Duplicate
Eur
LOGANIAN LIBRARY
3165.0.4



A FAIT HFUL
NARRATIVE,
OF
The many Dangers and Sufferings, as well as
wonderful Deliverances of ROBERT EAST-
BURN, during his late Captivity among the
INDIANS: Together with ſome Remarks
upon the Country of CANADA, and the
Religion, and Policy of its Inbabitants ; 'the
whole intermixed with devout Reflections.
By ROBERT EAST BURN.
Publiſhed at the earneſt REQUEST of many
FRIENDS, for the Benefit of the AUTHOR.
With a recommendatory PREFACE, by the
Rev. GILBERT TENNENT.
PSALM 124. 6. 7. Blefd be the Lord, who hath not given us up
as a Prey to their Teeth; our Soul is eſcaped, as a Bird out of
the Snare of tbe Fowler : The Sware is broken, and we are eſcaped.
PSALM 103. 2,4. Bleſ: the Lord, O my Soul; and forget not all
his Benefits : # bo redeemeth thy Life from Deftruétion; who
crowneth thee avith loving Kindneſs, and tender Mercies.
PHIL A D E L P HIA:
Printed by WILLIAM DUNLAP, 1758.

Coo
co
CO
co
co
PRE FACE.
T
Candid READER,
HE AUTHOR (and Subject) of the
enſuing Narrative (reho is e Deacon
of our Church, and has been ſo for
many Years) is of ſuch an eſtabliſhed
good Character, that he needs no Recommen-
dation of others, where he is known : A Proof
of which, was the general Joy of the Inhabi-
tants of this City, occaſioned by his Return from
a miſerable Captivity! Together with the Readi-
neſs of divers Perſons, to contribute to the
Relief of himſelf, and neceſſitous Family,
without any Requeſt of bis, or the leaſt Motion
of that Tendency ! ---But ſeeing the following
Sheets, are like to ſpread into many Places,
where he is not known, permit me to ſay, That
upon long Acquaintance, I have found bim to be
e Perſon of Candor, Integrity, and ſincere
Piety;

The PREFACE.
3
Piety; whoſe Teſtimony, may with Safety, be
depended upon ; which give his Narrative the
greater Weight, and may induce to read it with
the greater Pleaſure; the Deſign of it is evi-
dentby Pious, the Matters contained in it, and
* Manner of handling them, will, I hope, be
eſteemed by the Impartial, to be entertaining and
improving : I heartily wiſh it may, by the divine
Benediction, be of great and durable Service.
I am, thy ſincere Servant, in the Goſpel of Jesus
CHRIST
PHILADELPHIA,
Jan. 19, 1758.
GILBERT TENNENT.
Kind READERS,
O my Return from my Captivity, I had
no Thoughts of publiſhing any Obſervations
of mine to the World, in this Manner; as I bad
no Opportunity to keep a Journal, and my Me-
mory being broken, and Capacity fmall, I was
diſinclined to undertake it; but a Number of my
Friends were preſſing in their Perſwafions, that
I ſhould do it, with whole Motion I complied,
from a ſincere Regard to God, my King, and
Country, ſo far as I know my own Heart : The
following pages contain, as far as I can remem-
berg
A 2

The PREFACE.
ber, the moſt material Paſſages that happened
within the Compaſs of my Obſervation, while a
Priſoner in Canada; the Facts therein related
are certainly true, but the Way of repreſenting
fome Things eſpecially, is not ſo regular, clear,
and ſtrong, as I could wiſh; but I truſt it will
be fome Apology, that I am not ſo much åcm
quainted with Performances of this Kind, as
many others ; who may be hereby excited to give
better Repreſentations of Things, far beyond my
Knowledge. I remain,
Your unfeigned Well-Wiſher,
and humble Servant,
PHILADELPHIA,
Jan. 19, 1758.
ROBERT EASTBURN:

( 5 )
A FAITHFUL
N A R R A TIVE, c.
A
BOUT Thirty Tradeſmen, and
myſelf, arrived at Captain Wil-
liams's Fort (at the Carrying-
Place) in our Way to Oſwego,
the 26th of March, 1756; who informed
me, that he was like to be cumbered in the
Fort, and therefore adviſed us to take the
Indian-Houſe for our Lodging. About Ten
o'Clock next Day, a Negro Man came run-
ning down the Road, and reported, That our
Slaymen were all taken by the Enemy; Captain
Williams on hearing this, ſent a Serjeant, and
about 12 Men, to ſee if it was true; I being
at the Indian-Houſe, and not thinking myſelf
ſafe there, in caſe of an Attack, and being
alſo

( 6 )
allo ſincerely willing to ſerve my King and
Country, in the beſt Manner I could in
my
preſent Circumſtances, aſked him if he would
take Company? He replied, with all his
Heart! Hereupon, I fell into the Rear, with
my Arms, and marched after them ; when
we had advanced about a Quarter of a Mile,
we heard a Shot, followed with doleful Cries
of a dying Man, which excited me to advance,
in order to diſcover the Enemy, who I foon
perceived were prepared to receive us : In this
difficult Situation, ſeeing a large Pine-Tree
near, I repaired to it for Shelter ; and white
the Enemy were viewing our Party, I having
a good Chance of killing two at a Shot, quickly
diſcharged at them, but could not certainly
know what Execution was done 'till ſome
Time after; our Company likewiſe diſcharged,
and retreated : Seeing myſelf in Danger of
being ſurrounded, I was obliged to Retreat a
different Courſe, and to my great Surprize,
fell into a deep Mire, which the Enemy, by
following my Track in a light Snow, foon
diſcovered, and obliged me to ſurrender, to
prevent a cruel Death. (They ſtood ready to
drive their Darts into my Body, in caſe I re-
fuſed to deliver up my Arms.) Preſently after
I was taken, I was ſurrounded by a great
Number, who ſtripped me of my Cloathing,
Hat, and Neckcloth (ſo that I had nothing
left

( 7 )
left but a Flannel Veſt, without Sleeves) put
a Rope on my Neck, bound my Arms faſt
behind me, put a long Band round my Body,
and a large Pack on my Back, ftruck me on
the Head (a ſevere Blow) and drove me
through the Woods before them: It is not
eaſy to conceive, how diſtreſſing ſuch a Con-
dition is! In the mean Time, I endeavoured
with all my little remaining Strength, to lift
up my Eyes to God, from whom alone I
could with Reaſon expect Relief!
SEVENTEEN or Eighteen Priſoners, were
foon added to our Number, one of which
informed me, that the Indians were angry
with me, and reported to ſome of their Chiefs,
that I had fired on them, wounded one, and
killed another; for which he doubted they
would kill me. Hereupon I conſidered that
the Hearts of all Men are in the Hand of
God, and that one Hair of our Head cannot
fall to the Ground without his Permiſſion: I
had not as yet learned what Numbers the
Enemy's Parties conſiſted of; there being only
about 100 Indians who had lain in Ambuſh
on the Road, to kill or take into Captivity all
that paſſed between the two Forts. Here an
Interpreter came to me, to enquire what
Strength Capt. Williams had to defend his
Fort? After a fhort Pauſe, I gave ſuch a dif-
couraging Anſwer (yet conſiſtent with Truth)
as

