better nor worse, but flung the sack, stuffed as it was, directly at the
horse’s fore legs. The affrighted animal fetched a huge leap, and,
stumbling, at the same time, pitched his rider head foremost to the
ground ; when, sad to relate ! the bone of his arm was snapped short by
the fall. He cried out that he was absolutely killed ; yet I having no
idea of the extent of the tragedy, did not stop to multiply queries, but
fled with great precipitancy, leaving bag and baggage to the finder.

We travelled apace till coming to a river, which it was needful to
cross, in one particular spot, or go a great way about to effect that
purpose. Being in a hurry, we concluded to attempt the shortest cut, and
therefore plunged abruptly into the current ; but, lo ! my partner sunk
instantly to the bottom, for he could swim, it seems, no more than a
stone. For my own part I was far from being expert at such kind of
exercise, yet having practiced a little, and feeling much for the
situation of my friend, I ventured to seize him by the arm, and by help
of his own exertions, made out to convey him to the opposite bank.

This dangerous voyage surmounted, on retrospect of which my very
blood congealed with horror, it was our next concern to provide some
commodious shelter for the night. To obtain an object so desirable we
took uncommon pains ; yet, after all, were glad to be content, (wet,
cold and hungry as we were,) with rolling up in a little hay or straw,
that we found in a farmer’s barn.

Here our repose was small, and our reflections uncheering, for of the
adventures of the evening we could have little to boast ; we had
undergone much fatigue and disquiet, without benefit to ourselves or
others, and, spider like, had been worse than idly employed.

No sooner had the morning dawned, than I took leave of my companion,
crossed over the great bay, in a float, and straight repaired to Lee,
the place of my ancient resort.

On arrival home, whom should I see but my old accomplice, John
Sandborn ; who, like a bad penny, had returned, after an absence of some
continuance. He had gotten, however, thirty weight of flax, of which he
had plundered a kinsman of his ; this article being much needed in my
family, I wished to invent some little stratagem for its attainment.
With a view to this, I applied to one of my friends, (for of such I was
rarely destitute) and acquainted him with my design ; adding, it might
easily be effected with a trifle of his assistance. All I, indeed,
wanted of him was to mount his horse, repair to my house betimes the
next evening, and enquire for Sandborn, the flax stealer ; leaving the
rest to my management. My friend agreed, and fulfilled articles to a
nicety ; for about the end of twilight he rode up to my threshold, and,
with a loud rap, as if in haste, demanded whether one John Sandborn, the
flax stealer, was within. I answered in the negative ; but Sandborn,
hearing the inquisition, and thinking to be dragged instantly to
justice, whipped out at the back door, and fled to the woods,
forgetting, in his great hurry to secure even an ounce, of the flax.
Wither he sought refuge at that juncture, I wot not, but the flax was
appropriated to family uses.

About this period was completed a collection of necessaries, that had
cost me no small time and trouble in preparing. It consisted of a number
of augers, with a compass and other saws of various descriptions,
calculated to facilitate the breaking through strong holds ; to which
were added a variety of false and spring keys, so constructed, as to
open almost any sort of lock. Those instruments I deposited in several
places, in order to have them in readiness upon special occasions. My
inducements in providing this resource, resulted not only from past
experience of their utility ; but from the probability, that yet
existed, of my needing such implements in future ; unless eventually I
should cultivate some emendation of morals, and forsake the illicit game
of thieving, of which, at present, I did not see the most remote
prospect. I imagine my keys must have been viewed, as a curiosity, by
such as were unused to the sight of such rarities ; the construction of
them, however, is so simple, as to easily be imitated or made by any
smith of common ingenuity ; and when judiciously fashioned, are of such
extensive application, that one key will fit a great variety of locks. I
am positive, that, with this assortment of keys, I could have opened,
without violence, almost any lock I ever saw ; this I am assured by
experience, which is indeed the touchstone of truth.

While noticing these particulars, I would observe likewise, that I
now kept on hand, or in suitable places of deposit, a variety of paints
of different colours ; by means of which, I could so alter the looks of
any horse, that the owner must be puzzled to know him again, while the
disguise lasted, which was usually a week or more, unless the paint were
sooner displaced by hard riding or rainy weather.

I also kept on hand, several setts of cork shoes, covered with sole
leather : these I used frequently, to fasten round my horses feet, to
prevent the sound of his footsteps being heard : I have often surprized
people, for favorite purposes, by this contrivance.

I also furnished myself with vitriol, aqua fortis, and other
corrosive ingredients, to soften or eat away iron. Those liquids I
sometimes, carried in a phial, tied up in the club of my hair ; while
the blades of my compass-saws were frequently concealed between the
soles of my shoes. A number of the articles, above enumerated, I
confided to the keeping of confidential friends, of whom I had now a
connected string, reaching from Newyork, to the District of Maine ; and
from thence through Vermont to Canada line. But to return :

After passing upon Sandborn the imposition above noticed, I took up
my abode at the house of one Doe, in Newmarket, and assisted him on
hire. This man was in good worldly circumstances, but so distracted, at
times, as to be quite incapable of transacting business. I had been more
or less acquainted with him for a number of years, and had acquired a
decent knack at managing his irregular sallies.

One day, we went to a pasture, three miles distant, for the purpose
of docking a number of Steers ; having made the purposed amputation, and
feeling fatigued with the exercise, we called into a house, hard by to
rest ourselves. Here taking, in hand, one of the tails, I transformed
it, so as to resemble, an elegant false tail ; then in fashion. On our
way homeward we called into one Hilton’s, who was absent ; but to his
son, a young man, who was at home, I proffered the false tail, for about
a dollar. Want of money was his only objection to the purchase ; I
therefore offered to take corn, which, indeed was at that time a scarce
article. Accordingly the young fellow coveting the curiosity, measured
me up a bushel and a half of this staff of life, which, throwing upon
Doe’s horse, and resigning the dear-bought bubble, I scoured off with
all imaginable industry.

Doe and I on returning to his house, were informed, that a certain
Physician, now nameless, had sent word in our absence, that he allotted
visiting his brother Doe and family the next day. At the mention of the
Doctor’s name, remembering a mischief he had formerly done me ; I now
resolved to digest and execute some friendly scheme, in requital of old
favors. Accordingly I drew Doe aside, and, practicing on his credulity,
told him, that I had learnt the object of the Doctor’s visit. “ What is
it ?” enquired he, with some earnestness. “ I dont like to tell,
answered I, unless you promise secrecy, as I have no mind to be called
to quorum for broaching the mystery.” “Oh ! you never shall, returned
he, you may rest easy as to that.” “ Why, then, quoth I, your head is
sometimes out of tune, you know, and the Doctor has a whim in his, that
he, can facilitate your cure.” “ That would be good in him, (cried Doe)
and, for ought I know he might contribute to my recovery, though, to
speak truth, I have but a scurvy opinion of his medical abilities.” “
But, continued I, the Doctor says your disorder is very difficult to
eradicate, and that emasculation will be the only effectual remedy ; he
intends therefore, to come with suitable auxiliaries to perform on you
that salutary operation.” “ Do you imagine queried he, that the Doctor
has any such thing in view.” “ Most assuredly cried I ; there has been a
counsel of Doctors upon the question already, and nem. con. they have
advised that measure as the only radical cure in your circumstances.” “
Damn him then, said Doe, you shall see how I will look out for him.” “
Pray, said I, dont mention that I gave you the least hint of this
affair, as I wish above all things, to keep clear of blame.” “ Never
fear, said he, your name shall be had in request neither pro nor
con.”

The next morning, Doe equipt himself, as I took notice, with a large
ox-goad, which he laid by against time of need, and then kept a bright
look out for the Doctor. At length espying him aloof, he flew out of
doors with his trusty tickler, and took post in a spot the most
convenient for his adversary’s reception. Presently the Doctor,
alighting from his steed, advanced without scruple, to give his kinsman
a morning salutation. Doe, instead of returning the compliment,
discharged three or four horrible wipes across the Doctors backsides and
shoulders ; which threw him into the habit of cutting more curious
capers, than though he had felt the bite of the tarantula. The poor son
of Esculapius unable to abide the outrageous attack, fled in amazement
to his horse, and thinking, that, in the way of flight, four legs must
have the advantage of two, attempted to remount, which, at last, he
accomplished. But his horse, sad to relate ! not feeling, in common with
his master, the same powerful provocatives for quickening his pace,
stood motionless, unwilling to move, in the least, notwithstanding the
hearty kicks and curses of his impatient rider. At this unfavorable
moment, Doe came up, and renewed the charge with pristine vigor ; so
that the luckless Doctor, ere he could subdue the patient animals
stupidity, or make him budge an inch ahead, was forced to abide another
consoling flagellation, which his assailant now administered with no
less liberality, than at the beginning of the onset. By this time,
however, the horse had acquired such a degree of mobility, as conveyed
both himself and rider out of the reach of further injury ; the Doctor
exclaiming, as he jogged away, that Doe was stark mad to be sure, and
himself bruised to a mummy. While I, who had been a tranquil spectator
of the turbid scene, was inclined to suppose, that, in lieu of bootless
complaints, he had more cause to rejoice, escaping as he did, not indeed
with his skin, but with bones unbroken.

Just after this, at the instance of several soldiers, who, on
expiration of their furloughs, were about returning to the army, I was
hunted from post to pillar ; and, at last, surprised by one Frost and
others, in a clump of bushes, where I had sought concealment from their
researches. Their exultation at taking the atrocious offender, who had
so long baffled pursuit, was superabundant ; and so strong a guard was
placed over my person that all attempts to escape must have been
quixotic and chimerical. In this cautious manner they conveyed me to
Exeter, and consigned me to the custody of Lt. Boynton, who had
directions to conduct his prisoner to the army. It was now toward the
close of our revolutionary war ; yet I dreaded to be returned as a
deserter, and was, therefore, solicitous to prevent that evil ; however,
as the means of avoidance were not obvious, I acquiesced from pure
necessity, and resolved to meet my destiny, whatever it might be, with
becoming fortitude.

Lt. Boynton escorted me as far as Newburyport ; but instead of
proceeding onward, as were my expectations, he had me secured in the
jail in that place. This fell out much to my satisfaction, for golden
hope once more revived, that I should yet obtain the means of
escape.

I continued in confinement three weeks, without attempting the
smallest manœuvre to advance my enlargement ; at which time, Richard
Dennis, frequently introduced to the reader ere this, happened to arrive
at the port, in a coasting vessel. This notable tanquam, hearing of his
old friends misfortune, paid me a visit the first evening, and furnished
me with a key saw, fixed in a bow, for the business of cutting iron. By
way of requital I gave him a couple of crowns. But the very night I
received the saw, Dennis broke open the public magazine, and took thence
seven barrels of powder, conveying the whole on board his vessel. The
next morning, exposing to sale, a parcel of the commodity to some
hucklers, he was suspected of obliquity in its acquirement, and
immediately taken into custody. At this moment discovery was made that
the magazine had been opened ; so that, his guilt becoming
incontestible, he was honoured with a residence in the same apartment of
the prison with myself.

When all had withdrawn, and we were at liberty to converse freely,
Dennis, after a momentary pause, broke silence in the following words :
“ Now every thing will come handy, and we shall be ready to break jail,
I trust, very soon ; let us go to work, my boy, with all diligence.” To
this proposal I was perfectly agreed, and to work we went. Our
instruments were two old case knives, and the saw above mentioned. The
knives were converted into a couple of saws also, by hacking them across
each other, and in this way they served to make a crease in the grates,
while the key-saw widened the notch. At the top of the jail was a
weather cock, fixt on an iron spindle, which as often as the wind blew,
emitted a creaking sound, that drowned entirely the noise of our saws.
We deemed this a fortunate circumstance and never failed to take
advantage of it, shaping our course according to the wind.

In this manner we finished cutting off, though of monstrous
magnitude, all the grates belonging to a certain window, except one
which held by the bigness of a six penny nail. Nothing more, than the
removal of the grates, being requisit, we purposed to break jail, and
depart, as soon as darkness should permit. I conceived myself quite
secure of elopement, as every thing had succeeded, thus far, to the
extent of our wishes. At this crisis, when hope was fairly fledged, and
expectation on the wing, Dennis most preposterously overturned our whole
system, by yielding to the dictates of his old master Silenus ; or in
other words, by quaffing his favourite brandy, so greedily, as to reach
almost the end of his journey, complete inebriation. I remonstrated
against the palpable impropriety of his conduct, but in vain : he grew
noisy, and having drained the grief-subduing bowl, began to vociferate
for more liquor. I interposed ; but Dennis, as if actuated by some more
evil spirit, than brandy itself, persisted in calling to the bar-keeper.
His clamours, however, were disregarded : all seemed inattentive, but
his impatience had grown too ardent for controul ; regardless of
consequences, therefore, he thrust his key-saw out of the scuttle, and
gave a still more forcible rap. Precisely at that instant, Mr. Ingals,
the jailor, happening to pass by, observed the saw, which he struck with
his hand, so forcibly, that it flew quite across the entry: he then left
us in a condition to be envied by those only, who are just going to be
hanged. Dennis well knew he had been the sole cause of this great
mischief ; he raved like a mad man, and turning to me, with confusion of
countenance, complained bitterly of his loss. I reproached him severely
for his extreme folly ; protested he deserved hanging, and that probably
such would be his destiny in a short time. To those invectives he
courageously replied : “ Never mind it, my son, we shall do well enough
yet, I will fix a plaister for this sore, as sure as my name is Dennis
:” In this manner we conversed, till Mr. Ingals returned, with several
followers, to discover what mischief had been effected. Unlocking the
door, they entered with mattocks and axes ; and soon discerned the
fissures in the grates, all which, at a single blow dropped out. At this
unpleasing spectacle the keeper was indignant ; fire flashed from his
eyes, and he gave us a reprimand not easily to be forgotten. Our removal
into a lower cell, esteemed the firmest in the whole prison, was the
immediate result of this ill fated discovery.

One Doctor Rand from Londonderry, was now locked up in the same room
with Dennis and myself ; he had been recently, imprisoned for uttering
counterfeit money. Never, perhaps, did a more illustrious trio meet
together within the same walls. One Sawyer also, at this crisis, was a
tenant of the prison. That hero had likewise been concerned (so said
report) in making or passing counterfeit bills ; and, as Rand was the
only witness against him, Sawyer offered me one hundred dollars, if I
would contrive to set him at liberty.

The room, which had now the honour of our reception, had been lately
repaired ; and, whether by carelessness or accident, a crow bar and
smith’s hammer had been left behind. These tools we immediately seized ;
but expecting their momentary reclamation, we had the forecast to insure
a timely use of them. With the bar were immediately ripped up a short
plank and two pieces of iron netting. This exploit was atchieved about
the middle of the afternoon ; and though many people were then passing
and repassing, no one overheard or suspected our employment. I have
frequently found the benefit of attempting these operations by day, in
preference to the night ; because when people are stirring, and occupied
in their own concerns, less attention is paid to any noise or
disturbance in prison, than in the silent hours of darkness.

As Dennis and I had already made a sufficient breach to admit of a
free passage through the vault, we ceased all further examination till
late in the evening. When hearing, in the outer rooms, a collection of
young people busily engaged in dancing and making merry (Ingals and his
wife being absent) we imagined this the favourable moment, in which to
make an end of our business. To this end Dennis took the iron bar, and
descended into the cavity to pry out a parcel of stones which made the
underpinning of the building. He had begun to make some opening, when
suddenly the ground gave way, and a cart load of rocks, at least,
tumbled, with great violence, into the vault. Dennis came within a hairs
breadth of being overwhelmed in the ruins ; by a sudden backward motion,
however, he just escaped that dreadfnl catastrophe ; still he was so
miserably bespattered with filth, which entered both his mouth and
throat, that I verily thought he must have suffocated, at last. At this
critical juncture, Rand and I joined in a hurricane dance, to divert, if
possible, the attention of the rabble from the thunder of the descending
stones. Our expedient succeeded ; for the noise, though heard in the
adjacent rooms, and for nearly a quarter of a mile round, was yet
mistaken generally, for the rattling of wheels over the stony pavements
of the town ; all therefore passed off, without particular notice.

The tumult subsiding, Rand and I descended to the spot, where Dennis
was yet standing ; we there found a convenient bridge spread over the
bottom of the vault, by means of the stones which had precipitated
therein. Their removal had also opened a spacious passage into the jail
yard ; into which we immediately passed in single file, and made good
our retreat from the prison walls with hasty strides. Within the first
gun shot we met Ingals and wife returning from their evening
excursion.

It was so very dark, that he distinguished not his no longer
prisoners, but bidding us good night, passed on. Dennis, being in a
dismal pickle, from his woeful familiarity with the vault, now left us
and steered directly for the river, to wash off some small portion of
his recent plaistering ; but he returned to us no more.

Rand and I travelled directly to Bradford, a distance of seven miles,
and repaired to the house of Sawyer, whom we had left in prison. Here we
procured for sustenance, some bread and cheese, which was the only
fraction of one hundred dollars, promised by Sawyer, that I ever
obtained.

Quitting this place, though the night was obscure and chilly, we made
toward the town of Palmer, using the utmost diligence in flight ; for,
in truth, our minds were not yet exempt from the terrors of pursuit. The
first living object we met on the road was a horse saddled and bridled ;
him thus sent by fortune, we made bold to mount, and rode at a round
trot, about twelve miles ; when espying several men, making, as we
supposed, towards us, we left the horse, and struck out of the beaten
road. Here we had to traverse through many winding tracks and by-paths ;
notwithstanding which, we reached Palmer before sun-rise, and took
shelter in the woods. This town is about twenty-five miles from
Newburyport.

Here Rand had paid his devoirs to a young woman ; but being at this
time, wretchedly clad, and wishing to appear to better advantage, as he
said, in the presence of his mistress, he was urgent that I should
accommodate him with a suit of spare clothes, which I had hitherto
preserved through all difficulties. I hesitated, but on his promising,
faithfully to restore them the next morning ; and in the interim to
provide me some place of abidance in security, I delivered him the whole
suit. To do him a more particular kindness, I lent him linen, shoes and
stockings, to which I added six crowns in money ; that sum being every
penny I could call my own. Rand was now accommodated to his wish ; but
as he was perfectly known in these parts, he durst not appear openly ;
he, therefore, prevailed on me to go to the habitation of his mistress,
and to intreat her (in his name) to favor him with a visit in his
present retirement. The girl honored the invitation, taking with her a
pot of hot coffee, beef steaks, and other ingredients for our morning
repast. After Rand and I had made a plentiful meal, which, in our
present exigent state, was indeed, epicurean ; he expressed a wish to
withdraw further into the bushes, under pretext of enjoying with his
mistress a more private conference. They were absent nearly an hour,
when the girl returned, and to my inquiries after Rand, made answer,
that he had gone whither I should see him no more ; she therefore
advised me to shift for myself. What a thunderstroke was this
intelligence to my feelings ! With what sincere grief did I receive it !
He had decamped with my best clothes, as well as all my money. I had, in
truth, entertained but a slender opinion of this man’s probity from our
first acquaintance ; little dreaming, however, that he would shew me so
scurvy a trick, at last ; more especially after having used him so
handsomely, at that period ; and after having, also, procured his
deliverance from the horrors of a jail, I thought, at least, that the
old adage, “ honor among thieves,” might have operated upon his
feelings.

Destitute, as I now was, of friends and money, and scant of clothing,
I knew not well which way to turn ; but as no time was to be lost, I
formed the hasty conclusion of retracing the country toward Lee.

Taking leave of the young woman, I travelled the remainder of the
day, as fast as my legs would carry me ; feeling, however, much
disquietude at the base treatment I had received. Upon the approach of
night I took the highway, and went on with less apprehension, though
with greater leisure. I had travelled at so swift a rate ; and to
prevent notice, had taken so many crooked paths, that what with long
travel, and want of food, my legs began to decline their customary
office. How to procure a mouthful of food, at this period, was the most
interesting question.

CHAP. VIII.

Life but rises to another stage,
The same dull journey still before us.

AT this moment, absorbed as I was, in
unpleasing reflections, and tracing the lonely way in pensive mood, a
glistening object caught my eye, in the path. I gave it a kick, and
found it to be a large linen handkerchief. It seemed like a gift from
heaven, in relief of my peculiar distresses ; I seized the prize, and
eagerly approached a humble cot, that now presented itself to view. In
this abode of poverty, I saw no persons, except a woman, and several
small children ; but to her I offered my handkerchief for a morsel of
food. The courteous dame bestirred herself, and quickly spread before me
a tolerable supper ; declining, however, all compensation. Having sated
my appetite, and feeling much invigorated, with the fortunate supply, I
pursued the way in solitude, till late in the evening ; when happening
to espy a strange glimmering light, at a little distance from the road,
and wishing to unravel the phenomenon, I turned aside, and presently
found, it was but a luminous vapour, ascending from a coal kiln. Groping
about, I came across a man, sound asleep, near whom was a bottle of rum,
and jug of cider, of both which I drank profusely. On further research,
I discovered a bason of victuals tied in a napkin, which I packed into
my bundle, and, leaving the owner, to enjoy pleasant dreams, pursued the
beaten track, till an ancient barn appeared in view. Feeling, by this
time, an invincible propensity to sleep, I entered this old barrack, and
obtained a comfortable litter, on which I reposed till morning. At dawn
I set forward, and, after marching a few miles, approached a house into
which I intended to hazard an entrance. Here as before, were none save
females ; but they supplied me with breakfast, and gave four shillings
in cash for my bason and cloth. I pretended that I was returning home
from a visit to a distant relation, living in the west. Leaving this
house, I proceeded with more circumspection ; but improved my time, so
faithfully, as to reach Haverhill ferry about dark. With a number of
others I crossed the river unquestioned, and repaired to the house of
Mrs. Shepherd ; where, finding myself an absolute stranger, I tarried a
whole week, defraying all charges by doctoring, which, by the bye, was
in great requisition in this vicinity.

Soon, however, as bad luck would have it, came to Mrs. Shepherd’s,
one Johnson ; who, having seen me in times past, recognized my phiz
directly, and notified the people of my being a deserter. Without more
words, he advanced, and attempted to make me his prisoner. I repelled
the assault with disdain ; but persisting to press forward, I knocked
him down with a chair. This caused so great a ferment, that several
people ran to his aid, and consequently all further resistance, on my
part, proved futile and abortive.

Johnson, after this victory, informed the company, that I had
enlisted at Exeter, and advised my instant removal thither, tendering
his own services, as one of the conductors.

Seeing Johnson was so erroneous, as to the place of my enlistment, I
had the less repugnance to attend him ; for, I rather preferred a tour
to Exeter than elsewhere, supposing the chance at least equal, that I
should be liberated on my arrival thither. However, to deceive Johnson
and his adherents, I shewed much dislike at being carried to Exeter or
elsewhere, in this compulsatory manner. At last we got under way ; but
to avoid prolixity, at this time, I shall wave occurrences on the road,
and suppose our journey at an end. When at Exeter, the first step was my
arraignment before Col. Dearborn. He, being informed of the object of
their visit, searched all his books and papers, but the name of Henry
Tufts was not to be found ; and no wonder indeed ; for I had enlisted as
a soldier in the service of the Bay state. My conductors, thus baffled,
were at a nonplus, and could think of nothing better than to give me a
dismission. In my turn, I threatened Johnson with a prosecution for the
abuse and damage, I had received ; to compound which, he paid me five
hard dollars, this ending the whole business.

Passing, soon after, through Deerfield, I overtook one Hannah Rand,
an old acquaintance, and undertook to transport her bundle of clothes to
Lee. Before leaving the boundaries of Deerfield, I was unfortunately
seen by a number of men, who had acquired a knowledge of my character.
They were like hounds, in full chace after me, when I first observed
them ; I was consequently compelled to stir my stumps with all the
celerity I possibly could. Perceiving they gained ground upon me, thus
encumbered, I reluctantly dropped Miss Rand’s bundle ; we had, indeed, a
tedious race for it ; but, as “ needs must go when the devil drives,” I
cleared them all, out of sight, and escaped entirely. The budget they
secured ; but Hannah, on their refusal to surrender it, brought her
action, and recovered damages against one or more of the
ringleaders.

No further obstacles supervened, till I had the pleasure of seeing my
friends in Lee ; but, inasmuch, it was too cold and uncomfortable to
lodge in the woods or barns, as customary, I remained incog. at my
father’s house. At the end of three weeks, (during which I received no
molestation,) a number of fellows of the baser sort, happening to espy
me through a lattice, came in a tumultuary manner, and surrounded the
house ; their pretence was, that I had stolen a piece of cloth, at
Packer’s falls. Being taken into custody, I was removed to
Capt. Tuttle’s, who took charge of me till the day following. Meantime a
warrant was procured, in virtue of which, after usual formalities, I was
committed to Dover jail, and locked up in the same room with one Ricker,
who had been charged with the commission of a rape.

I had not lingered in this lorn receptacle over a week, when a friend
of mine, furnished me with a spike gimblet, two saws, and an iron bolt,
tools heretofore provided by myself, to meet such contingences as the
present.

Thus armed, I extracted the spikes, surrounding the grates, of a
window ; and by sawing off one grate, took them out every one ; but
after all, found, to my grief, that the outlet was too narrow to
accommodate me with a passage, though I stripped clean to the buff.
Three successive trials past, I viewed the window as impervious, and my
labour as entirely frustrated. Ricker, who was a more slender man than
myself, made the next trial, and with much ado, succeeded in squeezing
through the window, thereby regaining his own freedom ; but leaving me
in trouble and perplexity.

Quite disheartened, at my cruel disappointment, I reclined on a
bench, remaining in a pensive condition for three hours, at least, and
entertaining, in the meantime, no other thoughts than the entire
abandonment of my scheme. By this time, the night was far advanced ;
but, at last, it popped into my mind, that I had in my possession, a
piece of pork, and some soap, and that it might be profitable to
lubricate the passage with those slippery ingredients.

Little time was left for consideration, so I fell to work, and
besmeared the window to some purpose. Next I greased myself notably, and
approached, with trembling steps, the much dreaded opening, intending to
make this a last final effort.

On trial, my new expedient seemed likely to succeed beyond
expectation, for the grease and soap made such material difference, that
I could now slide back and forth, by degrees, whereas, before, I stuck
fast in the passage. However, I had to struggle, most intolerably, to
gain ground, inch by inch, only ; and it was not till after many
strenuous and desperate exertions, which even now, I remember with
horror, that I succeeded in forcing myself, feet foremost, into the
street ; receiving, in my descent to the ground, a most violent
concussion, by a fall of twelve or more feet.

I had been so wretchedly bruised and compressed in the scanty
passage, that with the addition of the fall, I had great difficulty to
stand or go, on reaching terra firma. To cap the whole, my apparel was
yet within the prison walls ; for fling it out I durst not, till I
should ensure my own personal egress. Thus circumstanced, I saw no way
of reclaiming the lost goods, but by bringing a small ladder, which I
had observed to lean against a neighboring barn. This, naked and
shivering with cold, I effected, and by its assistance made out to
recover a part of the clothing ; but, after all, was constrained to
leave my hat ; and what, in this frosty night, was still more
distressing, my shoes and stockings also. Finding those articles
irrecoverable, without the greatest pains, and the sacrifice of more
time than could be spared, I left the prison walls, barefoot and bare
legged, and in that grotesque dishabille, set off for lee. But how I
performed, in this wretched predicament, over hubbly, frosty ground,
with bare feet, a journey of nine miles, is almost impossible, even for
myself to conceive. On arrival at Lee, sheer necessity compelled me to
have recourse to the generosity of a friend, who supplied me with shoes,
stockings, and half a dollar in money. This enabled me to turn my back,
once more, upon home, perceiving that persecution still waved her
hideous banner. I wandered on foot, and alone, with much uneasiness,
though without cessation, till I arrived at the town of Chester. While
in this place, where I made but a short residence, folly induced me to
join a company of people, who were displaying their prowess at athletic
exercises. They had been raising a saw mill that day, which occasioned
the collection. For my own part, I remained a mute spectator, till
several people insisted upon my entering the ring. I declined, wishing
to remain unnoticed ; however, pleas and excuses being useless, I
yielded to necessity, and had the address to throw out every
competitor.

