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Las diagrammes suivants illustrent la m*thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 / '3 , I i .tv V . . , T' '■ ! ■ t ^1 (SS^ MEMOIRS OP ^i*§) THE NOTORIOT S STEPHEN BURROUGHS: CONTAINING MANY INCIDENTS IN THE LIFE OF THIS WONDERFtJL MAN, NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED. STEREOTYPE EDITION, NEWLY CORRECTED AND REVISED. LiUL^U * ''•'.'^'"'» »'!"'« to other time,, COaiPLETE IN ONE VOLUME. NEW YORK : CORNISFI, LAMPORT & CO 267 PEARL-STUEET. 1852. li -,* ■ v\ w ; The following uaUtUr from the Juihor to a Friend^ xchA had requested a Narrative of his Life. Washington, July 25, 1791. > Dear Sir, The uninterrupted attention of your politeness to my welfare, since my arrival in this country, is a sufficient in- ducement for me to attend to any request which you shall barely intimate. You mentioned yesterday, whilst I was enjoying the agreeable society of your fi.milv, that a relation oi my adventures would be highly gratifving at some con- venient time, when opportunity would serve. You say, that what had come to your knowledge previous to any acquaint- ance with me, but more especially what has occurred since my residence in this place, has filled you with an almost irre- sistable anxiety to be made acquainted with the more minute circumstances of a life which has been filled with so many curious anecdotes and unheard of occurrences. I fear the relation will poorly answer your expectations. My life, it 19 true, has been one continued course of tumult, revolution and vexation ; and such as it is, I will give to you in detail (in this method, rather than verbally, it^ being more conveiu lent to peruse it at your leisure, than to listen to the d:;ll tale of egotisms which I must make use of in a verbal relation.) V/hen you become tired with rcadin?, you will be under no necessity of holding the book in your hand from the feelings of delicacy, but can lay it by at leisure. This liberty you could not so conveniently lake wiih a dull relaler of a more dull narrative. You say my character, to you, is an enigma ; that I possess an uncommon share of sensibility, and at the same t me, maintain an equality of mind which is uncom- mon, particularly in the midst oi those occurrences which are calculated to wound the lerlin^s. I have learned forti- tude in the school of adversit . In draining the cup of bit- terness to its dregs, I have .een aught to despise the occur- rences of misfortune. This one thing I fully believe, that J* vi our happiness is in our power more than is generally Ihouajhl ; or at least, we have the ability of preventing that misery which is so common to unfortunate situations. No state or condition in life, but from which we may (if we exercise that reason which the Go;l of Nature has given us) draw comfort and happiness. We are too apt to be governed by the opinion of others, and if they think our circumstances unhappy, to ( onsider them so ourselves, and of course, make them so. The state of the mind is the only criterion of hap- hiness or misery. The Cynic Diogenes was more happy than the Conqueror Alexander, and the Philosopher Socrates more happy than either. They all had, undoubtedly, pas- sions and feelings alike, which, not properly regulated, would have rendered them equally unhappy. Yet, when* ever reason stood at the helm, the vessel was brought into the haven of j^ace. VJ: --■ S' :^ ■{; \ f -i <-••.'. J •.'• ^•'«'>v- ., ., ■ - . 1 ^ f .••• ■i'hwS' MEMOIRS OP ■. ^ 'its. J* STEPHEN BURilOUGflS;'' J. ,• .. CHAPTEK I. In relating the facts of mr life to von T ohnii . five as simple an account of\heni asJam nhl *^"?r^«''»« loring or darkening any circumstTn? , u '^' "^"''^"^ <^*>- Uon of many matters will e[vp^T' ^^''^""^'^ ^^*^ ^'^^a- wnich only fhey who fid crde'c^fb ^^71"' '/"' ?'P^^"' ^d my neglect of keeping min.ites of thi ^ °^''" ''"^^"»- life, (rom time to time' wl^en t y ^ere L"h rm:" ' "^'^ p:;,t-r::e:^rotif^s^ -s?"s:t::dm::r2s^£^^^ I shall nol^ven alte^ Trivet h.T I ''^'"^'"'^"^'n that Not to trouble you wTth a' -^ ^ P'«*=*^ '" this account, proceed to the JeIt7on' ' ^"'' P'*''^^^'"'*' ''^^'^^^ ^ ^'i" thJstTtitf^tira/pshitT::^^"' '^^-^'^ "— > - Aom their pare^ta^ I m 'h ^-- T! '"^ ''^ "^P*^^^ '""i' I am so far a repub^^^^^^^^ ^"^''^'^^ "'^'•'t. But entirely with hi^se^v^lh^ i~^^^ coflnexion. My father being a Presbv t « ^T^^^^''^^^ ov was educated in all the ri-or ofthnt . , ".^^ P'-'nciple,,! ., .ny volatile., ixnpatienUemi^^^'/i^^/.tl; "^'^'^ ^"^ «""ed ^ «By first entrance on the «.ta-e ofTir« ' I ^^'""^ ^^^ <=*»«» *^ ^^^"^ °' "^e? was by no means th« „^. v\ ■ MEMOIRS OF moit agreeable. My thirst for omusement was insatiable, and as in my silnaiion, the only dependence for that gratifi- cation was entirely within myself, I ^ouuhi it in pesterin? others, especially those who were my superiors in age, and in making them appear in a ludicrous situation, so as to raise the lauah at their expense, and partake of the general diver- sion, which such a matter created. My success in those undertakings was so great, that I became the terror of the people where I lived, and all were very unanimous in de- clarins, that Stephen Burroughs was the worst boy in town • and those who could get him whipt were most worthy of esteem. Their attempts to bring on my back a flagellation were often very successful, for my I.ee.lless temper seldom studied lor a retreat, when I was fnirly indan-cr ; however the repeated application of this birchen medicine never cured loy pursuit of fun. A neighbor of my father, an old man, had a fine yard of water-melons, which had been purloined by somebody for three or four suceee.line nights ; the old man being of a hasty, petulant disposition, was determined to' watch his water-melons, with* a club, and severely beat the thief. One night he took his stand in a convenient place for watching unknown to any one. Accident made me acquaint- cd with the old man's situation, and suspecting his intention, I jverit tja son of his, a young man of about twenty, and told him I saw a man in the water-melon yard, whom I suspected to be the thief, and advise'i him to so cautiously to the yard, and peradventure he might catch him. Accordingly the young man went; but no sooner had he got into the yard, than the old man, supposing this to be the thief, rushed from his hidmg p.ace, and attacked his son with his club, and severely handled the poor fellow before he found out his mistake; the son, supposing the thief was beating him, bawled out to his father, who he expected was at the house, murder t father I father ! murder ! murder j This scene of merriment J enjoyed to the full, but soon paid for it through the nose The plot being discovered, and the aaent who sat this machine in motion clearly detected, complaint was made, and I tasted of the ««'"« food I had so ingeniously cooked for the old man's lu- { '^ ^'""'^^^ mentioned the insipid anecdotes of my childish years, were it not for the purpose of she win- how v> tTEPllEN BURROUGHS. / f IniiJtis'femH'lI occafrences had a decided influence in giving a Ibne to the character which I sustain at this time, and indi- rectmif the operations of my nAer life. So much do the s?reat- est events depend upon circumstances so minute, that' they often p(i>s unobserved, and consequently, wrons? cau.^es are a!trjbutcd to the effects which take place. Beinir passionately fond of informatio ,, I embraced all opportunities for readin/, which my desultory life would admit, and unfortunately many novels fell in my way, of that kini, which had a direct ten- dency to blow the fire of my temper into a tenfold rage The character of Guy, Earl of Warwick, was my favorite. I felt an enthusiatic ardor to tread the stage on which he had so fortunately exhibited. I often viewed myself at the head of' arnues, rusliin? with impetuosity into the thickest of embat- tled ft;es, and bearing down all who dared to oppose me. Heading and dwellin^' so much on those romantic scenes, at that early period of life, when judgment was weak, was' at. tended with very pernicious consequences in operations of my after conduct. Nothing gives the mind of childhood a more unfavourable bias, than a pepresenlation of those unnatural characters exhibited in novels and romances. It has a direct tendency to lea?- the mind froirf the plain simple path of nature, into the airy regions of fincy J and when the mind is once ha- bituated to calculate on the romantic system, error and irregu- larity are the cotrmon consequences. Likewise, when a man is long h.ibituated to think erroneously, we can hardly expect that he will be able to root out the first unfavourable senti- ments of his education. I will candidly confess, that I too strongly feel the truth of their doctrine, even to this day. Permit me here to digress a moment from the narrative, and ofler a remark on education for your consideration. The motives of the most sincere friendship to you and your family induce me to do it. I have been in the habit of edu- cating youth for seven years, constantly; in the course of my business, I have endeavored to study the operations of the human heart, that I might be able to afford that instruction which would be salutary ; and in this, I find one truth clearly established, viz. a child will endeavor to be, what you make him think mankind in general are His first ambition is to be like his parents ; he soon finds that his neighbors, the in- 10 v\ MEMOIRS or habitants of the country, nay, the world of mankind, are to be his associates for life, and to whom it is necessary for him to recommend himself, in order to enjoy the benefit of their society., without alloy ; he therefore endeavors to assimilate himself to the character which he supposes mankind generally possess. This motive, I believe, has an operation more or less on every man. U these remarks are just, which I think no observing man will deny, how evident is this truth, that a child, in forming his own character, wiP be essentially direct- ed by that idea which you instill into his mind respecting mankind ? Give him an idea, that the inhabitants of the world esteem virtue, integrity, mildness, and modesty, and that the contrary are obnoxious to them, he will be most likely to pursue that course unremittingly. Perhaps an objection may arise in your mind, to the truth of this observation, and you will say, it often happens that those who are the ?Jiost strict in cultivating principles of integrity in the minds of their children, are disappointed in their endeavors to make the children virtuous. In answer to this objection^ I v/ill observe, that our actions are as strong a language, and perhaps strong- er, than our words ; and as the observations of children are extremely keen, they discover at once, whether our words and our actions speak the same language ; and when they find llum interfering, they immediately conclude, that deception is the object of the parent, and not sinccreity, that he utters words that he does not believe himself, tnd puts on a false appearance to answer some sinister end; a view of which insensibly leads the child into the practice of dissimulation. The ambition in children of becoming like their superior?, rightly directed, is of the utmost importance, in forming them such as they ousjht to be. To grant a child your approbation, when doing, or desiring to do right, is a reward which he will ever seek after, when he thinks it within his reach ; therefore to keep that reward uniformly within his power, is a matter of importance; and not by indulging a petuleut disposition, destroy or render doubtful his expectations of obtaining what he merits. Here you establish the first principles of justice in his mind, upon which he will practice, when he becomes »n active member of society. As the child advances to a riper state, and becomes what is generally termed a youth, h»« 1 ^1 r v\ tTEFHEK BURROUGHS. th ^ ft*l«l the strenijth of his disposition for assimulating his cha. rtcter Jo the feelings of mankind increase, and he will adopt such measures as his judgment then dictates ; hence, to i' form his judgment, is the only way to make him capable of con- docling well ; to restrain him, by dictatcirial do:?ma.««, from the paths of errcr, will answer but a tempory purpose; until he learns by th< lesftons of reason, or by the more feeling eflects of prudence, he never will be in a capacity to act his part in life with propriety. We must expect to find many errors in the calculations of youthftU years, and those errors ought to be pruned by the most careful hand, lest the harshness of the pruning should appear to the subject the cruel stroke of an enemy, rather than the gentle touch of a friend. To censure the faults of youth beyond what they ought to bear, is gener- ally attended with fatal consequences. It destroys the object of their pursuit, viz. approbation; they revolt at justice which they sensibly feel; therefore inflicting unjust punishment is generally attended with fatal consequences in the system of education. It destroys the principles of equity in the youthful breast, and substitutes in their room, the despotic principles ol tyrranny. This cause strongly operates in society. Hence, ray Lord Hale, with great pertinency and humanity 8ay«| « better ten guilty escape, than one innocent person suffer." I have often seen instances where the ambition of youth to do well, has been destroyed, by censuring their faults with too much severity ; one of which I will mention. I once taught a school in a town o! Masschusetts, by the name of Charlton. Having a school consisting of eighty members, I divided themj according to my usual custom, into two classes. My school,' at this time, was entirely regulated according to my mind,' and in the most obedient order, greatly to the satisfaction of the parents of the children, who frequented the school. Ap- plication was made to me at this time, by a clergyman in the vicinity, for the admission of his son into the school. With great difficulty I persuaded the committee, who had the dir- ection of admitting members, to admit him. My desire for his admission sprang from the same cause which the com- mittee's aversion did. The youth was fifteen years of age, and had been expelled from all the schools in the country' eoDsequently, whatever Dodge, the name of this youth wj 12 M£MOIRS OF concerned in, must, in the opinion of people be adopted iffcjn a wrong motive. Convinced from my own feelings under simular circumstances, that a dirterent line of conduct towardi hun, from what had been observed, would produce a different eHect, I was drsirous of trying the experiment. Accordingly, when he came to my school, I intimated to him, that he must take the lead of one of the classes, which composed the school ; and that I expected from his exertions and example, his clasa would make a very respectable appearance. I endeavoured to convince him, that this appointment was not from design, but from a real esteem of his merit, by showing him many little dhstinr-tions. His condi^.ct, for about twelve or fourteen days was equal to my most sanguine expectations ; but re- turning from dinner one day, I found the school in an uproar at the conduct of Dodge, who, in my absence, had gone into the upper loft of the house, and had most scandalously insulted some young women, who were at the back side of the school house. Complaint was made of this, with all the exagger- ation:, which are apt to attend the transgression of such a character. Dodge himself was present at the time, and discovered that mortification in his countenance, which made me feel sensibly alfected for him. I treated the report as though I could not believe that Dodge had conducted in such a manner as to render it possible, that the thing should be as represented ; that some mistake must have existed, and refused to pay any further attention to it. It would have been to you, sir, a matter of curiosity, to have observed the workings of the countenance of Dodge under this trial ; and when he found that my confidence in him was yet unshaken, so con- trary to his fears, I was really afraid he would have fainted. This had the desired effect. Never had I one in my school who conducted belter afterwards, during his whole continu- ance with me, which was about a year. I would not wish to be understood that a relaxation of discipline is ever to be admitted ; on the contrary, the most uniform course of this administiation should be attended to, without the least deviation. Our commands, in the first place, ought to be reasonable, humane, and parental, calculated to promote, not only the good of the subject of our government, but likewise cmbrQcing for Ihcir object, the benefit of the 1. f W-EPHEW BURROUGHS. w«ol€ community. When th ».»K« ♦ ^ . '®""' to submit In a««^ J ^ means we Without being in ^^^aer oftlW ^ ?^ """* wholesome Iav« ••«« ^ *^" ^'*^* as will distrih..f . ^' *° ^nact and .-■ Jtc^„ ^, /-^^^ , ^ uigrewion to ihe narratiy,,. ";/■'' ^<'. CHAPTER It. * •'"' **'« <'-ce '. iacJin'd." iJEiNc possessed wiih tho prowess, I longed fo, »n """"^^ romantic ideas of r».i-» Wei*» rnn 1.^1. .__ .. *"* '"'CeS, CO/nmnn,In,l u.. ^ . *"« '^^Kl- were marching- thrn..c. lu ' commanded bv Cni i? " 2 •* w#e«s, and returned ''■>?^}'^^^f^-^^^f^F^: M g fr ■ 14 MEMOinS OF I f through Hanover acrain, on Iheir way to head-quarters. While they Jay encamped in this town, about five miles from my father's house, I began to consider the probability of joining them again ; thinking that should I neglect this opportunity, all my future prospects in life were at an end. After revolv- ing this subject some time in my mind, I came to a resolution to elope from my father, about the time the regiment were to march, and g<» e to return witl, l,i„, .i„,i„, ,„ ,„,. vi! w t ," 'sit ,„i ™'"5 a dtsconsolate tnolher, the most aflee ionate of „aS ' .hf ^mmmmmmmm I- ■ Id ;l If 16 MEMOIRS or be«r. A flood of contending passiona rushed on my mind^ To return from the first attempt for military fame, before 1 had fairly set out, aAer forming such strong resolutions to the contrary, appeared to me pusillanimous and foolish. On the other hand, to break through all the ties of nature, com- passion and benevolence, was what my sonl sickened at viewing. One moment I was determined on going, the next I was for returning. No permanent resolution could I form till the next morming, when the reveille being beaten, all the feelings of military ardor were again rekindled, and I was determined to march. My father finding my resolution fix- ed, took a most solemn and affecting leave. This scene I cannot reflect upon without feeling the weakness of a wo- man. The night following, when the hurry of contending pas- sions had subsiled, and I had full leisure for taking a retro- spective view of those very singular transactions, they filled my mind with the severest compunct ns. To view my pa- rent returning to a disconsolate family, laden with sorrow, whilst I had been deaf to all the calls of nature and compas- sion, were circumstances which filled me with the keenest sensation of distress ; and the night following I was not able to close my eyes to sleep, such were the agitations of my mind. Then I determined to return to my father, notwithstand- ing all the s )rtifying circumstances which would attend such a procedure. Early the next morning, a clergyman, by the name of Olcott, came to me, to persuade me to return to my father. This he found nodiflicult matter to do. I told him frankly I was willing : but when he made application to my oflScer for a discharge, he was flatly refused. We marched from thence to head-quarters, at West Point, without meet ing with nny occurrences worth relating. When the regiment had arrived on the North River, they were constantly alarmed by the enemy, and had a number ol skirmishe with them. At such times I was always kept back with the baggage, and never suffered to go into action, notwithstanding all my entreaty. I fully believe had I been indulged in roy romantic disposition, I should have rushed I STEPHEN BUEROBGIIS. v:» -*■» anH .-..urnej home to ,„j, f„„;; "' '.,2, "'^ ''" "'« «™y fallier wrote ihe V,„d„,„d, E ';»y '^^ hand „f th, |,„„<,^^ ^J grcs, ,ra,n .he st«e ^'wSpsluJe!" "" ""^ '" ^'"••' officer or, he train, mcetiJZuh ' ^'^"'- ^^'''owley, an -^^e .,1 fourteen yea.., ^e.^u^'JlLT' ' ,^"""" '«^ ^^^^^ P«ny ; with s«n.e dimluUy ^ined h' """^f '"*" ^"'^ <^«'"- ^nhstment. But the yo„o<^ ^j i '7„^ ^'^ from that hy many fair promises^n^a^^' 'nZ'^ ^''^ """^'nAamea peasal. e desires to join service aftZ f""?'^'' ^"'^'' ""«P- «ndenhsled under Capt. Lloyd o?rrr'''"f''^ from me, hese par,s to headquarters C fi ''^'"^f"*'^ '"^tarn from ;i.sappointed,heleft%hea?;nyf,^'/,rf'"'. '"' ^^^P^aiions '"-■ters, and is now at lume\vTr^l''' T "■"'^' «^ ^««d, has not /on,^ since deprived me rfr . ^^ ^ sovereign God touch nnder the a-e thit , 1 ' f "'^ ^' *^'^ ««" is a lad stf constitute a soldie «a>r he sT'"'-' ^'^'"^^ "ecssary ^ «»?ned him for a publ c^du at"' '"'' '^^ ^ ^^^ ever de" to indulge my requesJrth t h 'mavTT"."^"^^' ^^'" P'-S «emce. Though I hav. .he c^ul^r a"""'"'"^^ ^'^^ ^^ heart, and ever have, and tr 1 f America sincerely at Ul'nostof my ability in ^s beha t "'. ' '"''' myself to th^ ponder at any de^e of Su i'nceln'""'''^^''^''^^ ^'» ^ en8:a?«nsr in the service under ^ '"^' ^-*'"^'t "^7 son'« ^aur excellency will ,Le tt irn^rv'^"* .-rcuminc'es . «>earer, and due obedience cL II h-V""'"P'^««»'-e by the ' "i" be jour „,iclj "„,> ri°:'] f-"!'^^'- ">"« 'he God of „„„ •* , armiipa iU .; ,!w •'A i« MEMOIRS or an instrument of complete salvation and delirerance to tiuifi United States of America, Torn your *• ^cellency's .'^i^ Most obedient humble servant, " ''''^o ^ EDEN BURROUGHS. ^ His ExceHency George Washington, Esq. Ji^'^^ P. S. During the time my son was in the army, he nevt^'^ ]M8sed muster, nor drew any bounty or clothing.'' V^ ^^ CHAPTER HI. Sr«net of my yonth ! pal the If Soon after this my father placed me at school under tuition of the late Joseph Huntington, D. D. whose fame for •n instructor was very noted throughout all the New-England Stales ; where I continued one year, anii was then removed to Dartmouth College, of which I became a member. ^ Whilst I was with Doctor Huntington, many of those boy- ish ]>ranks which students are apt to practice, in order to give themselves the tone of wits, were performed by me to the no small diversion of myself and ttte other students, and to the great hindrance of my pursuits in literary acquirements. This WHS the hour of folly. From the effect of this age flowed » continued stream of crude, undigested whims, which kept the tchool and myself in a constant uproar. I became an inmate in the family of my preceptor, which consisted of the Doctor, Mrs. Huntington, two sons by a former wife, nearly my own «ge, and a number of small children, how many I do not re- collect. The Doctor himself was a character whose parallel if not commonly found. A man of very considerable orato- rical abilities, which consisted more in smooth figures, and ingenious declamation, than in close metaphysical reasoning, A mind by no means tied down to establish modes and forms, but internally despising them ; possessing an unbounded am- bition ; fond of flattery. A temper, when undisiurbed, philan- thropic, but disappointment and chagrin, changed it into tbft ua. uf— <.> -.r J^ -i->- .'US iT£PHKN BURSOUGHf. jg SSjTi'.wf "'■,' ""['••""■rf. Mr,. Hun.in«on, . char.c.« inily «mi«ble. Joseph, scconj ron lo the Boclor .fJr hU* meni at that time directed him. Thp rp«f «f ti.^ r i •. ^ was aimed at a neighbor, commonly known by the name nT Sni;:t r;:"' i^i.t'h^r" ^■-"•''™'''' "^^ » wood Dit fJl . ♦ r ^".^°'"^' and took loss from his oto the J man', garden, snffieiently lond for bto to°he.r ™med,..ely npon this the old man crept soniy to the d2 rnocrh:mL",h'"''^'^' '°r """ '"eV.";,' /.; dVy a?r.: wS.ri ^' ?°"'' ""'' """ him over. The noiM UnS in n i V""™" ''°^^^^^ to Dr. Hun- ^-..-.«. ..^„c j anu me reason of his suspicion was founds i^U^ MKR'.OIR? OK ' i> I in thia, viz : but a few ar to the old man, at which I turned and ran, and he after me. Being able abundantly to out-run him, I kept but a very small dis- tance belbrc him, pretending to run with all my might, irt or- • ;der to raise his expectations of being able to overtake me; vrhen coming to the edge of a ditch, which contained about three feet depth of mud and filth, I clapped down on my hands and knees before the old man, and he stumbled over •me plump into the ditch; but catching hold of the skirt of my coat, tore it olf and carried it into the ditch with him. This was a clue which served the next day to unravel the ■plot in part, as it related to me; and when complaint wA$ made to our Preceptor, he acquilvjd us entirely, as not hftV*: • ing done any thing unlawful, nor having attempted it aecortt- ing to the prooA v- ;i'. .;, .,ijKi <:*'"' • This was a scene ot great diversion to the Doctor. T^e ■ woful countenance which Tyger made about falling into the ; ditch, together with my strutting about without a skirt to -my coat, altogether, made so ludicrous an appearance, that notwithstanding all the exertions of the Doctor, he could not i:*':l-r' % «•,! If i: I f ■1 !.,•'' , . ^..^.. >^- ' ■ .'*!, „ - , /•' ;■<. ■ -^-jS^ J «», ••r • i^- ■»,-«£i.V,-* ♦■ '^7T^^*" - . >-, •'. ■ . '* ..-ft » * H fy'A / H f »TKr>f»:x nuRRoiciis. w »"|>pre« the rislnjj in linntlnn »o i u u wf.ile, burst fcHtirin .n le ori.^ I'^'^'v ' ^vouM, once in * r.o.n my mther to th )o tJ a co v'ofl?"""'* ''>' '^ '^"^'^ «s as lullows : , , ' ^"^^ '^^ ^''^ «"su-er to which s.on upon ,ny heart. I have sevc- ol i^' ^ y^"^' '^*''^'^ ''"P''*'*- c"P; may wo learn to live who)Iv on r f '^^'^'^ "'« filter ;;ol ^o with hirn as we natura Xi h^'n I /' ""'"''""^^'S ore 1: ^lins- covenant, ordered in nl .1 ' ^ ^ ."'^^''^ '^^ «" ever- all <^"^^aivntion'andaliourde /e" nVn"'-'";^' '^'^ ^^'^ "' yon and Mrs. Kurrou-h^ in tuUr' ^^ ''"'' ' condole with P-p,s for each o.he,- f do„b m,??''' '^^^«''ction, and our '> «"-pl.cn, he behaves we 'T^ I' """'""'• ^^''^'' "'^^ard lea. nm. ; s«.,ns well coSeU we talf h' '''''''''' '" »"'« himasofourownehlldren «.»; J '^^•'^ '''^'"e care of 'jeedof. I am glad to ee^ C ''""^' ^>^ ^'^'^"ds In •l^nfh of his dear broth^-r I ' ' ''f'' '"'"'""^^ ""'ice ofih" !"y power that with , t blesli ^07""?^^' ^''^'^ ^"^ ^^" in Hnprovement of i,, and be a pi^m^V'tn^'r''^' "^'^'^^ ^ ^«"'l >ou know how, dear sir, to leave ^Sm'' ^^' '° f''""^ « ^°^'''- God as well as all vour other concerns r"^"" ^"'^ ^"" ^^'U' While Sipphen is w'uh Ji i <^"ncerns, for nme and eternitv -d faithful a";a;e t',rhim ""r ^"'^^ VT''^ ^^^^^ ; ''-^^ are friends, children, o. any ofZT^^^'' ^"^ «'«^ ' '.^ nans.,ory world ? had vou not !h m "'"^ ^'"J"yments of ''"very unhappy ; but vou ean sav wit-Ml p ""7'"" J"" ^«"f'' 'c^M ""'m '*"" "'^^ blossom— ':'' '*'' ^'"^'^''^'^ " alihou^^h condld^nc.,'^^;:;::--;;.^;:^^^ love nnd sympathetic '•"."fb-s and hi, Jadv. J a -e ?k; ^ ^^'^''^P^^^ble to mV. Bur W'lh great respeo/,' "^ "^ ^''^ ^^°"*^'- ^o be, my dear sir, Vour„ostoboaient,hnmb]esrrvpnf ^ov, Mr. BuKRorjcjjs.'' i-^^^'^^ ^UxY'livGTOiV. 4 As it is cut to Keep Saturday a cuotom reneralhih ,r,K evcnin-s as ih :c: state of C on e commencement of npcfi. hqjy % 1 .?r., eit:£l&iiii9asJ ■J*-i''i B } MEMOIRS or time, and consequenil^, (o consider Sunday as expiring with the bes^inning ot the succeeding evenintr, the relation of the following circumstance will nut be so much wondered at. One JSundny, nller sunset, a number ol'the Doctor's students hud assembled in the street, and were somewhat noisy about a iwslime by which they were amusing themselves. This noisy merriment appeared to the Doctor to be mistimed, when exhibited in the street, at so great a proximity with the Sun- day ; and therefi)re, he wished us to desist from pursuing our si)ort in the street, and attend to it in the door-ynrd; telling us we might do any thing in the yaixj, if we would not make any noise in the street. We accordingly all came into his yard, and beur.n our amusement again ; but soon stopped by an idea being suggested oC the great liberty which the i)octor had granted us, of doing any thing in his yard. His olfice of necessity jstood within the limilsoflheyard; therefore, it was proposed, and immediately agreed, to upset this building. Dr. Huntington rising very early the next morning, accord- ing to his usual custom, saw the destruction of his little house. On making inquiry of the scholars, they all denied that they Knew how the house came to be overset, until he came to mi*, and said, « Burroughs, do you know how the little house was turned over?" "Yes, sir." — "Well, who turned it over/" « We, who were at play, last evening, in the yard.'* "How eame you to turn it over ?" « You said, sir, we might do any thing in the yard." The Docter said no more; went down ; procured some hands ; and replaced the necessary on ii'? for- mer foundation. Not long after this, the Doctor wrote the following letter to my father. "Coventrijy {Con.) March Sihf 1781. " Reverend and dear sir, " You and your lady will please to accept our best regards ; no doubt the welfare of your only son lies near both your hearts : he is well ; has a fin genius, makes swift advances in the classics. There is in him such an exuberance of life and spirits, as requires uncommon vigilance and care in the oversight and direction of his ways, in this early period of life, which however, 1 trust may in future time make him no ' IQitcb the more active and useful in the service of God and -*^ vY^^tf}'. I hope he wiil puss a goou dkaminaliofi ai tat ' ' ai •o ll'lD : he »n,l r.Y.l" ""^ world. Mr Wri.fc. r ' '"'" •""•■ -X' "n'„7i„°"X"'; .^'Sl-'-.r, "«'■- MrS r^T,!' r?" ''«" your son i n ^ 'nendly t //or»s fnr .1 l^^*^* ^"'' you, , " Such are ihc i' "'' "*" Whai we can d„ (J,- JJar">i«iilh Collfie ' ^ ... "' •nosl ubcdicnt hiiinble .VTvnni R^- Mr. B™ko„o,„... ""'SEPM II(«TIK?;toJV ^ "lUI^UMSi* -Sfe^'^^K^- ■- t^Hv- ..;i;,,WKMOIttS OF ** Coventry, Con. Sept. 178^^ si • «Rf.verknd sir, « On examination, I trust you will find your son well ac- complished to perform the exercise of a freshman at college; ' with constant study I think he is able to do it belter than freshmen in general did at Yale College in my day. I have done every thing in my power for his education and his morals, and am exceedingly grieved to accqu'iint you, that one affair has happened^ since I last wrote you, which must b€ uncomforiable to his parents, as indeed it has been to me. « Stephen was so unguarded, about the middle of June last as to take and use a horse several times, and that even in a cruel manner, without the knowledge of the owner, who ' lived not in my parish, but in the vicir\ity, near the borders of ii: the owner of the horse happens to be one of the most inhuman, cruel, revengeful, spiteful monsters that ever dis- graced haraanity ; and as soon as he found out the matter, he was wholly bent on vengeance ond the utmost cruelty. I took and {pastured tl.a horse eight weeks, and repaired all damage more than seven fold ; I also offered the man two crowns if he would settle the mailers without a lawsuit, and took every other step I could think of to save expense and prevent a public noise : but all in vain. The monster knew that the law in such a case is extremely severe, awarding three fold damages and all costs, and nothing could glut his infernal malice till he had drawn your son before authority. And, for three fold damages and costs, obtained judgemtnt airainst him for about fifteen dollars: for Ihe payment of which, two of my neighbors, Mr. Porter and Mr. HawKin?, gave their security, and your son returned to his study as be- fore. The affair gave me unspeakable distress of mind, and even kept me awake several nights. The authority could do nothing in the case but what they did ; the law is plain. ' The monster that prosecuted summoned a great cloud of evidences on purpose, I suppose, to gratify his malice in augmcntinK the cost. Our people, sir, have all the highest respect and veneration for you, and are ready to interpose and do all they can to save you trouble, and with one voice cry out upon llie wretch that has been so cruel to you and your son. '• It is highly necessarj', sir, that you should make ns a visit as soon as may be after commencement. I am in fear _. _ ...Ml ...:_T. '. l._» 1 1 ..C ,^^ «V.of- I /IM n«it ri^taill YOU Wii! lliiWA iUiiJC«'iiav liaiu ui m--} i!i«-. • — • — ' ^- 1^ 81. ■»* veil ac- college ; ,er tban I have and his ou, that ch must n to me. rune last even in ier, who borders the most ever dis- atier, he udty. I aired all man two suit, and ense and tcr knew (iwardinir I glut his LUthorily. idgcrntnt ymenl of ElawKins, idy as bc- niind, and ' could do is plain, cloud of naiice in e highest rpose and voice cry and your ^akc ns a m in fear nitt r<>taiii STEPHEN BURROUGHS. sm "> have Jived with mc^ "e who"' '' r"^ ^' ^•"'" ^'^^'"^ «t :t noiwithslan.l,ng e ex e^e. ili "^^^^ ^''' ^^J"'<^^d Hny boarders in these limes ih',^'?,'^^^ •? ^"^ ^^^Pin^ 't^'Provehiminsomeimport'antat?? '^Y'" '^'^P'^se and and )adyVma 'Ll ^^w'cotlrn^^^''^ to Mr. Burroughs : ••^nd ti.at of your remainrng chUdrent?A'' ''..^'^"^ P'"-»'«"> mnywemeeiineverJastingTest '^" ^" '^"^ '^«»bJe ^^^^-ll^^i^:'::i^^P ^"^. rost obedient humble servant!^ ^''"' "*^^"' ^"^"^^ '^"^^ Hev. AL. Burroughs." '•^^^^^H HUNTINGTON. tor!:s i:;^ "r^:;5jr ::;.r ^f r^ ^^^ ^- hunting. " ^rt two other lette^rSen b h^n^ ' ^ '"'" ^''' ^^' ^^hen I was in great adversity and th'.r''"' "'^"'> «"^' apparent prosperity. '^'''^"y* «"« ^^e other, at a time of '^ Rev. avd verv dkIr^T"^* ^'^' ^^'^ ^"^"^^J'' 1^83. ^«^cl::r;v!;;:^si:;ri!'j"r"^^ -^ while i .as was impressed w.il. much IvnL.tl '"^l^^'^hrance of me, I .vour dear and only s^n T ITav/ r"r "^''"^ '" ^''^ *='^«^ "^ a great deep; what God does we' ' fn '""' ^'^vidence are Jvernable h?/ •""'''' '""^^ "^^^ ^•«'"' wasconlinaally in prayers and' tl ^r^V-"'''^^"*' ^"^^^n'^a i>'vme, one day, told her that 1 ^ ' ^'"" ^ «" ^"''«^'» be Just. You well know wha OnT rV^'^^i^ ^°"'«^ n^^*''- what a blessing he was to w rl !^ ^"' ^'- ^'^"^^t'"* ""d ^-tj^ssubuu-,,ppay,h?pe"al!l'-\^,;;"''=''> '^"^ ^" ^»- -orld. ---:;y-,-,--^-veno^r^^^^ 26 MEMOIRS or li i has been considerable amon^ us, and yet continues; the ef- fusion of the divine spirit with you has been more copious ; Oh ! may it be on all the world, ''as rivers in the wilder- ness, and as floods on the dry s;roun.i !" " I beg that my most cordial regards, with Mrs. Hunting- Ion's, may be acceptable to Mr. BurroupSs and his lady. *' Remaining as ever, dear sir, " With great respect, " Your most cbedient, humble servant, JOSEPH HUNTIMGTON. Rev. Mr. Burroughs." « Coventry, Con. 23iOd. 1784. " Rev. and very dear fiR, " Could you know ihe tender ftelings of my heart toward vou and your family, it would give me comfort; my friend- ship is warip as ever, while I lament the separation made among your people, and mourn thra we could not worship to- gether, when I last waited on you at Hanover. But as my prayers have been answered with regard to your son, so I be- lieve they will be with respect to your people; you have now irreat comfort in the former, you will, 1 hope soon have in the latter; and the whole people shall unite and rejoice in your light, as in days past. « Mrs. Huntington unites with me in love and respect to Mr. Burroughs, his lady and son. God Almighty, grant you every New Covenant blessing. I have the honor to be, deaf flir, with much respect, " Your most obedient humble servant, JOSEPH HUNTINGTON. Rev. Mr. Burroughs.'* CHAPTER IV. '' In life'j gay norn, wliat vivid hu«» A'lorn (he itnimating views, By flattering fancy drawn ? But storms with gloomy aspect rise, To cloud the azure of the skies ; Now mists obscure the dawn." At commencement, 1781, I was presented, examined and admitted a member of Dartmouth College. Here i had a f >■ /^' STEPIJEh BUBB0UGH5. for liiscon! innocent in others, to hSle a„.Th'^^^^'^^"^^ *>« thought Pensity to disorde/, as waralle4d n.f l^l' ^'•^^^'"^ P^o- to hiive me take a room with " r ^^^ ^«^*»er was careful of all others, wa^besrcaTc UM toTVT^^'^' ^- ^^ ^^^ whom he entertained a sn"n1i; ''".mbleand mortify any him in principle or practice^ T ^^*"V'* ^^^ diflering^rom yet smaUer mental a W. ties JiaT"] "^'"'^" «'aturl, and •ons of religion, whirl co^^.S^^"^ enthusiastic in his no- IhrojHc line of conduct toward. «n I '""''' '""'■"«^' '"isan- ^ To be an inmate with such J 1^° '""'' ""* "^ *»'« Pa"- ^y conceive, no wav comporte^^ >'«» will readi- and consequently, we nTver enJoTe^^^ like mine-, ofieelinirs in our intercourL ic^ ^^^ "nion antt harmony cessary for the per ^'en ovCnt'nr '"^/f '^^'"^h was n"! a mmd very unstable, he S'Xn ItTJ ^'^^- P^^^^essing of success, in making me snh 1^ ^ ^ of humor, at his want Pncej and being desFro^s o^T'u"^'''^ ^"""*''« ^" his ca- ■ «"n, he assailed my ears J^f, "^ '^^""? » Parl of his cha- ^ criminations. H^souoh, n' "* P^I^P^'^al stream of pe'ulant company, by reprS,^ ^aT^r;^'^.""^^'^^ "-^"^-e' ters oi religion, and consequentiv T '"""^"^^^e to mat- rh'« ""de of procedure, 1 cTld loJ T"?"^. "^'^'^ ^''"t"^- »y invention was the only me«n Tr "'l^ ^'''''^"«« with: , One night, whilo he was navinlT'S^"' retaliation. ' iady, word w'as brought hfm X"" ^'l ''"^'^''^ »« ^ .-"^ was abiiut evnMj^™ ^- • """? 'hat in a fit of thn Pn.uL./ » k.nd office^^al^^n^n^^^'^ll^ ^l^ ^ Perft^mthe^J * business he always attended win' "^ ^"'" '"^'- 'I'his was 3» ^ "^"'^^'* ^"h great promptitude j h^ 'I 2t MEMOIRS or Dulcinea beini^ equally posseised with the laudable ambitio*; of pruselytin?, agreed to accompany him to the room. But' when they came there, they found it empty of every livitig thinsr, and not even the appearance of any person's being there that nis;ht; for the truth was, I had, the day preceding, obtained leave of absence, and was gone lo my father's. This was readily understood as a pun upon his sacerdotal charac> ter, than which, nothing could have wounded him more. His character, in that respect, he wished to have considered as sacred ; and to trifle with that, was striking at the very root of ail his sanctimonious self-importance. He suspected me to be the author of this mortifying scene, and was unwearied ia his endeavors to gain some evidence of the fact ; but alt his exertions were ineil'ectual. Notwithstanding all these singularities and eccentricities, I believe him to be a man of an honeit heart, led to practice those ridiculous plans by a misguided zeal for religion. .>. About this time, the Indians had made inroaJs upon some of the frontier settlements, and dv olr(>yed them. It was fear- ed they would make a descent upon Hanover, and burn Dart- mouth College, with the buildings in its vicinity ; and con- sequently, the minds of the people were full of fear, and easily aroused by an alarm of any kind. One evening, beinK in company with a number of others, we proposed and agreed, to make a visit to a yard of watermelons, belonging to a man in the vicinity, who kept them for sale, and help ourselves to some of them. We accordingly put our plan in execution ; and went as far as the river, half a mile out of town, in order to cat them more securely. After we had finished our repast, every one look his own way, in order to get to his room unperceivcd. I came directly into town, by the most obvious route, in company with onf» Paine. When we had gottf-n to the green, around which the buildings stand, we discovered some person walking before my door, suspect* .ng as 1 supposed, my absence from my room; which being against the laws of College, at that lime of night, would give him an opportunity, if he made the desired discovery, to in- volve me in difficulty. All these circumstances were very apparent to me, and therefore, ( wished to avoid being known to him, as well as to avoid the discovery of the watermelons. We therefore turned oti another course, than direcily lo the College, and rolled our gowns close together, and tucked them up on our STEPHEN nUWoUGIIS. 1.B might. I was „„„ s ' «?hl,. ?." "■'• """' """ooKl with all ■decisire measures ,„„, be lakl T"*' '"""^ ''"'"ediate «„J 'ore, turned a short corner wi.^ '«"tngon me ; J iherp^ 'ne, and ran directly lZk\Tl. "" J^V P"'"^"^'" ^«« siihf^ room undiscovered/ ^ '** '^^ ^""«?^. «nd got Into '^'? «^'ht. , hear^^ren^rriTn'thr ""' ^*. '^' '"^^-^s th« Ihe noise; I went hToL J 1 "^"^^ ^'^i^i'^''^^ •bout starting after lirgsTo" L lt?'.n^«"«<* ^^ev werl cordingly all started tosrilX JTV^^ difficultv. wJae hundred .ods, cme u^o ^ )" whf '' ^"""in,' about onJ help. On enquiry, he told «s thn h'^'^f r*" ^ai'ooing C men, carry.ag packs on iheir b.cifi 'l •^'^^ ^'^^overed two whom he supposed i« 1! • "* » ^^'^^ina about th#. m™,^ •••J «c-d «„ d!:r„;^a : ,1 j'i.i;:'" "•« indi."V'.:r,h;; milllla turned out- ihj^ 1.^. " ""™ ""s alarmed r«.l . -II _. . *^'^^''*^""red, butnnlhin»r...._j .V*^ ^toppcd7ti;c:w:::,;Zer;:^:,^p -d do.n^th;7;;^rw;;: ^^'^d i all night, tife rr Wtlfit ""k^*"*^ ^"""^' nothfnl '"/ the dawn of daV t e neonr ''"*' continued.* * f-^JS-e , into ,he ..wn, ■■; 3,^, "£ r""™^"* "'''^ ""' "on. i>omeihou8liio„ethin» ; '■"'"'"'"alconsnlta- 'he wl,„le diffieullv .eS iH'n h " """l''"" '^■'"= ""ouX ed, that ho.«aw Burrou»tisan.i i>.i ' ''*^''P'•'"«l■'■8ohserv- Ikebustncss-he was d,.sa.i/fied He ."'r^J"'"'"^'' "'" vate room ,„ ,be College, and iuL. "\'"lf ".'"^ "- • P"- , - nil i. loo l,/,.|, color„,p f, ' "■■ " ■^"""i'-' course 01' ij 30 MEinoiKS or t. - flattery, threaten ina;, terror, and soolhin^'s, he obtainttl CM inijjhiy secret, us it relaied to me. I was imnvedialely inform; ed of the business, by a person whom I had placed ina room adjoininir, to overhear wljalever should be the result of this conferanee. « It \niS now about sunrise. I immediately went to the own- er of the water-melons, and told him, that pJissina his yard last evenincr, after be Was in bed, I had taken twelve of his tvater-mtlons, knowing he kepi Ibein for sale, and came to let him know it, and pay him for them. After countmg his water-melons, ai^finding twelve taken, accord mg to my ac- count, he took the r>ay,and gave me his receipt. . I now returned to my room, ready to meet the heavy blovf I saw was, prepaiin^ against me. . By this lime it had taken air, that I was the author of Jasf night's alarm. Every countenance was turned upon me iii an oblique direction. They had all heard that theft was com- bined in the business ; they had all determined I must tall un- •ler this blow ; therefore, they W^-ie wailmg tor the awjul moment of my beim? summoned before the authority of Col- We. Ten o'clock, the all tremendous hour arrived ? 1 ap- peljred ; a number had gathered, which crowded the room. After the charge was read against inf, Mr. Riplty, one of the Tutors, addressed me in a '.speech of half an hour's length, statins the enormous ciime 1 had been guilty of, the course of iniquity I must have led through lile, to be delected in such an atrocious high handed breach of law, at the age ol sixteen; the disgrace I had brought on my family connex- ions, and the seminary of which I was a member ; that my expulsion, which would undoubtedly succeed, would be but only a prelude to my punishment by the civil law " 'h'.i rum and disgrace were the only eiiecis, which would fall on my devoted head. . *r. ik This rant I heard with the coolness of a stoic Alter lie had talked himself out of breath, I had liberty to ansvjer. I mentJoutd the hardness of my case, in being accused, con- demns, and '.xecuted without any proof, or even being heard in my own defence. That I did not know what evidence iney coull •> oduce of my beins guiliy of the crime laid to my charge, bui whatever it was, Ihoped to be suificiently able lo overturn its valid iiy, and clearly eslabh>,h my mnoctiice At least, the human language of candor taught us to hold j^very man innocent till he was proved guilty. Irue it was, 1 STEPHEK BirilHoiTGH.. ^nt\«f h^Ta^tS"^ '••'^'" ^^- S-U the „.H. '^ •nr»,. '^onin, liome to hic i.,. ^'«»ss-inate of sion for hissuhltf 'i'^^^'se supplied r?ffi * -^[^ ^""'"^ ed a/i^^ ^''"^"^ «^^^'-^'^arr|, afa ir u'* "" condit on of «sked & r^t convenien r The ,71^ K^''"^^'^''«d ^x- which I was IT' 'r°'^^^^««nswersome.mnr'"''^' '" »>^" times afterw«r,ii.^ request; I reneaiPr? ^ ^^ paid but tte i>lanrT ?^*^"''«"t effect A I '^'^ """^^^'^ o^ Ij-^my father waTreL^'^^ ablene.s ofifr^^f"*^^ '" «^arm te mS "' V^^"" ^^ «^«« «entrnent on i- ''^!:'^"^^- '^'•'^ brou«h A''". '^^^ ""reason- *'«d a^pptf ,^f ^ ^:''T^^^^i^u^;:e:;T t niy Triend Wood /!. . . """^'' '"mself undlr\», i,^''®" ^« Mr. Rip/ev ,Tn V '"■'^'''" ^o »"erease their «?. ^l ''^""'''" o^ Ihe ehaS 'rK ^"'°''' ^'^«« '''^ewi.e dl'fl^ ?"^^'» ^V ""ion. -a« onXMt^;?^,t"' ^^, ^ "^^- pSe^U"'^ k'^ counf nf „ • T-'^'-'^*" I'le water-mf-i.^^. r-^ac/ier, when he thf ml ^ '° their d saere-ina • ^^"\"ient ajjainst mv r» ftrce wah W ir''"* "" '"o chS;,^»"'HL'» .>'/"•' '"« -'" '*sa»nsi me.* ^' '"fiaeu a powprf. hw char, autlior of ,1 i 83k ■' MEMOIRS or • ' About this lime the President of the College lell here, in- tendinar a lour to Europe. The Tutors now became the only txeculive authority of the College. Myfiiend Ripley was the second in standing, and consequently a preat degree ol influence fell into his hands. This influence he was careful 10 exercise on every occasion. On a certain day of the week, when my class were called upon to declaim, I did not at- tempt; the reason of my absence was owiojr to this circum- stance. I had sent my shoes to the shoemakers, and contra* |ry to my expectation, they had not yet reinrntd, end I had not shoes decent for my appearance abroad. Mr. Ripley sent for me to appear, and perform my part of ihe exercises of the day: the excuse, which existe*!, I sent him, but the messenger returned with positive orders for me to attend. I attended with such shoes as I had, mounted the stage, and iieclaimed. I made my obeisance, and retired. He called to me, and publicly reprimanded me for appearing in sueh ha- biliment. At a certain time he made a request to my class to assist him in a certain piece of business, which he was de- sirous of performing one afternoon. I turned out to assist, him. We were detained till ten o'clock at night. The next morning I was absent from recitation. He sent for me — I came*— He again reprimanded me for being deficient in my , classic lesson^ though he knew the cause was my performing service for him at his request. Finding matters ihus dis- agreeably situated I determined to quit that ground which I, could not maintain with any probability of success. I ac- cordingly left College, and went to roy father's. i CHAPTER V. " And thus my Jays in one sad tenor ran, ♦♦ And end i» sorrow as they tirst begun." To remain an inactive member of society was far from my desire; various plans were proposed by my father for ff>y en- tering into business, or at least, preparir^g myself for it, but falsehood. He undoubtedly considerefTlhJs Rent^eman r»»bi!4 enemy ; but it is believed lliat nothing could be more erwneniM. Mr. Ripley labor ea Wlin yoH!;g uurroutigs, ;i3 a it;iiut.r miner irn" !••- ' J - — him from his vicious courses ; but unfortunately, the latter cousidtresl akU his exertions at the effect only of personal piejndiite. STEPHEN BURROUGHS. ^ none appeared so eligible as ^n.n„ . * ^ mied me out wiih a horse sadZ k i. * ^'•J'- ^^V father dollars in money, and let me |.l^ ' ^"^'^' ^"'^ a'^ut twentr Ihe world, to act my parrncco 'r"^"" "'^ '"'"^^ ^^^^^^eof ^'anlofexperi.nccandTLtura .^"^/^ '"^ ''^''•''es. The 4 tVcientry Tntto t fiUejS^^ "f I>«rtr.outh Co, «»» ch gave me an eialted iZ .r ^ ^''^^ '"'"^ "^ learning v^h.ch was of no manne ofit fn^l ""'"' !"'P<>'tante, a„3 ^h's may «,,,,,«, strange that / ih. f/""""^ «hrou^h Jifb |ra.n.n. thar, which ^vJlTfor tT^L'%' '^^^^ J'-ars fa It may jseem lo you, mV v*.» ., . "^'i"'?- However si ran p^ ^'"clyin^ to prepare nya^i/cJl !" « ^«<=^- One year, I wS «'«m. f spent two inKift?Jr"'«"*=« '"toihatsem narv e"« ha J, of the time spent aJtl^e L^'^'^"^^ '^^^^ "'-^-^ IhaJ t'^'"- present tstabliimenfon ti^« '^''''•''^^^' according tS a^vay; and that the no"^M- .„ " r '^ comment, is thrown "ieavor to prove.* ' ''°*'"^" ^S founded in fact,! w7eT c->t^is r ~--;:-; ;o,ether with the ,ood of.o. i ^'- community ,- therc^i'^rwL eVer^In J^^*^'^ '"-'--" ^^ end. pr;ijj.-a ;ro,„ Uoileire in H,^T~" "7"'^ rcasoij jn this iraii.i», tt '+i-= ' ;^nsw^£^^ 84 MEMOIRS or fl <1 i ... „n.r obieet -- ^^ Vr pt.S v? JjS T^ painful measures. 2d. J^"'"'^' „^^^^^^ ^Iheir relative 8ituat on, whch,inin f individuals. U harmonize ^^e T'^"*^ " ' 't^* ^^^^^^^^ ^°' '^' 3d. Asupplyoff<»odforlhemcn^^^^^^^^^^ order to render «» .nenul part 'en of mankind in iheir relaliTe wtuauon, which, m their operation, will tenJ » T/ • Ihe conductor mankind toward' "achXi I I^m"'"'''"'" sub ect. perhaps, of alKother.s theto t difficuU fblV'* lo understand the operations of the human heart <;o a. tn wards ,„.! polUic..' pc,r:itio„""vV"J''a tZ^I'CTc 1 Tl.P at . • . 'r """''^ ' ^' "'^ manners !» philosophy are what I m™^. 7 7'""" 5 '""'■»'''y »■"! "=com.sd«engaKed from ,he primary objeoIofnMl^L^r n 3a MFjiioiES or view ihe currous order of nature, ond see (hat all tl.in"* arc poverried by iixed and unallcrable I..ws, which once di«;cot. •-•red, lead lo a knowhdge of* luture events and usefiii im- IMUvemenIs; thai the parent of nature has cartfiilly and cu- iiously provided for all his children, e'ven to the minutesl in- i^ect, we cannot but be filled with that deliirhl a: viewin" the fitness of things, which no other .suhjtcl can create. I will contend, that iiiore satisfaction is enjoyed in viewin ' Ihc op- eratum of nature on a single kernel of wheat, aAer his corn, nutted lo the ground, and there i% more usefulness in that contemplation, than in the study of the dead lanaunees Ihiouuh life. Can a knowledge of ihese languages help n peison in the invesligatiim of ethics, philosophy, or morality ? I am aware it will be said, thai lo read Tne scriplures 'in the onginal tongues will enable a person to understand theiri much belter, than lo be able lo read the translations only: and there,f.,re it is necessary that all who intend the study of Uiviniiy as their pursuit, should be acquainted with these Ian. ^'J^'*'*'- ."^PPy W'^uld il liave been lor mankind had these ellecis followed: but the truth is far otherwise. We find the Christian world broken into parties and factions, bv tho^e very cha/acters who have been enabled lo read the scriptures in the original; and much sreater disagreement has happen- e( in the interpretation, than what has been arn/)ng those who can read ihe translation only ; and even in this enli^-ht. ened u-e, when so many are favored with this greai privi- Jege, we do not find a more gener.l agreement respecting the doctrines of the scripture. I appeal lo your own observations, whether I have not sta- ted mailers ol (act, as they exist, without miscoloring or ex- aggeration, in respect to the study of the dead languages. Ihen the greater pan of the time spent at Univer<=ilics ainounls to nothing, or what is worse. It habituates the mind to a system of error, and puts it upon the pursuit of wrong obiccts, and of course it becomes difficult to break those chains of habit which education has forged. Look around on mankind; do we see any'^of' those lumi- naries, who have been granted to ihe worW as Heaven's iichest boon, from among our collegiate characters? On the contrary, a U'ashington, a Franklin, a Kittenhouse, have shone resplenuent, wiihuut the borrowed rays of a Coljese. >Ve are prone to form a wrong estimate of education, per- nap-?, more than of anv other nhifpt nf nnr aua.^1■.^^. riru tTKMIEN milROOGlW. H » yonih has spent fiitir venrc «» « it • ihe ccmrnc.n riuncJ onsUhl?,|w ,J .^"/"•^^'"•^''•^ «nd has gone strnlin? wat.r-.ntlons 'obliin.^r" character for abiliiy, br -counts all Uk. maS,vr"s hehf^n 'r"^"^'' ''^'- '*'><^t'-''ne "••<'«^'- to cot a hen o a of he roc, ? %TTI "' ^""^"-'^» i" are marks of greatness of Wndan:* / 1'.^ '-''' "''"'^« l^U ';"m these '-vide-nces L , the n ot T ' '' '^""^^^'J^', and '"s son's future ^realne s ThZ! '^ f """ '-^I'^^^la lions of tl»e ne^hbors to IheirTamilo ^ fh T'^^'^f^''*^^' '^'Counted b» ceedin, winter even i" a r^^^^^^^^^^^ "on. course of sue! tins fountain of enter.ainmrt ir, ..^''^'{'^'^'"l^ 'i«'ply at •>h pranks of schoiirs Z ,re ethii '7 ^'''* ''^ "'« ''""'- 'J^'-y dwell upon them wilh ?leasn.. 1 ll'^^ f^ ^'^^' '"^^"a' ,* «^'s with adn,iraiiun W J 'as 'e^^^ heboid the perform-' '^"ch persons have out. riS ttr r'n'""'* ""*^ «"<=h o** Uu,uaht, or perspicuif/of eison - I ' " '^'^'^' «^ bmunes iirelU/and is^soo;.7or<";,tL "^ '"''"'^^"' '"^ *«'« -\ -nnnkind have marl ed o^t ro/^'^t,,""^^'^^"'"^ into notice, and will n,o ^ ^^i"'v I snouhi come t(> inhiM., . i" '" "^' "t jarihest. fi 1 . ! '^: 98 MEMOIRS or IICl PI Is i' i I- r" covering any Iraccs of human beings, cxctpt the road I was travelling. It began to snow violently, atul the lusht was extremely dark. I suddenly found I'nyself against a team and wagon, containing a family moving into tlw country. Af. ler enquiring the distance thniugh to inhabitants, and I'hena- ture of the road, I fou d I had got the greatest part of the night's work before me. I accordingly quicken«d my pace, and waded through the snow, which by this time had becomt pretty deep, with all the cxertiim in my power. Mv horse which had not been refreshed since I Idt home, now became fatigued ; alighting I drove him belbre me, till I becjnr.e weary with travelling myself: and then mounted again. I pursued such measures alternately, till about twelve at night, when I espied a light, a little distnnee before me. A person, who has been in a similar situation, will readily conceive the nature of my feelings at this time. The sight i)f this illumination, through a small cranny of an old log hut, was attended with those eflusions of pleasure, which the mi- ser never feels when hoarding up his treasures. Entering the building from which the light proceeded, I found it a hut, made in that rude state, which did not admit of the p-lish ol art. Logs cut from the forest were laid on the top of e&ch other, to the height of eight feet, when a roof was added, the rafters of the same materials covered with the bark of trees. This building was about twenty feet square; a large fire be- ing built in the midst, the family lay around it on the ground. The whole group presented a subject fit for the pencil of Hogarth. Inquiring how far it was to a public Inn, I was informed ihat one was kept there. Necessity con- Strained me to accep; of those accomodations, for the want of better. Some refreshment for my horse beins obtained, I was con- ducted to a bed kept for travellers, as the best piece oXfurni- ture in the house. Nature was too much faria[ued lo hold a parley with inconveniences. I soon fell into a profound sleep, which continued, I suppose, about two hours, when I awoke. By the complaints which my bones uttered, I was jealous my bed was not made of dt»wn. I arose, called for any horse, and after travelling five miles fiiilhrr, over a bad road, I came to a tavern, wheie accommudaiioiis were to be had for man and horse. I enjoyed rrivself in this situation much bcilcr, since my other enlertairunenl had been so disa- greeable. I stayed at this house until noon ; when I ^uud ^» 0^. road ( was nighl was nst a team •untry. Al". \n6 Ihena- >ail of the d rny pace, lad bncornt My horsr, ■)W becaiiii; I becarii.e aw:ain* I e at ni^ht, I'ill readilf TJie siglit M iog hut, ch the mi< Entering )d it a hut, e [).i\hh oi >p of e&ch added, the k of trees, ge fire be- it on the fit for the tiiblic Inn, eissily con- thti want ' was con- e oXfurni- I to hold a profound s, when I red, I was calh'd for ver a bad vere to be situation n so disa- .'R I iauiul -iH rff' ^^C' */ rfouudfmyself refreshed witli foocTSirn sieeo i vld"^.^''?'^'^ '"J Journcv. The next day, I arri- ved at a town called Londonderry, where the father '« '^i: " ' '■ ».> • -.V, '■-■'': ^-^ ;i '2 I- » i 1 , 1 J , 1 ) i : Sl't * i^ ms dr «• * . of a ,^lass-mate of mine lived, on whom I called, and to my great satisfaction, found the son at his father's. 1 told them my intention of going to sea, and the reason why I had left College. They tried to persuade mo to relinquish my purpose, but when they foimd me fixed, the old eentleman wrote to some of his acquaintance in Wewburyport, to be- friend me |n ray pursuit. Intending to sell my horse, saddle, and bridle, and with the avails to prepare myself for sea, I here found the market for horses so low, that a salg for him would not be es.sily obtained without great loss j I therefore concluded to send my horse back to my father. I arrived at Newburyport and delivered , my letter of introductir i to Capt. M' Hurd, to wh6m It was addressed. This man kept a house for boar- ders an^ lod- .s; I accordingly put up with him. • i\ot findmg any privateers going to sea soon, I con- cluded to go in a packet, which had a letter of marque to France. Having no doctor engaged, I undertook to act in that capacitv -, and after obtain- ing the assistance, advice and 'direction of an old practitioner in physic, together with marks'set on each parcel of medicine, I thought myself tolerably well qualified to perform the olFice of a physic" m on board the siiip. We did not sai! till the iust day of January, 17S3. When 1 lost sight of Amer- ica, 1 cannot say but what my feelings were more disagreeably affected than I expected. Those at- tachments v/hich we form in childhood, to places, to persons and things, are pretty strong, I believe ii^^ the minds of all j and none give then\,up without a • : straggle. '^ = ' Soon after we had lost sight of land, I began to grow intolerably sea-sick, which continued with- out intermission for four days. This is a species of sickness, though not dangerous, yet as disagreeable to bear as the most violent disorder to which tlie hti- man constitution is subject. This served in a great measure, to cool my ardor for spending my days on :* «> '' ^ip^l ^#V' U.»*'i .n 39 STEPHE.V BURROUGHS. ■:V'^i the salt water. On the fifth day I began to feel more 'at ease ; the motion of the vessel ' was not so irk- some J my appetite began to recover, which Before was quite gone. We made the island of sable, ly- ing in 45 degroes north latitude, where we went on shore. This island is a dreary barren place, about thirty miles in length. Some wild horses and hogs were placed on this spot, for the support of seamen who nji^ht be cast away. Accidents of this kind being very common here, on account of the shoars c.xtenchng fro'u its shores at a great distance into the sc.i. Here was likewise a small hut, a porridge pot, and fire-wood, Hint and tinder-box. Here, the sai- • lors recounted many circumstances of the marvel- lous, representing this as the abode of spirits, hob- goblins, &c. Tlicy affirmed with positive assurance that many f\\inilies had attempted living here, indu- ced by great rewards from government, but all their attempts were in vain, owing to sights and noises, wfiRhfiid di-turbed them. It was said that this isl- and, m ti.iie of an easterly storm, would shake with great violence, which I was rather induced to be- lieve, because a natural reason can be assigned for this phenome'non. Leaving this place, we pro- ceeded on our voyage, till the eighth day of our departure, when, about 10 o'clock in the mor- ning, the man at the mast head cried out, a sail ! a sail was discovered ahead ; we hove to, in order to see \yhich way she was going. We soon found her makmg from us with all her force. We put about and made sill after her, till about sunsct. We found her a mer. want's brig from New-Yoi'k, bound to i-ioudon, with pearl-ash, commanded by one Pratt. Alter we had manned our prize, we pursued our rout, without any material occurrence, till tKie twen- ty tiurd About 11 o'clock in the morning, we espied a sail astern, wimh we soon saw was in pursuit of us : we J^^.^Vi * ''^'! ^^'®. ^-""^^^' *^ ^"" ^'^"^ ^^^''•' ^"^ *Ouuasae eairicd to it (a sea term for not takin<^ vi :**e- f/' .m 4*;4'-.: i': ■I I f 4^ 4/^ ..,.%,. MEMOIRS OP •% Sail) through some wroffv c«,, sigh't of Ii?r about suse?^ we fn'/'^"'^ ^• ^^^ ^^st coasfof France, pronou iced hh'i^^" ^^^^"^ «" the fJraw-hovv tjiey spell it I Z^ f''^''^'^ language, can.o to under t4Tland and fironV'^^^-l^'^^ ^^*^ soon came off to us : about^ o'clock"'. f ^'^^\ ^^« got under way again. This pilot w.c X J^'^^^> ^^^® i ever saw wearing woodenffiL v ¥ ^^^^^ person pearance were milerable^ fbo , ' H^ ?'^^ ^^^ ap- fork was unknowrao h m H "'" ""^ ^^^ ^^^^^ and cabin, and victua s set b^for?t m such an avvkward ituS f h ? ? ^'^ ^^^^ ^^"^self he filled his pockets w U h Ch k ' T^""^^ <^^ ^^ting, deck. This i. tlif itaatio; of fhf '''' ^"^ ^^^"^ <>" ■ not . in quite sb dcplSe . ^ Peasantry, though . France, ^so far as I ad op' rt,^^^^^^ k '^^^«^S^ About 10 o'clock the nevt mn.^ ^ ^^ observing lisle, and'soon after saw . ^n /"%.'^'^ "^^^^ Bel ' a-head. We tho^htTJr thel^^^^^ the day preceding- she nrovLfti^^ pursued us - . v.-as a ligeer, cSrrvin cf i o ^ "" ^^' ^^^^ '^"^^- She tne bng, and speaking" wit1h;r I ?'*l' P^/^^^ , Boston, bound to Nantz Wn \ ^''''^\ ^^^ ^^^^ about witluus, and lool at Oio"?^'"''"'^ ^^' ^^ P^^t this time, ivas hove ^o w • • ^^"F^^' which, by entreaties wei^hri^^.i^'^^^^^ ^^^" "•^- ^^11 our Bellisle. AVe carried I ^ ""'' '1' "'^^^^^ ^he fort of ten of them were wood f n"^i ^^'• ""fortunately, . could be ex,Kct:dfVom'hem Xef.yf'''''''^^ courses put up onr boardim^* ne tin! .f'^ ""fi ^'^' decks, ht our matclics and ,u^^I^% ^\ cleared cur We had on board wciUom,! ^" i'"''^^! ^^' ^^^ion. oners. The thirteen tVe'^^^^ ^'''^' . were flying; but tlie ^4""^ ''! F"\t^^ States' ' colors. We came so noW^ttn h •P*\ ^^''''''^'^ "<> ' in French-and afte? undorst.nrl^^'^~~-'^'° answered • onboard she, affected nVtX;,\^,;^.M>n^ .- ^••^v iffl / »-!(*• ^ -•■ . '^*;*veRi«8ft?i!rei*#*M#C' •\\ We lost d on the mguage, ct. We )t. One ght, we 5t person and ap- life and into the himself ' eating, i^ent on though . through serving de Bel IS, right ued us 5. She id was passed f from to put ch, by n our fort of lately, , mtage p our d car ction. prls- States d no ' vered from I us a cady ., made , STEPHEN BURROUGHS towards us. with a pretended desisjn of accommoda- ting us with a pilot. Not more tnan ten men were to be seen on her deck. By this time, she was sulliciently ne.ir to discover those on board by their counteniUKts. Mr. Severe, oiu* first mate, knew tlie comtnaudor of the hugger to be a man from the isle of .lor.-jcy, liaving been taken by him the pre- ceding year. The mate vociferated like a stentor, "^ivc Ihoi!i a gun! fegivc themagim!" We fired, but M) strongly prepossessed were the gunners, that the Lugger was a Frenchman, that they pointed over hor, and did her no damage. She ported her hehn, and fell astern as much as half a mile, expec- ting that v.e fought with IS guns. We kept on our course — seeing this, she made all the s^'il possible after us, iiung out the English colors, and her deck Heramc instantly filled with men. She first came up pn our windv.Mrd board, but now altered her inten- tion, and tame round on' our lee-side. We began to fire storn cliases at them, and they returned our salute with bow cliases. While Mr. Severe was el- cvating tike gun at our bov/ he received a swivel ball, wliich carried away his right cheek, went through and broke his right arm, and two of his ribs. AVe tauglit him up, and carried him into the cock-pit, " where I dressed his wounds, and at the desire of one Bootman, a passenger, left Mr. Severe in his care, > and returned on deck. Our ship was thinly manned, and the help of every hand was felt. .A chest of ' loaded small arms stood on the quarter deck, where 1 took my station. The Lugger, by this time, was grappled to our ship, and attempted sword in hand to cut away our boarding nettings. Kvery man was or- ucrod to his boarding pike, and for ten minutes, the co;.nict was truly sharp, but the issue was in our fa- vor. 1 hey retreated on board tlieir vc.-^scl, the guns were their next resort. With cannon and small arms they poured in upon us a shower v{ Ml^. and we^endeavored to pay them in like kind, .u the *u« amount of our receipt, so that a baiance should 'i /. s y lij-til. rfn I -M- »Z. MEMOIRS OP be in our favour, and not aganist us. The captain and myself had fired nearly ^ the small arms ^vhich were loaded. 1 he commander of the Lug-er kept bel owing from his quarter deck, that if we did not strike, he would give us no quarter. I took a hlun- derbuss, which remained loaded, and taking; aim verv leisurely, at the mouth of his trumpet, let Fly 1 be- lieve this did his business; at least, 1 heard no more ot this bravado. 1 wice more -did they attempt to cut away our boarding nettings, but, to as little eilbct as at hrst. W e by this time, had disabled their fore- top-mast, and carried away their gib-boom. They • cut from us, and made all the sail possible towards the 1 cnmarks, which were hidden and dangerous ' rocks, lying under water, where they expected we should not follow them. In this conjecture they were right. Wc arrived the same day in the river Loire, and came to an aiichor at a towa called Pen- beef, thirty miles below the city of Nantz. The next day 1 went up to the city, and took lodgings at one madame M. IJarty's, a house of general resort ' for the Americans. To undertake a particular des- cription of the places through which 1 went, will be- less interesting then the accounts of travellers of more observation ; being too young, at that time, to make those remarks, which would serve 'to throw any hght unon your previous knowledge of those places, by the information of other authors. ' Soon after my arrival, 1 had an advantageous oft'er of going as Doctor's second mate in a ship bound to thsj jLast-Indies. 