( 8 )
as prevented their attacking it, and of Confe-
quence the Effuſion of much Blood; a gra-
cious Providence, which I defire ever to retain
a grateful Senſe of; for hereby it evidently
appeared, that I was ſuffered to fall into the
Hands of the Enemy, to promote the Good
of my Countrymen, to better Purpoſe than I
could, by continuing with them; verily the
Almighty is wife in Council, and wonderful in
Working.
In the mean Time, the Enemy determined
to deſtroy Bull's Fort (at the Head of Wood-
Creek) which they ſoon effected, all being put
to the Sword, except five Perſons, the Fort
burnt, the Proviſion and Powder deſtroyed
(ſaving only a little for their own Uſe) then
they retired to the Woods, and joined their
main Body, which incluſive, conſiſted of 400
French, and 300 Indians, commanded by one
of the principle Gentlemen of Quebec ; as ſoon
as they got together (having a Prieſt with
them) they fell on their Knees, and returned
Thanks for their Victory; an Example this,
worthy of Imitation! an Example which may
make prophane pretended Proteſtants bluth
(if they are not loſt to all Senſe of Shame) who
inſtead of acknowledging a God, or Provi-
dence, in their military Undertakings, are
continually reproaching him with Oaths and
Curſes; is it any Wonder, that the Attempts
of

( 9 )
of ſuch, are blaſted with Diſappointment and
Diſgrace!
THE Enemy had ſeveral wounded Men,
both French and Indians among them, which
they carried on their Backs; befides which,
about Fifteen of their Number were killed,
and of us about Forty : It being by this Time
near dark, and ſome Indians drunk, they
only marched about 4 Miles and encamped ;
the Indians untied my Arms, cut Hemlock
Bowes, and ſtrewed round the Fire, tied my
Band to two Trees, with my Back on the
green Bowes (by the Fire) covered me with
an old Blanket, and lay down acroſs my Band,
on each side, to prevent my Eſcape, while
they ſlept.
SUNDAY the 28th, roſe early, the Com-
mander ordered a hafty Retreat towards Canada,
for fear of General Johnſon; in the mean Time,
one of our Men ſaid, he underſtood the French
and Indians deſigned to join a ſtrong Party,
and fall on Oſwego, before our Forces there,
could get any Proviſion cr Succours; having,
as they thought, put a Stop to our relieving
them for a Time : When we encamped in
the Evening, the Commanding-Officer ordered
the Indians to bring me to his Tent, and aſked
me, by an Interpreter, If I thought General
Johnſon would follow them, I told him I
judged not, but rather thought he would pro-
В B.
ceed

( 10 )
6
ceed to Ofwego (which was indeed my Senti-
ment, grounded upon prior Information, and
then expreſſed to prevent the Execution of
their Deſign.) He farther enquired, what was
my Trade? I told him that of a Smith; he
then periwaded me, when I got to Canada,
to ſend for my Wife, 'for ſaid he, you can
get a rich Living there ;' but when he ſaw
that he could not prevail, he aſked no more
Queftions, but commanded me to return to
my Indian Maſter: Having this Opportunity
of Converſation, I informed the General, that
his Indian Warriors had ftriped me of my
Cloathing, and would be glad he would be
good enough to order me fome Relief; to
which he replied, that I would get Cloaths
when I came to Canada, which was cold
Comfort to one almoſt frozen ! On my return,
the Indians perceiving I was unwell, and could
not eat their coarſe Food, ordered ſome Cho-
colate (which they had brought from the Car-
rying-Place) to be boiled for me, and ſeeing
me eat that, appeared pleaſed. A ſtrong
Guard was kept every Night; one of our Men
being weakened by his Wounds, and rendered
unable to keep Pace with them, was killed
and ſcalped on the Road !--I was all this Time
almoſt naked, traveling through deep Snow,
and wading through Rivers cold as Ice !
AFTER

( 11 )
AFTER Seven Days March, we arrived at
Lake Ontario, where I eat ſome Horſe Fleſh,
which taſted very agreeably, for to the hungry
Man, as Solomon obierves, every bitter Tbing
is sweet (a). The French carried ſeveral of
their wounded Men all the Way upon their
Backs, and (many of them wore no Breeches
in their Travels in this cold Seaſon, they are
ſtrong, hardy Men.) The Indians had Three
of their Party wounded, which they likewiſe
carried on their Backs, I wiſh there was more
of this Hardneſs, fo neceſſary for War, in our
Nation, which would open a more encouraging
Scene than appears at preſent! The Priſoners
were ſo divided, that but few could Converſe
together on our March, and (which was ſtill
more diſagreeable and diſtreſſing) an Indian,
who had a large Bunch of green Scalps, taken
off our Men's Heads, marched before me, and
another with a ſharp Spear behind, to drive
me after him ; by which Means the Scalps
B 2
were
a On the Friday before we arrived at the Lake, the Indians
kileri a Porcupine, which is in bigneſs equal to a large Rasoom,
with ſhort Legs, is covered with long Hair, intermixed with
fha p Quills, which are their Defence : lc is indeed dangerous
coming very near them, becauſe they caft their Quills (which
are like barbed Irons or Darts) ar any Thing that oppoſeth
them, which when they peirce, are not ealy to be drawn out;
for though their Points are ſharp and ſmooth, they have a kind
of Beard, which makes them ſtick falt: However, the Indians
threw it on a large Fire, burnt off the Hair and Quills, roafted
and cat of it, with whom I had a Parr.

( 12 )
we
were often cloſe to my Face, and as
marched, they frequently every Day gave the
dead Shout, which was repeated as many
Times, as there were Captives and Scalps taken!
In the Midſt of this gloomy Scene, when I
conſidered, how many poor Souls were hur-
ried into a vaſt Eternity, with Doubts of their
Unfitneſs for ſuch a Change, it made me la-
ment and expoftulate in the Manner following;
O Sin what haft thou done! what Deſolation
and Ruin haft thou brought into this miſerable
World? What arn I, that I ſhould be thus
{pared ? My Afflictions are certainly far leſs
then my Sins deſerve ! Through the exceed-
ing Riches of divine Goodneís and Grace, I
was in this diſtreffing Situation ſupported and
comforted, by theſe Paſſages of ſacred Scrip-
ture, viz. That our light Affli&tions, which laſt
but for a Moment, Sall work for us a far more
exceeding and eternal Weight of Glory. And
that, though no Afflictions are for the preſent
joyous, but grievous; yet nevertheleſs, they af-
terwards yield the peaceable Fruits of Righteouſ-
neſs, to them who are exerciſed thereby. And
farther, that all Things Mall work together for
Good, to them that love God; to them who are
tke Called, according to bis Purpoſe. But to
return,
I MAY, with Juſtice and Truth obferve,
That our Enemies leave no Stone unturned
to

( 13 )
to compaſs our ruin ; they pray, work, and
travel to bring it about, and are unwearied in
the Purſuit; while many among us ſleep in a
Storm, that has laid a good Part of our Coun-
try deſolate, and threatens the Whole with
Deſtruction: O may the Almighty awake us,
caule us to ſee our Danger, before it be too
late, and,grant us Salvation ! O that we may
be of good Courage, and play the Man, for our
People, and the Cities of our God! But alas, I
am obliged to turn my Face towards cold
Canada, among inveterate Enemies, and in-
numerable Dangers ! O Lord, I pray thee, be
my fafe Guard; thou haſt already covered me
in the Hollow of thy Hand; when Death
caft Darts all around me, and many fell on
every Side, I beheld thy Salvation !
April 4th, SEVERAL French Battoes met us,
and brought a large Supply of Proviſion ; the
Sight of which cauſed great Joy, for we were
in great Want; then a place was ſoon erected
to celebrate Maſs in, which being ended, we
all went over the Mouth of a River, where it
empties itſelf into the Eaſt-End of Lake Ontario,
a great Part of our Company ſet off on Foot
towards Oſwegotchy; while the reſt were or-
dered into Battoes, and carried towards the
Entrance of St. Lawrence (where that River
takes its Beginning) but by reaſon of bad
Weather, Wind, Rain, and Snow, whereby
the