As I was a stranger, the victory was taken in great dudgeon, by
several of the wrestlers, who now attempted to foment a quarrel. To
avoid that mischief, I withdrew to the house ; but, in the evening, I
had a hint from an Irish girl, that they were concerting some plan to my
damage ; on this I privately absconded ; travelled three miles to Moses
Underhill’s tavern, and there put up for the night.

My lodging was in a chamber, and weariness soon threw me, though a
wandering exile, into a sound, delicious slumber ; but awaking in the
dead of night, I was not a little astonished at feeling by my side,
unstript of his garniture, a rough bedfellow. Unable to english this
strange recountre, I gave him a jog, and demanded his name ; but, in
hoarse, masculine accents, he deigned no other reply, than, “ No matter,
lie still.” In the morning, on my attempting to rise, he swore bitterly
I should never quit the soil, till he had given me, what he termed a
dressing ; he declared he had followed me three miles for that purpose ;
and added, that although I had flung out the whole town, he meant to
shew me it afforded men still, who could give me a flogging. I was
somewhat nettled at this blustering harangue ; however, I dressed, and
descended, with the bully, cheek by jowl, into the kitchen, he
discharging, the whole time, a volley of oaths and menaces. Wishing to
prevent consequences, I desired the interposition of the landlord, who
was a great, black, thickset Irishman, to no purpose ; he only enquired,
in round Irish, if I feared the fellow ; I replied in the negative ; but
that being a stranger, it was my wish to avoid contention. At the
instant I made this reply, in came John Wendal, Esq. of Portsmouth ;
regardless of which, my antagonist was inflexible in urging on the
dispute. He now made at me with fire and fury in his aspect. We
exchanged a number of blows ; I had, however, the good fortune to bring
him by the board ; while, in falling, he upset a table, that stood in
the floor completely furnished for breakfast. Still the combat held with
redoubled ardour, and ended only from the intervention of the company ;
whose opinion was, that ample harm had been done already. My opponent
had been so roughly handled, in this squabble, that he mentioned not a
syllable more of renewing the contest ; I therefore, left the town, but
not my thanks, for the hospitality of its inhabitants.

Not choosing to revisit the subjacent parts of New-Hampshire, I
journeyed to Connecticut, and thence to a part of New-York, few
novelties occurring during the passage. Here I made acquaintance with
one Thomas Law, a Dutchman, and took lodgings at his house, calling
myself by the name of Thomas Harrington. Law and I agreed shortly, to
make a tour to some part of Massachusetts, for the benevolent purpose of
stealing a couple of good horses. We travelled as far as Lenox, ere an
opportunity presented that pleased us. Here we took a horse of six years
old, and a mare of four. We rode them to New-Lebanon, and there sold
them, taking security, by notes of hand, for the pay. We then proceeded
to Hudson, where I was overtaken by one Wright, from New-Lebanon, who
charged me with stealing two of his horses. He had brought with him, a
man, who was not only ready but willing to swear that he had seen me on
the back of one of them. I denied the assertion, and that with the
strictest truth ; but my declaration meeting no credit, I was carried
before a magistrate, and by him committed to prison in the next town.
Though I knew myself innocent in respect of Wright’s process ; yet being
sensible, that other accusations might be brought against me with more
propriety, I was very desirous of gaining my liberty, prior to the day
of trial. To do this, I set fire, one night, to a scuttle window,
blowing up the coals with an onion stalk ; but, having done my best, the
passage still remained too small for my exit, so that, reluctantly, I
gave up the project.

Next morning, the High Sheriff, who was a Dutchman, discovered the
bold attempt, and removed me into another cell of more stability than
the former ; here he continued to guard my person with extreme rigidity.
Trial soon came on, in the course of which, the aforesaid witness
shuffled and prevaricated so dismally, that my attorney, taking the
proper advantages, overthrew the whole testimony, and procured my
discharge.

Lest fresh difficulties should arise, I posted straight to New
Lebanon to obtain payment of the note, I yet held, for the horse. The
purchaser, mean time, had heard so many reports against my character,
that he plumply denied paying a single stiver. On the reverse, he
carried me before a justice, who induced me to confess, that the horses
sold by Law and myself, as aforesaid, had been previously stolen ; upon
which the note was given up by my own consent, and Mr. Justice took both
horses into his own possession.

The magistrate had a son, who never possessed, to say no worse, too
large a share of common probity. This young man, went immediately, to
the town of Lenox with two false advertisements, purporting that he
himself had lost two horses ; at Lenox he found those from whom Law and
I had taken the horses first mentioned, and which were now in his
father’s custody. To those men, therefore, he offered to dispose of his
property in the steeds he himself pretended to have lost ; assigning as
a reason for his wishing to sell, that he was weary of further search.
They affirmed, that themselves had met with a similar loss, and of the
two, had rather sell than buy. Upon that, the young fellow proffered his
silver watch, for their right, at a venture, which, as they had given up
all thoughts of recovering their property, they consented to take it :
Mr. G. then returned home, exulting, no doubt, in his ingenious
artifice. Not long after, the same jockey being so inadvertent as to
divulge the trick he had been playing ; the right of the matter came to
the ears of the men, on whom the cheat had been practiced ; they,
therefore, purchased a writ against him, by means of which he was
compelled to restore the horses, and refund damages ; while Law and
myself, the original aggressors, escaped without molestation.

At New Lebanon, I purchased a small house, with one acre of land ;
but, some of my crooked pranks coming to light, I was compelled to
abandon the premises ; for which I never obtained a single dollar. At
Partridge-town, I made a halt, and the day following ; was arrested for
breaking a Goldsmith’s shop ; but the prosecutor finding me dauntless,
and being himself unable to make suitable proof, relinquished further
process.

On this event I determined to quit the state of New York, entirely ;
my real name beginning to be trumpeted abroad, I was viewed with an eye
of suspicion, wherever I set foot. In pursuance of this resolution I
came to Poplin, in Newhampshire ; here the people suiting my turn to a
shaving, I tarried a considerable season.

In this place, I had no lack of employment, my time being devoted to
physic, fortune telling and card playing, in which last branch I fancied
myself no light proficient. I met, however, with an unlucky rub, one
evening ; for happening to engage with a gambler of some eminence, he
stripped me of both watch and money ; this loss gave me uneasiness,
till, recollecting a certain goldsmith’s shop, I resolved to regret the
mischance no longer ; remembering the old adage, “ light come, light
go.”

At Poplin, as a palmister and fortuneteller, I cut no contemptible
figure ; the people supposing me deeply skilled in the occult mysteries
of fate, and future destinies. Previous inquiries into every body’s
reputation, habits and business, was the great talisman, by which I was
enabled to relate things, marvellous indeed, in the eyes of superstition
and ignorance.

But my chief reliance, for support, was the practice of physic, in
which I was thought to have forwarded a number of notable cures ; I
restored to health, in particular, one woman, affected with an odious
disease that she contracted by her familiar intercourse with a certain
trader ; for which service I was richly rewarded. On the whole, I am at
a loss to say, whether, the excess was on the side of my gains or my
expenditures while at Poplin. A little before my departure, I spent an
agreeable evening with a certain young woman, at a game of cards. After
playing some time, we concluded to try a rubber for a night’s lodging,
and as it happened, she was the winner ; on which, I observed, that she
had worsted me. “ Yes, (replied she) but I’ve as good a right to demand
the loosings, as yourself.” I acknowledged the propriety of her remark,
and discharged my forfeit, with interest, the same night.

I now left Poplin, but roamed to no great distance, ere I purchased a
horse ; having this acquisition, I set up for horse jockeying, and made
several profitable turns. In the end, however, I was very much cheated,
in a gay, sprightly looking horse, that proved, eventually, not only
windbroken, but subject to a disorder called the springhalt, which
frequently seized his limbs so powerfully, that he would drop down
suddenly, as though shot in the head. In short, I found my new purchase
no better than a cypher, and therefore resolved to be rid of him at any
rate. Next day, meeting a man, who took a fancy to my fine horse, as
was, in fact, his general appearance, we made a swap in which I received
thirty dollars in exchange. We parted extremely well suited ; but before
my chap had ridden twenty rods, his new horse tumbled down, and gave the
rider a most desperate fall. I happened to see the same man, not long
after, when he threatened me strenuously, with a prosecution, unless I
consented to repair his loss. I wisely refused, and afterwards heard no
more of the grievance.

Being anxious to see my family, I returned to Lee ; but finding it in
extreme indigent circumstances, I commenced a routine of pilfering for
its relief. My race, however, at this time, was short, for a number of
people, owing me an inveterate grudge, on account of former
misdemeanors, assembled in a body, and succeeded in making me a
prisoner, by surprise. Being captured, I was sent according to military
law, under guard, to Exeter, in order to be transmitted to the army. It
was in the year 1781, if I mistake not, when this transaction took
place.

From Exeter I was removed to Newbury, and locked up in prison, till
further orders. Here every device, to effect an escape, was wholly
preposterous, since the prisoners for debt invariably betrayed my
counsel ; in addition to which I was vigilantly guarded, day and night,
by sentries without. After nineteen days’ confinement, I was taken out
of jail, with ten others, called deserters, and with them, conducted
toward West Point, where, at that time, a part of the American troops
was quartered. Capt. Dodge had the care and command of the prisoners ;
two of whom, Mark White and James Atkins, had deserted from the army,
sundry times before ; on this account, they were handcuffed fast
together, and obliged to march in that uneasy condition. Many
prophesied, that on their arrival at camp, they would certainly be shot
; but it was their wish, and my expectation, to escape, by all means,
before we reached that place.

Preparatory to this, I contrived to saw off the iron keys belonging
to their handcuffs, and to replace them with leaden ones made of
bullets, by which they could disencumber themselves at pleasure.

At Worcester, we halted for the night, and were guarded by an
Englishman as centinel. Finding this man inclinable to desert, as well
as the prisoners ; I concerted, with him, a plan to spike the small
arms, and then march off, one and all, in a body. The first part of our
design was executed successfully, by decent bed time ; but, when on the
point of leaving the house, we had the mischance to be betrayed by a
camp woman, who belonged to one of the prisoners, and who was unwilling
to be forsaken by her partner. This untoward accident disconcerted the
whole affair, and obliged us to retract all further thoughts of escape,
for the present.

On the following morning, we renewed our march for West Point ; but
no possible chance of escape intervened, till our arrival at Fishkiln,
where it was allotted to take quarters for the night. Several
inhabitants of this village being sick, the prisoners were obliged to
lodge in a corn house ; at the door of which were posted two negro men,
as sentries. It was Dodge’s intention to return us into camp in the
course of the day following ; it seemed therefore necessary to
effectuate our escape this evening, if at all.

Amongst the prisoners was a Frenchman, who could speak English
tolerably well, and who, besides, was a very intelligent person. With
this man I digested a scheme to break through the side of the corn
house, in the dead of night, and then to decamp, with the prisoners, in
a body. I engaged, as my part of the duty, to divert the attention of
the negroes, our guard, while he, with several others, should pry off a
few of the bars or slats. Having fully determined, in what manner to
proceed, I took my station, at the outer door ; and, when every light in
the village had become extinct, introduced myself to the negro guard, by
giving them a feigned history of the black people in my own country,
whom I extolled as creditable men, and most excellent preachers. These
encomiums excited wonderful attention, as I perceived, and were
extremely gratifying to my hearers. The better, however, to keep them in
play, I arose, and having, as the reader must suppose, a tolerable knack
at preaching, myself, made them a lengthy harangue, after the manner, as
I told them, of their own countrymen ; dashing my discourse with the
most romantic gestures and expressions, and stamping, with great force,
upon the floor, the whole time. This I did to drown the noise of my
accomplices, who were now busily engaged in prying off the slats, which
it seemed was a difficult task ; because they were not only composed of
oak, but were also large, and well spiked to the building. My discourse
lasted till the Frenchman had made a sufficient opening ; but on this
notice, was wound up, by telling the deluded Africans, it had grown late
and high time to still the noise of the prisoners, in which sentiment
they fully accorded. Bidding my black acquaintance, therefore, good
night and returning to the prisoners, I caused each individual quietly
to lie down : one hour after which, every thing remaining in propria
quæ maribus, we arose, passed out at the breach individually, and
paraded in unison under the eves.

The night was obscure and foggy, circumstances propitious to our
enterprise. The Frenchman undertook the direction of the whole
party ;—he instructed us to move off slowly, and to keep a good look out
in the rear ; for in so dark a night, no danger was apprehended in
front. We followed his directions, and marching off in single file, two
miles, made a halt ; we here agreed to separate for fear of cross
accidents. I parted from the rest of the gang, with intent to shape my
course for the eastward, conceiving it likely that I could reside there
in some tolerable security.

CHAP. IX.

The buzzing beetle
shall tell a deed
Of dreadful note.

THIS being the concluding chapter of the
second book, it shall be pursued with our accustomed brevity ;
intreating, however, the pause of a moment, in which, by way of taking
breath, I shall make one or two necessary, and I hope, not unwelcome
observations. It may possibly be requisite, once more, to suggest, that
egotism, even to a Ciceronian fault, is inseparable from that species of
writing, which we have seen fit to adopt in the present narrative. The
reader, is no doubt, fatigued and disgusted at the continual repetition
of those intrusive little pronouns, I, me and my, which may be
seen so plentifully scattered, through almost every page of this
interesting work. They return, at stated intervals, with the
pertinacity of a circulating decimal, and continue upon our hands, like
a rent charge, incapable of extinction. Very cheerfully would we
dispense with all further attendance of those little officious
gentlemen, were it not that no substitute can be found decently to
supply their places, such is the poverty of language. Thus posed, we
must necessarily, retain them, while we narrate our own adventures ; and
while we continue the important hero of the story. This we prefer to the
affected phraseology of Briggs in the history of his Cecelia. This
author adopts a conciseness the most eliptic ; and is sure to reject
almost entirely, from his vocabulary, the little reprobated
monosyllables above mentioned. His diction, after all is abrupt, rude
and ambiguous ; ours has egotism and dearth of variety in the
expression, on which the snarling critic may easily starve. His, an
offence against the rules of grammar, ours, against those of rhetoric ;
both are uncourtly, and untuneful to a refined ear. From this short
comparison, it will appear, that author like, we prefer our own diction
to that of Mr. Briggs, or any body’s else, declaring, at the same time,
that no modification of language, no circumlocation whatever, could
possibly atone for the sacrifice of our little pronomial auxiliaries. We
shall, therefore, in future, as on past occasions, continue their
assistance, whenever fancy may impel or conveniency require. We now,
with Corporal Trim, make our usual bow, and return to the subject.

The second night, after separation from my brother deserters, I
passed through Simsbury ; and, seeing a horse standing saddled and
bridled, made bold to mount and ride him away ; but felt in extreme
jeopardy, every twinkling, lest I should be followed and caught, either
as a thief or deserter. Fear stimulated to the most vigorous efforts. I
wished to cross Springfield ferry before morning, knowing, that, to be
seen riding, by day, in these parts would be a risque, by far, too
hazardous. It was past midnight ere I reached the ferry, and, when
there, saw no boat, in which, to pass the river ; this was the more
unlucky, because it was necessary to cross in this place, or go a vast
way about to effect that purpose.

After a long search up and down the shore, I discovered a mud-skow,
every way, indeed, improper for my enterprise, being large enough to
have transported six oxen with their cargo at a trip. The stream I knew
to be rapid ; and, a short distance below, was a place where the water
fell abruptly, twenty feet at least ; I was, therefore, at a stand,
whether to venture or not, in this unweidly machine, to manage which
must require three or four able men. But a strong desire for personal
safety impelled me to the attempt ; wherefore, without further
reflection, I stepped my horse into the skow, and pushed her from the
shore. Seizing a sculling oar, I made every exertion to get across, ere
the current should tumble me headlong over the falls. I strained each
nerve, but my progress was small ; yet I continued struggling, till I
got within five or six rods of the opposite bank ; by which time, I had
drawn so near the cataract, that into it, Oh horrid, I must undoubtedly
be precipitated ! The gulph of destruction was yawning, wide, for my
reception ; and instant death seemed inevitable, unless the killock
should serve as a preventative. Wherefore, springing ahead, I flung
toward land, as far as my strength would enable me, that utensil ; with
the hope that it might catch into some crag or hard bottom, and so bite
up the vessel. I had the felicity to see this take effect, for the skow,
after stretching the painter, ceased to fall down stream, swinging,
gently round toward shore. I stood ready, with my horse, holding by his
mane, and when nearest the bank, compelled him to take a sudden leap ;
by which mean, after some scrabble, we reached land, though much
overcome with the exercise. This dangerous voyage surmounted, I pushed
on ; but still met with numerous impediments in my passage, on account
of the post and rail fences which abounded in this part of the country.
I crossed hedge and ditch with the dexterity of a hunter, till I found
myself enclosed in a garden ; groping about, however, I hit upon a gate
that led me into the open street.

Several companies of the American troops were yet posted in the town
of Springfield ; and the dilemma arose, in what manner to pass by the
sentries, unnoticed. Eight or ten days prior to this, when conducted
through the town, I had the precaution to take special good notice, how
and where they were stationed. So that drawing near, the night being
hazy, I squat snug to the side of my beast, and ventured forwards.
Presently one of the soldiers, spying him, roared out, “ There comes
uncle Mills’ mare ; stop her.” To this another made answer, “ Damn her,
I wont, she is a cross old bitch, let her go ” : I thus passed
through the midst of them, and went clear. Having nothing more to fear
from the soldiery, I spurred on but a few miles further, before I took
shelter with an old acquaintance, in whose society I felt a degree of
confidence.

Within a few days, I learnt, that the owner of my stolen horse,
suspecting the eastern deserters, had made the best of his way to
Springfield ; where seeing the skow in the plight I had left her, he
became convinced that his horse had passed that way ; so crossing over,
and hearing of Henry Tufts at Springfield, he rightly conjectured my
being the thief, and therefore continued his journey toward Lee. After a
troublesome tour, meeting and acquainting a friend of mine with the
story, he was counselled to pursue Tufts no longer ; for as well might
he catch a blue Hawk as him ; and, as to the horse, it was a clear case,
he would see him no more. This account disheartened my poor pursuer, so
entirely, that he wheeled about and returned home.

If any should be curious to know in what manner I disposed of my
horse, I shall inform him, that I swapped him at Pepperel, in
Massachusetts, and had three crowns to boot. Soon after this, I repaired
to Lee, and supplied my dependents with a little money, and such other
articles, as the lean state of my finances afforded.

Making but a short stay with my friends, for fear of new trouble, I
journeyed in a south westerly direction, till crossing Connecticut
river, I bent my course more southerly, strolling on to the Jersies, and
in this, as in former voyages, obtained the desiderata by medicinal
employments, or by purloining such articles as fell handily in my
way.

Passing through Morristown, in which was cantoned a part of the army,
I stole a horse ; but, finding it impossible to get off with him, except
by passing betwixt two ponds, where stood a sentry, I was in no small
fear of being stopped in that place, unless I could hit on some curious
means of prevention. Preparatory to this, I hurried to a butcher’s
stall, and bought the leg and foot of an ox ; pretending to need the oil
for my horses feet, as he was hoof-bound. About sunset I drew near the
defile, in which was the sentry ; when alighting, I tied up one of my
legs snug, under my loose coat, bringing my heel as near my back as
possible. I then splintered to my knee the ox’s leg and foot, covering
the raw parts with old rags, so that my cloven foot might fairly appear,
it being my intention to personate him whom I had so long served, viz.
the Devil. Thus metamorphosed, I remounted, and rode up, with great
resolution, to the gate, requesting in a hollow tone, the centinels to
open it, and let me pass. To this they made no reply, but continued
gazing at my cloven foot ; at sight of which, it was obvious, they were
much startled. Without giving them time for reflection, I insisted that
the gates should be opened instantly, urging as the cause of my haste,
that I had a great way to ride before morning, and promising any
recompence they might ask, only they must receipt for the money. At
length one of them, without uttering a syllable, stept forward, and
opened the gang way, through which I glided, but not a penny, fearing
the Devil’s money, could I prevail with either to receive for his pains.
I did not stop to multiply intreaties, but, clapping spurs to my horse,
was quit of the bray of Morristown in a jiffin. The next day, it was
currently reported, that the Devil had passed through the pond-gate, and
had been seen to fly away in a flame of fire. This occurred about the
close of the war.

With my new horse I journeyed to North-river, and embraced the first
opportunity to dispose of him for such commodities as I mostly needed ;
having negociated that necessary business, I continued my rambles on
foot, till the town of Poughkeepsie had the honour of my reception. Here
I sat up as a physician, and considering my short stay in the place,
which was only six weeks, obtained a round sum in ready money. At
length, quitting the town, I touched at divers other places, but meeting
with no peculiar temptations to induce a longer tarriance, I set affairs
in order for a journey homeward.

The first day’s travel, in prosecution of this purpose, brought me to
an inn called the Stone-Tavern, near which I arrived at the close of the
evening. This tavern noted for the misdemeanors of its occupants, who
were then utter strangers to me, was situate not many miles from
Poughkeepsie. Feeling already somewhat fatigued, and the night being too
dark to invite farther progress, I resolved to put up while morning, if
I could procure entertainment. Accordingly, I entered the house, and
seating myself in a chair, called for some spirit, and was waited upon
by a middle aged woman, who appeared to be the mistress of the inn.
Having regaled upon the joys of Bacchus, I desired the landlady to
prepare supper, about which she bestirred herself with more than common
alacrity. But while this was doing, I was much surprised at the conduct
of the landlord, who as I took notice was extremely busy in securing the
outer doors of the house. Thinking there must need be some mystery in
this, I looked round, and observed, that all the windows had been
strongly fastened previous to my arrival. This discovery increased my
perplexity. I imagined that some mischief must be, certainly, in
agitation, though what, I could not devise, unless robbery was
premeditated.

The only persons, at present in the room, were the landlady, and
another woman, whom I concluded to be a guest, as well as myself. Toward
this woman, I repeatedly turned my eyes, to see if the traces of fear
were discoverable in her countenance ; but she betrayed none, appearing
quite inattentive to the strange transactions, that were passing in her
view, and which had excited, in my breast, such peculiar alarms. Supper,
by this time was in great forwardness, but feeling very uneasy, I left
my seat, and traversed the room with much anxiety. While I was walking
back and forth, I cast my eyes through the opening of a door, that had
been left a little ajar, and, to my utter astonishment, discerned, in
another apartment, two white men and a negro, loading their guns. I
looked about, and saw every avenue by which it was possible to escape
securely barricadoed ; flight, then, imagined I, must be out of the
question. In a minute or two more, the landlord came and stood in the
entry, with an ax in his hand, and with a countenance, which I thought,
wore the marks of evident ferocity. Those extraordinary movements
bespake daggers to my soul, and indicated clearly, that not only
robbery, but murder also, must be the objects in view. No scruple
remained but that the female stranger, above mentioned and myself, were
the intended victims.

Who is able to paint the awful situation of my mind, the terrors of
my imagination at that trying period ? How willingly had I parted with
every thing the most dear, to have been absent from the fatal spot ! but
the desirable boon was denied me ! ! On the contrary, I saw myself
encircled with death-dealing friends, four in number, and all armed ;
with a tigress at their head, to prompt her obsequious troop to the
commission of the blackest of deeds ! !

In vain were the thoughts of escape ; no method of extrication was
perceptible, unless by cutting a passage through them all. But how can
so hazardous an atchievement be accomplished, thought I, by the help of
my pistols only ? What a miserable defence would such weapons make, when
opposed to four men, armed with guns and axes ?

The enterprise was too arduous, too desperate for my feeble
undertaking ; its execution quite impossible ! ! !

Such were my fears, and such my reflections. On the whole, I saw no
possibility of eluding their infernal grasp ; therefore, deemed it the
height of madness to exasperate them, by premature attempts of my own,
which could but hasten the fatal moment. Ideas of this sort crouded my
imagination, and determined me to wait the issue of the horrid scene in
silence ; to abide the dreaded event without the smallest exertion, till
the last fearful extremity should render it indispensable !

I therefore, resumed my chair, and waited with seeming composure till
supper was laid on the tapis, when the landlady, whose visage pronounced
her the worst of the whole club, invited me to the table. I complied,
not well knowing what else to do ; but such, at that moment, was my
perturbation, that not a morsel could I have eaten, to have gained a
princely diadem ! The Bacchanalian may revel in his cups, the Epicure
delight in his nicest dainties ; but, to a man in my predicament, even
nectar and embrosia must have lost their attractive charms.

The woman, who was a guest, and, as I supposed, in the same perilous
situation with myself, sat in company with me at supper, and began to
help herself, as I took notice, in the most unconcerned manner. Our
viands were cold meat, and had an appearance, so extremely odd, as to
impress me with a belief, (nor was I out in my conjectures) that they
were human flesh, I sat, therefore, in silent astonishment, viewing the
horrid banquet, but without attempting to swallow a single mouthful.

The hag of a hostess, observing my remissness, demanded if the food
was disagreeable ; and, on my hesitating in reply, she took it away, and
presented another dish, which I knew to be cold beef ; but, for my life,
I could not taste of it, expecting as I did, to be shot, or knocked on
the head, every instant.

Whilst those formalities were passing at the table, I had been
alarmed once or twice by noises issuing from the adjacent rooms ;
though, as yet, no one of the monsters, I dreaded, had offered to
approach. I was nevertheless in momentary expectation of a visit from
one or all of them, as the landlord yet maintained his post in the
entry.

My stupid, female associate was still eating, with fancied security ;
but to awaken her to a sense of the danger, I trod softly upon her toe.
She resented my freedom, as she termed it, with much asperity, and grew
so frantic with passion, as made me shudder, lest fatal consequences
should be accelerated by her clamours. In order to pacify her I made the
handsomest apologies I could, attributing my offence to mere
inadvertency, which I hoped her lenity would vouchsafe to pardon.
Soothed by these concessions, her resentment subsided, and she resumed
anon, what seemed to be her favourite employment, eating. At this
moment, I heard people in the other rooms, passing very briskly to and
fro ; at the sound of whose footsteps my apprehensions were wrought up
to the highest pitch of fearful expectation ; insomuch that I hastily
left the table, and crossed the room to a window facing the street.

At this eventful crisis, when hope had taken its flight ; I heard, at
a distance in the road, several people talking quite loudly. I had good
hopes they might be drawing toward the house, as I had heard no
footsteps pass by, as yet. So unexpected, yet so fortunate an
occurrence, as that christian people, should be approaching, at the
juncture I had resigned myself entirely for lost, revived my sunken
spirits, in a twinkling ; and lest they should omit calling, I resolved,
without a moment’s delay, to make one effort toward my deliverance. With
this intent, I stept up to the landlady, who yet continued in the room,
and addressed her in the following strain, it being the offspring of my
immediate invention. “ Madam, I had like to have forgotten my errand ; I
was requested by a serjeant with seven or eight men, whom I left
drinking a mile back, to desire you to prepare them supper immediately.
They wish not to be detained, as they are in quest of a deserter, whom
they have tracked this way, and are resolved to have dead or alive,
before morning.” The woman, hearing this, requested to know how soon I
expected them. “ Every minute, madam, (returned I) indeed, I heard them
coming just now.” “ Did you so, said she, then its time to be stirring.”
With that she ran as far as the door, leading to the next room, and
cried out to her myrmidons,” “What are you about there ; who, the
plague, fastened up the doors ; What’s the reason you are not down
cellar about your business ? Husband ! you must help me provide supper
for seven or eight men ! ! ! This incongruous, but sudden harangue gave
them all, I believe a rude shock ; for the doors were set open
instantly, and several men hurried down cellar, I knew not for what
purpose. No sooner was a passage cleared, than I leapt out of the house,
and looking toward the road, espied a traveller, then passing by, I
called out to know if my people were coming along soon, “ Yes, said he,
a number of soldiers are just at hand ; They will be here directly.” I
thought this a fortunate circumstance, for I feared lest nobody had been
near, when I told the landlady to that purpose. But now thinking myself
pretty secure and wishing to terrify the wretches, who had used one so
villainously, especially the landlady, whom I took to be a she Devil, I
drew out one of my pistols, and told her, as she was sitting in the
entry way, where now she had posted herself, that I was armed as well as
her own crew, and would know, before quitting the spot, their motives
for barring up the doors. As she made no return to this, I told her it
was manifest, they had meant murder by that stratagem. She attempted to
apologise, but I swore by Jupiter, that on arrival of my comrades, who
were hard by, they should all pay dear for their villainy ; and that she
herself, as being the ringleader, should fall the first victim. At these
menaces she was vastly agitated, and had much ado to support herself in
the chair, whilst the sight of her distresses afforded pleasure to my
heart.