1 accepted of the oiler, and was preparing to go ; but the ship, which lay at Penrine, ten miles below Penbeef, had order suddenly to saU and s.) left me behind. * We received our dividend of the prize money, which was 4:2 guineas each. Being, possest with so much money, and some time on hand, I deter- mined to take a short excursion through tiie country in order to see what of France m^' finances would auijiit. 1 accoidin^ly 6ot out, wiLii two mor^Amer- ■'''=>^c&t:;j)UgaHiaHs::— ~ STEPHEN BURROUGHS. 43 Americans, for Angers, from thence to Brest, from there to /.'Orient, and then back to Nantz. I was absent on this ex- cursion about three weeks, if I remember rieht. As nothing more occurred than what happens to travellers generally, I shall nut take up your time in giving you the uninteresline detail. ® When I returned to our ship, I found some alterations had taken place lu my absence, which proved a source of the ut- most mortification to me afterwards. T'.ie prize brig had been bouuht by the Captain, and fated out for Lisbon ; on bo.rd of which went the first mate as commander, and one Kenne was engaged to succeed him in our ship. The third mate supposed this, by the right of succession, belonged to him, and accordingly, desired me to write to the Captain, who was at Nantz, in his behalf I did according to his de' sire, wlich was I induced to do by the drunken irregular con. ductolKtnnc, who had disgusted the whole crew, he havine proved a worthless wretch. This act of mine was the cause ol a mortal enmity towards me, which he was but too sue cessful in shewing. When the Captain came on board, I found his feelings were cooled towards me. However, no open breach as yet took place. We sailed for America some time in April, and being becalmed off the western isles, we went on shore at St. Michaels; when we came on shore, we saw a enat concourse of people about half a mile distant. Uur cu^o^illy led us to see what was the occasion of this as- semblage: when we came to the spot we found a Negro bound to a cannon, and a man standing by with a stake in Ins hand, sharpened at one end. The people were Portu- guese, and consequently, we could not understand their lan- guage, nor learn the occasion of what we saw, only from conjecture. The Nego appeared to be in sreat distress, with learlul apprehensions. The dreadful operation of empaling soon begun, which consisted in driving the slake through his body, fn,m one end to the other, till it came out a little above Ins shoulders The agonies, which he manifested by with- irms and hidmus yells, hud such an eifect on my mind, that I almost /amted. The wind breezing up, we soon returned on board, to my great satisfaction. I could not, for a number of aays, get the scene of this horrid action out of mv mind • and even now sir. mv hiM«/i >.^<,^.:i. ...... u i ..' .' loitt.v.^ I tin ' " ' "'•' '■.""' '-^""^ «"" liuiji/i ui ine recol- lection ! What strange infatuation ! That man who is pla- tea in this state of dependence, instead of granting that lUip 44 MEMOIRS or Which Ibe voice of nature calls for, should exert ]m nower o make a fellow creature more miserable, than /be le"ua the savai?e bt-.tstsof prey. " '* We sailc] from hence, and I soon bo-an fo perceive th.t Kenne was inlr -> i" oX,Mo icven^e lire afliont of bemir turned out of the cabin 1 f-n invTfri r V'^S. *^" '"y '>*^"^- All this did not wean »y afl, c ion from the Captain. I considered him a dune l^ the,Iow.ntrr,uea of .hose wretches who were unwo« «nY^''I""'''f ^' Newburyport, where I left the ship, and nut «P at a board.n. house. Here [ remained three da vs' about enlerinson board of a leniov y f"'>iww n. t;ic VVfSl-InUlfS. i had my things out of the ship, and had no iurthe/ ■■l^tv fTEPilEU BURROUGHS. 45 commumcalion with any one belon^in? to Iwv. I intended a unher mye.ugat.on of the treatment I had received While I was cont. rr.5,ialing these circumstance [ wararreMP^I n J e sireet, j.nd canied hefore the justice' if e ^ ce ar d heetound to my surprise the cabin boy, Kenn^ and «„ Irishman, who testified that one Bradlev wl nh« 1 h .^ away, and could not be found, t d L' In h, i ''iTl"'' W..U. ou. of the cabin ; that aherwardt^n,/^ oJ^^tTt id Wine, and lianded hm the hnffb.« . ^„ i ri » .'"'-"^'*^ <;P.oabaleofsi.k,andhi;^one7!::j.^;'^^^^^^ i;"H- Ihrouoh a revengeful disposition. Smnethin^ worJh .f,M rvn..' took place on their side, viz. Kenne and th; c^S boy were those, who made the discovery of the wire box be n..' broken ojku : of the bale of silk btin,^ b oke^ anj the* place m wh.ch the piece of silk was hid , It be n. whe e no .nan would have uustrusted, who did noi know beforthand II was oncealeii in a cask, once in mv n^r. i^ "^'"'tnanci , ;n«n Who informed the Ca^tai" t'harfhe wine^::"'.^ ott ol the cabin ; and as he was half drunk the srieater n«rt^r the tune, fn,m his first comin. on board iiv'^ared I Anl\ f n"^ n V ?^^" "''"*^ ^^'''«l became of the wL And as for Bradley's tellin- the story, which ihev relafM f Knew a was false, unless it vvasdone by a c Lrtel pL owevei I was committed to jail, where! /ay so.ne ime how l<'ng I do not remember, and was then turned out in « J:„ ner as unaccountable.* ^ '" ^ "^""- l}y this tiine all my money and clothes ^rere ?one I know SnHv'V ^ "^'^^^'- ««^- ^hem more. The alliance of mv JnendXipIey was not wantini? to embeinsh this ^c. ne wT.f. was ,n Newburyport at this time. My situation did' otLfllr m. the opportunity 0/ callino those to a le^^al nccourt th 1 ad conhned me contrary to law, and dismissed me in ucTi a clandestine nianner. I returned to my fatherV sunken 'nl discouraged ; the world appeared a -'loom ph.nl .k ^ arose to cast a sickly ,limrn\.- on ^unZ info'l •[. ! 'ti;" flowers of the held insu ted my feelin'-s wir h tL.v , ' . splendour; the frolicksome lam rth^pirvful iJtpf '''^m? ^ autic colt, were beheld with those ^Jil^Lf'mSsrllljJ ».ad givJna ,nucl. r.or. ^r!^n Hi:!;:;':]- 1::!!^.'^". "'■"♦^ 'hat BurVough. tt.au \w was capable olMointr h\mgclf-''anA'tl':!rF '" ^"" ''""' ^''■'"'fiP. »iace(l Kei.ce h^> tl.c rogue. ' "' ''^ ^^' r«-eUy well cun- 40 MEMOIRS or between my situation, an j "hat^of the ?es of .nl'r^':''"" und.r the pressure J.nie load ' ^^'""'"^ ^'^'^ P«'"' enla;" "cla'iS ^MMrKur^^ TP ^''}^' ''^'^ "-^^^-'^ little desirous of innuiHn.n,o;.r. ''^?'^ " '""f'^'^ ^"'"''^ cienl fur them to ha^ves",^! •'?:'"'"''""'?• '^^^«« «"«" derous report ; they fdt "a l w^hn ? '•'• '^ '? '"''" * ''«"■ trouble of inq. irini inn th7n "^ ?"\"" themselves the and the ci.cuVr^intle'dinrtT^m"'' ^'"" '""^ ^^'^^^^' CHAPTER Vr. l)e»cend bland Pity, from thy native bU Come w.th (hy moving plaiut^nd meSg eye. Wifhrufat't endin'^t 'a"n V IdnT '?l'"- ^^ ^""^^^ *>«"* -'^ ^^^ What rensori was canah e of '^^ ^"^"l^^-^' ' concluded, from WBimmim four monThs No dr^""'''. '''"''"='' »" E"«li'h ^ohool ij me out of emnLmlnt W. " " 'l'.' e"''<«>vors to throw plausible maXTof whi" h.' wa,'" "'l'"^' ' ='!"'^" '"»' c ^^"^ ^« authors of this depredation and n.;'*''; '"'"'"'^^ «^ •^*' governors to enter his coZ'afnt s'""^t""'^'' '"^""^ ^" ^''^^ l"e inattention of A~ « ," 1 ,^''''^'' ^^'^^^ "^«de, and bv i^^und, liJcew^e, in the di^^ov ^ hatTw^'^r'^K '' ^^' T;'s was a fine bone for ,ny IV end Ji v T "V^%r^'>'- "ot fail to fulfil the office of n2J ^.*" P'""^' ^^« ^''^^ a^'«inst iniquitv. He was d^.ter - T",' ^'J' ^•" '"?!»« face public exainple.' After Hun, inl '"'1 I *''""''^ ^e made a with the owner of the b.^^ r'""/"^ ^^ ^a^^^et.led necessity of not makin- anv .ViTT^ represented to hi.n the cute u. the law, and there I ave'it'n! "'''' '"^'' '"' P^"^- ready to back this renrrse.^^. '^ terminate. Coffin wua succeeded ; I was iS m ed i ^o" Z^ "" ^''^' '^^«'"^>'- ^Ley another ciiciirnstanHa no"'" ''" ^'''cu'nslances; and as !>pe.ated with ilus it neces^a^v r"u^''^'^^^ ^'^'^'' ''«'^ «- '" 'ny narrative, and b in. lb w^ L^nt""^'^ ^"^ ^"^'^' « ''"'»• «"ne. The ladj', of wloni mention r*""^ ^"^ ^'»^' ''^^'^'^"^ was supposed to be a Sw I tin in f ^^^'" '"^Je, and who courtship : matters between u hnH n ''^'1 "" ^^'^ ^^*''"^ "^ length. I went to vi. Uher one Iv'^ r'^^"'^ ^^ considerable and comin, to a nei>hboror X'^^'b'^^^ bad left O.furd, saw a man standing in the door .?i u'* '■°'^' ''''"^'^"t, I whom I never beforf saw and nn"' ^">'''' "^ ^^^'^''^^"•> received informal on tlmT'lurh^^ T""''""- ^^'" ''« was come home. Th^i^ n IjU' e w^s^Hlr? ^^'^r' ^"^ ''-* charged wifh f«nfi.M ,.._! *^. ^"^ "^^c heaven's artilJe. v " ■""■^^ ^""- '^«*^' ^^^^eis of nature ran back: STEPHEN BURROUCirs. ^ 49' \rard r The blood cunJIod in mv vein^ nml r r..ii „i. . less into a cl.air! I was armZTr' \ " "''"O^t sense- male shrieks f. Hoxvii^i Jm , Vr'" '"f- '^"^"'•' ^y '«• .nrs • • "" , ""^^, "^ ^'"^-'r larnentalion assailed my <'<»d of nature I what greater scenf* nr.w.t. * in s.ore , What ,hu,,„ a.„;;;:f rlt'^I^^uTv^T'' CHAPTER VII. coM r • '^'surtfiy, i /igj t,„,,p ^ reflection IVIm* am an onlcast, but who cares for ll,al ? If I JmV, ' ' arousp enifJ r r..- ,1, ^ ^'"j "y no means. Ihen your Dowpr 't '^^' "'^ '"'^^ "'-'^"S as you have i« Ihf oiuay, which wouW be atlcnded wiCh i.^'^J.2'1"' L'""-' '1 »yab„i.ics, thc«f„.e ,b,s obj«tl.;:rb;rd";:i?c: 'pI™' > ■^1 K, 50 MEMOIRS OF canlile line, could not pursue for want of a capital • and even a school, at this ti«,e of the year was hardlyt be ob- IJusinessof some kind \ must enter in tn nn.l »Ko. ;,„ diately, i„ order to answer the pre^'nt c"l^\rflture A^nd" what can that be ? said I ; haVe not I enurLra.ed all the call.n^s, wh,ch aro profUable for ,ne to attenTfo ? 1 niiht possibly wnie in an office, or tend in a store, on wai' had ne7 ^--" /«—"-""''"^' ^^^^» ^^^^ -n<» ^ea velvet bieeches. This, said I ,s a curious dress for me to offer my- riiff^'rertlfir'^^^ ""' ' ^"^ 'y - "-- ^'^^ ^« obtafn These objections, truly, are weighty ; many difficulties as his IS the only kind you can attend to, said I to myself under present circumstances, you can but be des itutf of re-' at7[tisJ;:"r?'*''^'"L'^'^' """^ ^« »«' succeed Ala.; rate It i. best to see what can be done: therefore, in order 'ibU^\unr\ ^ necessary to prevent, as much as pos- ^ib e, y<.ur being known, where you offer y(urself to preaSi- and in order to prevent thai you must change yoirname' Tins hem- done, you must «o some distance where vouaS not personally known; and the pn;bab 1"^^ m y^^^^ continue in such business, till some opporlun tJ mav offer fo^ your entering into other employment. As fv^'de^^^^^^^^^ he be .r?r •;"^^^ ^^ P^^^?V ^"'^ therefore/you mtrmik" pln::M!^: r::!«";. ' '^\ -f t^ink it Jm be «« insur . ,.i^^^ ^ . J, ..^.y jyjj jj^ ^^^^ attempt, mind not u be discouraged, but repeal the trial, until you succeed. STEPHEN BURROUGHS. 9i 10 ft,How the foregoing plan, accord ng to the besTTf mv abilities. I exchanged my horse for anothe much lr7 and received three dollars for the difference This fnri^S ine with money forn.y immediate expenses'in t,-.ve?i "1 1 pursued my course down ConnecticJtriver about one hun dred and iifty miles, judging that by this time I was f.^ enough from home to r, main'unknown. T c ncVuded to te g.n my operations. Hearing of a place caUed Lidl w ^l far distant where they were destitute of a cler^vrnanTbeM ine next day, if I proved successful. I arrived about noon and put up at the house of one Fuller, whom tZd lo be to ht'? '"'? '" ''•'"" '*^''"'""^'' '''''^''-y- I introduced mj" elf L sahJ^r •'■,1?'r"'^"V'" grivemean invitation tosimi it.de thr,\:ir^ '''''r"'^'''''.'^'^' ^^^ win readHy co". c uue that I did not refuse this invitation. The "reatest oh s acle was now surmounted, as I conceived, viewi7" myself tonZVT'^'''i '"^" '^' ^ministerial function. I rai ed luffi?;! . r "'"'' '=^:'"' ^"^ »^^^'- f ^^^ composed my mind sufficiently for reJlection, I be^an to consider uu.h^^r what Uuat.on my affairs nowslo.>d, and what wa to be done un morrow' iThT^'""^:^- ' '^^'^ '^"^^^^^'' '^^ P-«<^'' «" the would be deliteVedT^ 'k^ ■^''" ,""''^'^'^ ''^•■'' « •^^""•^» wuuiu ne delivered. This business I never had atlrmntoii Z 17- ^rT'"?"""" °f •"^i"-? observed by a vto as" em! beat wHh anxious palpiiaiion for the issue of the i^y.\co!,. r rif>,V S8 MEMOIBS OS* •Klercd tins as the most important scene of my life-thai in . g eat measure, my f,„„re happiaess or wretXiaess denen,! cd on my conduct ihroush this day. The lime fi,? »\jS!S" * "ap ir4' ir^ "*'""" ■"^' -"^ '-"' -"" ^-»t be.n, the only insignia of a clergyman rbaut"^°"°Whe„? I fou.ui my voice at c...nmand -my anxierwas hn.S^ inomeni ,r.y ptrturbalion subsided and felt nN ^h! ^ '" "" of a calm sumn^er's morning/ I we "l .hmlht, '"'"'^^ ofthelbrenooa vvitl.out any diSi T^ t''e exercises seated on tfe throne, hadrore'SbL' ^1^^;^^^ than what I experienced at this time P'ospertiy, During the in,termission, I heard the whisper in swifr Plrn« which were sulifactory? A cons 'Linn* ^flT '"'^"'■' 8ome leadin, members'ofthe sociit relative o'lrin/""';^ continue among them as a nreachir T. T ? "^ '"*" **» Mr Fuller thaf I shoul^b: ^^^ '^eo ^ ue ^^Til^ in that capacity, should such a matter meet wiUi Jh^.V «^ probation 1 attended on the afiernnoon V.LTi ies w rhoSj ^ny singular occur.>.nce. The meeting bdnrSs^iand the people retired, I was informed by my land!, rd S'lh^v did not airree to hire me any Jon<'er : ac^-oidinJ v / - ^ business here at an end. ^ ' accoiuingly, i ,ound my bIS! '!l-i^''^ by Mr. Fulfer, to make application m Mr U^.u«.u, uiuusicr 01 r«imer, about twenty miles distant frp^' STEPHEN BUHROUGIIS. a» Ladlow, for infuimation where were vacancies, and for in troducuon into those vacancies. I acco/dingi set oui f"; Palu^eron Monday morning, and ar.ived at^^r hXin^g hhn" c^""7 "°''' '" ^'"^ "''^^^'""«"- i inrroduced m ^eJf tJ hnnas a clergyman wanting employment. I saw he noticed my dress, but asked no questions. He examined into mv education, knowledge of divinity, tenets, &c. and findine Jl agree, ,, ,;^ ^.^^^ of orthodoxy, l.c^oLluded to ecom Irom Palmer. 1 he next morning I set off for Pt Iham wi. a t.ter to one Deacon Gray. 1 arnved, and d imJd my >f Mr K l7'' ''"''^; '" ^^^^^^^^J^^^^^'-^ «f the recommendaltW ot Mr. Baldwin Without any hesitation, for four •.abbaths- five dollars a sabbath; boaidin.^, horsekeepin.', 1^ &c i DOW lound n.yself, in some nu-asure, setti d 'in iutinc^s The wantoi an immediate relief to my temporary incrnveni^ e.ces was now supplied. I found the iamili- in"o whid^ S fallen, i<, be an ajjreeable, sociable ci.cJe 'n.i.l I \lo ? tuaiaciti, but Jikewjse on account of the pnsf- vuhh «,k: i t «m.ed wuh them, in ail their Jittie social er^il'inTnts"'' ' CHAPTER VIII. " Comimulon of Ihe wretcl.cd come. Fair fioi-e ! and dwell will, me awhile. 1 l.y I.eav'niy presence gilds the gloom, U l.ilc liappier scenes introspect smile** Before I proceed to the relation of succeeding events it will DC necessary to give a description of the people inhabi ingh.s town as much will depend on know Lg the r el.t^ The town ofPelham was settled with neonlf^ ohi^tt. iv he no,th ,f Irelantl. They were of citric Pe'ste" rans They valued themselves much on bein? arouainVpH with the nice distinctions between orlhodov n.fwT ** principle, and practice. They iikew s wt ' d o beXS! shrewd in their nhs..rvn.;r.nc ,:„ ..;..:„.,._ . " '" »)e thought people generally possessing violent passions, whlch^'oncl 54 MEMOIRS Oy disturbed, raged, uncontrolled by the dictates of reason i ii«. median, between those two extreLXC .ailed m?„^ ister thoy hud among them was one Ab™^^^^^^^^ Scot and, a man of handsome abilities, but vi d n ' ."^s^r resolute and perseverin?. Not many veirs nffp/il * settled among them, a difficulty torplaclTe'we^n him Tn'd the people which was carried to co'isiderable len^f-^ an3 neon? \l '"' ^^^nissiou. After Mr. Abercrombie' eft ^8 people, they made application to one Grayham, who at length very handsome speaker, and otherwise pos.esed with popuJar delU'r \^''''^''' ^^'' Grayham' was a man o?'^.ery delicate feelings of superior refinement, and inheri infa ofZ\:!^r ''"' "'"' "^'""''^^ ^"^ ^"™^« After preaching a number of years to this people he fnnnH an uneasiness prevailing among them, t e7hi f ause "f which was, his practising upon a system of man nesmo^ re ,?no M "^^ ''^"" "^'^t^^'e; of his wi.h to live with them pon the most intimate terms of equality ; of hs ever having 11 m view to pursue such measures as would in their oner^ ation, conduce to their good and prosperity and in th« s':ier valu'^b.e"'"-^''^' his example's an'd1>eJc'ept,:to i dll' swer a valuable purpose. II.s expostulations, remonstrance.! increased and the clamor grew louder. The mind of Mr Grayham was too delicately strung to bear thoTe strokes «f at'i :rhrf;ir;L'"r""^' r^' "p- ^- co":tituuo " The gfaSe '^'' '" '^' '"'""''' ""^ ^«"Sht hi. rest in a rotirabr/S''"Tr''"'^.^'^^'^"*^ °^ « "'•"'^t^r for hnf n., fi r ^^' . ^^^y ^"^'^ a number of candidates yet set ifj A? ^"^r '•' .:r'"S '''' '^^^^ «?^--' no oTe w?^ }et settled. At length a Mr. Merrill came amon^' them H« was a man possessing the gift of utterance Tnd^ flow oV ^l pression perhaos eonal m anv w„ ". °' "^ m\ -K» THf™-*" " -W^^i^^f"' r STEPHEN BUBROUGHS. M - headstrong and impetuous. The plausible part of his char, •cler was so capt.valin-, that the town agreed to settle him. He accordingly was installed. H,s imprudences soon made their appearance. Complaint was made, but they found one now who paid but little attention to their complaining. Both parties began to give way to passion. Their contention in- created, and a A^riie was kindled which set the whole town n an uproar. Mr. Merrill refused to start from that founda- tion to which his le^al contract entitled him ; therefore the other party determined to use extraordinary and violent Dieasuixs This attack Mr. Merrill durst not meet ; therefore, he suddenly left the town. Matters were in this situation when 1 came to Pelham. From ihe infoimation of Mr. IJaldwin and from the communications of my landlord and lami y, I soon gained a pretiy ihorouch knowledge of the people whom I was amongst; and I endeavored to adapt my conduct to I heir genius as far as I was capable. ] found my- self soon oble to dress in a habit fitting to my calling. I soon found ikewise, that my endeavors to suit the people had not altogether failed. At the expiration of the four Sabbaths, they engaged me to preach sixteen more. I began to form an acquaintance in the neighboring towns, and with the neighboring ministers. This happened to be a time of great mortality among wo- men m child-bed; consequently I was called to preach many funeral sermons m this and the neighboring towns, man- of which were destitute of a clergyman of their own. I always attended this business when I had a call. This circumstance began to raise a wonder in the minds of sc me how I could be prepared for preaching so constantly, and on so short notice being as yet only nineteen years of age. I had, in reality ten sermons with me, wiitten bv my father At a certi.in time, being suddenly called to preach a fune- ral sermon, I had none of my own written, proper for the occasion. look one of my father's and ddiv^red it to a crowded audience. As this sermon was delivered in a private house. It was in the power of any to lo(dc into my notes One, who had wondered at n,y always being prepared to preach, took this opportunity of looking over my no es and thought they ;.ppeared too old to be laielv written. ThYs c r cumsiance was mentiorwd to a number, who beean lo ^ro^ mv'nSn'^"!ir'"VtT'''- ''*'""'"" "' '">' P'-»'«ching sermons^not iny own. Mr. Baldwin coming to l>elham about this time. 5^ MEMOIRS or i h t'leymenlioned the matter tnK- .» . " •^"quiry into .he busTnesrand !n"l' '^''''^' '"'"''' "'^''e some •»ntJ-wr,t|n? of ,ny Cnlber was s L' ' /^'^'^ ^"'"'"^^'ble the '^le first view tnuH ch-.riV ^'^^f^^'Cf^lfron, my own ihn* 8'mple ma.ier of fact! "" "^S^nuoasly, a„d .ejFhi™ ,),e 7men by »n„.,„./p,!^ „"2;, '"-"-'"er will, ,«»„« ° h ^ discourse had ia,Juc'd „! ,n ,i ',*^"'°'^"""^ '" prcnarel' P;each. Mr. Bal,i.w„TaUe :, ^ '''"^ """^^ '""" 'eC.o '" >"y siluolion ; „!• ,1,^ „el«r ;'"'*"«"""» with le-arj "once ; and of i|,e imm,Z^.? :■ "'^ " «'<•'>' •'"Sn-c of nr,, general ,t,i„„. lie r«urS'>„% »,''»? other sermon^'.";"; S^rr, "" '"r ''"^'"^- - MTwdw- '"7 ->»Picion! Peciea, those who were unp«^v ^*^'' ,"'*'« wui which was ex "Ihers, until there b.'came ' t ^' '"''"'^ ^'^^'>^^"«picion,rarnon; VIZ. to send one or thei nmnh f ''^' '"'^^^ '" ^^is method previous to mv ^'oin-M-n o h ' '""'"' '^" *^""<'^y r^ornin / o preach from a p.^s ee of crin^'"'^-'?"^^^^ und'desire mj ;"e. I was informed o? a Mho ^ •'■^' ^'"'^'' ''^ ^^^ould -iv^ , he time of trial. The r r '. ' ^"^""^^^'-'nces previous lo ^'"« 'mture, vi^. that f w.^: m"^ "^T ^'"'^ ^^"^'^'Ct was oi preach on any occasion r V ?"" "'^^ ^^l)orlest noticein "" Sunday froV, sue ' 1^ ?^ '^V^^'/' '''--'-ise to pr^^Jh ;s2'-:;d^£ Clark, Who desired 7;eTi*2;f. T^^'^ ^'^ ^^ ^''« ^ev. Mr course from the first clause oti'; 5'/,"' '•^' '^ ''^'^'"^^ ^ ^- e. of Joshua; ,hc words were ! ^'''"'' "^ '^^ '^'^ «^«P- tbe.r teet." I informed him J w n f''""'' ''^'"^ clouted on ''j^t text, and accord ng He ^"'^ ^^J^'' « ^'i^course fro" Wanked, m ih,. .,.,,.... "^ V^ ^^'^ 'ne. i truly fv.h o^...„..... "" Pa^sa.'e I had to discourse u^ STEPHEN BUllROUGHS. il, before ihe matter opened to my nut ", '^""^''' '""^ °» to eive me much .ali^ctiun A« , ' •"'''' ^ "•'''""^'' «« ly endure .herep;,it .n 0/ 1"^ ^'''^^'?"^ ^^'"''l ^^^d. you with it . ve sir ?„ I f "^ '*^""""' ' ^'" ""I trouble outlines 0^.^.^^ J et'iJw^^'^rr" ^"'"^ ^^^^ ia. Pa.a., and ^cHve^^ ^^.;^Srd- rrJZS^ CIIAPTEK IX. " f'"'' '»'■'•)' I'lensure dances in our eves. And .,,,reud« false image, i„ fair dLgu se. i ..... cur soul, ; till ju.st uitl.],, „ ^"'^rms V 1 ""• '? '''*^^'' "'"' «" "'« painted charm, J, e <,,„ck away, from the ,!ursui„g ig i "i tl.ey arc lo.t in sl.ade, aad mi„t'leSi. the night." Iff handling this disennrco iUr. >• 'lescripiionoftheGibeS^^^^^ ^""^^^''t'^d of a tised t^pon the Jevvr. 111.11' *^^ t^uplicty which they prac oeit, &c Aftcrl had tnP .'!'■' '"u^ ^^"^'■•'^' tendency of de- "ivided my dlscouVse^'irt^h ^"4 e'l'VeaV"'"'"^^ Mder ,n the first place of shoes %^Mvr m ^f ' '"^- '« ^on- of clouted .hoes In treating of ^ I K^'^f '''"'''' ^"^ ''^d'>' viz. shoes, 1 considered r^^" • ^'^'^ ^''^ ^^"^'"al ^'^«^ «s.shewing'ourrcSf"cond rinlif^ T'''"'^,?' ""^*^' ^Mourners in this world b-.tVorVc "^ "'''' ''*"' ^'^id I, er country to wh cH^' ^'a I /" T^^ ''"''"'''"" ^« «"^'''^- i>e shod, in orderto en»h ' ^ '"""' ''''''''' '^ ^e must all We find the "00 man" pt^en'e'd'irh^ '" ^'^^^ ^^'''-^* "- ^vilh the preparation ofTh.ff ? ^'''''"" ^"'^ ^^et shod «re in a sfate of mcuion nofeT^^ "• ^^ '"'•" ^" "^^"^^^"^ «f probation; all^ 2Vin" f ' 1" '"".^''^'^"" »'»« stace jenine to the r L' I em ' Lroni' .r'^ ^'^'^''^J' «"^ has- ''I'^'wise the mental kftU.TLll -^^ "^^"'■«' '''^'^^^ but arul rubbish wS wourfd us Zt ^""■' '"^^ ^^^'-^^^ ^^^^^^ ^»»od to euard us from those in .f^ '^'C' ^^^" ^^^ ^'•e "ot ctive from thns,!;,. . ^kI!."''..'"''":!^^ we shouhl otherwise re. Jhc case, have immediainec^rs^'j^":;::^^"'^'"^ ^'"^ ^'^ ^' feet, as they imagine will nrn./ . . ''"^^i' c<'venn-s for their Which they are el^osed, &? ' "^'"^ ^'''"' ^^^ '"j""^'« ^ il i''--i^iwm^~ I •: ** MUMoiRs or In treating the second hood, vi». of old shor*. I «n-i. , cd to shew, that thoy . .,,.cse,a'ed tho../ 1' w u had b^rhew* n« waiti. We lind, said I, from the earliest aPM nf it.. WorJd, rnanknid pracMcinff upon thai .'/u'm They h«j! continued ever since to trrad in the -ten; . r iV. ./ ''*y,"»^ *ors, and to wear the .arne old h >^s The o d T '""'''''• sent old sins which n.anldod 1 avt made n ^ T '"^T, tim..., down to the present day. And wo uM . r i "'" ."'*^ been worn un.i. mal.kind ^^1^.^'^^^':^^:!',^'^^::^ nt ol jealousy and dis^cord, j.erhaps, may be aci, ntiil 1' as any shoes now worn. lU In aAer the cr S' d. t find this same destructive principle rayine in the I le i^.T Jy, wh.ch then composed Uie whcde hu.nan ace M^r W was the conse,j,ence; revenge and Imtre^wee p^rpj tua tj oi-tion or this pri.. uwr:;::l%hrtm:^sr^^ All civil and religious b<,die. ^c'^sti^; i/;t':U;Th" halelul monster is allowed an entrance M r. T « 1 . "'* pie, parents and children, husband" and XsZ? ""'* ^^ to the inHuence of ^^ Lunv^ t^t^^^^ Which makes the meat i fteds on ' Th, r '^'^ /"""''^•'' people who cherish the ^e:': :;'j..;^^riz^:vt;^ her counsels, &c. &,c. &c. P»"ciice alter In consideriiii,Mhe lust ffeneral bend v,, «r„i^ . j . I observed, that those, wL woa- S , \1 ^ ^, /'^^^ liced upon a system of jealousy, were sensible of ?t ^r and hateful nature, and ofconUnuenl ?!' of its odious by Go.;, man, or the devil Ty try ^v^W a^^^^^^ ^^ «^«» by themselves, therefore thev hl.i rl ^' ^^^'^ ''«*.■" clouting themselves verwithftlso Z.n--^ »« P'^''^'"^ ^''^ hide their shame and dl^mce 'xhis Wce'I?L^''''"''^/ '"^ ed by all wise men, as the most destJu^v ^'h^uran'Sr and the least excusable, and most unreasonable ranvn.^ sion incident to the human henrr Ft ;« "'*"'«^> <" any pas- tases .he haman clmracte; fo Us lowe .^b'T:' """'='' *; -....1 ^^ \iT, , . " "* '"*vesi eOD. as Snv« n %\ntr^A «uw.ur, - vynere 1 See a jealous people, I expect iik'ewis'p";)^ see every thing base and sordid aiijong them/' '^^ewise, to STEPHEN BURROUGHS. 69 Look nrounj my hearers, and jud^e for yourselves; when- eTcr you have fell this first born son of hell triurnphiTr"n your bosom, how 5oon has joy and comfort fled from your hearts r How soon has this doleful monster turned aJl the sweets of life into wormwood and gall ? I concluded this discourse by an application of the subject, •fter the following manner. My hearers, whereshall [ appi? this doctrine 7 Is it calculated for a peopleonly at some «r?at distance 7 Can we not bring it home, even to our own doors? ^earch and see. 1 ry yourselves by the sanctuary, and if there your garments are not washed in innocence, yon will find Mene mene, tekel upharsin," written on your wnll«. Wil you suiler this hateful monster to rage among vou 7 Will vou wear these old filthy clouted shoes any lonsjer 7 Will you not rather put on that " charily which enduretl. all thin-^s which l">|nlh all things? Will you not rather be ''shod tvith iSe preparation of the gospel of pence ?' ..^^^'"i ^l"l '^"u"'! '''^'' •'^'''V'^'-^'l* I fc"nJ the people, thoueh smnewhat disturbed at my esteeming them jealous, atisfied remaS'n^ '". '"^ ?^"'7 '"n";""'^*"^, and they afterwards remained qu.et on that head. I found it necessary to purchase irie a horse, saddle, and bridle, ns well as to clolhe mvself anew e„„ ,j, with such appnVel as became a cle^^^^^^^^ to ar.M. er these purposes, after I had disposed ol my old horse saddle and bridle to the best advanta"e. ' No person of my ficquainiance knew where I was at this Ume except Joseph Huntington, whom I had left at Dartmomh College; with h.m I continued a correspondence by letter • he engaged to make me a Wsil in September, as he hou J Kne?'',^'' '" """''"'''^ and could 'take Pelham in 1.1. journey. I once saw a person whom I had formerly been aaiua.nted with at Coventry, by the name of Avery ; but he did not appear to recognise me, being under a diflerenl name and m a d,flerent dress. The first of my seeing hTrnwa^S Xl7a^l^'r'\l T'f '' ^""^-'^"^ '« fall in wirhim he had not: "^ ^"^ recollection of me, and found iZltZ'lh':^.''^'' I was acquainted at Dartmouth College. «n,7«/'i'7"'. ^'"^'' «»cntion to me, whilst I was nreachin? hI 1 v"' nrV"'"\""'"^^'' of circumstances he knew ml' tte liver, in Greenwich, a town adjoining, and had connexioni t> 6U MF.MOIRS OF in Pelh.im. I ihereH.re concluded ii to be a m.-itler of contn quence to throw myself in his way, and come I . an exnlana' non w^lh h:m. Accordingly, aftrr mertine, I mad" itZ,^' ^ient for h.m to speak to me, which he rea lily did andh; Wf m? informed into the motives of my coud. ct, ror'ni^ed not the7eo7e/''^'" '''''' '^'^-'^ --^^' ^ unea^iV^^s'^mo^ At another time, comin-from a town called Colrain havinir one Chu.ch, with whom I wasacqoainted at Colh-e ; he now Xre Trnf ""f • ^ ^^r'^'y ^^^'^' '""^ '"y ^^'toation „n wnere I wa> preachm-. At the relation of this, his ni, / hr came lengthened, he assumed all the importance a ached ,o h.s function, and addressed me in a lengthy haran., s ,,w rpftT '''''''.! '''"^ ''^' ^^'"^ K"'^ht Of the Cross, I be-an to reflec up.m the nature of my own conduct, and „,,on ma^n consideration, h amed myself much for ^ivi^ hirn'thatTnfor nation which , nad with rrsard to my own inat ^ I Tl i/ „ cannoi lecall it. I c.mnot receive any possible "ood fr.m. mnmunicramg this matter, and many p/Jible evils may be" lall me in consequence of it. ^ I will leave matters in this situation, and ?o back some way n my narrative, in order to fetch forward J number of mat witht'^nilfwhrt""' •' ^'"^^."^' ^ ^'^^^'J «" acquaintance vou vviH ijJf '\T'' i;'^"''''" "«'"^J^^^^' for reasons which nnLJ 1 ?• r^ "^.^5^ '''^ ^^^^'' relation. The man wa. Ilis mall't?"'r '''• ^'^^^'^^h^ -stoftheinhabLnts. iiis manners and sentiments were equally refined • his wifp parr^^n'ifer n"""''^ aecomplishlnt^ ^th mad^: a paragon of excellence among the rude inhabitants of this town. the e"n' m;:?^ 7? ^''^^ °" ''''' ^^^'-' ^^ »° do hono to IcIlon^'^S thei^^r ! ^'!f [??^:^;:---M«^' p^ «.ost lovely children: Witii Uii^U^n;^^^!^":;:;;:?^^ il^^^ I ! Ii 'i. ■•'T'^-^y^^f^'T'^^^^i^^^'^ STEPHEN BURROUGHS. el «nce, winch was not only intimate, but ardently affectionate lived w.lh then, on such icr.ns of nearness and confidence' us never expect to do With a,.y other. All their p.opt .^^^^^^^^ leehn^ and sen.unents were in union with my oin so haJ n.. H duscuixJant sound was heard amongst u/. T^fine 1 do nut know the act ol-iriendship too ruma^ntic or d. m at'e for me to have perlormed, for tins amiable /au.ily had occas^". without dis.u.sin, a.;':ircum:L:^''^¥Sar; d mi'r; measures w fu,. vim was then at work in New-Salem, with the noted GaS Wheeler, a moneymaker, known th.'ough airNewln. L, / had the art of t.ansnmiing metals, so as to make coter h to good Silver winch would stand the lest of every S'a" upon ,t. 1 h,s knowledge Philips had a-Meed to common icaie to my fr.end, who, for distinctions sakel will ca Usandel baid [, il this can be done, at no consirlHmK . ■i-i''an< er. matter of the uim<,st consequence but h' ^'XP^'SMt is a f]....- iiM 1 • ^"''^rr^uLllte , out Ills Worlvlflt' TvilK Mazier VV heeler is an exceptionable circumstance a-ainstZ in my t,p.nion ; however he may have hi. own reaL^sl; ^ n 'the b\"i .e" "'Tli'?'/" ''''''''" ''' '^'^"'-^ ^-^''^ '« matter out of all Libt, I ai:i:j^i:^;;e„!rL;tider:!,:^ s.i to this wonderful transmuter of metals, and he. e ex^minP mexpenments, until we had reduced the matr to I m! laintj. Ihe visit was to be made in the niai,. . any suspicion arising f.om the ci. cum tanc?rh '''"'?' ■uoney-maker Wheeler's. VVracSnlh nn^ T" ^' '^^ on our destination, it bein^ a'outofab.M """i"'''' V""! arrived there aboit ten (>dock vJe m.d ' "\''^ Wn to Philips, Who w:^l^l.,:^Si;^—J^-- ^^l^!":}^^, ^'''^ P''^'^^ ^^^i^hed one half ounn^ nf.nn^er a paper, containing somethi^:^X:j1-^l--i,iXL- I !i m i i n 1 '(( I ! ! ! ; !l! •• MEMOIRS or the mailer in Ihe crucible become lurbid, and becnn to foam •nd bo, with greal violence, for about len minule., and iheii settled down inlo a clear beautiful metal, which when poured uJ!aTS Tu' ^•"''* '"'^^''' w«'"^'hin- one half an ounce. It stand the triRl by aquaf..rtis, and several wavs, so that I had no doubt of its beinij jjood silver. My only doubt remained as to the contents of the paper, which wa. put into the cruci- Die. 1 his contamed a certain powder, as Philips said, which served to destroy the verdiofrease, wh.ch the copper absorbed, and the remainder was pure silver. I wished to see the powder-with seeminp reluctance, he Shewed ,t me. I saw it was in reality a powder, I wished him to try the experiment again, and to put the powder in onen so as to have it seen after it was in the crucible. He pretended It would not do quite so well Ihis way, but to fjratify ourcu- nos.ty consented. The experiment in all its circumstances, was repeated, except his laying a la.ge flat coal over the nouth of the crucible, immediately after the copper was pnl in. The effect was the same-one half an ounce of giod silver was poured out of the crucible IPt'»TJ\t''''^1 ';;'" '° ^"''"''^ "^^' ^'^»' ^he materials, and nlr fhf fi ^^"u ^''' °P"''^" '"y^^'''' ^'^ho"t ^'^^ coming near the fire. He consented. I weighed the copper, put it in, and proceeded accoidir g to his method, which I had seen enTni^hlf"'?' "k ^'^^.Pr'^^'- P'-"*J"ced the boiling foam in the crucible when he cried out to me to stir it. I did not recollect seeing him stir it; however, I put an iron rod, about the big- ness of a large nail-rod and about eighteen inches lone, inFo the crucible and stirred the contents. There was nothing but this iron rod, wouM answer to stir the metal with. When we emptied the crucible we found half an ounce of good silver. 2,Tihrr 'h^'lf ^ '"'f indulgence for another experiment and tha he should not be m the room when it was performed ^.ihT L consented. Lysander, and myself proceeded to gether in the experiment, secundem artem. V/hen we came to stir the metal, we could find nothing calculated for that purpose except a short piece ofa walking stick ; we therefore made use ot that ; but saw afterwards, we had burnt off about four inches ot that end we had put into the crucible. We poured out the usual quantity of good silver. 1 was now iTu . T" ''" ^r;^.^- ^^ '"^^"'"'^ to Pe»'«'n with no small satisfaction. I felt all ihp nr.nfi,}^„«« :. Which V possible to feel on any subject. I saw .1, - 1 -• in my im< H' f"pf?i^^^^ STEPHEN BURROUGIIR. 63 iigioalion, my forlune certainly made. Not a doubt remained in my mind of becoming ihe richest man on the conlinent of America. Bui how Ih cling our joys ! Jiow vain our expecta- tions I Can you suppose Ihis an illu^on / It was truly so. All the plausible exp» rimenls which were performed by Philips and ouiselves, were a series of the most consummate dupli. city, ever perf«>imed. We did not make this discovery till some time afterwards; bull will go forward with the incidents already related. When the lirst copper was put into the crucible, he put hail an ounce of silver in likewise, which was wrapped in the j>aper, wiih some powder which consumed the copper and left the silver. The next «»peration was after this manner. Be- MiC, prevented from conveying the silver into the crucible, by my request of seeing the powder put in, he therefore secretly put his silver on ihe forge, and laid a large flat coal over it. At the proper time he took up the silver and coal together wjih his longs and laying them over the top of the crucible the silver unperceived fell in. The next deception was per- Jormed thus : at the time in which I was ordered to stir the iiielal in the crucible, an iron rod was the only thing to be found for such a purpose; on ihe lower end of this rod was fixed the silver, blackened like iron, which being put into the ciucible, melted oft". The last experiment for supplying U8 with silver, was performed by making the end of the piece of walking-staff hollow, and placing the silver in the end of it which being burnt ofl'hfi the silver in the crucible. Thus this mighly fabric of wealth was blown away in an instant like the baseless fabric of a vision. This adroit deceiver ob-' tamed pn.perly of a number, to the amount of two thousand dollars, and suddenly was missed. As he will be found on the stage a number of i-'mes, in the course of this narrative, it will be necessary to give a mo-e particular description of this singular man. He was about live feet eight inches high, dark complexion, thick set, down look, plausible in conversation, very ingenious in executing mechanical undertakings, and what was more surpri^in«' he his but one arm. He had the entire command of his feelin<'« 80 thai his countenance or actions never belraved his inwa'rd sensations, persevering in any undertaking, perfidious, subtle, c I,/ aii iccii.igs oi naeiiiy, eiiher towards am iipciirnic! *) J the public, as a member of th duals, to whom he had more community or towards indivi- immediately pledged his faith : ■;iji UEMoifts or 64 ^ llie CO nin? art but urha» i. .* '■^^'^^ ^^a* no Pa»t of wUh one !r:V;^ZTu Z^i:..Z''" "'■• "»"'=''"'* Ih« «n,„„„,', as .o answer «'^„ulr''''f"" """'"^i"''" •« therefore ciincludM/n-h. . Pii^Pose of niasnitude. We coal, provS t:* eee.r;?„r''r';.'''°'' ""^ ""'' '"PP^^ Ihe isle of Sable wher^J^!, 7 i . ° ''usmcss, and reiire lo M- A wrilin? was m„7„ ?'''■ '""?"' •»"■ P'"" "nimerup. reg»ia.i„„ i« pLru.rrsa'lSVuf;!'"' ^" '"""^^' •■- "" !l I til!-'"! CHAPTER X. Tilt V I "**°"' .*''«» tf-e lingerinff niVhl atl^ira^fAn^Tol^cV^t^- - — . dizernent lo hirn, without reserve ulJ''^^?^' f «"?'•«"" prospects, and in the overflowing T' P'^'^'*^'^ ^^'^^ ""f •gre.d to'alJour hirn as the hXff f ""'" ^"^"^^^^'P' ^^*^ communicate, to set his IIIa , ^**^*"' P"^^S'ble for us to come a partner in oufbuness ^^.h ^'''''"^"'' «"^ ^« ^-- ton's remainim? with me at P.) h" ^t '""'"'^ of Hunting- guarded mistaL, whi"h red«reJ '"\.f! '"^^'^ r^''^^ ""^ situation. He ca led me by mv nmn """^•"^ ^I'sagreeabJe times, before the family where/ Jirr^w"""' " ""'"^^'^ ^^ by saying that Burrou^rwis L n t ^^ ^'''"''^^ '^''"'^^'^ was given in consequence of mvUl' ""'"' "' ^""^"^> «««' that name. One Sundav m« -^ '*'"" '" '""^h like one of 'neeting, I waTleaninl b'adc " m^J !f ^^^IJ'^ ^^^^^ ^«'"^ to against the door case" H. n '»/ '■ '^"^ ^""'""^^ '■^^'t^"« whiah I was Lttn^' n„t h ' f ''^ '^^''"- the situation in pushed it off the case%nd dowf r r^^"'"'' .'^' *^^^''-' ^"'J imprudent action done on ^? ? Mf'' ^" t^e floor. This niate friend, had a very d" air K^ ^^ "'^ '^""^^ «"J '"li' , lau « very aisagreeabie annfnrnnA,. ^...i j- STEPHEN BUWlofQflS. ^ nature of his folly, Cr7it w iT 1. '' »"J^' ^eein^ the following, Huntin/u,„ was trK^ied'on'; r^' ^""^^^^ HKie with him about twelve mile, an t *" Coventry. £ C-nod, but previous ^ ,07^(^0 in 7J' *"? ?'" '•*^" which .ave a new face to the^Jene'^t'wnes '' P'"'"' ortrh:r:f„:t-,^/;ivrh!^ call, alled^in^ that Mr Chal ' ''"'"' '^"'^ ^^^^'''^^ "« «" Chapin was a man we tnnf ' ^'^ '"^ '""^"^"^^ "^^ Mr matter, aliedcin., .J,t i 1! • T** *° *"'"• ' excused the do rnyself theSleasire .^' '„" ^^^^'/.^^ «"d therefore could no! Forward was nressinf *> r ^^^^'^P^'"^^. ^^s invitation. Mr. while this dirj::;":!>:/l,;%«^^^^^^^^ ^o in ..anJ house, and addressed me bv ^l' "'" .^*'"^ ""^ "<' l»>e -deavoredtocontmihlo'fh nist'k: 5^ f """^'" ' <'red, and iirtS's i^y'l^L «7 !,""" "'' ^'"R-Sementex: inis ounuay, 1 had already received my pay ; but ^^i^ W..«.CJt,B, a 'I", rn'f^^^p' ME3101KS or nnder exisiing circumstances, it was doubtful in roj m whether they would insk^l oh my fulftllin^ my engaafemerttJ At ati events, I was delennined to leave lliein very suddenly, 1 accordingly came to my landlord's that eveni-nj?, put ray horse in the barn, and after the famjly were ali relireti to rest, I put my things in order, took my horse, and silently lel'i the house. In this situalion, I soujjht Lysamier, relateJ the circumstances which I was under, and eonelwled to lie. by with him, till 1 should see what ti»e event oC those livings w.Hiid |>e. The next morninsr, Mr. Davis was not to bs found. My landlord was almost IVamie with surpiise and grief. The, town was alarmed, and suddervly was aU ia a liatiie. About il o'clock, P. M. a man earoe from Belcberlown, with inforr matit.n respecting the character who had been exhibited; among Utiem as a preacher. This Wew the flame into a tenfold rage. No pen can describe the ui)roar there was in the town of Pelham. They mounted hue and cries after me in every direction, with orders to spare not horsy flesh, Tney permbulaled the town, and anxiously asked every one for some circumstances, which would Itad lo a disc«>veiy where 1 was. All this took pkice whilst I lay snug in the corner, observing their operations. In holding a consultatioik upon these disagreeable matters, every one was ansi.ais to clear himself of being the dupe to my artifice, as much a» possible. " I never Jiked him," .says one. " I always thought there was something suspicious about him," says an- other. " He ever had a very decs.ilful look," says*a thinj. In line, it had come to this,, that not one now could discerii any thing which ever ai>perued gj'>d or commendable aboui ine, except one good jld J:u!y, who said, " Well, 1 hope they will catch him, and bring him baci{ among us, and we will make him a good man> and keep him for our preacher.'* ^ / You may with propriety ask via, what the people of Pelham expected they could do, should hey overtake me in their puf- Buit ? I know the question will naturally arise; but I cannot fjive you an answer, fjr I do not know their intentions or ex- pectations. Perhaps they thought, for they were a peoplq veiy ignorant, that 1 had broken the laws of the land, to the same amount as I hod oflended them. About 12 o'clock, the night fulJowing, 1 look ray leave Qf iiysandrr, promising to return and see him asain, as soon s^& Ihr tumult was hushed, and concert further measures for our ii- tTEPHKir BURROUGHS. 87 prMec«t,«s:our schemes for eaining wealth by transmutation • bem. obl.sed so s.d.lenly to leave the country, that wTcouW not npen our plans for the present. It was not wiiloutThe no«t sens.b^ pain I left this amiable family. Journelt on I had tune for reflection. At dead of night-all alone-re flection would have its operation, a«one— re- A very singular scene have I now pa.ssed throuRh said T and to what does it amount ? Have I acted with p^fety as a man, or have I deviated from the path of rectiluTe I Idnn t%r '"'T'^ °^' ^•®'^"'*' disagreeable part to let • Ido not fed entirely satisfied with myself in this business a^i , ^V^V''"^^ ^"^ ^ ^'^^"''^ '"»^« •lone otherwise and have made the matter better. The laws of the land I have not broken, in any instance; but my .i.uation has been such ^^iLTr^"'"^'''^' """'^'P'^ of veracity which weTm! pliCitly p edge ourselves to maintain towanis each other as a gcneralthing in society ; and whether my peculia circum- tances would warrant such a line of procedure, il the que" Ta aiirTt "7 '';"'" "^.^ '"^ ^^''- ravor'df it asTe i .^^^nfi :» "^°Tf*'^'"^'"^°*»^'«^*««g'-eeable situation, In olenVeachTfn r '"Tf* ^' ^^^'"^^ countenance to wasT^»rf ^ 7' "^'^^ '«"'^' •" ^^^ «««« «f Ihe bees, I'Lr? '" ""'"^u ^ ^««i"«"y reprehensible; but tha Che ut' " rjt '? ' k''k '"'"'•■ "^ ^*^^ '•^^^ " remunerated ?o must tTkpSf ,u " '^~^'^^^ ''«'• *»y '«^' «"d therefore, «rnr.V!i .. k'' *r ^^^^ ""'^ »''^' «"<* »"^^'- these circum- but I wil'/'- ^'t ^ ''"• ^ '^""^ ^»»« ^«^'^ «^'" blame me, wha iTmal '"r f T^r^"'' '' myself let the world think What It may. Indeed, I know they are not capable of judjr- mg upon the matter, with any propriety, because they evfr wh ch hrn'T.r'^ ''""^'^ '^"^'•''"^ ''^'^^ P^rt'^^'ar cause! tTe matter if ^"*"' '"T T ^^*^^^"*^^- ^hey understand aamr« J V ^''''' "''' ' ''^^^ ^''''^^''^ ""'l^'- * fictitious .deTs .?.! T""? ^""^ consequently, have roused many Ideas in the minds of the people not founded in fact. There- fore, they concluded from this general view, the whole to iL grounded in wrong. The name imno.tor. i^ the J "'I. ..".w C«tJ> on feigned aj»pearaflcts, in order to enrich or aggran liae !i:i m ! lilii r-; mt.siioms or himself, to Ihe dama-e of others. That this is not the ca^' with me, in this transaction, I think is clear. That I hav^ fsTiu' " Th?i'r ' '^" '''^''' ""'''^ "^^--'^ «n?a. ' L r*. /**'*L' ''^^*'"^^*^'"»">o"e instance, taken advar- ed towards me, to injure them and beneiit myself, is a truth acknowledged by all. Under these circumstance, whether I «c; ptltic^'^s^'; "--^^";P-'-^ recording to the colo. acceptation, is the question ? , That I have a good and equitable ri^ht to preach, if I ehoose, and others choose to hear me, is a truth, of Ihc entertain no doubt: but whether any circumstance williust fy fn ii r u , """''* '' ^''^ ^"'i' '^""^^ remaining on my in.nd. I think it my duty, at least, to steer as clear of t^i. base p^^se lor the future, as my safely will admit. 1 n\:.T\ S''^''''^ ^* "'-^^' '^^^''n« »he confines of Pelham overtook Powers, the person whom I have before mentioned Where he had been. He was embarrassed about divine- me ilr m:"'i il:TrT' ': '^' '"•^" '^'"^'^^^^ -'--•»^»" ownCru' f nt T " '^'^r^'- ^^''' '°"^^ Hesitation, he o "top in ' V ^"' "" " ^''''' ^^'^^ ""^^ commanded him to .top .n a very peremptory manner ; he obeyed. Now wh L '''.' ^'''" ''^ '^y ^'^"^^'^>» > > ^'^ ««-e the only person Lastrii; mr ' "^^ ^'""'^^^' ' ^"^ determined to Uke with r 7 ^- ''''" '^^^'^y ' ^"^ ^^"^ ^'»^» '•«««o"> promise me on et uu""„? ^'p«" «^^''' ''-^ >■- wiligive'n'oinfoln! ion respecting me. Powers began to expostulate. ladled . . more terror to my looks, and commanded him to sweat le w7s SeT'^^H 'k'^ ^^" '''''''' '^' ^'^ «i>I>^ ^- ". of thT2«rh , "^ '''^^" ^^ imprecate curses or. his head ol the most horrid nature, if he should divuk-e his 1^J inVll' me, or known which way I had gone. Welhtn fefl into iamiliar chat on various topics; rode on tthe lUi wi nved at the place where he left me trgoto liS f! th3! ^'i iZZll'TJV'tl^' ^».^^^«y ^^<^^^ «?-in with aUs,>eed.a„d uhiliutu T '""'".'■' "' '"'''""'" °^'^'''^ discovery, u'was Hbout the dawu ol day when he had returned to Pelham 1^1 iiii t STEPHEN BURROUGHS. informed the people of this important information. The new, r. vn" wi": VS" ^'n '• !' "^^ — "Hicated through t^^ town wii.i thai lapidiiy which would have done honor f« » cause of .mportanee. The people were assc^ble'an 1 aTc ^ct number appointed to pursue me. ^; All these thing swere unknown to me, whilst I rode leisure .w.nJ securely, thinking of no danger I had determSTo hcnd my course for Kutla^d, (Mass.) wherri exacted n hn, an ac:,uuntance of mine, iy the nime of Fr n ' who tis do m. bus-mess m the mercantile line in that town and^f fortunately T could obtain business of some othe kind Ihroih ins means, I determined to drop preaching, wh^h s'ubS ne to so many false appearances contrar^to m tcliSh I armed about 8 o'clock, A. M. at Rutland, and found Mr' Funk, accordmg to my expectation at his shop. CHAPTER xr. 3uttl.ro'thethnip«rtiuonofa.Aou .' 1 see Its sables Move by Desliijy VVlule howling Funts ring tbe dolelul kuell. " f iir:LVTED to him the scenes throuai, xxru;„u n, «n.v ...Olives in performing such parL In In '^ ^'T*^' P^-^^^nt dcterminat.on. Mr ivi^lfl ad " H ''"''' r ^ -vn i. which he wished to en"tj';Vbur .".'I'!? '^ ',•': ;;:tnr"^t^in:ri^^-r*"^^'^"^^'--^ ^ u,»ne. in tne mean time, he w shp#l m^t^t • . . . a..d^rnake myself easy, unt^l h^l^lluil ^ll^ '^''^f nak n. he necessary enquiry. Alter I had taken some re > nnent aad nut out my horse, I went into his couniinTrL n" ^^vr^t'^ wa^ir""^^^^'^".^" ''^ subj^roK: : i.,rn I *' ^'^''"'"" "^y ^'^'ow 0"t at the window r urnnl my eyes at the sudden and violent tramp in. of Ws S:H,rit.'!:.^^"':-^- ^'>-P"^ fromPeLmXrme: *«cl-i^--Kgi(='^PjSf|^ ?7D MEMOIRS or in m therefore, sprang out of my chair, and ran across the shorr (n leizlZ' t1 ""'' T' •^y.""" Konkey, who atiempted to «tize me. Phis aroused my indi^^nation, and with my walk- •og-staff, I gave him « biow acro«,s ihe rishi arm whr/h broke h. .!??' r fu ^' i*"' "'^"' ™"^^ myself a passage, I ran round Mdit; but when I turned the corner, 1 met, full in the face two of my deacons. I then turned and ran about twenty rZ* down a sma 1 hill, and the Pelhamltes all after 01%^^ J tTus Hr^/K^T'^^ « Stop him r stop him!" To be .u^^ Lhil\ r ^"^'«n^> gave me very disagreeable sensations, MTh ch I was delermmed not to bear. I therefore sto n^ roachSne' T""''. f"^..^-'"*"^ ^'-^ the first who shou 'a^' proachtae, I would kill on the spot. To hear such language, and see such a state of determined defiance, .n one whom they had lately reverenced as a cfer^ Ind fel '"'th?;" ''' ^'"^'^' •^^^^'*^'^'" ^^'''^ astonishmen't and fear. They were very credulous in stories of the devil w.tches, &c. and now thought the devil had appeared in hu! man shape, ready to destroy them. They all stopped a „n2e inent being pictured on their countenances, exce fone ?Ld lh.s man valued himself much on his dexterity, and in der to shew h.s superior ability, advanced alone, till he came w.th.n my reach; when with a sinule stroke of my tone I tumbled hjm to the ground, apparently a lifeless cor,L. This was a sufficient corroboration of their first suspicion and they were now very certain, that the devil had actually aken the herty to hold a tight dispute with them. A sha rp dialogre UK,k place between those men and myself. Seeing a laL number of people beginning to collect and come towards me i^rer mt '" A .T^" '''^' L" ^''""^ "'^ ''' Pelhamites and they* TlIZ T\ '^ ':''™ '" ^^^ """"'^ '^^'^'^^^ '"^nn'^'-, that in- stant de8trt,ct.on should be their portion, if they att mptedTo approach any nearer. They bel.eved and kept Iheir .liftanVe! II commg to a barn, which hud only one small door, I won - , delerm.ued to defend the door, which I expected to be .ile 10 do. on nrrniint r>r .f^ o,,l..._. .' ** «nt«..-;.,i .K7k""" r V V^^«'»«-s^"«3 siiuaiion. Alter I hm «nie»ed the barn. I found there a situation, which pleased to* ■> r STKPHE»( SrailOOGHS. tj^ BrtitK better, Viz. the h.y-mow, there being onir one dW' Ten'': A d at a/kTr '1^"^""? ""'""^ """"'-" b.iu ', r?z :'„;;rr' ;:'" "" """ ""'• "« >'«'- Deacon M'Mdir7pe,haL"nf" 'Tr "^ "'^' "l-o-r. sro»ly deceived them „3 k ""''!'' ""' """-"ter, and summer. It was delnS nf i"" "^''K"'"" ""-oui'h the bad, d.irin» the limeT. ! T "''*"'" "■" B-fouSbs well, and c„M„S c TdK '"#hr°"' ""="■ ""«*'"' affirmatii-e. " Well >' s,« , h,!, ,^^ ""'"'" """^ '» ">« any diflicnlty ? he prealh«l ^ r"*"' " '""' "'^'^ >''° ">«''« parlies were saUsfier»n,l *'"->■»>' P'" !•!■» well-all What .ignifle/what 'e lled^tL ZlTr: "^ ?-' ' good or hurt as in th^tlv! "'^ "^"^^ ' A name does no pre ched." "L'to .hf ^"^ '""',^'"'^''y ""icb he has not ".ink he is w™t if b brtTi e"'Vh: hlf """"•;" preach, he ou<>ht tn fniRi i • ^' "^ ^^^^ engaged to i« -.ot y'e come on ST"^"'''"'"'' ' ^"^ ^« »^« Sunday interpretation of his co^Lt" I" '" ^T'^' ' ''^'"'^ ^^ « ^ard , ofthat sermon unnthJt' ^^^ ^e has cheated you out Whether hr^lllXrl're^^arj;,:,:^:^- ^^^^ - headed, and n^seJu id ; "?' ''^''*'^^°'" «'^^?^^ »« »>« «PPr^ - As lo\^lFJlTl±^''^^^^^^^^^ !° »^« severity of the Ja^ - «r*t you came Vol ZT""'? ^'" ^^"^ '"^^ ^•«-- ^t u came upon him in a riotous, tumultuous manner, in- MKMoims or i: d^ctting by yoor conduct, that your intentions toward, hia were e..l and under this situation, he miijht well s^^" Uhat to «ubmu tamely to what you were about to dorS be exposing h.raself to immediate death. And second^ he ook those measures to discover the violence of your inteo" SlinJ^'i?. .'V"^'"'' ^'T'"^^ ""''" ^"^'^ circum«a;ces,?y telhng you to keep your distance; and at the same time/de- c!ar.ng h.s determination, in case you die! not do it! There: tore as selMefence is justifiable, and as it will appeir that hii Xt"d r^'u r^'?^.^'''-'^'^"^^' ' believeit wfn besom^ #hat difficult to make it evident to an impartial jnry, that he he has broken the law no other way, " said the deacon, «he the naT. Vv *''^^*^^"'"^ ^« «^i" « Joung man last night by lecr^tTh M ?T'* •*?*"'" ^^'"^ not promise to keep it a ihT' K ^ ^u ''"'^ T" *"'"• " " I^ »hat be the case, » said L proved' bT:':'"'' VZ^'^^-^^ ^'y *"^ ^'»^> ^'J'^n ~^ IS proved. But where is chis Powers ?» « At Pelham » said the deacon « Then," said the other, « it is out of yJur ; ^ my power to do any thing in this business. It would be nh! jecting us all to very hard terms, io be liable to be apprehend ed, on every report of our breaking the peace If thi sairf Powers whom you mention, has bin th'ea eied wi h deat' •Tid under that threatening, he absolutely fears that his 1 fc « in danger from Burroughs, and to all this, will glle L [- mony under oath, before any justice of the peace if wUlthltt be in his power to obtdn such security as to render hmsafS •gainst the threatenings of Burroughs' bu for others to un dertake a proseeiuion of this busings,' upon ^^ue repon" «nc.^only out of the question, bat is ridiculous fo theC ^^Deacon M'MuUen being driven from all his strong holdl! S l?::ich7 'i ']i' «PProachieg termination of thd MsurJr Z ^^ had entered with so much sanguine assurance. However, as his last resort, he adverted asain \^^.^u^7^''^ ^ ^^ anticipated for Jne day's p^chfSL whieh I had not yet performed, and said he was vefy sens bfc i:ftL"namr ^° '"'""' ^"' '' "^^ ^^-^-^ '^^^^^ ;« As 10 obviating the first difficulty, this objection ariies,'' tTXPHEN BUmMOUOIfg. n Mid the by-stander, "from whom did Burrouzht receiv* ibi. money which you mention /" « From Deacon clT received of hi. to the a.oun^X s^^totrTn^h':^^^^^^^ hand, Deacon Gray stands indebted to Burroughs fo the «t v.ce« xvlHch he has rendered, according to their a«eeL^' Now, ,1 Deacon Gray's advances have been greater tlZh^ for the ballance, and ought to pay him accordin? to contraS^ but as you have no power to act for Deacon Gray I da nil conceive how you can have any demandreithcr nediatdv or unmed.alely asainst Burroughs on that'accouniTand j'C roughs should even pay you back the five dolU s whiih Z" «ay, though without any legal evidence, he owes WoL r«? Lk hL7e';!', "hf ?""*^^ ^-ro^gllsTrm^thTdebt?^' make h.m Jess liable lo pay it over avain a„.i - r V- aeceiving you by a false'nLe, Y wUUdf yottXn^l «ei:le that matter, in the best way I can think of TrecollTc? some years since, when Mr. Abicrombie was your mS)' Uiere was an uneasiness prevailing among his peopj^ol ai orwho"^ ''i' '".'TPerance ; they thLfore chose'a cSmmitt^ with him L'li"'' '""' ""t*^"" ^'^""«"' wasoneTd^I with him for this crime. They accordinelv came Th« IT! fox understood how to avoid the irao hJ h!?? *• i - *'''* excplipnf w^ef r J- P* ""^ "*•" 'aid in some hJsn amv «„ ; ?kT* '''^'^'^ '^' *=°«"°'»-« with gr^ iidrink de^n "?',r r ' '*"^"T "''*'»« P«^^' <=«"««* them to _(lrink deep at the fountain of pleasure,"-' till they were d»! det fninT *"" ''"*'?' ^'•^ ''•-^"^' «" account of dipjng t^ ^s t'he ^"fr '^'' '*'""''°"' '^'^ ^«"«'"^«<1 the nex morning Mr Ih '"'k^'Y' .'** '"'^*' ^''^''- '•^P«'-t to the chureh, thS did so ani?*'".^"'^ «'"'" '^^"^ '^"'"'^^^ satisfaction. TheJ did so, and here this matter ended. Now, continued this b/ AbLro'^i'' rj ^"f '.' P^^P^^^ ^^> '"' Burroughs to do a Mr" tio "rJ:'!.lL'L?lf"^ >- ^« r-pt it as christian satlsftl: ..r-^ii" r. "'" '"""'"»^'" as wcii us thai. Wood keeni ■» Th r„ "? "'"•''«'" ■• ' P^P"'' «>' «" •■> -novo uplSf™" This proposal was finally accepied by .11. I therefore H M£M0Ilt3 or IIn ilHIlf ;: down, ana ^p qJ, ^^^^ (owir.j; j,,' tavern r ^n~i n d„„ according ,„ ,j,e „„,„,•» „j,;,, '?o '.a' " f; line .^nf ' ",Tr' '""'■''»»«''«» "»"" "i'h the »>o7e c„„« ,.~. .^K fi™*" '"'" ■"'"''«'• '•'"™ to consult on rams- would interfere where they were not immediately inteSd ground, close by those who were arter the axe. eollprih^ '"* t"''^^"'^ *''"°"? *'>^"'' ^hey hnd not time to re- Vn^l^lf u u ^'""^ ^ ^'^'^ out Of breath bv ri.nnine and itTn/, , '. ^'"'^A""' ""^^^ ^^^'"^'J atones, 'l jumpedVver ^erh,, should be performed, I could easily out-run the resV ..I should by th,s time be rested, and be forward ofS When the foremost man came up to the wall I he.rH t.k iZ ."fer" hi """""^ '■" ""»"■• ■"' i"'«e-d o fbeinrabMi leap over, he ran agomst it, nnd threw it down in sneh TZf ??er: „:.'' bi^rtretrJaTh Xhe" '"if "", "" '"^"■^• *- ...rse nhou, fiffeen'^XnU Z ^ '."ol"".!!."^^:! ^'i^ift •TEPHElf BUAROVGUi 76 ?ur!^..th?J »ft Who anxioaslr inquired whf ha.I become of BurrouKh. ? The oihert replied, that he had run like a deer •cro.1. the meadow, and gone into the alder awamp Ihey concluded .t was in vain to Ibllow me-wve tip the ehaie-went bacl^ to the tavern-toolc a little more satisflv l.on, .nd returned to Pelham. After they were gonVAcW out of my hiding place, and returned to Frink'/atori X «m object of going into bu^inesa, through his ecommend; tiom was now lost. After liua uproar, I did not wish to fiii" ZdShltfS^"'-' "^"'»" ^'^ ^ -;;?e r Fria"? would leei that freedom m recommending me to others. CHAPTER XII. •• Again the youth his wonted life renin'd : A truuMeiil sparkle in his eye obtain'd • B.^? " *^" l'"","""' "'^ '"■" "'«'"■'«& breast. But soon dark gloom th« feeble sn.iles o'erspread : B . morn's gay hues, th« fading .ploi.dorVHod • Returning anguish froie hit feefing soul : Deep iigtis burst forth-and tears began to roll. »» towards PnllT''' "^'■?'"^ ' ^'" ^"*^"'^» *"^ *'-«^<^"«i «» fild » ;„ r"""^' endeavoring again to learn where I could called AlUeborough, nme miles from Providence, where tbev town :T'' ''^V'^'^^^r, and wanted one. I^rme toh'J own and engaged to preach four Sundays. Here, I callel Zect^l r T "*™t' «"J «"g««?«l only for a short tim^ Sfsalreefh! '** \^'?\^"''' ''»'»' ^^"«^*» ^^ »»"« without any f.mHv ' ■ f^^*" ^•"™^*' ">»n'ster of Attleborouieh. The ipenlhe^l *"""/ "?'''"^^ ""^ «^*^°""« l*'*^ ^hole time I spent here was pleasmg. I formed, whilst in this place, manr ^ene Te'-ra'n' t^^'f '^^^''^^^'^^ the enjoyment'ot "J of."!:„ rf.i" ^P»^t|^«!«r manner, wf.ich I cannot think •moVioasr'" '"" "*"' *"**""' ""'""^ "*® *"^** ''*' plCMiif ^ MKMOlHs or rn m I found Ihe people of Allleborouj?h were deairomi to ti»v» expired ; but I positively refused to do it, a)led!?inc that I ha(i wa8 tiue, having entered into an engagement of that kind w Ih a man belonging there, who had heard me preach in AUIeborongh. ^ I had determined in my own mind to take Coventry in my way, a3 I went to Danbury, and sec Joseph Huntington for iJiis particular purpose, viz. Hearing that a gentleman from Amherst was going to Dartmouth College, previous to holding the anniversary commencement, and that he had a design to make such representatihns to the corporation of said College against Huntington, (or acting a part in thePelham busiaels as should deprive him of the degree of A. B. As H n had passed his examination for this degree, and was approved previous to his leaving the College, it was in his power to obtain his degree at any other College. Therefore, I had a desire to give him information of the evil which was hatchin"' against him, that he might avoid it by npplying elsewhere" and oblainino: ihat which his own Alma Mater was about tJ refuse. I accordingly came to Coventry, and gave him this in- lonnation. Huntington accordingly made immediate applica- lion to the College in New-Haven in Connecticut, and obtain ed his title of A. B. When these matters came to be known at Dartmouth Col- lege, that Huntington had fairly stolen a march upon them and consequenUy, warded oil" the stroke of fulmination which they laid by in store for them, there was no small stir about the matter; but no help conld be obtained, for then he had his diplomatic commission, which could not be recalled or wrenched out of his hands. They suspected the Doctor as being confederate with his son in this business : and hen^e an altercation, warm and recriminating, took place ; but their suspicion of the old Doctor's being acquainted or active in Uiis business, was entirely unfounded. - * • The Doctor had ever designed his son should receive a de gree at the College in New-Haven, as well as at Hanover. and as the commencement at New-Haven, was previous to STEPHEN BUIIK0UGH9. w lljot at Hanover, he wa» very wiliinjj hf' son -'lould take hii degree at Ncw-Haven in the first place ; w-. wc at that time lolally ignorant of any intention of reusing . . son thesama ucsree at Dartmouth College. The coinraer>cement at Dartmouth Cv -l^gt iiaving arriveSt the Doctor and his son came on. When the reasons of the corporation were offered for not granting his son a degree, the Doctor thought them highly inadequate to answer such a purpose, and remonstrated with warmth on the impropriety of ll.eir conduct, but all to no purpose. The Doctor had been eathusiaslically pursuing the prosperity of this College, beinir a member of the corporation himself. These difficulties cooled his allections. He soon aAer resigned nis office of trustee nud dropped all further connexions with the institution When I lelt Coventry, I was determined to make a visit tc Lysander, m Pelham, and see whether he had brou.'ht hif busmess of transmuting metals to perfection; and whether he had made ihe necessary arrangements for prosecuting our in- tended voyage to the Isle of Sable ; and, in fine, to see what aspect Ihe whole business now wore. I accordingly travelled aijam into the state of Massachusetts, and arrivJd in Pelham about I o'clock at night at the house of Lyaander Those who have felt the glow of friendship, will readily conceive of my feelings, at meeting again in this agreeable amily. fhe contemplation of this object kept me in the highest flow of spirits, during my solitary ride through the greatest part of this gloomy night. My heart expanded with I'aternal kindness towards them. My whole soul was tuned to the soft harmony of friendship; and I had formed in my mind a thousand tender expressions, to communicate the overflowing of my feelings towards them. Never did the lover "*! ^y'|*»,.f eater rapture to the arms of his mistress, than wnat I did to the embraces of this beloved family. A thou- sand soft expressions I had anticipated from them. My heart beat quick with the palpitations of pleasure, and my whole soul was in extacy al entering their house My reception was equal to my most sanguine expectation^ ; and to endeavor l« describe tnis scene, would but show how absolutely inca* t.:r r*'>i 'ifV n xjcMoims or I » pable lar ^uasje is, to a real representation of those exqowil^ joys, which flow from a heart of sensibility. We mutually recapitulated the entertaining occarrencM which had taken place, in the time of our absence. We liaughed at the strange whims and manoeuvres of the Pelham> ites ; at their chagrin when returning from Rutland 5 at their consultations and execrations upon me, for an imposter j and upon the people of Rutland for not rising up to a man, and fighting the battle of .he Lord. AQer we had ended the first friendly salutation, and that course of information which flows in upon the mind immediately after those salutations I in- quired of Lysander, what were his prospects with regard to transmuting metals, and more particularly of changing copper into silver. At this question, my friend Lysander looked dis- concerted: and seemed embarrassed at giving me an answer. His wife smiled significantly. I saw there was something in ^.ne business I did not understand. My anxiety and curi- osity were excited. I enquired with solicitation into the ineaning of what I saw. Lysander by this time I saw was in earnest. He at first entertained an idea that I was treating him in a satirical man- ner. That I was fully possessed with a knowledge of facu after which I enquired, and consequently, rallied him on a subject too disagreeable to be called into remembrance in this manner. He was now satisfied of the contrary. His coun- lenance fell. The tear glittered in his eye. He said, « Bur- roughs, we have been deceived I greatly deceived by Philips, that king of villians. Could you have thought, that all the experiments which he tried before us, when we were at Salem, were nothing but the vilest deception ? It truly is the case. We were not alone the dupes of his duplicity. He has led as many as thirty men into the same belief, until he had ob- tained property of us to the amount of two thousand dollars •nd then he was suddenly missed. Search was made after Jim, in every direction, but all to no purpose. He could not be found. Nothing could be heard of him. That elegant mare, that you formerly so much admired, the villain hadob- tatned from me, with one hundred dollars in cash, when bt left this country. « His partner, who was knowing to all his hellish ma* STEPHCK BU&I^OUGHS. iVPBjy/rea to deceive, was equally cheated with the rest of uf. Philips having promised him one half the booty for his assist- a^qe,, but left him equally destitutewiih the rest. This man, fading matters in this forlorn situation, revealed all the artful pjbaps which Philips had recourse to, in order to make man- Uind. believe he possessed the secrpt of changing one metal i^lp another. i,^'"! We coujd not any of us believe, but what Philips had the Unowled:,'e he pretended to, so fair were his experiments, uulil we saw them all unveiled by his partner, who went over them again, shewing us at the same time how Philips prac- ticed the deception at every experiment." ..As I have already given you an account respecting this series of deception, I shall not repeat Lysander's narrative ot it any further in this place, I now found those ideas of wealth, which had before so wholly possessed my mind, entirely un- founded. The painted vision fled quickly from sight ; the ^ijr,y bubble broke in an instant, and left me in the abyss of poverty. , My hopes in this resource had been sanguine. I had re- flected upon the subject till I was as confident of extensive yirealth, as of any occurrence which had not taken place. 