( 14 )
the Waters of the Lake were troubled, we
were obliged to lie-by, and hall our Battoes
on Shore; here I lay on the cold Shore two
Days. Tueſday ſet off, and entered the Head
of St. Lawrence, in the Afternoon; came too
late at Night, made Fires, but did not lie
down to ſleep; embarked long before Day,
and after ſome Miles Progreſs down the River,
we ſaw many Fires on our Right-Hand,
which were made by the Men who left us,
and went by Land, with them we ſtaid till
Day, and then again embarked in our Battoes,
the Weather was very bad (it ſnowed faſt all
Day) near Night arrived at Oſwegotchy; I was
almoſt ſtarved to Death, but hoped to ſtay in
this Indian Town till warm Weather ; ſlept in
an Indian Wigwam, roſe early in the Morning
(being Thurſday) and foon to my Grief dif-
covered my Diſappointment! Several of the
Priſoners had leave to tarry here, but I muſt
go 200 Miles farther down Stream, to another
Indian Town; the Morning being extreamly
cold, I applied to a French Merchant (or
Trader) for ſome old Rags of Cloathing, for
I was almoſt naked, but to no Purpoſe !
ABOUT Ten o'Clock, was ordered into a
Battoe, on our Way down the River, with 8
or 9 Indians, one of which was the Man
wounded in the Skirmiſh before mentioned ;
at Night we went on Shore, the Snow being
much

( 15 )
of
much deeper than before, we cleared it away,
and made a large Fire; here, when the
wounded Indian caſt his Eyes upon me, his
old Grudge revived, he took my Blanket from
me, and commanded me to dance round the
Fire Bare-foot, and ſing the Priſoners Song,
which I utterly refuſed; this ſurprized one
my
fellow Priſoners, who told me they
would put me to Death (for he underſtood
what they ſaid he therefore tried to perſuade
me to comply, but I deſired him to let me
alone, and was through great Mercy, enabled
to reject his Importunity with Abhorrence!
The Indian alſo continued urging, ſaying you
ſhall dance and fing; but apprehending my
Compliance finful, I determined to perfiſt in
declining it at all Adventures, and to leave
the Iſſue to the divine Diſpoſal! The Indian
perceiving his Orders diſobeyed, was fired
with Indignation, and endeavoured to puſh
me into the Fire, which I leapt' over, and he
being weak with his Wounds, and not being
affifted by any of his Brethren, was obliged to
defift: For this gracious Interpoſure of Pro-
vidence, in preſerving me both from Sin and
Danger, I deſire to bleſs God while I live!
Friday Morning, was almoſt periſhed with
Cold. Saturday, proceeded on our Way, and
foon came in Sight of the upper Part of the
Inhabitants of Canada; here I was in great
Hopes

( 16 )
Hopes of ſome Relief, not knowing the Man-
ner of the Indians, who do not make
many
Stops among the French, in their return from
War, till they get Home: However when they
came near fome rapid Falls of Water, one of
my fellow Priſoners, and ſeveral Indians, to-
gether with myſelf, were put on Shore, to
travel by Land, which pleaſed me well, it
being much warmer running on the Snow,
than lying ſtill in the Battoe; we paſt by 'ſe-
veral French Houſes, but ſtopt at none; the
Veffél going down a rapid Stream, it required
haſte to keep Pace with her, we croſſed over
a Point of Land, and found the Battoe wait-
ing for us, as near the Shore as the Ice would
permit: Here we left St. Lawrence, and turn-
ed up Conaſadauga River (b), but it being
frozen up, we hauled our Battoe on Shore,
and each of us took our Share of her Loading
on our Backs, and marched towards Conaſa-
dauga, an Indian Town, which was our de-
figned Port, but could not reach it that Night:
Came
b The River St. Lawrence, at Lake Ontario, takes its Begin-
ning through ſeveral Iſlands, by which we are in no neceffity of
coming within Sight of Frontenac, when wego down the River;
it is ſmooth Water from thence to Oſwegotche (or as it is called
by the French LEGALET) buc from hence to Montreal, the Wa-
ter is more ſwift, with a Number of rapid Streams, though not
dangerous to paſs through with ſmall Boats and Bark Canoes,
provided the Stearſmen are careful, and acquainted with the
Places; in tranſporting Proviſion and warlike Stores upStream
from

( 17 )
Came tu a French Houſe, cold, weary, and
hungry; here my old Friend, the wounded
Indian, again appeared, and related to the
Frenchman, the Affair of my refuſing to dance,
who immediately affifted the Indian to ſtrip
me of my Flannel Vef, before mentioned,
which was my All: Now they were reſolved
to compel me to dance and fing! The French-
man was as violent as the Indian, in promoting
this Impofition; but the Women belonging
to the Houſe, ſeeing the rough Uſage I had,
took pity on me, and reſcued me out of their
Hands, till their Heat was over, and prevailed
with the Indian to excuſe me from Dancing;
but he inſiſted that I muſt be ſhaved, and then
he would let me alone (I had at that Time a
long Beard, which the Indians hate) with this
Motion I readily complied, and then the In-
aian ſeemed content.
Sunday, April 11th, Set off towards Cona-
Fadauga, traveled about two Hours, and then
faw the Town, over a great River, which was
с
ftill
from Canada to Lake Ontario, there is a neceſſity of unloading
Bartoes at ſeveral of the rapidi Streams, and hauling them empty
through ſhoal Water near the Shore, and carrying the Load-
ing by Land to where the Water is more flack; though there
be ſeveral of thoſe Places, yet the Land-Carriage is not very
far: The Land on both sides the River, appears fertile a great
Part of the Way from the Lake to Montreal; but the nearer
the Latter the worſe, more mirer and ſtony: The Timber is
White Pine, Aſh, Maple, Beach, Hickory, Hemlock, Spruce ; and
from the Lake about 150 Miles down plenty of White Oak, but
kone about Montreal of that Kind.

( 18 )
ftill frozen; the Indians ſtoped, and we were
foon joined with a Number of our own Com-
pany, which we had not ſeen for ſeveral Days:
The Priſoners, in Number Eight, were or-
dered to lay down our Packs, and be painted;
the wounded Indian painted me, and put a
Belt of Wampum round my Neck, inſtead of
the Rope which I had wore 400 Miles. Then
ſet off towards the Town on the Ice, which
was four Miles over; our Heads were not al-
lowed to be covered, left our fine Paint ſhould
be hid, the Weather in the mean Time very
cold, like to freeze our Ears ; after we had
advanced nearer to the Town, the Indian
Women came out to meet us, and relieved
their Huſbands of their Packs.
As ſoon as we landed at Conaſadauga, a
large Body of Indians came and incompaffed
us round, and ordered the Priſoners to dance
and fing the Priſoners Song, (which I was ſtill
enabled to decline) at the Concluſion of which,
the Indians gave a Shout, and opened the Ring
to let us run, and then fell on us with their
Fiſts, and knocked ſeveral down; in the mean
Time, one ran before to direct us to an Indian
Houſe, which was open, and as ſoon as we
got in, we were beat no more; my Head was
fore with beating, and pained me ſeveral Days.
The Squaws were kind to us, gave us boiled
Corn and Beans to eat, and Fire to warm us,
which

