UC-NRLF 3Dfl f. MASON & 8O.N 20: NORMAN ROAD '. LEONARDS-ON-SKA 1 BERKELEY .IBRARY JNIVEtSITY OF CALIFORNIA 1 7 ^ //- -//> v '// e MEMOIRS OF THE FAMILY DE POLY, WITH A NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OP ANTOINETTE! BARONESS BE POLY, WRITTEN BY HERSELF. Loyal an Mort. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY J. ABEL. 1822. TO THE GENEROUS, HUMANE, AND MOST BENEVOLENT PUBLIC, FROM WHOM THE ORPHAN HAS, IN A FOREIGN LAND, RECEIVED INNUMERABLE BENEFITS, THIS WORK IS, MOST HUMBLY, MOST RESPECTFULLY, AND MOST GRATEFULLY Detrt'catetr, BY THE AUTHOR. 571 PREFACE. 1 HE first fifty pages of this work having been originally composed during the French Revolution, a period, in which, inviolable secrecy with respect to names and places was indispensably necessary; the names in the Manuscript were allowed to be expressed only by their initial letters : it has since, however, been deemed desirable, in order to give weight to the truth of these Memoirs, that this defect should be in some way supplied, and therefore the Editor, by permission of the Baroness, begs leave to insert those of her father in full length, as under : At page 2, 8th line from the note, instead of The Baron deK. . . , ., son of Louis Baron de K /' read "Frederick Charles Guillaume Leonard Baron de Poly de Kallenback, son of Louis Baron de Kallenback/' But not being able satisfactorily to fill up the rest, it has been thought preferable, rather than commit any error, to retain them precisely as in (he Manuscript. VI The translation also, of this part of the Memoirs, from the French, is as strictly literal as the languages will admit ; but since transla- tion should be the act of rendering ideas, and not merely words, from one language into another, such liberties have been occasionally taken as were considered necessary to keep up the spirit of the original, without deviating from the sense of the author. How far the translator has succeeded in these respects, it is not her province to decide ; conscious that egotism is too partial to deserve approbation, she cheerfully submits her labours to the opinion of an impartial, liberal, and discern- ing public, having for so many years past experienced their liberality and munificence. BANBURY, NOVEMBER 1st, 1822. Names of the Subscribers. A. LADY Arundle, Wardour-Castle, 2 copies Mrs. B. Aplin, Bodicott mansion Benjamin Aplin, Esq. London West on Aplin, Esq. Chipping Norton Miss Armetriding, Steeple-Ashton Mrs. Attenbrow, Stratton-Audley Mr. George Ashness, London Mrs. Austin, Banbury Mrs. Arnold, Brackley Mr. Adams, Fritwell Mr. W. Arne, Banbury Miss Aston, Rowington Hall B. The Rev. Edward Burn, Birmingham Monsieur L'Abbe Bertomier, London, 2 copies The Rev. Henry Leigh Bennett, Croughtou Mrs. Blencowe, Marston, 2 copies Miss Basset, Tehidy Park, Cornwall Miss M. Basset, Ditto Mrs. James Blencowe, Pcngreep, Cornwall Mrs. Bowen, VVroxton Abbey Mrs. Burgess, Straton-Audley Miss Bentom, London Miss Botrey, Marston Miss Biddie, Prescott Mrs. Richard Bignell, Middleton-Stoney Mrs. Bawcutt Miss Brett, Sloane Street, London Mrs. Bull, Hanwell Miss Bull, Ditto Robert Brayne, Esq. Banbury Mrs. Beasant, Old Stratford Mr. Horatio Bolingbroke, Norwich Mr. Bristow, Bodicott Philip Bartlett, Esq. Buckingham J. Bartlett, Esq. Ditto T. Bartlett, Esq. Ditto Mrs. Brickwell, Bai:bury Mr. Bristow, Kidlington. Mr. Baker, Market-Deeping E. Bartlett, Esq. Buckingham Miss Bartlett, Ditto Mrs. E. Bartlett, Brackley Mrs. R. Bartlett, Ditto Mrs. Bartlett, Deddington Mrs. Barford, Banbury Mrs. Busby, Ditto Mr. Thomas