1 fel^ all the enjoyment of the advantages resulting from pror petty. I had formed in my own mind, schemes of conduct through lile. How I should make the rich respect me, and the poor adore me. What exquisite pleasure, said I, shall I enjoy in relieving the heart of distress ? In distributing bread to the hungry, clothes to the naked, and consolation to the broken-hearted ? I had already, in imagination, distributed sijch benefits through the land, as not to leave a poor person 10: inhabit his poverty. I beheld myself at the head of a peo- ple, distributing joy and gladness. I saw the brow unclouded \yUh care. Hilarity and vivacity were in the countenance of ^\\] an index of peace and quiet v/ithin. . Hail, happy people I ^aid I, where no want is known to thee, where no anxious care corrodes the breast. These were, sir, the fond images which I had pictured in m imagination. I was at this time, in a state of real de- lirium ; but it was a delirium of joy ; a state of happinesa .Jt'.hieh I believe none can have a just idea of; for I expect \4:^ '^^ MEMOIRS or wwie ever allowed their imai;ination so far to get tlie sttrrol tlietr judgement ; and therefore, when I awoke from my de- lifium, to a sense of my real situation, and saw that in the room of distribminj? wealth to others, I had but barely the nccessariea of life for myself, and that the supply for those necessaries was on a very precarious footin?, I awoke to dig tress anguish, mortification, and chagrin. My feelings were shocked beyond description, with this sudden reverse of fortune ! I believe that the disappointment would not have been f.^'^^'r' «•• more keeni; felt, had I in reality been in posses. «ion of all the enjoyments which I had so ingeniously pictured to my view, and from that state, had been reduced on a sud- den, to poverty as great as what in reality now existed. Mr .rL*" u J^^"'^^*" *"*^ ^" ^'^^ «»'' ^^^ ^^o'-king of my wind, iftey had passed through the sr.me scenes themselves. They triftd to console my feelings. They discoursed upon the un- certain events of this world like philosophers. They adTerled to the disappointments which all meet with daily : to that lortitude which we ought to exercise under every trial, so «« to rise above disappointment, rather than to have disappoint- ment rise above us. That riches and poverty were nothtnc but imaginary beings, created by our own fancy, by comparing one situation with another, and thereby giving a name to eacTi: to the calls of nature, as being very simple, and eaiilr •upphed, if we would rest contented with that sup|)ly • end that every thing beyond tended lo render us uneasy, rather than to contribute to our happiness. How easy it is for man to give the most salutary advice t^ ftis lellow. In reasoning upon a system in theory, many will discover a depth of wisdom beyond our expectations; yet. when they attempt to reduce this advice, founded in theory into practice, how great the contrast ! The feelings of the homan heart, the weakness of nature, and the errors of judjr. ment all set themselves in array against us, when we attempt to listen to the dictates* of wisdom in our piactice. _ Happy would it have been for Lysander and family, yei, thnce happy would it have been for me, had we attPnd4 in our practice to those lessons of reason : but alas ! the mania 01 wealth had taken strong possession of our minds, and we iii. STEPHEir BtJ«101V0Ht. ^7^ luit^ed with eagerness to her calls. This soon reduced me to A state of wretchedness far beyond the power of languai?e ,lo describe. But, sir, as your messenger is in wailing, I will end this letter, concluding that the God of night will cast his Wble mantle over your mind before you read this chapter : I am as always, &c. 1^;'. CHAPTER XIII. "I fee the circling hunts otnoitj men, Burst Law's euclosurs, leap the mounds of right* Pursuing, and purtued, each other's prev ; As wolves, for rapine ; as the fox, for wiJes ; Till Death, that mighty hunter, eartha them all." In order to give me some consolation for the disappointment which I had suffered, Lysander told me he had a plan in agi- tation which would operate nearly as well as we expected the other would have done. « Glazier Wheeler," said he, «< is a man who can be depended on for his honesty to those for whom he undertakes to work, and he can make one silver dollar into three counterfeits, which will pass as well as any. And it will be in our power to prosecute our intended expe- dition to the Isle of Sable upon this scheme, with nearly as great profit as we expected from transmuting metals. We •hall not be with the old man a great while, before we shaU be able to work at that business as well as he; and should we find it necessary, can hire a number of hands, and drive l|ie business, at this place to a great extent ; as we shall be retired from the observations of the W( Id. and can carry oa the business without molestation. ^ My atiower to Lysander was to this purport "Yon are icnsibie that counterfeiting the coin of any country is contrary, not only to the laws of that count y, but likewise to the laws of our own minds, having impiiuUy engaged to observe and protect those laws, when we once take advantage of their efficacy to protect us in the enjoyment of our rights and pri- vileges ; therefore, should the business succeed according to oar most sanguine wishes, and the coin pass to the end of . t- 82 MEM0II13 or ' !; time ns standard silver, yet we should as really vwlate the simple principles of justice, us though we should be detected in passing coin so base as to serve only a temporary purpose tttd die in the hands of un innocent person. The transgression wonld be as absolute, should it never transpire to the world, or be attended with any personal injury, a? though it should be proclaimed to the universe ; therefore, this reason alone would be sufficient to deter me from wishing such a thing to take place. Another very powerful reason is, the danger we run in prosecuting such a matter, and the ruin which would inevitably follow a detection. Glazier Wheeler it appears, has followed this business for fifty years constantly ; yet he never could bring his art to such perfection as to have his money pass undetected. How often has he been confined, pilloried, crppt and whipt for this business ? How many have been involved in this same difficulty, who embarked in this dangerous voyage with him ? How then can we expect to share a better fate ? And what would be the consequence of a detection ? The property which you now possess would be •wept away ; your children would cry in vain for bread ; your reputation, which yon now hold so dear, would be lost lor ever; and you would entail miser yand infamy on your posterity. You must then be separated from your companion, Irom your children, from your friends; confined in a jail, a receptacle for the olT-scourings of nature ; treated with con- tempt; injured without pity; made the scoff and jeer of fools. This, sir, is a scene for a mind of sensibility." The wife of Lysander heard this discourse with the utmost attention. Her countenance was a strong indei to the feel- ings of her mind. Her color went and came. She now grew jiale with apprehension, and now her cheeks reddened with the flush of desire, to prevent her beloved husband from rush- ing into dangers so desperate. She remonstrated. She ex- postulated. She entreated. But all to no purpose. Lysander was fixed, and nothing was able to remove his resolution. He turned to his wife with a look of that ineffable sweetnew which overpowers the mind, and said, «< My dear, I wish very mach to see you in possession of a coach, which I shall send you in a few months.'' « As to the ohjections which you offer. Mc Bnrjoiifhi^*' STEPHEN BURROtJGHS. Mid Lysander, « I will endeavor U* -.ns ./er them in such a manner as to give you full satisfction on that subject. If mankind had no disposition t-^ ''nnge upon the rights of eacU other, there would be no net ' ) iaw j and the whole nature, design and spirit of law is to protect each other from injury; and where no injury is intended, nor in fact done, the whole essence of law is attended to. I know the law speaks i geifjcral terms, because it «annot descend to particulars, ther- bemg such an infinity, as to put it beyond the power of man to comprehend the whole in a system; therefore, genera! prmciples must direct us in our interpretation of law. We ought in our conduct, to act as men possessing reason suffi- cient to direct us under the various occurrences of life, so as to vary our conduct according as circumstances shall point out, keeping in view, and practising upon the spirit of law, and when we attend to this, we cannot be said in reality, to transgress the laws of the land, nor indeed the laws of our ramds, because we in fact do fulfil our compact with society, VIZ. protect each other from injury. « From what I have observed, I believe you will readily agree with me, that I am right in prosecuting my present plan, It 1 can make it evident, that no danger of injury will arise to any one from it, and that by it, many will be made better. IMoney, of itself, is of no consequence, only as we, by mutual agreement, annex to it a nominal value, as the repreientation of property. Any thin? else might answer the same purpose, equally with silver and gold, should mankind only agree to consider it as such, and carry that agreement into execution m their dealings with each other. We find this verified in fact, by those bills of credit which are in circulation through the world. Those bills, simply, are good for nothing ; but the moment mankind agree to put a value on them, as represent- ing property, they become of as great consequence as silvei and gold, and no one is injured by receiving a small insigni ficant piece of paper for an hundred bushels of wheat, when mankind stamp that value upon it, by agreeing to receive it tor that amount. Ther,"fore, we find the only thing neceesary to make a mailer valuable, is to induce the world to deem it •0 ; and let that esteem be raised by any means whatever, yee ihe value is the same, and no one becomes injured by receiv* % M MEMOIRS or ll' iof it &t the valuation. Hence, we find the world putting aa enormous value upon certain stones, which intrinsically ^r^ of no use ; as for instance, the diamond, the caibuncle, &c. These stones cannot be made use of in any pursuit of life. They will not serve for food, for raiment, or for any instrument ef any kind whatever ; therefore, of what real use can they be ? Their scarcity, and certain peculiarities, have induced mankind to esteem them ; and this esteem stamps a value upon them, so that they pass from one to another as the re- presentation of property ; hence, the holders of them always have a valuable possession, and probably always will have, which they at any time can exchange for property of more immediate consequence to their support. Had I the art o( making diamonds, do you suppose I should transgress the lawi of equity in putting that art into practice 7 except I should fill the world with them, so as to destroy their scarcity, and hence depreciate their value in the hands of others. To pot this art into practice, so as to enrich myself, and not destroy that due proportion between representative property and real property, is doin? aivself a favor, and injuring none. Gold and silver are made use of for convenience, to transact our business of barter and exchange with each other, as the representation of property, it being less cumbersome, and more easy to com- municate from one to another, than real property of any kind; hence, when there is a due proportion of representative pro- perty, business can be transacted to the greatest advantage, and with the greatest ease. And when the public experience a scarcity or redundancy, they of course suffer an inconveni- ency ; therefore, that person who contributes his mite to keep the balance between those two species of property just poisetl, is a blessing to himself and to the community of which he is a member. That an undue scarcity of cash now prevails, is a truth too obvious for me to attempt to prove. Your own observation will convince you of it. Hence, whoever contri- bute, really to increase the quar.,ity of cash, does not only himself, but likewise the community an essential benefit. And, that this can be done, in the pursuit which I have un- dertaken, and without endangering the safety of any one, I will convince yen by ocular demonstration." He then presented me with a bag of dollars, which he said STEPHEN BVSKOUOHS. 85 ^re made by Glazier Wheeler. I poured them all ont ; I examined Ihem with care, as I then thought ; I compared them with other dollars, which were good. 1 could discover no difTerence. His arguments now stood all plain before me ; they were collected in a line ; and what do you think was the conse- quence ? 1 blush to tell you the truth J~I feel ashamed of my flwn weakness f— My great want of solid judgment at that time, almost persuades me to hide the relation of this fait. These arguments convinced me, unfounded as they were.^ Lysander told me his intentions were to pay strict attention to the business, and did not doubt his finally ri«ina himself and family to a stale of the greatest affi'ienc»». ne had al- ready obtained a sufficiency to ansaw ..oent purposes. H« should soon obtain much more. The business was at a stand, just at present, for want of drugs proper for carrying it for- ward. He intended soon to go to Springfield, where he should obtain whatever he wanted for such a purpose. Lysander had not yet passed, or attempted to pass, any of his money. As I expected to leave his house the next night, on my route to Danbury, and to pass through Springfield in my way, he agreed to set ont with me, and go his route in my company. His wife had ever felt dissatisfied about this busi- ness; being easily alarmed with the least appearance of dan- ger, towards one in whom her happiness was so essentially embraced ; but when I drew the dreadful picture of a detec- tion, she grew almost frantic with fear ; and when she saw that no entreaties would prevail over his determination, she embraced the first opportunity of conversing with me alone ; and besought me in those moving terms which would hare melted a savage, to use my influence to prevent him fron prosecuting his present undertaking. Her grief spoke more powerfully for her, than all the oratory of a Burke. I could not resist her importunity. The laa- g«age of her countenance and actions were irresistible. Whe» Lysander came into our company, I began the attack in the roost vulnerable part of his fortress. I endeavored to set the distress of his wife in its true light before him. I recapitu- lated his own arguments, which he had before used, in orde» lo induce me, « to be conlenled with a bdre competency.* I»ff r I f$ MEMOIRS or I repeated to him emphatically the words of Young, ia bU «* Night Thoughts." ■ • ' , ' / , « Why all this toil for triumphs of an hour? ,\. What llio' wc wade in wealth, or soar in fame, , •» Earth's highest station ends in ' Hero he lies.' " I told him I knew perfectly well his sincere affections for Uis wife, and his ambition of seeing her become possessed oi an equipage, &c. But believe me sir, not all the pomp and splendor of riches will repay her for the pain and anxiety she will endure on your account, for the space of one day, when you have absolutely launched into this dangerous ocean ; therefore, sir, inasmuch as her happiness is a leading motive ia your pursijits in life, you will make a most egregious blun- der in your calculations, even provided you are ever so suc- cessful in your undertakings. The feelings of Lysander were moved. The struggle in his breast was apparent in his countenance. He sat in silence a while, then burst into a flood of tears, and retired into another room. Not many minutes had elapsed before he re- turned. His countenance wore a more settled aspect. He mentioned his weakness with some confusion. He said he was ashamed of being seen in tearii, especially on such an occasion, not having resolution sufiicient to withstand our united attacks. « But," said he, « the business is fixed — the die is cast — I have pledged my faith — I have given my word to procure those articles at Springfield. Not only myself, but more than a dozen others, are now waiting for me to fulfil my engagements. Shall I, of all others, after having agreed ia the most solemn manner to yield my aid in the prosecution o( this business, now in open violation of faith, retreut and leave. them in suspense ? «I fcgf emotions of gratitude towards you, Mr. Burroughs, for the ' armth of your feelings in rny concerns ; bnt this truth is manifest in me, that the enthusiasm of your feelings a£ well as my wife's, doe^ not give you an opportunity of reason- ing coolly and candidly upon this subject. Enough has been said. These articles must be obtained ; and no entreaties ghall deter rae from paying attention to it." What could be done ? what more could be said ? Lysander'i ^f^'^^^^^-J^^^T'^^f" 'W^P"*?'^'-'^TF:'-' ■'-■wfmff"^irw~"'i^yX'^^^'i^. STEPHEN BURROUGHS. •7 Wffe I saw was inconsolable. What would you have done 'httd yon been in my situation 7 Words had now become cn- lii'ely oat of the question, and only one thing remained to be done; arju' that I determined to do. ; i I told Lysander I would take his money ; !?o to Sprin^rfieM, purchase all the articles, and return with them immediately. With some reluctance he consented gave me twenty dollart forlhe business, made out his account of the articles wanted, tnd directed me to the apothecary's shop, to whom I most apply for them. At night I left them with ten thousand Messing accompanying me. Riding alone through the dreary night, reflection would make me a visit. The scenes through which I had passed had been so rapid, and filled with the emotions of sensibility to that degree, as to leave but little room for reflection. ' I have now, said I set out to perform that business, which, iwto days since, 1 do not believe the art of man could havi» persuaded me to. It is a new undertaking; but I believe not attended with danger ; for the money is executed so well, as to prevent any man from distinguishing it from standard silver : at least il looks as well to me as any money ; and I do not see why I cannot distinguish counterfeit from true money, as well as others. I think my motive for this undertaking is founded on the principles of uprightness. I think the sentiment of friendship IS the uppermost object in this undertaking. Possibly a speCies of vanity might have some influence on my mind ; and that r might wish to shew the wife of Lysander how ready I was to undertake such a desperate business to befriend her- ^hough, in reality, the danger consisted chiefly in her owil What would be the consequence, should one among the ten thousMd events, which daily occur, serve to reveal the part, wiiirt f am niw about to act ? What Would be the opinion of peopte concerning me, but of the most disagreeable kind. ■Uer having passed the ordeal of Pelham reports, founded on « . ^^'^^ *** *^® ^^^^^ *' *^''5®» ^'^^W appear very anfavor. aWe? They would undoubtedly form their opinion froa «il«M»We fact., tlMt I was divested of honesty, uprightnm 1 T R, W^^ ' "?^'\^ 4i. h^'f III ■ li aft ' MEMOIRS or and integrity. And even should I declare to the world, that my inteniioos were not against the good of society, this dec- laration would fall upon the unbelievina; hearts oi a mallitude, prone to place confidence in an evil report, and difficult la givin/ (/. 1.0 I.I 1.25 ■- IIIIIM |50 '""^^ M 2.2 |||||m JA 11.6 V] <^ /i >> cfj :^ > #1 ^ ^//, Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. MSfO (716) 873-4503 su iV iV :\ \ ^9> V '4^.'^/^ % ^ <^ <.* Q, 80 HUIOIRS OP j^tience to a very severe trial, by the length of my tediow narrative ; therefore I will leave the business here till to* morrow ; for I feel almost sick myself, with rutninatinf iipoi< the gloomy scenes through which I sooq passed after this, v' CHAPTER XIV. I. m " Lore of gain Strikes like a pestilence from breast to breast ; ' Riot, pride, perfidy, blew vapor's breath ; Aiid iahumauity is caught from man." As the apothecary was the only witness against me, whieb eould be produced at Court. I entertained warm expectatioof of being acquitted on my trial. In the state of Massachusetts, many inconveniences hid been experienced from the frequent circplation of counterfeit money ; therefore, the Governor had offered a reward of twenty-five pounds, L. M. to any person, who should detect another in making or passing counterfeit money, knowing it to be such. Hence, the complainant became interested in the issue on trial, and of course, ought to be excluded from giving his testimony. The apothecary, it is evident, would be entitled to his re- ward from Government the moment I became convicted of the crime for which I remained confined. Hence, I felt confident that his testimony could not, according to every principle of justice, and would not be admitted. In cases where not more than one dollar is in dispute, thui regulation is invariably and sacredly adhered to, viz. that no one shall be admitted a witness in a case, wherein he is me- diately or immediately concerned ; and certainly, said I, where character, liberty and property are at stake, they will not dart to deviate from this rule of impartiality. Those who would plead for the propriety of the apotheenrf^ being admitted a witness in this cause, must either deny thit general rule, viz. " that a man interested in a cause, oagbl lo be excluded from bearing testimony in that eause," or elM the being entitled to twenty-five pounds, in case of my cob* STEPMN BURaaraHs. ^ iktion, did not make the apothecary interested in the * immediately after my confinement, a number of speculati^ geniuses resorted to me, expecting I would turn evidence for the .tale, and involve many more in the siination to whTch I was reduced; they therefore were anxious to improve thi time of harvest and enrich themselves with the bounty of government. Hence, they offered me their exertions in'my behal , and moreover half of the reward which should be Tl ce.ved ,n case of the conviction of others, from gov rnme«t Had these speculators known with what contempt I vS trouble' Tn' ' '^'"/^'^ ^^*^ '''''' ^^^'"^-^ves co'nsid rab e trouble. To speculate in human wo, and barely for the sake of ennching themselves, reduce others to a state of wretch edness and misery is an object so detestable as to eTcUe fhJTnnd 7^^y.^r^'"! »!^^^««^- Had their real mot ve been the good of society, their object would have been laudable but It was a matter of public notoriety, that GlaLr WheeJe; had wrought openly for months past in New-SalemTbrthese heroes took no notice of him, until the moment'^^^as known mt a reward was to be obtained for prosecuting money ma^ kera to conviction, then all their ardor was in aSn Z tbis too, for the benefit of government ' tr Jed°''.ho^T TI'""^ '; "^'' ^"""^ '^''''' "Pectations frn«. iratedj that I had no design to communicate to them anT would „„■ f„„he. ...eirre^'Sr-haatoutSrheXj of popular prejudice. enecis ..The printer, in Springfield, inserted a paragraoh in hi. weekly publication, not calculated to fix the mn?n. • idea upon the minds of people through^eclS^ r had been to a clergyman under pretence of comin. iJm a mission among the Indians, and bein- poorlv clmL, T ! Jtated to the clergyman, that my clothes had beet woJi out during my continuance among them That thV i had invUed „e .0 preach, a^d r„V<,ey'^";;:p;'r.Jin." character, oflered me a sui. „f clolhe» , Ihat I h.T.oZ 3 ihc nexl day, had rcl.red into his study, begging the favor of iW 1 1 >• i I nil If it;! ill I' J [ .iii It ' MKMoims or his w&tch, to know how long I might allow myself to tliiklf previous to my retirinc lo rest. That after the clergynM and his family had retired to rest, I had silently left the house ; carrying with me at the same time, watch, clotne^ &e. And leaving this text written on paper, and folded m for a sermon ; " you shall seek me early and shall not fkni me." These matters were all calculated to fix an invincibJt prejudice against me, in the minds of those people by whom I roust ultimately be tried ; and consequently deprived mt of that favor which every person ought to have, npon a mat- ter of such infinite consequence to his prosperity in life. I saw these matters and what would be the probable event. ^ I expected application would be made to me, for a dis- cover/ of my confederate, or confederates, at the session of the Supreme Court ; and therefore, onght to form some sys- tem in my own mind, to regulate aij conduct upon such an occasion. I thought either to discover the person of whom 1 received the money, and for whom I had acted in passing it, or else I ought to exonerate him entirely from crimina* tion, or even suspicion ; and in order to weigh these mattert in the balance of justice, it will naturally arise into view, what is his situation contrasted with my situation and eiri- eumstances? The connexions which have existed between us, and our views and expectations under that connexion t ' True it is, that this act was performed solely for his a*. vantage, not having my own emolument in view, either directly or indirectly; therefore, ought he not to suffer the consequence of this business? Moreover his character stands as fair in this conntry, as any man's whatever, and of consequence, he would stand a better chance on trial, in the prejudices of people, than I should. He is likewise a man of property, and can of consequence make arrangements for assistance, by counsel and friends, which I cann(^ ex- pect ; and even should he he convicted, the exertions of government may be more mild towards him, than they woukl towards me ; for judges are but men, and a.'e subject to like passions and prejudices, with other men ; and it is not im- possible but that they may feel the operation of prejudice in a trial respecting me, as well as others, which I daily tec are governed by it. STEPHKIf BUKROtTGHS. M wader. ""' """""ss respecting Lf. chUdren .he?efor" whether if',. T- ^F'"^"' """^ "■«« i«r^»di„V..o™;Lr.„d'"„i',eJ tT,: I" "•"! "" •U of them enlirel? nn^!!? """" '" »"'*"'' "»* why did I andertake thUK '• """""* °"' ' Moreover, "fctermined Th. ' *"*"''"' ""'' ""''ert.liin.t ? I >m «dfas. gathSi' ™v«l;leld •""""' """ """»' ""'*■ ^, .urage .„« ha^lrr.? ^^TefS' ^^^^ which have ren* Tr^^. ."'"*'" """' ''=™«» ""« »«". »w close Lev" f" 1^ °" T'' '™"1»"i'y- I cannot in^ them to be such, &,c. To the indictment I pleaded not guilty. I had no counsel at this lime, owing to the follow* ing reason, viz. When I was first committed to confinement, I expected to be in want of more money than what I had on hand, for expenses in jail, attorney's fees at trial, &c. There- fore, sold my horse, saddle and bridle, and had a. promise of the money in ten days, but to my no small disappointment, have not received my pay to this day : of course at the time of trial, was entirely destitute of money. Being wholly unacquainted with the practice of the gen- tlemen of the bar at that time, I had embraced the opinion that they never would attend to the application of any, with- out nn advanced fee. This idea I afterwards found to be entirely groundless. Under this apprehension, I applied for no help, having no money to remunerate a counsellor for his assistance. This being the case, I stood alone in the busi- ness, which communicated an idea to the gentlemen of the bar, that a confidence in my own abilities induced me to look with indifference upon their assistance. This, of con- sequence, did not serve to ingratiate myself into their favor. This was not all. In my address to the jury I flung out some hard expressions against them, owing to my mistaken Idea of their venal practice ; all which served to create myself enemies, without the least apparent advantage arising from it. I have often thought that a retrospective view of a thou- sand foolish calculations which people make in the days of youthful inexper-ence and the thoughtless, unmeaning im- petuosity, with which they pursue these objects of calculation, * Mr. Editor — As Judge Paine sustains a station of importance in the judicial department in Massachusetts, I wish to cast a veil of candor over his foibles, and suppress whatever may tend to injure him in the minds of the public, in this narrative, which was given to a friend ; it being essen- tially necessary to support a due degree of respect towards those wb« remain in offices of eminence in order to enable them to execute their duty to the benefit of society. BTEPHEN BlTRROUr.HS. 97 woold serve jrreatly to lessen the resentment which the wiser part of manlvind often feel towards them. After I had plead to the indictment, the attorney-general arose and opened ihe cause to the jury, stating in the course of his ohservations, that I hud been a most abandoned charac- ter, le»:lin? a life of iniquity from the beginning; that I had been a counterfeiter not only of the coin of the country, but had also counterfeited a name, a character, a calling, all which seemed to communicate this idea to the world, that I had given a loose to the practice of every enormity; that my wickedness had at length found me out ; and that I should now sutler a punishment due lo my long course of crimes. After he had closed, he proceeded to call on his evidences. When the apothecary came on to the stand, I objected to the court against his being admitted, being a person interested in the business. After hearing the arguments pro. and con. the bench took the matter under consideration, and deter- mined that his evidence might be taken ; giving for reason, that It had before been determined; and that the reward which government had offered, would militate against the conviction of crimes of that nature, rather than promote it. If the complainant should be excluded from giving testimony. As soon as this i' termination of the court was declared / pretty much gave up ihe idea of being acquitted. How* ever, I thought it necessary to make the last defence I was able to ; therefore, after the witnesses were examined, I be- gan my address to the jury, and in the course of my obser- vations, took notice of the remarks of the attorney-general ; that he had contrary to every principle of law and justice asserted facts in open court, apparently with a wicked design, to fix a prejudice in their minds, in order to prevent my trial being impartial, not even attempting to produce evidence to fupport the base assertions which he had made. I continued still further : I am astonished, said I, to see all justice and virtue fled from the bench. That those charac- ters whom we are taught to revere, on account of their eminent station, should so far debase their own importance, as to remain in silence, when the most flagrant violations of all rules of order are perpetrated before them in open court; therefore, gentlemen of the jury, I turn to you as the only 9 sopport, which now may be depended on, for the cnjoymca of our just rights and privileges. And now sir, what do you think of this rant ? I know What you will say, viz. that it is the ebulition of a mad, hair- brained fellow. My feelings, it is true, were wounded by the observations of the attorney-general, and I verily expected to punish all those whom I thought to blame in the business; but how weak was my reasoning upon such a subject! How mad the part which I acted I I soon found to my cost, that iii the room of punishing others, I was irritating that power in whose grasp I was embraced. I continued my remarks to the jury, upon the evidence Which had been exhibited against me, with as much argu- ment as tl^e case would admit of. The attorney-genei'al answered my remarks, and the judges summed up the evi- dence, and stated the business to the jury not in a very impartial manner. The jury retired, and in about one hour returned with the verdict of GUILTY ! The sentence was soon pronounced, which was to this efl'ect, viz. that I should stand one hour in the pillory, and remain three years confined to the house of correction, with- out the corporeal punishment which generally is inflicted on those who are sentenced to said house. Glazier Wheeler's sentence was the same, excepting an addition of twenty stripes, and to be cropt. Jones was sentenced for two years to the house of correction, and twenty stripes. Cook, for burglary, was sentenced to two years to the house of correc- tion, an hour in the pillory, and ten stripes. I was remanded to jail, there to contemplate the gloomy prospect before me, cf spending three years in a state of close confinement. I expected this state of imprisonment would be in the common jail of the county, there being no other house of correction provided. Here the horrors of my situ- ation began to open to my view ! I saw an eternity in minia- ture before me, consisting of one continued scene d" gloomy horrors. Shut from the enjoyment of society, from perform- ing a pnrt among the rest of my fellow mortals, to make some establishment for *nyself, in this state of dependence j iihd from tafting the sweets of liberty, for which we had se 'Itftely fought and bled. mm STEPHEN BUEROT70H8. 99 . How 19 this said I to myself, that a country which has Blood the foremost in nsscrtinjj the cause of liberty, that those who have tasted the bitter cup of slavery, and have known from hence the value of liberty, should so soon after obtain- ing that blessing themselves, deprive others of it ? I know that it will be said, that for my crimes I am deprived of liberty, which is according to every dictate of justice; whereas America was only struggling for her natural rights, when exercising the principles of virtue. I have no idea of calling in question the justice of the American cause, but only advert to the situation and feeling« ut the people in this state, to shew that they feelingly knew the value of liberty ; and therefore, it appears more strange that they should wantonly trifle with this valuable treasure. It has been abundantly said by the leading men in this state, that life without liberty is not worth the possessing. Thia was abundantly urged to the people in the time of war j and It was urged with great truth and propriety ; therefore that Uie same characters upon a revision of the criminal code, with a pretence of mollifying those laws which were san- guinary and cruel, should substitute slavery for death, is to me conduct truly enigmatical. As this narrative will not admit of entering into a political disquisition of the subject, I shall content myself with barely Slating facts, which have abundantly come to my knowledge, trom seeing the operation of this system of servitude upon men. These facts I shall relate from time to time, as they naturally connect with the narrative; and 1 presume, sir, you will think with me, that political reasoning strongly marked this legislative act. 9» no MBMOI&S tr CHAPTER XV. "Deluge and conflagration, dreadful fiowen .' Prime mini si frit ol vengeance ! chaiu'd iu cavM* Diitiiict, apart the giriut furies roar; ^part ; ur such their horrid rage for gain, In mutual conllict would they rile and wage Eternal war, till one wait quite devoured." The evening t»fler my sentence, the prisoners in Ihe room ^tijoining were entleavorina; to make their escape. Their tttempt was overheard by the jailor, who came into the room where I was, about twelve o'clock at night, with the high eheritr, wh>y with his drawn sword, threatened to put me to instant deatfi for making the attempt lo break jail. The cold contempt with which 1 treated his threats stung him to the quick ; he lowered on me with an eye of malignancy. He cried " ah ha I Burroughs, you are in my power, and Pll make you know it before I have done with you." He by this time had learned his mistake, by hearing the prisoners In the other room crawling out of the hole which they had made. This circumstance serves to show the prejudice IVhich the high sheriff had conceived against me, by his con- chiding, without the least evidence, that I was making an Mt^mpt to break jail ; however this I found was a pretty general opinion among people at this time, that I must be 'conversant in every species of outrage which was going for- Wttrtl, and consequently, when any thing of that nature was 'l.nown to be on loot, they were very confident of my being interested in it. It was thought that the jail in Springfield was insufiicient to hold me securely, and therefore concluded to remove me lo the jail in Northampton, another half.shire town in this county; they accordingly put this detewnination in execution, removing all the prisoners at the same time. I was confineil with a large chain around my legs, secured in the most criti- cal manner, and then bound fast to the wagon in which I was transported, it being twenty miles between the two places. In this situation, carried through the country as a «pectacle to the inhabitants, I will not attempt to describe STEPUCN BURftOUOHS. m to you „y ced- because I know the attempt will be ia ~ i rrar* '"'r^K ''', "" ^'^»^' ^'"'^^ '^^ «=«"«•"« express, It so far exceeds the descriptive powers of speech • we may give he nearest guess what our ledi.ics would be vou'lnd r 7^'""^^-^-' -^ ^-nce by this rule onll ca„ It was on Sunday when we were carried through the country on our journey to Northampton ; and in the room of attend.ng the usual solemnities of the day, peopIcMWed the roads to see this procession. When we nasL, the peo- ple would mquue with eagerness, who was .ne min ter, Se- mg knovvn more by that appellation than I was by my own name When the minister" was pointed out to them, Ze would shout With joy, considering that I was now dcU^cted notwithstanding that amazing fund of subtilty which I could use when 1 ad occasion. Their ideas of their ownTu ic a y became highly exalted m their opinion; for, said they, » itus man has been a 1 over the world, playing pr'anks in ul coun! U.es, but cou d never be brought to justice, owing to ll amazujg subt.lty, until he came among us, and we have shewed h.m what is what: he finds by this time that we are not such fools as he thought for." Some xami 5 my looks wuh great attention, to see if they could distm^uSh where that depth uf knowledge lay which had set the TorW in uproar. Some few dropped the sympathetic tear over our wretched state, apparently sensible that we belonged to he same human family with themselves, and were capable of suflenng equally with others. ^^p^oie About sunset we arrived at Northampton, and were con- Signed to the abodes of misery. The ponderous doors growled on their reluctant hinges! The rattling of bolts, bars and locks, reverberating through the hollow apartments o the dreary abode, made such an impression on my mind timt With dilficuliy I supported myself under this situation! The appearance of the Cerberus of these infernal abodes was equal to every poelic description of the Janitor of hell. Hail, ye infernal powers f said I, who inhabit these regions; assemble your forces, gather your strength, and keep high at:aBfe.^'-fe«. 102 MEMOIRS or 1'''! V. carnival to-day, in consideration of those victims which have now fallen a sacrifice at your shrine. 1 was confined in a room on the ground floor atone, and shut out from the possibility of tseeing any company. This was a situation which left me to the corroding pangs of *.li()ught. However, these thoughts were, in the end, calcu- lated to fortify me against im|)ending troubles. I reflected on my imprudence at the time of trial; on the desperate voyage I hud undertaken for the sake of befriending others; on the consummate fully in our plans fur wealth ; and upon the three years siege I must now undertake against the walls of a prison. Eut, said I, wliat does it signify to com- plain ? The die is cast : my fate is fixed ; and at the eJose of three years, what will it matter, whether I have lived in af- fluence, or been confined in a dungeon ? Does it now militate atrain; t my happiness to think that yesterday or last week 1 was in a disagreeable situation ? The present and future are the only times for enjoyment. The present blessings we have in our power, and consenuently, can partake of every joy they grant : the future we possess by anticipation ; and it is thought by many, that the foretaste of pleasure by an- ticipation, is greater than the participation. At any rale, happiness is the pursuit of all, and it is evident that the nearer we can approach to a state of content, by the same jfroportion we approach to that happiness which we are in pursuit after ; of consequence the dictates of wisdom will induce me to throw aside care and trouble, let my present situation be ever so disagreeable. Not long after I was confined in this jail, there was a man by ihe name of Rood put into liie same room with rne. This man had held a commission in the military department of Massachusetts, and was an inhabitant of a neigh bt. ring town ; had a family consisting of a wife and one daughter, a young woman in the bloom of life and a pretty handsome figure. This man by mistake having taken some cattle not his own, and appropriated them to his own use, some people were so impolite as to charge him with theft. This charge was car- ried before the Supreme Court, and there he was fined about seven!',' nounds. if I mistake note As the circumstances of this Rood were somewhat embarrassed, he could not pay the '. -rT^-^^"'?"'i'"f*"f?^ t'lfect their nefarious purposes. Having this company, that eternal series of ennui, which had hung like a leaden mountain upon me, was now in some measure removed. The |)rivilege of conversation was noW restored, and amusement in some measure occupied our minds. When I have been debarred the privilege of seeing and conversing with others, the here sight of a man has in- voluntarily raised a sens«ation of joy in my mind greater than you can easily conceive, even when I had not a possi- bilitV of Sncjiitinir to him 'I'hio T il.;..)^ ;o ™ ..«.. :.i . « ■ - — - '•'•■3 i •iisjs.-i, 13 a smxuj^ CViUC.ICC that we ai-o all dti-cendeU from one common origin, and that 104 MEMOIRS OF It ,( i' I < !l' ' i WKi I i I a certain attraction of cohesion operates upon the huarav race, and will so continue till we all return to that fountaia from whence we originated, and from an union as perfect as is formed between the river and the ocean when their waters become one. The scanty allowance of provision which we received at ihis place, made us feel severely the pains of hunger. Those who had friends near them, commonly received an additional supply from them ; but those who had only what oui keeper allowed us, to supply the calls of nature, often felt the grip- ing hand of hunger, in addition to other inconveniences. All these circumstances made me feel an inconceivable uneasi- ness at my eonlinement. I would walk backward and for- ward across the room by the whole day together, ruminating upon the possibility of making my escape. How I longed to be at liberty, is beyond my power to tell. Often would I wish that I was possessed with the ability of passing from place to place with the same facility that we could discern objects at a distance, in this place and that place. How quick would I then leave these hateful abodes, anu wanton in the sunbeams of liberty. How easily could I then elude the iron grasp of this petty tyrant, who triumphs over the miseries of the wretched few under his control. Often would I contemplate upon the situation of the begger, who gained his daily bread by the cold hand of charity, and yet walked at liberty, free as the air in which he breathed, capable of going to any place to which his fancy directs him, without let or hindrance; I compared his situation with mine, and in the comparison, I feel infinitely short of his state of happi- ness. I was determined to try some measure for my escape from this place. I peeped into every corner of the room; I sur- veyed all the barricadoes with which I was environed ; I contemplated every possible measure which occurred to my imagination. I at last concluded to begin my operation apon the chimney-way, hoping that I could, by taking up the foundation of the chimney, get to the ground, and by thin means undermine the jail, and make my escape that way. 1 laid the plan before VV^arner and Rood, for mutual consulta- tion and approbation. Wutuer, ai unce, entered into Ibe i ! STEPHEN BURROUGHS. loa itlieae/and promised his assistance. Rood refused to lend his assistance, but encouraged us to proceed ; suggesting that the thing probably might be accomplished. I soon saw into the drift of Rood. He determined to take advantage of our ■uccess, if we proved fortunate; if otherwise, he thoi>?ht to exculpate himself by saying he had no part in the business. He had drcted the part of a sycophant towards the jailor and the high sheriff from the. time of his commitment, hoping through their intercession, to gain some alleviation from the court of their sentence, at the next session. Notwithstanding the assistance of Rood was not to be ex- pected, Warner and I were determined to make the attempt immediately after the approach of night, as that was theon:y time m which we could work, without an immediate detec- tion. Therefore, after the time of retirement, we pulled ofl' our coats, and went to work with a great degree oi energy upon the stones in the chimney. We soon filled our room' with stones and rubbish. In this situation, we experienced great inconveniences for want of lisrht, being obliged to have recourse to pine slivers pealed off from a board, which kepi one hand constantly employed in feeding the blaze, lest it should be extinguished, which would at once defeat all our purposes. As I was the stror.gest of the two, I kept Warner leeding the light, whilst I labored like Sisyphus in rolling huge stones out of the chimney-way. Happy should I have thought myself at that time, if, Hercules like, I could have turned the coarse of some mighty river under the jail, to have assisted me with its force, to sweep away those huge rocks. I labored and toiled without intermission, till about midnight, when coining to a rock I could not possibly gel out of the hole, I for a moment despaired of success, after straining with all my might a number of times to no effect. Rood, seeing the situation in which matters stood, jumped out of bed, and helped to lift the stone from its place, and then returned again into bed. I again renowed my labor, and had overcome the greatest part of the dii cullies before us, when the light became extinct for v.-ant of fuel, the board being all consumed. I tried to pursue the busiuess in the *ldrk, but found it in Vnin stnil thofoC^fa nns r.Ui:«^,l «„ _..: -- .— . .......... .^ ^, 5j<3 •u-tfiiticu itJ mil our undertaking. How much would I now ha lO 4 uu vc given for a m 106 KEMoms or P! t I 'I farthing candle I hut wishes were as vain as our expectalix^i^ tfcre unfounded. The necessity of our relinquishing tU6 pursuit was absolute, and therefore, with sullen reluctauQC 1 yielded to the force of necessity. I did not entirely iosf all hopes of succeeding yet by this method. As »oon as da) light should afford an opportunity, I determined to rene\i my labor, and if by good fortune our Cerberus should not make us a visit till some time in the morning, I was still in hopc« of making the breach soon enough to leave him to h^9 own agreeable reflections, when he came to search our room, Yf hich he constantly did every day. Therefore, at the dawn of day, I again renewed ray labor with increased animation. 1 struggled and toiled with the huge rocks in such a manner as to establish the belief, that in the course of an hour I should again flit upon the wing of liberty. But O! horrid to relate! the thundering noise of the jailor, in opening his ponderous doors, throwing back the many bolts, and turning the keys of the enormous locks, at once defeated all my ex- pectations of freedom. The mighty castles which 1 had been building in the air, came tumbling over my head like a sweeping deluge. The jailor came into the room, and what was the scene pictured to his view ? Rubbish, rocks, stones and dirt lillctl the room ! Two men almost nuked, covered with sv jat and dust ! The door was again immediately shut, and the jailor re- tired, but his absence was almost momentary. He returned with a band of flinty hearted rovrinidons to assist in th« diabolical system of revenge. We* were taken by those patruns of humanity, tied to the grates, and received ten lashes each, on our naked backs, with a horse-whip. Im- mediately after this, we were put in the dungeon, where we lay two (lays, and were then removed to another room, The day after wc were confined in the dungeon, the high sheriff came to the jail, and threatened to put Hood into the dungeon with us ; this threat had the desired efl'ect. Rood declared he had given no aid, assistance, or advice in the business of breaking the jail, bnl on the contrary, used all ii^ aj* ■! Wlrv'ifi. ' * 108 MEMOIBS or !— /< it Jt ■*|: WB» fastcTied to the timber composins? our floor, with a staple driven in with a sledge, which made the whole jail tremble. Alter I was fixed in Ibis manner, they left me to my reflec- tions, inwardly exulting at their mighty power, in making a poor wretch secure from enjoying the cold comfort of hoping ibr bt^ler times. O ! ruthless mortals ! said I, why so infatuated I Am not I a member of the same family with yourselves ? Am not I capable of suffering the same woes with others ? Place your- selves in my situation for a moment, and try to regale your feelings in such a condition. Even suppose a brother, a child or any near relative, or friend, in my situation ; would you conduct towards him as you now do towards me, who am a stranger, among you ? Surely you would not. Does not the language of nature, do not the principles of that be- nevolent religion of which you make so great profession, teach you to treat the stranger with kindness ? How then is it that you pinch me with hunger, mangle me with whips, confine ite in a dungeon, &c. as though you envied me the enjoy- rocnt of the liberty of walking in a room of twenty-feet square? You have confined me to a space of half that dimension; and this confinement too performed in the moy; cruel manner. Would any of you, who are walking at your ease, enjoying the sunshine of liberty, if placed in my situa- tion, lie down tamely under the burden, and not exert your- selves for freedom, when you possessed a faint ray of hopp, that you may obtain it by exertion ? You who have never fell the burden of confinement, can have but a faint idea ni U» nature; hence, you esteem it as it feels to you, and treat those who are under its pressure, according to your feelings. I lay in this dismal situation aboat a fortnight, if I re- member right. My leg, by this time, was worn by the iron around it, till the skin was quite off. In this situation, I be- came entirely impatient. My sufferings I thought insupport- able. I cursed the day in which I was born. I cursed my IViends and all the human race, in the bitterness of my anguish ! Well was it for Warner, that I was confined with a chain, at that time, lest happly I should have vented mt rage on him in the overflowing of my distress. I roared with anguish ! I raged like a bedlamite ! The obdurate STEPHEN MURR0UGH8. lot heart of my Cerberus was not moved hv mv nlt»»*',n^ k. •ppeared so eligible to answer th? «f«.« «r L ' T "* the jaiJ, anu Sampson-like, make a sacrifice af m^H .1 «;h.c.. would atone for „«' eruei.ie, Tfar^ulS ^^t; wher.he L Jaa i" 00, T.7 'r'"'""*'^'. " "" """^ sessins mo.Pnf ti.. :,. „. "v "'^5' ""^ ^^^^ « scene poi- wilh duringmy life." '"" """"""^ '"*'" *"^ '^'""^ ^ ^^^^ "«* 110 MEMOIRS or tm, ■ At Ihe dead hour of nisht, when all nature was lost 1p forgftfulness, at; Young emphatically txpretses it. ... ** Night, sable po»li!e8» ! from her ebon llirone, 111 rayles* inajeuty, now slretcheu forth Her leaden gceptrc o'er a shimbcring world ; Silence, how (lend! and darkness, how profound! Nor eye, nor iisteuing car, an object find* : Creatioa sleeps. 'Tis as the general pulse Of life stood still, and nature made a pause, An awful pau«e ! prophetic of her end. And let her prophecy be soon fulfill'd ; Fate ! drop the curtain! I cuu lose nc more." * In this situation, to see columns of smoke and fire rolling np with a majestic power, enveloping me around, was a scene which surpasses all description ! I viewed the opera- lion of the flames with a tranquil horror ! I now felt myself exalted above the operations of the petty tyranny of those who had exercised the rod of severity over me. Your reign, said I, will be short, and I shall not fall altogether unre- venged. It may serve as a memento to others, not to drive those to desparation, who have the misfortune to fall under their power. I soon found that the fire had loosened the staple, which confined my chain to the floor ; therefore, I was at liberty to walk from one end of the room to the other, contemplating the progress of this dreadful devouring element. By this lime, the prisoners in the room over head were awakened^ alarmed, and began to cry out for help. The jailor was aroused, the inhabitants gathered, and the bolts, bars, and locks, were in motion. They immediately came into my room, and finding me loose, conveyed me into the dungeon. Whilst I was in the dungeon, 1 heard the bustle among the people, in putting out the fire. From the exclamations of some, I thought the danger increased, and from the opera- tion of others, I thought it diminished. My mind was wavering between hope and fear, till about 4 o'clock in the morning, when I found the noise decreased until it became^ entirely silent. I now concluded they had subdued the fire, and of course, I should be called to an account as disagrees aDit\ as VVUCI2 1 aitrmpicU x.v j^ivf»« .p"«* The scene followin?, of all the scenes of my life, strike* STEPHEN BU&ROVGH8. Ill ttiy mind with the most distress in relating. To paint it ac- cord mj? to the existence of facts, and the sensations arisinc from those facts, is an arduous task, too great for me to Uhdertake, till I have refreshed nature with a little relaxa. lion by sleep, and application to other objects, which will turn my mind a while from the disgust which the contempla- tion of this subject creates. Therefore, sir, accept my sin. cere wish for your welfare, my desire that you may never taste that cup of adversity, which I have drained to the dregs. I am, dear sir, &c. CHAPTER XVI. TT. ' — " "Tis only change of pain, A bilter change I severer for severe ; The day too short for my distress ! and uicht, E'en in the renith of her dark domain, is sunshine to the color of my fate." AT 9 o'clock in the mornins, I heard the usual tumult at entering the outer door of the jail. I saw a crowd were entering and passing along the alleyway, previous to their coming to the dungeon door ! The door opened ! The high sheriff, jailor, and about twenty more, entered 1 I saw by the appearance of things, that I must prepare for the worst pos- »ible event. The sheriff" advanced with a cocked pistol, which he presented to my breast, and swore by God, that if I offered to resist, he would put me to instant death. He had an idea that I had become desperate, and would sacrifice my own life for the sake of ridding myself from the misery I was under, and obtaining revenge for the injuries 1 had suffered. I called him a despicable, cowardly wretch, to advanct; upon a poor, helpless, unarmed man, in the manner he as- sumed. I told him I placed his utmost malice at defiance, and challenged him to do his worst. I told him I expected every thing base and cruel from him, ever sensible that the Ignoble spirit which possessed a coward, led to cruelty and barbarity. That I had been punished ignobly once, for and Iherefbre, I determined he should have some- 10* noining ; 112 MEMOIRS or •f •V' ■ I i thing for his next attempt which shonld make hia cowardlf soul tremble with fearful apprehension. - . He ordered his |K)S8e to advance and seize me. They advanced and laid hold of me. As soon as they had made me secure, the sheriff took hold of my hand and twisted U around, so as to make the pain very sensible. I thought be would have wrung my arm off my shoulder. I was led ool of jail in this manner, into the yard. I was then lied fast to the grates, and stripped naked. . . " The reason why I was carried into the yard was that this mild distributor of justice might have a heller opportunity to give his whip full scope, without impediment. He improved his opportunity, and with a whip, commonly known by the name of huntinff-whip, he laid about me with all his ven- «eance,for About five minutes. I then was taken down, ihd Warner put in my place, who received twenty-lashes. We were then re-conveyed into the dungeon ; when I was loosed from the iron I had about my leg, and in heu of that, a large ring was out about each leg, with an iron bar run- ning from one to^he other. This bar ^vas bolted to the floor I then had an iron about my waist, and bolted to the floor : after all , I was hand-cufled and pinioned. i > ' The sherift- then came to take his farewell, and parted with some hearty curses for my incorrigible conduct. Ihe eurseshe received back again with interest. I was now left to myself, a gloomy spectacle of helpless misery. This was in the month of December, in the year 1i8o, a remarka- ble cold month; and my confinement in this situation con- tinued until January, 1786, being thirty-two days in the whole. Here I was deprived of fire, of clothing and exercise,, till the time was nearly expired; and even the pititul allow- .ince of straw to lie on : but all this was nothing, compared with what I suflfered with hunger. Those who know the cruel effects of hunger, are the only: people who can understand me when I relate these facts.. But few people have ever felt its effects : therefore, should I relate this story to people in general, not many would know what 1 meant. . t u-„»« I had not been in this situation many days, ffore I bcg« to experience the severe effects oi iu« eoiU. ^^ * v.--..-. ..^ STEPHEN BURROUGHS. 113 tUnd, walk nor step, llie only recoarse I had to keep in> feet from freezins, was rubbinar them aeainst an iron spike, • Jiltle from my feel, perhaps three inches; which had eilhei aever been driven into the floor entirely, or else had started Jack by some means, the space of about four inches. This I wore very smooth with a perpetual friction. No person was allowed barely to look through the little aperture into • the dungeon. This little hole was secured by a door, so as to hide every object from our sight. Ab^out the seventh or eight day after my confinement in Ihis pandimonium, the pains of hunger became excruciating. Gladly would I have eaten my own flesh. I even had a hankering desire to get the excrements out of the vault, but that was out of my power. All my Ihoughls were occupied upon victuals. I could not conceive what I had been about through life, that I had not eaten more when I had the op. porlunity. I could not possibly conceive of the idea of a man satisfied with eating. That a man could be glutted with food, so as to loath it, was a fact established in my mind, by roy own experience; yet, at this time, I could not believe it; indeed, 1 thought I knew to the contrary. Had I been pos- sessed of an empire at this time, I should have parted with it in a moment, for a supply of food for the present necessity. It 13 said that hunger will break through a stone wall, but I say that hunger will carry a man the greatest length of any thing in nature. It destroys the feelings of humanity, and makes a man a savage. It begets in his nature a ferociout feeling, which assimulates him more to the tyger than to a being possessing the milk of human kindness ; therefore, take the mildest couple that ever lived, reduce them by famine to a state of extremity, and you will see the fond husband tear- ing from his beloved partner the food upon which her exist, ence depends. Nay more, you will see, in this situation, the tender mother refusing her dying infant the smalles: pittance of sustenance to its expiring entreaties ! ,'^2u ^ Must not the mind of sensibility shrink with horror at a sight so dreadful ? And this have I experienced in a land where great professions of humanity and christian benevolence have been made! In charity to the inhabitants, I now believe they ■^'A not know the exireraiiy of my suffeiiugs. At that time i i mimimilmmim 114 MEMOIRS or did believe it, and Ihal they concurred in the business; but I know my situation did not admit of cool reflection and candid reasoning upon the subject. I begged, I entreated of the keeper of these infernal abodes, for bread, but my entreaties were given to the winds. I raved, I swore, I tore, cursed and lamented ; but all did not move his obdurate feelincs. After the fifteenth day, the rage of hunger began to subside. Nature, tired with the struggle, gave way, and begun hck' retreat. I grew faint and sick. There was a «loom hung over me, which is entirely inexpressible. Nothing did I ever feel of the kind before or since; and how to describe it to you now, I am entirely at a loss. I know if I undertake, I shall not succeed in giving you an image of the most distant resemblance. I grew sick of life ; I hated the idea of ever mixing aaain with the world ; I wished for death with an impatient ardor. There is a situation, sir, when life is no more sweet. There are circumstances, under which life becomes a burden, and is no longer desirable. This was my situation, i began to console myself with the hope that my miseries would soon have an end in the arms of death. The approach of this grim tyrant now was the most pleasing object of my contem- plation. Here I found a balm for all my wounds. "To rest from my labors" in this world, was the height of my. wishes. Here was a pleasure in the prospect which as. soaged the rage of my pain, and calmed the boisterous emo. tions of my mind. ,., . • I had now become emaciated to a skeleton. My beard had not been cut, during 'i e time of my being in the dun^, geon ; hence it was about two 5IM. m Into the dnngfon was opened, and the name of Biirronghi was vociferated by the jailor. For him to have any business with me at that time of the day, was what had not happened for thirty-lwo days before, and what could be his business now I could not conceive. The objects of life were so far ont of my view, that I thought at first to pay no aliention to this call, but upon more mature reflection, I rose up as f^r as I was able, and looked through the little hole. I there saw a man whom I did not recognise, a stranger. He called me by my christian name, when he spoke to me. Who it was addressing me thus familiarly I could not tell. I told him he had the advantage of being unknown to me, while I was known to him. He asked me if I did not know my uncle ! J surveyed him with some attention, and at lengtn saw he was my mother's oldest brother. He appeared to examine my condition with as much atten- tion as his situation would admit of. He entered into some general observations upon the nature of my folly in settint^ the jail on fire, and attempting to break out. He lamented the distressed situation in which he found me, handed me two dollars to supply my present necessities. He then retired. * Immediately after this, the jailor's wife came into the alley, and told me if I wanted any victuals she would supply me with it. How this declaration sounded in my ears, you will more readily conceive than I can describe. To have a prospect of a speedy supply of food, again recalled the desire of life. My feelings were in arms, and all the vigour of de- sire was again rekindled in my bosom. I told her I wished for something to eat immediately ; and on her informing me there was nothin? ready dressed, I besought her to fetch me some bread, that 1 might be eating, whilst she was makin? ready something else. She brought me a brown loaf weighing about four pounds.* With what pleasure did I view this precious morsel ap- m,* ^°'",'i»n'an»'y'» "ake, however, it is to be wished that this good wo- i^n .In " M '^*'^ I'"'"!? P-"'?"""* f""d. l-efore he had received th« d!^^, ?! * •• NolwUhstaiidmg hit aggravated crimes, and irritating con- i"f i: "® ".^° question but Uurroughs received punishment far exceed- ."^ su= ucstris. Ana the iav«ge treaimeiit he met with, particularly ir Uii. prisou, u enough to make one blush for the cAm^on aame ! img 116 MEMOIRS OF -i i nroachin- me. I half devoured it with my eyes before I got K of U: How sweet was the taste ! how exquisite the Pleasure ' Warner laid hold of the loaf and tore away abou Half the Contents. Yes, said I, thou fellow suHerer ! eat a_„ be satisfied ! the day of bitterness is over, we have the promise again of foo I suflicient to supply the calls of nature . ^ The bread was almost instantly gone, but l»'e cries ol hunger were not appeased. Soon however the wife at the jailor came with strong tea and loast. I.^^^^^^^'t' ^. ^' brought so little, but she understood my situation belter than I did myself. We eat up the recruit of food in a moment. I entreated for more, but could not obtain it, ""^^^^^^.^^ hour. When I had received my third portion, and we had eaten it, Warner began to experience terrible pains in his bowels, and I thought, for some lime, he mu«t have expued under the operation. . „i.