Thus, having given the wicked woman a sufficient alarm, and not
caring to wait longer, I ran out to the road, where spying no soldiers
near, I made off, the homeward way, with all the dispatch
imaginable.

I had gotten from the Stone Tavern, perhaps half a mile, when
suddenly a man sprung up from the way-side, just in front of me. It was
so dark a night I could not distinguish whether he was armed or not ;
but having met with such a late, severe shock, the sight of this
unexpected guest gave me another uncommon surprise. The first thought
which occurred was, that he probably belonged to the Stone Tavern, and
had come thus far on purpose to way-lay me. I therefore instantly drew
out my pistol, told him I was armed at all points, and bid him approach
nearer at his peril, swearing I would blow him into ribbands in a
breath, if he advanced one inch further. At these threats he was
dismally affrighted, and began to retreat, protesting he meant no harm,
in the least, for he was a labouring man, and had been out that day
swingling flax. I bid him keep distance, as he valued his safety, for I
had been startled too much that evening to stand upon ceremony with any
body. The stranger waited not for further remonstrances, but wheeling
about, took to his heels, with the utmost precipitancy, crying out, as
he sped away, “ if you have been frightened, I suppose it must be at the
stone tavern.”

After this flurry, I continued plodding on, till late in the evening,
when, drawing near a house, as yet illuminated, I went in, and tarried
the remainder of the night. The next day I questioned my host respecting
the people of the stone tavern, and was informed of their being tories,
receiving otherwise a very black description of their ill behaviour.

Before resumption of my journey, news arrived, that the same vile
miscreants had taken advantage of the evening gloom, and had decamped,
bag and baggage, with intention, as was thought, of joining the British
on Long Island. That sundry people, hearing of their elopement, had
searched the stone house and cellar, that same morning, and had seen
appearances indicative of the recent murder of a number of persons.

On comparison of circumstances, there could be no doubt, but their
sudden flight was attributable to the alarm I had given them, and my
blood ran cold to think how narrowly I had escaped death by the hands of
bloody assassins. The female guest, whom I mentioned as having been my
companion, at that house, was reported no where to have been found
afterwards ; so that little question remained, but that, she had fallen
a sacrifice to the barbarity of its inmates.

On the receipt of the foregoing intelligence, I left my entertainer,
and, with due diligence, went directly to Lee, where I arrived without
mishap on the passage. On my arrival, I found all well as usual, and,
though I had so often played truant, my wife and children (of which
latter I had now a competent number) received me with joy and
cheerfulness. The sight of those objects revived in my breast, at this
time, the thoughts of former days, moved my paternal feelings, and drew
tears from my eyes. They were the tears of compassion, of tenderness ;
and such are sometimes, the harbingers of happiness and delight. Why are
not those tender effusions, those philanthropic emotions permanent and
unfading ? Alas ! with man this were inexpedient. The continuance of
such exquisite sensations would overpower human nature ; their intensity
would be too sublime, too delicately refined for the weakness of
mortality ; they would absorb the economical virtues, and disqualify
their votary for the performance of ordinary duties !

I continued at home longer, at this season, than usual ; leading, for
the most part a steady life, providing for my family, by the sweat of my
brow, and meeting with satisfactory encouragement in all my honest
undertakings. The war, by this time, was nearly over ; little or no want
of men, to recruit the army, existed ; of course, I was sought after, in
character of deserter, with an avidity less tenacious ; in consequence
of which, I enjoyed some comparative tranquility and peace. However, in
very deed, the present respite from vice, may be considered, as
resulting from my desire for ease, or my wishes for a temporary rescue
from those tumultuous and distressing scenes, which latterly had fallen
unaccountably, to my share ; scenes, sufficient to discourage the most
resolute mind, and make the hardiest mortal weary of existence.

This cessation from the ways of iniquity lasted four months, during
which, I remained quietly at home. All thoughts of forsaking my family
were now, quite foreign from my views ; but, at the end of this tranquil
period, occurrences took place, which altered essentially, my wisest
determinations. These happened, very unfortunately, not only because, in
themselves unjustifiable, but because, they once more deranged my
expectations, and rendered me, if possible, more unstable and capricious
than ever. I shall give them a brief recital.

I chanced, one day, to meet with a man at Newmarket, named Durell ;
some how or other a difference arising between us, on matters of trivial
import, the hotspur of a blade, without previous notice, gave me so
heavy a blow, that I fell quite senseless to the floor. Soon as I
recovered life and motion, I arose, and demanded who struck me ; for, a
company being present I did not know the aggressor. Durrell made answer,
with a terrible oath, that he was the man. I challenged him to see me to
the door ; where, a ring being formed, a most severe combat, ensued. But
my abusive antagonist, however, soon sunk beneath the fury of my blows ;
and being taken up by the spectators, was carried into Folsom’s tavern,
where he remained in a dangerous situation for a fortnight. I was in
much perplexity for fear of his death ; and, therefore, kept snugly
concealed, and in preparation to flee at a moment’s warning ; but, at
last, much to my joy and satisfaction, he recovered.

Soon after this I met, by accident, with several fellows, among whom
was one who owed me an unmerciful grudge ; but, to prevent future
mischief, I shall not mention his name. This man, wishing to requite me
for former supposed injuries, assaulted me, without mercy ; and being
seconded by the rest of his party, they altogether gave me a most
intolerable beating. As this abuse had been unprovoked, on my side, I
was fully determined on revenge. Meeting, the same villain therefore,
alone, a short time after, we pitched battle ; fortune declared in my
favor, and he received his deserts ; for this he has owed me, without
doubt, an ill turn ever since. Sundry other cross accidents supervening,
at this epoch, it became as plain as a pike staff, that a train of
consequences must ensue. Being thus oppressed with fearful
apprehensions, I thought best to abandon Lee for the present ; so,
bidding adieu to my kindred, I set off, in proper haste, for the eastern
territories.

Destitute of a single shilling, in the world, it was requisite to
levy contributions on the public, so that I might elude, “ haggard
poverty’s cruel gripe.” In some places, therefore, I practiced physic ;
in others told fortunes, and in others again, I discharged the
sacerdotal office. I could turn my hand with equal facility to either of
those scientific branches, and acquired some celebrity in them all. In
the business of fortune telling, I prophecied with the acumen of a
sybil ; obtaining, thereby, the appellation of a Salem wizard. That the
rabble should believe this, was much to my advantage, as every craft
exists on the strength of public opinion. However I had not the
hardiesse to undertake the sacred functions, except where unknown. My
good fortune, however, was such, that, whether I held forth in public
assemblies, or in private families, I generally received the approbation
of my auditors, many of whom thought me a saint, and worthy of
canonization.

I made a long abode in the eastern department, and kept in fact, so
many strings to my bow, that for the most part, I fared sumptuously, and
even replenished my purse, which had of late been in a galloping
consumption.

Toward the close of this tour, I recollect, among other particulars,
of my attending at a certain religious afternoon meeting. Here, when the
minister had finished his last prayer, I addressed the people, by way of
exhortation ; my discourse had the desired effect ; the whole audience
was very deeply impressed ; but the deacon, beyond the rest, was so
extremely gratified, that following me into the street, he would take no
refusal, to his invitation to accompany him to the parson’s house ; to
gratify the old zealt, I complied and found, assembled, a number of
people, among whom was a justice of the peace. I had an invitation to
tarry all night, which I accepted ; but, previously to the separation of
the company, it was urged upon me to make the evening prayer. Although
they used great importunity, particularly the deacon, who would brook no
denial, I still declined. At last, however, to please my new friends,
and support the ghostly character, with propriety, I conceded, and made
a prayer, highly relished indeed, by every hearer, but more especially
by the deacon, who was so elevated, that he expressed his admiration in
the warmest terms. After this I was much caressed, while I tarried in
the neighborhood ; soon leaving the place, however, I set my face
towards Lee, and arrived thither in health and safety.

Not to remain altogether inactive, while at home, I hired out,
occasionally, as a day labourer, and amongst my employers was deacon
Tash, several anecdotes of whom, have been already related. While in his
employ, at this time, I drove his team, loaded with hay, to Portsmouth,
in company with several other teams in the same service. Just as my hay
had been weighed in the market, a gentleman, a late emigrant from sweet
Ireland, wanting to buy, stept up for the purpose of viewing my load.
Being unacquainted with this commodity, he enquired if it were good. I
knew too well that my load was very mean, being made up of that kind,
which growing in swamps, is called hassocky hay ; and that any beast
must be in the last extremity of starvation to swallow a straw of it.
However I assured this son of Erin, it was very durable hay, and would
stick by a creature, longer than any other kind I knew of. He turned to
one of my fellow teamsters, to know if I spoke truth, from whom
receiving a full confirmation of my doctrine, he concluded to purchase,
provided we could agree on the price. I told him that although the
common run of English hay sold for six dollars a ton, I was willing to
take at the rate of seven for mine. This, he thought a little
extravagant, supposing I might well drop half a dollar ; to which, after
promise of a good treat in the bargain, I asserted, then threw the hay
into the stable, ate dinner with the gentleman, received my money, and,
last of all hurried out of town for fear of a new reckoning. On return
to deacon Tashe’s, I paid him his just due, but appropriated the
overplus money to my own use.

After this, my laborious occupation was continued (though with casual
intermissions) for several months together ; during which time I
committed a series of petty thefts, among which was a fine flock of
Turkies belonging to one of my honest neighbours. By methods of my
contrivance, a bundle of wearing apparel, also, fell into my clutches,
being the property of a man residing at some distance. This I conveyed
to a private spring of water in Tashe’s pasture, where I reclined on its
margin, to rest myself, and while away the hours, till evening advent
should warrant some further removal. While in the midst of this imagined
security, not dreaming of ill, I saw myself encircled, on a sudden, by a
number of armed men, among whom was one Frost. Cloathing, it seems, had
been lost by somebody, and those people had turned out in quest of me,
as the only confirmed thief in the vicinity. Their coming was so very
unexpected, that every possibility of absconding was out of the question
; on promise of good usage, therefore, I tamely surrendered both myself
and cargo. Being brought before a magistrate, the affair was
investigated ; but the person aggrieved refusing to swear to the goods,
I was acquitted with honour. Nevertheless Frost retained my bundle under
colour of restoring it to the primitive owner ; but I learnt,
afterwards, that he converted the contents to his own private use. As is
my duty, I forgive this injury ; although I had often before that time
received from the same man, many instances of similar treatment ; if he
feel inwardly justified, I wish not to disturb his quiet, if otherwise,
still I leave him to his own reflections. This I assert, however, that,
if I frequently deserved chastisement, it was never for harming Frost or
his property.

Except the above, I met with little disturbance, on the score of
theft, for the major part of a year ; though, it must be allowed, that I
drove a smart stick at such kind of business during that period. At last
my old confederate, Ebenezer Hubbard, coming to Lee, we agreed to set
out in Co. and try our luck at theft, as heretofore ; this determination
was made, I think, in the year 1785.

We travelled westerly, drawing but few prizes from fortune’s wheel,
till we advanced as far as Number four ; here, we succeeded in stealing
a couple of horses. We fled precipitately with the booty to Amherst,
where thinking ourselves out of danger, we took lodgings, and gave a
loose to every indulgence. Judge then of our surprise and chagrin, when
bounce into our apartment, came the owners of the stolen horses, with a
sheriff at their heels, who made us both prisoners. On consultation it
was deemed advisable to carry us back to Number four ; but, when ready
to embark, a trifling altercation took place respecting the horses.
Finally, it was judged unsafe, that I should be trusted with the horse I
had stolen, I must mount, therefore, another, their late purchase. This
important business adjusted, we began the procession, myself and Hubbard
in the centre ; but had gone very few furlongs, ere I imagined that the
horse assigned to my share was decidedly the fleetest in the whole
troop. Having handled so many, I thought myself a competent judge ;
therefore, intended, at all hazards, to outride my keepers, before our
arrival at the place of destination.

A few miles short of Number four was a level plain, four miles
across. Coming to this place, I hardly supposed we should find a more
convenient spot, in which to try our dexterity, at horsemanship.
Accordingly I stepped my nag into the van, and, Jehu like, set out, full
tilt ; the guard pursuing with much heroism ; but seeing me gain ground
every instant, they made a huge outcry for my halting. I turned a deaf
ear, and before I was over the plain, had run my tardy followers quite
out of sight. This atchieved, I wheeled behind a sconce of bushes, aloof
from the road, and no sooner had the troopers shot by, than I gave once
more full reins to my steed, and thus got off, with flying colours, to
Pepperel in Massachusetts. Here I turned my horse to good account, and
with the avails repaired to Lee ; to which place, in spite of the
numerous perils and indignities I had suffered there, I still felt a
powerful attachment. I soon learnt the fate of Hubbard ; he was escorted
back to Number four, but, after a short detention, was generously
dismissed by the captors.

Soon after this, from one of my good neighbors, (who, in all
conscience should be nameless) I took a valuable horse, rode him to
Rockingham, in Vermont, and sold him for about fifty one dollars. On my
return back, the injured man upbraided me with his loss. But, on his
promising to take no advantage, I confessed the “ foul fact,” and agreed
to attend him to Rockingham, in order to shew him the horse, he becoming
sponsor for expenses on the path. The next morning, we set out on foot,
and in four days, travelled to Rockingham, one hundred and twenty miles.
After taking all these pains, my neighbor’s horse was, unfortunately,
not to be found, having been sold, and carried off, no one could tell
whither. This was a blank joke to the worthy man, who was loth to return
home without accomplishing his errand. I told him, that seeing we were
thus baulked, it could be no harm, in compensation of his misfortune, to
take another horse ; he considered this a dangerous expedient ; in fact,
he hardly knew what to think of it, although he was clear he ought to be
made whole in some shape or other. However, at Number four, we made
bold, as a single animal is lonesome, to take a horse each, the one from
John Marsh, and the other from Capt. Weatherby. We proceeded with our
acquisition to Amherst, eighty miles, where my partner, supposing
himself out of harm’s way, proposed our alighting at a tavern ; but,
while we were tippling very bountifully, in came Marsh with a sheriff,
(one Grout,) who, very courteously conducted us back to Number four.
Here a court was called, consisting of two justices, and our sentence
was to pay about three hundred dollars, which fell entirely on my
partner to discharge. This was not all ; we were ordered likewise to
receive thirty lashes apiece, which, I found, were to be inflicted with
a cat o’ nine tails. I received my share first ; when in consideration
that I had led my accomplice into this abominable scrape, I offered
repeatedly, to take his share of the punishment, also. But this being
disallowed by the court, my honest partner was himself triced up. Never,
I protest, did I see a man so unmercifully scared in my life. After
receiving the flagellation, however, and giving proper security for the
payment of damages, we were dismissed, and suffered to return home,
though indeed, with sore hides, the result of so cutting a
calamity. My concern was, in truth, far greater for my fellow sufferer,
than myself ; not only because he had the whole money to advance, but,
because my mischievous counsel and behaviour had caused his deplorable
misfortune.

Nothing memorable befel me, after this, till the winter ensuing, when
the store of Mr. Jacob Sheafe, of Portsmouth, was broken open, and
robbed of goods and money to some amount. One Jones informed, that he
saw me conveying a large bundle through Portsmouth streets, that same
night. This was enough to fix a suspicion upon me. An officer was
therefore dispatched, who seized and conveyed me to Portsmouth, where
the superior court was then in session. Jones swore as above, which
caused an order for my confinement in Exeter jail. I was not a little
discomposed at this treatment, because I knew myself to be perfectly
innocent of the charge. However, as good luck would have it, some days
after, my accuser, Jones, being snugly observed, a part of the stolen
goods were found in his keeping ; in consequence of which he was taken
up, and whipped, while I was liberated, and reimbursed by Mr. Sheafe,
after the rate of one dollar per day.

The same winter, the store of Mr. Eliphalet Smith, of Newmarket,
being opened and plundered of a parcel of goods. I was arrested on
suspicion, as in the case of Mr Sheafe, and lodged without other
inquiry, in Exeter jail. I had been in custody about a week, when the
real thief was detected, with sundry of the articles in his possession ;
this served as a clear manifestation of my innocence, and as the medium
of my speedy enlargement.

NARRATIVE OF HENRY TUFTS.

BOOK III.

CHAP. I.

Bright Venus, in her rosy car,
Invites to scenes of harmless war,
Young Cupid lends desire ;
Sweet scenes, which tho’ they stop my breath,
Cause but a momentary death,
And fans the lover’s fire.

BEING once more in possession of liberty,
while of too restless a temper to enjoy its comforts, in domestic
repose, I set out in quest of new scenes, and new adventures. Not long
had I paced the varied amphitheatre of life, ere chance directed my
steps to Greenland.

Whether my good or evil genius conducted me thither, at this season,
is a problem I cannot even now resolve. Whether I ought to felicitate
myself on what befel me there ; or, to deplore the consequent events,
are mysteries, alike, too deep for my investigation. It so happened that
I there saw, and conversed, for the first time, with a young woman whose
name was Abigail Kennison, who resided with one William Foss, of that
town. Though a widow she was both young and beautiful ; her manners soft
and engaging, and her personal charms uncommonly attractive ; such, at
least, did she appear, at that period, in my, perhaps, too partial view.
On further acquaintance, finding her disposition amiable, I did not
hesitate to pay her my devoirs, as a lover ; during which, being quite a
stranger to her and the family, I palmed myself upon both, under the
fictitious name of Gideon Garland. Once a week, for three months, I
visited, privately, this alluring object of my vows, at the end of which
term she unfortunately proved to be pregnant. Having a knowledge of her
situation, I grew timorous of consequences, and discontinued my
customary visits ; though, to conceal nothing, my feelings were greatly
wounded by that restraint. My inclination plead strongly in her behalf ;
for she had in fact, bewitched my fancy, and riveted my affection, in a
manner, which no other woman had hitherto been able.

For two long months, from my unmanly dereliction, she waited in
patient expectation of my return, without seeking the means of redress ;
by that time, however, she had discovered my real name, and besides,
that I was already married, and had a large family. Upon this unpleasing
discovery, she went before a magistrate, and, legally charged me, on
oath, with being the father of the child of which she was then pregnant.
She then advertised me by letter, that seeing restitution by marriage
was out of the question, if I would meet her in Stratham, the place of
her former abode, at a time she particularised, the affair should be
there settled in almost any manner, I might choose. Accordingly, I sent
her word, that I should not fail of attendance in obedience to her
summons, and in this I was punctual ; but found to my surprise, that her
honorable proposals terminated in her having an officer who seized me,
the moment I entered the house. This treacherous proceeding, as I
certainly conceived it, did not a little ruffle my spirits. I had
anticipated, no such treatment, and was, therefore, quite unprepared for
defence. In a few minutes the officer, in accents of abuse and
irritation, requested an explicit declaration of my intentions. “ You
appear to be extremely knowing folks in business, said I ; how indeed am
I to settle this ?” By paying the money, undoubtedly ; or, if you prefer
it, by going to jail, replied the officer. “ I choose to go to jail,
then, and you shall find out whether you have a fool to deal with or
not.” Having uttered this, I was taken, first, before a magistrate, and
then as a legal consequence, carried to Exeter jail, where, as the
keeper was seeing me properly disposed of, I jocosely said, “ I have
come to pay you another visit, Capt. Ladd ; but not in a criminal
capacity, therefore you cannot put me in irons, this time.” Here,
however, I stretched the truth. “ Yes I can, exclaimed he.” “ We’ll try
your hand at it” repeated I. At this he gave vent to several
reproaches ; but, after blustering awhile, thrust me into the best
jail.

Being thus confined, my mind was busily exercised in trying to devise
ways and means to avoid paying for a child, which, nevertheless, I
thought really my own. Though I really entertained a passion, however
criminal, for the poor girl ; yet I resented the rough treatment, I had
lately received at her instigation ; and resolved, how well soever I had
deserved that treatment in fact, to lay a plan, to requite the
transaction. Many were my serious reflections, on this knottiest of
subjects ; but still the proper measures to be pursued did not so
readily occur. At last however, I conceived, that, in case, I could
bring the girl to settle, and take my security, while in prison, I
should, in no wise, be compellable to discharge the security (in which,
perhaps, I calculated without my host) or, if no other advantage
accrued, I should obtain, at least, the privilege of absconding, which
might serve my turn altogether as well. I concluded, therefore, to send
her a letter, the first opportunity, with an offer of settlement either
with herself or friends. But, as it happened, I was fortunately saved
this trouble, for, on the third day of my imprisonment, two of the
Selectmen of Stratham made me a visit, as well in behalf of the
complainant, as of the town itself. After a few cursory observations, it
was asked, what I allotted to do in relation to my imprisonment. “ Have
you authority to settle, demanded I, “ Yes, our power is sufficient, as
may appear by these papers.” Accordingly, knowing I had a horse in
Exeter, and supposing, perhaps, I might own other property, they offered
to discharge me on my giving an obligation for forty pounds, lawful
money. I acceded to this, and the jail doors being opened, they
introduced a table, paper and ink, to conclude the business ; but while
this was transacting, the gates were closed upon us all. A note of hand
was then written for forty pounds, which I signed ; and they, on their
side, gave me an acquittance against all further demands. This done, the
doors were again set open, and I was informed, that I was at liberty to
depart, when I saw fit. I marched out with the rest, and was ushered
into the fitting-room, to talk the affair over, further ; and in the
mean time, to share, in their honorable company, a bowl or two of grog ;
a matter of course on these occasions. As we sat drinking and chatting
over the liquor, I said to them, in a rallying way, “Now that the
business is so far compromised, who shall pay for this bye-blow, you or
I.” “ Who but yourself” cried they. “ Not so, Gentlemen, by your leave,
retorted I ; for, let me tell you, a prisoner’s obligation is
irrecoverable in law, and consequently void.” “ Think you as much (quoth
one of them) by my troth, I will have that question decided in a few
minutes.” Without addition of a syllable more, he suddenly left the
house, with his colleague, and away they hied to confer with a certain
gentleman of the profession, residing at Exeter. Having stated facts,
shewn my obligation and requested his opinion, they received, for their
consolation, as they themselves acknowledged, a repetition of the
doctrine, that I had so lately thundered in their ears. The obligation,
he assured them, was invalid, for that, I might plead duresse, at the
time of making it, in abatement of any action they could bring ; so
that, on the whole, he advised their compromising with the complainant,
poor Nabby, in the best manner possible.

With this unpleasing answer they posted back to the prison, not a
little chagrined at having overshot themselves thus, but finding it too
late to mend a bad bargain, they concluded to let it remain as it was,
so mounted their nags, and set out for the town of Stratham. How the
difficulty was adjusted with Nabby, I do not remember to have made
inquiry.

Directly upon their departure, I called for my horse, discharged the
bill of keeping, and returned to my family, feeling no small exultation,
at the kind issue of an affair, which in the outset seemed to threaten
me with long imprisonment and great perplexity.

Scarcely had three days elapsed, before curiosity inticed me to
revisit the comely Abigail, though I still felt a degree of indignation
at my late rough usage. I was desirous of an interview, to learn the
drift of her late conduct ; and to see in what manner she stood affected
at the fruitless termination of her process. I knew not but this might
be the last visit she would ever receive from me.

When I entered her presence, I found her absorbed in tears, and
apparently in much trouble and affliction. I was both surprised and
softened, at the sight of her distress. No sooner did poignancy of grief
permit utterance, than she gave vent to her complaints in strains the
most pathetic ; a faint specimen of which follows.

“ Unfeeling man, (exclaimed she) your cruelty has undone me ; my
peace and happiness are destroyed, forever ! Why, to compass my ruin,
did you conceal your present marriage, your real situation in life ? Why
betray me with false promises, not in your power to perform ? Had I been
apprized of your conjugal connections, nothing could have bribed my
consent to the lewd intercourse we have been guilty of, nor should
temptations have allured me from the path of virtue and decency ! But
now, alas ! the fatal die is cast ; my wretchedness is complete and
remediless ; my reputation blasted forever, and destitute am I left of
all earthly comfort. Already have my friends forsaken, and my relatives
slighted me ; yet those evils, however mortifying, I might perhaps have
borne, but for the cruel disappointment I meet with in losing you,
forever ; a loss injurious to my tenderest feelings, and afflictive to
my aching heart ; for, on you, I had placed my whole love and
dependance, and fondly looked forward to that hour, which should have
united us in the nearest and dearest of ties ! But, alas ! how cruel,
how bitter has been my disappointment, and how insupportable are my
afflictions ! The only remaining consolation, is, that my calamities
will be of short continuance on this side of the grave.”

Here sighs and tears, intervening, obstructed her broken accents, and
she was silent. The sight of her misery gave my heart a sympathetic
pang, and sighs of compassion escaped from my swollen bosom. At that
moment, I had made with cheerfulness, any sacrifice, however painful or
great, to have lessened her distresses, or contributed to her peace of
mind.

“ Calm those fears, and cease those unavailing complaints, I beseech
you, (cried I, taking her fondly by the hand) and believe me at all
times your devoted friend. Believe me yet inclined, notwithstanding the
trivial circumstance that has obstructed our harmony, to render you
every assistance in my power. My heart is not formed of such obdurate
materials, as to be insensible to your misfortunes, nor has my former
love sustained the smallest diminution. On the contrary, most joyfully
would I remove, to the extent of my abilities, all anxiety from your
breast ; most gladly, contribute to the advancement of your felicity.
Yes, my beloved girl ! would you give me leave, most cheerfully would I
relinquish both family and friends, and seek with you, alone, some
distant retreat, in which we might live together in love and happiness,
unnoticed and unknown ; free from the obloquy of the malicious ; and
where I might dedicate a whole life to make you happy.”

“ Is the evidence of my senses to be trusted, (interrupted she) or is
this the mere illusion of fancy ? Do I hear truth, or only dream ? Is it
possible you could thus abandon your native soil, your domestic
endearments, and forego all for my sake ?” “ Nothing is more certain
(exclaimed I) provided you assent to bear me company ; for you are,
indeed the mistress of my heart, and would richly compensate for every
other bereavement.” “ If such be truly your sentiments (resumed she) I
hold myself ready to participate in your good or ill, fortune, and to
attend your footsteps withersoever you may see fit to go.” Very
gratefully did I thank her for the frankness and condescention she had
manifested by this declaration ; very warmly, too, did I assure her of
my unabating and perpetual love.

Having thus disclosed our thoughts to each other, we made a firm and
faithful agreement to flee away, in concert, to some sequestered spot,
far from the reach of those who might be able to molest us, or should be
opposed to our union. However, as cold weather was just at the door, we
thought fit to postpone departure, till the spring ensuing.

In this way did we adjust all former grievances, and heal every
subject of uneasiness. And now, that the storm of her passions had
subsided, her mind grew calmer by degrees, till at length it recovered
its accustomed serenity ; this was an event which brought pleasure to my
heart.

Our sensations, our desires, were now in unison, and led us
powerfully to sanction this happy reconciliation, by devoting the
remaining hours, to those soothing blandishments, which are
indispensable on the adjustment of similar difference ; to those soft
indulgencies, which should ever form the firmest cement of friendship
and love. At bidding adieu I promised a renewal of customary visits at
all seasonable opportunities.

Parting from the woman of my heart, I returned home, full of the
thoughts of my novel resolution, but anxious, at the same time, to keep
the whole affair a profound secret, till I could carry it into complete
execution. Meanwhile I paid my mistress a number of visits, through the
course of the winter, and made all suitable provision for her
approaching illness. If I happened to move the subject of our intended
departure, a momentary dejection would sadden her countenance, and some
expression of reluctance escape from her lips. Her scruples were of the
conscientious kind, as she appeared to be apprehensive, that my family
would be injured by our elopement.

In the course of the winter I made a tour to Fairfield, a town lying
northwardly of Pigwacket ; and as land was cheap in that quarter, I
pitched upon it as the place of our future retirement, should my
paramour be disposed to attend me thither.