(19.)
which was a great Mercy, for I was both cold,
and hungry: This Town lies about 30
Miles
North-Weſt from Montreal, I ſtaid here till
the Ice was gone, which was about Ten Days,
and then was ſent to Cohnewago, in Company
with fome Indians, who when they came
within Hearing, gaye Notice by their way of
Shouting, that they had a Priſoner, on which
the whole Town roſe to welcome me, which
was the more diftrefling, as there was no other
Priſoner in their Hands; when we came near
Shore, a ſtout Indian took hold of me, an
hauled me into the Water, which was Knee
deep, and very cold: As ſoon as I got a-ſhore,
the Indians gathered round me, and ordered
me to dance and fing, now when I was ſtiff
with Cold and Wet, and lying long in the
Cannoe; here I only ſtamped to prepare
for
my
Race, and was incompaſſed with about 500
Indians, who danced and fung, and at laſt
gave a Shout, and opened the Circle ; about
150 young Lads made ready to Pelt me with
Dirt and gravel Stones, and on my ſetting off
gave me a ſtout Volley, without my ſuffering
great Hurt; but an Indian feeing me run,
met me, and held me faſt, till the Boys had
ſtored themſelves again with Dirt and ſmall
Stones, and let me run; but then I fared
much worſe than before, for a ſmall Stone
among the Mud hit my Right-Eye, and my
C 2
Heee

( 20 )
Head and Face were ſo covered with the Dirt,
that I could ſcarce fee my Way; but difco-
vering a Door of an Indian Houſe ſtanding
open,
I run in: From this Retreat I was ſoon
hauled, in order to be pelted more ; but the
Indian Women being more merciful interpoſed,
took me into a Houſe, brought me Water to
waſh, and gave me boiled Corn and Beans to
eat. The next Day, I was brought to the
Center of the Town, and cried according to
the Indian Cuſtom, in order to be ſent to a
Family of Indians, 200 Miles up Stream, at
Oſwegolchy, and there to be adopted, and
abuſed no more: To this End, I was delivered
to three young Men, who ſaid I was their
Brother, and fct forward on our Way to the
aforeſaid Town, with about 20 more Indians,
but by reaſon of bad Weather, we were obli-
ged to encamp on a cold, ftony Shore, three
Days, and then proceeded on; called at Cona-
ſadauga, ſtaid there about a Weck, in which
Time, I went and viewed four Houſes, at a
Diſtance from the Town, about a Quarter of
a Mile from each other; in which, are repre-
ſented in large Paint Work, the Sufferings of
our Saviour, with Deſign to draw the Indians
to the Papiſt's Religion ; the Work is curiouſly
done: A little farther ſtands three Houſes near
together, on the Top of a high Hill, which
they call Mount Calvary, with three large
Croffes

( 21 )
Croſjes before them, which complcats the
whole Repreſentation: To all theſe Houſes,
the Prieſts and Indians repair, in performing
their grand Proceſſions, which takes
UP
much
Time (c).
Ser off on our fourney forOfwegotcby, againſt
a rapid Stream, and being long in it, and our
Proviſion growing ſhort, the Indians put to
Shore a little before Night; my Lot was to
get Wood, others were ordered to get Fires,
and ſome to Hunt; our Kettle was put over
the Fire with fome pounded Indian Corn,
and after it had boiled about two Hours, my
oldeſt Indian Brother, returned with a She
Beaver, big with Young, which he foon cut
to Pieces, and threw into the Kettle, together
with the Guts, and took the four young Bea-
vers, whole as they came out of the Dam,
and put them likewiſe into the Kettle, and
when
© The Pains the Papifts take to propagate ſuch a bloody and
abſurd Religion as theirs, is truly amazing! This brings to
my Remembrance, the following Diſcourſe, I had with two
French Prieſts in my Captivity; one of them asked me, if I was
a Catholic ; apprehending he meant the Romih Religion, I an-
fwered no: he replied, so Bon. On my relating the above
to a fellow Priſoner, he ſaid, I had anſwered wrong, becauſe
by the Word Catholic, he meant a Chriftian: Some Time after,
I was again asked by the other Prieſt, if I was a Catholic, I
anſwered yes, but not a Roman Carbolic; at which he ſmiled,
and asked if I was a Lutheran, I replied no; he again inquired
whether I was a Calvan, I told him I was; to which he ſaid,
with warmth, no Bon ! no Bon! which fignifieh, it is not good,
it is not good! O! may not the Zeal of Papiſts, in propagating
Superftition and Idolatry, make Proteſtants aſhamed of their
Luke-
warmneſs, in promoting the Religion of the Bible!

( 22 )
when all was well boiled, gave each one of
us a large Diſhful of the Broth, of which we
eat freely, and then Part of the old Beaver,
the Tail of which was divided equally among
us, there being Eight at our Fire; the Four
young Beavers were cut in the Middle, and
each of us got Half of a Beaver; I watched an
Opportunity to hide my Share (having ſatisfied
myſelf before that tender Diſh came to Hand)
which if they had ſeen, would have much
diſpleaſed them. The other Indians catched
young Mufk-Rats, run a Stick through their
Bodies, and roaſted, without being ſkinned or
gutted, and ſo eat them. Next Morning
haftened on our Journey, which continued
ſeveral Days, till we came near Oſwegotchy,
where we landed about three Miles from the
Town, on the contrary Side of the River ;
here I was to be adopted, my Father and
Motber that I had never ſeen before were wait-
ing, and ordered me into an Indian Houſe,
where we were directed to fit down filent for
a conſiderable Time, the Indians appeared
very ſad, and my Mother began to cry, and
continued crying aloud for ſome Time, and
then dried up her Tears, and received me for
her Son, and took me over the River to the
Indian Town; the next Day I was ordered to
go to Maſs with them, but I refuſed once and
again, yet they continued their Importunity
ſeveral

( 23 )
ſeveral Days, ſaying it was good to go to Maſs,
but I still refuſed; and ſeeing they could not
prevail with me, they ſeemed much diſpleaſed
with their new Son (d). I was then fent over
the River, to be employed in hard Labour,
as a Puniſhment for not going to Mafs, and
not allowed a Sight of, or any Converſation
with my fellow Priſoners; the old Indian Man
that I was ordered to work with, had a Wife,
and ſome Children, he took me into the
Woods with him, and made Signs that I muſt
chop, giving me an Ax, the Indian foon faw
that I could handle the Ax: Here I tried to
reconcile myſelf to this Employ, that they
might have no Occaſion againſt me, except
concerning the Law of my God; the old Man
began to appear kind, and his Wife gave me
Milk and Bread when we came Home, and
when ſhe got Fiſh, gave me the Gills to eat,
out of real Kindneſs; but perceiving I did not
like them, gave me my own choice, and be-
haved lovingly! Here I ſaw that God could
make
d When I was at Oſwegotcky, the Indians took Notice, thar
I frequently retired alone, and ſuppofing I had ſome bad Deſign,
threatened if I did not defift, they would Tomhasok me; bur
my fellow Priſoner, who underſtood their Language, told
them it would be a pity to hurt me on that Account, for I only
went into a private Place to pray! which was true; the Indiana
replied, if ſo, it was good; but being yer ſuſpicious, cook Pains
by watching to find out how the Caſe was, and when they fa-
ti.fied themſelves, ſeemed pieaſed! and did not offer to inter-
rupt me any more, which was a great Mercy; as the Contrary
would have is ſome Degree, marred my Conyerſe wil God.