«„ The same characters who had made their appearance when I was bound in the manner described, now entered the dun- eeon again, to work went hammers and fales, and in about half an hour 1 was freed from the terrible load of iron under which I had groaned for thirty-two days. When I was liberated from these irons, I had almost lost the use of my limbs ; my feet would hardly ^^]''f ^Jl'^'J for walUin-; for both of them had been touched with frost, and the irons on one of my legs had been put on so light as to cause a swelling, which ended in a sore abou six inches lone, and which has never yet gotten entirely well. I was removed out of the dungeon into an upper room, which was much more comfortable than the one I had first occupied. Here I received food as often as once in three hours Lu«h the next day. Yet I could not be satisfied ; my appetite was keen as ever, even when I was ^o fu 1 as to prevent me from swallowing more. This continued « be the case fur the space of a forlr.ighl longer, when I found my ap- petite regulated upon the common scale of catmg. ^ At this lime, my uncle wrote the following letter to my father, giving him some account of my situation m Northamp- ton jail. STEPHEN BURROUGHS. H7 Charlton, January 7th, 1786. •* BELOVED BROTHER AND SISTER « f have been at Northampton twice within this month past : visited your son Stephen each time. The first time, I found mm chained down m the dungeon, for attempting to burn the jail ; and also for attempting, at another time, to di? through the chimney. I expostulated with him, with regard to his former conduct, endeavorin? to shew him his folly in trvini? to break and burn the jail. J obtained a promise thathe should be let out of the dun2:eon. The second time I was there which was this week, I found him in the common prison unl chained. I lound him very needy each time, and particularly the first, h.s allowance being very short. I let him have two dollars the first lime, which I believe he made a good use of; the second time I found him destitute of a shirt; I got him a new one, and let him have thirteen and four pence in cash. As I am in a few days going to the General Assembly in Boston It IS not likely I shall see him again until spring, al- though I have lately been in something of a habit of visiting at Northampton. Being in haste and the bearer in waiting, shall only subjoin tlmt I am your loving broteer, uD y, r. „ " EBENEZER DAVIS. " Rev. E. BuRiiouGHS." After the receipt of this letter, my father wrote tt> an ac qua.ntance of his m Northampton, by the name of Stronff,to pay some attention to my needs, afford me what my necessities incurred^''' "^'^^ ^'^" ^*''' ^^^ ^"'"""^ ^^ expenses By some strange fatality, when this letter arrived, captain Strong either thought, or wished people to believe he thought 11 a forgery of mine. He paid no attention to it ; and the report was soon circulated, that I had forged a letter in my lather s name and sent to captain Strong ; and even at a very modern period, a gentleman of some eminence, from North- ampton, has repeated this false report, in those places where nLZlT, """'^ ^' ^"^"'^^'^ ^'^^ ^^'■y disagreeable conse- emfr^pnrr' '''■' ^^'"^^ T ^"^ ^•■"''^'^s « ^^"'ent from the course of the narrative, and offer a few remarks upon the very smgular scenes Ihrouch which I nas?»'i ;» »»^: " ll:JT^ ^^" '""^ '" ^^^ P''^'^^'^^ "^'l^e law, you will more readily conceive of the illegality of these transactions. ihe fundamental principles upon which our liberties and ^tJ^^Jg^^J^^ wmmmmmmmm Its MFMoms or privileges are founded, are the trial by jury, that no unnatural and cruel punishments shall be inflicted, and that a person shall never be punished, but by due course of law. These leading principles, I believe, are never to be deviated from, except in case of rebellion, when the state is in danger; then martial law may operate; and even when martial law basils operation, it is necessary to have matters of fact established by evidence, and the voice of a majority of three, at least, to warrant a punishment. In the punishments inflicted on me, none of these preliminaries have been attended to, but I have been subjected to the arbitrary will of a petty tyrant. He punished when his inclination was for cruelly, and inflicted what kind his pleasure directed. It may be urged, that I had made myself liable to punishment, by my conduct in jail. This being^ supposed, which I by no means believe ; yet, to punish me without a legal trial, was as absolutely contrary to every dictate of law and justice, as though I had been in fact innocent. It may be further said, that my sentence confining me to the house of correction, made mc liable to the punishment of the master of the house at his discretion. If this be the case, we take away from one class of citizens a right, which we have very justly been tenacious of, and have subjected them to a state of as abject slavery, as the Negroes in the West-Indies. And even if Ihis doctrine is well found- ed, yet the injustice of their conduct will receive no exten- uation ; for Warner was punished equal in kind, though not in quantity with myself, although he was only committed for trial, and of course must be innocent in the law, until be should be convicted. As the narrative will not admit of treating this business largely, I have given you only the lead- ing ideas, which possess my mind upon the subject, knowing your ability to state them in your own view, much more clearly and losically than what I shall do. About this time Philips, of whom you have heard mention, was committed to this jail, and lodged in the room where I was first confined ; likewise one Hinds was lodged in the room where I now was. This Hinds was committed for adultery with the wife of one Wallace, and the woman herself was kept in the common dwelling house of the jailor. One Nor- ton, who was charged with the murder of a man by the name of Brown, was commilied about this time, and conlincu in tue dungeon. It appeared from all the information I could gather, thftt the circumstances of this business were of the following '■■*■,■ STEPHEN BUKROVGHS, ,,|,g nature, viz. Norton beinsr » hn.i— ; • iog laying shingles, whfn Bro J^™ ?"*''V''"* ^? * "^'^baild, manner, threw stubble a? NoT^,'"^^^ *"'^ *" «» Pl«yf«l impeded him in hirwork S„^""'"**''""^^*™«»' wi»i<* petulant in his temper He toWB?o.vn%\ ^"•'!. ^^^^^^ ^^^ he would come down and ^fve him « fl '^ ''^ ''l""^ '^^^i^** induced Brown to eontinue^his fojTy wfe'"* ^'"^ ^^^^«» shew that he did not res-arrl v« V ^''"^"lore easrerness, to Norton immediatVdesc?';edf^^^^^^^^^ ^'^'^ »his. and a scuffle ensued WhimvJ":*'"™^ "P ^° »^«^n. 5ve Brown an unlucky sTrokelL^wh^ ', I* '"""'^ ^^"O" ed again. ^ ^'^**'^^» ^"^"^ which he never breath, «cteranrSf ,K7» "'^ «f J"lf '^ ''^''■'' -^^ "" twelve months, when he HpoL b ^'^ >''^" "''^^nt about hecticut, where ^e resided an?;^^^^^^ 1" ^^^'^Pa-'tofCon. • to Northampton for trial' «PPrehended and brought pi-n K?:^ it^r'sii ''«^- r ^-^^ - •'•^ would have no chance for ,WcIT.. ^• "^'" '^^^ ^«'-t«'» found likewise he entertaiipd fh. ^^^ ^?^ "^^'« ^"*^• if Wmself. I sincereirSd him our„?»V^'\"^ '^''' "'««^'- willing to yield him anra4tano. wh ^''' ^"^'' ^"'^ ^^^* Matters were in this sftuat o„ ^h "'' '^^^ '" "^^ P^^'*'''. o'clock, I heard a whispe as hou^S't' ''"" J'"^^ «»>«»^ ^2 room, calling me by name I Vnr/nV '''%^ ^^""^ out of the dow, but found the S did lltn^ "''/"'^ '^"^ *« ^^e win- ran to the door, but Ihere a^ain w^f- ^'^"^ ''''''' ' ^^en the noise came from Ica^mlT • •^'^appointed. Where tiaued. I at laotTthoS ^^ conjecture, which still con- irault, under the jaT itnZfutir^'' '^«d»»? into the easily distinguish the voice ;;rNortrwh«1 '^7 ^"'"P' *^«"'^ into the vault. He entreated me to^Pt h u^'^ ^""^" ^°w« « by that," said he, " I can m^wV ^'"^ ^'*^^ « ^^"'^<-% ^r, a diadem for augh I know I .h„7 T'^P" " »«'^ »» b^^^n have assisted him^at thlroment ?.n'l'r7^^ ^'*'' '^^ «« it to a strinff, and let it dovT f , J ^""^ ^^^ ''"'^^' «nd tied down, and reWctec wi h Hr^at dil'" ^^^^ 7^ '''^ P"™P^ »«? •ffording some small assX.. iTr-^^?'^*'"""^"^ whom I never saw S v said r .h'""'^ ^*•"""»" ^'»» rin'H^/1 k„ .u_ . . . Arujy, said I, this cnnrlnr-t K»o w^_r Whom I never saw." Trur'said^r^'h''"'^ ^*•"'"«" ^«f principles of ;;L-L"ll:.i!','^ conduct has bee? my slumber wasTefres W J/""" i^" V? » fuided by the »Ou«a sleep: mv IfO MEMoins or had acted accordins: to the plan of tho jjood Snmnrlrar. I did not know that any in the room were awake al this time; thcretore. I lhoui?hl myself the only person possessed of this i«cret. The nrxl day, Hinds was tuken out of the room where I was, and let into the alley with the woman, for a criminal connexion with whom he wns confmcd. They re- mained together ahout an hour, when he was put back into the room where 1 was. Soon al\er, I heard a number of pco- pie entering the outer door of the jail, and the clanking of chains, as thoujsfh some infernal purpose was in agitation. I listened with attention, and soon heard the dungeon door open ; when, to my surprise, ihey cried out that Norton wns gone. I did not expect he would so soon hnvemade his escape; aad now felt the exultation of joy on accountof his success. My joy was so»>n damped, by hearing another voice, soon after, crying out, " here he is! here he is !'* Norton, at this time, wns so busv at work in the vault, that he never heart! any of the uproar,' until a youngster, putiing his head down into the hole he had made, saw him at work. They soon got him up and made him fast in irons; after this, they came into my room, took me out, carried me into the rootn where I wns formerly confined, and there made me fast with my old chiiin. Here were Philips and Warner, Soon after the jailor had ltt\ us, I began to discover the amaiinar ability for contrivance which Philips possessed. He freed me from anv irons in ten minutes. We then nil went to work to make the hole larger through our pump into the vault under the jail. This we ellected, to my surprise, in the space of alwut six hours, so that a mnn, when stripped naked, could let himself down through it into the vault. This hole wa* made ia such a manner as entirely to secure it from theob- servation of those who perpetunlly searched the jail. Even should they exan>ine ihe hole itself, they would not discover its bein? otherwise than what it was originally, so perJVct was Philips master «>f what he undertook, of such a nature. We wrought with assiduity all the night following, ard hwl made such progies^s in di-ising out, that we arrived at the stones of the underpinning of the jail, they beini? sunk about four feet into the earth. The prisoners in the room out of whic^ I was taken, ami <^n^<.i.iiy Hinds., were «jf opinion they heard a noise on the night tliat we were at work in the vault ; but the other pris- oners suspecting now the case reallv was, and being somes STEPHEN BUmiOUGHS. |2| alone with h is M.srnnrK' • TP^"^«'^ That in oL. one hour m the course of every dav fofiSer situ^aUo!.''' '''''''''''' '""'^ ^^^^« ^"^'^ ^^P'««^'^ in their visU^o if/.l.I*'''' '*"" J"""*"? ""^ * """»b«'' with him made a tiRation, thevTive nn th» • *-"' *^""^ ^" **^"'' » '"^es- that Hinds xvasm^staZnn T""'- ^' ^""^'"'^ ' concludinif was made ii anoXr nZ '"^^^'-Jf,^^"''!' ^r else the breach lt»om xvhere I Z conS ^^^/^ '^f relore came into the concluded some mi'lako rnncr K ^^''- ^«?'"«.»>'"? ^""'"e time, conjectureofTf'nd 'C I , ''^'?'1 ^,"^ """^^^^'^ »*> »'>« •nd rniilil ,i; ^ J*''""* *^v^" 'o^J^-'d into ou r numn hoteve! ho ^r" .? r'"""'' «''^'-'^«'=»' which we had made^! would make uLre'secZ:'^ '"' ''"*^'"*^ ^^^^^^ ^« "^ well as the noLv Vk k" • " '"^P'C'""« circumstance, as with the othe Af^ had'ir'.K"' ^^^^'^ ^^"^''^ ''^^'^ Philins he m» u^ **^''" liberated from my irons by the inj;:trn':f" sTnTand","r'"^'°^'^^ •^"^'^*^^-^' «uch a manner thlr'nn 11^^ ''t'''''''^ ^''^P^'"^^ them in minute, To as to weLr th. "'^ •'^"'" ^" '">' '''^ «" ^alf a *hnJno.l . ?K.?%***. '^^^'^ l!'.^ appearance of remaining rln^^U After the search was over, I callel toTnrof the prisoner. 122 MEMOIRS or in the room with Hinds, Grinold by name, who wns a persew holding such conduct as Hinds had been guilty of in Ihe ut- most abhorrence, and related to him a simple account ol facts respecting Hinds. Grinold immediately began an altercation with Hinds; they soon proceeded to blows— and Hinds, who was as great a coward as he was a villain, soon cried enough ; but this subterfuge did not answer his purpose. Grinold still continued to beat him, alledging that such con-, duct as Hinds was guilty of did not entitle him to the coraujon usage under such circumstances. In the afternoon, the jailor came into my room, and the blacksmith with him; and after taking up our pump, placed two bars of iron over the hole, and spiked them to the limber. This, I thought, was an effectual security against our ever again getting into the vault. But no sooner was the jailor gone, than Philips shewed me how mistaken I was in my conjectures. Not more than six minutes after their departr ure before we had all the irons lossed from their place ; and that was eflected in this manner, viz. We took the chain that was around ray leg, and put it under one of the iron bars, and fetching it round, fastened it together over the bar, with, a key made of one of the links. After this was done, we took an oaken bench, about ten feet long, made of a slab, ar much as four inches thick in the middle, and put the end of; this bench into the bite of the chain, placing it in such a^: manner as to gain a great purchase ; we lifted the bar in an instant, drawing out the spikes with ease. Immediately upon the setting in of night, we again went to work ; but had not continued many minutes before the outer door of the jail opened, and in came a number of people, and passing our door, went up to the prisoners over head. Here Hinds had an opportunity of giving the hint ta the jailor, that he had something to commanicate to him Therefore, after the people had finished their business with the prisoners, the jailor took Hinds out into the alley, and there learned that we had broken again into the vault. Upon this information, the jailor came into the room, and rcr moved all the prisoners into the dungeon, excepting ntysell, K„:„„ :n Jrrms. «n securelv confined, that he remained at ewn with regard to me. -■■r-' -f STEPHEN BITRROUGHS. 4*23 After all matters were a?a[n settled, 1 silently let myself ^ihf "«"'' '''^"* "^"T" '"^° *'^^ ^«"'^' ^"'^ «^'-«"^ht hard all night By morning I had dug through the underpinning, gotten out-s.de of the jail, and all that remained now, was . to break through the frozen ground, which was about ei^ht- teen inches as I conjectured. I thought my operations ^rough this night had been so silent, as^o prevenTa ^ covery from any one ; but I was mistaken. The least noise ipini th /""""^"^ '^'"""^ ^'•'•°"?'^ »'^« P^'np^; these being he only apertures through which the sound could escape therefore its whole force was carried in one direcUon. In the morning, the jailor took Hinds out of the room where he had left him the night before, having put LTnTo a seperate room from Grluold, for fear of a repetition of IZ chastisement which he had so largely tasted the day before and by him received information that somebody had been at was„;ri^:'"^^1' "'^*'^- ^"^^ ^'"« informltion hL w?th Rood! '"''' '"""' '""° '^''"' ^'"'"^ '* '^"-"«^« hA^l?I*'".K '"'''''' in.tlie morning the jailor, attended with hs blacksmiths, came into the dungeon, and removed the !1 I, tu ^' '^^^'^^ ""^ ^^'■^' *° «^e whether the pris n- ers had broken through into the vault, bat not findinsr any breach, they were at a loss to account for the repor of Hinds, not conceiving it possible for me to be the person owing to my irons. However, after a while they came S covered the deception, seeing at once, with what ease I could take my irons off my leg when I wished. They then «ardied the iron bars which had been spiked to the floor, and found them pulled up. They looked at me with a stare of Mtonishment, not conceiving how it was possible for such a uwng to be eflected with what tools we had _ The blacksmith retired ; and in about an hour returned, fringing with h.m an iron bar of twice the magnitude of the ftrmer, and six spikes, about twelve inches in length, and ragged, in such a manner, as to prevent a bare possibility of their ever being drawn. This iron bar he placed across the , «..« iTiiu a uuavjf sifUKe, arove m iiie spikes, IV looking ii! 124 MEMOIRS Or^n round exuUinsly on me, saying « Burroughs, if you gel down here again, Pll come and lake your place." After he had driven in his spikes, and put all things in order, he came and examined my irons, fastened them on again, so as to prevent my getting loose, as he vainly boasted. ;; 's I now lost all hopes of liberty, by that method which we had been pursuing ; viewing it impossible ever to get the iron from across the hole, if I should get free from my irons around my leg : but again 1 was taught to admire the vast ability of Philips ; for before tlie outer door of the jail was locked, I was freed from my irons, and the bar across the hole was torn away. This was done while the jailor was shuttinff, boiling and locking the doors ; so that the noise which we made, might be so blended with his noise, that it should not be dislinsuished by the prisoners over head, viz. Rood and Hinds, in such a manner as to lead to a discovery. This had the desired ell'ect. Not the least suspicion \yas entertained of our operations, so quick was Philips of seeing every advantage which opportunilies oflered for the prosecu- tion of our purposes. However, I found all the abilities which appertamed to Philips, were set down to my credit, so strongly were all twssessed wilh the opinion, that 1 was the soul of the very enterprise of such a nature. And from the efforts whicli he made in this room, many were of the opinion that I had pre- ternatural assistance. For, said they, « no irons will hold him, and no fortification will stand against him." ' _ You will be curious, sir, I presume, to learn the method by which we eflected such a surp ising feat in so short a time, as to liberate me from irons, and tear away the huge iron bar which was spiked so strongly across our pumphole. This I will give you a description of. You will recollect that one end of my chain was fastened to the floor, the other end around my les, the length about ten feet; and the ring about my leg was flat.* Making the chain into a ring by the be- fore mentioned process, we ran the end of ou«- oaken bencli into it, and pl^^ced the ring which was around my leg, under the bench, and bent it down tight to my leg : then turned U ^«» «»ori«r rniinft anil hpnt it back again. This we repeateft * The ring wa» an inch larger in disimeter than my leg ■tir^ , STKPHEN BURROUGHS. J^^JJ Rfter this, hoisted the bolts confining the chain, by the same tlnTti ^' """' ''"' ^"^^ "J^ ^^"^ I'""'^ *nJ fixed our chain around the iron, on the pump-hole, as formerly, and proceed- e« agam accord.n? to the same plan. I thoujjht it a piece ofmadness to think of drawing these spikes, and made ob- jervations to that amount. Philips paid no attention to what I remarked but pursued his plan ; and when we all jumped on to the bench, to pry up the iron bar, the heads of the ?ni?u I *;" .'" .* "^'"'''"^ ' ^^^ ^" ^^«s t^^-n ^rom ils place, and the whole jail trembled. , , ., * I now considered my escape as certain, having nothing b t the frozen ground to break through, which I expected to eilect in the course of an hour. Therefore, when night pro- gressed so far in her course, as to carry people generally to their beds, we all stripped and went down into the vault. With as much silence as possible, that we might keep RooJ anu Hinds in ignorance of our operations; but this we found impossible. We soon heard them take off the cover from their pump, and listen to the noise in the vault. However as we soon expected to make our escape, we did not so much Uread their hearing us at work, not expecting they could give any information (o the jailor til! next morning, when we should be far from his restraining power. ! We were vigorous in our operations till we had broken the frozen ground, so as to discern the snow. I communicated this circumstance to Warner, who was near me, and he im- prudently, m the warmth of his feelings, told one near him. that in ten minutes weshould be at liberty. This he spake JO loud as to be heard by Kood and Hinds. They hearing this, immediately called to the jailor, and informed him that we were breaking out. The alarm flew rapidly; people ga hered in o the jaiLyard with lanterns, and discovered the hole, which was almost large enough for a man to pass hrough, whilst others entered the jail, and turned us all into the dungeon. It A,-: i m 1 1 1 1 H\ m MEMOIRS or Ail h'i^.im CHAPTER XVll. .1 ♦♦ Wake the liouS loudest roar, . . ,, t'lol his sliHKgy inane with gore, Will. rtasLiiVg fury bid his cye-balis sUme , Meek is his savage, suUcu soul to Ihmc . Ooa fond expectations of liberty were asain bhsted. Wd found ourselves confined in the dungeon, and l^o spies to wauh an our motions. It appeared that fortune deUghted nraisin" my hope in order to tantalize me with disappo nt- Tnt T«-re -as'a strange fatality attending all my under- takings • The most flattering circumstances were, m the end, attended with eflects of the severest nature. Misery wa m Son, notwithstanding every ellbrt to the contrary. I J^w saw no way but that I must lay my account to wear ZyZ three long tedious years to which I was sentenced, '"^ Early the next morning I was, contrary to my expectations, taken oVt of the dungeon, and reconveyed into my old room, whidiws considerably larger than the dungeon, and h^re MW preparatons for punishing me again with the horse- whin I had a sharp pointed penknife about me, which had been oft n sought foi in vain by the jailor. I pulled ou this Snife, and opened it, and told the jailor I would positively Tufhim to d.ath if he dared to inflict that punishment on me I^lin sLd at this time, in one corner of the room where I could not be attacked only on one side. The jailor Ordered those with him to take hold on me, and secure me "utTone chose to run the risk: forlhad declared with equal determination, that the first who oflered to approach me, should reel the weight of my arm. Mailers remaining in this situation, the grisly looking tymnt was abashed and confounded, not daring to approach Srhimself, to execute any of his hellish plans; he therefore ^*:^!;t'r^::^the blacksmith and his apprentices c.me :nto my room, with all my former load of irons, to confine me 1- Llloril hn.l done, in the dungeon. Having suceeded w weU with regard to the punishment of whipping, i ucier- STEPHEN BURROOGHS. I2t mined to try the same experiment again, and see whether it would keep me out of irons. I therefore refused to have any chains put on me. The -blacksmith came towards me in a threatening manner, with his hammer lifled, as though he would strike me ; but seeing me stand, as though 1 was determined to execute my threat, with my penknife, he gave back. They soon left the irons lying on my floor, and all departed from the room. 1 expected they were gone after a recruit, but in this my fears were disappointed. About one o'clock the same day, I was taken out of this room and put into the upper loft with Grinold. Philips and the rest, who were in the room with him, were taken out of the dungeon and put back into their former place of abode, after the breach was secured. I believe it was effectually secured this time, for I never heard of their breaking it again ; but by what process they made it so strong as to prevent the prisoners from making another breach I do not know, never being put into that room any more. It was currently reported that the devil had assisted me, in my at- tempts to break jail. Many foolish people would apply to me for a discovery of matters unknown to themselves ; as things lost, stolen, &c. And when I refused to pay any at- tention to their application, alleging that it was out of my power, they would look wisely at each other, and observe, « that I was not permitted to do such things, it being against the articles of my league !" It being now the last of January, if I rightly recollect, news was brought to us, that all the prisoners, who were sentenced to the house of correction, were to be removed to Caslle-Island, in the harbor of Boston, there to be confined to hard labor. This news had but little effect on my mind, being as yet entirely ignorant of the place, its situation, the Slate of ihe prisoners on it, or the treatment which I should receive there. The idea of being again carried through the country, in the manner I had formerly been, a spectacle to surrounding fools, gave me most sensible pain ; but whether I should be in a better situation there, than what I was in at Northampton, was wholly unknown, and I had no evi. donee- bv wMnh r nr>iii.i r. s-!s tij ail ^ ojecs Early one morning a number of deputy fheriflTs came inte I (It illli 128 MCMoiEs or Ihe jail, and bade u» prepare for our journey to the Caftlc. They chained the prisoners two together, placing the cbam about one leg of each, then put them into a sleigh and drove When I came to breathe a pure air, and to contrast the prospect of iiurrounding objects, with the gloomy mansioni which I had left, you cannot conceive the ardor of my feel- ings for liberty. Every object which my eyes beheld was e loud proclaimerof nr.y miserable stale. Oh! said I, to myself, could I run about like yonder little boy, who re^ pardless of his privileee, loses its enjoyment; then should I feel like the lark, that, escaped from his cage, flit into the air, and claps its win«s for joy. I wondered people should feel so inditlerent about my situation. I equally wondered at their not skipping with joy, because they were at liberty themselves. I thought if they had known the feelings of my heart, they would have arisen to a man and granted me that liberty which ray heart so ardently panted after. It appear- ed to roe sometimes that the sensations of my mind must be apparent to them, and that under this circumstance, they would actually grant me relief. Yet in the bitterness of my floul, I found these ideas all chimerical. Certainly, said I, did those very characters, who were instrumental in placing me in this state of confinement, feelingly know my whole heart, they could not resist the language of nature so far as not to wish me at liberty. I know that even the Pelharoites themselves would have cried, his punishment is enough— his snfferings are equal to his crimes. Then why will ye tor- ment me ? Why will you gall me any longer with the chain of slavery ? The answer is, the course of law l»as brought you to this, and we cannot reverse its mandate. B«t,"^said 1, what is law, but the voice of the people ? And what is the voice of the people but the language of the heart ? Does not ever day's experience teach us, that cruel and severe punishments serve to harden, rather than re- form the vicious ? Ought we not to consider ourselves as members of one and the same family, and to adopt those rules and regulations among ourselves, as a soceily, which «,|ii jj, (j.plr oneration. be conaenial with such an idea ? Surely, U'is is the idea which the language of nature strong- ] RTFPHEN BURRornHS. 'Ml Ijr Inculcates upon onr minds. ShonlJ wo not shudder with horror, if a Tither treated hh child, as the laws of society treat each other 7 When do we hear of an unnaincal par- cnt chainins? his child, confininj? him from the enjoyment of liberty, and plarini? him in such a situation, ns to make him an object of contempt and scoff to the rest of his children, without feelinsr that indignation In our bosoms, which such ■n unnatural action merits ? Between parents and children, the voice of nature is heard in its simple state, without bem? perverted by the sophistry of those, who are blind to the laws which bind mankind together as brethren of the name family. Is there not a spirit of nobleness in man which scorns the lash of tyranny, in whatever shape it ap- pears, which manifests all the love and partiality of children towards those laws, which discover the care and protection of a parent towards them ? View the conduct of the parent of nature towards his children ! « He causes his sun to rise on the evil and on the tjood, and sendeth rain on the just and un- just." He grants his parental kindness to all his children with out distinction, and watches over the wants of the smallest part of the works of his hands. Is his example worthy of imita. tion, or are we wiser than our Maker? I have often read with the highest delight a fable invented by Dr. Franklin, to «hew, in a familiar manner, the arrogance of man, in his*at- teinpta to place his own wisdom above that of Deity. Thf doctor represents Abraham as grossly abusing a stranger, whom he had invited into his tent, because he was an Idolater, and did not worship God according to his method. The fable states, that at midnight, God called unto Abraham ond inquired for the stranger; Abraham recapitulated his treatment of him, which was done, said he, because he worshipped not thee. God took occasions, from this, tb thew Abraham the folly of his reasoning; for, said he "have I nourished and cherished this man ninety and nine years, notwitstanding his rebellion against me, and could not thou, who art thyself a sinner, bear with him one ni-^ht ?" As we travelled through the country, I again found the curiosity of people had brought them together in many places where we stnnnprl ? thora » »v:i»« u:- ^j- • _ .. wave lound ample scope for contemplating the human 130 MEMOIRS or i •? Character. W cannot discern the operation of the hum^n heart in tnan, until we are in such a silualion, as to prevent his wearing a dissuise. This situation must be very abject; and thofl we become of so little consequence in society, that the notice of man is removed from us, and he acts in our presence without disguise ; viewing our approbation or disap- probalion as immaterial to his prosperity. Under such a situa- tion, the human character becomes really known, and he who has ability with this knowledge to learn such regulations as will tend, in their operations, to promote the highest good of society, is called upon by that duly which man owes to man, to assert the cause of truth, with regard to these important points. Unde;r this view of matters, I have clearly stated my aenliroents to you upon these subjects. I know you to be a man of so much observation as to know that severe laws have the most fatal tendency, not only upon the criminal part of society, but likewise upon every member. Every thing which t< itds to destroy the principles of humanity, servr^ to eradicate from the human breast that benevolence and compassion towards mankind, which is the bond of per- fection in society. When we see the father of a family conducting with mildness towards his children, treating them all as equal members of his household, and never permitting the ebuli- tions of wrath and malignity to operate towards any ; at the same time, we see them inheriting their father's meeknew and compassior Benevolence mark their way, and har* mony brighteoi.- a^' their paths. But on the contrary, where we see the parent become the tyrant, punishing the faults ol his children with the unrelenting hand of rigor, executing judgment nnmingled with mercy, we see a family possessing the feelings of cruelty, lost to the godlike principle of mercy, at war with themselves, and governed by those ferociou* feelings which disturb the tranquility of mankind. The same principles operate upon the great family of mankind. Where we find severe laws operating among a people, or • •I 1 t I :_ _ ^^-..nl mfxnnor lVt> UAP thf> inHlIPDtf^ miiU iaVVo UACLUICU Itt a v-iu-ri sju-i !>"• • j of this, upon the manners of the people, to be very greaU It gradually roots out the feeling of benevolence and compat- n hum^n ) re vent abject; y, that in our r disap- a situa* he who lioas as ist good to man, portant ted my to be a re laws :riininal Every I inanity, :volence 1 of per- «T£riiErr BirRnouaiis. 131 with )s equal e ebuli- ' ; at the tieeknew ind har* •y, where faults oi executing ossessing of mercy, ferocious [id. The mankind, people, or ;ry greaU d compai- anTse'verltV"'''' ''°"' '"^'°"'' '^"^ ''"'''"'"'' "^ ''"^''^ The body of mankind can judge of things only in a very partial manner. They are taught, in the firs place J Zsl\^]r\ '' '''^ ""'!■ *^"^'^' •" ^'^^ •'-«-' place to b! heve hat the laws are founded in justice : from th s con. •deration, they are led to treai others as they see he law treat Its subjects ; to cherish the same spirit which they see |nan.fested in the execution of the laws: therefore if he law, or the mode of executing it, is severe and crul they w,n of consequence imbibe a spirit of severity and crudty tiof ^I\':?ll r*'^ n"%'"'"^^^ ^« '^'^''^ i/ourconver;. tion It will be needless for me to say more on the subject. I be .eve we are both agreed in this sentiments, viz S ^he laws and the manner of their execution, do 'ultimat dy form he manners and morals of a people; and thrbesl cntenon to form an estimate of the laws'and reguIalLns of a people by, ,s their manners and morals. ^"'^^'^"^ ^^ dinpH^^^p'^, day of our journey towards the Castle, we Uined at Belchertown. Here I found an assnobla '^ of many characters. Some were led here by an anxiou desi.^ of seemg me perform some feats of dexterity in eSngmy Zll ^""'^ "^'"? ^''^.' I should not remain with them bn-eJ than to arrive at this tavern. Whether they evpected I should evaporate in a flash of fire, or disappear in a cloT' of -moke or whether they thought i should' Fa su,s J ke fix tny guards hke pillars of stone, immoveably, to some s'oot until I could leisurely walk away, I do noU nor bu I was apparent that something they expected would be done The least movements I made, their eyes were upon me; the aiive. W hen I moved, they made way for me as though ^TT.T'' '^""^"^ ^'""^ '' *^^' «bstrc\ed „; ^at SVes d^^orth'ir occ'^^^^^ '7^ ^'•^^ -"^ ihPm fhnf *i « r occasion. I endeavored to persuade Some fonnll t' ^T^J^'^ groundless, but all to no purpose! ^"l^*^".?:' ^^^'f ''^}' opportunity of shew.ng their coura^. •rr«i,l ,""'"'', °^'^^""'" "'^ by-standers see-, Uiey were not afra d to .nsult me One man even ran his fi.t l^Z.^^l making his boast that he would venture 12 ?, as great a man ^m in MEMorus or ' «^' ^y bringing an rreparable disgrace upon the order of clergy, in assuming aa th^f^'hT/"*^ ^" y^"'- ^"^ ^yP«^"«y «bout you; and the wols 1';'.,''" ^" *'"'^'y"" preposterously Lhibitea most dT^/.r '" *"^ ""' 5^°"^ «^"- You have taken the most direct measures to overturn all order in civil and of »n n.i uT' ^""^ "^ ^'^^ ^° ^''^ '^o'-Jd ; a character of a hers, which ought to be held most sacred : and which. My answer to the clergyman was to this effect. « Seeine J V. If l^'" "^ professedly the ambassador and represenJal ,n 1? 'u"^*""* ''^' commanded us, «in lowliness of mind to esteem others better than ourselves ;" who was desS and rejected of mankind; who was s^t at nolfa bv he filers; and declared that his kingdom was not J ''^ r^ni; T^ '"■' **•*' '"^'"^ y^""* ^*Snity in this character « encroached upon by my conduct, I feel most hearufr wrry for touching your highness in this respect." ' ih.; f J'^''?y"'an was stung with this reply, and -etorted that « I might find that the government would teach me to In Tu^ "^'f '° "J^ ^"''^'••«'«- After 1 had been kept wou d bi'^rr *''!,*^'^^'^ *"« '^^ ^»»^*^« y<^«"' -"y courage would be cooled, and my manners mended, &c.» stooned^Trr '5 ^T".*''^ """^ day, about 11 o'clock: stopped and dined at the sign of the Lamb. I found many clr^L "^^ acquaintances now shunned me, as though I t?clr r"' P^^^'^"^''^' '^*««''^^r about me. One in a par- ticular manner, who was a class-mate of mine in College coming in sisht of thPfii^.gh :„ „.k:-u *i. T_ ^"^^S^ ennvpvA,! »»j i- - 7-^- •■; =- ..n-wsj is.t; jirisoners were conveyed, and discerning me. in the sleigh, stopped short, m^A * u **P conl'«"ou», and viewed me through the Window with great attention. ^ 12* 136 MEMOIRS OP !' I III Afler dinner, we were taken to the commissary 'd storei who provided for the Castle, and all the prisoners, exceptint; myiieir, received their clothes which consisted of a parti* colored suit ; I was entirely willing to be excused from re« ceiving this bounty from the state. ' After the clothing had been delivered, we were taken to Long Wharf, put on board a small snil-boat and left the main land for the island, on which the Castle stood. As we put od'from the wharf, the people standing on this, and the neighboring wharves, gave three cheers, declarative of their satisfaction in our leaving them for a state of confinement. We returned three cheers immediately after; endeavoring to retort their insult, by letting them understand that we were also glad to leave them, even lor a state of confinementt . We soon a rived on the island, were conveyed into the Castle, our irons taken ofll', and we left to view the situation in which we were confined. The island is situated three miles below the town of Boston, its figure being nearly circular, containg eighteen or twenty acres of land. The main channel of the river runs on the east side of this island, very near the shore, and not wider than would be sufficient for two vessels to sail up a breast ; of course, the east side of the island is much the strongest fortified. A platform extends the greater part of the east side, on which are mounted cannon, twenty-four and thirty-two pounders. This platform in nearly the height of the island. Nearly on a level with the water, at full tide, is a place where another tier of cannon were placed, during the time in which the British had possession of it ; but destroyed by them and never since rebuilt. The reraaininsj part ofthe island is but very indifferently guarded by fortifications. The buildings when 1 came to this island, were the governer's house, standing upon the most elevated spot on Ihe island, under which was what was called the bomb-proof, in which we were confined ; a stone magazine, barracks for the ofl[icers and soldiers, and a blacksmith's shop. On this island I found a company of fifty soldiers, com- manded immediately by three officers, viz. In the first place, Lieutenant Perkins, formerly holding the title of Majoi in the continental army. Secondly, Lieutenant Treat ; aodl »» r' STIPinw BOMBOUOHS. JJ, Jfcimiy, Burbeek, holdini; an Ensim's commission if I „!. «.ke Bot. .„d doi«g ,l,e d«ty of «„„„er. xTe licut! Jm •^Wh™ ,"r"? ""' *" Caplio of the eon,p,„V &a^rrrrp:rd:r"'*'^ ^""- -"'^■^ _ The officers who were in comission here, were of th. following description, viz. First, Major Perkins an,. „»f ••»"'»";,!:«' "'8''. »ell proporcined and , "o ^^11^ po^ «ssed w,th care, fidelity, and great attention ?o hi, dn'ty'^ « «n,.l.tary character. He was a man of sentiment and feet ^Lif ,«"•"»« «"" animpeachable, havins tr^ h my elf as thoronshly as was necessary to lea^ thlt f.cL No w„hsu,ndin, hi, personal courage, he sto^3"„ ,„ch ftar ..^ ."rrirde^l?' "" "'= ""'' "»= ■"-"-'"» .d-c.!i:Ltd"^^:rht7hedierer^^^^^^^^^ now maintained that principle with a decree of ^ih-^ ;.lt™;d lotpaas-.!^^ fhf r;. tz bpl^h??" *"i '^.'■^^^ "^^^ * "''»" «^o»t five feet ten inches in height tnmbn.lt, and slender; more fond of rppearin? a the fashK,n,wUh regard to his dress, the c^k of h s hat ^re'^'oTirdrthSj r-"' r^°""" «»-::; With them bv .Leltfjr."* «»'' <'"''•- ""c'^y i pl.ying v^.^f^'^pr 138 HCMoiKs or mained. I viewed the building in which I was confii»etl. It was made of brick, the walls of which were five feefc lliick, laid in cement, which was much harder than the brick themselves. I searched every corner for a spot upon which I coold work without detection, our room beinc searched every day, to see whether the prisoners had made any »t- templ to break away. I at length hit upon a place. There was a chimney at one end of the room, eraled in a very strong manner, about twelve feel above its funnel, which was sufficiently large for a man to go up. About three feel above the mantlepiece of this fireplace, I concluded to besk> my operations. Here I could work, and not have my labors discovered unless very critical search was made up the chimney. I had not been at work long before I had made a beginning of a hole sufficiently large to crawl through; I then took a board, and blacking it like the chironeyback, made it of the proper size, and put it into the hole, so thai Ibc Ftriclesl search could produce no discovery. The prison- ers in the room, with me were seven in number. They were all turned out to work about snn-rise when the door» of the prison were again shut and not opened until 12 o'clock when the prisoners came from work, and continued half an hour, they were then taken backasnin to work, and there re- mained until sunset. Therefore, I had as much as sixteen hours in the twenty-four, in which I could work upon this brick wall, which work I continued, with the roost unremil- ttns attention. The labor was incredible ? I could, in the first place, work only with a large nail, rubbing away the brick grad»»- ally, not daring to make the least noise, lest the senteries, who stood round the prison, should overhear me at work, and thereby become discovered. One night 7 rubbed the brick so hard, as to be overheard by the sentry, standing on the other side of the wall. The alarm was immediately given, and the guard and officers rushed into the room to {letect us in our operations. Fortunately, I overheard the sentry tell the sergeant of the guard, that Burroughs was playing the devil in the jail. The sergeant ran to inform th« officers, and I had but just lime to put my board in its place, and s»ct down to greasing my shoes, when the officers enier* 8TEP1IKN BUKK00GH8. 189 ed, and with a degree of sternness, inquired where I had been at work ? I told them (hat I had been rubbini? some bard soot off the chimney and grinding it fine to mix With the grease, and put on to my shoes. They laughed at my nicelr about my shoes, that 1 shnuM wish for sleek shining shoes in this sanation. Major Perkins knowing my inattenliveness to dress, could not so readily believe that blacking my shoes was the only object in view ; he therefore made a very strict search for some other matter, which should account for the noise the sentry had heard : but, after a fruitless pursuit of such an object, they gave over their search, concluding that one among the thousand strange whims which marked my character, had prompted me to set about blacking my shoes, at that time. After they were gone, I felt as strong a disiwsition to laugh at them, for the deception under which they were laboring, as they did whilst present to laugh at me, for the wh,m of greasing and blacking my shoes. This temporary Check was r ^ the utmost importance in my further prosecutioi 01 this business. It made me more careful for the future not to pursue my labors with too much impatient impetuosity! a tailing I ever was subject to. ... The prisoners in the room were merry on the occasion oT my turning the suspicion of the officers so entirely from the real object to another very foreisn from it. They thought it a manilestation of ability. In fine, I had gained such an ascendency over the prisoners, that they implicitly gav« up to my opinion in all our little matters : and more particularly, When any contention arose among them, I generally succeed- cd in amicably terminating the difficulty without their pro- ceeding to blows. * . My conduct towards all, I determined should be marked With the slriclest impartiality. I not only satisfied my own »ind in the business, but likewise took the greatest pains to 8 lew them, that I meant to be an imparliai friend towards all parties. When they fell into disputes and bickerings, I would address them to the following purpose, viz. « GenlW tnen, (even the convicts were Cond «f "««(! var.r'h -•-•' ---- -•••J listen when I called them gentleman 'mucirs^lrer'^ihri When I add.essed them by a less elevated epithet) «ou* ^ I MUioiBS or feituation TOO arc all sensible is very migerable; do the best we can, it will not be tolerable: but when, in addilion to slavery we render our society hateful and irksome to each other, by falling into broils and wrangles, it tlien becomes R hell indeed, and answers the strongest wish of oar m- velerate foes. I know there are many circumstances calcu- lated to harrass and sour your minds; to render you |>eevish and petulant; to make you at variance with the whole race of mankind : but to indulge these feelings only renders your ease worse rather than belter ; it gratifies your enemies and serves every purpose which they could desire; therefore, as wise men, I expect you will act with prudence, with regard 10 your own comfort and to the views of those who wish you ill » Even the convicts had reason sufticient to hear these ar'gumenU with attention, and they generally practiced ac- cording to this direction ; so strong is that principle m all men to listen to the voice of friendship. I determined to be more careful in prosecuting my labor on the wall for the folure, and check that impatience whicl) often hurried me on beyond the dictates of prudence. 1 now wrought with the greatest caution and made slow but sure advances. After I had been employed in this business about a week, I found I could work to greater advantage if I had a small iron crow; therefore, I ordered one of the prisoners, who wrought in the shop to make me one abont a foot long, and sharp at one end. This he found an opportunity to do undiscovered by the overseer, and brought ii to me. 1 loond that with this crow I could pry off half a brick at a time without the least noise after I had worn a hole with my nai , sufficiently large to ihurst in my crow. The rubbish which I took out of the wall I put every night mVo a tob, standing in our room for necessary occasion, and this was emptied by one of the prisoners every morning into the water. After I had labored with unceasing assiduity for two months, 1 found one night, after I had pried away a brick, that I could push my arm out of the prison into the open air. This circumstance made my heart leap with joy. After such « leneth of labor, to find my toils crowned with apparent iuccess gave me a tone of pleasure of which you can aavc BO idea. STF.rilKN IIURROtrOHS. Ml Upon exntninalion, I founj the breach through lhi» wall was just below a covered way po that it would remain un> •cen in the day time, unless discovered by some accident. I had measured the height of the covered way by a geometri- cal operation, not being permitted to come near it : and thit was done with an instrument made by my penknife; that penknife which had done me such excellent service in North- ampton jail. When the prisoners saw my measurement was exact, their idea of my profound knowledge was greatly raised : and they appeared to entertain the most sanguine assurance, that iheir liberty was certain when their operations were directed under my auspices. After I had found the hole throogh the wall was entirely ■ecreted by the covered way, I proceeded to make it suffi- ciently large to pass through. After all this was accomplished, one difficulty still remafn- ed. The sentry standing on the covered way would undoubted- ly hear us in going out at this hole; and moreover, i( we should be so fortunate as to get, unheard, into the covered way, yet we must come out of that within five feet of the place where he stood, and therefore could not prevent a discovery. Under these circumstances, we found it necessary to lie quiet until some rainy night should remove the sentry from his stand on the covered way, to some place of shelter. This was generally the case when the weather was foul o^ uncomfortable, unless some special cause should detain him to this particular spot. I recollect, that soon after the officers had found me blacking my shoes with soot, the sen- tinels kept their post, invariably, on the covered way, in every kind of weather j but they had, by this time, become more at ease in their feelings, and consequently would, at sach time, retire into an alley leading through the bomb- proof. CAM uu««: ' • f I '1 ! if •. r |i 142 r>-.|', MBMOIRS QV 11 CHAFfER XVIII. > . ■ - •« Where now my phrenty '• pompous furniUre f The cob-web colta-{e, wilb iU ragged wkII or mouldering mud, is royally to rae ! The Si)i(ler'» most attenuitted Ihread If cord, is cable, to mau'i lender tie /• Ou earthly bliu; U bretki at ercry breeie." .* '■ Wt did not wait many days for the happy niotnent bcror« we heard the sentry leave his station on the covered way, and enter the alley, for shelter from the rain. About 11 o'clock at night, I made the necessary arrange- ments for the expedition. The island being in a circular form, lordered seven men to go round it to the south, whilbt I went round to the north. The reason why I did this was of the following nature, viz. There was a wharf on the western shore of this island, where the boats were kept, and a sentry placed over them. It was necessary, after we had escaped out of the bomb-proof, to procure a boat, in order \» transport ourselves ofl* the island, and as there were none, except what were immediately under the eye of the sentry, the only alternative which remained, was to make the sentry a prisoner, and carry him off with us. As this was a busi- ness in which some nicety of conduct was necessary, I chose to trust no one to execute it but myself; and therefore, ordered the seven prisoners round the island, a different wuy from .what I went myself, and directed them to advance to within lilieen rods of the sentinel, and make a noise sufficient to at- tract his attention towards them. This would bring the sentry between me and the other seven prisoners; and when he was turned towards them I shoiifd be at hi? back. Having made these artangements,all the prisoners silently crawled out of the hole, following them myself as soon as I saw they all had passed without any accident. We all met nt the spot appointed. I told the men to be cautious, not to be in a hurry j not to be in any perturbation ; but to proceed leisiuiely and considerately to the spot appointed. 1 told tbejn to be five minutes in getting to the spot. I then left them. I liaslened round, and arrived as near lo the sentry as I *!io'.!?ht prudent, about one minute and a half before \ heard the noise from tho other men. At the noise, the sentrj turned and hailed, " Who comes 'here ?' No answer wa» -' 'W^'J'^^^WV'^^'^i^^. STEPHEW BURHOITOHV. 143 •ide. Immediately on seein^r the attention of the sentry turned from me, I rose from my position flat on the groond and advanced as near as twenty feet, and lay down again! Immediately the noise from the seven men was again renew- ed; and the sentry's attention was fixed to the object of the BO»e. He again hailed in a very peremptory manner, cocked his gun and made ready to fire. By this time I had arises IVom the ground, and advanced to within about eight feet of * the sentry, when I heard the -iece cock, and saw him present itf I immediately darted*; a, siezed him in an instant, and clapped my hand over iiis mouth, to prevent him from making a noise, which should alarm the other soldiers on guard. When I first laid hold of him, he started, and at- tempted to gel f'om me, making a noise through bis nose at though very much terrified : crying " eh I eh ! eh I" I toM him that the least noise from him should produce instant death ; that I would rip his guts out the first moment he proved refractory. After I had suflSciently terrified him, I took my hand from his mouth, and told him that no harm should befall him, so long as he behaved in a peaceable man- ner. I took his gun and cartridge-box from him. The other prisoners now coming up, we all wont into the barge, carry- ing ten oars, and put oif. It was now about half an hour past twelve at night, jt being extremely dark and rainy, and nothing to steer by, ex- cept mere conjecture. We were ignorant of the time of tide, whether it was ebbing or flowing, and consequently coukl not tell which way we drifted : however, we determined to row until we came to some land. I set myself in the stern sheets, steering the boat ; Richards, the scntrjr, act in the bottom of the boat, between my legs. The gun with the fixed bayonet lay by me, and the cartridge-box hanging by my side. The other men were at their oars, rowing the boat. We had proceeded about far enough, as we judged, to be in the middle of the channel, between the island and Dor- ehester, whether we meant to direct our cou^-se. It was norff demanded of me, by one of the men who sat forward rowing the boat, what I meant to do with Richards? As I did no< |^«ow #here we should in fact land, I was un- determined in my owti mind what I should do with him when person asking this question, lain, began to put on airs of s:: ai:s>vc* iO itial tJinOUiit. looking upon his consequence, and 13 escape answered cer- uic i > i«$ I r 1 MEMOIBB or in a sarcastic manner, « well, captain Burroughs, as you hav* had the command until you do not know what to do, it is beat for 8ome other person to take it, who does know what to doj!^ end then turning himself to Richards, continued his discourse, « and as lor you, Mr. Richards, you'll please to walk over- board, that we may not, after this, hear any of your talea told to your brother swads.* If you walk over without fuss, it is well, if not, you shall be thrown over, tied neck and heels.** When I heard this insolent treatment and dastardly lan- guage, I could hardly conceive what it meant. Unprovoked- ly to throw Richards into the water, was a manifestation of a language of the heart, which appeared to me so unnatural, that 1 could not believe him to be serious. Yet I could not conceive any propriety in using it in any other light. Rich- ards himself was terrified. He began to supplicate me m lh€ most moving terms, to save him from the destruction whicfc was ready to fall upon him. His entreaties made such a» impression upon my id, that I should have given him my assistance, if £ hai b n opposed by every man in the boat: however, I did not yet believe he was in that degree ot dan- ger which he appeared to apprehend ; but was soon undeceived by the three forward hands shipping their oars and coming aft i endeavored to expostulate, but to no effect. I saw thty were resolutely bent on their diabolical purpose ! I saw th« . disposition of the infernals pictured in their operations. 1 let go the helm, started up, and swore by the Alm»?J^iy» tn*V I'd send the first to hell who dared lay a hand on Richards. The poor fellow, at this time, lay in the bottom of the boat trembling with agony, and crying in the most piteous man- ner. The blood flew quick through my veins. The platntive cries of Richards vibrated upo:. my heart, and braced every, nerve. At this moment the first villain who had proposed this infernal plan, laid hold of me by the shoulder to prevent, my interposing between Richards and the others, who were about throwing him overboard. v. When ! found his hand gripping my shoulder, I immediate- ly reached my arm over his back, caught him by the waist- ti«.i of I.;. Krnpnh».« and dashed him to the bottom of the biJat^. The moment of my laying hold of him, 1 determined to throw him into the sea, and why I did not, I have never * A cant word uignifyiug toldiert. ^•Tf-o^^iVf^-m tn 1 --^y J STEPHEN BVRBOtJGIIS. lU Jioce been able to tell. After I had thrown him into thm net hxed ; Ifiis I brought to a charge and made a nush at th» when"airat'"'' "'" '^^^ ^^^'^'^^^^ his s'eaVat'the oar! wnen all again was quiet. ^ * We continued rowing until we struck fast on the ffroiinrf' bu cou d see no land We left the boat and wa ed' abouj we co^Ld noriT'' •*'' '^''''\ ^^^" ^^ ^^^"^^ ^" ^he land wert swn satisfied, however-, by the drum on the Castl.. It thif '''^"" '" '^"^^ diveciion which plainfy pointed .ai Se r^r'"' **^'"^^'^*^'« "^^r Dorche.ter-Point^ w' wLu!rl ,/" *", "P'^""' ^"'^ «" *»>e "^'^naJa of alarm Which are usually made on such occasions. " AUer we had found where we were, the three men who engaged ,n throwing Richaidn overboaJd, left u? aTwen^ away together I then told Richards that'henSt go wiee evefafrf ' 'l'^^' mast be sensible I had saved ^hiriTfe! rude tnU V ^ f?^ ^^"' '^'^'''^''''' '^^ di^^^^'es of gratl: tude would teach him a line of conduct which would not m Iitate against my escape. This he pror aised in the moS so^mn mariner. He was warm in his Lp e'sions of e^a f tude towards me. I believe him sincere. ^He departed^ «Jui he 'T"'"'-' ' l"^""^'^ * ^^"«^^'°" «^ pleasure 'very i?g from a JirT '^' ■' ""'^ ^'^ " ^'^''^^^ '^^^'•^ «ow. ing trom a stream of sincerity, was a circumstance, which in enced. We had all lost our shoes in the mud, in getting to dry lanj; therefore, had to travel bare-footed. It was tl ! space of an hour and a half after we had landed bdbre w J. found the way off this point of land ; the night S exireL^r dark, and xve all strangers to the ground. ^ ^'Iremely were with me, that the better way would be to seoerate and jvery man shift for himself. This observation S a i^m^fZf ^'""rr "•^" "•^- '^'->' entreate me il have^ ./ '"k""''''^""'^^''^''""''^'^ they coulj bave a better chance of getting clear of the cnnni.v «,.-.i...!J ucieoiio.i; they feared falling into the hands 'of Vh^';'^ pursuers if I left them. They felt a certainty "escape r remained with them. My compassion was moved^and I Jl :;;i m ,»s lUHons or ^ uted ditectly contrary from what I knew «a» accoiding to. :jJun?o7 prudence. Wc agreed to remrn all loselher aatjl ""Vhela", t^n to dawn, and we found it necessary to look after some place, to which we could retire from the observa- t^n of the inhabitants i ail the men, except myself, being tossed "the oniform of the Castle, and of coarse, wooldb, nS by the first observer. Some proposed ret.rmg into a "wamp and secreting ourselves in its dark recesses , soma nra^r^ the plan of going into the first grove of woods, and S n1 up tS the top of some trees, and securing ourselve. JhTwav To these proposals I made the following reply-. I U Hke^, that as soon as day light has fairly appeared, th. • i Ki.„„A of the country will be alarmed i and warm 'pl^'Hrn^ made after Js; and every P'-, where the ?nh"bi anu will think it likely that we should hide w.n b« SearehS by them in the most critical manner. No place wm be sought more thoroughly than thick »"«">Pf . «""'£ v^,hrtrees- therefore, it will be our best way to hide where Aewwle«ill not look after us. if such a place may be found. FwCowTpart, I had rather take my chanee, under prei^ InTcTrcuTtances, in the open field than m a swamp or at -rhe obiectTfthe swamp and woods were immediately r- linLwed and they all seemed content to kave the matter linqoished, »»" |°;» . , ^ travelled on with rapidity ruVot mT u th ; and th/n came into a little thicketof looses anH barn standing immediately on the road among , S 'tMs tarn we all entered and found two mows of toy. rZcnded one mow, and having taken op the hay by (lakes, neat the side of the barn, to the depth of six feet, 'hree of m went dowi. and the hay fell back into its f"™" 't«a,i„^ • . ... .ntiri!lv over at the same lime. I had ordered thToTr two to gl^l" the other mow, and do as they had «en me They accordingly went, and I supposed all •"r.-,„„, »fter this, there came a number of womenjnta „e"h.r„ y milk the co^j. ^n ^»n- '„ -- ^S rhV o'g l'- f '' *»' » '^""•' "" '""' ""^'^ f STEPHSK BtTRROVGHS. m •wle^ thHr btrh. Hoviref^r, when the women h»l finished *.lk.n,f their co>v«, the children were all ordered into the house, this day bein^ Sunday. •nn^^rn^'^??''''""'"*^"^*"'^"''^'**^^ two men who had gone to the other mow, now came over where I was and told me, that they could not find a place to hide; Z^llt deed,' 8a.d they, » we do not like to be so far off, for i? L pear, to us, that we shall be taken if we are !" How I feU roflJr '""""'? ^'"" ^"' '•""^"y <^°"*'^'^^' by supposing yourself in my place, and people expected into the barn place, old them to lie down in a moment, covered them over wuh hay, and returned into my place, ju'st as the yl„n" men came into the barn to take care of their cattle. Ther fr«rh V^l • '""""^ ^"^V^ ^^ '""'•« 'y'"?' ^"'J to«k the hay from t ft r the.r cows; but made no discovery : and yet, not- Wj hstand.ng all this, one of our men, by the'name of B^rre whom I had covered over with hay, was asleep before the }o«nj men went out of the barn, and snored so loud, as to be ^^^^"^ "^' ^"^^^ -'«^^ -'- - --'- Immediately after these men had left the barn, I again sh.'lr?^r'''f'7'"'^" Burrel,who had u'ncovereS his head entirely, waked him, and expostulated with him in the severest terms, a This is the consequence," said I, « of jUendin? to your request of remaining with you. Your own Jeedless disposition, not only exposes yourself to be found, ot sach indifference to you whether you are again taken that you can tamely and calmly fall asleep at the'momen w len ou are surrounded with danger ? If no regard to your o Jn n^e voT, l'"?r"" ^'"" ^'^ '*'*' ^"*=«^'«"' y^»' I «'»«"W sup. P^e jou might pay some attention to my welfare, seeing it was by your earnest entreaty I continued with you, being nfluenced by no other motive than compassion towards you If nothing else will answer, I will have recourse to the wHI hi 'o^V'" 'r"-'"r'.^ *'""'■'.""* ^" aeatiij and this i think JL 1 entirely JUS , if no other measure will answer to en, l>a« my safety.'- I was of opinion this threat would answer 13* Wiil M MEMOIKS or the purpose, for whicli it was intended, vi«. that fear wo»kl operate upon him so strongly, as to prevent his sleepiag m Buch a situation for the future. ; Ai»4w We lay quiet all the forenoon, without any acci*ont : during this time, I endeavored to make some arrangement m own mind for my future conduct. I concJaded tha* I ahouM be able to reach the state of Rhode Island by thf neil morning, when I should be no longer obliged to travel under cover of the night ; when I could again mix with society, without viewing them as my open and declared enemies. We heard the various bells ringing at Dorchester meeHng- liouscs for the exercises of the day. The forenoon raeelmg was finished, and the first bell for the exercises of the after- noon was' ringin-, when a number or men came mto the barn to put a horse into the chaise, standing on the barn- floor The streets were full of people going to the meetmg- house A number of children came likewise into the barn with the men, and climbed on to the mow where we lay secreted, looking for hens' nests. At this moment Burrel began to snore, which brought the children immediately to the spot where he lay, and his head being uncovered, they s»w it,and cried out, « daddy, daddy, here's the skunk here's the skunk !» It hardly appeared credible to the oW gentleman that a skunk should be on the hay-mow ; he there- fore manifested some doubt as to his childrens' report, but Ihey were determined he should believe them, and affirraea it again with warmth, « it certainly is a skunk, daddy, lor it has got ears." , , . ^ The peculiar manner in which this was uttered, made the people, on the barn-floor, think something uncommon was there They accordingly ascended the mow to the number ofei-htor nine, in order to satisfy themselves concerning this matter. By this time Burrel awaking, saw he was dis- covered, and began to pull the hay over his head. Those who were on the mow saw it, and were now convinced that the children in fact had reen something that had ears. They .nnk ihP nitch-fork and moved the hay, which lay over tuese two men, and immediately saw that they were convicts, eii- eaped the preceding night from the Castle. ^ ^ ^* The barn was instantly filled with people from the slretl. 8TEPHKN BUXBOVGRS. 149 •B the alarm's being given of these men. Through tht whole scene, from the first opening of the barn by the men. who were about putting the horse into the chaise, till tfaii time, my feelings were of the keenest kind. When I had f ucceeded with all my plans for escape thus far, when 1 had endured with so much patience, a course of such incredible labor, as what I performed in breaking through the bomb- prool ; when I had furthermore, overcome the difficulties o| making the sentry a prisoneny of preserving him from death, ol finding ihe land we sought, through the thickest shades of night, and the uneertanity of being drifted out of our course by adverse tides-; and then by a retrograde course of by in. cidents, to be deprived of the object to which all these labori were directed, was a prospect which filled my mind with the uUnT^ ^"''*''^^' *""* ^"^' ^^ ^^"^^ '" * perpetual state ol Burrel was a man of great stupidity, and I feared his senseless conduct more tlmn any thing else. You will wonder at my continuing with him » I wonder at it myself. My weak side was an inconsiderate compassion. I did con- tmue with him, and too late I saw my error. However I acted the foolish part in another respect, viz. by not taking him into the hole with me, where I could have kept him per! petually under my eye. He was very disagreeable and the object of being freed from a momentrary inconvenience was .«o powerful on my mind, at that time, that for this paltry consideration, I lost my liberty for more than two years. 