With design to know her mind more fully on that important question, I
paid her a visit early in the spring, found her in health, and was
presented with the first pledge of our mutual love. No sooner had we
retired, than I addressed her, to the following effect. “ My dear Nabby
! I have now come, on the wings of love and impatience, to visit you for
the last time, as I trust, ere we shall bid adieu to these unkindly
shores. I have presumed to call you mine, and it is a privilege I claim
by all the ties of love and tenderness. The object of my present visit
is to converse with you, the real mistress of my heart, and to know your
mind more fully on the subject of our intended expedition. In a few
days, if I meet with no obstruction on your side (which heaven forbid) I
shall be in preparation for the commencement of our journey. I have
considered that it may be best to repair to the town of Fairfield,
because I have friends in that place, who are ready to receive us ;
there we may reside, unexposed to the shafts of the busy and revengeful.
May I flatter myself with no demur on your part, or must I feel the
pangs of disappointment, in a matter so near my heart ?” “ To confess
truth, (replied she,) my mind is vexed with solicitude ; portentous
cares disturb my rest, and betoken the approach of ill. What will your
wife and family say, if you forsake them, entirely ? Will they not be
reduced to misery and distress, and imprecate vengeance on my devoted
head, as the cause of their sufferings ? There is a principle within my
breast, my actions notwithstanding, which tells me, it is unlawful to
part man and wife ; and that, if we abscond thus clandestinely, our
lives will be attended with bitterness and woe.” “ Suffer not, said I,
such gloomy apprehensions to distract your mind, nor fancy that our
departure will operate to the damage of my family ; for, the fact is, I
am determined to leave home, at all events, even if denied your
desirable company ; your conduct then, whether you go or stay, can
effect in no wise the destiny of mine. But if my charmer, continued I,
had any portion of that love and regard for her devoted friend, which he
bears towards her, she would never hesitate thus.” “ After the proofs I
have given you, replied she, you can indulge no scruples of my
tenderness, nor of the power you possess over my fate ; and if you are
bent on quitting these parts, I must resign myself entirely to your
superior judgment.” “ Then, said I, God willing, before the expiration
of three weeks, I will wait upon you with a horse and carriage, and pray
be in complete readiness ; we shall be able to take with us a few of the
most necessary articles ; the rest I would have you dispose of to the
best advantage.”

Thus having arranged with the delight of my eyes, our whole plan of
procedure ; I hasten to mention, that the next morning I returned home,
and, with all due secrecy, made the necessary preparations for
departure. Within the time, prefixed, I was at her habitation in
Stratham, with my horse and a cart and wheels, for, in conscience, I
could not dignify my homely vehicle with the appellation of chaise. She
was soon ready with her baggage, and we set off conjointly, she in the
cart, but myself on foot, in the capacity of driver.

I passed with the carriage through Lee, to take in a few articles, as
yet there, in the hands of a trustee ; this, however, was a
miscalculation, for, of necessity, I must now pass near my own house. My
wife, too, had gained some inkling of our meditated elopement ;
wherefore, being much irritated, she flew out of doors in a paroxysm of
passion, and exclaimed with much volubility, “ I have often heard of
hell upon trucks, but never had a sight of it before now.” To this most
righteous invective I made no reply, but, leaving her in the height of
her philippics, drove onward with great velocity, till quite out of
sight and hearing of the family.

The distance from Stratham to Fairfield is one hundred and thirty
miles, and it was our intention to remove thither, without useless
loitering upon the passage. While this lengthy migration was performing,
fortune bequeathed not a single indignant frown, nor played us one antic
trick ; on the reverse, our whole tour was but a scene of varied
recreation. We proceeded by slow and easy stages, and received, from
every quarter, the kindest hospitality on the road. Two whole weeks were
consumed in this journey ; but at last we had the satisfaction to reach
the desired harbour, in prime spirits, and to put up at the house of
Joseph Jackson, whom I regarded as a peculiar friend.

As Fairfield was at that period but thinly inhabited, the best land
was obtainable, on very moderate conditions. Hard by my place of
residence, was a tract, containing one hundred and seventy acres, for
sale, of a superior quality. As I intended to settle in this quarter, I
disposed of my horse, and every other article I could spare, and
purchased that valuable tract. After which acquisition, I made no
useless delays, but proceeded heartily to work, at falling trees and
clearing land. In this business I made so rapid a progress, that my
neighbors assured me I should soon have a good farm. My prospects
continuing to brighten, I built a house, resolving to sit down
contentedly for life, and bid adieu to roving forever.

With my new companion, whose mental endowments were excellent, and
whose disposition was extremely agreeable, I now lived in love and
harmony, enjoying more real quiet, than I had seen for many years
before. Each day added to the flattering probability, that Fairfield was
to become the requiem of my toils. I saw nothing now to blight my hopes
or disturb my tranquility, except the fears I yet harbored, lest haply I
might lose my land by prosecutions for former miscarriages. To remedy
this imaginary evil, I laid a plan to save my purchase, by conveying it,
through the medium of a deed, to Jackson, my near neighbor, and, as I
then supposed, firm friend.

I conferred with him, on the subject, told him my apprehensions, and
the resolution I had formed of putting my land, for safety, into his
hands, as into those of a friend, in whom I could repose unlimited
confidence. He approved of the calculation, and promised to be faithful
in whatever trust I might choose to invest him. Accordingly, without
further reflection, and even without exacting counter security, I gave
him a good deed of my whole land, which he was to reconvey to me at an
hour’s warning.

After this transaction, having a mixture of concerns to adjust, at
Lee, and New-Market, the place of my nativity, I made an excursion to
those parts, and there collected a number of small debts, which had been
a long time due. After this, I negociated sundry other important
matters, and bade farewell to all my friends, not expecting to revisit
them for some time to come.

Departing hence I made the best of my way homeward, till, on the
path, I met with a vagabond Frenchman, who persuaded me to help him
steal a brace of fat sheep. Just as we had dressed them, the owner
caught us in the fact, and obliged us to refund two other live sheep,
and pay him exemplary damages : This scandalous piece of business
impeded my journey for several days.

But another mishap, far more grievous than the one just related,
befel me at this juncture ; for I must here relate, that while I was
absent from Fairfield, a man, called Esq. Dow, went to that town with a
pretended sheriff named Allen, in quest (as he said) of a horse, stolen
by Henry Tufts, from Dow’s father. In searching for my property, he
heard of the conveyance I had made of my land, therefore, went and
requested Jackson to give him a quit claim, bidding seventy-five
dollars, by way of inducement ; but threatening to drag him to jail, in
event of his non-compliance. Jackson, disliking the requisition,
persisted in refusal one whole day ; but, being ignorant of the affairs
of law, he, at last, was so far intimidated and wrought upon by Dow’s
threats and persuasions together, that he gave him a deed of my whole
land, for which he received seventy-five dollars, the gratuity
promised.

Dows greediness was far from being satiated by this acquest ; for he
next repaired, with his engine of iniquity, Allen, to my dwelling-house,
where those remorseless knaves, in spite of all my housekeeper could
say, or do, to the contrary, pillaged it of every valuable article ;
and, without legal authority, sold the whole at vendue, in which they
were assisted by one Jesse Barker, who bought a part of the goods.

Dow was now about to decamp ; but the people of Fairfield, supposing
I should hear of the catastrophe, and not return ; insisted on Dow’s
conveying my housewife to Stratham, her former residence, or, at least,
some part of the way thither. To satisfy their murmurs he consented,
though reluctantly, and set out with her for Conway, in Pigwacket ;
between which town and Fairfield there was then a large tract of woods,
twenty-four miles in length, without a single inhabitant. As it happened
the way was rough, and our travellers so belated, that encamp they must,
all night, in the wilderness. Having whiled away the sleepless hours
till morning dawn, Dow, with some others, arose from the dewy couch, and
renewed his journey ; leaving Allen, who was unready to start, to
conduct Abigail to Conway. As the gentleman last named (if the
appellation, when applied to him, be not a profanation of terms) had a
few amorous ingredients in his composition, he shewed a vehement
inclination, before resuming his journey, to dance Sallanger’s round
with his tempting charge, seeing he had her alone in the bushes. Each
art was tried, and every method attempted to win her consent, but she as
constantly resisted his advances. At last, finding her inexorable, and
that bribes and intreaties were alike fruitless, he grew outrageous, and
drawing out his knife, he swore he would finish her on the spot, if she
obstructed the gratification of his wishes. Unmoved by these menaces,
she was virtuously steadfast in her refusal, till Allen, whose ardour
knew no bounds, caught hold of his intended prey, and endeavored by main
force, to rifle those charms, which he despaired of tasting by other
methods. His female opponent made the best possible resistance, and in
the long struggle, received upon her fair bosom two cuts from Allen’s
knife. The scene was horrid in the extreme, but the hasty ravisher,
struck at the sight of blood, as it issued amain from the wounds he had
inflicted, and thinking too, that her fortress of virtue was
impregnable, desisted from his ungodly undertaking. Allen, however, was
much chagrined at the mortifying rebuff, while the injured fair, her
spirits ruffled, and strength exhausted, sat down at a distance. Tears
fell from her eyes, but, after the respite of a minute or two, she arose
to take the horse, wishing to abandon the detested spot. Allen prevented
her, swearing he would leave her to perish in the wilderness, as a
punishment for her obstinacy. She was vastly agitated, insomuch that the
ruffian was afraid to execute his menaces, and finally, gave her the
horse while he went on foot, in which order they advanced to Conway.

She applied immediately to the next Magistrate, complained of Allen’s
violence, and took out a warrant against him. A number of men turned out
to assist in taking the culprit, but did not overtake him, till he had
reached Eaton, where they found him at a grist-mill, waiting while his
horse should champ a feed of corn. A sharp conflict ensued. Allen
defended himself resolutely with his knife, and cut the hand of the
foremost assailant, then darting through the midst of them, he made off,
like a sturdy fellow, toward the thickets. The wounded man, pursued,
with a cudgel, overtook and knocked Allen down, swearing he should
surrender or die. Others running up to the combatants, Allen was
secured, and, presently after, conducted to the main road in Eaton.

Here I met them on my passage from Newmarket. Dow, observing me,
stept up with two of his myrmidons, saying, “ I will secure you.”
Accordingly, they took me prisoner, and hurried me away into the woods ;
it being their drift to prevent my yielding succour to my mistress, or
being present at Allen’s examination and trial. In this manner was I
harassed and bamboozled, by those insidious knaves. Meantime, my
faithful female, indignant at such treatment, like a true amazon,
mustered seven or eight men, and placing herself at their head, sallied
out for my rescue. Dow, at sight of those people, drew out a pistol, and
presenting it to my breast, swore he would blow me through, if I moved a
single step. My blood boiled at the tyrannical mandate, yet prudence
restrained me, till my rescuers should have gotten within shot ; but no
sooner did this happen, than, by a sudden coup de main, I knocked the
pistol from Dow’s hand, and hurled it toward my friends. The heroic
Nabby seized the pistol, and advancing toward Dow, (virago like)
protested she would shoot him with his own weapon, if he did not
instantly set me free. Dow refused, declaring I was his prisoner, and
threatening, with the utmost severity of the law, his annoyers, should
they attempt the smallest interference. At this moment one of the
company running up, smote Dow upon the back of his hand with a fusee,
and fractured three of the bones ; this was a decisive blow, and put an
end to the contest.

Having regained my liberty, we were preparing to set off for the
Justice’s house, with a view to be present at Allen’s trial ; but we had
not proceeded ten rods, ere obliged to halt on Dow’s account, whose hand
grew so painful, he could proceed no further. I undertook the office of
surgeon, seeing no other was near, and replaced the bones, in the best
order possible, binding up the wound with a linen handkerchief. This
done, we all repaired to Capt. Wood’s, in Eaton, where we found Allen in
custody.

Here my companion gave me a particular detail of the mischief
perpetrated by Dow and Allen, in their stripping me of all the property
I possessed on the face of the globe, and of the shocking treatment that
she herself had particularly sustained from the hands of Allen. Had I
ever rendered my despoilers any injury, had I given them cause of
complaint, I could now have borne, less indignantly, their nefarious
conduct ; but such was not the case, for in truth, I never was principal
or accessary in stealing horse or other property from Dow or his father,
during my existence. At the diabolical devices, then, of Dow and Allen,
I felt the utmost indignation, and threatened both with plenary
vengeance, the moment I should be at liberty to take them to task. Allen
could expect no lenity by reason of his atrocious attack upon Nabby, he
was, therefore, quite anxious to compromise that part of the tragedy. To
this end, he made us sundry proposals ; but, at last, offered his horse,
saddle and bridle, which, after some consultation, we accepted, and gave
him a discharge in full.

This being settled, we went forward to Fairfield, to look after the
wreck of our affairs there, and to visit Jackson, who had betrayed, so
preposterously, my ill-placed confidence. I wished, among other things,
to be thoroughly satisfied, whether he had really intended roguery, or
not. On meeting, I reproached him with his venality, his perfidy, in
bartering away my land for a song, miserably sung ; demanded the seventy
five dollars, he had received of Dow, and intimated my expectation of
further reimbursements ; but, to my great surprise, he refused paying
even the paltry sum I demanded. The case was, by no means, even dubious
; no remedy, beyond expostulation, was left me, for I had neglected
counter security, when I gave him the deed. In a word ; as my ill
fortune would have it, I finally lost my land, and got nothing therefor,
it being a clear case, that my credit was at too low an ebb at court, to
undertake the prosecution of Jackson or Dow.

However, as my companion in sadness was legal owner of all the goods
sold at vendue, she brought an action against Jesse Barker, for taking
them from her house, and it justly cost him a good horse to compromise
the affair. I must also take notice, that a short time after this, Dow
disposed of my land for five hundred dollars, and that, in fact, it has
mortified my feelings, even to this day, to see into how excellent a
farm it has been made.

Very possibly (do I sometimes exclaim) might that farm have yet
continued my own, but for the folly and treachery of a pretended friend.
O ! truth, probity, justice ! were you visible to mortal eyes, how
captivating would be your charms ! On the contrary, what a frightful
figure do fraud, fallacy and deception compose ! The poet and
philosopher have exerted their ablest powers in eulogy of the former,
and in shewing the horrid nature of the latter ! those are, indeed, the
props and ornaments of society ; these, the plagues and curses of human
life ! !

CHAP. II.

Accepto, claduenda est janua, damno.

When the steed is stolen, shut the stable door.

AS the unfortunate event, recapitulated in
the last chapter, had been quite unexpected, my situation seemed
desperate in extreme. I found myself stripped, at one blow, of all
worldly property, and reduced to a state of absolute indigence, having
nought wherewith I might procure, even the necessaries of life. In this
deplorable conjuncture I could devise no remedy, no mode of relief ; my
fortitude, as well as presence of mind, forsook me entirely, and I sunk
under the pressure of desponding care. I now bitterly reflected on
myself for having the simplicity to put the least confidence in Jackson,
and cursed my folly a thousand times, for having trusted the land out of
my own hands. But my mistake was not in a situation to be rectified ;
repentance came too late, and was, consequently the more tantalizing to
my feelings.

Good God ! thought I, in what a signal manner have I lived, the sport
and football ever, of malicious fortune ! What a perverse fatality has
attended me through every scene of my wretched existence ! Has not each
succeeding disaster been more intolerable than the former, and, indeed,
every undertaking through life, altogether unprosperous ? So gloomy and
distressing were my cogitations, that the only comfort I received, was
from the society of my sympathizing mistress, whom I resolved not to
abandon, more especially, on this trying emergency.

Of a truth, I had cause to thank my obliging companion for her
superlative kindness at the unprosperous season I am now describing.
With much tenderness did she endeavor to soothe and divert my
uneasiness, and to alleviate my accumulated burthens, yet without avail
; since,

On downy beds there’s no repose,
For him, who no contentment knows ;
Still less can that unhappy wight
Take quiet rest on straw by night.

In short, when she found my discontent to be permanent, and that
nothing had efficacy to dispel my grief, she advised our quitting
Fairfield ; it had, indeed, been to us, the scene of wretchedness and
woe. “ Yes ! (repeated I emphatically) it has been woe, unallayed with a
single ingredient, that should induce our longer stay ; I will,
therefore, pack up the little all that fortune has spared us, and,
attended by you, my faithful companion, quit the town in disgust, and
travel, as chance may direct the way.”

Shortly after this, goaded by poverty, we began a journey,
westwardly, and passed, first through Coos, then continued our tour,
till, after a tedious and troublesome march, barren of much incident, we
arrived at the town of Norwich in Vermont. Here feeling inclinable to
repose, after the amazing fatigue we had encountered, we took shelter,
for a few days, at the house of one Johnson.

Our subsistence, in this route, had been derived from the same
sources as formerly. Many people, hearing of my long residence among the
Indian tribes, had conceived a high opinion of my medical faculties, and
were therefore very fond of my prescriptions ; while the younger sort
flocked, in my train, to learn their future fortunes, as though I had
been the grand depositary of the secrets of destiny. Sometimes, too, did
the elderly approach my levee to enquire for lost goods, so that I had
business enough, and was generally received with a hearty good welcome,
go whither I would. Indeed I found it no way difficult to cajole my
ignorant followers into the belief of whatever idle tale I was pleased
to fabricate ; how easy to deceive is the unreflecting multitude !

In respect to myself, it was the concurrent opinion, that I must be
an extraordinary wizard, complete master of the black art, and able to
employ the agency of the devil, whenever I saw fit. The belief of those
things I endeavored to cultivate, well knowing, that reputation is
sometimes of more advantage, in our intercourse with the generality of
mankind, than are real acquirements, because a fool may possess it.

Having tarried at Johnson’s a few days, and obtained a tolerable
degree of rest and refreshment, we had thoughts of renewing the toils of
our peregrination, but having grown familiar with Mrs. Johnson, and the
rest of the family, she was particularly urgent for our longer stay, to
the end I might help her husband in the management of his farm.
Johnson’s sentiments were in unison with his wife’s ; and as a more
eligible place of settlement did not arise to view, we consented to the
wishes of the family, and agreed to tarry in their hospitable mansion,
at least, for the present season. I engaged with alacrity in the service
of Johnson, and received such good treatment, both from him and his
wife, that I regained, insensibly, my usual serenity, and forgot, in a
measure, the losses I had sustained at Fairfield. Besides, being blest
with the company of my charming mistress, whom I esteemed more than all
other women, I thought I had reason to felicitate myself on the
prosperity of my present condition ; because I was particularly exempted
from such evils as had formerly disturbed my happiness.

While this agreeable scene continued,

Industry cheer’d the day, love crown’d the night,
Presenting objects gay, diffusing soft delight.

The same happy posture of things remained stationary for nearly the
round of a year ; but towards its close, an unlucky occurrence
intervened, which affected my peace, and destroyed my repose ; the
particulars are briefly the following.

One day, I purchased a small quantity of leather, of one Benjamin
French, and sold an Ichabod Marshal enough of the same to make him a
pair of shoes. About the time this was done, Elisha Partridge lost a
quantity of leather out of his tan pits, and from the circumstance of my
selling leather, he became suspicious that I had stolen his. On that
ground he had me arrested by special warrant, and carried before Esq.
Burton for trial. As my witnesses were not present, the court was
adjourned, I finding bail for re-appearance.

On the day of trial, I carried French, of whom I had bought the
leather, and some others, as witnesses ; Marshal’s shoes being produced,
French swore to the fact of his tanning the shoeleather, but the
complainant Partridge and his two apprentices affirmed, that the leather
had been tanned in their own yard. Thus were the testimonies
diametrically opposite. Further, by the witnesses it appeared, that
French, in tanning, made use of oak bark, principally, but that
Partridge, for that purpose, used hemlock bark, only. French shewed
also, that the leather, under consideration, had been tanned chiefly
with oak bark ; thus stood the facts ; yet, after all, the justice gave
judgment against me, and in the end, I had to pay thirty two dollars,
which I had earned, every one of them, by the severest labour and toil.
This mischief befel me, merely because the justice was not a tanner,
and, therefore, ignorant of leather, as indeed, of most other things ;
while the footing of the unjust bill devoured all the neat earnings,
that I collected while residing at Norwich.

My term with Johnson having expired, I removed to Bennington. Here a
certain man, perceiving myself and partner to be itinerants, offered me
the tending of his gristmill at the halves ; which task, having, then,
no prospect of better employment, I undertook, and was therefore obliged
to abide pretty much at home, while at this place, being the greater
part of a year. But to be thus restricted not corresponding with my cast
of mind, I left the town ; repaired to Pownald in Vermont, and dwelt in
a house belonging to Josiah Barber.

This place, I made my home, for a number of months, and, for the
support of myself and family, practiced physic the whole time, gadding
about quack like, far and near, in the character of Indian doctor. By
this conduct, I made out to live, generally, as well as heart could
wish, and to lay something by, against future necessities.

While residing at Pownald, I made an excursion to Waterbury in
Connecticut, and put up for the night at a new tavern, just opened in
that town. The landlord had lately moved into the house, but not having
brought home the whole of his furniture, I was obliged, much against my
will, all may suppose, to lodge in the same room with a young woman, who
was a guest there, as well as myself. I had been in bed about one hour,
when, in the adjacent room, I heard a rough voice vociferating, loudly,
“ God d—n it ! where is my axe ?” I was greatly alarmed, at the
exclamation, thinking, some mischief most certainly intended. I
listened, but the bustle without, continuing, with a clangor, ill suited
to alleviate my apprehensions, finally, much like a coward to be sure,
sprang out of bed in my then situation, and pushing up the window,
attempted to jump through, but my linen being caught by a nail, I was
held fast in the passage. The young woman screamed, as all pretty women
will, “ murder,” when instantly the door of our apartment flew open, and
in bolted with wildness of aspect, the landlord, to enquire the cause of
the uproar. Instead of answering queries, I demanded, the moment I could
disengage myself from the window) what he meant by calling for his axe
at that late hour. He replied, that having taken several of his children
into bed, they had so besmeared him from head to foot, that he had been
hunting for an axe, to make a fire, by which to cleanse himself.
Repeating this, he left us ; wherefore, the mystery being thus solved, I
returned quietly to my lodging. But the young woman’s fright, as was
also natural, subsided not. She appeared to be still more alarmed as the
danger disappeared, and refused to be soon comforted, beseeching me, in
accents of terror, to protect her from harm. I assured her she had
nothing to apprehend, for that the noise had been occasioned by a mere
blunder of my own ; yet, if she deemed herself unsafe, I advised her to
sleep, for better security, in the same bed with me. To this she made
some demur ; yet, soon after, as I wished, embraced the proposal ; and
to say truth, which I always intend, I was as highly pleased with the
person of my fair associate, during the residue of the night, as I was
anxious to obliterate an idea of the terrifying adventures of the
evening.

The next morning we arose early from our delicious banquet, and, not
regarding the invitation of the host, to stay to breakfast, called for
our horses and immediately departed. On her way, I escorted my new
acquaintance several miles, but before parting, invited her into an inn,
and gave her breakfast, then bade adieu, and journeyed toward Pownald,
meeting with nothing worth recital till I reached home.

Soon after this, I removed with my partner Nabby, and two children,
to Wallingford in Vermont, where we abode some time. Here I procured a
habit, befitting a doctor of physic, and set out on foot to make a tour
through the country. Roving along I came to a place near Number four,
where I halted at an inn, and was presently joined by a female guest,
who had fortunately requested lodgings for the night. With this miss,
who was indeed amiable, I soon scraped acquaintance, and so contrived
matters, that one bed sufficed for us both until morning ; I then
attended her in quality of a lover, to her father’s house, seven miles
distant. Here certain seeming casualties protracted our courtship for
the length of eight days, at the end of which I forsook my elysium by
bidding the young lady farewell for the present. Hence I prosecuted my
journey in a circuit toward home, and the first night brought me to a
tavern, occupied by a beautiful young and debonair widow. Finding this
woman approachable, I made immediate love to her cheek, as delays are
dangerous, boasted of my great riches, and, to speak all in a word,
obtained her favor to the utmost latitude of my wishes. Having dallied
in her company two nights, I took my leave with assurances of a speedy
return, and straightway revisited my Abigail.

At the end of two weeks I paid the blooming widow another visit, and
was most cordially received. In fine, we agreed upon marriage. But on my
urging the declaration, when I might hope for its consummation, she
replied, that to save the speech of people, it was her mind to cut the
matter short ; so we named a time, in which I was to come and stay with
her, till the nuptial ceremonies should be over. Having settled the
preliminaries with this agreeable woman, and partaken largely of her
favors, I departed ; but it was not my intention, nor in fact, did I
ever happen, to set eyes on her more. The above is one of those
unhallowed transactions, which though they please some readers, should
afford no kind of satisfaction to the perpetrator, in the retrospect ;
of a truth, this and parallel instances of infidelity and deception fill
me with shame and remorse, whenever they occur to mind.

On my way home, I passed, one evening, near a certain farm house,
where seeing some clothes hanging upon a line, I ventured up, and
grasped a man’s shirt. At that instant a young woman came out to strip
the line ; but not finding the shirt, she cried out to her mother, “ I
can’t find grandfather’s shirt.” “ No matter, said the mother, you will
find it in the morning.” Knowing, however, she would experience a
disappointment, I hastened along, and made out to reach home the next
day.

Soon after, I commended to my partner a speedy removal to
Connecticut, or Newyork, alledging, as the cause of my wishing to reside
in one of those States, that I had friends and connections in both. As
she expressed entire resignation to my better judgment, I packed up our
scanty all, and with the family, consisting of my temporary wife and two
children, directed my course to Connecticut, but finding, in that State
no situation quite to our liking, I continued roving, till we had
penetrated beyond the middle of Newyork.

My finances, by the time of finishing this expensive tour, were
brought to the very lowest ebb, so that to support myself and family,
with any sort of decency, required diligence, dexterity and finesse.
Maugre all care, our straits were sometimes pressing ; yet, with much
cheerfulness, I exerted every nerve, the better to sustain the woman of
my heart, and the tender offspring of our mutual love.

In no one place did we abide long at a time, but followed a
straggling, irregular life, till heartily sick of so many unceasing
migrations.

One day, as I was travelling to pick up a small matter of money by
doctoring, I happened to approach a well looking house ; when, feeling a
degree of fatigue, I went in, though merely with an intent to rest my
weary bones, for a few short minutes. Here I learnt that the man of the
house was very low in health, having been confined to his chamber with a
lingering illness, for a long time. On requesting to see the invalid, I
was introduced into his apartment, and after a short discourse, forgot
not to intimate my profession as a doctor. Hearing this, the spectre of
a man desired me to feel his pulse, and communicate what I thought of
the nature of his disorder. I did so, and hinted, that by exposing
himself to cold, unwholesome weather, and the noxious damps of nightly
air, he had contracted so vicious a habit, that he never could shake
off, (unless by great care) the effects of his imprudence. He asked if I
could supply him with any thing sanative in his situation. I told him I
could ; and, immediately gave him a variety of medicines, with
instructions for their application. He then enquired if I had received
no item of his situation prior to my arrival at the house. I answered in
the negative ; for, indeed, I had heard no more of the man, than the
bare mention of his name, as Doctor such a one ; but by that clue I had
drawn conjectures as to the nature of his disease. Finding me, at
length, about to depart, he requested my bill ; but I let him know, I
should submit that entirely to his own generosity. After a short pause,
he insisted upon knowing my demand, though, he said, he had made up his
mind from which he should never swerve. I was still reluctant ; yet, as
he seemed so urgent for my naming a sum, I told him, he might give me
about a dollar. “Twelve, said he, will be little enough ; do, my dear,
(speaking to his wife) take them from my bureau, and present them to the
gentleman.” I was really unwilling to receive so large a compensation,
for a service costing me so little ; but he insisted upon my taking the
whole, saying, his own calling, of a long time, had been similar to
mine, and that my account respecting his frequent exposure to
intemperate weather, and nocturnal effluvias, had been literally true.
Thanking the gentleman for his liberality, and wishing him a speedy
recovery, I took my leave, and a while after, had the satisfaction of
hearing, that my patient had regained a complete state of health, and
was practising physic, as formerly.

For a number of months back, my chief earnings had been derived from
medical channels, and I may here say, with propriety, that my experience
in medicine, however small, afforded me frequent relief, when destitute
of all other resources. My amiable companion, at this period, grew
discontented with our itinerary mode of life, and was so importunate for
my returning nearer to the place of her nativity, that I even acceded to
her wishes, and removed back, to Connecticut first, and soon after to
Marblehead, in the Bay State.

CHAP. III.

Oft, when incautious man forebodes no ill,
But fondly dreams of greater blessings still,
Does keen affliction mark him for its prey,
And as a besom, sweep his joys away.