( 24 )
make Friends of cruel Enemies, as he once
turned the Heart of angry Efau into Love and
Tenderneſs; when we had finiſhed our Fence,
which had employed us about a Week, I
Thewed the old Squaw my Shirt (having worn
it from the Time I was firſt taken Priſoner,
which was about ſeven Weeks) all in Rags,
Dirt, and Lice; ſhe ſaid it was not good, and
brought me a new One, with ruffled Sleeves
(ſaying that is good) which I thankfully ac-
cepted. The next Day they carried me back
to the Indian Town, and admitted me to con-
verſe with my fellow Priſoners, who told me
we were all to be ſent to Montreal, which
accordingly came to paſs.
MONTREAL, at our Arrival here, we had
cur Lodging firſt in the Jeſuit's Convent, where
I ſaw a great Number of Prieſts, and People
that came to Confeffion; after ſome ftay, we
were ordered to attend, with the Indians, at a
grand Council, held before the head General
Vaudriel; we Priſoners fat in our Rank (ſur-
rounded with our Fathers and Brethren) but
were aſked no Queſtions: The General had a
Number of Officers to attend him in Council,
where a noted Prieſt, called Picket, ſat at his
Right-Hand, who underſtands the Indian
Tongue well, and does more Hurt to the
Engliſh, than any other of his Order in Canuda
(his Dwelling is at Oſwegotchy). Here I was
informed

( 25 )
informed that ſome Meaſures were concerted
to deſtroy Oſwego, which they had been long
preparing to execute; we in our Journey met
many Battoes going up Stream, with Proviſion
and Men for an Attack on our Frontiers, which
confirmed the Report: The Council adjourned
to another Day, and then broke up. My In-
dian Father and Mother took me with them to
feveral of their old Acquaintance, who were
French, to fhew them their lately adopted Son ;
theſe Perſons had been concerned with
my
Father and other Indians, in deſtroying many
Engliſh Families in their younger Days; and
(as one ſtanding by who underſtood their-Lan-
guage, ſaid,) were boaſting of their former
Murders! After ſome Days the Council was
again called, before which, ſeveral of the
Oneida Chiefs appeared, and offered ſome
Complaint againſt the French's attacking our
Carrying-Place, it being their Land; but the
General laboured to make them eaſy, and gave
them fundry Preſents of Value, which they
accepted (C): After which, I knowing theſe
D
Indians
e The French in Canada, well knowing the great Importance
of having the Indians in their Intereſt, to promote their a nbi-
tious and unjuſt Deſigns, uſe a variety of Methods with them,
among which, the following one is excellent in itſelf, and well
worthy of Imitatior, viz. They are exceeding careful to pre-
vent ſpirituous Liquors being ſold to the Indians, and if any of
the Inhabitants are proved guilty of it, their remporal Intereſt
is quite broke, and corporal Puniſhment inflicted on them;
unleſs

( 26 )
Indians were acquainted with Captain Wil-
liams, at the Carrying-Place, ſent a Letter by
them, to let my Family and Friends know I
was yet alive, and longed for Redemption ; but
it never came to Hand. The Treaty being
ended, the General ſent about ten Gallons of
red Wine to the Indians, which they divided
among us ; after came the Preſents, conſiſting
of Coats, Blankets, Shirts, Skins (to make In-
dian Shoes) Cloth (to make Stockings) Powder,
Lead, Shot, and to each a Bag of Paint, for
their own Uſc, &c. After we Priſoners had
our Share, my Mother came to me with an
Interpreter, and told me I might ſtay in the
Town, at a Place ſhe had found for me, if I
pleaſed (this was doubtleſs the Conſequence
of my declining to obey her Orders, in ſome
Inſtances that affected my Conſcience) this
Propoſal I almoſt agreed to; but one of my
fellow Priſoners, with whom I had before
fome Diſcourſe, about making our Eſcape
from
unleſs the General, on ſome particular Occaſion, orders his
Commiſſioners to deliver fome to them. I may add, that know-
ing their Number is ſmall, compared with the Britiſh Inbabi-
tacts on this continent, and muſt quickly fall into their Hands,
in caſe we united, and entered boldly into the Heart of their
Country with a fufficient Force; for that very Reaſon, they
chooſe to keep us continually on the Defencive, by ſending when
Occaſion requires, large Bodies of Regulars, together with
great Numbers of Indians, upon long and tedious Marches, that
we may not come near their Borders; and eſpecially by em-
ploying the Latter, conſtantly to waſte and ravage our Fron-
tiers

( 27 )
from the Indian Town, oppoſed the Motion,
and ſaid, 'pray do not ſtay, for if you do,
"we ſhall not be able to form a Plan for our
Deliverance;' on which I told her I choſe
to go Home with her, and foon fet off by
Land in our Way thither, to Laſcheen, diſtant
from Montreal about. 9 Miles, where we left
our Cannoes, and then proceeded, without
Delay, on our Journey; in which I ſaw to
my Sorrow, great Numbers of Soldiers, and
much Proviſions, in Motion towards Lake
Ontario
AFTER a painful and diſtreſſing Journey,
we arrived at Oſwegotchy, where we likewiſe
faw many Battoes, with Proviſon and Soldiers,
daily paſſing by in their Way to Frontenac,
which greatly diſtreſſed me for Ofwego ! Hence
I reſolved, if poſſible, to give our People
Notice of their Danger: To this End, I told
two of my fellow Priſoners, that it was not a
Time to ſeep, and aſked if they would go
with me, to this they heartily agreed; but we
had no Proviſion, were cloſely cyed by the
Enemy, and could not lay up a Stock out of
our Allowance : However, at this Time, Mr.
Picket
D 2
tiers, by which we are murdered by Inches, and bear without
a Bartle! - By what I could learn when I was among theva,
they do not fear our Numbers, becauſe of our unhappy Dini-
fions, which they deride, and trom them, ſtrongly expect to
conquer is entirely! which may a gracious God, in Mercy,
prevent!

( 28 )
Picket (before mentioned) had concluded to
dig a large Trench round the Town; I there-
fore went to a Negro, the principal Manager
of this Work (who could ſpeak Engliſh, French,
and Indian, well) and aſked him, if he could
get Employ for two others, and myſelf, which
he foon did; for which we were to have
Meat and Wages. Here we had a Proſpect of
procuring Proviſion for our Flight; this, I in
ſome Time effected for myſelf, and then aſked
my Brethren if they were ready, who replied
they were not yet, but ſaid, Ann Bowman,
our fellow Priſoner, had brought 130 Dollars
from Bull's Fort, and would give them all
they had Need of; I told them it was not
ſafe to diſcloſe ſuch a Secret to her, but they
blamed me for my Fears; and applied to her
for Proviſion, letting her know our Intention,
who immediately informed the Prieſt of it;
on which we were apprehended, the Indians
appriſed of our Defign, and a Court called ;
by Order of which, four of us were confined
under a ſtrong Guard, in a Room within the
Fort, for ſeveral Days.
From hence, another and myſelf were ſent
to Cohnewago, under a ſtrong Guard of 60
Indians, to prevent my ploting any more againſt
the French, and baniſh all Hope of
However, when we arrived at this place, it
pleaſed that gracious God, who has the Hearts
of
my Eſcape!