1 heard the children around the hay-mow with the utmost pain. I heard Burrel's snoring with indignation and horror I I now almost gave myself over for lost! But what were my sensations when the people ascended the mow and discover- . ed^these two convicts, plainly seeing who they were by their However, all hope of escape was not lost. I thought it yet possible to remain undiscovered, if the two convicts be- haved with any prudence, seeing we were so far under the nay. I he question was asked, « what had become of the ui»cr prisoners who had made their escape ?" Burrel an. •wered,that he should not tell, « but if they were any .;Wiiere in that barn, they were right down there,*' pointing 190 Mmoim* or iHth his finger to the spot where we in fact were. Willi this information, they bes;an the search again, pitching the ^ hay from the spot, till they came down to tne place where we had been secreted. The feeble twis upon which tny last hopes remained was now broken, and I sunk mtoa state of despair. All my fond hopes were lost in a moment, and I found myself only fallen into a slate of greater wretchednesi in the room of being liberated from my former misery. *_ «l8 this the reward;" said I to the inhabitants, «« fbr •aving one of your number, but a short time since, from the devouring jaws of death ready to swallow him up i But a little time, since, he stood in need of my pity. I granted him that compassion which nature has taught me to shew. I now stand in need of your pity •. will you not grant what you in a like situation, would request ? Remember that this world is a state of revolution. You may yet see the time m which you will want the exercise of compassion, even from me, however improbable the present appearance. Yon would then lament not havinjf shewn that compassion which you would stand in need of yourselves. You can hardly im- agine that my escape can produce any injury to you. I shall leave you, and shall never return to a place where I might be in danger of confinement. You who are parents, may have children in my situation ; would not your hearts yearn with compassion towards a child in my condition ? Would not you feel the most earnest desire, thai some breast, softened by the tender emotions of compassion, would say unto your child, go— enjoy the blessing which nature be- stows ; wanton in the streams of liberty, and celebrate the day of jubilee? Would not the strong emotions of gratitude fire your heart, towards such a benevolent part of creation ? Would not such a compassionate action appear to you more lovely than the beauties of the morning ; more glorious thah the sun in his majesty? ^This surely you would say is a narration of Deity ; a spark of the fire of love, manif esteU by nature's God in the daily dispensations of his providence to All my entreaties were to no effect. The minds of people were so fortified against every observation which I made, that the ideas of pity or compassion were shut entirelj / i\i- %>' i^^^^il ii H-'- v- #-•■ J ft. 3 tf Ja CI ni al ta on 111 an us CO for ren STKPHEN BUREOUGHS. |5j ont. They knew not my feelings, therefore could not judw w.lh regard to that conduct which I thought they Lh I to zeroise towards me. They had never been in my sSiol hence could not view it in its proper li?ht s"aal«on, We were ail carried to a public house, and kept there unt 1 a guard came from the island and conducted us tock again. Immediately upon our landing upon the is and I was ordered into irons. This was a pJrn.n^ t •' the ideas existing here, of m^rg ^ZToreZ^Z' pnse; and indeed they had pretty good evidence to S ihe.r opinion upon, considering that I was the only person remammg in the room out of which we escaped, through he day without being turned into the shop to work and their recollecting the circumstance, Jikewise%f b^^ckJUR my ste. with soot, in order to account for the n'oise whth fhTs ntry had formerly heard ; the reason of the noise being now mo« clearly understood than formerly. ^ The next morning we were'all summoned, with great pomp and ceremony, before the three officers, sitt Las a court-martial • and there heard an enumeration of Lefrimel laid to our charge, which amounted to five in number, vT first breakmg the jail ; second, carrying the sentry from hi, post; third, taking the arms and amunilion of the garrison and carrying them away; fourth, taking the boat be' on" n J to he garrison, and carrying it off the island; fifth, and lastly, deserting from our state of confinement. Of all th^s« cnmes we were found guilty, and received sentence of thi^!! nine stripes for each, with the cat of ninetails amoulung^^ all to one hundred and ninety-five lashes; we however ob Inlv thVr tT" "I "•"'^^•^''' ^"^^ ^^«^^^^d «"« hund?«l" only, the next day at sun setting. The three prisoners who went away by themselves tw-r* likewise this day re-taken and brought on to th"?s IS l^Z and sentenced ; therefore, at s„n-set^ting Vere w 1 et^tfof Ihe sentry, whom we had made orisonpr. h^A r..„.»„., ._ 1&2 MCMOiftB or !«♦*« to the island the morning after the captivity, and has giVeii • Tcry just rehition of the events which had taken place while he was our prisoner ; of consequence, when the punishment was inflicted on me, it was a nanje rather ^^^^^J^^^l^' The others, and more particularly three of them, were punished with great severity, the flesh flymg off at eTery •troVe. trnxim iidlj CHAPTER XIX. [. - •, ■ • ■ '. " ' " Enclianting pleasure dance* in our iigM, And tempt, u. forward by a trcach'rou. hgh. But while thy flattering smile, ou^thoughu inflame, * Thou prov'st to us a mere fantastic name, A fair delusion and a pleasing ch«at, . A gaudy vision and ft •oft deceit. , I FOUND that my humanity to Richard had made a partUi impression in my favor, upon the minds of the peop e n the towns contiguous ; but that impression was soon los in for- geTftilness, and no more remembered, when the event was a mtle removed from view by the hand of time You rn«y ""^ hear my name mentioned a thousand '•'"^«;^"«^^" :'\'',? thousand circumstances respecting my adven ures hrou?h hA , without ever hearing the least mention made of H" c r^u"; stance thouoh the fact was a matter of as much notoriety a. any event of my life. You may hear the mouths of peoph. Sued with ane/dotes relating to -e, of the disagreeab W through all parts of the country. Nay, more «»» ^^^ ;e»mm which have circulated through ^^e world for many 5 ea^ oast of that species which serves to place the character in a Sus poLt Sf view, have been P^-e^o -y-cou" a^^^^ are now related as facts not admitting the -^ast iloxm. Sence the anecdote of the watch and clothes stolen froin he clergyman, &c. &c. from a detail too long forme to insert m Jhls nSion! It has never appeared that an ungenero« 'XTplehas-influenced mankind to relate the dark^circum^ stances which have composed my cnaraciej ; u!i« *.=•••. ,.-j ha,. shrT,»k from the relation of any .aej. "Xi'h '-- ^J the appearance of my being clothed w.th homan.ty, as though •TSPHCN BlTBRaUGHf. J53 i;7. Uie most baneAil poison was attendant on sncji a relation^ fuch a fondness is there in the human heart to bring into tiew such circumstances, in the character of others, as will exalt themselves, in a comparison between their own conduct |lid that uf others. About this time the shops were fitted up sufficient to re^ eeive all the prisoners, with conveniences for making nailSi. Therefore, I was put to work in the shops, and taught to manufacture nails ; but the lessons which I received here had but little effect upon my progress in acquiring this noble art. That unaccountable stupidity which I ever possessed, had an unusual influence upon me at this time. It is true, I could make a nail equal to any thing you evef law, of the kind, in beauty and elegance; but the slowness with which I executed this, was a circumstance of great complaint by the overseer, not being able to finish more than five in a day; which cost more than ten times the value of the nails in coal and iron ; therefore, it was determined, that I should be more expeditious in my work. 1 obeyed the commands of those who were over me. I made the next day five hundred nails ; but they had as many heads and horns as the beast we read of in scripture. This did not answer the purpose intended. I was reprimanded in severe terms, but all did not signify. When I made good nails, I could not overgo five in a day, and when I made more, they were as .varied, in form and magnitude, as the ragged rocks upon the .mountains. The plain truth of the business was here: I viewed th« ^transactions of the government towards me^ to be inimieal and crueh I felt none of that confidence in her treatment which a child ought to feel towards the government of a kiml parent. I considered that she had declared open war against me; and would take every opportunity to oppress me. Un- der this view of matters, I meant to make those arrangements in my conduct, which we see one nation making in their conduct towards another, with whom they are at open war. Whether I had just grounds to view matters in this Msht. I leave to your own judgement ; meaning, with regard to facts. True it was, I had suffered many unusual, cruel and 14 154 MCMOmS OF iill, illegal punishments since I had been under the displeasure of the government i but whether the odium oughj to be throira on individuals or the Rovernmenl, I leave you to judge. I know my situation did not admit of that cool and rational thinking upon these subjects which real justice required j' however, my design is not to justify that line of conduct which ought not to be justified;, neither do I intend to criminate that conduct which I think justifiable ; because some might be pleased to criminate it themselves. Viewing matters as I then did, I was determined to withstand every effort which my overseers should make, to render me profita- able in my situation ; and how far I succeeded in my under- takings, you will be able to judge by the after relation. About this time, the prisoners whom I left in Northampto* for trial, came on the island, according to their sentence, via. Philips, Warner, Rogers,, and a number of others, whos« names I have forgotten. I was determined to defeat thw business of making nails entirely : and accordin/jly entered into a plan for that purpose. ^ There was a large well about six rods from the shop, 16 which we used to repair for water. The well was 20 feet deep, and the water generally near the top. We took our nail-rods, broke them in pieces, put them into the water- pail, carried them to the well, and flung them into the water. This we continued for the space of three weeks, until tl^^ well was nearly filled with iron. The return of nails did no^^ half pay for the first cost of the rods, so that the commisaari was determined to send no more rods to the island ; suppo- sing it a waste of the public property. However, the overr seer urged another trial, and the commissary with reluctanc« consented to send down a small quantity of nail rods for th« last trial. This circumstance I was informed of, by the boat- men, who went after the rods. I therefore exhorted the prison- ers to stand this last trial with courage and perseverance. They universally promised to remain inviolate to their trust, and I pleased myself with the speedy accomplishment of m)- plan. ' .'^/^ The universal excuse of the prisoners, for not relnrnirig more nails lor the iri.n which they had received, was i'neir inability. They constantly insisted upon it, that they 9^u;}l trCFIIXN BUKROUOHI. llp ■W miKe more nails ont of the iron ; all agreeing in one tl- CMC, and all returning much the same quanlily of nails, in proportion to the iron they received ; it was thought that the bosiness would not answer its design ; and therefore wat about being dropped. Yet the overseer was minded to try one more experiment, to see whether the business would bear a profit, or whether it would not. The law, regulating th6 treatment towards convicts on the Castle, had strictly pro- hibited the allowance of spiritions liquors, under any consid- eration : therefore, many who been formerly great drunkards, were now wholly debarred their favorite enjoyment ; and moreover, being so long habituated to immoderate drinking, and being now wholly deprived of the use of it, they had ex- perienced in reality, great temporary inconveniences, with regard to their health, as well as to the cravings of appetite unsatisfied. Hence, the prospect of spirituous liquor to these, would have a very powerful effect. This the over- ieer was sensible of; and accordingly offered a gill of rum to every one who should return so many nails, out of such It weight of iron. ► , This bait I saw. I expostulated with the men to beware of the treachery. I used every argument in my power to con- vince them of the necessity of this self-denial. I endeavored to she.v them, that far from kindness, this rum was offered Ihem as the most fatal poison they could drink. They were all convinced, and all seemed resolute to put in practice my fcdvice. But when the rum was brought into the shop, and they saw the precious mc/sel before them, they fainted under the trial ! They could not resist the temptation f They weigh- ed the iron, and returned the full tale of nails ; they drank the delicious liquid. They returned into the prison with ex- ultation ; they were rich ; they felt exalted above my situa- tion ; being able to gain a gill of rum a day ; whereas, I wa» unable to ptrfurm one tenth part of the task required. « Now," said they, « we shall be able to earn a gill of rum eVcry day!" This appeared so great a slate of happiness, when compared with what their case had been, that they were almost contented with their situation. They began to despise my wisdom ; to think that mv h»« would suffer ftims^lf to be treated m such a manner as no man of sense and dignity would allow : hence, I found theold adage, « it is hard to deal with a fool," most sensibly verified iS this in. Stance. My prospects did not by any means reconcile my feelings lo my situation. I yet panted for liberty with an ardor of de- sire beyond description. I viewed every situation in which ma ters were placed about this island. I endeavored to con- cert sonie plan to turn them to my advantage. I finally de- ^rmmed on making one bold and daring push to make myself Sfthn '.''J '^' P!'u'- T'"' P'^" ' ^»^ »«» ^'a^tily enter upon, withou first weighing all the circumstances which might probi tbiy attend such an undertaking. ^ There were at this time about forty-five prisoners confined m this place, a motley assembly of characters, from various na- tions m Europe as well as America. These were a class of people of the most abandoned principles, hardened in the school of vice and danger; consequently I believed them to PU33CSS me most unshaken courage and daring fortitude, of •ny class of men inhabiting the globe. How I was deceiied •n this opinion you will learn by the relation following. 14* P8 MEMOtll^ OP The bombproof, where we were ccafineil, was about e^kty feel in length, fronting lo the south, having only one door, which looked iikevr ise to the south. A yan!, with pickets, about six feet high, inclosed the front of our prison. The area of the yard was about one fourth of an acre. This yard was made in a square funn, and a guard-house composed a part'of the yard, standing in ihe south-east corner. There was a passage through the house, by which the soldiers on guard could come in and go out of the yard. Tl»e around around this yard was considerably higher than it was within, on every side except the west, where the gate was placed through which we used to go lo our work in the shop. Titeie was a brass field-piece placed about ten feel from the guard-house, upon the highest ground on the island, loadeJ with grape-shot, and a supply of ammunition constantly by it, for tiie purpose of pievenling vessels from passing the Castle without liberty. The governor's house stood on the bomb-proof, and having a walk upon the top of it; a sentry constantly st»od there to observe vessels, &,c. A sentry constantly walked in the yard, to observe the mo- tions of the prisoners; lo keep them from coming out of the prison until the moment in which orders were given for them lu turn out to work ; to give the guard notice at such times, who were all under arms, the moment that our doors were unlocked. This guard consisted of a sergeant, corporal, and twelve privates. There was a row of barracks at a little distance north of the governor's house., in which the garrison soldiers lived. The officers' barracks were about forty rods westward of out prison, down the hill, contiguous to the water. The shop, where we were confined to labor, was about forty rods beyond Ihe officers' barracks, in a southern direction. When we were turned out of prison, to be taken lo the work-shop, three gentries attended us, who perpetually stood round the shop, to hinder any prisoner from leaving it. Here we continued till 12 o'clock, and were then taken back to the prison, where we Continued half an hour, then returned back lo the shop in like manner, continuing our work till sunset. After we had finished our day's labor, we were put inio the prison, and con- Iincu aci;wsui"5 »■" <•'"- "^■-»'-'.» s»»"!'!!:- ij '--j ...—-....- ~ — — iron bars across ili*' outside of oux doors, making them fast by letting them into two staples. r-inm. p~ T-a^-^f ' ITEPHKN fiURItOUGMS. m ^* -Matters were in this situation on the island, when I coh. certed the plan of making myself master of this place. My adea was to watch some favorable moment, to rise on a sud- den, and take the garrison by surprise, when they were most Ott their guard, and least prepared to defend such an attacik. I endeavored to weigh every circumstance relating to thtt lime and manner, how to make this attack upon the garriflon. J communicated my views to Philips, of whose courage and Talor I had the highest opinion. I had likewise the firmest eonfldence in his wisdom, to plan and pre-concert a system. Which would embrace every advantage, that the nature of the thing would admit. Various were our ideas upon the wbject. Many schemes for executing our plans occured j but none of them, when thoroughly investigated, but what had many difficulties, almost insurmountable. Once we had determined in our own minds to embrace the opportunity of coming from worI», rush upon and disarm the senteries who were guarding us, and with our hammers and the armt Which we should take from the sentry, make a general as- sanit upon the rest of the garrison. I'^'is we found attended with the following difficulties, VIZ. Ihe least unusual movement by as, would be discover eU by the sentry on the governor's house, who would instant ly give the alarm to the «uard and to the soldiers in tht barracks, where arms were always ready ; and they, being more in numher considei^ably than we, and being all armed! woo d undoubtedly overcome us with ease, seeing they would likewise have the advantage of the ground, being at Ihe height of the hill, and We at the bottom. But this wai not all. The guard were within a few paces of that field, piece which commanded the island, a^d when once in pos- session of that, could subdue or destroy us, in opposition to every effort that we could make. Moreover, when we came Irom the shop to the prison, the commanding officer, Mawr mkins, Imd ever his attention upon us, and observed ail oa* t^vements with the greatest attention. This scheme wal« attended with so many difficulties which appeared insur. fa-.^^ sv ^^""^^^ of embracing the Opportunity which Sanday oflered to ri«« on the garrison. Every Sunday, the MBHHI ii I !)!' 'I w iMEMoiRs or soldiers and prisoner3 were assembled in one of Ihe barraekt to attend divine service. The soldiers occupied one end of the barrack, and the prisoners the other. The garrison gen- erally assembled without arms ; and, of consequence, were not so formidable in that situation, as when they had their guns in their hands loaded, and bayonets fixed. The guard, however, V ept their places, which rendered this project alike impracticable. The greater number of prisoners were at this time in irons; and of consequence, when we should attempt to make prisoners of the soldiers, a scuffle would unavoidably ensue ; and as they would out-number us, we should have but a bare possibility of succeeding even with the soldiers in the barracks, seeing so great a proportion of us were in irons j and should we succeed in this respect, yet the guard would unavoidably be alarmed ; and being in possession of the field-piece, they could with the greatest ease, sweep Ui away. These difficulties were thought too great to make the at- tempt upon the garrison in that way : they were of course given up as impracticable. We finally agreed upon the morning, as the best time to execute such an insurrection. We were awakened by the overseer about half way be- tween day break and sunrise. Immediately after the wordd « turn out, turn out," had been given by the overseer, he re- tired and was generally absent about half and hour, when he returned, and finding us all dressed, turned us out, and took us to the shop to work. The doors of our prison were not fastened in this interem. The guard were under arms, and the sentry walking backward and forward before our door to prevent any from going out. My reasoning upon the prospect of success attending this undertaking, was of the follow.ug nature: « It is now warm weather," said I, it being the last of May or the begining of June ; « therefore sleep has the most powerful efiect upon man in the cool of the morning ; this will pre- vent the officers and soldiers sleeping in the barracks from TKo fifBt an/i mQSi "-a a difficult object is the guard. They are, at such times, under irms, and therefore under a situation far superior to oursj STEPHEN fttmtdUGHS, 161 ^,y9 wecotiW ont-ftdnib^r them, and as I entertained fiti •oj^iMori of tihe ptwiryss of the prisoners, far beyond that af the soldiers, I think pretty probable, we may succeed iii mefking them prwoners. After that object should be effect- ed, Ihej. It will be easy to become master of the field-piect, and when that is obtained, we are masters of the island at once. When we become masters of the island, we are in a .uuation Which will place us upon a footing of no mean Mandin?. We, by being masters of the garrison, become likewise possessed of the command of the harbor of Boston ; of all the vessels going out and coming in ; therefore, can ap- propriate them to what use we find the exigencies of the times will require. We shall likewise be in possession of provision, arms and amunition of every kind. Warlike scores will be in our power, of every kind, should we find occasion to use them. I think that the prospect of escape bt water after we have Overcome the garrison, will be morft eligible than to attempt another fight by land ; and as it will be in our power to arm a vessel, and equip her every way for defence, and a long voyage, it would be almost impossible, even shou d they pursue after, and overtake us, to master us, at sea. We shall likewise be able to prevent their following U3 from the harbor of Boston with any great strength, by blowing up the magazine, and spiking the cannon. In this situation, I would leave the inimical shores of America, and Barblr^^^' ^" '''^'"" ^"'°''' ^^^ inhospitable inhabitants of These were the outlines of my plan ; and I determined to make one powerful effort to carry it into execution. Either U> lose my life in the cause of liberty, or else gain a glorious reedom. And now, sir, before I go on to the relation of this insurrection, permit me to make some reflections upon my situation, and the operations of my mind under it. I had ever a warmth of feeling in followin- any object of pursuit, perhaps peculiar to myself. From the first moment olmy imprisonment; I fell a degree of insupportable impa» iience at confinement, and an ardent desire of the eniov- meni oi Jiberiy, entirely beyond description. The various unforlunale attempts which I had made for tITe purpose of iiberaling myself, did not serve to cool my ardor for obtain- fv"^Tv/--^;ri^^^5J!P'5-r----.>-?--,-3^.^1-M--?*:;7"^^^ \W m2 MCMOIM OP 1 ! <>^l Ing this object ; but my desires for liberty increased in pub- portion to the time of my remaining confii>ed| and the misfor- tunes attending it. ''■' /^ Reasoning upon the various occurrences which had been closely concerned in bringing me to this stale of wretched- ness, and upon the motives by which I had been actuated under every scene through which I had passed, 1 concluded that my punishment was greater than I ought to bear. And even at this day, I am under great doubts how I ought to have acted through all those trying scenes. I know much is due to government. Personal inconvenience is to be borne, rather than government should suffer any injury, and for this plain reason, viz. that upon the uninterrupted administration of justice by government, depends the welfare of the whole community. But there are circumstances under which a man may be justffiable in opposing, at least, the despotic transactions of cruelly in government towards an individual. Whether this was the case with me, sir, I leave you to judge. I had suffered, during my state of confinement in Northamp- ton ; the most unheard of course of illegal cruelty, and that too in a very notorious manner ; so that the branches of gov- ernment must universally be apprised of it. And this punish- ment was inflicted likewise by one of the officers of govern^ ment. Therefore, under such circumstances, whether I bad nut just reason to suppose Ihe most arbitrary and unjust meas- ures were prescribed against me by government, your own good sense will determine. This officer never received the frowns of government for his conduct, but he gained in high favor to the day of his death : neither was I ever compensated for the injuries which I here received. Moreover, when the scene was reversed, and one of their number became dependent upon my will for his life, his liberty, and his safety ; and under that situation, I had put my own life at stake to save his ; and had shielded and protected him from danger in the time of his distress ; after this, as soon as I had fallen into tho hands of government, what was their language ? Why. Uiat I should receive an hundred lashes at I recollect to hat'e r v^-J an account respecting a Turk, who was a slave in Venice. H. was asked by a Venetian merchant, ** why he wore that ask>! ct of perpetual gloom on his counten- STEPHEN BURROUGHS. 163 SlnTta^^^^^^^^ f!^;^^ to suppress the to you, that I should \::e:n^tm w ,/ Kl TZt which .s the foundation upon which we bui Wall our jov ?» L noi w^/thTofliie'jy"?^ ''' ''' P"^^' '^'^ ««y ^^-^ Hau^el vVhen I heard this story of the Turk and the Venetiin fn» feelings entered immediately into the meanin/ofXrurk'i observations I could there discover and read tL an^a^e of the humea heart, notwithstanding he was a Turk Mv hpar! panted to tel him, "Yes, thou infidel Tu?k get' thee^ence (rom ihe land of Christianity, and enjoy the p efsure oHihttv even in thy lyibelievinj? country." '"^ pleasure of liberty, th. h ''f^'T "^^'^ "^^^^ "'»"« ^«^ ^'een : the lanjfua-e of GentZ, 'It '"""' ''"°"»" ^"^'^ "^"^ Christians!&:„'/ V ^''n'"* ®" *''*' *>«""■* that nerer felt A lellow-creature'i woes ;— X?* '®"*'®'"'y **'«cu to melt Hit pity— for a rose.'» K»?!i' "TP^ "^l "^^^^ ^'"^^'■e w»sh for your happiness com- |ned with your family's, and believe me to be, 2i. CHAPTER XX. ^ ^-li " O, cruelty ! U&l!^.5* thy/'"'»'ni?S touch, hasileJi'd the breast, h1. li ' M I^u^Su*" *"" "•»-»'«w shower, soft pity smil'dV Tn »? ?K''''jf ^'^'i'• ?■"*='* ^""^-^'^^ "'t"« blest, 1 o all the silent pleadings of his child, At thy command, he plants the dagger'deep. At thy command exults, tho' nature bid him weep ^^ It was on Sunday, when I made my arrangements amone the prisoners, for nnr crro«t „«^.» ____•_.. °_ .. °"'^;ns following for the time of operation. There were 35 prisoners, m whom 1 placed the utmost confidence, as to nrtff >- ^^-^ •■•» ■" IM MEAIOIRS or > their courage and undaunted resolution. Ten of whom I had selected to be with me in takini; the guard ; and twenty-five I had left to be headed by Philips, who were to repair im- mediately to the barracks, and secure the officers and arms ; intending, if possible, to accomplish the business without blood-shed. After I had made the necessary dispositions, I exhorted the prisoners, « to be firm and courageous ; to abstain from all acts of cruelty, which were not absolutely necessary; and, above all things, to pay the strictest attention to the orders given, that all might act in concert ; to abstain front npirituous liquors." And this I meant to make more certain^ by knocking all the casks on the head. As taking the guard was much the most difficult part of this business to execute, I had selected out tea of the most desperate fellows ainong the prisoners, to follow me. I told them that I did not wish for them to go farther into danger* than I went myself; that I expected them to follow and •upport me, as far as I went, and no further. To this they all agreed, without the least hesitation ; and confirmed their agreement by the most solemn .. as&uraoces that they would remain by me till death or liberty. After all matters were adjusted upon this system, we went to bed with all oar clothes on, so that we might s rise the next morning, iiiame^. diately after the door should open, and the overseer should: depart. After I laid, down, the importance of the scene be- fore me kept me from closi&g my eyes through the whole^ night. ' Ha ! not a breath of wind! no gentle brecxe^ To fan the darksome gloom ! no ruffled ware, Disturbs this silent port of life, nor moves The sleeping calm, a death-like silence reigns. Those storms of wrath, that oft by tyrants bceath'd, Hare shooli the trembling world, now die a«ray ; In whispers Jost-r-the froth of heighten'd pride ' Beats on the rocks, and wounds itself to death ^ The pomp of kings, the syckophantic breath '" Of 'Soothing, flatt'rers, and meuiai crowds. The voice of slander, the destructive U%sts Of envy, self-distracting, softly seem, < Liko dying thunders in a distant cloud, Gently to vanish from the lisL'ning ear. i/Cain, rigid u&ttlii, iuiparUaily ueui«fti» . ' " That man isnothine but a heap of dust, Clay-cold, ifi>«QfiMe. Wipe from thy cheek, w STEPrtEif BUittOUGHS. |f9 O man ! the toft enriaseulaeing leaf ; For die IhoH must ; ju.l a» by Nature'. 8tr.ami. In easy mazes roll thill Ivinj.id tid«s, ' tor .hort-liv'd glwy-pre-ordain'd todie. uJS ", u""*?* "'y »""'• The ki.s ofdeath II «>(> and harmie*. Golden re.t attend, it ; And .con diwolve. the feHrftil dream of iife. SfiU'fh'^''**"^'^- '?*'«**''• A. rising names TKn. I ."■ •^°"S*""»' r'ai^e, and mount to heav»ii, Thusha.tewetoonrend. The bloom of youth Expel, our inAint years ; then hoary ace . *'"<='^ac'>e.ontheman, and »hutithe*cene." Mf LT-^i^ "^'^^ impatience for the approach of morn. Thr*. Jf an nights through my life, appeared the longest. I Xn ri^?.f r"''r '^'^'^''' *° ''^'^^ ^ '^^"•d discern anj «?n8ofday. At last the moment appeared! I heard !he Z n'f r*'^'"'* ""'^'^^^"**' ^'^'» ^'^ '^^^oc^ "turn ciJt! tarn out," and immediately departed. ' .L"?*7'*5 P'^^^'P'tation, and hasted to gather thojjewho JidTeshv k'^ ? "'' J'^'"*^"* P^'-^^''" ^^^ business, 7nto ^les by themselves. I observed a few got out of their feh s ri; T '^'"l^'?^' ^«« the matter ? He told me he t^iion r* c r"'^^''«i t»»^t tf^e n^oment did not admit of at- SZn T r'-, ^' ?"" ^^ ^''^ «P°t «"d t'^'^k charge of the yard the moment I gave the signal for starting. He took ftoodlel r/ ''''' ^''\ '''"^ ^"^ '^« '''''' '" dH^mefer, anS •lood ready to execute his part. »„2!?T ^ ^'T^ ^** ^''^^ 'P°* "^^^'^ I c««W observe the the si Jr "T^'i: "•"'' '^"'^ ^^^'^i'^S •" t''e door of h. n!. "'^' '^'*'* ^''^'"^ *»«y«"«t« fi'^^*^- This sight was by no means calculated to ensure our success : but not know- ZIh^'TuT'Z ^'""'^ effect, I determined to make the n\ for ru i f "^^^^ ^ '"""f"^' ''^''^^^ "^^ ^^^^«' ^^e sig! exoec in! rh"^/ ^""^ sprang forward towards the guard-house, ^^erelVfV''''''^^''''^^ri'^ appointed to that business 7nT A ,1 ^''"«^'"? '"e. The soldiers seeing me coming towards them, presented the ff.in« «,Jth fU.:. k„L.„;. :" _ _* mv h^n^/ /!!? *^^ guard-house I parted the bayonets with my hands and disarmed two men in a moment. This I did 15 166 MEMOIRS OFr by a sudJen jerk, when I caught hold of the two guni. I immediately turned the bayonets towards the soldiers, when they gave back and entered the guard-house. I pronounced Immediate death upon any who dared to oppose me. I or- dercd Ouu^^ i«' a very peremptory manner, « to lay down their arms and retire behind the guard-bed." They obeyed —two made their escape, and fled out of the guard-house, giving the alarm to the officers and soldiers in the barracks, together with the sentry on the governor's house. When I entered the guard-house, 1 carried with me two guns, intend in" to give one to the first who followed me, in order that he'might prevent any of the guard from escaping through that door, and to secure the other myself; wishing to pre- vent any alarm, until the other party of twenty-five had time to get to the barracks j but imagine, sir, my disappointment and astonishment, when I looked and saw myself alone, without one of the prisoners to assist me ! When I first started. Philips' courage failed. He turned and ran into the room out of which he came, undressed and iumoed into bed. The rest, seeing this, were all struck with a panic, ran back and went to bed : thinking by this means to make the officers believe, that th.y had no part nor lot in this business. Therefore, I found the guard my prisoners, and mvself a prisoner to the guard. I saw the soldiers and officers from the barracks, running towards the guard-house, with their clothes in the utmost dis- order : some half dressed, and others naked, a shirt excepted. Sfpin" the day was lost, I turned, and ran, out of the guard- house" making again towards the prison, carrying my guns with me. The sergeant of the guard, who, but a minute be- fore had been begging his life in the most abject stale oJ lear, now began to bustle towards me with his gun, as Ihoagh he had been in close contest from the beginning, and intended to sSce me to his fury. He ran after me hallooing. "Burroughs, you devil you, IMI kill you, I'll kill you." turned indignant towards the coward, and threw my guns at him with the points of the bayonets forward. One ol me bayonets took his hand, and entered the skin about an inch. At this, he bawled out in the bitterest manner, " I'm wounded, *^he 'officers and soldiers rushed into the prison, laid hold of me, and brought mc agriin into the yard. Major Perkins 8TXPREN BVRBOUGHt. 107 wntf his sword, Lieutenant Treat and Burbeck with their , ratans, were all lashinsr me at once, with the greatest violence. At this crisis, the sergeant whom I had wounded, came un ?!? u, Va' *"^ f^'"''^ "'® over the head with all hismight rhe b lond flew quick into my lace, I moved suddenly towaitii the pitiful villain : at which he ran, making a noise more like • calrthan a man. . n Tl ^^,? *^°".fi'»ed by a pair of heavy irons, commonly called shackles, taken to the whipping-post, and there receiv. ea an hundred stripes, which were laid on in a very serious wanner, causing the bbod to stream at every stroke so that my shoes were filled by the time I was taken down. ' Ibis, sir, was a heavy stroke, too much even for my iron consliluiion to support. I fell under it. A fit of sickness fucceeded, which continued about three months, making the prospect doubtful how my career might terminate. O I hannv hrice happy should I have been, had I fallen here ! and closed the troubled scene of life ? « O terque, quatcrque beali, queii ^Irojae sub ma?nibus altis, contigit oppetere !" • During my sickness, I had to contend with inconveniences 01 no small magnitude. There was no provision made for the sick; therefore, salt beef and bread was all ihenecessar- les provided for me by government. A medical gentleman, from the town of Boston, influenced by the mere emotions of .compassion, visited me under this scene of distress, and ad- inmistered to my necessities. The name of this humane or- jament of nature 1 have forgotten, but think it was Elliot. .^ xMy back was extremtiy sore; and bavin? a pak- of heavy jrons on my legs, I could lie in no other position than on my back. Major Perkins wished to liberate me from the irons round my legs, during the fit of sickness, but was absolutely forbidden by his superiors, until near two months after iny punishment, when he was allowed to take them oflT. My situation, and course of perpetual suffering, caused me to repine bitterly at the hand of providence. It appeared that I was marked out as an object for the heaviest strokes of mis- ery to be reiterated upon, until I should be finally swallowed up by the power of their force. Why, said I, should ail this befall me ? Do these misfortunes happen as a punishment to vicious conduct ? Am I so self-blinded as not to be sensible •0 Ihrice, and four times liai)py tliose, who should be so fortuniitc ai to die under tlie loAy walls of Troy. Virqil. us jt MiMoiKt or i'-'i;, of my own unheard of wickedness 7 For certainly, if tb^ wickedness of my conduct has been equal to my suttenimf, | have been, of all mankind the most abandonded. But, s^i^ I asain, is this reasoning jusi ? Do the wicked sufler, while the jnst are in a slate of constant prosperiiy ? Let us advert U> facts for evidence upon this subject. , , » * I believe that matters of fact will prove, that the best of men have suffered, in this state of imperfection, m an equal dearee with the worst. We will instance Socraies and Aris- tides of the ancients, and the immortal Columbus, among those of a more modern dale. Many instances might I produce even amon? ourselves, were it necessary to put one moment « reflmion upon this subject is enough to confute the idea en- tirely, of a person's misfortunes being any evidence ol hiB moral tumilude. Then why is it that some are marked out, in the course of events, to endure the heaviest strokes of mis- fortune in one continued series is to me i^n inexplicable mys- lery in the course of Providence. v . ' ,, Since I started into life, how has my course been chequmdl Even death, the last resort of the wretched, has fled Iroriiiny approaches, as though cautious of friendly presence, a.rnjni^ terine comfort rather than terror. Is it not strange, thnt death should join with mankind, and even refuse the morsel otfered to his embrace, in order to fill np my measure of sh^ ferings ? When I set the jail on fire at Northampton, I thought it out of the power of malice iiself to prevent the approach of the moment of my quietus ; but was disappointed. I then expected to have found an end to my trouble, in the cold em- brace of death, in the dungeon ; and here I found the tyran eluding ray pursuit. When I rose on the garrison, «f "PPeared to me^ certain that I shouUl meet with deaih or liberty, but alas ! in both was I deceived. Then surely, said I, this pun- i^^hment added to sickness, must close the dreadful scene ; bu , horrid to relate, I was reserved for woes which yet untold, made my former sutterings vanish away, as ntjt worthy qf "** Are* these matters painted to you, sir, in colors too bi^ for the simples statement of facts ? No, sir, indeed they arc truths, the force of which I must feel while I set poring ov^r the scenes ; thoush they are past and gone, yet have left « mortal sting behind. . . , ^ Sooa ailer I was able to walk about, I was visiiea oy » STEPHKN BURKOtrnHS. 169 r niterr in whose name I never recollect without feeling that *«;» affection and glow of gratitude, whnch fills my !?e V LlT,r\ ^■^'' ,JJentleman's name was Summers: /fj' ?J u^V T"' *""• "^ commanded a vessel l^'ilVL K?"^^"C^'^°"- "^ P°«'^^^^J «n enlarged m.nd, which looked above the clamor of vulgar prejudice ; •nd where he saw the course of humanity lead, he pursued his way, et it be evor so unpopular. This gentleman made me u visit, even against the custom of the world. He was the first relative that ever came or sent to me in this gloomy place. He saw my necessities. He administered to my re- nef. He poured the balm of consolation into my wounded mind. He conducted as a man ought to conduct, who is governed by a spirit of true benevolence. He continued to visit me from time to time, during the whole course of my confinement on this island. ' .1,5?'"? ^?" disappointed in my efforts for an escape, and that too by the cowardly, perfidious conduct of my fellow- prisoners, I pretty much gave up the idea of making any fur- ther attempts foi my liberation ; but concluded lo'reconcile my mind m the best manner possible, to the idea of wearing •way the time of my confinement. I therefore told Major Perkins, that I would give up the idea of ever making another attempt for escape, if he would not put me in irons, give me the liberty of the island, and not subject me to the direction or authority of Rifford, the overseer. Major Perkins be- Jieved me sincere. He ever had occasion to believe what I told him by way of contract, while 1 was under his care. Me agreed to allow me the privilege, provided I would dis. «)ver any attempt of the prisoners to escape. I told Major mkins, that being under the same condemnation with the other prisoners, I had no intention to purchase any privilege at their expense. That I should by no means give them any aid in their escape ; neither should I be a hindrance to them. After some days trial to obtain my promise for dis- covering any attempt of the prisoners to procure their liberty. liberty of going to any part of the island, without a sentry to attend me. ' This was a great degree of freedoom, compared with whal 15* 170 MEMOIKS or I bad enjoyed ; and therefore, most sensibly felt. My situation was eligible as the nature of things would admit ; I, even in this slate of servile wretchedness, began to look forward with the pleasing expectation of better days " Whatever difTrent ways mankind pursue, O happiuess, 'tis thee we keep in viewi 'Tis thee, in ev'ry action we intend, The noblest motive and superior end, Thou dost the scarcely tintsh'd soul incline ; Its first desire, and constant tho't, is thine. Our infant breasts are sway'd by thee alone, When pride and jealousy are yet unknown. Thou art, of all our waking thot's the theme; We court thee too, in ev'ry nightly drearn. Whither the roads that to perdition lead, Or those tiiat guide us to the stars, we tread : Thine ii the hope, the inestimable prize. The glorious mark, on which we fix our eyes." About this time an incident took place, which gave me the most sensible pain. At a certain time, a num'ber of people from Boston came on to the island, among whom was Thomas Cashing, son to the lieutenant-governor. When these people came among the prisoners, they asked money of ihem, as was the general custom. Gushing took a dollar out of his pocket, and gave it me ; telling me at the same time, to give each of the prisoners a glass of rum out of the availt* of the dollar ; and departed without waiting for an answer. The prisoner who had been instrumental in obtaining the money, entertained an idea of his being entitled to a larger sliare of the dollar than the others ; and therefore proposed a division with me. My reply was, that the money was given to me for a particular purpose ; and as I accepted the the :4iA, I had implicitly pledged my faith to i;xecute ihe trust reposed in me. I told him that a glass of rum must be given to each prisoner, the dollar would purchase a suliiciejit quantity for that purpose ; and that I should pet hum that Afi ^oonas I could obtain permission of Major Perkins. I accordingly made application to the Major, for liberty iff give the convicts a glass of rum. He told me, that it was out of his power to grant my request at that time; but that (governor Cushing would be on the island in a few days ; that he would consult him on the subject, and see if it would m- jwier to grant such permission. I"--/ ■T'"- STEPHEN BURROtrCHS. 171 Whtle 1 was wailing the issue of this business, Thotnai Cushing came on lo the island again ; and the prisoner. Mount, by name, who had asked him for money before, now inade application again for more money. Cashing answered Mount, that he thought it a shame for him to ask for money agam, so soon after leaving a dollar wilh Burroughs for them all. Moun», told him, that Burroughs had kept the money himself, and the other prisoners had received nothing. Cushing then asked for an explanation of the business. I told him how the matter was situated ; and rejoined, that I would diTide the money, if that was agreeable to his feel- ings. He left me without an answer. Not long after, Cushing being in company with a number of gentleman in Boston, amongst whom was a Mr. May, a rational philan- Ihropist : he., in a pompous declaration respecting his own excellent qualities of heart, related, that he had given three dollars to Burroughs, for the prisoners, and that Burroughs had appropriated them to his own use, refusing to partici- pate with any others in the benefit of the money. Mr. May entered with warmth into the subject, and when he saw me, he expostulated upon the impropriety of my conduct; and when I gave him a simple narration of facts, he seemed to hesitate about giving credit to a report so diflerent from Cushiog's. This circumstance, you may think, was of too small con- sequence to fimi a place in this narration : but the reason why I relate it, is the disagreeable eflect it had upon my mind ; having met with but few incidents which have given me keener sensations than this trivial ocurrence. As the remaining part of my confinement was ended without any remarkable occurrence, I will not dwell upon the uninterest- ing event ; but only observe, that the terms of agreement be- tween the Major and myseli; were ever kept inviolate by Unh parties. I will, likewise, give you an extract of some letters which passed between me and my friends while I re- mained here, and tlien pass from the disagreeable subject. The first letter I received was from that uncle, who had relieved me in Norllwmpton : It was to the following ainoant ; MEHOIKS or -, ^, Charlton, ^pril 20ih, 1788. Beloved Nephew, fr I sincerely wish and I.ope, that your Ions: and painful coiv Imernenl may prove an advanta8;e to you, by giving you time lo reHect, seriously, upon your past misconduct. As that waa m your thoughtless and youlhfui days, and as yoi have now arrived to the age of maturity, I beg of you to consider with yoursell, seriously, what an awful and disagreeable situation you will soon be in, after you are liberated, if you should en- ter into an unlawlul course of life. A« vou have now, by ex- perience, tasted of the evil nature of transgression, and are now m a situation to figure lo yourself the happv condition oi those who, by a course of honest industry, procure for them- selves and their dependents, an honorable and honest living through life. I wish you may ext-rcise that wisdom which nature has given you, to learn the difference between a regu- lar life and a course of unlawful pursuits. You must ''be sensible, that you will render yourself not only happy bv a course of regular conduct, but will greatly increase the hap- piness of your relations, and all who wjs^h you well. We ail hope and desire, that you will be so kind to yourself and to us, us to coolly and faithfully improve the good sense, and reason which the all-wise Being has so bountifollv bestowed upon you; and I think that under the influence of this reason, you will immediately after your liberation, repair to your pn^ rents, or to my house, or to some of your relations, who can help you to business, and to those things you will be destitute ol, and without which, you will be very uncomfortable Ity doing this you will avoid many great and trying temptatif)Bs. 1 am in no doubt but by a steady luiiform course of weil- Joing, you may re-establish your reputation, and again be a serviceable member of society. On the contrary, should you again, at this time of life, return to bad ccur-^es, every one would despair of your ever reforming, and you must be lost forever; which may the all-wise Beins enable you to prevent, by a wise and virtuous course of life, for the future, is the •incere desirable prayer of your most affectionate uncle. EBENEZER DAVIS Soon after the receipt of the foregoing letter, I received another from my mother's youngest brother, to the followias imnnri .• m •TKPIIEM aum^QUGlK. tap ^ ii^ J" ' ' ^; ' Ojiford, May 12/A, 1788. il.-'^Z?' opportunity has ^ivt„ me the pleasure of he.rini? thai your conduct has been e«od and uneicepiionable, since >our unforjuna e aUerapt on the garrison. I enterliin the most ardent des.re that it may continue . Your |ong and severe confinement is almost at an end. Soon asam you wi 1 taste the sweets ofliberty, of which you have been deprived so long. I should advise you by a 1 means ZTVu ^'°"'" ^'■''"^'- .^*'"> "^» «"d will be, des itie of clothes when your i.me of servitude has expired • therefore wjthout c othes, without friends, without m^^^e^: in comin.' oft from the Castle wah the prejudices which mankind e^rl ain agains one who has been confined there, you will find it w^ w /h '''. ^"" "" «»bsistence among mankind in an hones 111 r "' you come to your friends, who can help you to LfeonaS u'nde!; ''" ""' ^^^"' ^" ""' "'^ ' ^^™'^" '^' JONATHAN DAVIS. Deae Child, "'""''''^ ""'''''' ^^'^' ''^'' It is «ot our present object to lay open to your view the bleeding hearts of your parents. The attempt would be io vam ; for it is wholly beyond our power of language to *.x- r)res8. If the reports be true with respect to the atrocity'of your conduct, we cannot but acquiesce in the measures i/kei* by government to punish such acts, which are pregnant with n .^ *!f u""' ^°""""n*ty. Oid we pay attentio to nothing but the yearnings of our hearts towards y ' ^\i we en .t,;^lt Bothmg but the dictates of natural aflfect: , , lo Dart with an only son in this manner; to consider you as bst to God, to your parents, and to your generation, .s a consider- ation which would swell the tide of our sorrows. ...u render them like an overflowing deluge. But we futry believe o»» we know not; out this one ihmi» ir*. i/n««, •»,„. .- i_.r 15» ' |iil<: 174 MEMOIRS or m il thing that may concern you in future, it becomes us to east all oar care upon God and to leave you in his hands. '"^'' When we recollect, that there is a jjrobability, that we may see you apain, and behold in your conduct the fruits of repentance for your misconduct ; we cannot help feasting our hearts with such a pleasing contemplation. Nothing which this world could afford, would be greater comfort to us, than your return under such a situation. In the mean time, it is our ardent and pressing desire, that your behaviour and conduct may be framed in such a manner, as to be the good acceptance of those who are appointed to have the oversight of you during the remainder of that servi- tude to which you are confined. It has ever opened the avenues of grief, and added fresh anguish to our sorrows, to hear of any attempts in you, to get free from your confinement by unwarrantable measures. It would be acceptable to us, to have a line from yow, specifying the state of your mind, and what your purposes are, in relation to your future pursuits. In the mean time, take this as a testimony of love intermingled with the most heartfelt grief and anguish, from your afflicted and sorrowfol parents. E. and A. BURROUGHS. Castle-Jslandf November 27 th, 1787. Honored and dear Parents, Your favor of the 16th uU. was duly received. Where I to undertake to describe the sensations which it created, I know I should fail in the attempt. «' Notwithstanding my being considered as an outcast among mankind ; and under that consideration, treated as the worst of villians, and vilest of slaves, yet it has not dissolved that tie of natural affection which binds me to those who gave me breath. To undertake a vindication of my conduct, is an object entirely out of my view at present ; buf I would suggest, the same natural course attends common fame, when i>oplied to me, as it universally has done when applied to any oth^r person or object , therefore, wish you to make those allow- tion. UiiUci my pccuiiar siiaw- |i M STEPHEN BURROUGHS. 175 Couli you read the language of my heart, you woe. The vei7 heaven and Clements were in unison with my feelings. I, for the first time, for the term of thirty months, dressed mvself in clean, decent apparel. I heard the sentence from Major PerliiAf^, •/Burroughs, you are free," with a sensation of joy thnl » inexpressible. My heart bounded like the roe on the mown- lam ! I went into the boat, the sea was smooth, and the wind was calm ! the heavens were mild and serene : the sun was beautilul beyond description ! the boat slided over the smooth Burlace of the waters with a facility thai was enchanting f "Sweet memory, waHetl by the gentle gale, on up the title of time I turn my siiil, To view the fairy haunts of long Jott hours. Blest wilh far greeuer shadw, hr fresher bow'rs" Having now ended in my narrative a tedious and Wtter conhnement, which lasted me three years and five week*. I will here end thi« letter. I wish to make some reflections upon the nature of the punishment by servittjde; and as that will take up too much time for this, I will reserve it for the «uhiecl of another letter. In the mean time believe me a« usuul, &c. CHAPTER XXI. Blest be that hand divine, which gentiv FaJd My heart at rest, benealli this hMinble shed The world's a stately bark on dangerous seas, With {ileiwure seen, but boarded at our peril.'' As I intimated to you, sir, in my last, that the subject of this letter would be a consideration of the nature of punish- ment by servitude; I now take up that matter in obedience to my promise. This is a subject of which I have felt the operation in some measure ; and therefore, may be thought to know its natural effect upon the human heart, as well as most men. The object of punishment ever ous^hl to be the preset votion of the ffood order ol society, by a reformation of those who are r . w«c uis-prroiMUij, ur a mibiaKcn appr^- disorderlv tlirniKrh a -J.. tTEPRKN BUftROUr.HS. m henslon of matters. The honesty of a legislative body will ever point at that, and their laws will ever affect that where a sufficient fund of information directs their lesrislativc acts. Whether the system of servitude upon its present psiabiish- mep'., does answer the purpose of producing a reformation in the disorderly, is the question now under consideration. There was on the Castle an assemblage of characters from various parts of the globe: some old in iniquity, and others but timid beginners in the ways of transgression. Here, the objects of honor and promotion were reversed. In a winter evening's tale, you would not hear the feats of virtue recount- ed as a recommendation. These were objects treated with contempt. On the other hand, that person who could relate the most desperate and daring transgression of the laws of na- tional justice, was considered the most honorable character among the prisoners; while those, who were novices in wickedness, shrunk from an examination of their deeds, and felt a degree of littleness, because they had nothing worthy of giving themselves a riame among those heroes of the ni«ht. The natural effect of this you will easily conceive. Where our ambition leads we generally make progress. Those who would blush at the thought of iheir illicit conduct when they first arrived at the Castle, would now sooner blush at the small part which they have acted in the way of transgression. They would listen with attention to the acts of those whom they considered as their masters in iniquity ; this is a lesson but too easily learnt. Their whole object was, discovering and inventing means to carry their diabolical purposes into execution immediately upon their liberation. Finally, this of all others, was the most perfect school of vice 1 ever saw. For a man to remain uncontaminated by this society, after continuing in it a number of years, he must have more solid philosophy than I believe mankind generally possess. Under these circumstances, how can this institution serve to reform the morals of men T Facts prove, that instead of becoming ffood members of society, the convicts have generally, taken lo a course of the most attrocious transgressions alter their lib*' ration. Indeed, the situation of the prisoners is such, when they are liberated, that all motives for doing well are taken away. They generally, at that time, find themselves naked, money- Jess, and friendless. Their previaus confinement on the Cas- tie is a sufiicient objection to their being employed in bosi- 16 I ill ^ .*.~'V!:tl!^l^--^rt/'-!\!r^p^v^rr m MsjuoiRs or Ucsi; iherefure, supposing? ihem possessed ol* virtuous princir- pies, what can such virtues do in this situation. They have the same necessities to supply that other men have, and where they find that government has not only confined them to servi- tude for a number ol' years, but has, moreover, taken away the prospect of earning a small pittance of bread by industry, will the feelings of nature allow them to consider any obliga- tion which government may require, as binding f I saw the eflects of this system of servitude whilst I was a prisoner on the Castle. I published my sentiments upon the subject for the consideration of the legislature. Little at- lention was paid to my reasoning, in so low a situation. Had these sentiments come from one in a more exalted station, they might, perhaps, have been understood better, and the reasoning upon such a subject been more clear and convincing. I will not detain you with any further observations upon this subject, but proceed in the narrative. I went immediately to the house of Richard Devens,Esq. with whom I took breakfast, having received a previous in- vitation for that purpose before I left the island. Immediately after breakfast, the good old man, taking me into a private room, entered into conversation upon my pres- ent prospects. I told him that I had concluded to repair to my uncle's at Charlton, who had supplied me with neces- saries for my appearing again in the world. It appeared to rejoice him to hear that I was not left friendless. He said lie had it in contemplation to help me, if no other person ap- peared for that purpose. He gave me counsel as a parent would give to a child. He appeared to be interested in my future welfare. He presented me with a dollar, wishing me to accept it as a token of his esteem and pood wishes.* After this, I immediately repaired to Long Wharf, wIrmv Capt. Summers lay with'his vessel. I here met that phil anthropist upon the shores of liberty, who had so often reliev ed my distress in a state of slavery. My sensations at thi meeting were exquisitely pleasing. I tarried with him two days ; and during that time an accident took place whici * Burrouj,Ii3 has given a true specimen of ihis gcntlemau' ,;tracle througli a long life. He l»as lately gone to receive tlie reujrd, of tin : ightrutu is u better world. / STEPHEN BURKOVGHS. 179 gave me an opportunity of feeling the extrem.»s of pain and joy in a very short sparce. The matter was this : Capt. Summers coming into his cabin at a certain time, where he had left me, missed his watch, which he supposed he had left hanging in the cabin. He enquired of all the hands whether they had seen or taken his watch from the place where he had left it. Their answers were in the ne- gative. He asked if any body had been on board the vessel that morning : they said no. I saw his countenance was troubled. He felt in a situation too delicate to know what measure to take. My feelings at this time were as disagree- able as though 1 had been covered with burning embers. I knew that the appearance must be that I had taken the watch. No other person coulu take it. The watch was gone. What a horrid figure of ingratitude I must now make, said I, in the mind of that man, above all others, to whom I wish to appear amiable ! A single word was not ut- terred for the course of half an hour. A dismal gloom hung over the countenance of every one present ; at length we were all relieved by the arrival of the mate, who brought the watch on board, having carried it to a watch-maker to have some work done to it which was necessary. The sight of the watch instantly dispelled the gloom from every countenance ; we all felt the effects as though a shock of electricity had operated upon us. Captain Summers burst into a laugh, patting me on the shoulder, saying, » one hundred dollars would not make me so glad as the sight of that Watch." My sensations were too violent for utterance ; I could not reply; 1 felt wounded to death, that, even for one moment, a jealousy should remain in the breast oii Captain Summers, of my treachery towards him; yet, what gave me such ex- quisite pain was, that circumstances were in such a train, that he could not avoid such a jealousy. I visited a number of my acquaintance during this short residence in Boston : among whom was a Mr. Bingham, who was cotemporary with me in College. This man had a warm heart, friendly to mankind, scruplously nice in every principle of justice, regulating his conduct by the exactest riltfa nf r«rr»r»riiottr • * Some of hit old acquaiatance were blamed by their friend* for being •"WS^ ^-f^t" "-■-«" •^f'^-'-'y^fw^^'^- rsi5»«?p^^^:^T^-' i! ! I'ti'l'i JRO MEMOIRS or After this I took leave of all my acquaintance in Boston, and measured back that road which, nearly three years be fore I had been carried through,- bound with chains, to Glazier Wheeler. Before [ left Boston, Capt. Summers of- fered to supply me with a sum of money, for my present ne- cessities ; but as I had a sufficiency already for my travel ling expenses, until I should arrive at my uncle's, in Charl- ton, I declined accepting his offer, seeing he had been so bountiful to me already. It was in the month of September, when I walked through the country. To visit again the varied scenes of nature ; to be at liberty, and without the least restraint ; ramble through th« country, was a luxury of enjoyment which only those can feel who have been in my situation. ii| i " Hail, memory hail, in thy exhaustless mines From age to age, uunumber'd treasures shine, Thought and Iter shadowy brood thy calls obey, And place and time are subjects to thy sway." 1 arrived in Charlton the second day after my leaving Boston. As no immediate business offered, I concluded to turn my attention to manual labor, until some opportunity should offer for my attending to other business. I went to work among the common laborors of my uncle. This was somewhat mortfying ; but 1 was determined to endure any inconvenience, rather than give the least idea to any of my friends that I was not willing to use such means as I pos- sessed to gain an honest support. I continued in this busi- ness about one month, hoping to obtain a school In this oi some of the neighboring towns, as soon as the season should approach for that bi\siness. seen in his company at this period ; and it is but justice lo state the mo- tivesofthe furaier. They knew his excellent parents; tliey vere seuslble that tiic feelings of these parents were wrought up to the highest pitch, at this all important crisis, in the fate of theironly son. Burroughs gave the mosi positive assurances of exerting all his powers to retrieve his charac- ter. Had Ills old friends forsaken him at this eventful period, what would he have done ? Probably he would have immediately resorted to his form- er courses : and the dealing parents would have accused these friends of being instrumental of blasting ali their hopes. They also thought it theit duly to aflford the son all the support in their p< iv jr, while he appeared to be in earnest to regain his reputation. Ih •TKPHE!? BURROUGHS. mi I will here give you an extract of a letter from my untie to my fatlier, about thia time. Charlton, 25th October, 1788 DfAR BROTHER AND SISTER, Your son Stephen is now with me, and has been the greater part of the time since h ' i having left the Castle. He works very steady with rny folks on the farm. Hehas some prospect of teaching a school within this town, or in Oxford. He wishes yon to write respecting your desire, relating to his further pursuits ; whether you would have him try to ob* t m business in these parts, or return home, in order to enter into business with you. He appears to have ability for farming, and as you have a large farm, should he prove tol- erable steady, he would greatly tend to ease you of a great deal of care and trouble ; and it would, likewise, be advan- tageous to him. He must have some way for a subsistence ; and there is none attended with less temptations than husbandry. A few days since, I received your letter by Mr. Curtis ; previous to which, I had supplied your son with clothing so as to come to my house from the Castle 5 and agreeably to your desire, shall continue to supply him with what is neces- sary. I am your loving brother, EBENEZER DAVIS. Rev. E. Burroughs. Charlton, 25th October, 1788. Honored and dear sir. You will see by the date of this letter, that I am at liberty from the trying scenes of tedious confinement, which I have endured for such a length of time. The various occurrences of an unhappy course of misfortunes has left no very favor- able impression upon the minds of the public concerning me. r know I have suffered greatly in your esteem in consequen- ces of this likewise, which has added no small degree of poignancy to my sufferings. I hope to justify myself to you at least, by my future conduct. To a censorious world I have no idea of making the attempt, with en expectation of snecess. v-^ A. %^ %.. ^. ^^ ^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) I. I.I 1.25 i*^ M 22 18 il 1116 us V] v] J^ ^V %. 0*;^- Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ^r m i\ v> «i^^ m? 6^ ^% <^. <>> ^ • \ m MEMOIRS OF 1 5 1 have been in this place about one month, paying some at- tention to manual labor. I could wish for every degree of counsel respecting my pursuits at this critical juncture, that a parent can bestow. I remain with sentiments of afl'ection and duty, yours, &c. STEPHEN BURROUGHS. Rev. Eden Burroughs. Sometime in the month of November, I engaged to teach a S£hool for one month in the town of Charlton. The inhabit- ants being fearful of employing me for any longer term, un- til they should find, by experience, whether I would conduct a school with regularity and propriety. I began this school with fifteen scholars : at the expiration of the month, I had forty.five; I was then engaged for two months, which took all the public money which had been raised for the purpose of school in-;. My waives for these two months were raised; end I fouiitl, to my no small comfort, that my conduct had given universal satisfaction. When the two months were expired, my school consisted of eighly-four members. A num- ber of young men from various parts of the country had re- sorted to my school, in order to obtain the higher branches of education. When the time of the last engagement had expired, the people composing this district assembled, and raised money for the continuation of this school one year longer: this was a thing entirely unknown before in that town. The season for schooling, heretofore in this town, was three months, in the winter, and the same length of time, in the summer. The summer school was taught by a woman, which school consirted of small children. I now found myself settled in business, and rising fast in the esteem of those with whom I was connected ; yet, under all these circumstances, I was by no means at ease. My mind was perpetually worried with fear, that some of the ten thousand of the unfortunate occurrences, which had hereto- fore befallen me, might again destroy my pleasing pros- pects. My former sufferings had lefl such an impression of horror on my mind, that I could not close my eyes in sleep, but I STEPHEN BURROUGHS. 