IN Marblehead, I hired a room in a house
belonging to Lawyer Sewall, and having purchased some apothecary’s
drugs, and gathered such a farrago of roots, herbs, barks, &c. as
clearly entitled me to the reputation of a pharmacopolist at least ; I
commenced business upon a more extensive scale than heretofore, visiting
many patients, and having employment both from high and low. With so
much diligence did I attend to my appropriate functions, that I cleared,
one time with another, at least three dollars per day. This tide of
success remained stationary the whole time of my employment at
Marblehead, which was nearly six months, and the same of the notable
cures I effected, extended to no small distance.

Thus was I prospered, at this period, in all my lawful undertakings,
and meant to pursue the same, still, in a way of truth and uprightness,
not once dreaming of the fatal calamities now in embryo, and which I was
on the eve of suffering ; calamities neither to be avoided nor
procrastinated.

My luckless journal has now arrived at that dread epoch of my life,
by me never to be forgotten ; when the most trying event, or rather
tissue of events, of my chequered existence, received their unwelcome
birth and consigned me a devoted victim, to woes unnumbered, and
bordering upon the confines of death. Although particular remembrance of
those disastrous scenes are painful in the extreme, and my lacerated
mind recoils at their recollection, yet a just regard to truth compels
me to lay them before the patient reader.

In the spring of the year, 1793, I bought of a John Stewart, one
silver table spoon, and five teaspoons of the same metal, (would to God
I had never set eyes on them or him !) He told me he found them in
clearing out a cellar, as he came from Philadelphia. Stewart being bare
of cloathing , I supplied him with a fustian coat, and a pair of
stockings, by way of payment, and thought no more of the
transaction.

My little family made daily use of the spoons ; but one morning,
while I was eating breakfast, a young woman entered my apartment, who
happened to espy and know them. Leaving the house, away she posted to
the former owner, Daniel Jacobs, of Danvers, and informed him of the
circumstance. My apprehension was the immediate consequence of this. I
was presently convened before Esq. Sewall, and questioned, as to the
manner of my acquiring the articles ; my answer to the court, was, that
I had bought them of one John Stewart. For this man, then, immediate
search was made ; he was found, brought forward, and examined, but his
testimony was hardly so explicit as I had wished ; however, it amounted
pretty nearly to a confession, that he had sold me the spoons. Thus far
all was right, and I thought myself in expectation of a ready acquittal,
as soon as Stewart should be brought to a proper acknowledgement of the
truth, which, saving self crimination, I expected he would. But a
certain sheriff, (who was, as was generally the case, no friend of mine)
being present, and fearing, I conclude, that Stewart would confess all,
to his own detriment without doubt, called him aside, to sift, as I then
thought, something more from the witness. What their private conference
was, I know not, but Stewart immediately took leg bail, and made his
escape ; never after was it, most unfortunately, in my power, to
investigate the place of his retreat.

By the above and other proceedings, it was plain, that my adversaries
were contriving to fasten upon me the crime of burglary, in respect to
Jacobs’ house, of which enormity, God knows, I was then, as I am now,
entirely innocent. I had no other witness than Stewart, whose testimony
could assist me, in the least ; I could, therefore, make no further
defence ; and the shocking result of the whole, was, my commitment to
Salem jail, there to abide trial at the sitting of the next supreme
court.

My housekeeper, Nabby, however adulterous our connection, was deeply
afflicted at this most unlucky turn of my affairs. How piercing to my
heart were her complains, her tears, and lamentations ! With what
infinite regret did I leave, at this fatal period, her amiable society,
and that of our innocent and beloved children, in exchange for the
dreary mansions of a jail ! But fate, cruel fate, had thus ordained the
series of events, and to its rigid decrees I must submit of
necessity.

Our parting scene was tender, was affecting, far beyond my feeble
skill of utterance. Scarce did the smallest ray of hope soothe my
imagination, that the exulting joy would return to me, of participating,
again, in the cares or the comforts of my little family ; but on the
contrary, gloomy presages of the nameless miseries awaiting, erected
their dark dominion over the strongest powers of my fancy.

The sheriff, named above, led me to the horrid mansion pointed out
for my present reception ; and when the grating bolts announced a close,
an insuperable bar, “ seem’d plac’d ’twixt happiness and me.”

Ten desponding days, I lingered, in “ durance vile,” without a
straggling ray of hope to beam on my benighted mind ; but at the end of
those days of torment, I received a visit, welcome, though, at the
grates, from a man and woman of former acquaintance. They purposely gave
me much verbal abuse ; but, at the same time, furnished me, privately,
with two compass saws, a screw auger, and gimblet ; and having rendered
me this capital and unexpected service, took their leave, by bidding me
“ a speedy passage to the gallows.”

This unexpected turn of fortune in my favor, so far removed
disconsolate reveries, that, with the implements, I fell briskly to
work, in the sanguine hope of cutting a passage through the walls of the
prison. After a tiresome operation, I brought the process near to its
completion ; when unluckily, at a critical moment, I was betrayed by a
negro prisoner, who informed the keeper of my design.

My removal to Ipswich jail, the strongest, esteemed, in the county,
was the consequence of this disaster, but I had the address, as I
thought fortunately, to secrete a compass saw between the outer and
inner soles of my shoe. I had been cooped in this latter prison scarce
twenty four hours, ere I began a resolute attack upon the grates, and so
very rapidly drove my purpose, that, in three days, I sawed off all the
irons, apertaining to one of the windows. My success thus far had been
brilliant ; every thing seemed to concur in favoring my escape,
insomuch, that I fixed upon the next evening for breaking bulk. How did
my heart leap, at this juncture ! how palpitate after that liberty,
which, I thought myself on the verge of realizing ! again, with what
rapture did I anticipate the pleasing felicity, which, in some secluded
spot, I might enjoy, in the arms of my dear mistress ! How vexatiously
mortifying, then, was my disappointment, when I saw my plan of escape
once more defeated. The keeper had made discovery of the whole ; at
first I knew not how, yet, afterwards learnt, that, to one Lumber, a
shoplifter, were my thanks due for the revelation of the secret.

The prison keeper rebuked me sharply for the mischief done to the
jail, and then ordered my removal into another cell, of superior
strength to the former. Now, as a punishment for late misdemeanors, and
for better security, I was strongly handcuffed, and chained, by one foot
to the floor. Fortunately, however, I still retained my little saw, and
the day of trial drawing near, I spent no time heedlessly, but fell
industriously to work, and cut through my shackles in such a peculiar
way, that I could put them off and on, at pleasure. Thus was I at
liberty to explore the limits of this horrid cell ; but, on research, it
proved so invincibly strong that most people, I think, would have
abandoned the thoughts of attempting its fracture, deeming the task
altogether romantic. But, as I had learnt by long apprenticeship, to
encounter any difficulties, where was visible the least prospect of
success ; so now, with patient pains, I began the elaborate process of
digging through the floor. This was a tedious undertaking, by means of
the interruptions I experienced, continually, not only from casual
visitors, but also from the prisoners themselves, who obliged me to use
extreme caution, as the least disturbance in my cell was a sufficient
token for alarm.

I was thus critically circumstanced ; yet, in spite of the many
obstructions that environed me, on all sides, I succeeded so far, in the
course of a week, by dint of perseverance, as to drill a hole quite
through the flooring. Its circumference was ample, and afforded me an
easy gangway into the prison office, or vault, which, by the feeling, I
thought might be penetrated with a mere trifle of pains. Upon the whole,
no obstacles seemed capable of impeding my exit, save a quantity of dirt
and stones, which lay beneath the floor, and which I found must be
removed, to facilitate a sub passage into the jail yard. These
difficulties were soon vanquished, except, that one huge stone lay
across the way, so as to afford insufficient room for passing it, on
either side. This was an impediment I had not anticipated ; it was now
obvious that no door of escape could be opened, unless the fatal rock,
should by some stratagem, be displaced. The task appeared Herculean, yet
I set about it with all the fortitude I could muster. In the first
instance my efforts turned to the sinking of it by undermining ; but,
after repeated trials and much labour expended, that method proved
impracticable. I next essayed to dislodge it by the help of a small pry,
but it stubbornly refused to give ground to the feeble instruments
within my limits.

For three whole days and nights did I wreck my invention, and waste
my utmost strength, in plotting and executing ways and means to surmount
this only remaining obstacle to my freedom ; yet did constant
disappointment attend all my exertions ; the fatal rock was not to be
removed.

Faint and dispirited with bootless toil and sleepless nights, I sat
down upon a bench, wholly resigning myself to those gloomy thoughts
which the idea of my situation naturally inspired. Hitherto I had
flattered myself with the prospect of atchieving a deliverance, by
breaking the prison walls ; but this last hope, like “ the baseless
fabric of a vision,” had now vanished into air, and left but a span for
the arrangement of new measures. Indeed, the day of my impending trial
was near at hand ; a day much dreaded, the mere thoughts of which, alas,
staggered my resolution, and agitated my enfeebled frame.

Wishing, however, a momentary respite from the pressure of
distracting care, I stretched my limbs, exhausted with ceaseless
watchfulness and toil, upon a bed of straw, seeking alleviation from
repose ; but gentle sleep refused to shed its wonted, balmy blessings on
my head. The whole of this depressing night to me was sleepless ; and
nearly in the same sad situation was I when the Thursday next following
the second Tuesday in June, 1793, (the same being the day of trial) made
its ill boding appearance.

About eleven o’clock in the forenoon, the sheriffs conducted me from
the prison to the court house, where the solemnity of the court, and the
silence of the spectators, who had collected in crowds to hear the
interesting trial, conspired to render the scene awfully impressive upon
my feelings, beyond description.

At the reading of the indictment, the attorney general, James
Sullivan, Esq. demanded if I knew for what crime I was about to be
tried ; I answered negatively ; on which he gave me to understand, that
I stood charged with burglary, a capital offence in the estimation of
law, and that, consequently, the trial affected my life. The court
demanded whether I had any counsel ? I replied, no, and was directed to
nominate such persons as I wished to assist me. I named Theophilus
Parsons, Esq. but he declining, several of the bar recommended to my
choice, Mess’rs. Sewall and Dana, as gentlemen of probity and talents,
who would certainly do justice to my cause. To those gentlemen, then, I
made application ; and, without much hesitancy, they undertook the
arduous, uninviting task of making my defence ; I shall ever think
myself under the highest obligations to these honorable characters, for
their goodness to me on that momentous occasion.

The attorney general arose first in behalf of the Commonwealth,
stating the charges against me with candour, and even, as I thought,
with tenderness. Two witnesses were produced, Daniel Jacobs and Margaret
Medossy, his maid, who swore, that the spoons in question were the
property of the complainant, Jacobs ; that his house had been broken
open in the night, when the same were carried away ; and that they saw,
at the time, (though they confessed it to be a dark night) some man
running out of the house, in a great hurry. This man, by legal
construction, was interpreted to be myself, since the property had been
found in my custody. I had no witness to produce on my side, as Stewart
was not to be found.

Mr. Sewall opened my defence in a masterly and ingenious manner, the
particulars of which I recollect but indistinctly, for, indeed, my mind
was too greatly distracted at that time, to permit my being master of
much recollection. He clearly and forcibly urged the incompetency of the
witnesses, who, he said, were disreputable people ; known frequently to
be intoxicated ; to keep a disorderly house, and to be, generally, of
such bad fame and character, as rendered them unworthy of credence in
cases like the present, where the life of the respondent was at stake.
He stated, also, the probability of Stewart’s having sold me the spoons,
and dwelt on the moral impossibility of the witnesses being able to
discriminate a man running out of a house in a night so dark, as was
confessedly the one in question.

Mr. Dana also exerted himself to convince the jury, that I ought in
justice to be acquitted, placing, in a conspicuous point of view, the
extreme hardship of my being convicted, and condemned to death, in a
case of this kind, upon the testimony of witnesses so worthless and
abandoned, as were those who had appeared on the trial. In a word, both
Mr. Sewall and Mr. Dana, argued the cause, from beginning to end, in a
very plausible and moving manner, but without the good effect of
obtaining my acquittal.

As soon as they had closed the defence, Mr. Sullivan again addressed
the jury, telling them, among other things, that it was, indeed, a hard
case, and that they ought to be cautious, especially in an affair of
life and death, in what manner they gave credit to witnesses of
suspicious characters, such as those of Jacobs and Medossy. He observed
further, that, although burglary was a capital offence, by the laws of
man, it was not so by the laws of God, but if their verdict should
declare me guilty of that crime, legal rigor would exact my life. He
told them, they had a right to consider the matter, as they should think
equitable and just, and that if they acquitted me altogether, nothing
could be objected to their verdict. In short, I conceived the whole
strain of his discourse to be as much in my favor as his official
character would suffer him.

Justice Paine gave the principal charge to the jury, in terms
calculated to strengthen such impressions as might favor my cause,
signifying, (as well as I remember) that the peculiar circumstances of
the case, then confided to their decision, required some degree of
caution and lenity in the construction. The jury then withdrew, and
after a while returned into court “ not agreed,” Mr. Thurstin, one of
the twelve, not coinciding with his brethren to bring in the verdict,
guilty. They were sent out a second time, but the same
gentleman was still against declaring me guilty of burglary. The other
jurors were unanimous, but being unable to convince him, they went into
court, as before, without coming to a definite conclusion. They were
then sent out a third and fourth time ; but the dissenting juror was
told, that sufficient time for consideration had been taken, and that it
was necessary to agree upon something. Now it was that much altercation
ensued, but at last Mr. Thurstin, by some means or other, was prevailed
on to concur so far with the opinion of his associates, that an
unqualified verdict, declaring me guilty of the burglary was returned
into court and recorded by the same. I was in court, when the tidings of
this fatal determination saluted my ears ; a few minutes after which I
was conveyed to prison ; but, within an hour, was again brought back to
court to hear the definitive sentence. It was repeated to me by Judge
Paine, and contained, among other things, these dreadful words, by me
never to be forgotten “ That I must be carried from thence to the
place of execution, and there hanged by the neck until dead.” The
dismal ceremony of reading my destiny having ended, I was remanded to
prison, six weeks only being given me, in which to make the last
necessary preparations for death. The day prefixed for my execution was
Thursday the fourteenth of August, 1793.

CHAP. IV.

Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown.

Sed fugit interea, fugit irreparabile tempus.

BEING thus under condemnation of death, I
was put into rigid confinement, and loaded with chains. It was
industriously rumoured, that despair would hurry me on to strenuous
exertions with a view to effectuate an escape ; to prevent which, the
strictest attention was paid to every movement. Well might the vigilance
of the keepers have discouraged any one, it certainly did me, since I
was not only intimidated from attempting to break jail, but for a number
of days, lay entirely listless, a prey to corroding care and fearful
expectation.

At this deplorable season, an uncommon stupor benumbed my
intellects ; the usual fertility of my invention abandoned me, and death
only, in haggard form, arose to my fearful view. But my faithful partner
forsook me not ; she visited me, in prison, at all possible
opportunities, endeavoring to appease my wounded spirits, and, with the
balm of comfort, to alleviate my afflictions. Such was her benevolence,
that she freely imparted whatever she could procure, when she thought it
would contribute, in the least, either to my ease or advantage. Her
kindness tranquilized, in a measure, the dreary chaos of passions that
reigned within my breast, and lessened those distresses, corporeal and
spiritual, which else, in this extremity, had been intolerable. Through
her instrumentality, I conveyed divers letters to my friends, and to
others, whom I supposed able or willing to afford me assistance. A
number of my acquaintance condescended to make me repeated visits,
bringing money and other necessaries, while every body seemed to pity my
forlorn condition and think my fate extremely hard.

Mr. Thurstin, abovenamed, soon greatly regretted his consenting to
the verdict of condemnation, on which account he went to Gov. Adams and
the council ; told them his opinion, and how uneasy he had been, since
agreeing, contrary to his better judgment, to the verdict returned.
Moreover, with much zeal, he represented me (and that more than once, I
believe) as deserving the particular notice and compassion of his
excellency.

Meantime, I prepared a petition, couched in becoming terms, and sent
it to the governor, who, as I was told, had the power of pardon in his
fee, beseeching that my punishment of death might be remitted, or
exchanged for confinement to the castle, during life. To this petition I
received no answer whatever. I afterwards forwarded another to much the
same purport, but obtaining no answer, could not but consider his
taciturnity, as an inauspicious omen. I wrote also a petition to the
students of Cambridge college, praying them to intercede with the
governor in my behalf, by petition or otherwise, as best suited their
conveniency, and this they had the humanity to do, for which they have
my sincere thanks. But beside those several applications, intreating a
mitigation of my doom, another address from Ipswich, signed by many
ladies of that town, was preferred to his excellency the governor,
stating the peculiar austerity of my doom, and recommending me to
consideration and clemency. To those humane and compassionate ladies,
who in the hour of my adversity, condescended to intercede thus in
prevention of my untoward fate, I tender the most humble acknowledgments
; of their goodness and beneficence I shall retain, ever, the liveliest
remembrance. Beyond the foregoing, divers other applications were made
to the governor to move his mercy and justice in my peculiar case, but,
above all, my reputed wife, Nabby, whose native eloquence was
unexcelled, went in person, and in most pathetic terms addressed the
governor and council, in my stead, praying that the punishment of death
might be waved, and exchanged for confinement in the castle. The
fervency of her supplications made a deep impression upon the minds of
the members of the council, who confessed they never heard woman, nor
indeed person, make so moving and pathetic an address before.

But to all those petitions and requests I received no kind of reply,
nor indeed of encouragement, that any thing was likely to be effected in
my favour ; but rather did common report insinuate the contrary. This
dark and dubious complexion of things filled me with horrible
prognostics ; bereft me of the prospect of pardon or reprieve, and
blasted all my hopes concerning the petitions I had transmitted. No
longer did I profit or expect advantage from the intercessions which had
been made by others to promote my rescue from the fangs of death.

To prepare, then, for departure hence seemed to be high time, since
to me, according to the deadly sentence, two weeks only were remaining
on this side the grave. The awful thoughts of exchanging worlds, in my
present unprepared state, smote me with horror of mind, and with a
dismay the most exquisitely painful. How short a time, in which to make
those extraordinary preparations necessary for changing time for
eternity, did two weeks appear ! How impossible to set about so great a
business, in my present distracted situation, did I think it ;
especially as my life and conversation had been always so totally
repugnant to every consideration of a religious nature ! How bitterly,
then, did I deplore former follies, and the fatal consequences of my
glaring misconduct ! Alas, thought I, to what a miserable end am I born
! how completely wretched has my past life ever been ! how many
hardships and distresses have I borne ! how many follies and crimes have
I committed ! how many trials have I encountered ! how many dangers,
escaped ; and with how many calamities and evils have I, at all times,
been surrounded ! what a gloomy retrospect do the horrid scenes of my
strange life afford ! the aspect, how sombre, of the ruthless picture,
and how totally thrown into shade ! In fine, how small a portion of
happiness have I experienced, and how few and fleeting have been the
halcyon days of my melancholy existence ! With reflections similar to
the above was my perturbed imagination perplexed incessantly, at this
momentous period.

But to resume my irksome tale. The days that yet remained to me being
few and passing away with a rapidity that awakened amazement ; and as
whatever I intended to do must be speedily, if ever, effected, it
occurred to my thoughts afresh, that I had better, once for all, make a
last final effort in procurement of deliverance. Wherefore, with a saw,
which I had hitherto preserved, I fell to cutting off the grates, though
of a monstrous and forbidding size. I soon made considerable
proficiency ; but, as destiny ordained, my design, when all but
completed, was entirely discomfitted by the prisoners, who notified the
jailor of my desperate attempts.

On this side the grave I knew of no other device, of which to profit,
save the one I had last attempted ; it was plain, therefore, I could do
nothing more nor less, than await, with resignation, the approach of my
awful fate, and prepare for a final exit from this fluctuating scene of
things.

One morning, as I was sitting in a very disconsolate posture, a
devotee to misery and despair, I was visited by a certain physician, who
accosted me with an affability and good nature, not always to be
expected from a stranger. Indeed, sunshine sat upon his countenance, and
honey distilled from his lips ; but, after continuing his discourse some
time, and presenting me with the grief dispelling goblet, he introduced
the subject of his business, which was, to purchase my body, after
death, for a skeleton. He thought there could be no harm or
inconveniency in this, but to tempt a more cheerful compliance,
proffered me a couple of guineas, in hand, beside other favors.
Notwithstanding his easy introduction, the proposal struck me with
horror ineffable, so that I repelled his suit with an asperity that
prevented further solicitation on that behalf.

Directly upon this, I was visited by another gentleman, from
Newburyport, who offered me seventy dollars for license to publish a
narrative of my adventures. I informed him, that, in present
circumstances, I had neither leisure nor inclination, to bestow the
thoughts of a moment upon matters of that nature. But, to obviate this,
he suggested, that he wished me to sign a paper of three or four words
only, for that he knew enough of my history (with what he should be able
to pick up) to make out a handsome narrative. On hearing the gentleman
say this, it struck my mind, that, although I should have no use for the
seventy dollars, myself, yet that sum might be serviceable to my
companion, and requite her, in some small measure, for the numerous
kindnesses she had shewn me in my recent adversities. Accordingly, I
told the man I would take a week for consideration, and to consult with
my friends on the subject, at the end of which time I would give him a
suitable reply. He approved of this caution, and, having promised to
return for the result of my deliberations, left my cell for that
time.

A few hours subsequent to his departure, came along Esq. Manning, a
gentleman whom I much respected. I acquainted him with the proposition I
had received for a narrative or journal of my life, and begged him to
assist me with his able advice. He said it was his opinion, that I
ought, by no means, to concur with any plan of the kind, at present, for
it might frustrate the effect of the petitions and other measures, which
were in operation to avert the consequences of my sentence. Furthermore
he counselled me not to despond, but hope for the best, adding, that he
himself would go to the governor, and do all in his power to have me
reprieved, or sent to the castle. The counsel and encouragement of this
good man infused a gleam of hope into my desponding heart ; always shall
I preserve a due sense of the prompt and substantial benefits, which I
received at his hands.

The next day was brought me an anonymous epistle to the following
purport.

Ipswich, August 5th, 1793.

SIR,—I HEARD, last evening, by mere accident, of your
receiving a visit from a gentleman belonging to Newburyport ; and that
his object was to procure toleration to publish a journal of your life.
At this crisis of your fate, I must advise you, as a friend, to listen,
in no respect, to a proposal of that kind, as the transaction would
presently take air, and obstruct, perhaps, the good effect of the
petitions and other expedients, which have been used to effectuate your
rescue from the gripe of death. It is suggested, too, that you are to
furnish some final answer to his proposal, within a week. As you value
your life and safety, I admonish you to be firm and steadfast in
refusing this and every other similar application, at least for the
present. I hope you will improve these friendly hints to your own
advantage, and, of this scroll, keep the contents to yourself.

From your well wisher, &c.——

Before the receipt of this letter, I had fully made up my opinion, as
to the subject of which it treated. The advice of Esq. Manning, had
confirmed me in a decision to decline all overtures, for the present,
relative to my narrative, or its publication. Thus, when the gentleman
from Newbury, called again at my window, for an answer, as had been our
former conversation, I gave him an explicit denial.

On the Sunday next preceding the Thursday, on which I expected to
launch into the world of spirits, I attended public worship, through the
kind indulgence of the sheriff, as had been my constant practice for a
number of sabbaths previous. I made my appearance loaded, as I was, with
manacles and chains, to the end that a stronger impression might be
wrought upon the sensibility of the spectators, and their commiseration
excited in reference to my unhappy fate. A miserable fellow mortal,
loaded with trammels, and upon the brink itself of eternity, must, of
course, be a spectacle at once solemn and distressing ! Well might the
sight of such wretchedness agitate the feelings of the humane and
reflecting ! Even so, at this time, did my appearance in the meeting
excite universal compassion ; the sympathetic sigh escaped from the
benevolent breast ; and soft emotion was visible in the countenance of
each beholder. But the heartfelt distress, the horrible forebodings,
which on that memorable day, I myself experienced, especially during
performance of divine service, remain deeply graven, on the tablet of my
memory, in characters too indelible to be effaced by the corrosions of
time. My distress, however, arose not so much from the fears of death,
though awful, indeed, in itself, since a few momentary pangs would
complete its triumph, as from the dreadful thoughts of appearing, in my
present unprepared state, before the tribunal of that judge, who knoweth
the heart, and who maketh not a shadow of allowance for obstinate
transgression.

After divine service I was again consigned to the same loathsome
station in prison, which hitherto I had occupied, and measures taken to
preclude even the possibility of escape.

My friends, still continued to visit me, and to administer to my
necessities in the kindest manner. Here gratitude prompts an
acknowledgment of the great obligations I am under to divers gentlemen
of the priesthood, for favouring me with repeated visits during the
horrors of this imprisonment. For their pious admonitions and zealous
endeavors to promote my spiritual welfare, and fortify my mind against
the shafts of adversity, they are entitled to my peculiar thanks.
Particularly, I feel much indebted to the Rev. Mr. Frisbey, of Ipswich,
who gave me frequently, the wholesomest instruction, and endeavoured to
elevate my thoughts above the servile fears of death ; to enlighten my
understanding, and to inspire me with the hopes of a blessed immortality
: I trust his godly counsel and fervent petitions, for my spiritual
amendment, will not be wholly thrown away.

With pleasure, did the limits of my paper admit, would I
particularize the many favours of a temporal nature, that were shewn me
by a number of well disposed persons, witnesses to my cruel sufferings.
But I must repress diffusion, and observe only, that most of my visitors
treated me with great kindness ; seemed heartily to pity my oblique
fate, and endavoured to soothe the bitterness of my afflictions. Their
attempts were unavailing, my heart was inconsolable, since hope, the
cork of life, was beyond my grasp.

If I took a cursory view of past life, I could discern nought
therein, which was capable, in the least, of affording satisfaction ;
for little else than dissipation and mischief had been its uniform
productions. I now felt the want of the support of religion and virtue,
and found, with the force of conviction, that the great, the primary
source of peace to the human mind is the consciousness of having
travelled in the paths of uprightness ; that, in proportion as a man’s
life is well or ill spent, his real happiness or misery may be
calculated. Alas ! of this happiness I could only lament the want ; each
successive day, by abridging my momentary span, loading me with
increased apprehensions, and presenting to my view new traits of misery
and wretchedness.

How gladly, at this juncture, had I drunk of the waters of Lethe, and
quaffed everlasting forgetfulness ? but, in vain were all my wishes and
imaginations ; they availed not to suppress the rising sigh or ease the
mental pang ! Even my slumbering hours were not exempt from disquiet,
since, from the day of condemnation, I could scarce close my eyelids in
sleep, but images of deep distress would present themselves to my
distorted vision. Very frequently I dreamed of being hurried to the
place of execution, and of swinging off the stand, though it generally
seemed, as if the rope gave way, and that my body was dashed
precipitately against the ground. This I was willing to construe into a
distant prognostic, that, by some means or other, as yet inscrutable, I
should finally evade my terrific doom. Sometimes fancy painted me as
creeping out of jail, beneath the floor, with amazing difficulty ;
sometimes did I imagine myself at large in the open street, but with
little or no strength to flee from my pursuers ; thus was I agitated
whether sleeping or waking.

One day about noon, as I was lying on a bed of straw, I received a
smart rap on the crown of my head ; I was wide awake at the instant, and
could therefore be liable to no misconception or delusion. I cast my
eyes about, but saw no living object, not even a mouse was stirring ;
indeed I was wholly alone in my cell at the time. The singularity of
this occurrence alarmed me greatly ; I knew not in what manner to
account for it, nor have I to this day made out the least probable
solution of the mystery.

The day next before my expected execution, the faithful Abigail made
me, for the last time, a visit in prison ; but her presence, by bringing
to mind former happiness, served only to enhance the bitterness of our
present evils. Having bewailed our hard destiny and accumulated
misfortunes, till evening had spread her sable mantle around the prison
walls, we took a solemn and final farewel of each other, expecting no
more to meet on this side eternity. Good Heavens ! how many, multiplied
sufferings, both of body and mind, have fallen to my share ?