( 29 )
of all Creatures in his Hand, to incline the
Captain of the Guard, to thew me great Kind-
neſs, in giving me Liberty to walk or work
where I pleaſed, within any ſmall Diſtance;
on which I went to work with a French Smith,
for Six Livers and Five Souſe per Week;
which the Captain let me have to myſelf, and
farther favoured me with the Priviledge of
Lodging at his Mother's Houſe, an Engliſh
Woman (named Mary Harris, taken Captive
when a Child, from Dearfield, in New-Eng-
land) who told me ſhe was my Grand-mother,
and was kind; but the Wages being ſmall,
and not ſufficient to procure ſuch Cloathing
as I was in Want of, I proceeded no farther
with the French Smith, but went to my Uncle
Peter, and told him I wanted Cloaths, and
that it would be better to let me go to Mont-
real, and work there, where I could Cloath
myſelf better, than by ſtaying with him, and
that without any Charge to him, who after
ſome Reaſoning confented.
Set off on my Journey to Montreal, and
on my entring the City met an Engliſh Smith,
who took me to work with him; after ſome
Time, we ſettled to work in a Shop, oppoſite
to the General's Door, where we had the Op-
portunity of ſeeing a great Part of the Forces
of Canada (both Soldiers and Indians) who
were commonly brought there, before their
going

( 30 )
going out to War; and likewiſe all Priſoners,
by which Means we got Intelligence how our
People were preparing for Defence; but no
good News from Oſwego, which made me
fear, knowing that great Numbers of French
were gone againſt it, and hearing of but few
to detend it. Prayers were put up in all the
Churches of Canada, and great Proceſſions
made, in order to procure Succeſs to their
Arms, againſt poor Oſwego; but our People
knew little of their Danger, till it was too
late: Certainly, if more frequent and earneſt
Application (both in private and public) was
made to the God of Battle, we might with
greater Probability, expect Succeſs would
crown our military Attempts ! To my Sur-
prize, the diſmal News came, that the French
had taken one of the Ofwego Forts; in a few
Hours, in Confirmation of this, I ſaw the
Engliſh Standards (the melancholly Trophy of
Victory) and the French rejoicing at our down-
fal, and mocking us poor Priſoners, in our
Exile and Extremity, which was no great.
Argument either of Humanity, or true Great-
nefs of Mind; great Yoy appeared in all their
Faces, which they expreſſed by loud Shouts,
firing of Cannon, and returning Thanks in their
Churches; but our Faces were covered with
Shame, and our Hearts filled with Grief !---
Soon after, I faw ſeveral of the Officers brought
in

( 31 )
in Priſoners, in ſmall Parties, and the Soldiers
in the fame Manner, and confined within the
Walls, in a ſtarving Condition, in order to
make them Work, which ſome complied
with, but others bravely refuſed ; and laſt of
all came the Tradeſmen, among whom was
my Son, who looking round ſaw his Father,
who he thought had long been dead; this
joyful Sight ſo affected him, that he wept !--
nor could I, in ſeeing my Son, remain uncon-
cerned !--no; the Tenderneſs of a Father's
Bowels, upon fo extraordinary an Occaſion,
I am not able to expreſs, and therefore muſt
cover it with a Vail of Silence !--But he, with
all my Philadelphia Friends, being guarded
by Soldiers, with fixed Bayonets, we could not
come near each other, they were ſent to the
common Pound; but I haftened to the Inter-
preter, to try if I could get my Child at Liberty,
,
which was ſoon effected! When we had the
Happineſs of an Interview, he gave me ſome
Information of the State of our Family, and
told me, as ſoon as the News were fent Home,
that I was killed, or token, his Mother was
not allowed any more Support from my Wages,
which grieved me much, and added to my
other Aflictions (f)!
f In the mean Time, it gave me ſome Pleaſure, in this Situm
ation, to ſee an Expreſſion of equal Date and Prudence in my
Sons Conduct, who, though young in Years (about 17) and
in fuch a confuſed State of Things, had taken care to bring,
WHEN

( 32 )
When the People taken at Oſwego, were
ſetting out on their way to Quebec, I made
Application for Liberty to go with them; but
the Interpreter replied, that I was an Indian
Priſoner, and the General would not ſuffer it,
till the Indians were ſatisfied ; and as they
lived Two Hundred Miles from Montreal, it
could not be done at that Time: Finding that
all Arguments, farther on that Head, would
not avail, becauſe I was not included in the
Capitulation ; I told the Interpreter, my Son
muſt go and leave me! in order to be ready
at Quebec to go Home, when the Oſwego Peo-
ple went, which probably would be ſoon ; he
replied, " It would be better to keep him with
(ne, for he might be a Mean to get me
( clear much fooner.'
The Officers belonging to Oſwego, would
gladly have had me with them, but found it
impracticable; this is an Inſtance of Kindneſs
and Condeſcenſion, for which I am obliged!
Captain Bradley, gave me a good Coat, Veſt,
and Shirt; and a young Gentleman, who for-
merly
with much Labour and Fatigue, a large Bundle of confidera-
ble Value to me, it being Cloaibing, Soc. which I was in great
Need of; he likewiſe ſaved a Quantity of W ampum, which we
brought from New-York, and afterwards fold' here, for 150
Livers. He traveled with me Part of the Journey towards
Oſwego, but not being ſo far on his Way, as I was when taken,
he did not then fall into the Enemy's Hands, but continued free
till Oſwego was taken, and was then remarkably delivered from
the

( 33 )
merly lived in Philadelphia, gave Four Piſtoles
(his. Name is James Stone, he was Doctor at
Oſwego). Theſe generous Expreſſions of Kind-
neſs and Humanity, I am under great Obli-
gations to remember with affectionate Grati-
tude, and if ever it be in the Compaſs of my
Power, to requite: This Money, together
with what my Son brought, I was in Hopes
would go far towards procuring my Releaſe,
from my Indian Maſters; but ſeeing a Number
of Priſoners in fore Diſtreſs, among which
were, the Captains Grant and Shepherd, and
about Seven more in Company, I thought it
my Duty to relieve them, and commit my
Releaſe to the Diſpoſal of Providence ! Nor
was this ſuffered to turn to my Diſadvantage
in the Iſſue, for my Deliverance was brought
about in due Time, in another, and unex-
pected Way. This Company informed me
of their Intention to Eſcape, accordingly I
gave them all the Help in my Power, faw
them clear of the Town, on a Saturday Even-
ing, before the Centries were ſet at the Gates,
E
and
the Hands of the Indians, in the following Manner, 15 young
Lads were drafted out to be delivered to themi (which from
their known Cuftom, it is reaſonable to conclude, was to fill
up the Number they had loft in the Battle) among which he
was one: This barbarous Deſign, which is contrary to the
Laws of War, among all civilized Nations, the French artfully
€oncealed, under the Pretext of fending them to work in the
Battoes; but my Child taking Notice, that all that were choſen

( 34 )
and adviſed them not to part from each other,
and delivered to Captain Shepherd two Pocket
Compaſſes; but they contrary to this Counſel
parted, and ſaw each other no more : By theit
ſeparating, Captain Grant, and Serjeant Newel,
were deprived of the Benefit of a Compaſs; the
other Part got ſafe to Fort William Henry, as
I was informed by Serjeant Henry, who was
brought in Priſoner, being taken in a Battle,
when gallant, indefatigable Captain Rogers,
made a brave Stand, againſt more than twice
his Number! But I have not heard any Ac-
count of Captain Grant! Was enabled, through
much Mercy, to continue communicating
ſome Relief to other Priſoners, out of the
Wages I received for my Labour, which was
40 Livers per Month!
In the latter Part of the Winter, Coal and
Iron were ſo ſcarce, that I was hard ſet to get
any more Work; I then offered to work for
my Diet and Lodging, rather than be thruſt
into a ſtinking Dungeon, or ſent among the
Indians : The Interpreter took ſome Pains
(which
were ſmall Lads, doubred their real Intention was bad, and
therefore flipt out of his Rark and concealed himſelf, by which
Means, under God, he was preſerved from a State of perpe-
tual Cat tivity; his Place being filled up in his Abſence, the
other unhappy Youths were delivered up a Sacrifice to the
Indian Enemy, to be inſtructed in Popiſh Principles, and employed
in Murdering their Countrymen; yea, perhaps their Fathers and
Brethren, O horrible ! 0 lamentable! How can the French