183 what these terrible scenes would be present to my view, and I compelled to act them over again. For years after this, nay, to the present moment, sir, I often start from sleep, reek- ing wt.h sweat under the intense misery of my fancied horror. I will here give you a copy of a number of letters passing between me and my friends, and then pass on to more impor- tant scenes. un- Hanover, January 6th, 1789. Dear Child, It is truly a matter of rejoicing to us, that the time of your severe trials, by a painful confinement, in a state of bondage, is now expired ; and that you have now returned, once more to taste those sweets of liberty, which are always dear, next 10 life itself. But much greater juy will it afford us to see the evidence of your heart's being effectually turned from those ways which had well nigh proved your ruin, in relation to both time and eternity; well knowing that without this, your release from a state of confinement, will finally operate to no other purpose, but bringing you into a state of far more awful bondage than you have ever yet experienced. In rela- tion to any advice you desire from your parents, respecting your future objects and pursuits, we know not how to beany more particular than we have already expressed to you in our former letters. You must be sensible, and every feeling of nature itself will teach you, that it must needs be highlv ac- ceptable to us to have you return home, and live with us, only provided you bring with you a child-like tempet, and act out a spirit of genuiue repentance, for your former conduct and ways. To invite your return to us on any other terms, we cannot, with any real sincerity of neart. And if it shall be agreeable to your inclination to return to us on the conditions here mentioned, your object in life must be pursuing the labors of the field. I have neither capacity nor inclination to introduce you, under present circumstances, into the busi- ness of atiy other calling in life. And in reference to such an object, you must necessarily consult your own talents and inclination; for any person, of your age and experience, can better judge for himself about the calling in life for which he is best furnished, than another can judge for him; and your own conduct, in relation to such an object, must be governed ml 184 MEMOIRS OF by your own judgment. We earnestly pray for your best comfort, in relation to lime and eternity ; and rest your affec- tionate parents, E. and A. BURROUGHS, Stephen Burroughs. Charlton, February 25th 1789. Honored and dear sir, Yours of the 6th of January was received about a week since. My acknowledgements for your favor I have paid by the earliest opportunity. In the letter I wrote you last fall, you will recollect an in« timation of my wishing for your advice upon my future pur- suits in life. Not receiving any answer to that letter, I en- gageii it) the school for a year, and cannot now leave it; my promise' being given to keep it that term of time. In this undertaking, I consulted my uncle Ebenezer Davis, who was full in the opinion, that 1 ought to enter into the business, which then offered, on account of the uncer- tainly of having another opportunity of equal advantage. Your welfare and happiness lie near my heart, and shouW be exceeding glad to make you a visit, but at present such an object is out of my power. I remain in the bands of filial affection, your dutiful son, STEPHEN BURROUGHS. Rev. E. Burroughs. Boatottf December, 22d, 1788. Bear Sir, I received your letter, and gave it proper attention. I am glad you have, hitherto, met with so good success. Your are sensible "you must creep* again' before you can go." I wish it were in my power, from good grounds, to encourage you with respect to business in this way ; but I have no dis- poition to deceive you. You will meet with better en- couragement in the country than in town. I advise you to go to your father, as soon as you are out of business. He is able to help you, and I pray he may be willing. I rejoice to kear you conduct well j and, by all that is endearing in ihia, y y ^r^?«!»?»i^g?^p^^.5ip^^5'^i!5P^^t^,*^j^>'^^»^»^^ -wy'-^^^W^' M STEPHEN BVRROrciIS. 1S5 lam and in the future world, I entreat you to maintain your ifoo.l reaolulioivs. In the utmost haste I am your sincere friend and humble servant, ^ „ „ CALEB BINGHAM. Mr. S. Burroughs. Matters continued in this train, without any material oc- currences. I lived in the house of one Williams, a very con- siderable man in that part of the town where I taught the school. He was a man of a feeling heart, was ready tc as- sist the need} , and administer comfort to the wretched. I was treated in this house, by the good old people, more like a child than a stranger. All the tenderness and care of a parent towards a child ever marked their conduct towards me. Sometime in the summer, D. Bacon received a lettc from my father, the contents of which was to our satis- faction. I had settled in my mind, to make my father a visit in the course of this summer ; therefore, I hired a horse of one Cur- tis, formerly a clergyman, for this journey, and made my visit m the month of July, after an absence of nearly four years. 10 revisit again the scenes of early youth, ^Childhood's lov'd group, behold in every scene, The tangled wood-walk and the tufted green," gave a pleasing sensation, tender and soothing. Not long af- ter I had been at my father's, my horse playing in the pasture, fell and broke his leg. This was a calamity which I felt in a very sensible manner. I had grown so timid, that any object of misfortune was viewed in its most terrible form. I started at every danger, and grew pale with apprehension. I have, since, wondered at my fteling this misfortune so sensibly. In order to ease my mind, my father procured me another horse, and not only wrote himself, but added the testimonial of one 01 his neighbor's to his account. I returned to Charlton, and the September followin«', was married to the daughter of mv uncle, Ebenezer Davis • This circumstance opened a new field of contemplation lo view mysell in the relation of husband and parent ; to feej mJlTv" " * ""^ respectable gentlein.n, » man of lari^e property, and for many years represented the town in the legislature ol^lissachuiett.. 16* MKM0IR8 or the attachment which such a relation constituted ; you, sir, who stand in those relations yourself, can more easily judge of my feelinus than I can describe them. When I became the head of a family, perfectly calculated to render the domestic life happy ; and saw myself established in such business as would supply their necessities, I was satisfied ; the height of my ambition was gratified ; I enjoyed a flow of uninterruptetf felicity, for days and for months. The enjoyment of my fire* side was now a source of pleasure which I, before, had never a distant idea was the portion of mortals. It was indeed loo great to be of a lasting duration. I received the warm con- gratulations of my friends on my prosperity. Every event look place to please. All things swam gently down the tide ^ nf time, and lulled my feelings to repose in the lap of security. 1 haire made a transition in my narrative, over about a year of the time after my marriage, without entering into par- ticulars ; havinsr drawn out the narration to such a length, already, as to fatigue my own patience ; and I believe, sir, that were it not for your tenderness to my feelings, you would long ere this time have told me, " Burroughs, your story be- ing both lengthy and gloomy, it is time to desist." Gloom is the chief 1 have to entertain you with in the after relation ; therefore, the most distant hint, thai the story is too melan- choly to give entertainment, I will discontinue. I will here give you a few extracts from those letters of congratulation which I received in these days. Htinover, February 21«^, 1790. D£AR Child, I have only the privilege to seize a few hasty moments, to inform you of our safe arrrval, on the fifth lay, from the time of our taking leave of you, and our friends at Charlton. It is impossible for the want of time, to be particular in an; matter — would be glad to express our sentiments upon. That we are greatly comforted with the prospect of your being use- ful in life, would be superfluous to say. You well know that nothing can be a source of greater comfort to us, that pertains to the life that now is. We remember the kindness of your customers to you with sensible emotions of gratitude ; and desire that our love may be presented to them, as opportunity may offer. Tell Mr. Williams that his kindness, and that of his family, has made a deep impression upon us. Inform dea- I r STEPHEN BUnROUGHS. 287 con Bacon, that my cordial salutations to him accompany this letter, as also to Elder Green. I have it in view to write to the deacon, as soon as opportunity will permit. At present the Want of lime forces me to a close ; and with fervent pray- ers, that you and your companion may be taught of God, to walk as heirs of the fjrace of life, and for the highest comfort of you both, In relation to lime and eternity: we remain your affectionate parents, E. and A. BURROUGHS. Stephen Burroughs. tfanover, March 20thj 1790. Dear Child, It is needless to remind you, that whilst we behold a pros- pect of your being useful in life, in your present calling, we partakeof that satisfaction, in the prospect, which proved in its operation, like a most reviving and comforting cordial. As soon as you come to know the heart of a parent, you will understand in a difteient point of view from what you can now, how the welfare of a child, is an object that is dear and precious, to such a degree, that in comparison to this, every other earthly treasure is of insignificant and trifling impor- tance. Amidst your present objects and pursuits that relate to the concerns and comfort of the present life; it would un- speakably add to our joy, to see the evidence that each of your hearts are reconciled to the character of that God who is the giver of happiness and the object of love to every soul, who is made wise to salvation. WhiK-U you are looking into the nature of religion, we wonder not, that you are often- times tempted to scruple, whether there is any thing in reli- gion, whilst you form an estimate of it by the lives of the generality of its professors. Whilst you discern that iniqui- ty in its various shapes abounds amongst them, take heed that it does not prove a stone of stumbling and a rock of of- fence to you. If it should, it is a certain evidence that you have had recourse to a false rule, to form your estimate of religion by. If the things which you behold and hear, in the conduct and conversation of professors, operate in this man- ner, to worry and perplex your mind, and you are ready to enquire, t» Is there any thing in religion ? Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth ?" I would only reply, in ik 1S8 MEMoins or i the words of Philip to Nathaniel, «* Come and see?" make the trial and then judge for yourselves. By makin? the trial, understand me to mean, that you look into the spirit of that temper which the world holds up to view, and let your hearts be fully reconciled to such a spirit, and governed by such a temper, and I well know you will want no other evidence to convince you, that in this wisdom there is such a treasure, that all the things you can desire are not to be compared to it. That you may both enjoy the happiness of the social life, in the mutual exercise of such a temper to- wards each other, is a prayer that is pregnant with the most genuine love that our hearts are capable of experien- cing towards you. We remain your affectionate parents, E. and A. BURROUGHS. S. ^Burroughs. Bostorii November 20//i, 1789. J)ear sir, I thank you for another letter. I am happy to hear you are so well married. 1 am glad to hear you say you have thrown away ambition. I am glad, likewise, that you retain it in so great a degree; for there arc two sorts. You are ambitious of rising into fame upon the basis of virtue. I charge you, fling not away that ambition. You may not rise, however, in the eyes of the world ; but you will rise in yourself. For what more exalted situation can any mortal wish to arrive at, than to be able to adopt the words of the apostles, « I have maintained a conscience void of ofience both towards God and towards man," or to that effect. This, you know, is what you and I must aim at, or we never can be happy ; and with this, we shall be happy, how- ever the world may think of us. People here are not yet disposed to believe you are reform- ed in reality. I will believe it ; and you must, for once, disappoint the world. I feel greatly interested in your welfare. I seem to anticipate the joy of your parents at your reformation. It so happens that I am always in a hurry when I receive your letters, or I should be more particular. We have lost one of our children since I wrote you, 1 f r STEPHKN AURROUr.nS. 189 am afraid the bcaror is gone, for I diJ not receive your letter in season. My compliments await yoar lady. I should be glad to see you both. The next time I go to Connecticut^ I shall visit you. I am, dear sir, your faithful friend and humble 8€?rVMlt CALEB BINGHAM.* Mr. S. BimRouGHS. Sir, Strntfield, February 2d, 1790. 1 have received yours, and thank you for the respect you express, which also gives me creat satisfaction for your ac- knowledgement to me, that I have been instrumental in giving you relief in time of distress, which is no more ihnn a duty which rational beings are bound to do for each other exclusive of the bonds of relation. I also rejoice to hear that your behavior is agreeable, and that you have gotten an agreeable companion, and that you are in prosperity. My business was such that I could not have an opportunitv to wait on your father; please to excuse me to him, as I under- stand he is bound to your town before he returns. I wish to be remembered to your consort, your mother and your uncle Davis. These from your affecUonale cousm, STEPHEN SUMMERS. Mr. S. Burroughs. Thus you see, sir, that my portion of happiness was * This letter, and a preceding one from the same, were iml com. * This letter, and a preceding one from the same, were publiiXed without the writer's kn,;wledge or consent. The fact was this. The writer received a letter from Mr Burroughs, requcstini; his opinion rela- tive to the publication of his memoirs ; intending, as he afterwards *aid. if that opinion should be favorable, to ask leave to publish these two lei ters, and four or five others. The answer was decidedly against publish- ing the memoirs, on the ground that the histories of rogues were frequent- ly narrated in such an ungu.trded manner as to defeat any good Hiat might be expected from their publication, the object being to shew, with how dreadful a certainty vice and folly meet their 7cward. But the letter which contained this advice, as was the case with some others, directed to the same distinguished character, was stopped on the road, broken open, and never arrived till the book was thus far in print. The work, however, on appearance, proved much less exceptionable than was anticipated ; and It is presumed, if (he reader will bear in mind that the writer is the hero of his own story, it will be foudd calculated to serve as a beacon for youth to avoid the like course, least they meet the like fate— a vag mit and ignominious existence, constantly goaded by remorse am) (he druad «f future punishment. lai. 190 MEMOIRS or plete. All thai was possible for man to enjov, ! now ei- periencpd ; I was raised to the utmost pinnacle of bliss. But I was only raised to be thrown from my exaltation, to the deepest abyss of wretchedness and misery. It appears to me that fortune, to shew the extent of her powpr, had curiously interwoven a train of circumstances, ot all others the most delicate; and of all others, the most cal- culaled to make me vulnerable by her shafts. From the Castle, from a slate of confinement as a slave • from a stale where I had suffered a course of unexampled cruelly; to fall amon^a people, of all others, ihe most asree- able, humane and benevolent; to find among them a readi- ness to give credit to all my viriues, notwithstandinp the clamor against me ; to make use of my abilities, where thev found Ihem useful ; and to treat me as a member of the general family of mankind, was a situation, which rendered me most feelingly happy. Here [ found a society which I could eujoy upon terms of that easy access, which renders it so grateful. Here was a theatre upon which I had exhibted in such a manner, as to raise the despondinsr hopes of my friends to a state of the most sanguine expectation, relating to the' part which I should perform as a member of society. Here I had contracted such a tenderness for a fond wife and our helpless offojprinsr, as to lose the desire for my own prosperity, in my anxiety for them. My own personal benefit was now but a secondary consideration, and only viewed of consequence as ii contributed to render them happy. ' Here I had a family ; here were friends of near connexion ; and here was a society, among whom I enjoyed the social pleasures, in their highest perfection ; consequently, I felt the most ardent desire to render myself agreeable, and en- dearing to all these. At the moment, when I had obtained the highest pitch of my ambition, when I became completely happy in the en- joyment of all my heart's desire ; to be hurled from this sum- mit of happiness, and buried under the weight of one general wide extended ruin ; to see myself in a moment, stripped of every enjoyment my heart held dear, and reduced back into that state of confinement from which I had so lately been libtrated, was a situation io which all the powers of mind STEPH£Jf BURIIOVGHS. 1» and the strength of nature, operated and combined lo render ine completely miserable. Alas » thou unhappy companion of my life, how changed our prospects ! but a litile lime since, when all nature smiled on our endeavors, to promote the welfare of our mutual concern, a rising family ; even our hearts were exhilarated, our minds were soothed, and our souls filled with delight, with the playful smiles and opening mind of a tender infant I but alas! those scenes are fled fled « with the years beyond the flood ;" fled alas ! beyond the reach of hope ! No more shall my heart be mad'e glad by the fond embrace. No more shall the sun rise to cheer my fond hopes, my risinsr expectations. But midnight and death shall howl their horrid dirges around my bed ! misery and melancholy shall spread their sable veil over every part of my life, and al\er my exit from this stage of trouble, furies shall shriek a doleful requiem to my departure. I find, sir, that I am wild and unconnected in my relation. The gloomy scene crowded upon me before I was ready to give it place; and I involuntarily, find my pen continually delineating those melancholy circumstances. I beg pardoa for my irregularity, and will recall my wanderings. I am, sir, &c. CHAP. XXII. *' A part how small of the terraqueous globe Is tenanted by man, the rest a waste, Kocks, deserts, frozen seas, and burning sands; Wild haunts uf monsters, poisonous stings, and death : Such is earth's melancholy map ! But far More sad ! This eartii is a true map of man ; So bounded are its haughty lord's delights To woe s wide empire ; where deep troubles to:« ; Loud sorrows howl, envenom'd passions bite ; Ravenous cal imiiies our vitals sieze, And threatening fate wide opens to devour." In prosecuting the design of this letter, I must confess tlmt I am at a loss how to describe ihose events, of which I wish to give you a just idea. I know I shall fall infinitely short of my own w.shes. Tiie scene was so crowed with inci- dents, that it will be impossible to relate them in such a ii^>^>M 192 MEMOIRS OF manner as to keep them clear and distinct, so as to render Ihetn entirely intellsible. Under this view, I have tlntugbt it the better way, to uive you extracts of letter-^, relating to these events, interspersing them with some explanatory re- marks, and filling up any deficiency by an additional re- lation. To understand the after relation in as near a manner as the nature of the thinrg will admit, it will be necessary to give you the characters of some persons who wave active in my misfortunes, and to besin with the chief engine of this busi- ness, via Israel Waters. This man was a near neighbor to me during my living in my own family. When Waters first commenced his career in life, he was extremly poor, illiter- ate, ill favored, and of a sour, morose temper; hence he re- mained,>for a long time, unknowing and unknown. A num- ber of fortunate circumstances happening in the course of his business, he attained a handsome properly. When he found himself to be a man of property, he grew unaccountably presuming and haughty. He had, heretofore, remained among mankind without attention or notice ; but nov mani- fested an ardent ambition to start into consequence in the world. His first effort was to rise in the military line. He stootl for the command of the company of which he was a member, not sparing of his purse on the occasion ; but was defeated in his pursuit. He then stood for the lieutenancy, and after a length of time, obtained his object. The captainship becoming vacant a number of times, he endeavored, by the dint of electionee ing, to obtain that oflice; his exertions were ineffectual, and he threw up hii commission in a pet, and joined a company of horse. Towards this company he truly acted a benevolent part, had his motives been a regard to the real prosperity of the company ; but his after conduct made it evident, that the electioneering was his object, in assisting various memLers of the company with those articles which their finances did not allow them to procure, without inconveniency. Not- withstanding every exertion which he made, the choice of the company fell upon a deserving man, and of course, he occupied the second place in this company. /■ STEPHEIf BURllOt70HS f99 ■ Whilst he held this office of lieutenant in the company oflight horse, the rebellion broke ont, which you will recol lect, was termed Shay's rebellion. This produced animosity among neighbors, and almost every man became a partizan. The militia were called upon, and Waters, with the rest ol Ills company, went into iiervicc, against the insurgents. Here he bad an opportunity of hearing much said in favor of govern- ment, and likewise against those who should oppose bei measures. Having been disappointed in all his efforts to become a man of that consequence in society to which his restless ambition had led him, he expected that he had now discovered the only sure road to preferment, viz. by making himself so strong a stickler for government, that he would be taken notii e of and promoted. Under this view of matters, not having ability to distinguish between a real and pretended assistance to the laws of the country, he became the pimp, rather than the friend of government. My rising so suddenly and rapidly into esteem, had given this man great umbrage. « What'' said he, "shall this mushroom of a night be rewarded and caressed by mankind, whiht [ have been laboring years in the pursuit, and spent great part of my time and interest in this business, and yet be neglected 7" The comparison was too mortifying ; and ol course, he sought to remove that object from sight which gave him so much paiu to view. He was but too successful in his undertaking. He had made his calculation upon answering two purposes in rendering me obnoxious to the laws, viz. gratifying his own private spleen, and gaining the commendations of men in office, who, he expected, would be gratified at my down- fall : hence, after ray calamity, he made his boasts, that he esteemed the honor he had done himself in that business so highly, that he would not part with it for one hundred pounds. Another character in this business, was one Elice Putney, an old girl, who had not borne the character of a Lucielia ; and of consequence, finding herself at a low ebb, calculated to make some bold efforts to do away a jealousy there was re- maining upon the niinds of many, that she was bv no means 17* f ' 194 MEMOIRS OF ■i I ' ■ I exposed to suffer on account of her viitue. No way appear, ed so el gible to this anfiquatetl heroine, as to raise a report, of her havinsr wilhsloo would have a fatal influence on her principles. STEPHEN BURaoUGHS. 195 of virtue. These considerations gave me no soiall degree of uneasiness. I lamented my untimely folly, but too late, I la- rnented it. I took the en liest opportunity of repairing the in- jury, so far as was now in my pover. Not long after this, the same opportunity offering again at the school-house, I entered into conversation with the girl on the subject. 1 endeavored lo give her a statement of my own views on the subject. 1 expostulated with her in the warmest terms upon the impropriety of ever swerving from the path of virtue. 1 intimated to her, that from the principles of in tegrity, as well as tenderness to her own welfare, I should keep this business a secret from every person living. It is true, I gave her no charge to keep this unhap.py business buried in her own breast. I presumed that the' laws of de- licacy and self-preservation would have been sufficient for such a purpose, but in this I was deceived. She divulged the secret among some of her companions. By little and liltle, it gained ground, until it came to the know- ledge of Israel Waters. He embraced the opportunity to make 5iuch arrangements with the parents of these girls as to carry his diabolical plan into execution. He pretended great con- cern for the welfare of the sirl's character, and said he wished losave her free from imputation of blame. JVIatters betnsr under this situation, one morning about thft dawn of day, I was awaked and made prisoner by a sherifl", Waters and a number of others. 1 was immediately carried to the house of Waters, and kept closely confined, until the evening succeeding, when there arrived two tawyers; one to act as justice of the peace, and the other to advocate the cause in behalf of the state. A circumstance somewhat curious, that these gentlemen should come twenty miles to .nake in- quiry into a matter, when there were four justices living within the distance of four miles, who were equally competent to make the inquiry. I was brought before the justice and heard the complaint read, which contained allegations against me, amountin? to a rape. To this, you may depend, I plead not guilty. When the girl was examined, she would not stand the test, but de- clared that I only made the attempt to ravish her without success. To my astonishment, I found two others were call- ed upon to give evidence, viz. Elice Putney, and a youuger sister of the first mentioned girl. They all testified to the «ame import, that I had laid violent hands upon them, in va« !WR».ii(iaiiiH.'<,ini(iiiiii WEaroiKS or rious place?, and exerted all my abilities to proceed Wllli'efrera 10 acts of iniquity : but tbcy had made sueh noble resistance, as to overcome my greatest fXeriio»», and fairly oaf matched me in strensrtb. After they had finished their evidence upon these matters v.t offence, the justice made out my minimus to jail, for triaJ at the next supreme court to be holden sia months afterwards, lor an assault with an intent to ravisii. IVoiwi h»tanr!rr!r"»r!!rir". hi> taken from you in such a barbarous and cruel manner, thrown into prison, there to remain confined a long time without i.j^i:£^skr^. .■ vmrsmmmmm 208 MEMOIRS OP some benevolent friend would appear and give bail ? I know the bail is excessive, but I can procure one half of the securi- ty from one of my neighbors ; therefore, let me beg of you sir to come down and see your unhippy son. ' ' * Were y6u under similar .circumstances with us, woukJ von not wish, would you not expect, that your parrnls would aHord you rehef under such a situation ? I om perfectly sensible that you will run no risk, in performing this act of kindness. I do not feel a willingness to receive a denial to this re- quest, so much depends upon your granting my petition. Had I the most distant jealousy, that any danger would attend this act of kindness, I should not presume upon this petition ; but, as I feel the most unlimited confidence in every engagement being performed on our part, I cannnt dismiss the subject without entreating you, by every senti- ment of justice, of humanity, and pare^ntal affection, of com passion to the sufferings of your unheppy children, to listen to this request and grant my petition. I remain, your duti- ful, though afflicted and sorrowful daughter, „ ^ „ SALLY BURROUGHS. Kev. Eden Burroughs. I was confined, notwithstanding, until the siitin- of court. When I was brought to the bar, I found three indictments against me, each charging me with an assault, with an intent to commit a rape. To the several charges I plead, mt guilty. »- J «v At this time, there were on the bench, as Judges, Dana, Robert Treat Paine, ami Nathan Gushing; James Sullivan attorney-general. ' A large concourse of people had assembled on this occa- sion ; and many evidences produced in behalf of the com- monwralth to substantiate the charges which were broooju against me. ' After the evidences were gone through, on both sides of the question, and my counsel had made their remarks on the business, the altorney-general arose, and addressing himself to the audience, made some very severe rpinarLe nno„ .u- town ot UharUon tor employing me in the business of teacl'il ing a school J and observations, yet more severe upon the STEPHEN BURR0U<;HS. 209 clergyman of the town (Mr. Campbell) for giving; his approba- tion to such a business ; and moreover, for even showing compassion to me under my present situation. Mr. Camp- bell, who was in court, arose, and begs;cd leave of the court to offer one word, by way of reply, to what the attorney-gen- eral had observed, relating: to him ; Judge Paine commanded him io sit down. Mr. Campbell replied, " that he should by no means have made the request of addressing the audience upon this occasion, had not his name been drawn into ques- tion, in this very singular and extraordinary manner, being thus publicly charged with blame, and that too, in the most wanton manner, when k was no way connected with the cause upon trial ; under these circumstances, he thought him- self warranted to ask and insist, upon the privilege of answer- ing the ungenerous aspersions which had been thrown upon his character." Without answering his reasons, J.udgcs Dana and Paine ordered him, in the most peremptory manner, to sit down. He accordingly desisted, and sat down. To account for this very singular conduct, I will offer you what evid-enee I ever received upon the subject. Mr. Camp- bell, who was a man of feeling, had often expressed his sen- timents upon my imprisonment, &c. as being too severe; this highly displeased Waters, and i»e threatened that Mr. Camp- bell shoulj be disobliged at court, if he did not change his sentimenis. This, I suppose, was the punishment contem- plated. After the attorney-general had finished his address to the audience and jury, he sat down ; and Judge Cushing arose, and summed up the evidence to th« jury in a very clear, candid and impartial manner. After he had sat down. Judge Paine arose and addressed the jury in a speech of an hour's lenaih. This was a subject, in which he appeared engaged to the last degree. In the course of his observations he look notice «)f every circumstance which made against me, either in the feelings of people or in point of law. After him, followed Judge Dana, in a speech of equal length. After exhausting himself, in persuading the jury I was suilty ; after repeatinsr the severe remarks against the town of Charl- Ion and Mr. Campbell, he desisted. You will lake notice, that at this time, two juiics were setiinsrHipon two indictments. T.ie next mornin?, one jury returned their verdict, guilty. The other not guilty. J8* 210 HEMOIRS OP Immediately upon this, I was again indicted for two other crimes, founded upon the same facts, and supported by the same evidence, as was exhibited upon the former indictments, viz. " open, gross, lewd, and lascivious conduct." To these charges, I plead not guilty, but afterward, by the advice of my counsel, I plead guilty. My counsel a!lcdgee prison in Wor- cester. 11 18 presumed that no injury can now arise from a disclosure of the secret. It is a notorious fact, that many people in the vicinity were of opinion that Burroughs was too severely pun'Mied; unong whom were some of 1 he first characiers in the counly Eurroufrhs was aware of this, and cherished secret hopes of deliverance. One night, about 12 o'clock, he Kays his pnson door was forced open, and he w,is ro.iuosted to drnarf. He walked out, and passed hetween two ranks of people to a great distance ; ^ -5,- — ..._-_ • •• - •■^- .riaH a i:iuu3^:ia. -in mistime mere was a profound silence ; and hu departed, igaoraut of the names of one of hit deliverers. STEPHCN BURROUGHS. *V^*. en once in preached thn sermon on the hay-mow to the Pelharailes, of whom, while a prisoner on the Castle, many curious and di^-. vertin? anecJotes had been told, and were still freshly re-! raembered, had collected an uncommon assemblaj^e of both * sexe?, of women especially; when we add the nature of the offence to the consideration. The witness(?s for the commonwealth were first examined. ' The three cirls who had suffered the injury for which the ' prisoner was arraigned, were ihe most material. They told their stories so pertly, that their declarations seemed to be rather memoieter than impromptu. J do not recollect all the particulars of their testimony; but could not help reckoning up the strong inducements the poor a[irls had, to patch up as Rood a story as they could, to vindicate their own characters; enough of thp circumstances of the transactions, through ac- cident, or their own carelessness, had already leaked out, \o. render their virtue questionable; the world would make its own comments. The prisoner had been with them in private, and used them indelicately. If they had fallen unwiljin«' victims to his lust, it was not their fault. But then, thour^<^^^ :~ .».i:ui- tit. . not imagine any rational being would attempt to commit such an offence in a place where, if proper resistance wi» J '; STEPHEM BCBKOUGHS. 21 J made and efforts used, he must certainly be discovered and prevented. And if such resistance was not made, he could not be concluded guilty of the crimes charged against hiro. I believe this conduct of the prisoner, if impartially scanned (allowing that the girls told the truth) would be judged nothing more, than so many resolute, earnest and persevering attempts to seduce them. With the generality of those, who have heard of the conviction, it is possibly a matter of indif- ference, whether he was really guilty as charged or not. To them, the remembrance of many hard things report has said of him, that he has been a prisoner on the Castle, would suggest the probability that he had been highly culpable in this instance, and produce their approbation of the verdict against him ; especially if to these were added the consider- ation that the offence was at the lowest estimation of it, a gross indelicacy, a high outrage upon all the rules and prin* ciples of decorum and propriety. It is difficult, in such a case as this, to extend to a prisoner at the bar, circumstanced as B. was, all the liberality of that excellent maxim which instructs us to presume the respon- dent innocent. Yet we are all equally entitlal to justice; though undoubtedly our courts are more liable to do injustice to such a character as B. than to one who has fever blem- ishes. Is there no material difference between the crime of seduc- tion and that of committing a rape ? Neither of them are very praise-worthy; besure ; and each may be much aggra- vated by particular circumstances. But our legislators make a wide distinction ; and the difference is very obvious to common sense. Is it material or not, that we observe a dis- tinction ? I imagine the poor culprit, who is appointed to receive chastisement for his crime, would not feel indifferent whether he should be whipped or hanged for stealing. Thus you see, sir, facts upon which you have to form an opinion, relating to this very surprising trial. I have en- deavored, so far as my judgement would serve, to treat the characters concerned in this business with as much tender- ness, as the nature of a l"aithfui narrative will admit. Wan- tonly to traduce a character, is a species of conduct I wish by all means, carefully to avoid ; and where it has not been 19* \' X16 MKMOIRl or 'i 1 1 ■11 II necwsiiry, in ordf r to plve n tni« narrative of the fhcti wnt«ft 1 proinisrii, I Imve mutlinuHly supprrtiKed any tnuu\ rmolion. • I'ustiilily lltfae inntttMS may not appear In you a.*« they havt < Uone, and vtill tin, to me. I know Ihey cannot iitrike th« ininU of any, in that frelint; manner. I have made but • Taint repreHiMtliaion of them. I cannot communicala thoi« ideaa and sientiments, by writinft, »o iully iin what they «p> pear to my view by vontemplntion. However, we are apt to estimate the leelin^ii ol' others by our own, and jiidne that \' they will view mutters in the same manner an we do our* Helves. In this eHtimnlion weolten lind ouraelveN mistaken. Hence it in thouttht, by many, that that pernon who leela most inditl'erent towards an object, i.s in llie bent situation to form a true eHtimate, relating to that object. . I differ in sentiment with tho^e who hold this doctrine. 1 know we are tdU'n hurried into error, by the operoiitm ol' our nttachir^nt to certain objects. Our passions, our n|i- petites, and our zeal combine to produce this etl'ect ; hence, many conclude that it is necessary toleel perlectly indillerent towards nn object in order to form a true estimation of it« equality. We must feel interested in an object, either di- rectly or indirectly, in o»"der to call forth our attention to- wards it, sutllciently to examine its merits. When we feel inditferent towards nn object, we pay no attention to it, and of course remain ignorant respectinir it ; therefore, are in- capable of formins; a just estimate concerninii it. > A person, who has no principle of humanity, or compas- sion, may hear of the exercise of cruelty. It i» a report which finds no place in his feelings ; he is indill'erent as to its existence ; therefore, we readily see, that he would be an unequal judge as to the merits of the report. Havij;st a mind of sensibility, I know these matters will have their due operation on your feelings, and under this consideration, I shall ever receive your observations with attention, and pay due regard to your ideas, upon any matter wherein you may think ditferent from me. That there is such a thins: as right and wrong, I believt is not called in question by any ; and that we are all, in some •"•-■••••• J "—J ••■•-5 j—z.-"n "'»•• j-f.-i-« ivtj vipi/si ij:j5 juiJJCKi, it equally allowed. That we may, and are led astray many \ ■ •TBrilllC lUllftOUOHI. tUv tkB«t, in (VirmlnR an eiitimAt« or the principlttf ofdiitributinf Juiliee, 11 M truth 1 Mhnll by no in«anii dmy i but thitn Wfl tiAve all, I bdtieve, n Nullieitfnt knowledKe tu ditttinKuiih upon the itencritl prlnciplui ul' juitict*, at leaNt, where wf allow the opemtiun of r«a«un, withuut the cmbarraiimentt of prejudice. h* When we iind a private person injured by a public bodyi many ciicuiiiutanceii are ccunbinvd tu lead the candid man astray in the invustiKntiun ul' tiuch a subject. Here error ii most likely tu take place. Popular ulamur will be raised nffainst the injured pcmon ; this is like the noise of th« waters oC Niagara; this swallows up the NUtvU voicirorthf individual. We Hud the ffreat Alexander, when the leadinR man of the world, committing acts oC cruelty, injuntice and oppres. Hlun{ a p^spect oC which, at this day, makes the blood cur- dle with horror { yet, those very actions were exttdled in the most extravagant manner by his contemporary sychophantsi and mankind gave him the most flattering encomiums, where they ought, upon the simple principleu ofrit^ht, t • have exe- crated his conduct. Thix is a specimen of public opposition to private individuals, and the effects that follow, which 1 believe will hold good pretty generally even in our dayi. Public characters are as liable to the malignant passions as other men ; they are as prone, likewise, to be led aatray, ai others ; but when they find themselves in an error, they falsely suppose, that it derogates from their dignity to ac- knowledge their error, and repair the injury which they have perpetrated, or even to have it suspected that they have been in un error. How false this system to the dic- tates of reason ; how can the human character appear in a more exalted point of view, than by shewing a readiness to acknowledge and repair the injuries which out- misconduct has occasioned ? I recollect to have read an anecdote of Julius Caesar, which places his character in the highest point of exaltation of any part of his conduct. It was of the following nature. One day, when Caesar was in the forum, surrounded with »::«; i;ai: :uiaii:7, vi ssuuscs ul ^vuujc, a vctiatsi stave tixztvuiiiii^ to him sought his manumission from his master. Ccesar be- \lw tin MCMOIB8 or *-,"-^,' in^emp byed about weighty matters of the commonweaUh paid I.lt e attention to the solicitations of his «Iave After rcpeaterl .mportnn.ty, to call the attention of his master to the subject which lay so near his heart, the slave received « denial to his request for his freedom. When he saw that no further hope renr.«ined, he reproached his master in the cToTklT'' '^"^ '"^ '" ^" ''' '""^^ ^^"^'- '^'-^ ^« '^^ iil^7^'u^''\?'^ •'""'^"'^ °^ *''" ^••"Jy ^••^'^t J"li"8 at this condnci in " "" ^''. ^'^"^'^ ^° ^''^ examination of hU conduct, ,n order to see whether the reproaches of his slave we e iounded on «)od grounds; or whether they were the mere ebullitions of wrath, proceeding from disappointment! On the examination, he found he had really njured the as't"; i^7l r n"'' ^^ "''• «"P^-^ ^'^ fame as ,o" as the name of Julius Casar is known. « You a>e riiiht >' said he, « in reproaching me for not doing you justice it is the only alternative yon have for redress.' I grin Z'JiJ freedom because I ought. I further grant you six hTndr^ .estertii, because you had the fortitude to ac"u me of ^^ justice when I was guilty •" Will not this conduct appear admirable to every candid mind .n love with truth? Avery erroneous idea prevail, with many, that men i„ eminent stations never ought to have their conduct called in question until the las exVrm ,y This I am sensible is a doctrine very pleasing ,o rD^.nv who possess places of eminence, and maintain them, pe 1 b? the strength of it. But that man who can adopt the word" of Brutus, m his answer to Cassias, «. for I am wram ed so Strong m honesty, that your words pLss by meTke i lie wlds which I regard not,- will never feel himself ex pLed^^^^ his influence upon society, or be injured by the cLs st ex' amination into his conduct. «ii&A--.-.^-. .-^>i. ■ *'. STBTHBir BURBonom. 2If rtJ'n'4 5 CHAP. XXIII. <* CaUmitien are friendi ; ai glarins; day or these unnumber'd lustres robs our sight , Prosperity puts out unnumber'd thought! Onmport hl^h and light divine to man." I had determined to end my narralive for the present, with the Ibrepioing letter, but, as my journey to the westward it prolonged another week, I will devote my leisure morr nt8, during this week, to form a farewell address to the best of men and the dearest of friends. Perhaps you may feel somewhat interested in the con- tinuation and issue of my narrative. Your intimation of such an idea has had a powerful operation on my mind to in- duce me to gratify your request. You wonder I do not publish. Are not these scenes too disasjreeable to be called again into view, and more particularly into public view ? I wish I could forget that they had ever existed ; yet I cannot say that I am entirely without some consolation for these af- flictions. They have learnl me a lesson which no other school can teach. They have learned me to feel the woe» that others sufTor. They have learned me to contribute of the small portion which I possess to alleviate the distressef of others ; and in this, sir, there, is a sensation grateful be- yond description. It is not without pain that I view my prospect of leaving you and your agreeable family for a season. Were it not for the prospect of being sooner able to provide for my own family, I think no motive, however lucrative, would induce me to leave my present agreeable situation ; but, sir, notwithstand- ing I am surrounded with this agreeable society, and in it en- joy a great portion of happiness in the social line, yet I can- not feel entirely at ease, whilst my family is at a distance. We find that this situation appears desirable from the time of our first coming upon the stage of active life, until we settle in a matrimonial state. Both sexes are looking forward to this as the end of their pursuits; and when due attention is paid to the business, and such connexion formed as the laws of nature enjoin ; I believe, that man arrives t(» the greatest state of happiness he is capable of enjoy ine. It has ever ap- peared to me, however, surpri^in?, that ?u Utile alien liors has been exerted to form such connexions between the two sexes i: ■m f ' : 220 MEMOIRS OF render each other as hulpy as IkTu'- '""• ''^. '^^^"'^^^'^ ^» admit, should a regard be Ld,n ^'^"^^'V» t'"^ world will pr^ious to n.r.nin?;t J^^^;;1,:^-yS^- r^^ ^'^^' ^^• thati riches ai^ power WhenTp''' ""'T' '^"''"'J'^' '""^^ a momentarv sprinnoVniovZnt T.^'"' ''^''T''^> '^'y ^'"^^ back to its former state iml^! I r. .'"^'^ ^''" ^^'^"^ '"'^^ens erty and impotence'- the^rfr.rn h . '"^"- '^ '" « ^^'^^^' «^P«v- mains between theS^ and' U ^ r^''""'''^'"'^'-^"^^ »-t'- powerfuJ, as to ac ualTnjoj mei't ''''' ^'^^ '^"'"^^^ «"/nature T All this may be r/nTinVl^nSl^" "'^ '''' ''^^'^"^ -'^'er. ship is formed L the infim.r ^""^ -^"^ ^'^^ greatest friend- The husband and w Hra. on , ^f^^^^^ recriminations. FromiviWn?.h ^ '''""'' a course of to despise and ridicuTtL^mLl '"^tr^w!' "^"^' ^^^ '^^ bate every condition in w Vh , ^^^^^ ^^^o repro- there is no caMini or i^ursu n T^k" ""I ^"^^^''^ ^^"^^'^d* der our animadve^s^or'^ Bu cnit' ^^'■' ''^'' ^^"'^ ^^" "'^- oflhe happiness en oy;a even Tn^t '"" fV^''''' '" ^^^^^ triraonial connexion^ 1"' ,7,?'" '^^^ °^"«^ disagreeable ma- never had recour e to onlX oLT^T!''"! '' '^'''^'^'^ «nd Young pertinently exVesies? ' '"^''"'"^''^ ' "* "Like peevish man and wife, l^uUed jar, and yet are loth to part" Iittle„.edofi„n;"lo„^,' TZ '? °"= '">"' ''""J'!" connexions ares c. Z Z „ ""' ' ''''''"" ^°'"- '"'"»"' sir, your si.ua.'nn °' k^: '""':'"": '" y.""'- ^'C-ation. I know. STEPHKN BURROrGIIS. 221 of my observations, but likewise feel it ; and it is a pleasure lo preach to those who feel the truth of our doctrine. I have determined here to give you a relation of fome events which took place in the course of my life, in point of lime, some earlier than where I have arrived ; but, which could not be introduced in the course of the narrative, with- out interrupting the order ; therefore, I concluded to omit it, until some convenient time, in which I should not break in upon the relation of that chain of events which appeared to be more closely connected together. I give ycu the relation of these incidents, in order to illustrate one of the reasons why popular prejudice has arrived to such a pitch against me. I was one day travelling in Massachusetts, and late at nioht, put up at a tavern where I was a stranger, as I ap- prehended. Soon after I arrived, being fatigued with the journey of the day, I retired to rest. This was previous lo my marriage. About ten at night, I was awaked by some- body at the bed side. Upon my opening ray eyes, I recog- nized the person as an old acquaintance whom 1 had not Seen for several years. I asked him where he lived, how he came tlicre, and by what means he became pos^Jessed with the knowledge of my being in the house ? At these questions he stared at me with a countenance of surprise. He asked me where my wife was ? I was equally surprised at this ques- tion. « How," said he, « do you wish to conceal the matter from me ? 1 atn acquainted with the circumstances of your marrying — , of your carrying her away, and to endeavor to hide it from me, argues no very honest design in you." You will not wonder at my surprise being increased by theae observations. I told him his conversation, to me, was wholly unintelligible, that he talked to me of a wife, &c. 'ihat 1 never was married, and what he meant by his obser- vations about v,'ns an enigma to me, never before hearing the name of such a person; that I was an absolute stranger in the town, and supposed myself equally unknown in the house until I was awaked by him. This decluratioii brought on an explanation. He told me, that a mai calling himself Stephen Burroughs, had been in tn MEMOIRS or that town, had become acquainted in a respectable familr had, in opposition to all the efforts of the family, married « daughter and carried her away; alledging, that he was going to Hanover to live with his father, and that they had received no information from their daughter since. I observed to this young man, that I thought it surprising that he should be deceived by the artifice made use of; that he certainly must have known whether the per.on was in fact what he pretended to be. He answered, that being ab- •ent on a journey during this time, he never saw the per- son ; that had he even been at home, the deception might have passed undiscovered; for no one doubted as to his being the person whose character it- had assumed; and without accident had thrown him in my way, I might never have seen hint. After this conversation, the young man left me, and soon again my eyes were closed in sleep. I had not slept more than an hour and a half, or two hours, before I was again aroused from sleep by the same young man ; when I "^liad awoke, I saw in the room un old man and his wife ; they ap- proached the bed, the woman broke out into the bitter, st la- mentations, crying, « it is not he, is ruined, gone off WJlh a vagabond, no one knows where." The father'^ countenance was a picture of distress, though his sorrows did not break forth with such ungovernable rage. Here was a scene truly affecting. The distress of the parents was exquisite ; and what gave the greatest poignancy to their sufferings was, they were left without hope. Whether they have found their daughter,! am not able to •ay, having never seen or heard from them since. At another time, passing through a part of Connecticut, I called at a tavern for ^ome refreshments, where I had been previously acquainted ; I was asked, with some surprise, how I had made my escape from jail ? This question immediately introduced a dispute between the landlord and myself. He affirming that I had been committed kc theft, and I with equal assurance denying it. i. '^i^'j '^'^'P"^^ produced so much noise, that I was appre- hended and carried back to jail, as they supposed ; but when we arrived, what was the surprise of my landlord, and the STEPHEN BURROUGHS. 003 const&ble, when we fuund ihe Stephen Burroughs who had been committeJ for horse-stealing, quietly remaining where he was first confined. The facts upon which this laughable mistake took place, were of the following nature, viz. a certain person had been apprehended and committed to jail, under a suspicion of horse-stealing. My landlord, who had formerly known me, heard that a person, by the name of Stephen Burroughs had been committed to jail. This immediately fixed an idea in his mind that J was confined under the suspicion of theft. For some reason, the person, who had been committed, cho?e to assume my name and character, which circumstance not only deceived my landlord, but likewise caused the re- port to be circulated that I was detected in horse-stealing. Had I conducted the business a little different, when I was accosted by the landlord, perhaps the matter would never have come to an explanation. He did not seem inclined to apprehend me, at first ; but, when I treated his assertion with some harshness, he manifested a disposition to let me know that I was in his power; and that he would exercise that power, unless I soothed his resentment by more gentlf mea- sures. How he felt when the mistake was discovered, you can more easily conceive than I can describe. His sensa- tions were not of the most agreeable kind, you will readily imagine. Indeed, sir, I felt a degree of compassion towards the man under that situation, notwithstanding his conduct had not been of the most grateful kind. A number of instances, similar to these, have occurred •since I came upon he stage of action. You will readily understand what consequence would naturally proceed from such events. I found the world ever ready to give credit to such reports. When mankind had once formed an unfavor- able opinion, it was hard to eradicate such an idea, even by the most pointed evidence.* ♦ About the year 1803, a respectable gentleman, of Boston, acco.ted ■>« •ne day, saying, " Your old friend Burroughs has got into jail aeain." I «ked him where ? He replied, " at Johnstown, in the State of New York.'» i to^a liiiii he must labor under a mistaite, lor Burroughs was certainly then in Canada. He was quite piqued at this and answered with an air of triumph, '&.ir, I cannot mistake; for I am now direct from Johnstown, ma know that the noted Stephen Burroughs lies there in prison " "» 20 ;^2i MEMOIRS or I recuilt-ct at a certain time, when I was among people whn did not ktunv my real name and character. Among them 1 gained a credit and standing of the pleasine kind, long before my real name became known. I happened at this time to become acquainted with a certain physician, who came from a part of the country contiguous to where I had formerly lived. In the course of our acquaintance he told me, " that he was acquainted with a certain character by the name of Stephen Burroughs, who, of all others, was the most singular. That he was a person possessed of the greatest abilities of any man he ever knew." In order to illustrate more fully the truth of his observations, he related many anecdotes con- cerning me, of the humorous kind, which I had never heard of before. " How I had deceived many people in the most surprising manner, and to the general diversion of the country. How I would still continue to deceive them, notwithstanding all their precautions against me. How 1 would steal from the rich and give to the poor : and that people were afraid to prosecute me, because I would ever find some shift to evade the business ; and would, moreover, always steal again from the person who had attempted the prosecution ; however," continued the Physician, "I could ever discern in his coun- tenance the features of design. There ever was the appear- ance of deceit in his looks ; and I should have known him to be a rogue, had I never heard of his character. I believe." continued he, "that the countenance of a man is a strons index of his natural disposition; as for instance, if you will pcrojit me to make the comparison, without conceiving that I am attemplina: to flatter, I never saw a more striking con- trast, than between the designing, deceitful countenance of Burroughs, and your open, frank, and candid countenance. I have generally found men wearing such characters after acquaintance as the expression of their countenance had indicated in the first place." You will readily conceive, sir, that I smiled at the haran- gue of this physiognomist. He remained at ease in the enjoy- ment of his own opinion for a while ; but the bubble soon broke, and he was fairly exposed lo public view, without the thinesl veil for a covering. My real name and character wc!(i soon (li'Vt'looed to the rtnhlicci nnj nil his kiiowIfdiT! in physiognomy was discredited irarnediitely ; and even a great share of that science of which he was really master, fled at the same time. So fickle is the multitude; so prone to run STEPHEN BURROUGIiS. 225 from one extreme into the other. This simple circumstance produced the fall of the poor physician. Thus we see, sir, that every person, be his situation in life what itmay, is more or less exposed to revolution^ misfortune and disappointment. Those very means which we make use of to answer our purposes of promotion and exaltation are often the direct and only causes of our calamity. We all wish 10 be happy, and ail use such means to obtain happiness as our judgement points out. From daily experience welearn how incompetent we are, to form right estimates of the va- rious effects which will follow the measures we pursue; therefore, he who depends upon the uncertain occurrences of events for his happin< ss, builds upon a very slender founda- tion, and will most assuredly find the chances run against him. ,lo,. For these pure joys the world can never know ; In gentler climes their silver currents flow, Oft at the silent, shadowy close of day, When the bush'd grove has sung his parting lay: When pensive twilight in his dusky car, Slowly ascends to meet the evening star; Above, below, aerial murmurs swell, From hanging woods, brown heath, and bushy dell ! A thousand nameless rills tliat shun the light, Stealing soft music on the car of night. So oft the finer movements of the soul, That shun the shore of pleasure'sgaycontrol, In the^still shades of calm seclusion rise, And breathe their sweet seraphic harmonies I" I have often wished that ray memory was sufficient to re- tain a recollection of all the mistakes which I have either made myself or have seen others make; during the course of my life. From such a circumstance, 1 think I should be able to learn, whether any general cause existed in nature, which produces our miscalculations, or whether they always arise ^om a general weakness of the mind, which is incurable. From whit observations I have been able to make, I rather think the evil may in some measure be remedied, but I be- lieve not entirely cured. Should we lay a right foundation for happiness, and rear out superstructure upon that foundation, we should all find an indescribable advantage arising from such a procedure. I have once before hinted, that mankind were generally in pursuit of riches and power, in order to render themselves 326 MEMOIRS OF liappy ; (liat this pursuit is not calculated to contribute to our happiness, but on the contrary, to militate against it, will appear evident, when we take a candid view of the subject. That all mankind are descended from one common origin, and partake of the nature and feelings which are common to each other, is not only allowed by the united voice of all, but is likewise demonstrated by the united voice of nature, perpetually crying in the bosom of every person. Being all descended from the same origin, we are all upon the footing of brethren of the same family, entitled to equal privileges and immunities. Being members of one and the same family, we have a common interest in the prosperity of each indi- vidual which composes this family. This is the language of nature; however, we may have our minds perverted by error and corruption; hence, we find a language speaking within U3, that we cannot silence ; a language that speaks ilrongly in terms of compassion towards those in imminent distress. Who can stand still and see another fall into the fire, without reaching forth the hand of assistance ? Who so insensible to the pleasures which he derives from society, that he will retire from them with indifference ! Are not all equally dependent on each other for the comforts which are enjoyed in life ? Has not our great parent constituted the order of things in wisdom, so that by following his laws we arrive at the most exalted state of perfection which things in this life admit. It i3 a truth, I believe, apparent to every one, that all cannot possess power and riches ; nay, the greater part must ever remain without these acquirements ; therefore, he who strives for power and riches, endeavors to take from the general good of the whole, and appropriate to his own use. He enueavors to invert the order of nature, by depriving others of equal privilea;es, in order to add to his own, and by inverting the order of that wisdom which has bountifully provided for all her children, misery will ensue, confusion and disorder will run through the body, and many inconve- niences will be felt by every member of the community. On the contrary, when we feel the affection of brethren towards each other; when the welfare and prosperity of each mem- STEPHEIf BURROUGHS. 227 l>er of society become, in a measure, our own, how changed the scene! how happy the prospect! Our griefs become lessened by communicaf ing them to others ; our joys are in- creased by the participation of our friend ! The disgraceful passions of hatred, envy, malice and revenge are "lost for want of support. When we set out in life, under the auspices of this dis- position, and pursue such a course, we are in a situation not to lose our enjoyment by every puff of misfortune. We are inaccessible to the malignant passions, the great disturbers of human repose. In this line of conduct, we follow the directions of nature, and answer the purpose for which we were designed. Property, even riches, acquired by industry, (not by power) are of use to contribute to our happiness ; by rendering us capable of lessening the necessities of our brethren and fellow members of society. '' O ye blest scenes of permanent delight ! ±uli above measure ! lasting beyond aJl bound ! A i)en)etuUy of bliss, is bliss. — ~ Could you, so rich in rapture, fear an end, Ihat ghastly thought would drink up-all your iov. And quit m Paradise the realms of light. . . .. Safe are you lodged above these rolling spheres ; 1 he baleful influence of whose giddy dance aheds sad vicissitudes on all beneath." These ideas, to me, have ever appeared as matters of high importance ; and I wish to see some abb r pen go deeply in- to the subject, and try the experiment thoroughly, to see whether mankind can be reasoned into their own good. Should you, sir, devote a few of your leisure moments to such an object, it m.ght be attended with very salutary effects. 1 / « 'o ^u^' mankind are daily growing in useful know- Jedge. Perhaps this may be true in a partial sense ; but it appears to me, that the slate of society in the days of the bpartan and Roman governments, was much more congenial to nature, than what we are under at present. At least, we do not find such striking instances of affection towards the public welfare, among any of the modern patriots, as what was instanced in the conduct of Lycurgus, Regulus. Cincin- iiaiUS, 0£.C. I have just hinted at a number of subjects in the course of tnis narrative which may appear to you somewhat mistimed. 20* * w S28 MEMotns or considering the primary object \ras barely a narration of fyctt. Yes, sir, this manuscript will ever be a memorandnm of those subjects, at which I have barely hinted ; and as your atten- tion is occupied by your station in society, with political ob- jects, there remains a bare possibility of such a memoran- dum's being of service, i.i calling some of those subjects into view; as this country is happily situated, on many accounts, to pursue political inquiries, without the embarrassments at- tendinsr preconceived opinions and settled systems; Ifeelthe more desirous that the truth of these ob'^ervations may be de- cided by experiment. Should they be productive of good to the community, even in the smallest degree, I shall feel the benefit of an essential reward, for suggesting those thingi. Should they, on the contrary, be found to be a system of error, I shall place them to the account of the many mistakes I have made through lil*e and rest satisfied that I have wished to have I hem productive of good. Whilst 1 am absent, you will have sufficient leisure to pe- ruse the manuscript and detect the errors which I have been guilty of, and rest assured that I shall ever receive any sug- gestions of yours upon that head as an additional mark of that sincere friendship which you have ever manifested. After you have sufficiently perused the present narrative, if you should wish for a continuation, 1 will attempt to grati- fy you as soon as my situation shall again become so settled as to admit of writing. Entertainment of a high nature, generally consists of doe variety, and I find people most fond of buying books of enter- tainment, where novelty, melancholy, humor, joy and triumph are interchana:ebly, the leading features; hence, Clarissa Harlow is condemned for being too gloomy. Young's Night Thoughts fall under the same censure. The critics say there is a waat of a variety ; that our compassion is wounded, but never gratified ; that our disgust is extracted against certain characters; that the rewards of vice are set forth, but no- thing on the pleasing side ; that virtue is not rewarded, that our compassion is not relieved, and that of course we feel nothing but painful sensations. All these observations, I know, will apply with propriety to my narrative. I should have been glad to have interspersed something of the pleasing kind among the relation of misfortunes ; but I could not doit eonsistcnily with the character of one, who had a regard to truth in his history. , . . - s r '^^s^c^-s^'^'yt-.