But now appears the dreadful morn of August the 14th, which terror
had depicted, as the last I should ever behold. Between the hours of two
and four, afternoon, if I recollect exactly, was my sentence of death to
receive consummation. On this day, every object meeting my eyes seemed
to be enveloped with a deeply tinged gloom, and to assume the ghastly
vissage of death, while every sound invading the ear increased my
perplexity and distress. Although, so many repeated messages had been
transmitted to the governor, I learnt not that grace was likely to
prevail, or that measures had been adopted for my pardon or reprieve,
but the contrary.

About eight o’clock I descried the sexton passing by with his pick
axe, hoe and shovel, to dig my grave beneath the gallows. This horrid
sight almost petrified my senses, and fixed me as a statue, in
speechless astonishment.

An hour or two after, a certain schoolmistress, coming in, and
looking through my window, exclaimed in a tremor, that she had just
beheld an awful sight, namely, a coffin made and a grave dug for a
living man. Her abrupt speech affected me with new surprise, and
augmented, if possible, my unutterable consternation.

By this time multitudes of people were fast arriving in order to be
spectators of the melancholy execution. I saw them in crowds, through
the grates, and heard them often enquiring, “ Where is the man who is
going to be hanged ?” “ At what time will he be hanged ?” At last Edward
Brock, a prisoner overhead, damned them aloud, and said, “ I am in good
hopes you wo’nt see that sight to day.” At this exclamation some of the
people cried out, “ Dear me ! hear how the man swears, when he is just
going to the gallows.” The last hour of my surviving time drew near, I
shuddered at the sound of every footstep, as it had been the approach of
the angel of death ! Each moment, was my imagination upon the rack, lest
I should hear the iron bolts resound, and the prison doors grate, on
their revolving hinges, to open a passage to the scaffold.

While brooding over these images of terror, my attention was suddenly
arrested by the arrival of several deputy sheriffs ; at sight of those
ministers of vengeance a general tremor pervaded my whole frame. I
verily believed, that the curtain was about to drop upon the last
closing scene of my life’s disastrous drama. They perceived my
perturbation, and, from motives of humanity, were solicitous to
administer consolation, declaring, that, although they came on this
ungrately errand, they still felt for my misfortunes, and should be
happy to procure their alleviation. The accents of philanthrophy, even
in my forlorn condition, sounded gratefully in my ears ; may I remember
to succour, (when ability permits) the distresses of others !

At three o’clock, afternoon, the officers gave me notice, that they
had received no orders for my removal, as yet ; but were now in
momentary expectation of a warrant for conducting me to the place of
execution. To pave the way for extremities, they inculcated the
invincible necessity of a due submission to the laws ; yet, were anxious
to appease the agitation of my spirits. While those extraordinary scenes
were on the tapis,

The wheel of unremitting time was rolling on
Toward th’ important hour of four, the time prefix’d,
Ere which to close my fate. The hour I wish’d o’erpast,
Adjudging it the crisis of my fearful doom.
At length, with tardy steps, reluctant, did arrive
The moment big, and mark’d, by iron hand of time ;
Its knell brought tidings sweet and grateful to my heart ;
Did joy dispense and hope transport to my breast ;
Since now the pangs of death I fondly thought to shun,
And live again to happiness, and blest repose.

In other words, at four of the clock precisely, the flight of the
fatal hour was announced by the deputies, who assured me, that no
message to my detriment had arrived, within the time ; so that the
matter was now made certain, that execution was respited ; but for how
long they could not avouch. These were thrice grateful tidings, yet the
business seemed enveloped in mystery insoluble ; for the residue of the
eventful day, however, I met with no new alarm or fresh disturbance.

Thus by the goodness of God, did I at this time, very contrary to my
fears and expectations, escape the bitterness of death ; and although I
knew not the length of my reprieve, yet the present deliverance
exonerated my feelings of a vast load of inquietude. Peradventure some
may admire that the thoughts of death should excite in me such wonderful
alarms ; but I can tell them, from experience, that the stoutest heart
will quake even at its anticipated approach, and that the poet’s ideas
were correct, when he said,

“Death at a distance we but slightly fear ;
He brings his terrors, as he draws more near.”

The people, who had collected to the number (as was said) of three
thousand, dispersed in the same manner as they came ; but seeing their
gathering had been little gratifying to my feelings, I was far from
regretting their departure.

Soon as the shades of evening prevailed, I betook myself to early
repose, for in truth I had received small refreshment, from sleep or
food, I know not for how long. Now then, being retired from the converse
and bustle of the world, and having a fit opportunity to contemplate on
my surprizing deliverance, I found abundant cause (wicked and
inconsiderate as I generally was) to thank the Father of mercies for his
divine interposition in my behalf. The ensuing morning I awoke from
sleep, in better health and spirits, than I had lately enjoyed, and
received a visit from my companion Nabby. Upon review of this unexpected
turn of things in my favor, her transports were excessive, and her
belief sanguine, that my punishment, in the end, would be exchanged for
confinement at the castle. I received visits, also, from others of my
friends, who congratulated me on the present favorable aspect of my
concerns.

Soon as conveniency admitted, I sent to Governor Adams, to know the
result of my destiny, but could obtain no intelligence in the least. I
lingered in uncertainty until the eighteenth of the then next September,
when information was brought, that I was to be sent to the castle for
life. These had been doleful tidings, at any other period, yet I now
received them with joy and thankfulness.

No long time was given for contemplation, ere a sheriff arrived with
the order of removal, and conducted me to the castle, which is situated
on an island in the harbor of Boston.

The castle, so called, is a fortress of some strength and commands
the entrance into the harbor’s mouth. About thirty pieces of artillery
were then mounted on its battlements, the whole being occupied by a
company of soldiers, stationed there, to superintend the works and guard
the criminals. At the time of my arrival, fifty or more persons, of that
description, were under confinement, and doomed to hard service. They
were a motley crew, consisting of different kinds of people, as well
black as white, and of divers nations and languages ; to wit, some
French, English, Dutch, Spanish, Irish and American convicts ; the
latter, however, were the more numerous order. On further acquaintance,
I found them a heterogeneous mixture of as vile miscreants and execrable
wretches, as human conception could have framed ideas of ; there had
been no impropriety in pronouncing them the mere dregs of human nature ;
the refuse and offscouring of the whole globe.

In such detestable society it was impossible to see either peace or
comfort. The principal employment assigned them was nail making, of
which the soldiers had the superintendance, and, upon the smallest
appearance of idleness or obstinacy, would beat them like dogs.

I was immediately set to work with the rest ; but in truth, had no
particular gust for my new employment, and still less for the company of
my associates. They were, in fact, addicted to every species of
villainy, which they could possibly perpetrate with impunity, such as
cursing, swearing, cheating, lying, quarrelling and stealing from one
another, for which misdemeanors, they were frequently reprimanded by the
sentries, and sometimes treated with inhuman cruelty. But rigorous
treatment was so far from reclaiming, that it served only to increase
their vicious habits, and to inspire them with a spirit of revenge
against their overseers, whom, as well as the rest of mankind, they
considered as enemies, on whom they were justified in making whatever
reprisals.

Such was the company among whom my hard lot had now fallen, and the
contemplation which arose was a source of unceasing vexation. I
incessantly pined after that liberty, of which, by folly and
indiscretion, I saw myself so totally divested.

At the termination of each day’s labor, we were all shut up in
prison, as sheep in a fold, and, for prevention of escapes, in the
night, were critically guarded by centinels without.

Our lodging was most uncomfortable, being nothing better than the
soft side of the prison floor, with a tattered rug or blanket for a
covering ; which, seeing we were destitute of fuel, was hardly
sufficient to keep us from perishing.

Early each morning we were turned out to perform our daily task of
nail making, or by chance to repair fortifications, and such, with
little variation, was the routine of business the long time I resided at
the castle.

The majority of the prisoners, being very restless and refractory
under the severity of their discipline, and the hardships they endured,
were continually projecting methods of escape, and not altogether
unsuccessfully ; for, once in a while, one or two, and sometimes more of
them, maugre the circumspection of the guards, would find the means of
elopement. I recollect, that once in particular, eleven of them
absconded in a body, by the connivance, as was supposed, of the sentry,
their guard. They left the island in a fishing smack, which they made
bold to seize ; but, being hotly pursued, had to fight in self defence,
before passing the harbor’s mouth ; some circumstances, however, turning
up in their favor, they, at last, made shift to get out of harm’s way,
and finally escaped. Those and similar desertions would have thinned the
ranks, and greatly diminished our numbers, had not the occasional
arrival of new malefactors, as bad or worse than the former, furnished
ample supplies, and thus kept the stock good.

Our provisions, for the chief part, were coarse bread and bullock’s
heads only, the same being usually tainted before leaving the shambles.
Horrid stuff ! the nausea arising from which was so extreme, that I had
much ado to swallow even a quantum sufficient for the sustenation of
life. By degrees I became emaciated, nearly to a skeleton, yet was not
the less compelled to turn out, and perform ordinary duties with the
rest of the prisoners.

One day, as I was helping unlade a vessel, I had the misfortune to
tumble over a wharf, and break one of my arms ! As I had no surgeon to
attend me, the accident was peculiarly distressing. I lay, for a long
while, in a perilous situation, and suffered so dismally from the want
of suitable medicines, attendance, and the necessary comforts of life,
that I frequently despaired of any recovery. Many a time I wished, that
the sovereign arbiter of events had been graciously pleased to end my
complicated miseries by a speedy death ; yet, considering that life was
sweet, even to the beasts that perish, and to the animals of the lonely
wilderness, it would return to my thoughts, that man, more particularly,
should live in the use of means, and cherish self preservation, as a
duty indispensable.

While I was in this unfortunate situation, my supposed wife, Nabby,
once in a while, would come to my new residence, bringing clothing, and
such cordials as might be purchased with her scanty earnings ; thus
alleviating, by her friendly help, my uncommon calamities.

After two months painful illness, I regained strength to cripple
abroad, but having neither shoes nor much clothing, and it being, too,
the extreme of winter, I felt myself in a very slender condition. On
this account, however, I was nothing favored, for soon as my
convalescency became visible, I was set to work, and forced to perform
daily labor, in the same manner, as if I had been quite healthy, and
well equipped for the season.

To these hardships I submitted with patience, till, by being bandied
about so incessantly, barefoot, through frost and snow, my feet and
ancles were frozen to such a degree, that the skin and nails wholly
dropped off. This new misfortune confined me to quarters for a season,
but no sooner was I in plight to crawl about, than I was driven to and
fro, as heretofore, which caused my feet continually to bleed, and
prevented their healing. To complain signified nothing, for, with my
haughty taskmasters, complaints were but the signals for more blows and
greater severity.

No one can imagine, unless he has felt the like, much less can I
describe, my uneasy sensations at the shameful oppressions, the vile
indignities, I was forced constantly to endure, and those too without a
murmur. Of a truth, in my estimation of things, I was now reduced to an
absolute minimum, an evanescent quantity, incapable, as it seemed, of
further diminution. On what side soever I cast my eyes, the prospect
appeared cloudy and discouraging, yet being already at the bottom of
fortune’s wheel, I rightly considered, that every new revolution might
possibly lift, but could not depress me.

Owing to the evils I have depicted, the present winter seemed the
most tedious I had ever beheld ; yet, at length, did spring, the object
of my longing desires, return, and with it its attendant blessing, warm
weather. I had suffered so incredibly from cold and nakedness, during
the late inclement season, that, never was the desired haven more
acceptable to the worn out, weather beaten mariner, than was the
approach of vernal bloom to me. The genial warmth of the new born year
gladdened the face of things, cheered my long lost spirits, and again
revived in my breast the soothing hopes of future deliverance. Again I
fancied that, in the course of events, I should yet escape from this
detested castle and its surrounding evils, whose prototype never had
existence (I am positive) short of the infernal regions.

As the summer of 1794 advanced, it stood the soldiery in hand to
exert more vigilance in prevention of desertions, for the criminals,
disrelishing their execrable diet and ill treatment, were continually
devising plans of emancipation. My own exigencies were egregiously
pressing, so that many a time I had bartered, with cheerfulness, my
every particle of property for one comfortable repast ; yet could rarely
obtain a single mouthful even by purchase. One evening, while in this
extremity, I made out, through the assistance of a negro prisoner, to
obtain thirty weight of pork from the cellar of Major Perkins, the
commandant of the castle. I had renounced the commission of theft in my
own person, therefore persuaded the black fellow to enter the premises,
while I stood sentry, which accomplished, we made an equal dividend of
the spoils, and were so lucky as to escape detection or surmise.

Shortly after this I received a visit from sundry of my friends
residing at Malden, who offered to disguise, and convey me off the
island ; this proposal I was, at first, tempted to embrace, yet finally
my heart failed, and I gave up the project.

Thus wore away the summer of 1794, till Drew near the fourth of July,
the anniversary of American independence. We heard that preparations
were making, in many places, for a joyful celebration of the day, in
remembrance of that auspicious æra, which gave freedom to the western
world. To us, poor prisoners, the favor of enjoying this festival was
indeed denied, yet it being quite as prudent, under the frowns of
malicious fortune, to be merry as sad, and much more delightful to the
feelings, I think it not amiss to give place to an ode, written at that
time, as much as possible, in the then enthusiastic spirit of the times.
The sons of the muses will forbear criticism.

Hail ! heroes, patriots divine,
On whom the rays of freedom shine
With bright meridian blaze,
Once more conven’d to celebrate
Your rising empire’s glorious date,
And Freedom’s column raise.

With wonder let old Europe view,
The mighty fabric rear’d by you,
Whose temple soars sublime ;
See sov’reign Independence rise,
With sacred front to meet the skies,
As durable as time.

The poet’s soul, with hallowed fire,
Shall kindle, as he strikes the lyre,
With thrilling rapture glow ;
In sweetest strains attune his lay,
And celebrate that glorious day
Which makes his music flow.

Tho’ eastern realms should agonize,
And Europe view the godlike prize,
A phantom both pursue,
Columbia only feels that plan,
Which realiz’d the rights of man,
And brought those rights to view.

To dissipate those magic charms,
Which bound a world in slavery’s arms,
And solv’d the Gordian tie ;
This act decreed by mighty fate,
Gave liberty a lasting date,
A name which cannot die.

With reeking sword we sought the prize,
The brightest gem beneath the skies,
Whilst blood in torrents run ;
Freedom to Vict’ry stood allied,
The laurel won, while on our side
Fought heav’n and Washington.

Then loud proclaim th’ important hour,
That broke the iron rod of power,
And blest this happy shore ;
May distant ages tribute pay
To celebrate th’ auspicious day,
’Till time shall be no more.

I had already lingered at the castle three fourths of a year without
seeking the means of escape, but the freedom I had once enjoyed, would
sometimes obtrude itself like the image of a delicious dream, and force
me to regret my present slavery. Major Perkins had occasionally employed
me in many little services, and my alacrity in the performance, had
pleased him ; wherefore, on my promising not to abuse his confidence, he
gave me license to traverse the island, whenever, I saw fit. It
contained about twenty acres, enough to afford a tolerable ramble ; but,
one afternoon, led by an irresistible desire of musing in solitude, I
made a more complex circuit, than usual ; passing on till I had gained
the last extremity of the strand. Here, being a little out of ken, I
stood and contemplated the surrounding scenery. The majesty and
solemnity of the landscape inspired me with a kind of awe, whilst
various distant objects assumed a disconsolate air, in perfect unison
with the gravity of my feelings. I viewed the encircling waters, fatal
bar, alas ! to my happiness ; surveyed the face of the country, beheld
the harbor of Boston, and saw the lands lying at rest, as it seemed,
beyond the ocean. The prospect before me excited ideas, by no means
consolatory ; yet would have been undoubtedly delightful, I imagine to
an uninterested spectator. While in this melancholy frame, I observed a
quantity of eel grass (no unusual sight in this place) floating in the
neighborhood of the shore. A thought now struck my mind, that,
peradventure, I might, conveniently, enclose my head in this grass, and,
by swimming over the river, make a happy escape. By heaven, I’ll effect
this, articulated I, audibly, or perish in the attempt. O freedom ! ever
grateful, ever dear and valuable to the human breast, what will man not
adventure in pursuit of thee ! Should even seas, then, much less paltry
rivers form obstructions to thy purchase ! The pleasing conception of
regaining liberty, had filled my imagination with such animating
prospects, that, spurning to reflect on seeming difficulties, I caught a
billet of wood, wrapped my head in a tuft of grass, and committed myself
instantly to the swelling billows. My progress was slow, but so well
timed, that, sure as a gun, I had escaped question if an ill
occurrence had not obtruded at this critical crisis. A certain soldier,
from his watch tower, happened to espy the bunch of grass floating at a
distance in the stream ; he, at first, accidentally kept his eye upon
it, and found that it progressed in a direction contrary to the current.
This was a phenomenon, and naturally created suspicions, where every
motion was watched, that some of the prisoners were effecting an escape.
Accordingly, several of the soldiers jumped into a jolly boat, and rowed
off to unravel the curious mystery. I saw them approaching, and at sight
thereof was, literally, in a sea of perplexity ; yet I lay still as a
mouse in a cheese. They were along side of me in a trice ; unhooded
their poor prisoner, and took me into the boat. What could I do, or
say ? Of a truth, vexed and confounded, as I was, I remained mute as a
fish, while they were very merry, on seeing me, sleek as a half drowned
rat, and shivering with the cold. In this disorder, I was hurried before
Maj. Perkins, who bequeathed me a most piping lecture, swearing, that if
ever I attempted another elopement, I should be strung up without
remedy. The foregoing accident discouraged me entirely, from all further
thoughts of escape, till good providence should provide some safer
channel of deliverance.

Affairs at the castle continued pretty much in their ordinary train ;
the same dull round of exercises prevailing, till the October following,
when its appearance solemnly reminded me, that I had lingered out a
whole year in the vile condition of a slave ; and that, yet, I remained
in absolute uncertainty as to the duration of my future servitude. What
man could have acquiesced, contentedly, in a state of such abject
debasement ? Indeed I possessed not that degrading ductility, but gasped
after that liberty, the procurement of which, for cogent reasons, I
feared now to attempt, though I thought it not impracticable to elude
the vigilance of those Argusses, my keepers, had I dared the
experiment.

A cold winter coming on apace, my former grievances, proceeding from
the want of apparel and bedding, reassumed their wonted energy. Those
evils, added to my sufferings from labour and fatigue, and from the
multitude of vermin, that perpetually infested the castle walls, kept me
quite languid in body and low in spirits ; never can I forget the
plagues that beset me at this unfortunate period !

A number of my fellow prisoners were flashmen, (as they termed
themselves) an appellation appropriate to such rogues and sharpers, as
make exclusive use of the flash lingo. This is partly English and partly
an arbitrary gibberish, which, when spoken, presents to such hearers, as
are not initiated into its mysteries, a mere unintelligible jargon, but
in the flash fraternity is, peculiarly, significant. As I have once made
mention of the above language, and learnt use of it while at the castle,
I here subjoin a specimen of sundry fashionable words and phrases of
that infernal dialect. It was imported in gross from Europe, and no part
of it, to my knowledge, has been hitherto communicated to the
public.

Nomenclature of the
Flash Language.

A cove,

signifies a man

Flat

a foolish man

Kinchen

a child

Mitre

a hat

Long tog

a coat

Jarvel

a jacket

Kickses

breeches

Leg bags

stockings

Crab

a shoe

Quillpipes

boots

Smish

a shirt

Clout

a handkerchief

Trick

a watch

Chiv

a knife

Pops

pistols

Chant

writing of any kind

Briar

a saw

Wibble

an auger

Gentleman

a crowbar

Spiker

a nail

Flamer

vitriol

Roram

the sun

Oliver

the moon

Glins

the stars

Darky

cloudy

Dinge

a dark night

Dingy cove

a negroman

Dub

a false key

Jigger

a door

Qua

a jail

Qua keeper

a jail keeper

Drag

a prisoner

Slangs

irons or handcuffs

Nipping jig

a gallows

Topt

hanged

Teasing

whipping

Prad

a horse

Spread

a saddle

Pradholder

a bridle

Hookses

(neat) cattle

Lour

money

Suck

rum

Kin

a stone

Snufkin

a bed

Quid

a guinea

Wheel

a dollar

Hog

a pistareen

Grub

victuals

Yapster

a dog

Thumpkin

a barn of hay

Glaze

a square of glass

Rum cove

a gentleman

Quisby cove

a mean fellow

Rum blowen

a gentlewoman

Quisby gorge

a mean (dirty) fellow

Napping his bib

crying

To star a glaze

to cut out a square of glass

Undub the jigger

unlock the door

Undub the qua

unlock the jail

Crack the qua

break the jail

To crack a crabkin

to break a shoemaker’s shop

Douse the glin

put out the light

Petre yourself (a watchword)

take care of yourself

You’re spotted

you are like to be found out

I’m hammers to ye

I know what you mean

I’m dead up to the cove

I know the man well

A horney’s a coming

a sheriff is coming

He’s going to the nipping jig to be topt

He is going to the gallows to be hanged

To scrag a lay

to take clothes from the hedges

To go upon the bonny lay

to undertake highway robbery

Evening sneak

going into a house by night the doors being open

Water sneak

breaking into a vessel

Touching a cly

robbing a pocket

To do him of his blowen

to rob him of his wife

Prad napping

horsestealing

From this sample it may appear, that nouns and principal verbs, as being
the more important words in a sentence, are generally flashified ; while
pronouns, auxiliary verbs and abbreviations retain their English uniform
; so that the flash tongue is nothing else than a mixture of English,
with other words, fabricated designedly for the purposes of deception ;
it can be useful to rogues and sharpers only. I once acquired such a
facility in this dialect, as to converse in it with much the same ease,
as in plain English, although now I have lost its familiar use. But no
more of this futile language ; may it return to Europe, where it
received its misshapen birth.

CHAP. V.

The castle is (prime truth to tell)
A little tartarus or h-ll,
And its inhabitants, past doubt,
Are allied to th’ infernal scout ;
Troth, ’twas a scurvy hit to be
Condemn’d to this black company.
I’ve pac’d the town and country through,
Yet never met so d—n’d a crew.

AT all vacant hours I amused my fancy with
flash frivolities, ’till, the circuit of a second winter, since my
abidance in this rueful spot, having finished its frosty round, the mild
advent of spring convinced me afresh, that life’s best days were wasting
away in bondage.

The little property at my command on my arrival here, was, ere this,
wholly expended ; so that my wants grew more uniformly pressing than
heretofore, and the cares of futurity, unwelcome intruders, assumed a
more unpromising aspect. To complete my wretchedness, the blasphemies,
buffooneries and brutal manners of the convicts grew more and more
repugnant to my feelings ; for admitting my own frailties to be many,
and my faults heinous, yet never was I seriously addicted to some of
theirs ; swearing, for instance, I viewed as a vice foolish and
unprofitable ; wrangling or making sport of others, I conceived a
practice or diversion fit only for the basest of beings.

Many were the altercations, the quarrels, which I had to encounter,
with those worthless villains, many the scurrilities, that, from time to
time, I was constrained to pass over ; for, to retaliate on such
wretches signified little, and to remonstrate less. The only alternative
in my gift, then, was to put up with my grievances, and, however
mortifying the necessity, to bear in silence my wrongs.

In fine, though my own degradation was to the last extremity
humiliating, yet I heartily despised my viler associates, and thought,
with certain gentlemen, who came to view the island, that the castle,
with its inhabitants, resembled a little h-ll.

Whenever my reflections led to the subject, much would I regret the
happiness of those delightful times, when I was at liberty to rove from
place to place, and from clime to clime ; an employment always congenial
to my dearest wishes. Much too, did I regret my late loved mistress, in
whose company I had seen so many agreeable hours ; a mental comparison
of which, with my present infelicities, led me into the subsequent train
of reflections, which I have here thrown into a kind of verse ; for the
insertion of which, I must, again, intreat the pardon of good natured
critics.

What doleful scenes are here, compar’d with those
Which lately to my pleasing vision rose,
When Happiness, bright goddess, by her power,
Lull’d all my cares to rest and sooth’d each hour.

In converse sweet, with my lov’d female friend,
Contentment mild, did all my steps attend,
While former sorrows lost their wonted sway
In the soft pleasures of each blissful day.

Whether with her I trod the rugged road,
Or in the humble cot preferr’d abode,
Still was I happy, still fair liberty
And love inspir’d extatic bliss and glee.

Whether, physician like, I tri’d my skill,
Or bore the humble drudging of the mill ;
Or if I toil’d in yonder fruitful field,
Still did each labor num’rous blessings yield.

Thus was I joyful, in whatever state,
With my sweet partner, and my pleasing mate ;
Her social converse brought me clear delight,
In weal or woe, by day, but more by night.

Or if, perchance, we sought the shady wood,
Or on the mountain’s brow in silence stood,
Surveying nature’s grand majestic face,
E’en the woods and mountains cheer’d the gloomy place.

Or whether we more pleasing prospects caught,
And flowery fields and verdant landscapes sought ;
Or, on the streamlet’s mossy bank reclin’d
View’d limpid waves in brisk meander’s wind ;

Still was I blest, and in her snowy arms
Felt free from all but gentle love’s alarms ;
Content with fortune’s lot, I sought no more,
Nor courted the rich miser’s ample store.

But now, alas ! how sad is the reverse,
Lo ! here I’m doom’d to every human curse !
To share the suff’rings of a horrid band,
The refuse, filth and scum of every land.

Say ye *** when I shall break the galling chain ?
Or gain deliv’rance from encreasing pain ?
When, gladsome, quit this most infernal crew,
And seas and rocks divide me from their view ?

Though, while a prisoner, I was unprepared to solve the above
queries ; yet I may now reply to them without conjectural embarrassment.
For having spoken of the manner of living at the castle, and related the
more material occurrences befalling me there, I must, to avoid
repetition, pass over many matters analogous to those already noticed,
and proceed to observe, that my detestable servitude continued, without
intermission, five years in the whole, which brought the autumn of 1798.
That tedious space having elapsed, a lucky event took place, which paved
the way for my deliverance, as well as that of the other prisoners, more
effectually, than could have any scheme within the breach of our
sagacity. The event was this ; the commonwealth of Massachusetts ceded
the castle, with its dependencies, to the government of the United
States, on which transaction it was predicated, that the removal of the
convicts from the island would be a necessary consequence.

Tidings of this favorable event being circulated among the prisoners,
joy sparkled in every eye, and transport filled each bosom. For my own
part, I now calculated upon a restoration to freedom, as a real
certainty, and fondly anticipated the beautitudes of future ease and
repose.

Not many days intervened, before my expectations were, in good
measure, realized, by the actual arrival of an order for our removal
hence, and circular distribution in the common prisons. It was my lot to
be carried and shut up, with five or six other of our worthies, in Salem
jail ; but in this receptacle I had no intention of abiding long, since,
in my present idea of things, I had suffered already a competency of
evils to satisfy vengeance, the most inexorable, and for imputed crimes,
of which I had been in no wise culpable.

While meditating on the best means of escape, I was visited by the
jailor, removed by his injunctions into an upper apartment, and there
secured till further orders. On taking leave, he vouchsafed to observe,
that the room was in a slender predicament, wherefore, I must behave
peaceably, if I intended to tarry long. I made no reply, but thought the
hint a plain indication of his wishes to be well rid of his visitants.
So, losing no time, I examined the limits of my cell, and presently
discovered several pieces of moveable timber. It was then about the
middle of the afternoon, but scarce had twilight discoloured the face of
things, ere I fell to work, and, in half an hour, opened a sufficient
breach. This done, I clambered over into the entry, and, in the next
minute, gained the open street ; but whether my fellow-prisoners were
apprised of my attempt, I cannot determine.

Thus, after a series of years, and a multiplicity of inquietudes, did
I find myself at full liberty to order my conduct, as suited the
volitions of my own mind, a privilege unpossessed of a long time. Near
the confines of the prison I made a halt, to recover respiration, and to
consider of my better course. My hesitation was indeed momentary, for
tickling desire soon turned my steps toward Lee and Greenland, to visit
my primitive friends ; but, above all, my old companion Nabby, who now
engaged my concern, and who abode, as I presumed, in the Town last
mentioned.

Thus I set forward musing as I went, upon the versatility of human
affairs, and upon the strange alternation of events, which had
chequered, so surprisingly, my late untoward fate. I now resolved in
idea, how I had been abused and persecuted for the last six years ; torn
from social enjoyments, and sentenced to finish my destiny by a halter,
but, at length, exempted from that penalty, by being doomed to eke out a
wretched existence in the exilement of the Castle ; and lastly, in what
manner, by a sudden transition, as though fortune had been weary of her
malignant exertions, I was now cast pennyless into the wide world, and
left to shift, as I could, for my own support and well being.