( 35 )
(which I thankfully acknowledge) but with-
out Succeſs; however, as I offered to work
without Wages, a Frenchman took me and my
Son in, upon theſe Terms, till a better Birth
preſented; here we ſtaid one Week, but heard
of no other place, then he offered me and my
Son, 30 Livers per Month, to ſtrike and blow
the Bellows, which I did for about two
Months, and then was diſcharged, and travel-
ed about from Place to Place, having no fixed
Abode, and was obliged to lay out the ſmall
Remains of my Caſh, in buying a little Virtuals,
and took a Hay-Loft for my Lodging: I then
made my Caſe known to the kind Interpreter,
and requeſted him to conſider of fome Means
for my Relief, who replied he would; in the
mean Time, as I was taking a walk in the
City, I met an Indian Priſoner, that belonged
to the Town where my Father lived, who re-
ported, that a great Part of the Indians there,
were juft come, with a Reſolution to carry
E 2
me
be guilty in cold Blood, of ſuch prodigious Iniquity? Befides
their infatiable Thirft of Empire, Doubtleſs the Pardons they
get from their Pope, and their Priests, embolden them, which
brings to my Mind, what I few when among them: On a Sab-
baoth Dar, perceiving a grear Concourſe of People at a Chapel,
built on the Commons, ar rome Diſtance from the City, I went
to ſee what was the Occaſion, and found a kind of a Fair, at
which were ſold Cakes, Wine, Brandy, c. I likewiſe law many
Caris and Chaſes attending, the Chapel Doors in the mean Time
open, Numbers of People going in and out, and a Board bang-
ing over the Door, on which was written, in large Leters
INDULGENCE PLENARY, or FULL PARDONA

( 36 )
me back with them; and knowing him to be
a very honeſt Fellow, I believed the Truth
of it, and fled from the Town to be concealed
from the Indians ; in the mean while, Schemes
were formed for an Eſcape, and well proſe-
cuted: The Iſſue of which was fortunate.
General Vaudriel, gave me and my Son, Li-
berty (under his Hand) to go to Quebec, and
work there at our Pleaſure, without Confine-
ment, as Priſoners of War; by which Means,
I was freed from paying a Ranſom !
The Commiſſary, Monſieur Partwe, being
about to ſet off for Quebec, my Son informed
me that I muſt come to Town in the Evening,
a Paſſage being provided for us; I waited till
near Dark, and then entered the Town, with
great Care, to eſcape the Indians, who kept
watch for me and had done ſo for ſome
Time) which made it very difficult and dan-
gerous to move ; however as they had no
Knowledge of my Son, he could watch their
Motions, without their Suſpicion (the Pro-
vidence of God is a great Deep, this Help was
provided for my Extremity, not only beyond
my Expectation, but contrary to my Deſign.)
In the Morning, upon ſeeing an Indian ſet to
watch for me, over againſt the Houſe I was in,
I quickly made my Eſcape, through the back
Part of the Houſe, over fome high Pickets,
and out of the City, to the River Side, and
fled!

( 37 )
fled! A Friend knowing my Scheme for Dev.
liverance, kindly affifted me to conceal my-
ſelf: The Commiſſary had by this Time got
ready for his Voyage, of which my Son giving
me Notice, I immediately, with no lingering
Motion, repaired to the Boat, was received on
board, ſet off quite undiſcovered, and ſaw
the Indians no more! A very narrow and fur-
prizing Eſcape, from a violent Death! (For
they had determined to kill me, in caſe I ever
attempted to leave them) which lays me un-
der the ſtrongeſt Obligations, to improve a.
Life reſcued from the Jaws of ſo many Deaths,
to the Honour of my gracious Benefactor ! --
But to return, the Commiſſary upon ſeeing the
Diſmiffion I had from the General, treated us
curteouſly! (8)
Arrived at Quebec, May iſt, The Hono-
rable Colonel PETER SCHUYLER, hearing of
my coming there, kindly ſent for me, and
after enquiries about my Welfare, &c. ge-
nerouſly
g Saw many Houſes and Villages in our Paſs along the River
St. Lawrence towards the Metropolis ; and here it may be with
Juſtice obſerved, that the Inhabitants of Canada in general,
are principally (if not whollv) ſertled upon Rivers, by reaſon
ihat their back Lands being flat and ſwampy, are therefore
unfit to bear Grain: Their W beat is ſown in the Spring of the
Year, becauſe the Winter is long, and would drownit; they
ſeem to have no good Notion of making Meadow (ſo far as I
had an opportunity of obſerving ) their horned Cattle are few
and poor, their Living in general mean, they eat but little
Fleh, nevertheleſs they are trong and hardy.

( 38 )
nerouſly told me I ſhould be ſupplied, and
need not trouble myſelf for Support! This
public Spirited Gentleman, who is indeed an
Honour to his Country, did in like Manner,
nobiy relieve many other poor Priſoners at
Quebec !--Here I had full Liberty to walk where
I pleaſed, and view the City, which is well
fituated for Strength, but far from being im-
pregnable.
HERE, I hope, it will not be judged im-
proper, to give a ſhort Hint of the French
Governor's Conduct ; even in Time of Peace,
he gives the Indians great Encouragement to
Murder and Captivate the poor Inhabitants on
our Frontiers ; an honeſt, good Man, named
William Roſs, was taken Priſoner twice in the
Time of Peace; when he was firſt taken, he
learned a little of the French Tongue, was
after ſome Time redeemed, and got to his
Place of Abode : Yet fome Years after, he,
with two Sons, was again taken, and brought
to Quebec; the Governor ſeeing the
poor
Man
was Lame, and one of his Legs ſmaller than
the other, reproved the Indians for not killing
him, aſking, what they brought a lame Man
! there for, who could do nothing but eat ;
you
ſhould, ſaid he, have brought his Scalp !
However, another of his Countrymen, more
merciful than his Excellency, knowing the
poor"

( 39 )
poor Priſoner to be a quiet, hard-working Man,
redeemed him from the Indians; and two
other Frenchmen bought his two Sons : Here
they had been Slaves more than three Years,
when I firſt arrived at Quebec ; this Account
I had from Mr. Roſs himſelf, who farther
added, that the Governor gave the Indians
Preſents, to encourage them to proceed, in
that kind of Work, which is a Scandal to any
civilized Nation, and what many Pagans
would abhor! Here alſo, I ſaw
one Mr.
Johnſon, who was taken in a Time of Peace,
with his Wife, and three ſmall Children (his
Wife was big with Child of a Fourth, and
delivered on the Road to Canada, which ſhe
called Captive) all which, had been Priſoners
between three and four Years, ſeveral young
Men, and his Wife's Siſter, were likewiſe
taken Captive with them, and made Slaves !
Our Cartel being ready, I obtained Liberty
to go to England in her; we ſet Sail the 23d
of July, 1757, in the Morning, and dif-
charged our Pilot about 4 o'Clock in the Af-
ternoon; after which, we neither caſt Anchor
or Lead, till we got clear of the great River
St. Lawrence, from which, I conclude, the
Navigation is much ſafer then the French have
reported; in 28 Days we arrived at Plymouth,
which occafioned great Joy, for we were
ragged, lowſy, fick, and in a Manner, fiarved;
and