^ \\ jr sug- STEPHEN BURROUGHS. 229 V Should I pursue hereafter the history of the remaining pirt of my life, you may not be more pleased than what you are with that already given. It is true, that I passed through many scenes entirely new, and partaking in some measure of the humorous kind ; but that uninterruped course of severe trials, which I have experienced from the beginning, never forsook me until I arrived in this hospitable town, where I have met with that attention and kindness which has in a measure been a counter-balance to my former misfortunes. ., This observation, I believe, may not be misplaced, that whenever I have suffered a temporary respite from the stroke of calamity, my feelings have been more alive to the enjoyment of my situation. The compassion has ever been striking, both to my view and feelings,* and of consequence, all the force of happiness had its operation upon my mind without any impediment. Another observation, I believe, ought to have a place here, viz. that our minds, after giving way to the strokes of calamity a while, will regain their vigor and pristine si eof tranquility, under the most trying situation ; hence we often find among our slaves (I blush to write the word) a degree of tranquility and evenness of temper which is wanting id the more exalted stations of life. Visit the prisons, and yon will find many in those situations who are desperate, wearing in their countenances a content of insensibility produced by despair. I recollect when I was in the dungeon at Northampton and every prospect of relief was out of the question, that I felt a degree of c^\lm oi sullen content, under my situation, I really thought that I rejoiced in it, « because," said I, f> nf livino . rned offrrom thp mni!* road, and took a path which u.limately led into a large open field. In the midst of the field I found the bottom of an old 242 MCM0IK9 or"' «tack of hay, and a yard of rrooked fence arownd it. I tooft a large flake of hay and laid it on some rails which I had fixed for that purpose, and creeped under it, to shelter roysdf, in some small measure, from the rain, I was, by this time, «o far exhausted by the falisfuc of travellintr, and the pain of my feet, that I could not proceed anv further j therefore I crawled under thi3 flimsy shelter, with more pleasure than many feel in retireing to a bed of down, hung with rich tapes- try, and lulled to sleep by the enchanting sound of music. ;•! Jiad scarcely laid my head to the ground, before I was fast locked m the leaden arms of sleep. All things were lost to. my knowledge, until about 10 o'clock, when I was aroused from my profound slumbers, by the repeated cries of men. When 1 first awoke, 1 expected that Owen and his gang had made pursuit after, and had overtaken me. But how it was possible for them to trace my route to this place, was wholly a mystery, i was not suffered, however, very long, to con- tem|)late on this subject. I was ordered to turn out. There were three men around me. Owen was not one of them. I found that I had travelled twenty miles since I left him ; and therefore concluded myself out of danger from him, and from bemg known by the men who were with me! I was dcter- mmed not to run into the same error here as I had at Glou- cester, by relating my name, situation, Ac. I demanded of the men what they wanted of me ? They soon informed me, that their design was to carry me to Providence, supposing me to be an accomplice with George Irish, who had been committed to Providence jail, on a suspician of counterfeiting bank bills. A number of his accomplices had made their escape, for the apprehension of whom a reward was offered. Being found by these men, in such a situation, they suspected I was one who had fled on the before mentioned account. I endeavored to convince them that so far from being an ac complice wiUi George Irish, I had never seen him. I believe they were pretty throughly convinced of their mistake; but still supposed that some extraordinary cause had brought me to this place ; and therefore talked of carrying me to Provi- dence. I was sensible I should be recognized in that town : and oi course, should be exposed to the danger of being car- ried back from thence to Worcester. The men perceived lii STEPflEN BURROUGHS. m that I wa« nnwillinc; to be carried to Providence ; and beini^ desirous to make me turn to sotne account, bes;an to banter me upon the price I would give for my liberation. 1 expos- tulated with them upon the cruelty of exactini? money for my liberation; hut my expostulations were in vain. I found they were bent upon cfirrying me to Providence unless I would buy them ofl". After much altercation U|K)n the sub- ject,, they consented to release me for eievea dollars. I gave them the moaey and they went ofl". ,f .., .. j AAer I had sot rid of my disagreeable companions, I again walked on as well as the soreness of my feet would allow. I had travelled about a mile, when I began to feel extremely jfamt fof want o{' food. I therefore determined to go into Ike first house, and obtain some refreshment, if possible. I aocordins»iy entered a house, hard by the way side, and asked the woman of tiie house, if she would permit me to take a dinner with her. My appearance, my lameness, &,c. had a strong effect upon her feelings. She gave me a pleasant dinner, and said many things to sooth and comfort me. She wanted to know more particulars relating to my circumstan- ces than I wished to communicate. Al^er I had rested my- self awhile, and was about making ready to compensate the good ^voman for her kindness and refreshment, she desired me to sit down for a minute. She then went into another room, and soon returned with a pair of thin shoes, belonging to her husband, tolerably good, and presented them to me. I offered to compensate her for the shoes and* dinner ; but she refused to receive anything, alleging that « thy neces- sities are greater than mine; and when thou seest one ia distress, aad hast it in thy power to relieve him, remember that he is thy brother." I was struck with astonishment at the nobleness, combmed with simplicity, of this woman's sentiments. Did mankind view the relation tUey stand in to each other with these sen- timents of benevolence, and act accordingly, how changed would be liie miseries of life, to scenes of the most pleasing contemplation ? There, said I, is religon, manifested in a clearer manner than what Ridyley has displayed in his whole bodv of Divinity. There is virtue; there is benevolence; nnd finally there is every thing which ennobles the human character. UA ■•-■':y.-fTT.-,*-'\i'^- ' \^ ' MEMoims or swollen to admit of my traveliine wiih ,nv ^L^f r""*** I was constantly ejposed lo meet „ilh„V„„l f"^^ ''';'; either be an inbabilant ..f, o. ac^ua 1?^ h^T*''' r"" whence I pretended to comirand thU lead „V.nV7" ^""" «C the deception, people would be «li„f^* discovery uxr ^ '""'='' "'"^ ^r^^^ha' . ij^e ™. x'rz!;^ Under these circumstances, I tliooahi it best tn ««=<. r >r eigner, and lay the scene of mv bi>U &c ii Lnndl * ^'f xr isrb!:;^pra'e'!^7:Kr 7ki"edi£r5^ ..rcet. My real parentage, connexbn ,^:'l'"retT„ed"S transporting them to London. Some account I ?,^^«.^."' for my leav ns England, and coming into Amer"ca and fofLv present forlorn situation. 1 concluded ih.Mhi' T "^ with a little alteration, would anstf,,": if er.tirt' place of action. Moreover, as thk l»«i :„f„ '"'??'"S lire be considered by people in^euLLl.'^ -:'dH ^ r„t™' J zatiur" """"« "• '^"^'- '"- i»f"r»a.r"b;'S,'s^ I had determined to wear this character nmii r • 1 1 • :'"•.""":' iuwaios me, under my real name, I exDrpi«l .h.'; to Ibts situation I could form . belter es.unate o/Ki to!!?* '.^yT^MtiAy 8TEPHEW Bt71lROX7«H8. 245 he prudent for me to do, as I should then be in a capacity to learn the ffelings of the public towards me ; and what would be their treatment, should I discover myself and reassume my real character. I entered a tavern and called for entertainment over nieht. Soon after I had been in the house, I discovered the landlord was sick. After inquiry, I perceived that he had the remit- ting fever, which I mentioned in the course of conversation. This aroused his attention, and he enquired eagerly whether I was a doctor f Thinking T might reap an advantage from this profession on this occasion, and being persuaded I could help the man, I assumed the character of an English physi- Can '?ilh no small degree of parade. I was fortunate in my administrations, which crave seasonable and effectual relief. • I tarried here till Monday morning, and to my no small satisfaction, found I could travel with my shoes on my feet. When I departed, I was rewarded with a French crown for my medical assistance. About noon this day I overtook a man dressed in clean, neat apparel, carrying a bottle of rum. He accosted me in the following manner. «« Shipmate ; will ye take a drop of rum to cheer your spir- its this warm day ?" I did not wish to treat his friendly salu- tation with neglect or contempt. It has ever been a princi- ple by which I have wished to regulate my conduct, to treat the sentiments of benevolence with attention, let them be manifested in ever so singular or uncouth a manner* Ac- cordingly, I accepted the benevolent invitation of this Hiber- nian. Not being possessed with an appetite for rum, I only put the bottle to my mouth, and offered to return it ; but my fellow-traveller refused to receive it until I drank again. « And now, sir, said he, « I am an Irishman myself. I have lived in H'tis country fourteen years, I married a fine girl nere, and have five fine children. I tell you, sir, they are aa likely children as any in the country; and this is allowed by all. I served my time in Dublin with a weaver. My father was a weaver ; and indeed he thought no little of himself at that business; but one bloody day I beat nim at • _i ._.i-.'-i. ^1 „i,i ._^_ »i, 1 *., r,..-u v.;.^ ~ pail of wather, and he poor'd it on the ground. This he kept doing till I fetched forty pails of wather : then the old m ',!>, MEMOIRS or If- Ir : roan took and gave me a bloody beating. At this I run off and listed for a soldier, and came into this country. But, sir, you look like one in distress. Are ye of this country ?»' My answer was in the negative, but told him I was from Ix)ndon. At this the Hibernian jumped towards me, seized me by the hand, and shook it in such a manner as to feel that he was in earnest. He observed that we were old neighbors; for London, said he, is but a short bit from Dublin. .,„. After our mutually recognising each other for old neigh- bors, he looked at me with an arch significance, and observed, that some misfortnne he presumed had brought me to this country. I told him, it truly was so; that an unfortunate contest had rendered it necessary for me to leave the coun- try, rt O bo r' said he, « you fought a duel ?" I assented. «By J_s,» said he, "did you challenge him fair?'' I did. He then seized my hand again, and declared he was satisfied that I was a good fellow. « And by the Immortal," said he, « you shall go home with me, and I will keep you a forinisrht, and then will put a dollar into your hand. I am determined to fight a duel myself with a bloody rascal, who sold me a cow, and told me she was farrow, and all the time she had a calf in her ; and you shall go and be my second." You will readily conceive that this invitation did no way comport with my views and desire. I had recourse to a number of excuses to elude the force of it. The Hibernian was not willing to accept any apolosy I could make; and it was with difficulty I obtained my release from this knight of the bottle. However, after marching and countermarching some length of time, he gave up the pursuit, and let me de- part with the honors of war. Thus I found it difficult to pass without great obstruction* m my first essays upon the plan which I had studied with so much caution, and which I thought might be pursued witb- OHt mterruption. Sir, my best wishes wait on vou. •TKPHCfr SUHItOVOHI. uer -/r.f- .?vft»»*rt .f^i,^' CHAPTER XXV. ' *^ " Bent on destrocUon, tn< in lo? c vith death f Not all these lumiDariei, quesch'd at oace, Were hair so tad as one benighted mind, Which gropes fur happiness, and meets despair." t-' ;■ 1 f. -* After I had freed myvelf from my troublesome compani* ion, I hastened on to Sitonlngton-Point in order to find a pas- •age to Long Island. When I had arrived, I found the pros-' pect of such a passage not very flattering ; and therefor^*^ determined to go to New London, a town fourteen mile* diitant, where I was informed a packet ran regu!'\rly once » week. In the course of the next day I arrived at New Lon- don, where I immediately went on board a boat ready to saft for Long [sland. Early the next morning we arrived at Sag- harbor, the only part of entry on this island. I now supposed myself on ground where I should no longer t>e exposed to the cruel lash of the entenomed tongue of slander. I supposed myself in a situation convenient to be»- gin my operations in order to establish my^^elf in business. I passed here for an Englishman lately from London, forbear- ing to subjoin the word new. My name was demanded. I told them it was Stephen Edenson, (my father's name beine Eden.) The people therefore callen my name Edenson. 1- acquiesced in the name. I began to inquire for a vacancy where a school master was wanted. I had not long made the inquiry, before I was accosted by a gentleman ; who introduced himself to mn by the name of Havens. I was informed by the landlord of ihe inn where I had put up, that the gentleman was Judge Ha- vens of Shelter Island. After inquiring whence I came, my cducatijn, my age, my objects, &c. he informed me that he lived on Shelter Island, about three miles from that place ; that the island contained about thirty families ; that they were destitute of a school, and wished to engage an instruc> lor : « therefore," said he, « if you wish to accept the chance, may obtain the school. It will not be an object of any con- ■iderable consequence, only to giye you a temporary stand- 22 248 MEMOIKf or iinRamon? us until you become acquainted with the watt jel^hTcrm^aVifl'T''''^ °'""^ ''''''''''' -^ learn theT jecis Which may ofler for your attention." • I accepted the ofler made by Judge Havpnq «n,i .« b passage with him in a boat goin, to the S. When I •rrived, I found the island lying nearly in a c.rcula/ form S'^n^umtr^on'^V^'^"^ '''' '''''' "^^ ^^ iivea a number of families as mentioned before • amon^ whom were three, by the names of Nichols, Dealing «d was7:U?rn ZZ 'I' ^'"' r^^'^^^^" °^ ^"^ islanr'There ^land H? 1 L ^ •^''"^ "*^""*' '" *h« '"'drf'e of the iouse t1 '""'"^ ^'^* * «"«" ''^'^ ^^ goods in hi. dei^d hiJ« n^"" ^"''"T^ «any singularities, which ren- de ed h m a person on whom the attention of strangers was naturally drawn, I think it necessary to give you some 7nr Iher description of him. ^ ^ '"'"' This publican was extremely fond of being in the secret of every man's business and circumstances, and Lt oViv sT b U hkewise to have it thought so by others. So st oni was' his desire for knnwlo uriant as to preclude the necessity of economy. An acre of Ihis ground would produce, upon an average, fifteen bushels of wheat, and twenty-four bushels of Indian corn. It afforded a moderate supply of grass for neat cattle; but the produc- tions of a dairy, which might be made considerably profit- able, were entirely neglected. Their improvements in agriculture did not appear to be making rapid advances to- wards perfection. Their situation was under most excellent privileges, as it related to marketing their produce, and ob- taining their returns ; it ever being convenient to send to New York by vessels from their own shores. Land on this island sold about eight dollars the acre. I obtained a school at the moderate price of six dollars p(?r month, together with my boarding, washing and lodging. I entered upon this office with no very sanguine expectation! of making a permanent establishment for myself and family. Yet it was a resting place from severer trials. I was retired from lite world, and sheltered from the storm, which had m MEMOIRS or .Wen 00 abundantly powred upon my devoted head. I wai in a situation, I thought, too inconsiderable to raise the feel- »gs of jealousy, or alarm the most selfish raind. Yet in this I labored under a mistaken apprehension. A son of the inn-keeper, who had formerlv taught a school on this island, was much mortified at my introduction into a place which he had once filled, and which he wished to occupy again. He considered me as a person of very little consequence, be- mg poorly dressed, and was attentive to treat me according- ly. He frequently gave me invitations to assist him in the labors of the field at my leisure hours from school. He car- ried his politeness so far one afternoon, as to threaten to turn me out of the house, if I would not assist him in raking hay. But my tranquility was not much injured by these circumstances, knowing that spark to be totally destitute of the power which he threatened to exercise ; and otherwise too inconsiderable to affect my interest with the people. My situation was such as to excite the greatest anxiety of the inn-keeper to develope a character which appeared to be somewhat veiled in mystery. His assiduous attention to my concerns was marked with the most noticeable circumstances. He would often throw himself in my wav, in order to assure me how much he felt interested in my welfare, and likewise of the unbounded confidence I might place in him, in any matters which might partake of the nature of difliculty or se- crecy. ' By half answers, inuendos and shrewd suggestions, the old man had obtained a most surprising idea of my history; and sorry am I to say it, too much was acted on my part, to com- municate this unfounded system of ideas in his mind. These were secrets of too great magnitude for him to comprise in his own breast, without pain of the greatest kind therefore, to ease his mind of the enormous load under which he groan- ed, he imparted his trust to many of his friends. However they were not convinced that they had obtained all the cir- cumstances which related to my life. They therefore enter- ed into a plan to pursue the discovery; and accordingly agreed among themselves to persuade me to write to some of my acquaintance in England, or some of the Biiiisb denom- inntions ;^ and uncle Jim, as the inn-keeper was called, was te- scnti the It tttf, by the way of New York, immediately to the place of destination. Uncle Jim's deafness discovered to rrcpHZN BtmmouGHs. m ^e tlhe plot which was so ingeniously concerted, and the part Which he was to maintain in it. Being apprised of the design of this jacobin club, I easily entered into the plan, and made it a scene of great amusement. I wrote a long letter to the Right Honorable Lord George Montague, &c. : I filled the body of the letter with high encomiums upon uncle Jim and his family, more particularly his daughters. This was touch- ing him upon a string which vibrated to the centre of his heart. His favcarite object was the beauty of his daughters and the excellency of his family. The old gentleman was hinning over fuU of satisfaction upon the discovery of these mighty state secrets. He began to contemplate the proba- i)ility of his becoming known to the first families in the British dominions, and of obtaining the whole buds:et of secrets felalin? to them ; and likewise the otiice of an agent to trans- net their business. These circumstances brought me into a situation somewhat disagreeable. I was reduced to a condition in which I was oblii;ed, in some measure, to give countenance to those re- presentations which i found had obtained among the people at large. The fact was, that for my own diversion, I had given rise to those ridiculous ideas which had taken such deep root in the minds of those who were concerned in the letter plotf that I found no small degree of dftnger in receding from the ground which I had first taken. As I became more acquainted with the people on this f»]and, I found their curiosity more exercised in penetrating the secrets of my pretended history. Their continued ques- tions on this subject growing more and more irksome, I found, that by my own imprudence, I had involved myself in a dis- ftgreeable and ridiculous situation. About this time I became acquainted with a man called Doctor Havens, possessing this appellation by courtesy, ra- ther than by merit in the science of medicine. He put two ot'his children under my care as an instructor. As his char- acter will appear several times in the course of this narra- tive, it will be necessary to give you some general sketch of this man, previous to my proceeding to particulars in which he was concerned. As I have hinted, this man was very ig- norant; of a mind, by nature, sorded and clownish in the ex- extreme possessing no feelings of delicacy or propriety; yet very ambitious of introducing liis family into the high and more refined circles of life. Being governed by no principle, 22* ;iil m j HBtf OF Hff or Y* he ever used such means as came in his way, to further hit objects, without any reference to their quaHty or merit. Hfl* would appear generous and hospitable to such characters ««, he thought would promote his interests, or further his ob- jects ; but to others he appeared in the native hue of selfish penury. You will readily conclude that a man of this cast would not be idle under circumstances of such a kind as those jn which I was involved. Often I had invitations of the warm- est kind to make his house my home. When 1 made him visits, I was treated with a degree of hospitality truly grate- ful. I often found him indirectly hinting that my present situation of apparent poverty did not preclude my attention and success among the ladies who were standing in the market for marriage, (by the way. the Doctor had two daughtijrs in that predicament) and of introducing myself into business, by which I could maintain a family, and support a reputation of credit amon? the people; observing with great sagacity, how different matters of such a nature were in this country from what they were in England. He gave me an invitation of commencing business in partnership with one of his sons, in the mercantile line ; observing that, could I raise £500 by the help tf ni,y friends, he would let one of his sons carry on the business for me for half the profits ; intimating that such an offer was generous on his side, as the weight of the business would lie upon his son, until I should become acquainted with the mode of doing business in America. I found to my surprise, the most pointed enmity existing be- tween this man and his only brother, who was his nearest neighbor, and also between the two families. I was by no means backward in manifesting my astonishment upon the occasion; but by the representation of the Doctor and his family, was given to understand that his brother Constant was, of all the various works of nature, the worst, the most unnatural an inhuman. This reason quieted my astonish- ment, but did not satisfy ray feelings. Finally, the clown- ish bluntness of the old Doctor served to cover many vice* of the mind, which would have been supeeted sooner in one possessed of politer manners. This man was as avaricious for information into the sufc- }ect of lecret history as his namesake, the iun-keeper ; bnt .im, trSPHSN BURROUGHS. ■«!»•■ tieir motives for obtaining thi.s information were very diA ferent. The one sought it for the gratification of internal feelings ; the other for the opportunity of turning such a cir« cUmstance to his advantage in addling to his property, or promoting the advancement of his fa uily. The Doctor liad no embarrassment of delicacy to surmount : he came imme- diately to the point, and insisted, sans ceremonies^ to be ini- tiated into the whole system of secrecy. He was not »o bt turned off by a polite evasion, or an intimation that the matters, into which he inquired, were not to be divulged. His professions of friendship were unbounded his assiduities of attention were innumerable, and his feelings really ap- peared to be interested in my behalf. He gained my con- fidence so far, as fully to believe that his professions were sincere, notwithstanding many intimations from others rela- ting to his general character. Yet I never esteemed him as a confidential friend, owing to his want of abilities more thfin uprightness, in my view. , Judge Havens was another character who made his ap- pearance upon, the stage of action at this time; but perform* ed a very different part from the others who have been al- ready mentioned. He was a man of science, and in no way affected with the mania of discovering secrets. A close ap- plication to study had produced in him a habit of appearing abaent in company, unless the subject of conversation turned upon some branch of science ; then he became animated aind instructive. He lived somewhat secluded from common access, owing to his continual perseverance in the pursuit of science. His genius was not bcilliant; but his unabating industry supplied the defect. He thought with metaphysical accuracy upon every subject which he undertook to investigate ; which often produced too geat a degree of refinement in his theories fbr the convenience of practice. He was a man of delicate feeling, though not so suddenly moved as many others of a more volatile constitution. His integrity as a public charac- ter was inviolate. As a private companion, he was pleasing and agreeable ; and, as a member of society, he was useful and beneficial. , This was the pleasing side of the portrait. The reversf f54 MEMOIRS or Tr .k! K^.'^*"^ darkened. His temper partook somewtrtt of the obstjnate. He was ambitious of popularity, a^^e wha ttimicl m pursuing those measures which mh?hl renl; h^m unpopu ar, however justice might call for fhem! i« ITh .1""'"'''''°"' *" '^' fi^'*^ «^'°ve, his mora" ecl" tude had been censured by the inhabitants of the vicinhy^ and as that was a subject of too much delicacy fomMo El?^"''K^J'r^ "'"" ^'^"^ »>'« observations upon it^and therefore had but a partiai idea of the matter. ^ n " ■s Thus stood the principal characters with whom I wasfm mediaiely concerned as an instructor for theirThildTen I parsued the business with close applicationrand as I flat lered myself, with a degree of reputation. I had not con-' imued long in this situation, before my kind entertainer uncle Jjo,, .ntroduce^i the idea of my wriling for the ne/i^ ! cal publications of the press. Thfs subject did not finTan agreeable place in my mind. I was a stranger in the nUce ignorant of the prevalent ideas of the country erpomfcal and moral character. Moreover, (strange as it may seem from my conduct) I wished to remain as lUtle known in hS I found the old gentleman so tenaciously attached to the plan that I was quite surprised ; however, from the drift of hJ^ discourse upon the subject, I had concluded that his idea was, to appear himself as the author of the business or^ posing to copy the pieces in his own hand writing;previou" to their going to the press, and to have the matter knTwn e\ln nToalv^r "'^; ^"^ "'^ gentleman onttsoC h?, Irt k\ ^ P'"?^^''"^ ^ ^''^^ disposition for secrecy on al^e^^l'st ml:r^"' ''' ''' ^"^ "^' *" ^'^ -^ ^^^ Under thU view of the matter, I consented to his nronoMl Pist. I had proceeded aa far as the fourth or fifth number before .n, th.ug of note took place in consequence of The« pablications, eicepting the pleasure which uncle Jim .Dmr ently enjoyed in fransacting the S.siness, under tCven"' «rx .pirited answeVi. .hen.: "Z:;;':::i^'U^Z .^■fl^lL. STEPnKN BUXROVGHS. tMl nnlMroid ible. The clersryman answered my reply, and I re- joined to his answer. By this time the alien»iori of the puo- lic was excited to the controversy, more than to the merit of the publications ; and they were of coarse anxious to know Uie combatants. It was known at the printing-office, that uncle Jim uniformly brought the Philanthropist for publica* tion ; and also that the manuscripts ere f " er in his hand writing. These circumstances turned the eyes of the public upon him ; and he possessed the fortitude, for some time, to retain the secret ; but at length it became a burden too heavy for him to support alone. Therefore ' imparted it to some of his intimate friends, who compassionately relieved him from the cumber, by dissolving the cbarm of secrecy, and giving the matter to the public. I now found a retreat the only place of safety ; and there- fore withdrew my lucubrations from the press j and here ended the matter, as it related to me in the character of the Philan- thropist. But I had, by this time, excited the attention of the public, and every one was ready to make his own comments upon a character so new; having, by direct and indirect means, given myself a character very novel ; and my intimate friends had highly embellished the superstructure which my fan<;y had reared. There were almost as many different opin- ions concerning me as there were persons to form them. But Rone of the various conjectures happened to light on the identical character which I had sustained in reality, though the publications from.Worcester relating to my confinement, trial, and escape, were among this people. I found no prospect of making an establishment for my family on this island, the encouragement for instructing was So small { and as that was an object of thie utmost consequence to me, I turned nry attention to some other place. I made application for a birth, when my time should expire on Shel- ler Island, at a number of places; and at length found an opening in a parish called Biidge-Hampton a part of South- Hampton, on Long Island. At this place I engaged to teach a school at the price of twelve dollars per month, without the privilege of board or any of its appendages. I engaged to begin this school in two weeks after the time of my teaching tliH (ithfr shniilfl »Tniro iirtiinW timo ^t* :_.«- : : t i i .i- — - • — i J --•»••,;: tirjj-o xst ;i!ic-::m;?sjj;ii i siuw siC* termined to appropriate to the purpose of revisiting my faipily, anJ learning the operation of things since I had left them. V# '! M ' ..SS^Sb^ 156 MEMO IBS or thi» time approached, my anxiety to put my intended visit into execution increased to such a degree as to deprive me of sieepi ,;.i i',ii fii Hived, at this tirae,in the family of Judj?e Havens. JT en- deavored to enter into his character and disposition ; and to penetrate the governing principles by which he was actuated. Alter I had satished my mind upon these heads, I determined to lay open to his view the whole of my situation, and con- suit him upon that line of conduct which he should think ad- visable, in order to answer the object which lay so near ray heart. I had fixed upon the time, in my own mind, lo unfold this circumstance. I came prepared from school at the in- tended time to put in force this resolution. But while I walk- ed leisurely from the school-house to my lodgings, which was about one hundred rods, it occurred to my mind into what a disagreeable situation I had once been involved bycommuni- eating such a secret; how possible, and even how probable It was I might be deceived in my expectations from Judge Havens, notwithstanding my favorable predictions towards him; how often I had been egregiousiy deceived by the con- .h«I.5/'[^^'\''^*'*''^r "^^^"^ ^^^ prospects of life were changed : how he must be surprised at coming to the know- ledge of real facts relating to me. Under this view of the matter, I shrunk back from the scene, and durst not proceed. I concluded still to let matters of this kind lie in a slate of secracy, until I had been back to Charlton, and learned the reelings and sentunents of mankind concerning me My time of engagement was almost expired. I soon ex- pected to recross the Sound, and measure back my former steps to Charlton. This last part of my tir seemed to move with leaden feet. I had not heard from my family con- nexions, or acquaintance, since I left them. I had not writ- ten to them, nor had I dared to inquire after them, or any of the inhabitants living m that part of the world. Therefore, my desire to see them was beyond the power of language to y!f!^ [ ^***l "^5'«»t» when my wishes were almost gratified ,• when the object of my most earnest desire was al- most within my power, 1 was suddenly taken sick wiiii the remitting fever. This stroke was too much for my utmost fortitude to'cn. dure. I sunk under it. I felt the weakness of r nhild- f» sirucK me m a par: which I was not prepared to defend, l could not bear the thought of submitting to a fit of sickness STEPHCW BTTEROVOHS. 257 jlVtHe present juncture ; but sad necessity taught me that I must endure what I could not avert. My fond prospects were blasted : the painted vision of enjoyment fled fiom my view. The lillle money which I had, with so much perseverance, scraped together for my small excursion into the country, was likely to be all swallowed up by the expenses of sickness, which must eventually preclude the possibility of my return^ in^ to my family. These circumstances, which foreboded the most dismal prospects, left but little consolation to my feelings. The fever and melancholy made rapid havoc of my constitution. Under these circumstances, Doctor Havens made me the nlfer of quarters and attendance at his house, until my re* covery. 1 accepted his oflTer, and was removed to his house accordingly. As I had ever been averse to loading the stomach with medicine in cases of sickness, I now pursued the same course, and invariably adhered to my old maxim, of "giving nature her way," until the ninth day, when, by the help of a generous constitution, the fever formed a crisis, nature predominated, and the disorder abated. Doc- tor Havens was willing to give himself airs of consequence from this speedy decision in my favor, although he had only given me two potions of the cortex Pern, and that after the fever had abated. I was so far recovered as to set out on my intended journey on the twelth day of my sickness, much against the advice of Doctor Havens. Before my departure, I called upon the Doctor for my bill for board, attendance, &c. ; his answer was to the following eflect, (viz.) that as twenty shillings was due to me from him for schooling his children, and as he expected to send them to me again, at Bridg€-Hampton and to receive special attention to them at all lesiure hours, he would rest the discharge of my bill upon that ground. I acquiesced with his proposals, under an ap- prehension of his having his full due; the price of boarding, washing and lodging being eight shillings per week; and as I was at the Doctor's two weeks only, and my sitriation such as not to cause a great degree of special trouble, I consider- ed the addition of oight shillings more per week to be a tuU dompensalion for my receipts. Therefore, as his bill under this settlement would amount to thirty-two shillings, there would remain a ballance of twelve shillings in his favor, ■IP i»st> MEMOTR^i or II! > whieh he expected, and did receive by my extra attenlibn to. his children afterwards. I was somewhat disappointed when I called fipon the Doctor for a settlement. By the course of his conver«ation| when I came to his house, he clearly in tinaied that he would make me welcome to the favor. And moreover, his abundant professions of friendly attention were sufficient to induce me to expect that he would not demand pay fur my boarding, &c. ; considering my peculiar situation, (he being a man himself in easy circumstances) and the particular and pointed declarations of friendly assistance which he had made, almost at every time I had seen him during my residence on the island. However, I esteemed his demand no more than strictly just, and considered liis calculations to befriend me, operating in some other channel, to which I had not yet been introduced. The time had now expired in which I was to begin my school at firid^e-Hampton. However, I could not reconcile my mind to the idea of relinquishing my visit to my family ; and accordingly sent on word that sickness had disenabled me from opening my school so soon, by a fortnight, as my engagement had specified. Under these circumstances I entered on board the boat to rccross the Sound to New Lon- doa, having given the people to understand that I had heard of certain friend of mine being somewhere in the state of Massachusetts ; to whom it was very necessary for me to make a visit. I was entrusted with some letters to a gentleman in New London ; and immediately after my arrival in the city, it be- ing 5 o'clock, P. M. the same day, I set about discharging the trust by delivering the letters. When I arrived in New London, I felt fearf j1 of being known, and wished to be seen as little as possible. The reason of this desire was of the following nature, viz. being in doubt of the operation which a knowledse of my real character would have upon the feelings of the people where I had engaged to teach a school ; and likewise igno- rant of the representations the public would make on that head; I did not wish yet to put the matter to a trial, until I should have further opportunity to establish myself in the m sTEPHEif BiTmmoroHs. 8S9 jriiee. There were people with me from Long Island, and ' therefore shoald I be recognized by any in New London, it wooW devclope the business immediately to those who were with me, and the knowledge of this matter would reach Bridge-Hampton previous to my return. Thus stood matters in New London. I had determined to deliver the letters and immediately leave town. I accord- ingly set out for the house of General Huntington, the gen- tleman to whom the letter was directed in company with one of those who came with me from Long Island- This companion I wished handsomely to drop, but found myself unable. As I was walking through the street, I observed a number of gentlemen standing together, and observing me with attention. I immediately concluded that I was dis- covered and known. However, I walked by without appear- ing to notice them 5 when I heard one of them uttering with an emphasis, « By G — d it is Burroughs." This satisfied me as to the truth of my first conjecture. I wished, more and more, my companion gone; but to no purpose ; he still remained with me in spite of all my efforts to the contrary. I found that those who had observed me with so much at- tention were following after me, and continued at but a short distance, until I came to the house of General Hunt- ington. When I went into this house, they made a stand in the street before the door, until I came out ; when they im- mediatelely came up to me, and, in the language of friend- ship, inquired after my health. I was agreeably surprised to find two of my college class-mates among the number, who were practising attornies, attending the Supreme Court sitting in New London. When they accosted me by my name, I gave Ihem to un- derstand they were mistaken. The greater part understood the reply, and went away as though satislied with being convinced of their mistake ; yet one, by the name of Bulkey, one of the before mentioned college class-mates, remained firm to his integrity, and declared that he knew it to be me : «< that he thought it to be me before he heard me speak ; bat iince then was entirely certain.** At this moment, there was passing by a man by the name of Hyde, a new made Justice of the Peace, belonging to Norwich, who being led 23 lao MEMOIRS or ioto the subject by Bulkey, manifested an ardent desire oT convincing the world how prompt he was in the execution of his peace-office. He called for assistance, laid hold of me by their help, and conveyed me to the Attorney General, Mr. Coit. My companion from Long Island was t^rrilied tt seeing all this ; and learned nothing more than that I had changed my name, he came up to me with a woful aspect on his countenance, and said, «A'nt you sorry you changed your name ?" The others who had first accosted me, and more particular- ly, William Hart, my college acquaintance, concluding wheie Hyde and his gang were conveying me, hastened to the At- torney General before we arrived, in time sufficient to give him a just statement of the matter. When we arrived at the house of Mr. Coit, I found a large gathering already there. I had now given myself over as lost. I concluded thai my detention and re-conveyance back to Worcester, were quite certain. The extreme state of weakness to which I was re- duced by sickness rendered the prospect of escape hopeless. I saw the rigor of my confinement increased, and the severity of my punishment by no means diminished. I saw another series of cruel suflTerinqfs before me, of which I could not even conjecture an end. Hyde exulted much in the part he had acted, concluding, as 1 readily understood, from his conversa- tion, that he had done himself immortal honor. He took the utmost pains to exhibit me to the view of the surrounding spectators as a monster of iniquity, and as a devil incarnate, in order to enhance his own merit in the act of confining me from society. He told many anecdotes relating to me ; of my sttalinar horses, comniittin? rapes, &c. With all, he wound up, with an anecdote of his own experience. " When I was riding through the state of New Hampshire, some years since," said Hyde, " I saw a man standing in his door at Charles- town, who took me to be Burroughs.* I was on a very fine horse, and the man called out to me, Burroughs, where did you get that horse ? I made no answer, but rode on ; when the man called again, Damn you Burroughs, if you do not stop, I will stop you! But continuing still to ride on, the man ran after me, and overtook me ; when I turned about, and demanded what he wanted. The man, by this, discover- ing his mistake, begged ray pardon, observing, I thought il * Esquire Hy to Charlton^ where we arrived about noon. After our arrival, I immediately set out on foe t, and reached fourteen miles further that afternoon. I put up at a house where the people were strangers, as I then conceived, in the town of Canterbury. During the course of the evening, by some conversation that passed in the family, I began to conjecture that I was in the house of an old acqu' intance of my father. Previous to my retiring to bed, the ^..n of the house came home, who was before absent; and I readily recognized the countenance of Doctor Knight, although I had not seen him since I was of the age of seven, being about the space of twenty years. The Doctor conducted me to the bed where I was to sleep, and I embraced tliat opportunity to discover myself to him, hoping to gain some intelligence which might be of conse- quence, either relating to my family, or the public opinion, and measures which had been taken since I lefl the country. I was, however, unsuccessful in my object, not gaining any intelligence upon either of those points. I arose early next morning, and departed, after being made welcome, by the Doctor, to my lodging. I found a fever perpetually hanging abont me, and the worry of travelling constantly increasing it. But my feel- ings were so much interested in pursuing my journey, that my judsment had lost its force ; and I travelled with an unahating diligence, until midnight, when, to my no small satisfaction, I arrived to the abode of my family. This scene I shall never presume to describe. Your own fruitful im- asfination will do more justice to the subject than is possible for the power of language to perform. I tanied here two days, and found my health constantly d* dining. I began to grow alarmed, under an apprehensia -^s^^H^sfjfon-"^ -p *- i r u STEPHEN B^TBROUOMf. 263 ihat I might have a severe confinement by sickness in this placC) and by that means be discovered, and committed to Worcester jail. Therefore I procured a friend to carry me on horse-bacK, into the state of Oonneclicut, where we ar> rived about midnight, at the house of a distant relation in the town of Thompson. Here [ tarried until the close of the Jiext evening, and then began my journey again on foot. However, I found my weakness so great, I could not proceed more than two miles that night. I stopped at a house about 9 o'clock in the eveninar, and went to bed immediately; but found little rest through the n-ight. A fit of the fever and ague came on me ; and after that the sweat poured from every part of my body in the most copious effusion. In the morn- ing I was scarcely able to rise from my bed. However, I dressed myself, and after procuring horses, 1 again set off for Plainfield, about twelve miles distant, in order to take the stage from thence to Norwich. I arrived here about noon^ but so very weak that I was under the necessity of going immediately to bed. Indeed my disorder began to increase so rapidly, that I pretty much despaired of returning to Long-Island for the present, and concluded that I must be confined by a fit of^ sickness. A fit of the fever and ague came on me again and after that the copious discharge of sweat. I felt more at ease when the sweat had ceased, but by no means strengthened. However, I determined to set forward again at the arrival of the stage. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon I took a seat in the stage, and set off for Norwich, t found in the stage a gentleman of the law from Boston, travelling to the west. After some in- troductory conversation, I was satisfied that was not re- cognized by him, alt'houuh we had formerly known each other. After I was satisfied in this respect, I gradually in- troducec', as though by accident the topic of conversation which lay near my heart, (viz.) the singular trial of one Burroughs, at the sitting of the Supreme Court at Worcester in their April term. I manifested some surprise at the con- ducting this trial by the court, if I had been rightly informed into the matter. He allowed my information to' be correct, but defended their conduct by the singularity of the character they had to deal with. His ideas upon that subject were -k/^lkp flkllf^winor notiirp_ 23» S84 MEMOIRS or «This Burroughs was, of all characters yon ev^rlie^ mention made, the lAost swigulu-. He has led a course of the most barefaced and horrid crimes of any man livinfr,e?en from his chiUhood, to such a degree, that his own father haft desired the courts to shew him no favor, and wishes, for the good of seciety, to have him confined perpetually, as the only possible means to prevent that course of horrid trail** gressions which he has perpetrated ever since he has beett capable of acting. After an innumera*le train of instances in which he was guilly of stealing, tiounterfeiting, robbing, adultery, &,c. he was apprehended and sent on to the Castle, lo this aiiuation, as though confinement had made him ten* fold worse than formerly, he often threw the whole garrison into a stale of alarm ; burnt the buildings ; wounded the soldiers, some, it WIS supposed mortally; and finally made his escape : no property was secure from his grasp ; no vir- tue was proof against his wiles, even to such a measure that he became a general nuisance to society ; and the country arose in its own defence and confined him in jail. «< Such a character you will not wonder was very obnox* ious to the court, and they found it necessary lo take the most decided measures to bring him to justice; for even under this load of infamy, he hau planned hiv«; mailers with that ad- dress and dexterity, by means of the testimony of his accom- plices, that, with the utmost difficulty, the coujt obtained his condemnation. Alter that they determined to lay a sentence upon him that should keep him confined for a long time; but in vain. He soon made his escape, and is now acting the same scenes of excess over again. Finally, you cannot enter into the merits of this trial, so as lo understand it thoroughly, unless you should become really acquainted with the villain ; then you would be sensible that tow great exertions could not be made against him," The carriage at this moment broke down; and all the passengers were under i necessity of halting, until another was brought lo take them up. Under this situation, William Hart, E-q. came riding up, and saluted me by ihe name of "Burroughs." Aghast and astonished, the poor lawyer rolled his eyeballs in wild dismay. The apparition of Mac- beth's Ghost would not have been so terrible to this son of i\\ ST£ril£> BURROUr.HS. 26^ tha Ions ror o, as the sight of that identical mao, whose pie* tare he had su pleasingly drawn. « He believed he could walk to Norwicli mnch easier than wait for the carriage." He made his obeisance to the company, and marched off. As low as my spirits had been reduced by the gloomy pros- pects presented by my increasing sickness, I felt them ex- hilerated by this curious circumstance. I laughed aloud^ which conveyed the sensations of my heart to this knight of romance ; but he did not tarry for any further explanation. He pursued his course with diligence, and was soon out of; sight. We were directly reseated in another carriage, and drove on with speed : but did not overtake our lawyer. He had either stopped by the way, or made greater progress on foqt than is common for men who are not impelled by extraordi* nary moiives. The stage set me down at Norwich Landing, and con" tinned its route to the town. This night I found the fits of fever and ague increasing, and my strength continually aba- ting. The next morning it was with difficulty I reached the boat bound to New London, where we arrived about two o'clock, P. M, 1 here found that I could not proceed any further, but must subnin to the force of sickness, and lie by un(il I should be better ible to move. jiiy CHAPTER XXVL I WILL here leave the course of my journey, and go back a little, to take notice of some circumi u;;* « necessary to be noted in nrder for you to entertain a clear luca of my present prospects, and future hopes. As the object of making pro- vision for my family was the prp- ailing Wish of my heart, I had flattered myself that the rr;!a/y which I should receive for the school would be sufficient, with close economy, to support us, in some small stale of comfort. Under this view I had proposed the plan of moving my family to Long Island ; but, previous to such a measure, my wife's father hadagreei to make me a visit, to view my prospects, and then deter- 26« VIEMOIRS OF mine whether prudence would allow of such an attempt As the money whteh I was to receive for the school was the only dependence which I had, I felt not very san-uine in my hope at this time, because, as long as I should remain sick and unable to teach the school, I was earnin- no money; and was moreover, involving myself in debts which must be discharged with the first money I could raise from my la- bors. My sickness would probably prevent my keeping the school where I had engaged, as the proprietor wished to have It opened, at furthest, by that time, and I had presumed al- ready to overrun it by a fortnight. I was confined, by sickness, about a week in New London, belore I found myself recruited in any measure. As I felt extremely anxious to gain intelligence relating to the school in Bridge-Hampton, a matter on which much depended in my then present situation, 1 once more attempted to cross the bound. Hound the motion of the boat v, ry irksome : and before r had reached the Lonsr Island side, I was again at- tacked with a severe visit of the fever and ague, attended with the most violent effusions of sweat immediately sue- ceedinc. After I had again arrived at Sag Harbor, I betook myse f to bed, and after the space of five or six hours found myself so far recruited as to be able to ride to Bridse-Hamp- ton. When I arrived at this place, I found they had engaged another instructor despairing of my return, and he had ap- pointed the day for opening the school. This circumstance was a matter of great disappointment, inasmuch as f could not proceed further for want of money or health. I represented my situation of distress to the person, Johnson by name, who had engaged the school, with some hope that he would relinquish his appointment, and look for another situation ; but all to no purpose. He re- mained stedfast in his resolution, and all entreaties were in- effectual. I now concluded my labors were at an end ; that I had nothing left but to wait patiently the time of my exit from these continued scenes of wo. "Not dreadful the transition ; though the mind, An artist at creating self-alarms, Rich in expedients for inquietude, li prone to paint iu dreadful. Who can take STEPHEN BURROCTGHS. ffgf' jrtr'iiT Death'i portrait true ? The tyr« i» isv r »at. ^ ^.|. Our gketch all random strokei. cotj ,cture all ; Close shuts tlic G;rave nor tells j*; single tale. ' V' Death, «n(l his image, ' <^)nthe brain, • Bear faint resemblance . er?re alike; Fear shocks the pencil ; ^...y loves ezccu, Dark ignorance ia lavish of her shades ; ' And these the formidable picture draw." In this situation I lay two days, unable to rise from my bed. I found the people in this place desirous of my instructing their school, if they could by any means get rid of their en- gagement with Johnson. They had formed a favorable idea of my performance in that lino by the character I had sustain- ed in that capacity on Shelter Island, the place being only five miles distant, and Johnson being a total stranger in the coontry. Therefore the people of this district sent to another part of the town, who were destitute, and wanted a school- piaster, informing them that one was to be had by applying immediately, and mentioned Johnson as the person. It was likewise mentioned to him that application would be made from another part of the town, where the presumption was much stronger in his favor for high wases, &,c. Johnson eagerly swallowed this bait, ant! accepted the invitation im- mediately after it was given. The committee who were ap- pointed for this purpose, learning, however, that there was another person present, who was a candidate for a school- master, and who they found, was to teach the school in the raiddie district, provided they could get Johnson off their hands, began to query about the propriety of bavins the choice themselves rather than the middle district, seeing Johnson was already engaged. This motion, I found, by no means comfjorting with the feelings of Johnson, or the people of the middle district. He wished to lake the western school, and the people of the middle district wished the same. This pro- duced a warm altercation between the two committees ; but they finally agreed upon ine as the person to decide the con- test ; and 1 chose to abide where I was. This accordingly settled the dispute. What inriuenced my choice was, the solicitation of J(»hnson, who was now as anxious to leave this sitration, as I was the day bef(»re to have him. In a few days, I was so far recovered as to begin my school. My health, hovvever, was so low as obliged me frequently to lay it by, sometimes for the spnce of half a day, and some times for a whole dav. As this w-?« tirti ijkK 268 MEMoiks or some of the most surprisina: transactions were performed of any I have met with, it will be necessary to give you an idet of the leading characters of this place. - .'Jto And I will begin with a person that will appear most fre- quently, and who performed the most conspicuous part in those matters particularly relating to me, viz. Rev. Aaron VVoolworth. He was a clergyman, settled in the ministerial office at Bridge Hampton, and who resided near me, during my continuance in this place. This man was about the age of eight and twenty ; had been the preacher to this people about six years; had a wife and three children. His wife was the daughter of the aged and venerable Doctor Buel, minister of East Hampton, a town adjoinins; and was, like her father, a person of good natural disposition, though pos- sessing moderate abilities. Mr. VVoolworth was of small stature, diminutive in his appearance, his features somewhat irregular, but his countenance displaying a great share of vi- vacity and spirit. His voice in conversation and in preaching Avas harsh and unharmonious. His gestures and deportment, at first view, were somewhat awkward and clumsy ; but be- yond this was soon discovered a pleasing companion, and in« teresting associate. His genius was brilliant ; his mind was active and full of enterprise. As a reasoner, he was close and metaphysit^al, but as a declaimer, he was bungling and weak. His passion for an unlimited influence over the minds of his parishioners was so great, that every other feeling fell a sacrilice to it. Any circumstance that obstructed this favorite motive he sought to remove, be the consequences what they might. He was impatient of contradiction, and easily irritated. He had a thirst for associating with such characters as were rich, or who even made a splendid appearance ; hence his in- timate associates were the following characters, viz. Deacon Hedges, a man of extensive property, of small abilities, either natural or acquired ; the whole of his information being com- prised in his own circle of property. This man was avaricious in the extreme, sordid and clownish. Yet no man made more flaming pretensions to the exercises of religion than he. He ever took the lead in public worship in the absence <»f the clergyman. One would draw the idea from his prayers, that he really was but a sojourner in this world, seeking for another and better country; and that he viewed all things in it as dross and dung. Yet to see the same man, on another diiy, one would be led to conclude that this world was his STEPHKN BT71lROU»H8. 269 god, and its goods his inheritance. I will relate one or two aoccdotes concerning this man, and pass from the disagreeable picture. At a Certain lime, a man from New York had bargained for all the cheese bclonsin? to Deacon Hedges, at the price of six pence the pound, and had paid him some earnest money, but had not taken the cheese away. A few days after, another man^ on the same business, called on the Dea- ifcon, and oflered him seven pence per pound. The Deacon seemed somewhat embarrassed, and to hesitate ; but finally told the man that his cheese was all engaged. Upon this the man was retirins. but the Deacon observed, before he had left the house, that it was possible Mrs. Hed£?es might have some cheese for sale. The man stopped, and the Deacon went into another room, where he remained some time : and at length Mrs. Hedges made her appearance, and sold three thousand weight of cheese for seven pence per pound ; and when the other man called for his cheese the Deacon had but two hundred and fifty weight that he could possibly spare. At a certain time the Deacon was sick, and apparently nigh Mnto death. Under this situation he was visited by a Jew, who bore him no very sreat affection ; and was asked whether he felt himself willing to submit to the stroke of death. To which the Deacon very readily answered in the affirmative. *'Vel vel," said the Jew, "you be one very remarkable man. You be villing to die yourself, and all your neighbors be villing you should.'* Judge Hurlbut occupied the second place in Mr. Wool- worth's esteem. This man likewise was a person of very moderate abilities, full of religious professions, but not so careful to commend himself to the consciences of others for his honesty, as many who made no cloak of religion to cover a base heart. Sometime in the course of the last war, he was appointed •0 agent for the crew of a privateer sailing out of New Lon- don, to sell the prizes, divide the money, &c. This circum- stance placed property in his hands to a considerable amount. At the close of the war, he left New London, came to Long Island, purchased a farm, erected handsome buildings, and lived in a state of splendor for a while. Bui after I had lived 3n the island for the space of two years, the owners of the privateer began to lay claim to the property he had made use of, belonsrin? to them : and he was obliged to relinauish his H V ino MCMoins or fai'm, building, &c.and retire into obscurity, to support bioi- »clf by the exercise of his trade, being educated a saddler. With all this he did not by any means discharge his debts. Capt. Post was the third man who made his appearance in this group. He had commanded a privateer during the war r but had not been very successful in his enterprises, owing to an extraordinary degree of caution not to be drawn into an ambuscade by any vessel he might chance to spy during Ms cruismg. Towards his own men he was courageous in the extreme, if tyranny and barbarity are marks of courage, lowards the enemy his heroism was not so clearly establish- ed, owmg to his great caution not to be thrown into the way of Its bemg put to the trial. However, some small prizes fell into his hands; and it was currently rejiorted that, at least his own share of these prizes came to his possession, besides some small donations from the private property of the officers who fell under his power. At the close of the war, he found himself able to purchase, .n company with two others, a brig of about 150 tons bur- den, in which he followed the West India trade. It hap- pened surprisinsly, that in every voyage, he involved his owners in debt, but grew richer himself This scene con- tinued until one, more wary than the olher^ gave up the use of his part of the brig, and refused to assist in fitting her out any more. Notwithstanding, the other owner continued his aid, until he became bankrupt; and Capt. Post yet re- mained possessed of a considerable farm, and the most ele- gant buildings of any in the country. The bri? was then sold, and the avails divided among the several owners. Capt. Post descended from parentage extremely low and pcor; ac- cordingly his education was rough and uncouth. Yet he possessed a strong desire to be thought a man of information and importance. This frequently led him to tell large, pompous ^slt^ies, of which himself was ever the hero. He was a as -^ .fc swaggerer over those whom he found calculated Jo bear it; but to others he was supple, cringing, and mean. A man using the most '•ough, uncouth, and Llasphemous language, before those whose good opinion he did not wish to retain. Surprising as it may seem, these three were the most in- timate companions with whom Mr. Wool worth perpetually STEPlifEN BITRROUGHS. 271 iildiclated ; which you will consider as being no very stroni? mark of his prudence, let his taste be ever so vitiated, or assimilated to such company. Having completed the picture of the four principal characters, it will be only necessary to give a slight sketch of a few others. Doctor Hose, who kept a house of entertainment, was better fitted by nature and acquirenwnt, for a printer, than either for a physician or tavern-keeper ; being the best cal- cuiated to gather and distribute news of any man I ever knew. He was a man of very superficial abilities in hii professional character ; a professed friend to every one, but sincere to none; versatile and unstable in his disposition, and a libertine in practice. Elias Halsey, one amongst many of the same name, was a person descended from a family in moderate circumstances, who pursued a system of industry and economy, thereby ob- taining a comfortable support. His education was not great ,• and his opportunity for learning men and manneis were small; notwithstanding which, he had a senius which was brilliant, and a great thirst for information. He was a per- son of keen feelings, hasty passions, and a good heart. The turbulence of his passions often led him astray in the exercise of his goodness. He failed in system, and of course was not always stable. Deacon Cook was the leading character of a small society innhis place, denominated Separates. Between these two societies there was the greatest animosity; and as Deacon Cook was the principal member of the Separates, the other party blackened his character with the vilest epithets that language could utter. He was an old gentleman, treading hard upon eighty. Time had brightened his locks with pure wiver; but his age was no protection from the tongue of ^nder. As the line of his conduct which was open to my view, gave me a far difl'erent idea of his character, so the facts to be related hereafter will form data for your opinion ia relation to \he same matter. The character of the people in this place was of the follow- ing dcfcription, viz. uniform contracted, and uniformed. Economy was practised here, upon the closest system, by far, ol'any with which I was ever acouainted. 