It was near the close of the month of October and the night serenely
cold, when I thus commenced my extraordinary journey toward Lee ; my
apparel was composed of hair and tow, extremely thin and much tattered.
Thus poorly accommodated, I began to feel, ere marching a mile, the
stinging effects of the frigid air ; but seeing no remedy for the evil,
put the best foot forward, till I reached Haverhill ferry. Here I found
it impossible to pass over without the ferryman’s assistance ; but, alas
! for fear of detention, I durst not awake him. Shivering with cold,
therefore, as an aspin leaf with the wind, I veered to the left, and
travelled up stream, two miles, to Ox ferry, where finding an old leaky
canoe, I ventured to cross over in that flimsy vehicle. Still, I had
other difficulties to surmount, for, by the time I had gained the
opposite shore, my limbs were quite torpid from the keenness of the
nocturnal air. Not daring to enter the abode of man I set off in quest
of some barn or other retreat, where to prevent perishing, I might roll
up in some kennel or a litter of hay, until morning. Luckily, within the
limits of a mile, I found a birth to my liking, so creeping into a hay
mow, my senses were quickly dispatched to the regions of forgetfulness,
and I obtained in sleep a few hours of undisturbed, exhilirating
repose.

Awaking late in the morning, I sprang up and jogged onward, till
feeling weak and faint for want of nutriment, I ventured into a mean
looking house, and obtained, of a poor woman, a slender repast, being
the utmost her penury could afford. This friendly bounty enabled me to
reach Exeter, which I entered about dark, and procured supper at the
house of an old and approved friend.

While here, at my ease, and dreaming of no harm, to be sure, a report
was circulated of my being in the town, and not only so, but a dozen or
more people were collected to seize my person, as a deserter from
confinement. Their design was well meant and cunningly devised, yet I
discovered it just in season to give them the slip, by a speedy
decampment. This flurry over, I pressed onward, and made out to reach
Lee the same evening, though at a very late hour.

As I had too much pride to appear publicly in the garb of a
tatterdemallion, as was my present condition, and besides, was very
doubtful what kind of reception I should meet with among the wary
inhabitants of the place, it seemed most prudent to keep close for a
season. Accordingly I took private lodgings at my elder brother’s house,
and there gained a particular account of the removal of my first wife,
and several of my children, from Lee, to Lemington, in the District of
Maine, in which town my sons owned land, and now lived in credible
circumstances. This news surprised me greatly, being the first hint I
had received of the affair, if such be the case, thought I, soon shall I
bid adieu to Lee, forever !

While in my present asylum, many favours were shewn me ; my brother,
in particular, gave me a fraternal welcome, and contributed liberally in
mitigation of my wants. I likewise saw and conversed with a number of my
quondam friends, who generously supplied me with some of the most
necessary articles for my situation. By their help I was in trim to
exhibit a more decent appearance, and, in compliance with their kind
invitations, visited each at his own house, where I was received, as one
risen from the dead.

For upwards of ten years, next preceding the present visit, I had
been an alien from Lee, without once seeing the place ; consequently the
manners of the people, as well as the appearance of things, had
sustained great alterations. My old adversaries had pretty much
forgotten our former bickerings, and their own resentments. They now
seemed inclinable to assist, rather than insult me, thinking, perhaps, I
had paid the full price of my former transgressions.

Tarrying, some time at Lee, and finding that none were desirous to
give me the smallest disturbance, I repaired to New-Market, and was
received with much philanthropy by the people of that town. On hearing
my story, they strongly advised my repairing to Lemington, to see my
children, who had gone thither, and who, they said, were well settled
and in such good circumstances, that doubtless they would assist me,
after the sad vexations I had met with in life. I thought well of their
augury, but my mind was wavering, for my esteemed Nabby, like a powerful
magnet, drew me toward herself, with a potency I scarce knew how to
resist. However, on sober reflection, I thought to pursue the advice of
my friends, and stay at Lemington the approaching winter, should my boys
be inclined to shew me a cordial welcome. Promotive of this resolution,
some alterations had taken place in respect of my dear companion, the
long lost Abigail, which I shall here relate. To do this I must recur to
the period of my confinement at the Castle, for the sake of observing,
that she, as a faithful sharer in my ill as well as good fortune, had
lingered in and about Boston and the neighbouring towns, for several
years, in hopes of my dismission, or, perhaps, escape. But, at length
growing weary of my long detention, and hearing it said, that not the
least probability existed of my future enlargement, and being also in no
condition, to support herself and children any longer in Boston, she
concluded to return to Greenland, and throw herself and family (now four
in number) upon the indulgence of her friends. This plan was carried
into effect a few months prior to my unlooked for release, and she
continued with her relatives and friends in Greenland, till visited by
her own brother, whose place of abode was at Rockingham, in Vermont. At
his pressing request she removed to his habitation, where, at the time
of my castle-deliverance, she still resided.

As I wished to have seen and conversed with her, prior to my
departure, her absence was a subject of no small anxiety ; but at last,
having found an opportunity to send her a letter, by way of the Post, I
adjusted all affairs, and set out directly on my journey for
Lemington.

It was about the beginning of December, when I had the pleasure to
set foot, for the first time, within the house of my son Simeon in that
town. I found him, as also my Son-in-law, and their families, with my
old wife Lydia, and our youngest child, all in good health. Our other
children had been put out apprentices, and were all provided with
suitable places of abode. To my entire satisfaction I now saw, that
though report was prone to exaggerate, yet, in the instance respecting
my two sons, it had made no undue representation of their prosperity,
for each of them possessed a well managed farm, and lived in rural
affluency. They received me with cordiality, and shewed me the kindest
attention. I felt both delight at the generous treatment I received, and
happiness at the prosperous establishment of my children ; yet, even
here, fate had reserved for me conflicts of a trying nature ; a
struggle, however, bearing little affinity with any of anteriour origin.
It concerned my old wife Lydia, and my young (reputed) wife Abigail :
and the difficulty was, with whom of the two I should cohabit in future.
This mental embarrassment was owing to my children, residing at
Lemington, who, since my return, had been anxious, pressingly so, that I
should forsake my mistress, entirely, and cleave thenceforth to the wife
of my youth, my only lawful one, as they, rightly described her. I
hesitated, but, to carry their point, they added to persuasion many
alluring offers of assistance, and, Heaven knows, I much needed, at that
time, both succour and encouragement from some quarter or other.

Five disastrous years I had spent at the Castle, without earning a
penny for myself, since all I could there rake and scrape had been
scarce sufficient to bar a divorse of soul from body. What measures then
could I now adopt, exonerated as I was of all earthly advantages ? After
many reflections upon the advice of my two sons, and weighing the pros
and cons, demurely, in the balance of fair reasoning ; in the course of
which, I calculated honestly on my present situation ; that I had
reached, actually, the decline of life, being in the fifty-second year
of my age, with my corporeal vigor and mental powers perceptibly
abated ; that I felt poorly able to prosecute such fatiguing marches, or
to encounter such extreme hardships, as had been those of former
endurance ; that, no other means were visible of pushing my future
fortune through the world, except those I had heretofore practiced ;
meagre penury, in the mean time, staring me full in the face ; I say,
after these and various other reflections, I even coincided, with little
self satisfaction, to forego all future connection with my dear
mistress, should the step be compatible with my former promises. On the
other hand, it touched me to the quick, to think of quitting the woman,
who had followed my fortunes, hither and thither, through evil and good,
and who had attended me so kindly in my greatest afflictions both of
body and mind, cheerfully supplying my wants to the extent of her
ability, when I was deserted by every other person ; not to mention,
that I had four children by her already, and loved her, unquestionably,
beyond all other women upon earth. Ah, me ! what a stint was it to
control my passions on the present occasion ? Yet, having once concluded
to listen to the remonstrances of my wife, children and friends, and to
effect, if it could be, a separation from the woman of my heart, I lost
no time, but wrote her a line, fully expressive of my sincere love and
regard, and grateful acknowledgments for all kindnesses I had received ;
stating, the reasons, however, why I supposed our separation
unavoidable, and concluding with my best wishes for her perpetual
happiness. This billet I found means to convey ; and not long after,
received an answer, in which she appeared not insensible of my
ingratitude, but, nevertheless spoke of a separation, as a point settled
and unalterable.

Never since have I had the privilege of seeing her, but although
cruel fate has decreed our separation, I shall ever feel a tender
affection for her person, and a lively sense of gratitude for the
benefits she once had the goodness to render me. Those benefits are
enhanced a thousand fold, from the consideration, that I received them
when struggling with woes too weighty, in a manner, for the endurance of
humanity.

I understand she has been wedded, some few years, to a respectable
man, and is now living in the interior of the country, where she enjoys
the comforts of life, but without its luxuries. Sincerely I pray, that,
during life’s remainder, she may reap much more happiness, with her
present husband, than possibly could have fallen to her share in my
company or keeping.

Having adjusted, in the manner above recited, the foregoing
troublesome affairs, I took quiet seizen, and, turf and twig, possession
of my primitime wife as of fee, and we resided together as baron and
feme at Lemington, aforesaid. Our issue had been nine in number, most of
whom were as yet living. We considered them as the pledges of our former
love, and notwithstanding the frequent desertions and numberless
matrimonial infidelities of which I was chargeable, we contrived to
dwell together in tolerable harmony. Indeed, my old wife was mistress of
several convenient though rare qualities, one of which was, she had a
knack at dispensing with some of my irregularities, which a more
squeamish stomach had not digested so easily. To this might be added,
that she was a very notable and discreet housewife, so that, never was
her person, in the least degree burthensome or expensive to me ; but, on
the reverse, she had contributed to the support of the family more than
I myself had, or, in my embarrassed circumstances, could ever have been
able.

As it was my allotment to settle permanently in Lemington, I
purchased a piece of land, and, by the help of indulgent friends,
erected thereon a small, but commodious dwelling house. In this
situation I led a peaceable and harmless life, my time being spent,
either in clearing land, or in marching to and fro in quality of Indian
Doctor. Meantime I had leisure and opportunity to ruminate upon the
multiplicity of horrible ills, and almost unparalleled sufferings, that
former misdeeds, especially the depredations I had made upon the
property of others, had drawn on my devoted head. In brief, it now
appeared on review, that I had substantial reason to abominate theft to
the latest hour of existence ; wherefore, I was led to resolve,
seriously, that no temptations, in future, should induce a renewal of
such shameful enormities. And really, in respect to theft itself, I
have, ever since, observed, most religiously, the determination I
adopted at that period ; since, from the day I received sentence of
death, to the present moment of recording the fact, I have never taken
clandestinely from man, woman or child to the amount of a single
pin.

As our little household consisted, at present, of only my old wife,
myself, and youngest child, I found that it transcended in no wise my
honest endeavors to support it decently ; this encouraged me to
persevere in well doing. In fact, I derived no slender advantage from my
constant exertions in the medical line, my travels were both east and
west, and seldom did I return home unsupplied with necessaries. Besides,
I frequently visited the Shakers, a society of Christians residing at
Alfred, who, from the commencement of our acquaintance, have been ever
increasing in my veneration and esteem. With much gratitude I make
mention of the charitable philanthropists, in that place, because, first
and last, their bounty has been manifold and they have rendered me
important services.

I had pursued the course of life, above described, perhaps a year,
when a certain gentleman (to call no names) having lost his horse, made
a journey to Lemington, and taxed me with the theft. I tried to convince
him of his mistake, but in vain, for admitting none of my excuses, he
advised the attendant Sheriff to seize and convey me to Dover jail.
Conscious of innocency in this behalf, I remonstrated on the expence and
loss of time attendant on the journey ; still, I was willing to
accompany them on condition of reimbursement, if found blameless. But no
! they would make no such compromise ; suggesting, that, if I would take
horses, I had also, stolen, undoubtedly, the clothes I had on (for they
saw me clad in a pretty decent suit.) To obviate this calumny, I
asserted, that to the bounty of the Shakers, it was owing, that I could
call those clothes my own. This they heard with a sarcastic sneer, and
in hopes of detecting my fallacy hurried me off to Alfred, where, on
entering the town, we happened to meet with a party of Shakers, at work
on the highway. To those honest citizens the question was propounded,
and answer immediately returned, that my suit of clothes was a voluntary
gift from their own fraternity. This point cleared ; the Shakers in
turn, demanded, with some spirit, whither they might be carrying me, and
were told, “ To Dover Jail, for horsestealing, and being a rogue.” The
Shakers said, they had no belief of my stealing a horse, and, as to
being a rogue I certainly had the looks of the honestest man of the
three ; being an old friend, whom they would not see dragged culprit
like, any farther, unless sanctioned by proper authority. This
prohibition nettled my conductors, who, being unable to produce a shadow
of legality for their arbitrary proceedings, set me at liberty and
suffered me to return home. A while after, the lost horse was found, so
that my innocence became clear, as the noon-day sun ; yet, I have
repressed the man’s name who treated me thus, in the sincere hope that
he will one day repent, and make amends for the trouble he thus
occasioned me.

The next thing exigent of mention, and consequent on my return home
from Alfred, is, that I received the distressing intelligence of the
decease of the illustrious Gen. Washington, that truly magnanimous
patriot, who had been the political saviour of his country, and founder
of the American empire ; a man more worthy of being stiled “ the great,”
than any of the Alexanders, Pompeys, or Charleses who ever swayed a
sceptre. His death took place, as the world knows, on the fourteenth of
December, A.D. 1799, and was universally lamented, through the land of
his preservation, by all ranks and orders of men. As a faint eulogy on
his virtues, as a small tribute of praise to his sacred memory, for the
matchless services he has rendered his country and the world, I here
subjoin the following stanzas, on that melancholy occasion, being a
transcript of those ideas, which are, more legibly, written on the table
of my heart, and which, I trust, no accident will ever efface.

What dismal sounds invade the ear !
What gloom o’erspreads the sky ;
What solemn tidings do we hear !
What piercing, heartfelt cry !

Hark ! ’tis the mournful trump of fate,
“ Great Washington’s no more ;”
Freed from this fleeting, mortal state,
He seeks the heav’nly shore.

His glorious race on earth is run,
Immortal lives his fame ;
Admiring worlds, O, Washington !
Shall still exalt thy name.

With liberty, to bless mankind,
To fight for freedom’s cause ;
For these were form’d thy godlike mind,
By fate’s unerring laws.

When heav’n in wisdom plac’d thee here,
She thus address’d her son ;
“ Go ! save America, thrice dear,
Nor fear, brave Washington.

There found an empire, far and wide,
On Freedom’s sacred shore,
Where lawless tyranny and pride
Shall vex her realm no more.”

Immortal Washington obey’d
Th’ empyreal decree,
And well atchiev’d the glorious deed,
And founded liberty.

This done, celestial anthems rise
On harps of purest gold,
Angels invite him to the skies,
The heav’nly gates unfold.

Columbia, mourn, in weeds of woe,
Your chief, your patriot gone,
Let ceaseless tears in concert flow,
For Freedom’s fav’rite son.

Yet, while our fond affections glow,
With mingled grief and love,
While still we mourn his death below,
O, sing his birth above.

CHAP. VI.

Ill habits cleave like birdlime to poor man,
Stick, like contagion, shake them off who can ;
What vices we imbibe in youth, behold,
Like shadows, will pursue us, when grown old.

HAVING introduced the venerable name of
that great and good man, whose exalted virtues were made the subject of
the foregoing little poetical essay, I deemed it more decorous to wind
off the last chapter, without introducing further remarks concerning
myself. I shall now resume the thread of my discourse with less
violation of the rules of decency.

For the space of twelve months subsequent to the mournful event just
related, I remained firm and steady at home, in pursuing my ordinary
business, which, generally, was dealing out medicine and cultivating a
small farm. Between both I had full employment, and provided for my
small family in a decent and comfortable manner. My fame as an Indian
doctor encreased daily, and to my exertions were ascribed various
extraordinary cures ; of this commendation, indeed, I rather supposed
myself not absolutely undeserving. Regular physicians will, naturally,
smile at this seeming self sufficiency, as some, even of that
description are extremely fond of having all medical science exclusively
confined to their own fraternity. Let them enjoy comfortably their
fancied superiority, I wish neither to detract from their merits, nor to
overrate my own.

Being now between fifty and sixty years of age, I began to think, as
doubtless will others, that it was high time to have sown my wild oats,
and to have shaken off my old tricks and corrupt habits ; at the same
time setting about a very necessary piece of business, to wit,
reformation. Indeed, at the time I treat of, my thoughts dwelt, with
unusual elasticity, on the subject of a future well being ; while, too,
the image of past life presented itself to view in colours the most
alarming, filling me with anguish and remorse. What salutary effects had
been the result of those conscientious reflections, if an adventure,
unfriendly to morals, had not caught me by surprise, and suspended, for
a time, the operation of those friendly principles, which were striving,
I believe, to acquire some dominion over my vices, I pretend not to say.
True it is, a man of my standing, in years, at least, should have been
better proof against temptation, such as I allude to ; and with remorse
should confess his weakness in tamely yielding to the assault ; yet, as
I have hitherto related facts, without disguise, I must, for
uniformity’s sake, continue that practice, however future comments may
tend to my disadvantage. Without more apology I shall relate the
adventure.

A certain young woman, of religious deportment, I must conceal her
name, called at my house, one day, in the absence of my family, to
borrow my horse, to ride a few miles, to a newlight meeting, and for the
favour she engaged to pay half a dollar on her return. “ The horse,
young woman, said I, is at your service, only the money must be paid
first, for, you know it is ticklish trusting these hard times.” She
hesitated, since, horse or no horse, half a dollar, prompt pay, was more
than she could advance. What then to do, she knew not, for positively,
some horse she must have, and none other could be obtained. Her
perplexity was obvious, my inflexibility unshaken ; she intreated,
allured, flattered, but to little purpose ; I was as prompt in refusal,
as she in importunity. At length, to promote a compromise, I suggested,
that payment might be made easy, without the aid of a capital, since I
was not absolutely disinclined to take personal services, in lieu of all
other requital. In fine, I named the conditions that should, alone,
entitle her to the loan of the horse, though for modesty’s sake, I
choose not to repeat them here. This was enough to excite those blushes,
which I then saw redden on her cheek ; I, too, was preparing for the
mortification of a rebuff ; but the young religionist, after a little
hesitation, and a few female negatives, which often carry a far
different meaning, gusticulated her assent. Articles of agreement having
been fulfilled to a punctilio, she mounted her steed with agility, and
rode away with the air and gravity of a vestal of threescore. The above
instance may be compared, not inappositely, to Ovid’s recontre with
Corinna, and is a pregnant proof, that like him I had not mastered
sufficiently my juvenile eccentricities. It may also evince the great
difficulty, of overcoming iniquity, when long familiarized to the
practice of it, or of resisting temptation, when she presents herself in
alluring points of view.

Not many days transpired after the above ungracious behaviour, ere I
equipped myself cap a pie, mounted my stout horse, and set off
on a medical excursion toward Nova Scotia. The whole of this extensive
jaunt was crowned with brilliant successes. I perceived, as I passed
along, that the face of the country had undergone great changes, and had
become much more populous than when I saw it last. Though, as many of
the settlers were emigrants from Newhampshire, and the northeasterly
parts of old Massachusetts, where I had frequently rendezvoused, my
looks were generally distinguished wherever I set foot. For that reason
I durst not borrow such a strange diversity of antic shapes, as, Proteus
like, I formerly did, when strolling through these regions. Of a truth,
I was forced to relinquish both preaching and praying ; and, as for
theft, I considered that as a reprobated resource, which I had solemnly
renounced forever. Hence the only surviving hobby horses, within my
circumscribed fee, were doctoring and fortune telling ; but on either of
those, alternately, I could traverse, with eclat, the highway of life,
without being pestered with the fears of want or the sighs of
ambition.

While on this route I heard of the death of my old associate, Richard
Dennis. It happened in the district of Maine, about a year previous to
this ; the particulars of which tragic event were repeated to me as
follow.

Dennis had been arrested for house breaking, and as the sheriff and
keepers were escorting him to prison, they entered a certain part of the
road, which lay contiguous to the margin of a river. In this spot Dennis
made a momentary halt, and then, with a view, I suppose, of escaping by
swimming, leaped suddenly from the shore to a large rock, twelve feet
within the stream. On this cliff he stood, pinioned as he was, yet
undismayed, an object of horror and amazement to the terrified
beholders, who were apprehensive of fatal consequences. It was manifest,
that some desperate purpose was labouring in his agitated soul,
wherefore, they called out to their prisoner to retreat, but he did not
regard them. They essayed to reclaim him by means of wooden hooks or
poles, but he disdainfully repulsed their efforts ; till finding himself
in no capacity to preserve longer his station, he plunged precipitately
into the water. His intent in this, as it should seem, was to gain the
opposite banks ; but the freshet being high, the stream rapid, and
himself encumbered with manacles, his strength was inadequate to the
rash undertaking. Thus while buffetting the current, or struggling for
life, he was carried down stream, and buried in the whirls of the
torrent. A while after, his remains were taken up, by a number of Indian
fishermen, at the distance of twelve miles from the fatal spot.

Such was the untimely end of my old accomplice Dennis, but, in all
probability, the fear of the gallows provoked him to hazard so foolish
and desperate a measure. I think this the more likely, because when we
lived together in habits of intimacy, I have heard him often protest,
that no authority should ever hang him, while he possessed the means of
putting an end to his own life. So much for my old fellow laborer ;
peace be to his manes ; for little happiness, I ween, could possibly
betide him while here on earth.

On my way homeward I visited the shakers of Alfred, and that friendly
people did not suffer me to leave them without fresh samples of their
munificence. I have cause to esteem them, and shall, till life ceases to
vibrate. How different has been their conduct toward me, when depressed
by poverty, from that which some other religious professors have
manifested, when in much worse circumstances ; professors, who, under
the mask and garb of sanctity, are ever seeking to defraud their
neighbors, and grind the face of the poor ; hypocrites, impostors, and
wholly unworthy the name they feloniously usurp.

Though disposed to declaim thus against zeal and sanctified
hypocrisy, I still retain a peculiar veneration for the sincerely pious,
whom I esteem as the salt of the earth, and the brightest ornaments of
society. Godly piety, is indeed a sublime qualification, and the first,
best source of human felicity.

Ah blest religion, pure and undefil’d !
Thy pleasing theme imparts serene delight,
Transforms to hope the fears of misery’s child,
And to the poor dispenses heavenly light.

But to proceed. Leaving the shakers, I posted home, but was there
incommoded, by means of sundry people, who were searching for one of my
castle comrades, who, forgetful of former calamities, had stolen a
valuable horse. The aggressor had, indeed, been under my protection for
upwards of four months, and for his personal security, while with me, I
stood sponsor ; for which reason I was the more anxious to facilitate
his flight. I succeeded in my trust, and it being my friend’s intention
to abandon our quarter, forever, by way of requital, he gave me not only
his stolen horse, but several notes of hand, against responsible persons
residing at Waterborough. The horse I turned to good advantage, and was
so lucky as to collect the whole amount of the notes ; so that I
cleared, through the misfortunes of this man, to the tune, at least, of
three hundred dollars.

I was now enabled to discharge every debt I owed, with honor and
punctuality, and to lay out for a more decent and advantageous mode of
living than heretofore. Every undertaking seemed to be prospered under
my hands ; when, suddenly, a new disaster dispelled all hopeful
prospects, and gave me fresh proofs of the instability of human
prosperity. Being one day on a small journey, I received a desperate
fall from an unruly horse, by which I broke an arm and a rib, and
dislocated my wrist. Several months, I was confined with this tremendous
visitation, ere returning health permitted a resumption of customary
employments. At length, however, I got the better of all complaints, and
set my face toward the north, resolving, if health continued, to perform
a tour of some considerable length. With this view, I set off with my
baggage, assuming, uniformly, the port and dignity of an old sage
physician of long practice and experience. In the course of my rambles I
went to the White Hills, sometimes called the “ Lady Mountains,” where,
among other curiosities, I had a sight of the huge stone, that rolled
spontaneously down those hills in the year, (if I mistake not) 1798. In
size it was large as an ordinary meeting house ; it took its departure
from near the summit of one of those mountains, and continued its
progressive descent, as much as three fourths of a mile, until a deep
valley arrested its further progress. The path cleared in the journey of
this stupendous rock, appeared to be four rods in width, and was swept,
quite clean, of every standing tree, great and small. The inhabitants of
the adjacent country, for several leagues round, heard the noise of the
descending mass for nearly, as it seemed, a quarter of an hour, and
conceived it the report of a great earthquake.

Leaving these mountains, I touched at many other places. Having, at
last, indulged my desire for travelling, I arrived at Lemington in
perfect safety. The spring of 1802 had already advanced, so that, my
agricultural affairs requiring immediate attention, I applied to them,
for a season, with much diligence ; but no sooner did circumstances
permit, than I set off again toward the east, and after rambling some
time, in another of her frolicsome moods, dame Fortune conducted me to
Old Wells. Here by mere accident I came across a brisk young widow, one
whose person was faultless, her smiles bewitching, and her worldly goods
far from inconsiderable. I perceived she had no knowledge of my person ;
so, without demur I invoked the little mischievous deity, and had the
pleasure of a most gracious reception. Our courtship equalled, in
duration, Jonah’s continuance in the whale’s belly, that is, three days
and nights ; the whole of which time passed so pleasantly, that I never
shall expect herafter, “ to forget the widow.” It should also be noted
that our union in marriage was fully agreed on ; three months after that
being mentioned for its real solemnization. Sooner, she could not be
ready, as her wedding suit and many other preparative articles must
first be provided. Thus, I studied and practiced deception, till my
visit was eked out to a critical length, when I reluctantly quitted the
fields of delight, by bidding farewell to the enraptured widow.

Leaving Wells, I hied to Portland, then passed on to Alfred and other
unimportant places ; but, lastly, returned to Lemington, my thoughts
still running, incessantly, upon the beautiful widow. The above
stipulated term sped away ; yet I neglected to return equipped for the
matrimonial voyage, as the pleasing dreams of my bride elect had fondly
anticipated ; wherefore, being in a nettle, she enquired out the place
of my abode, and dispatched a man and horse to know the cause of my
absence. The messenger came to Lemington, where, hearing of my family
connections, he neglected the delivery of his message, and posted back
with the ugly intelligence that I was a married man already. How the
poor widow digested the bitter pill, I had little privilege of knowing ;
I knew, however, that very possibly, this wild adventure might be
productive of some perverse consequences ; I, therefore, forsook home,
and journeyed a round pace toward Connecticut. In my travels, this rout,
I passed through Ipswich, where I saw a number of my old female friends
; the sight of whom brought to my remembrance afresh, the numerous
benefactions conferred upon me, in the worst of times, by the ladies of
that town. It recurred to mind, in what manner they had petitioned for
my release, when suffering in prison, under bonds and condemnation, and
surrounded with all the terrors, all the machinery of death.

CHAP. VII.

When wanton women guide the helm,
No wonder surges overwhelm
The crazy bark, a shatter’d wreck,
Its lading tost from hold and deck.

FROM Ipswich I shaped my course
northwardly, and after a short residence in different places, returned
home. I was soon after requested to visit, in a medical capacity, a sick
young woman, then in the eighteenth year of her age ; but whose name,
because of the recency of the transactions connected with this, I choose
to repress.

She was the daughter of a neighboring farmer, and had been of a long
time, in a weak and languishing condition ; so much so, that it was
verily supposed, her malady would terminate in a consumption, and thus
end her days. She had sought relief both far and near, and had tried
many prescriptions to no kind of purpose ; for, in spite of remedies,
her disorder continued to gain ground, and she, proportionably to
decline. In this state I found her almost emaciated to a skeleton. It
was obvious to every one, that her situation must be extremely
precarious, and her recovery to health, altogether problematical ; yet,
at the earnest desire of her friends, I undertook the unpromising task
of prescribing for her cure.