( 40 )
and many of the Priſoners, who in all were
about 300 in Number, were ſick of the Small-
Pox: My Son and Self, having each a Blanket
Coat (which we bought in Canada to keep us
warm) and now expecting Relief, gave them
to two poor fick Men, almoſt naked ! But as
we were not allowed to go on Shore, but re-
moved to a King's Ship, and ſent to Portf-
mouth, where we where ſtill confined on board,
near two Weeks, and then removed to the
Mermaid, to be ſent to Boſton ; we now re-
pented our well ment, though raſh Charity,
in giving our Coats away, as we were not to
get any more, all Application to the Captain
for any Kind of Covering being in vain ; our
Fay was turned into Sorrow, at the Proſpect
of coming on a cold Coaſt, in the Beginning
of Winter, almoſt naked, which was not a
little increaſed, by a near View of our Mother
Country, the Soil and Comforts of which, we
were not ſuffered to touch or taſte (h).
September the 6th, Set Sail for Boſton, ,
with a Fleet in Convoy, at which we arrived
on the Seventh of November, in the Evening;
it being Dark, and we Strangers, and poor,
it was difficult to get a Lodging (I had no
Shoes,
Fb On board the Mermaid Man of War, being in a difreſed
Condition, and hearing little from the Mouths of many of my
Counerymen, but Oaths and Curſes (which much increaſed my
Miftion) and finding it difficult to get a retired Place, I crept

( 41 )
Shoes, and but Pieces of Stockings, and the
Weather in the mean Time very Cold) we
were indeed directed to a Tavern, but found
cold Entertainment there, the Maſter of the
Houſe ſeeing a ragged and lowſy Company,
turned us out to Wander in the Dark; he
was ſuſpicious of us, and feared we came from
Halifax, where the Small-Pox then was, and
told us, he was ordered not to receive ſuch as
came from thence: We foon met a youngMan,
who ſaid he could find a Lodging for us, but ſtill
detained us by aſking many Queſtions; on which
I told him we were in no Condition to Anſwer,
till we came to a proper Place, which he quickly
found, where we were uſed well; but as we
were lowly, could not expect Beds. The
next Morning, we made Application for Cloath-
ing; Mr. Erwing, Son-in-Law to the late
General Shirley, gave us Relief, not only.in
reſpect of Apparel, but alſo Three Dollars per
Man, to bear our Charges to Newport: When
1 put on freſh Cloaths, I was leized with a cold
Fit, which was followed by a high Eever,
and in that Condition obliged to Travel on
F
Foot,
down into the Hold among the Water Casks, to cry to God;
here the Lord was graciouſly pleaſed to meet with me, and
give me a Senſe of his fatherly Love and Care; here he ena-
bled me (bleſſed be his Name for ever) to look back and view
how he had led me, and guarded me with a watchful Eye and
krong Arm, and what Pains he had taken to wean me froma
an over-love of time Things, and make me content that
he should chooſe for me : Here I was enabled to ſee his great

( 42 )
Foot, as far as Providence, in our Way to
Rhode-Iſiand (our Money not being ſufficient
to hire any Carriage, and find us what was
needful for Support :) In this Journey, I was
exceedingly diſtreſſed! Our Comforts in this
Life, are often allayed with Miſeries, which
are doubtleſs great Mercies when ſuitably im-
proved ; at Newport, met with Captain Gibbs,
and agreed with him for our Paſſage to New-
York, where we arrived, November 21ſt, met
with many Friends, who expreſſed much Sa-
tisfaction at our Return, and treated us kind-
ly, particularly Meſſrs. Livingſton, and Wal-
dron.
November 26th, 1757. ARRIVED at Phila-
delphia, to the great Joy of all my Friends,
and particularly of my poor afflicted Wife and
Family, who thought they ſhould never ſee
me again, till we met beyond the Grave;
being returned, fick and weak in Body, and
empty handed, not having any Thing for my
Family's and my own Support, ſeveral humane
and generous Perſons, of different Denomina-
tions,
Goodneſs in all my Diſappointments, and that Afflictions were
not Evidences of God's Wrath, but the Contrary, to all that
honeſtly Endeavour to ſeek him with Faith and Love; here
I could ſay, God is worthy to be ſerved, loved, and obeyed,
though it be attended with many Miſeries in this World!
What I have here mentioned, ſo far as I know my Heart, is
neither to exalt myſelf, or offend any one upon Earth, but to
glorify God, for his Goodneſs and Faithfulneſs to che Meanek
of his Servants, and to encourage others to truſt in him!

( 43 )
rions, in this City (without any Application
of mine, directly or indirectly) have freely
given ſeaſonable Relief ; for which, may Goa
grant them Bleſſings in this world, and in
the World to come everlaſting Life, for
Chriſt's Sake!
Now, God in his great Mercy, hath grant-
ed me a temporal Salvation, and what is a
Thouſand Times better, he hath given me
with it, a Soul ſatisfying Evidence of an eter-
nal in the World to come!
AND now, what ſhall I render to the Lord
for all his Benefits, alas I am nonpluſt! O
that Saints and Angels might praiſe thee, for
I am not worthy to take thy Name into my
Mouth any more! Yet notwithſtanding, thou
art pleaſed to accept poor Endeavours, be-
cauſe Jesus CHRIST has opened the Door,
whereby we may come boldly to the Throne
of thy Grace, praiſed be the Lord God Jeho-
vab, by Men and Angels, throughout all
Eternity!
But to haſten to the Concluſion, ſuffer
me with Humility and Sorrow to obſerve,
that our Enemies ſeem to make a better Uſe
of a bad Religion, than we of a good One ;
they riſe up long before Day in Winter, and
go through the Snow in the coldeſt Seafons,
to perform their Devotions in the Churches :
F 2
whicha

( 44 )
which when over, they return to be ready
for their work as ſoon as Day-Light appears :
The Indians are as zealous in Religion, as the
French; they oblige their Children to pray
Morning and Evening, particularly at Cona-
fadauga ; are punctual in performing their
ſtated Acts of Devotion themſelves, are ſtill
and peaceable in their own Families, and
among each other as Neighbours !
When I compared our Manner of Living
with theirs, it made me fear that the righte-
ous and jealous God (who is wont to make
Judgment begin at his own Houſe firſt) was
about to deliver us into their Hands, to be
ſeverely puniſhed for our Departure from
him; how long has he waited for our Return,
O that we may therefore turn to him, before
his Anger break out into a Flame, and there
be no Remedy !
Our Cafe appears to me indeed very Gloomy !
notwithſtanding our Enemies are inconſidera-
ble in Number, compared with us; yet they
are united as one Man, while we may
be
juſtly compared to a Houſe divided againſt itſelf,
and therefore cannot ſtand long, in our pre-
ſent Situation.
May Almighty GOD, graciouſly incline
us to look to him for DELIVERANCE, to repent
of our Sins, reform our Lives, and unite in
the

(45)
the vigorous and manly. Uſe of all proper
Means to this End. AMEN.
F I N I S.
ERRAT A.
PAGE
AĞÈ 20. Line 28. for Stands, read,
Stand.
Page 21. Line 1. for compleats, r. compleat,
Page 35. Line laft. for Plenarr, r. Plenary.

Juſt Publithed, and to be ſold by WILLIAM
DUNLAP, at the Neweſt-Printing-Ofice, on
the South Side of the Jerſey Market,
A NEAT EDITION OF
REFLECTIONS
ON
COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE:
IN
TWO LETTERS
To A
FRIEND
Wherein a Practicable PLAN is laid down
for OBTAINING and SECURING
CONJUGAL FELICITY.
*** The great Demand (both here and in
England) for this beautiful Performance, hath
induced us to give it a THIRD EDITION.



102
coll & ok
2-16-21
1758 Eartbeen, Robert
С C
Ea
WILLIAM L. CLEMENTS
LIBRARY OF
AMERICAN HISTORY
UNIVERSITYOF MICHIGAN