24~~*"" 27S MEMOIRS or measure, produced this effect. The people were 80 extreme- ly attached to their own modes and customs, that it produced a Tondness fur their own society and disrelish to other cus- toms, beyond parrallel j hence emigration from their internal population was less frequent here, than in places elsewhere. Therefore the country had become populous, and the soil so exhausted as not to be luxuriant. The land was generally divided into small parcels amonf:9t the proprietors, from forty to ten acres. Under the circumstances rather than emigrate into those parts where land was in greater plenty, they contended themselves with living close, poor, and careful. Notwithstanding, they were a people under thriving circumstances, every one living within his income, be it ever so small ; and their poor«tax was smallest, for 80 populous a place, of any on the continent. Could useful manufactories be introduced, and three quaters of the inhab- itants turn their attention to them, retaining their industry and ecquomy, 1 do not know the place where they could be made more profitable as labor and provisions are extremely cheap for cash. The means for acquiring property here, are few, and very simple ; no mechanical branches being pur- sued, but barely to answer the necessities of the inhabitants, such as shoe-making, tailoring, and blacksmithing ; all otlier pursuits being common hand labor. This people are at the lowest ebb in their improvements, either in agriculture, manufactures, or domestic economy. They are the genuine picture of ancient times, when their land was first settled by its while inhabitants. These effects are produced, in a great degree, by their insular situation. Among these people I was about beginning my career asain upon the active stage of life, and to establish a line of busi- ness which should render me a support for myself and family. I accordingly commenced my operations under such circum- stances as will better appear to you from what I have related than by what I can, by any means, describe. I had not, at best, any glaring prospect of accumulating an independent properly. After I had pursued the business of instructing this school about three weeks, my wife's father, according to agreement, came to Bridge-Hampton. My school at this time was crowd- ed with srholars. and thP nmsnppfs vvpfp Tnir: vpt mv nnmp 8TEP1IKN BURROUGHS. 273 snd character were ve.led in secrecy, and what would be the event of the disclosure of this matter was still a doubt ; and to remove my family to Bridsje-Hampton must, in its natural effect, finally reveal it. Therefore it was thouaht best for my father-in-law to lay open this circumstance, together with my general history, to the people, in order to see iui operation, previous to my family's coming to me. Accord- ingly we pitched upon Mr. Wool worth as a proper person to whom we should unfold this matter, and consult him further what was to be done. Vie accordingly waited on Mr. Wool /orth to whom I in- troduced my father, and left them together. I tarried away about two hours, and then returning; and found that the whole matter had been laid open, to which Mr. Woolworth had given a favorable ear, and promised his assistance during the tiipe I should choose to remain among his people. His influence, I knew, was weighty, and would be of the ut- most consequence. It was thought best to call a meeting of the proprietors of the school that evening, and for Mr. Woolworlh to be present, and lay open the whole matter ta them. This plan was accordingly put into execution, and the most favorable consequences apparently produced. However, I found that the world was in a slate of ferment, at the recital of this strange news. The peoi)le on Shelter Island had found themselves thrown out in all their conjec- tures. Uncle Jim was abashed ; Doctor Havens was con- founded. Judge Havens was the only man who appeared unmoved in the general tumult. A lelter I received a few days after will give you a better idea of the matter, than any thing else.* This was a fine subject for the relish of Doctor •Sir, Nov. Uth, 1791. I have thought that it would not be uninteresting or disagreeable to you (to receive some account of a remarkable event which hath happened here •nice you left us. You must know that, not long since, a remarkable phe- nomenon appeared within our hemisphere. But lliis was not any thing which was to be seen in the starry heavens; but was confined altogether to our mother earth, and partook of the morai world as well as the natural ; and wag conveyed to us by water ; and might properly be designated bj the term character ; the particulars of which I will detail to you. He was the son of a clergyman of reputation, and boin in Leaden-haU Kreet in London, and received his education in London, wImj .he w tgnirrit in i\\a va..ir>ii> • - u- J v!iaut.is\:z vi scjcucc J nc was pa..^ni3ea r p>. (? ^ /a '<^. ^ ^> IMAGE EVALUATIOK^ TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I •^ I™ ill 2.2 :^ U£ 12.0 1.25 111= JA 11.6 Photograpliic Sciences Corporation « :<\^ iV :\ \ -<">» '■ *» 1*^ ^9) V 6^ <^ '^^%^^ <# 23 WEST MAIN STREET WE3STER,N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 M9 C/j w, m ^ ii|iiiW»IMIUI|IWW|ipiiii| m MEMOIRS OF Rose. He had full employ for a number of days, and actually Kfew fleshy under the pleasing eifect. People flocked to ka house for information. He was never weary in stating ii ^V:Z — r"*.ee""«"?an of great distinction in that city, and who reproent- edthecily in Parliament and had Jived six years in a comptinff-houM. with merchants whocarri«doM the Russia trad*z and at some time in th^ late American war, his worthy friend and natron, Mr , had enter- ea into the Jaudable scheme of attempting. In some degree, to emancipate the Irish, and relieve them from the intolerable burden of the British jojce ; and, to effect this purpose, had written a pamphlet, entitled, "Th« political necromancer, or the popish plot detected," which he, the abon men loned character, had copied off in his own hand writing, and had i»ri- vately caused fifty thousand copies of it to be printed and dispersed ail over Ireland; which had, in a great measure, the desired effect. The Irish were roused, and the English obliged to make concessions. TWi eouducj had greatly incensed the British ministry. The pamphlet wa. jleemed a libel ; and the author of it, when discovered, was sure to suffer Ihe utmost vengeance of the British gorernment. For a long time this re- mained undiscovered, but was at last disclosed by a journeyman printer ; «ud our charadter was obliged suddenly to leave his naarest and dearest connexions, and take refuge in a foreign country, to save his worthy friend and patron. Chance throwed him in the way of his friend Cant. -- - Who brought him out to Nova-Scotia were a thousand guineas reward were ottered for hiin by the governor. But his friend provided means to convey him privately by water into the American lines. Here he 8uff«red » dismal disaster ; for the Captain who was desired to do this, behaved like a villain, and robbed him of his chest, in which were ail his clothes and money, and in particular some bills of exchange on a noted house in Baltimore ; and then sat itim on siiore, forlorn and destitute ; and, to add to his afflictions, he was obliged, the ensuing night, to walk thirty miles through mud and mire barefooted, and in a dreary dismal way, to avoid a horrid plot w.uch had been laid to entrap him. He was conveyed from thence bv a friendly Captain, to Rhode-J^land, and had now taken shelter in our Isle, anu wished our protection and friendsliin. To some of his more intimate friends, he hinted that he had left behind him in England, a connexion of the tenderest kind, a young lady of the most amiable quali- ties and exalted virtues, with whom he was on the eve of a marriage; To this account I will add some description of his person. He was tall hand- some, genteel and agreeable in conversation and manners ; appeared to be a man of readiu-and extensive information ; was well acouaiiited with Ihe world ; and the natural endowment of his mind appeared to be such as might render him an ornament to the country in which he lived, and a useful citizen. To the public he appeared in the double capacity of the rhilanlhroinst, calling upon all mankind "to co-operate with him," iu the establishment of the principle of universal benevolence, on the ruiiu ofsuperslilion ; and of an Observer, to support his works against the rude assaults of criticism. Various was the opinion of the public concerning this character ; some supposed it not at all founded in truth. All seemed Co euterlain suspicio.i. For my own part I reasoned on the subject to my- •clf, and said, *' It cannot surely be possible that so many natural endow^ ineiils should he wholly destitute of (he moral sense: but perhaps Ihe truth may be, that he is some person of our country, who hath been t«> E^iglaijd, and hath ieil it swddculy ou accQiwt.of some swindling trick." STEPHEN BURROUGHS. m HidfT, in opening and exponnding, the whole of the news on this extraordinary circumstance. Notwithstanding my school flourished, and all things seemed to subside into a peaceful calm* • in"i n -■.>,. y _,v. ■■■,,■' ., ^.; . , .t- , .t V , -,i 'i^ But In the mWit of this variety of specolationi upon a character so new and estraor-Jinary, how sudden and surprisinir the chanire • ramPnnpn.^ K.n£eTj','"*^r^' ^"f 'r^ the^ortS3eV„ llZZ'':^. hemHphere, blasted upon him with her trumpet, and suddenly this nleas. ing cA«acter' vanished like the baseless fibre of a vis1on^' "nd^'n I U room was exhibited another of the most hideous kind! A thousand ri- mor. floated upon a thousand tongues, and every one of thele wasTnfam? Ifehad committed a rape! had counterfeited money I was a nmSi ^heat ; wasa liar; was a ra«:al ; was a villain ! had committed theA "had tte sac*reT/±?r'' suit of clothe, from a clergyman ; had dared to as ume the sacred function when he was unworthy: murder and sodomy were h mLTr!'''' • i'^^'" V^* ^'ack catalogue of 'his crimes. I have hea^d of him before, said one, I know all about him, says another : his whole life ha. been one series of enormity, cries a third The has been discracwl bj IfX, Inr""^^'"- "'' "' ^"" I'J^*' [''"«»' «y a fourth. I.X miS of this uproar, being actuated by the principles of philanthrophy. and .l^n").^K ""'""**" ",''i .*»" Y^ ""' Y«* abandoned himself, I determ Jed"J J.n.iiLP"'''' T" / '^^'""'^ *" theliourof his distress and calamity Stop! gentlemen, say I, stay your rage : pray hearken to reason. The devK not so bad as his picture. « But he has committed a rape certainlv/' «« It by saying that it did not amount to a force, and that I understood tho young woman swore falsely to plaster over herVeputatfon)-". But Se £ thing of this kind has perhaps happened," say I, '« but this was owineS his extreme necessities. ' •« The rascal has called himself arEnSman all the while," says a third, « He only forgot to insert the word S" "^ '""r '!!u' * .?ir ^"sHsh man." " the villain ha, altered hTs name " •ay. a fourth. » He sprung from Eden," say I, " and therefore may. with propriety enough, be called Eden's son."^' " He is a d-dliTr*" cries one,, " his head is a perfect magazine of lies." •• You ouffht in consider that having laid a wrong foundation, when he came to build hS •uperstructure upon ,t, and embellish the building, and ornament it h al. its parts, these must necessarily be wrong likewise." To one and al I .ay, "the gentleman has been in a wrong road for some time ; but I am nchned to believe that he has turned short about, and has now come in " the right path; he is now at the bottom of the hill, pray give the ma! a chance to come up again, and get upon a level with his fellow citixens." By arguments like these, at one time facetious, at another time seriou.. I endeavor to smooth over every difficulty, and make every circumsUnce In pear a, favorable as possible. This, I think, i. acting ac3i Ho tfe rueprinciples of benevolet.ce and philanthrophy ; and I doubt "^not that I., fiiture he will " co-operate with me" to render these exerLons in hi. favor of the most lasting benefit to himself, and to his nearest and dearest connexions. You will perhnps wonder why I should so far interes^my «lf in this person's good or ill fortune. This requires some explanatSJ You must know then, thatthe secret of hi, birth and characterJa, bv • pnvate communication, made known unto me for a long time before'it ia> known in thu part of the country. It wa, evening When I first JeceiTe" 24* 276 MEMOIRS or \ At this time I had in money but one half dollar, and no otlier property to help myself, excepting the anticipation of my wages. With this I hired a house for my family, of Mr. EUasHal.^ey, the person afore-mentioned, and bought 1!^6 lbii>^ of beef, 140 of pork, 2 bushels of Indian corn, and 1 of ry^,< with 6 cords of wood for my winter's store. With this pro- vision for my family I remained till they arrived, which was about the beginning of winter ; and my wife brought monef only sufficient to defray her expenses till she had crossed thj^' Sound, and arrived on the island. My health, at this time, was a^am on the decline. Pulmonary complaints had taken hold of me, and constant fever attended, together with great this iiitelJigence, and notwithstanding my former suspicions, I was struck lightning from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning ! All thy anxieties •nd fear lest S^r John Templeshould discover thy being in this couut y th^ Rrl.Tri ^° "^'If'- ,»'•»'» thou dread the maiice l,.d persecu.bn o S^iv^ T.Th' .^^'""K^'' 'halt thou dread the effects of a British outlawry . The doctrine conceriang libels shall no longer prove thy ruin ! The mighty fabnc which thy imagin.u.on hath beenl, long build- ii.g, shall soon vanish like th^ morning (Tream, and pass awav, with the years bevond the flood. How will the sons and da«gAtcA o/the uncir- Publish It not in Askelon. With thoughts and reflections like these was my roubled m- id tossed to and fro almost the whole of the ensuing ni J,t I put the case of this unfortunate stranger home to myself, and my breast was touched with sympathy and compassion. How easy, said I, is it for a T^^lf^l r'^r T^. "*P- *° ,^'iS'^*'" i" '^« P*^^"' "'^ vice, until he is brought V n! b"""! °7"'.'-"«t'«n •' How often have I, by my imprudence and fol, y, needed the forgiveness of others, and shall! not be of the like disposi, ion towards him? Shall man, poor vile man, vain of his own self-riKlw teoHsness and virtues, presume io be less merciful than his Maker ?-^ .™. J^V^""". *"^'' ".^"''T '•'»'»»"» for whom you have so yreMi' •ympathy, has abandoned himself to all manner of vice and immoralitv, and deserres not the ijity or compassion of others. There is nothing im- possible in this; and if he should return here again, perhaps you had Il^o^w-'hi".'"/ •P'I*'i'M'^'?/"^^?S*i"A''»™' '"t y""-- ^^» character should be contaminated." «| No," said I, "it is possible the contrar* Tl M ww^'f.: ""if Vl^ ^'^^ *"'■" * 6en"««» credit for his future vir, . tues. With thoughts like these was ! deprived of rest until my mind ' found consohtion in the following ejaculatory prayer : " O thou Preserve* ' ' of men! deliver him from all those sins which do most easily beset him. Bring him back into the right road. Restore him to himself, and to hu ftlends, and to his country : and if he should again return to seek our pro- tection, grant that he may no longer be stigmatized and scandalized as the tIJestof men; andmayno cold or formal reserve prevent me from giv- ing hini friendlvand decent admonition. If it be thy holy will and pleasure, may I be the happy instrument of reclaiming him ; and may lesus of ^aIareth, wipe all his dismal stains away." * « w* , Mr. Stephen Bubrouohs. -i - . / STEPHEN SUKROUCm. 277 e8i»toas oi sweat immediately after closing my eyes in sleep, which were so great as to drench the sheets in which I lay. At this time 1 had opened an evening school, and thirty scholars attended. When [ useu to dismiss the school at ten o'clock in the eveni. -;, I would find myself exhausted to such a degree that I could scarcely reach home ; and it would seem that I should never again enter the school-house; but this was the only means in my power for th support of my family. Wretchedness stared me in the face. When I stopped the school, absolute want was close at my heels. Therefore in Ihe morninar I would again renew my endeavors to attend to business. This scene continued for sis months ; every night despairing, and every morning renewHg my efforts ; and, Grange to lell, I remained about at one, neither better nor worse ; and continued every day in school, from nine in the mornine till ten at nighr. I found the winter on this island uncommonly severe. Th«: surface of the ground is extremely level, and no intervening hills or woods to break the force of the wind coming in from sea ; hence it becomes the most subject to violent uncomfor* table winds of any place I ever saw. In addition to this, the. buildings on the island are set up high from the ground, with-^ out any underpinning or bankins, and not very light, and, of course, are very cold, being thus unfortified against the winter. In addition to all this, my wife was put to bed this winter, of our second son, and of course, our family was increased with additional expenses. Notwithstandins the six cords of wood, together with the provision in the first place, had reached io ■ the utmost extent of my finances, a few potatoes excepted; and I could not, till the month of April, replenish my store. These weretimes to which I now look back with astonish- ' ment, and wonder how I lived ; how we kept soul and body tovelher. Yet I went through, and continue now perhaps as well as though I had lived in the palace ofa king feasting on the rich viands of his table. For my own part, my state of infirm health too precluded the necessity of much food. At the opening of the sprinar. Doctor Havens put four of his children under my care, and they continued with me for the space of two years; to whom I paid unwearied attention for their advancement in literary acquirements. The Doctor now a?ain renewed all his former professions of friendship : and called on me constantly to enliven the declarations of esteem. However, my neighbors and acquaintance constantly I^c^ f7fi MftMOtRS CFT warned me against the connexion, alTedarin": that I neVtff should close my accounts with the Doctor without difficulty. I observed, with some surprise, that he drd not attend to set- tic his quarter bills ; yet I could not give credit to these ad- monitions, untH bitter experience taught me the lesson, in-: During this time I hau formed a most agreeable and inti- mate acquaintance with Mr. Woolworth. I found him a man of very pleasin? parts, and an entertaining companion. His conduct on my first acquaintance had endeared him to mj feelings ; and his aAer treatment had eonSrmed and increasetf those sensations. I also became acquainted with Mr. Dagge!, minister of South-Hampton, who had written so sptritediy against the "Philanthropist." By these clergymen I was violently attacked upon the subject of the ideas there mani- fested ; but not feeling any strong desire for the support of the sentiment^ given out, and likewise knowing the pieces to have been written in an unguarded manner, I waved the challenge to combat, and did not enter the lists with these knight-er- rants. Soon after this interview, I fell in company with these same gentleman again, when they attacked me with more determinate resolution to bring me into action ; but I still kept them at bay, without closing in the contest. Seeing this, they demanded of me my religious sentiments. Not comply- ing immediately with their demand, they accused meofUni- versalism, than which nothing could be more criminal in their view. This was a circumstance of which they had been somewhat jealous, owing to my wife's father being stronsly in that sentiments. However, their accusation produced no discovery, and we parted no wiser than before. Yet the whisper circulated in some measure amc.ig a few particular characters, that I was supected of entertaining sentiments of Uo'versal salvation ; until a good old lady, who had heard the report, put them all to silence by observing, that «.he can't be a Universaller, for he is quite a civil man." >^. , At tht opening of spring I found myself in a sit'^ation, from my salary, to provide for my family in some little stale of comfort, superior to what we had enjoyed the winter pre- ceding. We saw our little ones smiling around as, and a prospect of being able to provide for them comfortably. Do •TCPHEN BU&RCUGH8. rm fim, sir, know this pleasure ? Indeed you do not ; you ean- jwt. You never yet saw the lime when you expected yonr IitUe ones lo perish before your eyes, or otherwise be thrown «i|«iF>n a barbarous world for charity, whose cold approach puffers thousands to droop and die, before she extends her band to their relief. This I have seen. I have felt these Irtiihs. I have shuddered with horror at the prospect. I h*»ve wished tnyaelf and family at rest in the silent grave, tnder such circumstances my soui revolted at the idea of a louR life. Horror stalked around my dwelling. Wild dis- may was my pillow companion. The most excruciating agony perpetually harrowed my almost exhausted spirits. 10 be relieved from such a situation : to see these frightful images chased from my view; to see all these threatening dancers past and gone, brought on a situation, of all others the most calculated to render me sensible of my present felicity i and to give me those feelings under it, which no other person can experience, unless his situation had been similar to mine. My school, through the winter, had been large, and had made rapid proficiency in learning. Satisfaction was the necessary consequent among all ray constituents ; and pros- perity was now the general prospect. One circumstance seemed but slightly to interrupt this harmony. The evenin« school, which continued through the winter, was composed of elder members, who wished to perfect their education by aUcnding to mathematics, geography and rhetoric. In Dav- ina attention to the latter, they had commitled to memorv « comedy of «. a Bold Stroke for a Wife." After practising it for a while in private, they formed a purpose to exhibit the performance in public. As there was no situation, the meeting-house excepted, convenient for such an exhibition it was determined, after consulting some of the leading men'in the parish, to have the comedy performed in the meeting house. It was accordingly performed before a crowded audience. Deacn Hf-dses had not been consulted on this business. He hyed m a remote pari of the town. He was much offend- ed at the circumslancp. He viewed the house poUuted in con- ?f.quenee of ihe r»er forma nee. B»t this difficulty died away, without much flowmg from it of anv kind. " '"•"nnfitm *»>.' 280 .'^'.♦i MRMfoims or •'* \ . As f hare heretofore hinlcd, Ibe people on this bland wetff ▼ery illiterate, rnakingbuta small ealculalion for informatioB, further than the narrow cirele of their own business extemied. They were almost entirely destitute of books of any kind, ex- cept school books and bibles j hence, those who had a tasie for reading, bad not the opportunity. I found a number of those young people who had atlerwied my evening school, possessinj; bright abilities, and a strong thirst for information^ which would lead to rapid improvement had they the opporw tunity. Therefore, under circumstances like these, I felt very deiirous to devise some method to remove the evil. It was a subject of frequent conversation with the various characters into whose company I happened to fall. No plan, however, was yet adopted. I mentioned the expedience of a Sunday school. That idea was immediately rejected, on the principle of its being unprecedented in the place. I proposed to devote Saturdays for the instruction of those who could not attend through the week; but that trenched too bard upon the economical system. I endeavored to persuade the young people to buy books ; but the greater part being yet minors, that could not be effected without the assistance of their pa- rents, which assistance could not be expected on account of the expense. I finally thought of using my endeavors to per- suade the people into the expediency of raising money for the purpose of collecting a number of books for the use of the young people of the district. I laid this plan before Mr. Woolworlh for advice. I had often conversed with him on the subject before. He did not encourasre me in tire pursuit. He said the people would not consent to it j that they had no idea of the beneht of books, or of a good education ; "and you cannot persuade them to any thing that is »^u>, or that is at- tended with expense. I have tried this matter i.jysell. f have had the assistance of Judge Hurlbut i but all did not effect the purpt^e ; a library they would not have. I believe our iniluence is much greater with the people than yours." ' 'Under these discouraging prospects I had about relinquished the idea (though reluctantly) of attempting any plan to assist the young people to procure a tolerable education. I was in eonversaiion one evenin? with Mr. Halsey upon this spbject. He was a man of shrewd discernment and excellent judgment. " Mr. Burroughs, (said he) I have for some time observed your attention to the welfare of your school with some sur- prise. It has do: been thus with ibrmer school masters^ They STEPIISK BUBROUGHS. 8S1 fcite ever manifested a desire to do as little for the school as |bef could consistent with their engagements. I am sensible of the advanlage of such a plan as you propose, of having a collection of books for the common use of the district. I wish you may succeed in your friendly endeavors. I believe yott may, if you pursue right methods. Mr. Wool worth, it is true, lia^ made sundry attempts to establish a library in this town ; tMt a number of circumstances have been unfavorable to his plan. In the first place, he has made the price of a share much too high ; in the room of forty shillings, it ought to be twenty. The people in general will then be likely to becqpie proprietors ; and for such people the library ought to be es- tablished, because they are notable to supply themselves with books in any other way. We who are ignorant of the bene- fits of a library, may be willing to risk twenty shillir^gsj but forty would terrify us. . _ ^ ^.^i^ « Another reason why Mr. Woolworth has not succeeded is, that people are afraid they shall not be gratified in soch books as they want, so long as he has the lead of the basiness. They generally expect the library will consist of books in di- vinity- and dry metaphysical writings; whereas, should they be assured that histories and books of information would be procured, I have no doubt they might be prevailed upon to raise money sufficient foi»such a purpose." These hints from Mr. Halsey were clear in my view, and his reasoning decisive. I determined to improve from it, and once more renew my plan and exertions. As Mr, Woolworth was my counsellor in all matters of moment, I again made application to him, and sketched out the plan for his opinion. He still manifested his doubts about my succeeding. He added, « Certainly, you cannot expect your influence among this people to be equal to mme. I have tried the project faithfully, and have not succeeded." However, after reason- ing with him upon the subject for the space of two hours, he ended with this observation— « If you find that you have in- fluence enough among the people to effect your purpose, i will become a member of your library." Thus we parted. -n-s-i' If* ^{'» -'♦ t88 Mii^nit oj^ ' ■K. U' i4i< CHAPTER XXVir. Hatino now a little Itisare on hand, owing to a school va- eation, I determined to devote thai time to the purpose o visiting the people of the district, and offering and urging upon them my plan for a Jibrary. Much to my salisfacti»»n, I found the people willing to grant their aid to this businesi, after I had informed them into the nature of such books a» ihould be procured, and into the advantages such a matter Would afl'ord them. However, I had to renew ray promises orten, before they could feel certain that their money would be appropriated to the purchase of histories, &c. In the space ofa few days I had raised forty pounds, which I supposed adequate to the purpose first intended. I then a|v plied to Mr. Woolworth for his share of the money, and lo inform him of my success. I felt a degree of exultation in the hope of surprising him in the most agreeable manner, with the news of my succeedi^ig so happily. But what was my astonishment and dismay, when in a cold disdainful manner he observed, " that I was very officious to gain influence among his people." However, he paid his monev, and we parted with feelings, on my side, very different from what Ihey were when I was going on thiS visit. I imuiedialely advertised the proprieters of the library to hold a meeting for the purpose of selecting a catalogue of Iwoks, and to make rules for the government ofa library, &c. At the day appointed we all met. After we had entered in to some desultory conversation upon the business, it was pro. pfwed and agreed to choose a committee of five, to make choice of books. Mr. Woolworth, myself, Deacon Cook, Doctor Rose, and one Matthews, were chosen a commiuee for this purpose. Immediately after we had entered upon business, Mr. Woolworth produced a catalogue of his own selection, and told the meeting that he had consulted all the catalogues of the bookstores in New York, and had chosen the b( si out of them all for this library ; and called for a vole upon his motion. The meeting voted in the affirmative ; upon which he proposed to proceed upon the business of forming rulet for the regulation of the library. I now felt myself in a most disagreeable and delicate situa- tion. Mr. Woolworth was a character, of all others, I would not willingly disoblige* To take any measures to slop hit STliPHKN BURROUGHS. 283 extraordinary efforts, I knew, would offend him in the highest manner ; and to remain a silent spectator would be at once renouncmg every claim to integrity, inasmuch as I had pro! mised the proprietors positively, that histories, and books of information upon secular subjects, should give the leading cast to the complexion of the libra'ry. Mr. wL Iwor^^ waf fully aware of this circumstance. His reasoningTa it^?^ TmlJw r„H' 7^'fr ^*»^«r.*»°«^» (v«-) that asthe sup^n of myself and family depended on my school, and as his in- t^r^T '° 7f d\^^ble that he could essentially injure me in that respect, he therefore concluded that I would sacri- world's "T ^«"^''^^^^^^«'; t° W present support 'and Zol/L 1"'"''^'*"""'? dare provoke his resentment by ?he Hbrfrt 7rth"ri''\'i u'^r^ '** ^^^ ""^^'^^ ^^^ books foJ IiL!^ L ^^^*' '^''"^'^ b^ ^^^ c»«e» tl^e people who had Sit nr 1 M^"'! "t "? '^""^'^ «"^ '^ ^^^"^<>n^' «"d that I would not or could not be instrumental in aiding their measures when opposed to him. The natural conscqueLe flow^Tfr^^^ c?at Vr^^fi*- '^'."^^"^^ ^ ^^ appreciate him, and depre- . hp«rr L '? i^^u"". ""'^"^ ' *. "^"" "^^'^^ «ow lay near his heart, fearful that my growing influence would lead the at- tention of the people from him to other objects. The contempt with which he treated me, as a member of the committee, together with the rest, was what I would have submitted to with patience, on my own account. But when M w^^"'l' ^'^^' "^'"^'^"^ «"«"t under the indignity! Mr. Woolworth not deigning to consult any upon his cata ogue, I found the imperious hand of necessity laid upon me o advocate the cause of those who had paid their money on the faith of my promise. ' In ^ ""TT^!^ ^^"^ ^*''°' °^ ^'- Woolworth to see the cata- ogue he had selected. After running it through, I perce?ved rLllr ''T''u'-' °^'^^ P^^P^^ ^«^ »«^ »>een ill founJed IZ'U 'i',f "i?" ^' ^°"^^ "^"^^^ ^^' ^hem. His catalogue consisted wholly of books upon the subject of ethics ; anddW not contain a single history, or any thing of the kind I t.Tu\V^' "^i^^"'' "^^""^••' '^^' this^catalogue was es- aentially different from the minds of the people, or else I had ZTri^'T^ ''T' ''^* ^ ^^^ apprehensive' theydid not «hn.?n ^!! '^^°^«?^«« ^^^«n they passed the vote; but tha should the mistake lie on my side of the question, I WM I WM--^ £84 M£MOIAS or Willing to stand corrected ; yet, at least, we had deviated from the first plan. Upon this Mr. Woolworth observed, that « he hoped Aw people were not dependent on me to know their own wishes ; that he wished I had modesty enough not to consider myself spokesman for hh people i that he be- lieved Ae was as well acquainted with them, and understood what books would suit them as 1 did." You will naturally conclude that observations like these had no very pleasing eifect upon my feelings. I was deter- mined, however, not to be bullied out of countenance until I had reached the mark for which 1 had started, which was to learn the feelings of the meeting, and to act accordingly. Mr. Woolworth was moderator, and consequently, I could not c^U fo- the minds of the people collectively by a vote; but applied to the members individually, and asked them if they were satisfied with the vote they had just passed j to which they universally answered in the negative. When Mr. Woolworth found them decidedly against their own vote he plead for an adjournment, which was readily granted, and the meeting was adjourned for a wtek. After the present meeting was ended, a nrmber of the members came to my house to consult upon the business in private, which they dare not advocate openly against Mr. Woolworth. I found they were somewhat surprised at my daring to speak publicly against the measures ofthe minister. A few days after, there was a general collection of people, on account of a woman who was delirious, absconding, and hiding herself in the fields. Mr. Woolworth and myself met together on this occasion, for the first time since our library meeting. He attacked me with some warmth, on account of my conduct in opposing him, and told me decidedlv that should I not withdraw my motion at the next meeting of the proprietors of the library, and remain silent, I should there find things that would make me tremble ; and that I must lay my account soon to leave the country. During this con- versation, Judge Hurlbut joined us, and began to address me in the following manner ; « Mr. Burroughs, do you expect to come here among us, and attempt to direct our matters, and set yourself up above all the first men in the country, .. after we had taken pity upon you, a poor miserable vagabond, L i4SaaW_u^J^iA!^'lS'ur'¥:Ha> 4 it-~ml^n STEPHEN BURROUGHS. lUb tamed out of all countries where you have resided, and a disgrace to the people imong whom you ever lived." An adrcss like this, I apprehended, was calculated to rffect the feelings of any man who had feelings, and at the same time manifested such a disposition as sunk Judge Hurl- but into abject contempt, in my view. I Ibund, by this time, a clamor raised, which filled the neighboring towns, that I was trying to fill the library with books of cor- rupt principles ; and more especially with the writings of Deists and Universalists ; and consequently was deter- mined to shut out all good books. This declaration was constantly in the mouths of Judge Hurlbut and Rev. Mr. Woolworth. Matters were in this situation at the appointed time of the adjourned meeting. I found that a large number of members were added to the body of proprietors ; so that by this time, the whole number amounted to nearly or quite a hundred. This had taken place by the instrumentality of Mr. Wool- worth, who had spent a great part of the week of adjourn- ment to gain new members, in order to give himself a ma- jority among them, by the addition of his friends, and more particularly such as he deemed influential. The meeting was opened by Mr. Woolworth, who stated to them the excellency of his own collection of books, and the vile means I had used to make contention and division among his people. He was about calling for a vote of the meeting, when I endeavored to gain a hearing, but to no purpose. He proceeded to put his motion to vote; and, to his infinite mortification, saw but fifteen hands raised. He did not call for the contrary. I then found an opportunity to ^address myself to the meeting, and stated to them my reasons for wishing for a collection of books, in the first place; the methods I had taken, and the plans I had pursued ; but added, " As the business has now become much more exten- sive than I, at first, had entertained the most remote idea, I think the plan of the library ought likewise to be extended, and more latitude given in the choice of books, that we may, in this way, gratify the taste of every member, making this the leading object of attention, to obtain such books gener- ally as are most conformable to the taste of the majority of ^w^ 286 MEIVIOIRS OF 1 /society. I have made a selection irom a number oi catalogues of sueh books as appeared to me suhab^to the first design of this institution : however, 1 did no proceed so far in this choice as I should have done had I known of the considerable addition which has now 'taken place I wm ZILh r* f "^"^"J^"* the title of the books, and tS be tlllhJ n?^ '°" ^" ^ '"'""^"y ^^y- Should any S ducld n« wf ^"^ """' ^''•'^ h« "^^y ^i^h to have intro. duced, I tnmk it reasonable for him to have the privilege so A A T u ".° ^P^^'*^ Objection shall lie in the way.'' the t?t!es of th?i'^ these observations, I proceeded to read ine titles, or the books. Aa^r a course of time, I came to "Brooks' writing- at which Mr. Woolworth dec ared that «for"s«°SV'''''''^'^''''^ others, totally inadmi sible uch'suht..'"r'""r «°d«^«tand it, he writes upon P^.1 K-^fu' ^""^ 1" such an obscure manner; and all of xooi o! duality had been read by some present I madA writt:rit\°.-^'^"' "'^"i" thatUsa urobscrej r«n r ; A ^\'' *^"''*'^'' ^'' Woolworth started, and de- manded if Brooks was the author of the «Fool of Quality " For so Ignorant was this critic, that he did not know the books he undertook to condemn. r.rn^nf / ^^A ^!!"'"^. ""^ Catalogue, this method was finally proposed, and adopted, viz. that two others should be added to the committee, and that the meeting should be adjourned f!rZt ^^''^' u ^^"' '^' ^^'^^^^ «f the committee time lor information ; that another meeting should again be held and a choice of books made after the following LLer, viz that each member of the committee should have a negative upon any book which was offered for admission and thus . proceed until all were satisfied with the books. ' .anZ'M ^^u ^i""^ of adjournment the clamor still increased against the books which I had ofl-ered for the library. Mr. Woolworth and Judge Hurlbut were in a state of great acl tivity on this subject, and their perpetual cry was, « that I was endeavoring to overthrow all religion, morality and order m the place; was introducing corrupt books into the lib.-arv. TZi^^TTV^^ °°" *^^*^ measures to overthrow all the good old estabhshments." '4 •n STEPHEN BUKKOUOHS. 287 At the next meeting, the different members of the com- mittee had collected a catalogue of books, peculiar to their own taste. Deacon Hedges brought forward, « Essays on the Divine authority for Infant Baptism,'' Terms of Churck Communion," "The Careful Watchman," « Age of Grace,'* &.C. all pamphlets. — Deacon Cook's collection was, « History of Martyrs," « Rights of Conscience," "Modern Pharisees," "Defence of Separates," &c — Mr. Woolworth exhibited « Edwards against Chauncey," « History of Redemption " " Jenning's View," &c. Judge Hurlbut concurred in the same. Doctor Rose exhibited « Gay's Fables," « Pleasing Companion," «' Turkish Spy ;" while I, for the third time, recommended "Hume's History," "Voltaire's Histories," "Rollings Ancient History," "Plutarch's Lives," &c. I carefully avoided, from the beginning, offering ny books of the sectarian kind, or that would have a tendency to lead the readers into religious disputes. ^ After we had assembled together, we chose Dr. Rose for our clerk, and on his being appointed, Mr. Woolworth pro- ceeded to order him to insert in his entries, books of his own choice, without even deigning to hear the opinion of any other member of the committee upon them. I endeavored several times to call his attention to the books of my cata- logue, but in vain. Dr. Rose proceeded to obey his orders with punctual exactness, until Mr. Woolworth had finished his catalogue. He then addressed the meeting and told them that the committee had made choice of the catalogue of books then presented, and called for a vote of the meeting whether they would accept it. They voted in the affirmative. After the vote was passed, 1 arose and addressed myself to the meeting in the following manner : « Gentlemen It is with no small degree of pain I have been a spectator of what has passed at this meeting. I have here seen a departure from every principle of propriety in the choice of your libra- ry, and you giving countenance to it by your vote. I in the first place felt anxious to befriend you in the collection of a small number of books for your use I consulted your feelings and interest in the matter, and promised you my faithful fllinnnrf in nrrkmrktinnp eiiy^Vt a mIiaiaa mm v*^.. «..»..U J • r_ i'i ' i '•-•'•>& -••.m= rs •-sivn.c =c JUU V.UUiU UCSitC. 19 obedience to my promise, I have pursued such measures m 25» %i 288 \i MEMOIES or to incur the highest displeasure of Mr. Woolworth and as- Eociates, and subjected myself to the highest insults, to the most virulent lash of slander and raalicnity, and to the threats of being turned out of town with infamy and disgrace; all these evils I could have borne with patience, because I have the consolation of doing what I ought, snd likewise knowing that truth must finally triumph over error; but to see you relinquish thus tamely those privileges which you have mani- fested such a desire for, and which are so clearly your right, is a circumstance truly mortifying. However, as this is the second instance of the kind, I think myself clearly absolved from my first engagement to procure you books according to your taste. I truly feel very much disappointed in the loss of my object, and therefore shall decline any longer con- sidering myself a member of the library. As I have the money in my hands, every member may receive it again, when he requests it.^ You cannot then complain that your money has been applied to uses contrary to your wishes. In thus doing I acquit myself of every obligation which my promise had laid me under to you. I wish you may profit by your library; I wish it may claim the attention of all classes, more particularly the younger, and inspire them with a thirst for information and improvement ; but 1 fear that these consequences will not so readily follow, as I once ex- pected. In the room of hurting the institution, I promise you, gentlemen, that I wil! give h every aid which I can consistently. A poor library is better than none." After I had closed, Mr. Woolworth replied in the severest nnd most pointed terms. He observed, <^ tliat I had very generously promised my aid to his library. Ht wished me to remember that my aid was nr* wished for. They felt per- fisctly able to manase without me, and if I would not consider Jjiyselfofso much consequence in that place, I might meet with better treatment." He likewise demanded the money which I held to be delivered over to him, and not to the individuals. However, his demands were not complied with. I gave each member his money, and departed. In the course of this evenine, about half the members of Ihehbrnry came to my house, and desired me to takp thpir money and send to i\pw York for such books as were con- STEPHEN BURROUGHS. 289 i tained in my first catalogue, observing, that Mr. Woolworth's collection was such, that they would not be members of his library. I demanded why they voted for it, so long as it was contrary to their wishes ; their answer was, that they were loth to offend Mr. Woolworth, for if they did, he could out talk them. I consented to their proposition; but ob- served, that probably the other society would send to New York for their books, and we might, by purchasing the whole together, obtain them cheaper, and after the books ar- rived, then each library receive its own. This idea met with thsir approbation, and it was agreed upon that I should, the next morning, wait on Mr. Woolworth, and lay the plaa before him. I considered Mr. Woolworth the morning preceding, as much out of temper, so far as not to treat me with commoa decency ; how he would feel and conduct this morning was a matter of some doubt in my mind ; however, I was deter- mined to observe such measures towards him as to make it manifest that still the remains of gratitude were sufficiently strong in my heart, to act upon the most friendly terms. I was very sensible that the plan, which I was about laying before him, would embrace his interest as well as mine, and that there could not be any reasonable objection to it. When I arrived at his house, I found that time had by no means cooled his rage. He there said and performed actions which, for the honor of the cloth and of human nature, I do not choose to repeat. He utterly refused to pay any atten- tion to my proposition. He threatened me with immediate expulsion from the place, provided I did not retrench my measures, or if I proceeded to purchase the books for those who had left; his library. My answer to these many threats was of the following tenor : « I feel myself, Mr. Woolworth, founded upon too just a principle to be subject to the motive of fear, therefore you will save yourself some fruitless labor to drop that subject, and never resume it. One circumstance has weight on my mind, in my conduct towards you. When I first came into this town, you then conducted towards me like a friend. I then stood in need of assistance. I felt the ever have more sincerely wished to manifest those sentiments 290 MEMCriS OF vs by the most friendly line of conduct towards you. I still wish It. Therefore I conjure you, foryour own sake, for the sake of my enjoying those sensations of pleasure which will na turally flow from acts of benevolence, that you would conduct ?o as to leave it in my power to shew a friendly part towards "You cannot but be sensible that self-preservation is the first Jaw of nature, and if you continue as you have done to use every eflbrt to injure me in the public opinion ; it is a duty I owe myself and family lo justify my conduct to the public, and this ultimately will be at your expense, for if they entertain an idea of my conduct as being founded in justice they will of course, consider you as a false accuser, malignant character, and revengeful person. How such an idea will operate, you must be sensible, if your passion for revenge «?!K?^'^^""y ?^P"'^^'^ y°" °^ reflection. Finally, sir, r wish to be m such a situation as not to injure you either di- rectly or indirectly." " After I had closed my observations, I saw a sneer of con- lempt sitting on his countenance ; he answered, « You wish not to injure me? I despise your exertions. What do you think you can do, you poor miserable wretch ! towards injur- ing me ? I suppose you wish for me to make terms with you • you forget yourself, that you are a miserable fugitive and exile from your own country, and here by the means of my protection." ^ I left the house of Mr. Woolworth hopeless and melancho- ly. losee the effects of bis ungovernable rage, was an ^^^^""tv ?}^ distressing to any feeling mind, to see him thus blindly pursuing his own ruin to gratify his revenge especially being a clergyman, the professed ambassador of the king of Peace, was an object of contemplation of the most disagreeable kind. I grant the deed Is madness ; but the madness of the heart. And what is that ? Our utmost bound of guilt. A sensual unreflecting life is big With monstrous births, and suicide, to crown I he black infernal brood. I made report to the members of our library that the object wnicn we first rnntpmnlatn/l wo*. «^„. ..•__! /... q«estion, and that it was necessary of consequence to hav» *■ i i - Ji \\ STEPHEN BURROUGHS. 291 f '! a meeting in order to take further measures for our own in- ternal regulations, and procuring the books in question. A meeting accordingly was warned to be held at my house the third night succeeding, where the members accordingly met, and we were proceeding on business, when Mr. Woolworth came among us. He did not now appear with that over- bearing haughtiness which he had at »irst assumed. He seemed moderate and rational. He observed that he was apprehensive our measures were not calculated for the gen- eral good. « While we are pursuing the object of two libra- ries I fear we shall fail in both ; being divided, we shall in our operations militate against each other, and finally both come to the ground." In answer to this we observed, " that every idea we entertained on the subject was to purchase such books with our money as we wished for. This was a right which we inherited from nature, and which we did not intend to give up ; and so long as we could not be indul^^ed in this privilege in company with him, we had separated and set up by ourselves ; yet we were willing to purchase our books together ; nay more, have them all kept in one library, if that were thought most expedient, so that after we had read our books, they might have the privilege of them, so far as ihey esteemed it a privilege, and we of theirs under similar circumstances." To these remarks Mr. Woolworth answered that he felt himse.f entirely contented with them, and further observed, that he would use all his influence with the other members of the committee to have our proposals acceded to, on condi- tion of our remaining still with regard to the purchase of the books, until the sitting of the committee, which would be in about a week. We readily complied with these propsals, and consequently all further proceedings were at present suspended. At the sitting of the committee, I came forward with our proposals, without entertaining the least doubt of their being readily acceded to; but, sir, imagine my astonishment when I heard Mr. Woolworth reprobate the idea in the most point- ed manner, in open violation of his positive promise to the fontrary. He insisted upon it, that it was departing from the dignity of their character to form a cnnlition \v'*!i ^nn'"- contents ; that it was contrary to their powers to admit such books into the library ; and finally, that no other way re- 292 MEMOIRS or but M to no effect h1. ""'^'T^^^"^'' '""^ "''^"^d"? J sition, ^nT iZw 'lZTr.u' ""'•"'='"» his first po! before them. This wo» .„ n ' ""'' '°>''"S "'« business oomn>it,ee now be'^r o e?e„ L^iTf ' "'" '"' "'' "' "«= Mr. Woolworth, and a mietinir of ,t '"' '•'■ °'""'™ ^""^ cordingly warned. ""''""S of tlie proprietors was ac- ^atteowItrSlT'etfreT <'S»J,''"^=r --.s, as a school- Hurlbu^maL °visU,oall',h» f'"- ^oolwo Ih and Jadge order to dissuade^em fr"m L'o" "'"'°"" '"" "" '"''"'='' '» this visit produced no effec" T£Z° T '"^'"" ' ■"""='"' n^atters wen. on as usffii'th^flinl""' °'"" "" *"""' '»" rea^ny a.reedlo'onl'r'lir';^"'? " ''" >'™P-^'' -" on the'part of Mr Wo" wor'th to"f' T ^""' """""'"■ bad bee.-, done, and beZ lew "' Mr'w' '."''"^ ""'='' .o.ue Which I^l^jtrflJsret iJe^'Sotlr/""- b« ^[i^Torntj^r^,;!'"™' -r •'''"^" '"^ '-r: worth, that t"dM .loJ :kZ7Z7^Zt':i f- r"'- sr'renTvrrdT-^-'r • ■ °- »"" "= ::.:; tj:; ..tisfrcUon^f'alTarties. ^dbrth""""'" '° '^^ ■""'"»' volume of my first catalno-?. '^ ''"J-, every individual books were sent for and m»,. '""!:"'''' '" """• ^hc sullen calm. ' """""' "™^'' '° '"•'side into a CHAPTER XXVni. Things rpmuino,! :,. *u:^ _:... .. «.u.erial al.erat-io„: r;:':^^7Z:ZJS^':^ /■~ii> STEPHEN BURROUGHS. 293 It id a * • )- S iS e a grow embarrassed, and he was often in want of money for transacting his small necessary concerns. Under this sitaa- lion, he proposed to a committee, which we had for the pur- pose of making additions to the library, the sale of some books out of his private library. The committee, upon his earnest recommendation, purchased a number, among which was the « History of Charles Wenthworth." If you have ever read those volumes, you will recollect a deistical trea- tise in one ofihem, as severe and ingenious as any extant. I soon heard of this new acquisition, and on the day for drawing books, I asked some if they had seen that book ; Ihey answered in the negative. I then turned to the part re- ferred to, and shewed them some passages. Aghast, in wild dismay, they started back with horror 1 Had Afric's grim lion, his shaggy mane erect, and jaws bedaubed with blood, met them full in the way, they would not have manifested greater signs of fear. To see the holy religion of their an- cestors vilified thus by a vile caitiff, enkindled their eyes with rage, and their cheeks flushed with anger ! To see their library, now their common resource for information, thus corrupted by the vilest heresy, and blackest poison, after they had taken such unwearied pains to obtain one, pure as nature's simple fount, or the gurgling rill rolling its lucid streams over the brightest pebbles, was a sight which made every feeling of holy wrath burn with fury against the un- known traitor. They were loud in their clamors to the li- brarian, to know who was the author of this abominable deed. At length, they heard that Judge Hurlbut was the man ; he, who but a little time before was so fearful of my corrupting the youth with bad books, that he filled the whole country with uproar, lest I should effect such a purpose ; that man, who was the constant companion and fellow laborer of Mr. Woolworth, to keep the library pure from deistical writings ! A knowledge of this circumstance flew with the rapidity of lightning among the people. All who had read the book condemned it to the lowest part of perdition, and a meeting of the proprietors was instantly called, to extirpate so mon- strous a production from the face of the earth. "When we were once more assembled^ JVIr* "VSToQlworth opened the business with a lengthy harangue upon the sub- SM MEMOIRS or ^■ H ject. He labored ihe point wilUthe utmost exerlwn, toflave his friend from condemnation. He went largely into the merits of the book, and said, " As but a very small part wag upon the deistical strain, the other, entertaining narrative, he had no idea of its being attended with fatal consequences, and had it not been for Burroughs, who is ever fond of ma- king mischief, you would not have known that the book coa tained any thing bad in it; but there is a peculiar strain of malignity in this man, which ever seeks for and embraces all opportunities of creating difficulties among the first and best characters. He has kept this parish in an uproar almost ever since he has resided among us, and if you continue to have your minds disturbed by this man's machinations, you will find the parish soon ruined and broken to pieces." I now arose in answer to Mr. Woolworth's observations, and sfiid, that^ " I had now heard some remarks which had surprised me more than any thing else through the whole course of Mr. Woolworth's very extraordinary conduct. It was a justilication of Judge Hurlbut in that transaction, which amounted to the whole of what he had accused me, though wrongfully, of intending, and of condemning in me that conduct which he had cxtoled so much in Judge Hurlbut. But what is the most extraordinary, is the avowed principle upon which he justifies his friend the Judge. He says you would never have known lliat the book had been a bad one, if I had not told you ! He appears to be entirely willing that you should have bad books, to be cheated out of your money, to be wronged, imposed upon and abused, provided there is nobody wicked enough to tell you. Is this a doc- trine, gentlemen, which sounds agreeable to your ears, and particularly from your spiritual leader, from your guide and director in the paths of truth? If your ignorance would be an antidote against the poison of such books put into the li- brary by Judge Hurlbut, why not the same reason in my favor ? And why will not the epithets of mischief-making fellows apply as readily to the reverend gentleman and to his friends, for representing my books in that light, as what it will to me in representing his book in its true light ? And much more so, when you take into consideration, that their statements are false, and that mine have the full force of fact before your eyes. They have taken the liberty, upon nnrp fincnif>inn tn mr^lra Imirl nlnn^y^t.^ n»~:^»<. »... 1 \.~ «>. _ ^ ,. .„, ,.,,,,5^._ ivruii -wiaiiiu-so U^ailJSv iUy iSt!XJS\.Sf XJi. eLe they pretended suspicion as a cloak to cover some other i ^• \ i STEPHEK BURROtJiiHS. 265 design ; be it which way it might, the example is the same ; and they have been the leaders in it, therefore out of their own mouths they are.condemned. "It has ever remained with a doubt on my mind, whether Mr. Woolworthand Judge Hurlbut actq|d honestly in th»» great fears which tiiey pretended to possess respecting my choice of books ; and as it is necessary for you to know whether I do act towards you openly and candidly, I was very glad of the opportunity which presented for you all to see and judge for yourselves. Let my sentiments upon the book be what they are, 1 suppose it necessary for you to know its contents, and by whose instrumentality it came into our library. « It has been urged abundantly upon the other side, that 1 ought not to intermeddle in your concerns, seeing I am in so great measure a stranger among you. You, gentlemen, I expect are the judges with regard to this doctrine, and if it be founded in truth, then you will undoubtedly withdraw irom me that confidence which you have heretofore placed in me. « Whether the reverend trentleman and his associates refer in their reasoning to any known established law or custom of the country, or to the general nature of the matter, I know not. If the former, I would thank them to point it out ; if the latter, I will observe that they themselves are not'natives of this place, and what particular period they have fixed for a previous residence before one may be concerned in public matters, I would likewise thank them to describe. For my own part I can see none, especially in matters that are clear and obvious to every common understanding. Why a man should be prohibited from contributing his assistance to the public welfare because he is a stranger, is a mode of reason- ing beyond my reach. « Finally, gentlemen, the whole course of treatment which I have received from Mr. Woolworlh and Judge Hurlbut, from the first commencement of the plan for a library, has been injurious, abusive, unmanly and indecent ; yet their conduct on the present occasion oversteps all the former in- wickeuness. You, gentlemen, have I wish to til 113 ^ liXi'l ti ^ the book before you, you understand its Eiature. 2(i 296 UEMOIXS OF \ X have you treat it according to your diwretioo. I feel no anxiety about it on my own occount." »aJesTpl!K'rn"'°l!!'"''^ '° ''^^^ '°'"" ""^ ^^^ ^^^oxloxxs pas- sages read before the meeting, but this was overruled by Mr Woo worth, Judg| Hurlbut, Capt. Post, and Dr Hose. li Tlar.. 1 "/ ' ^^^'^' '^J'* '^' "«^^^i^^ ^'«« obtained by a large majority. The truth was this: there had been so much said respecting the book, that each indiWdual was th«„ r \^"' TJ'^^^^ ''*^ ^*' ^"^^ °»°" «f'aid for other. Ihould rL*^'''^' therefore it was determined that the boo! lo oe gratified by the perusal. \ \ y 2f APPENDIX. i It may be expected that something further should be said of this extraordinary character, who has been the hero of the preceding Memoirs. Little, however, can be learned of his history in this part of the country, unless he himself should take it into his head to publish another volume, for which undoubtedly he has abundant materials. Of this, how- ever, there is not much prospect at present. For sometime previous to the date of his last letter, to the spring of 1799, he appears to have lived with his father at Hanover, in great harmony. He had the chief management ofthe old gentleman's farm, and other temporal concerns Towards the latter part of this term, they commenced the building of a large house ; and like many others who under- take to build, they did not count the cost, and became em- barrassed. This caused uneasiness and mutual crimination, which finally ended in an open rupture and separation. Du- ring this period of more than three years, the parents seem to have taken great comfort and satisfaction in their son and his rising family. This satisfacti.Mi was expressed by his fa- ther in various letters to his friends, as well as by his conduct towards his children. He encouraged and assisted his son in the publication of his Memoirs; and maintained that he had aright to justify himself, as far as he was able, before an impartial public. The Eeverend Sire had been a member of the Board of Trustees of Dartmouth College, before the son joined that institution ; which office he still holds, with credit to himself and the College. He is a man of great benevo- lence, pieiy, and zeal ; and does honor to his profession. His mother is equally amiable. As a proof of the good under- 298 APPENDIX. ■tanding between these families, I ta^te tat liberty to publiih one of the father's letters, received during this period. „ ,, ^ „ " Hanover, (iV. H.) Jtpril 7, 1798. ' " My Dear Sir, " The motive of gratitude, under a sense of your kind at- tention to my son m tlie matters which he has committed to your care and trust, as also your expressions and acts of be- nevolence to him in scenes through which he has passed in tormer years, has lam with weij?ht upon my mind ; and I have often felt the force of it to such a degree, that to suppress its emotions, I have found to be a work of painful self denial. Had I felt a confidence that presenting my thanks in this account could have been n-garded by you as any thing of an adequate return, my warmest professions of gratitude would have waited opon you long before this. In your communica- tions to my son received this day, we are both comforted by the leaven of friendship and benevolence, with which your letters are ever temp.:< ed. lam, Sir, especially pleased with your remarks upon the book he has published. I am ever sensible that a true friend will be always as severe in sensur- ing the failings ol :.is friend, as he would be tender of his character. Your readiness for this is a circumstance that establishes my confidence in you, and clothes you with a character opposite to the deceitful, unmeaning, vile flatterer. Upon attending to certain queries contained in your letter, I am apprehensive that the laws of delicacy, and perhaps your own satisfaction, would require that an answer to them should be stated by me rather than by him. To give you then a history of ray son's present situation, I feel myself in no danger of transgressing the bounds of candor and modera- tion by informing you, that, during the time he has resided with me (which is ubuut two years and a half) he has con- ducted to iny good acceptance. As an evidence of my confi- dence in him, i have committed to his care the whole man- agement of luy temporal afifairs ; and have hitherto been well satisfied as to the wisdom, propriety and economy of his management ; as also with the dutiful and aifectionate temper with which he has attended to and treated his parents. 1 am confident that in this testimony I speak the established senti- meats of our neighborhood and acquaintances as well as my - - •'• •-•-"- r-„-itjj-wc ui )-vjui iscui i v»"iii cuiisiraist you to rejoice with me and on ray behalf. I wish, Sir, I I i "0 as- AITENDIX. 299 I 1 4^ might rejoice with that trembling which always becomeB a dependant creature. For this purpose, sufler me, my dear Sir, to remind you of a debt we shall ever mutually owe to each other, to ask for that grace which may guard us from evil, and preserve us in safety to the kingdom of glory. May Mrs. Burroughs' compliments be acceptable to you and your lady, tog> iher with those of, Sir, your affectionate friend, «ad humble servant, EDEN BURROUGHS." About a year after the date of this letter^ a sense of pro- priety and duty obliged the disappointed and dejected father to notify this same friend, that he had lost all confidence in his son ; and cautioned him against any further recommenda- tion. This, he says, he is «< constrained, though with the utmost grief and sorrow of heart, to do, as an act of justice." The son suon departed for Canada, as before stated. For several years he gave great encouragement to his friends, that he might still be a useful member of societ y. But, alas ! how have their hopes been blasted ! Common fame says, that several of his last years have been assiduously employed in counterfeiting bills of the various banks of the United States ; that he has been in prison at Montreal and at Quebec. But it is hazardous to stale any thing with certainty relative to this extraordinary man. It is not long since, that two of the Cashiers of certain B(|nks in Boston received each a let- ter of similar import, signed Stephen Burroughs, stating that he had been a month in that town engaged with a company of counterfeiters ; that several of their bills had been nicely- imitated ; but that there was so little honor among the con- cern, he was determined to expose them ; and then calls a number of their names, and warns the Banks of their danger. Upon comparing these letters with Burroughs' hand writing, there was no similarity between them. It is believed that Burroughs resides at present, with his family, at a place called Shipton^ in Lower Canada.* Whether he still continues to labor in the line of his profes- sion, or whether a late law of the Province has cheeked him in his mad career, is unknown to the writer. [1811.] * A correspondent of the publisher iuforms, that Mr. Burroughs resides at a place called Three Rivers, in Lower Canada, and is at present en- gaged in teaching a school. THE E N D. „ 26*