As my private opinion had been opposed ever, to the ordinary use of
apothecary’s drugs and chemical medicines, which, being the growth
chiefly of foreign climates, different from, and perhaps, more unhealthy
than our own, I considered less congenial to American constitutions,
than medicines, the production of our own soil ; I, therefore, confined
my patient entirely to the use of the latter. My remedies were vegetable
and simples ; and I had the vanity to suppose, that my long intercourse
with the Indian doctors, and frequent practice, ever since, had taught
me to apply them with becoming dexterity. And as the complaints of my
patient were similar to those from which the Indians had formerly
relieved me, I chose to rely, in her case, upon the methods of cure
prescribed by the Indian physicians in mine. Whether my judgment were
correct or not, it ill behoves me to say ; yet, true it is, that my
choice of means was surprizingly successful, even beyond my greatest
expectations. After several visits the poor invalid began to show
symptoms of amendment, and in a few months more, regained as complete a
state of health, as she had ever been known to enjoy.

During the progress of her cure, I had paid the most diligent
attendance upon her person, administering many of the medicines with my
own hands ; by which, and other assiduities, I ingratiated myself
insensibly (though God knows undesignedly) into her good graces, and
made no slight impression on her heart. This discovery, though unnoticed
by the rest of the family, was by me most easily observed, as every word
and gesture, which escaped, contributed to its confirmation. My
surmises, however, were confined to my own breast, not even to her did I
betray this knowledge, for, I wished on family accounts, that the fatal
flame, which seemed to be kindling in her bosom, might expire in embryo.
To promote so laudable an end, I relinquished the pleasure of visiting
at her father’s house, and studiously avoided all possible occasions of
personal intercourse. This was my expedient for a while, till, one day,
happening to be caught in her company, she made use of the opportunity
to acquaint me, in plain terms, with her sentiments, and the situation
of her mind. The subject was introduced by expressing her great
satisfaction at the unexpected recovery of her health ; she then
proceeded to thank me, in pathetic terms, for the useful services I had
rendered her. Under providence, she ascribed it to my care and
attention, wholly, that she was yet in the land of the living, and in a
situation to express her gratitude for the amazing pains I had taken on
her account, averring it impossible to reward me in a way adequate to
her wishes, or my deserts. I assured her, that my recompence was already
ample, from the pleasure I took in having promoted her welfare ; that
therefore I must reject the idea of all further compensation. “ Never,
(rejoined she) can my greatest benefactor be repaid ; the best, the only
requital I can make you, for saving my life, is to declare you welcome
to the last little of my property ; and greatly should I rejoice, if the
poor bequest were increased a hundred fold. Yes, Mr. Tufts, to speak
ingenuously, in nothing could I receive so much satisfaction, such
peculiar delight, as in devoting my all to your only service.” “ I thank
you kindly, dearest miss, said I, for this pleasing testimony of your
gratitude ; but permit me to repeat, that I am thoroughly satisfied ;
that I wish no other requital, than what I have already received : Yes,
Madam ! I feel myself richly rewarded for the too trivial pains I have
taken, and therefore, intreat you that all further observations may be
waved on the subject.” Here our conversation paused, for a moment ; but
was quickly renewed by her wishing, though in faultering accents, that I
might not be amazed at her singular discourse, since she loved and
esteemed me beyond all others on earth. I replied that her declaration
would have been more particularly transporting, but for the chilling
reflection, that I was already bound in the matrimonial chain, which she
certainly knew, and therefore in no situation to enjoy the benefits of
her partiality. Here, repressing the rising sigh, she proceeded to
observe, that her happiness would be superlative, were she permitted to
abandon all, and follow my fortune, to some remote quarter, where we
might contribute, to the lasting felicity of each other. This
declaration demonstrated so great a degree of ardor, that it instantly
excited mine ; indeed I had quite forgotten my former resolution, to
forsake the company of this bewitching girl, I therefore, told her, that
in case she was sincere, I would undertake to escort her, far from the
reach of those who might wish to annoy us, and would be careful to
supply her with all the comforts, not elegancies, of life. She appeared
to be mightily pleased with this declaration, and promised, with
alacrity, to be ready for removal at a moments warning. I observed that
the exact time of departure must be a matter of uncertainty, depending
entirely upon contingences, since much must necessarily be done previous
to leaving the town, and that with much privacy ; but that I would
immediately return home, and with all diligence make the requisite
arrangements, and, when the fortunate moment arrived, would acquaint her
with my whole scheme. I desired her, by all means, to be in momentary
preparation, as the least delay might possibly discomfit the whole
important design. Assuring me most solemnly that there should be no kind
of failure on her part, I took reluctant leave of my lovely charmer, for
that time. I would beg permission to note, in this place, that, however
singular it may seem, for one of the fair sex to make the declarations
and overtures above related to a man advanced ; with my accustomed
veracity, I must declare that I have preserved not only the sense but
the spirit of the original dialogue, as nearly as my recollection would
enable me.

I hasten to observe, that my late extraordinary engagements were
continually uppermost in my fancy, impatiently urging me to the
possession of my new mistress, who, though no beauty, was yet endued
with those attractive qualities, which rendered her, peculiarly, an
object of desire. The better to provide for travelling expences,
therefore, I immediately converted into money such of my effects as
might be disposed of with secrecy. I then settled my other business, and
feeling much anxiety to elope, notified my little mistress in what place
to meet me. She was punctual ; we both gained the angle of taction,
without exciting the least suspicion among the people of the
neighborhood. As it fell out I was provided with a horse, able-bodied
and an excellent traveller, we therefore mounted, conjunctly, took the
road to Kennebec, and without regret, bade adieu to Lemington, though we
wist not but forever.

The first thirty-six hours were spent in travelling, both night and
day, with the greatest expedition. Sometimes I marched on foot,
sometimes proceeded on horse back, continually agitated, however, for
fear of some disaster. Many times did we cast fearful glances behind,
lest, we should behold a group of pursuers in the rear ; but our alarms
were groundless, the fact being, that nobody had attempted as yet, to
trace out our footsteps.

By this time we were more than one hundred and twenty miles from the
place of departure, but so vastly fatigued, that it was impossible to
proceed an inch further for the present. We alighted at a house to gain
some refreshment, when thinking ourselves quite out of danger, we
concluded to tarry the remainder of the day and the night ensuing.

The good folks of the house being informed that we were man and wife,
supplied us with a single bed only ; this omission, however, gave us no
umbrage, in the least ; on the contrary we took possession of our new
lodging with the same regularity, as though this habit had existed for
years.

Over the transporting scene which naturally took place between me and
my pleasing bedfellow, during this first trial of our amorous skill, I
shall draw an impenetrable veil ; and pass on to mention, that the next
day we prosecuted our journey, as we did the day following, without the
slightest cross accident on the road ; but, on the afternoon of the
third day, we happened to be overtaken by a well looking traveller on
horseback. At this moment I was walking, with a view to ease my horse ;
so that my progression could be none of the swiftest ; nevertheless, the
man unknown, as if fond of company, slackened his pace, and vouchsafed
for several miles together, to amuse my companion and me with his
facetious conversation. This brought us to a place called the six mile
woods, just in the borders of which we met several people, one of whom
was going to advise with a certain doctor upon the case of a man, who
lay ill at some distance. I halted to confer with the strangers, but my
girl and our fellow passenger moved moderately on.

The road through the woods, being straight, was perfectly visible for
a great way a head ; and, while I was busied in discourse, my mistress
and man had proceeded nearly a mile, appearing however, to have then
quickened their pace. I felt uneasy at this circumstance, so that,
giving the travellers the best of my counsel for the sick man, I bid
them God speed, and hastened to overtake my company.

Inasmuch as my sweeting was now alone in the wood, with an utter
stranger, it is not unreasonable, to suppose, that I placed the best
foot forward ; this in fact I did, but, after a deal of hurry, caught
not a glimpse of the runaways, till I had traversed nearly the whole
extent of the forest. But when I had done this, I again stretched my
visual orbs ahead, and happened to espy them aloof in the very
suspicious act of remounting their horses.

Judge now, ye husbands and lovers ! for you alone will be able, what
were my sensations, and what my astonishment, when I detected my beloved
mistress in the strange attitude above mentioned ! Her conduct, unless
viewed in the worst light, appeared utterly insoluble ! What honest
inducement could she have had, reasoned I, for dismounting in this
dreary forest, with an absolute stranger ! None decidedly ! Vexed with
those ideas, I quickened my pace, and, at last, overtook the fugitives,
near the out skirts of the wood, just as they reached the tavern of one
Stevens, in the town of Sebesticot.

As the demon jealousy had taken hold of my imagination, and fired it
with indignant rage, I wished to develope more fully the supposed
treachery of my mistress, in order to requite her accordingly. But the
case requiring brevity, I could think of nothing else in my agitation,
than to charge the culprits with the fact, and then draw conclusions
from the effects of the accusation upon their countenances, at the
moment of surprise. I had scarcely adopted this expedient, but an
opportnnity offered to put it partially in practice ; for the landlord,
coming out, stept up to my mistress’ gallant, just as she was entering
the doors, and greeted him kindly, asked us both into the house. In an
angry tone, I assured the landlord, I should never associate with a man,
who had injured me so basely, as had the fellow before us ; at the same
time I made enquiry for a Magistrate, to whom I might resort for some
kind of recompence. As I uttered this, I kept a watchful eye upon the
supposed culprit, and discerned in his aspect both guilt and fear
depicted in colours too visible for misconception. His confusion was
proof enough, though extorted by surprise, that my suspicions were well
founded. Vexation and grief at the thoughts of my girl’s perfidy, as may
be well supposed, diffused painful emotions through the inner recesses
of my heart. The fellow believed her to be, ipso facto, my wife, so
that, dreading my displeasure, he declined entering the house, but,
watching our motions, sneaked away unperceived ; so that I never set
eyes on him more. The dastardly conduct of this fellow led me to reflect
upon the humiliating nature of guilt, how it disarms the hero, debases
the man, and inspires the wretch, its possessor, with the weakness of
cowardice and evasion.

Tarrying an hour at the Tavern, for the benefit of refreshment, our
journey was renewed ; but the moment myself and trull were clearly out
of earshot, I began a grating lecture on the score of her perfidy, more
especially to a man, who had relinquished house and home for her sake.
However, she set up a defence, just such a one, indeed, as might be
expected from such a woman ; it being a denial, in toto, of the facts. I
assured her that evasions would be useless, since her gallant had
disclosed all ; but that, still, I was willing to forgive her, if she
would acknowledge the fault, and do so no more. This I told her was my
ultimatum, for on no other footing could I ever restore her to favour.
Our debate was long, and many were the tears that descended from her
eyes, till finding my resolution firm to abandon her, unless she made
the concession required, and supposing too that her partner in guilt had
betrayed all, she at length confessed her misconduct, yet sought to
palliate it, by saying she had opposed his desires to the bat’s end,
till overcome by force and pecuniary allurements. “ But now, cried she,
I am convinced of my error, and suffer as you must need suppose, the
severest compunction” I intend, to be as good as my promise, interrupted
I, and shall, for this once, overlook all, though if henceforth you give
me the least room to scruple your fidelity, believe it a fact, at that
moment I renounce you forever.

Such were my denunciations and such, my real intentions, while in
return the young minx promised the best fashions in future ; thus
terminated for the present, our unpleasing altercation. My mind,
however, was ill at ease, for, previous to this shock, I intended to
have sought some commodious retreat, in which to have spent, with her,
the remainder of my days.

We now pursued the journey in apparent good friendship, and our next
port was Wiscasset. Here I visited several sick people ; but, feeling
anxious to pursue our flight, went on to Penobscot. In this place I
continued dealing out medicines, for, perhaps a week, when news being
carried to Doctor Thomas, the practicing Physician in, those parts, that
I was busy among his customers, he became highly exasperated. I happened
to meet him, one day, in company with several gentlemen, when he rebuked
me, sharply, for my meddlesome officiousness, as he termed it ; a smart
altercation ensued, principally upon medical subjects, but its issue
was, very little, to the Doctors credit or advantage.

Quitting Penobscot, our next stage, was to Sandy River, in Farmington
: Here we took lodgings, with my cousin Elder Tufts, a lay-preacher.
This man of zeal, observing that a she animal formed part of my baggage,
was suspicious of a little criminality in our connexion ; he therefore
took it on himself to be very inquisitive about whom the girl was, and
whither we might be going. To ease his conscience, I told him she was my
wife’s near relation, whom I was conducting to her friends in the east,
with whom she proposed residing in future. This account was
satisfactory, but my kinsman’s preciseness was so unaccommodating, that
we bade him God bless him, early in the morning ; passed over to
Belfast, and took lodgings at a house, the only inhabitants of which,
were, an elderly man, a young woman, her child which was an idiot, and
lastly an Irishman, a transient person, and whose occupation was that of
a teacher or pedagogue. During the Irishman’s stay at this house, he and
the young woman, above mentioned, had performed for each other the more
essential duties of husband and wife, without the intervention of the
priesthood. I tarried here a number of days, and on calculation, found
that, since leaving home, I had more than cleared all travelling
expences by medical and other casual emoluments.

One day, while at Belfast, I had been on a visit to a sick person,
and did not return to my lodgings till near bed time. On entering the
door, I was met and accosted by the hostess herself, almost out of
breath, who informed me (in a fit of jealousy no doubt) that my wife, as
she called her, was locked up in the next room with the Irish
schoolmaster ; adding, that, in her opinion, she was no better than she
should be. I requested some explanation of this, and was told, that my
informant, through a crevice, had peeped into their room, where she
beheld them very lovingly folded together in bed, and by other palpable
indications, was positive that they were furnishing my brows with a pair
of antlers, vulgarly called horns. Though my hostess did not express
herself precisely in the terms above mentioned, yet such, in fact, were
their plain import. I stood aghast for some minutes, stupid with
suprise, and without uttering a syllable. My feelings it would be
difficult to describe, I shall therefore wave the attempt, and remark,
only, that, at last gaining utterance, my loud execrations so marred the
sport of the loving couple, that they abandoned their retirement, in
haste, and sped to another apartment. I did not follow ; but, having now
a recent instance of the infidelity of my mistress, I was convinced,
beyond a doubt, that lasciviousness was, indeed, her constitutional and
incurable failing. For that reason, I was resolved to place, henceforth,
no manner of confidence in her delusive professions or fair speeches,
repenting egregiously, that I had been so unwise as to leave my own
family, and stroll about, like a wandering Jew without a jacket, for her
sake. I felt also a tincture of regret, on reflecting that my fond
expectations, my delightful dreams of happiness in her blithe society
should be thus blown and dissipated forever. Though effusions of
tenderness would sometimes arise, I knew it behoved me to check them ;
for however indelicate my own conduct, I could ill brook a partner,
whose person was at any man’s disposal, whom chance or design might
fling in her way. In a word, I was vexed at the arrant folly I had shewn
in bringing upon my back this new load of dishonor, this unnecessary
distress, by listening to the persuasions of a wanton, and longed for
some casualty, that should separate us, effectually, forever. But to
forsake her in a strange land had been base and dishonorable ; hence, my
brain was puzzled in the choice of expedients ; at last, however, I
resolved to give up our settlement in the east, and to visit Coos or
Canada.

This decree was communicated to my paragon of fidelity, but was far
from obtaining her cordial acquiescence. I told her my resolutions were
invincible ; that I could not think of an established residence in this
section of the country, though nothing but her own conduct could have
altered my first purpose. “ I was certainly disinclined, continued I, to
be convinced of your libidinous propensity ; but when I see “ proof rise
on proof, and still the last the strongest,” I can no longer resist the
evidence of my senses.” As if touched with my reproaches, she seemed
mightily overcome, burst into a flood of tears, and assumed all those
airs of pretended contrition, which one class of women can command at
pleasure. Though her efforts, were assiduous to soothe me, my inquietude
increased ; I, therefore, hastened to defray my expences at Belfast, and
prosecuted our travels, till Canada received us into its rude yet
friendly bosom.

In this new world we visited many parts and places, too tedious for
enumeration. Growing weary, however, of Canada, as was natural to my
removing disposition, we made a sudden roving to Tamworth, in
Newhampshire, subsisting very sprucely, the whole way, upon my
professional earnings.

From Tamworth we came to Meredith, thirty miles ; here I was readily
recognized and saluted by the appellation of Dr. Tufts. This urged my
abrupt departure, and Hanover was the next place, which, attracting our
notice, invited a temporary sojournment. This is a neat, flourishing
village, being the seat of Dartmouth university, the only collegial
institution in the state, and as highly reputable as any one on the
continent.

We took lodgings at the house of Mrs. Greene, purposing to abide
there, for, at least, a week. Upon retrospect of our adventures, we here
found that we had been absent from Lemington between four and five
months ; had seen divers parts of the country, and had travelled to the
tune of one thousand miles. But should the frequent mention of such
elaborate journeys dispose any to scruple the veracity of my journal, I
would obviate all objections by observing, that I was well acquainted
with the country, and enured, for many years, to much travel, and to
great expedition in my routes ; to day, for instance, I might be in Lee
or Canterbury perhaps, and by tomorrow, fifty or an hundred miles
distant ; this being considered, the seeming inconsistency of my account
will, at once, vanish.

But to pursue the thread of my relation, which is now, to the great
joy of the reader, perhaps, drawing to a close ; our station at
Mrs. Greene’s proved so easy and agreeable, that we thought best to
postpone removal, till the waste of strength and spirits expended in
those late wearisome rambles, should, in some measure, be repaired. One
hundred and twenty miles from Lemington, we had not the slightest idea
of being discovered or overtaken, by any of our offended kinsmen, which
rendered us quite easy, on that head. But our imagined security was
fallacious, for exceedingly early, one morning, while I and my sprightly
companion were still in bed, several men, armed with clubs, forced open
the doors, and rushed into our apartment ; among whom, dismal to relate
! I distinguished the hateful features of my girl’s father. His abrupt
appearance, in our present condition, was a doleful surprise, as must be
supposed, and an unutterable astonishment and mortification to us both.
I hastily caught my apparel, and attempted to dress, but in this was
frustrated by the old Grecian himself, who spying his daughter in bed,
under circumstances so monstrous, broke forth into a most vehement
passion, swearing, outrageously, he would instantly have my life. This I
had reason to believe, for, without giving me a moment for defence, he
struck my arm with his club, and seemed stubbornly bent on pushing his
threats against my life, into instant execution. My arm was totally
disabled by the blow ; but the rest of the mob, fearing the consequences
of his vengeful phrenzy, interposed with effect, and thus prevented the
effusion of blood. However, they officiously lent a hand for securing
both the young woman and myself, and having fitted themselves for the
scene in contemplation, by a cherishing glass, removed us both to a
place of safe keeping.

Thus was I caught as a bird in a gin ; but in order to account for
the unexpected appearance, at this juncture, of the girl’s father, it
will be necessary to retrograde a little, for the sake of noticing, that
one of those people, who happened to see and know me, as I passed
through Meredith, had occasion to travel toward the east. This man
commenced his journey, just as I left Meredith, and passing through
Lemington, he there saw and acquainted the girl’s parents with having
been at Meredith, in company with a young woman, who, of course, must be
their daughter.

On this news the old man mounted his nag, in a mighty bluster, and
coming to Meredith, obtained such correct information, that he easily
traced our route to Hanover, where he succeeded in making us both
prisoners in the manner above noticed.

Our surly dictator first took us before a civil magistrate, which, in
his plan, was a preparatory step to my being sent to jail ; but the
cautious justice disinclining to intermeddle with such odd kind of
business, the old blunderbuss, my prosecutor, was baulked of his
intention, and forced to abandon it. For the sake of revenge, however,
he took possession of my valuable horse and baggage, then ordering his
female truant to pack up her alls, they prepared, instantly, for home.
With this injunction, terrified at his menaces, she refused to comply,
while he, with the fury of a bedlamite, protested, go she should, dead
or alive. At last, by force and arms, he made out to place her on
horseback, and in this manner, with girl, horse and baggage, they set
off from Hanover.

Although I felt no subordinate degree of humiliation at being
circumstanced thus, and bereft of my mistress, in so imperious and
triumphant a manner, and by a man too, whose capacity and experience I
held in the utmost contempt ; yet, after all, the loss of my horse and
other effects constituted, in my mind, the grosser mischief, and more
material injury. In truth, the exceptionable conduct of my lost female,
from nearly the beginning of our connexion, had proved a pretty strong
antidote against the danger of inordinate partiality towards her person
; but, to be left destitute of all earthly subsistence, and one hundred
and twenty miles from home, was a subject not of mental regret only, but
real embarrassment. To return to Lemington during the present hurricane,
I deemed unadvisable ; I therefore, made up my account to wander from
house to house, and from place to place, in order, to pick up a casual
subsistence by such paltry arts, as heretofore I had practiced so
successfully. Thus intending, I left Hanover, and took a circuit through
the country, scarcely caring whither ; yet was unable to flee from the
upbraidings of conscience, or to console myself for the blunders I had
so madly committed. Go where, or into what company I would, still did
cutting reflections, on the bitterness of impending ills, lacerate my
bosom, and disturb its quiet. The image of an ill spent life, like the
ghost of Banquo, haunted my imagination, incessantly, and tempted me to
censure the malignity of destiny, when my employment had been far better
in cultivating a belief, that I had merited those disgraces, in
reconciling myself to the endurance of them, and in arming my mind
against the future commission of crimes, such as had caused the present
calamities.

CHAP. VIII.

The soul’s dark cottage, batter’d and decay’d,
Lets in new light thro’ chinks that time has made ;
Stronger by weakness, wiser men become,
As they draw near to their eternal home.

ROVING about till I thought the displeasure
of my foes, and the rumour of my follies had a little subsided, I again
ventured to shew my head at Lemington, though much ashamed of my late
scandalous elopement, and of the mode in which it had terminated. My
chagrin was the more poignant, since I could not but know, that my two
sons, who were men of morals and account, and who possessed families of
their own, would vastly disrelish my ill behaviour, and withhold,
perhaps, those necessary contributions, which, of a long time, I had
been used to expect and receive at their hands. Thus inwardly teased, I
approached with shame and distrust to that habitation, which I had
abandoned so preposterously ; and there found, within its walls, my old
wife, who was assiduously engaged in domestic concernments, after her
usual industrious manner. She was not a little astonished at my sudden
appearance, nor was I, in a less degree, abashed and confounded at her
presence. To set up a justification, or even to extenuate my
irregularities (during the present temper of my helpmate) seemed hardly
to invite the experiment, I therefore attempted neither. Reproaches and
revilings, for conjugal infidelities, issued in vollies, from her
mellifluous notes, and became the order of the day, till the tempest of
her passions was wrought up to the sublimest pitch of phrenzy. It was
manifest there could be no immediate calm ; wherefore, it imported me to
put on the whole armour of resignation, or quit the field, entirely, to
my enraged antagonist.

Of the venerable dame, my spouse, it could only be said, “she was
once young ;” for with pretty large strides, she had now advanced
towards her grand climacteric, being my elder by a number of years. As
one would have supposed, it was high time for the old lady to exhibit a
small portion of indifference for the hymeneal banquet, and to the
indulgence of others in its delicacies ; far otherwise ; her juvenile
feelings were not so forgotten, but she could view the itinerary, my
capers and those of my female adventurer in the same odious point of
vision, as though madam herself had been yet on the threshold of twenty.
Be this as it might, the multiplicity of curtain lectures, that were
constantly chiming in my stunned ears, I had scarce thought pardonable
in a newly wedded wanton of the age just mentioned. They reminded me of
the old Welch epigram, which, in a sense, may be apropos to our purpose
;

“ Women, like men, will fade away,
Their eyes grow dim, their teeth decay,
But while they breathe the vital gale,
’Tis strange their tongue should never fail.”

How long ere those grating peals, had their vehemence been permanent
as spiteful, must have put me to flight, is now problematical, since,
before I was driven to that extremity, the torrent of her eloquence
subsided, and left me to recover, by slow degrees, my ordinary standing
in the family. In other words, after a deal of declamation, my
considerate spouse, as in days of yore, repeatedly, so now, to prevent
mischief, restored her contrite yokefellow to customary favors ; of
which, condescension and goodness, I hope to retain such lasting
remembrance, as may in future deter me from provocations of a like
filthy nature.

Since that period I have carried my dish pretty uprightly ; have been
guilty of few or no misdemeanors, but have persevered heroically in
regular habits and virtuous resolutions. At times, however, I still
budge about, as a travelling physician, in the hope of acquiring, in an
honest line, if possible, a few pennyworths of bread, a meagre, but
needful pittance, to aid me to the goal of life’s painful pilgrimage. By
endeavoring to advance the benefit of my fellow creatures, and do all
the good I can, I hope to make some little atonement, in the latter part
of my life, for the many mischiefs and evils, which I brought upon
myself, my family and others, in the earlier stages of it. And now,
thank God ! I enjoy, through the medium of my own industry, a
comfortable livelihood ; yet am subject to frequent remorse, and much
disquiet, on the score of my past dissipation and glaring misdemeanors.
Sincerely, I pray, that the bitter misfortunes here recited, may be a
caveat to others, and a mean of deterring them from such flagitious
pursuits and diabolical devices, as reason and conscience do not
approve. By sad experience, I can say, that the ways of wickedness are
not pleasant, nor her paths those of peace ; if the forbidden morsel be
pleasing to the palate, it will, assuredly, be bitter in the digestion ;
therefore, whoever would see blessings and happiness, whether in life or
death, let him keep himself in all innocence, and follow unerringly the
golden rule, “ to do unto others, as he would wish to be done unto.” May
such be my motto and guide henceforth, ’till the candle of life shall
refuse to glimmer in its socket.

Thus, in the foregoing sheets, I have given, with as much perspicuity
and brevity, as was practicable, in my situation, a general account of
the adventures, travels, sufferings and persecutions, which have
attended me, first and last, through the boisterous vicissitudes of
life ; I have worn no masks, no disguises, but have appeared in my every
day dress. Although the matter has been culled from the rough, chiefly
by force of memory, (for I kept few regular minutes) yet whoso shall
read these pages, will know my real character, as well as a long
personal acquaintance could have enabled him. I have kept nothing back
nor ought have I extenuated ; neither have I dealt in ornamental
flourishes, for to the graces of refined composition I have little
title, or indeed ambition, to lay claim. Plain truth I adopted as a
polar star, which I intended to pursue invariably, without compelling
the reader to dance over the fairy land of metaphor, or grope through
the darksome vallies of allegory.

If sundry of my adventures should appear small and trivial, I can
only say, that of such sort of stuff, generally, has my life been
composed. Things of a trifling import may serve to develope the traits
or peculiarities of a man’s character, and I wished to place mine in
some conspicuous point of view, for I believe it to be indeed without
example or parallel.

Should any of the rising generation, by a perusal of my story, learn
to avoid those quicksands of vice, on which I have been so often
wrecked, I shall feel myself amply compensated for the trouble I have
taken in its compilation. “ The wages of sin is death ;” the wages of a
vicious, dissolute life is punishment. That punishment, if not inflicted
by the ministers of the law, is still our certain doom, by the invisible
hand of inexorable justice. My iniquities have been regularly visited
with pain, poverty and stripes ; the examples, therefore, are full of
moral, and teach, beyond a doubt, that our actions, to insure happiness
must be good ; the contrary of which my own life most abundantly
demonstrates. To hold up to view the monster sin, in his odious and
abominable colours, must, and ever will, have a similar effect with, if
not a more powerful one, than the picture of virtue arrayed in all her
alluring and attractive charms. There is, therefore, a positive and
negative example ; each in its tendency having the same effect upon the
lives and morals of society. That my history is of the negative kind I
need not inform the curious reader ; since, indeed, I have taught
virtue, by the practice of vice only, throughout a troublesome life. The
lines of the greatest of poets will here illustrate my ideas.

“ Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
That to be hated needs but to be seen.”

Before concluding, I beg leave renewedly to acknowledge the
numberless obligations I owe to divers gentlemen and ladies, for their
disinterested kindnesses to me, both while under condemnation of death,
and while at the castle, as also in many other of my trials and
exigencies, as well before as after those periods. That they may be
rewarded for their beneficence, both in this world, and in that which is
to come, will be an object of my earnest intreaties. In respect to such
as have injured me I heartily forgive them, as I hope the supreme
arbiter of events and judge of all things will vouchsafe to forgive me.
I wish not to harbor resentment, and am determined to carry rancour
against no one, in my bosom to the grave. I hope too that others will
overlook the injuries they have sustained in the loss of property, or
otherwise, through my means ; inasmuch as I lament sincerely my
injustice towards them, resolving, carefully, to shun similar
aggressions for the future. Heaven grant I may do no more wickedly.