Batchelor, Middleton-Cheney Mr. Samuel Beesley, Banbury Mr. Barrett, Brackley Mrs. Bannard, Fulwell The Rev. Mr. Bell, Bloxham The Rev. W. E. Bottomley, Middleton-Cheney Miss Bellamy, Shipston Mrs. Brain, Ditto Mr. John Burchley, Cropredy Mrs. Bowles, North-Aston Mrs. Bygrave, Deddington Mrs. Edward Bates, Bloxharn Mrs. Bartholomew, Wardington Mr. William Budd, Boddington The Rev. A. Browley, Leamington Mrs. Bird, Ditto Miss Biddle, Prescott Mr. C. Beavan, Master of the Leamington Ceremonies Mrs. Burman, Southam Edward Bouverie, Esq. Delapre Abbey Mrs. Bouverie, Ditto Mrs. Burnham, Northampton Messrs. Birdsall and Sons, Northampton 9 Mrs. Bullock, Caversfield, 2 copies Mr. W. Ball, Bicester Dr. Bourne, Oxford The? Rev. Dr. Barnes, Ditto c. Earl Compton Countess Compton Lady Elizabeth Compton Miss Cleplane Madame la Comtesse de Callone, London Thomas Carter, Esq. Edgcott Bryan Cooke, Esq. Owston, near Doncaster The Rev. Charles Cornelius Chambers, Rector of Holmpton, &c. &c. &c. Holderness The Rev. Mr. Churton, Middleton Mrs. Chandler, Willaston William Cooper, Esq. Ramsgate, 2 copies Mrs. Timothy Cobb, Banbury, 2 copies Miss Cobb, Colthrope-House William Coles, Esq. Bicester Mrs. Churchill, Ditto Mrs. Clarson, Adderbury Miss Clarke, Barton Mrs. Carpenter, Bourne-Heath, Worcestershire Miss Claridge, London Miss Coates, Wappingham Mrs. Corney, London, 2 copies Mr. Colebrook Miss Colebrook Miss Hariet Colebrook Mr. Campion, Moor-Hill Mrs. Coles, Stratton-Audley Mrs. Clements, Bicester Mr. Crakenthorpe, London Mrs. H. Churchill, Deddington. W. H. Chamberlain, Esq. Cropredy-Lawn, 2 copies Miss Churchill, Deddington, 2 copies Mrs. John Churchill, Deddington Mrs. R. Colisson, Brackley Mrs. Cave, Ditto Miss Cave, Ditto Mr. James Collingridge, Fritweli b 10 Miss Copps, Royal Hotel, Leamington Mr. Croome, Banbury Miss Cork, Ditto Mr. George Craddock, Sulgrave Mrs. Colbourne, Shipston George Cobb, Esq. Broughton Castle Mr. Amos Chinner, Sen. Cbacombe Miss Clements, No. 7, Hill-street, Berkeley-square Miss Coles, Southam Samuel Chase, Esq. Northampton Rev. Dr. Coplestone, Oriel-College, Oxford Rev. Dr. Collinson, Oxford Mrs. Coilingwood, Oxford Mrs. Coles, Woodstock D The Right Hon. Lord de Dunstanville, Tehidy Park, Cornwall, 2 copies Lady de Dunstanville, Ditto Ditto Sir English Dolben, Bart Finedon-Manor, North- amptonshire Cotterell Dormer, Esq. Rousham Mrs. Davis, Adderbury Mr. C. W. Drury, Banbury The Rev. Henry Davis, Bloxham Mrs. William Davis, Ditto Mrs. Davis, Banbury Mrs. Dudley, Chapel-House Mrs. Darville, Banbury Mrs. Drake, Finsbury-place, London Miss Dudley, Oxford Mrs. Depuis, Oxford, 2 copies Mrs. Davenport, St. Giles's, Oxford Davis, Esq. Bicester, 2 copies E. The Countess of Erine, at the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool's Fife House Mrs. Eyre, London Mrs. Eliss, Middleton-Cheney Mr. Edwards, Banbury 11 W. G. Elliston. Esq. Leamington John Earthorpe, Esq. Cadogan-place Rev. B. L. Edwards, Northampton Mr. William Eagles, Cropredy p. Lady Gertrude Fitzpatrick, Farning-woods Lady Ann Fitzpatrick A Friend, Adderbury The Rev. Thomas Fawcett, Aynho Mrs. Ford, Bath Mr. Freeman, Hardwick Miss Frier, London Miss Farndon, Deddington Mrs. Fences, Aylesbury-House 3 Warwickshire Mrs. Florers, Whitchurch Mr. Franklin, Leamington A Friend, in Banbury The Rev. Dr. Fatham, Lincoln College, Oxford J. Fane, Esq. M. P. Oxford G. The Right Hon. the Earl of Guilford, Wroxton Abbey, 4 copies Countess of GuiJford, Ditto, 2 copies Lord Glenbervie, 2 copies Mrs. Gother, London Miss Gother, Ditto Mrs. Gander, Ditto Miss Golby, Banbury, 2 copies Miss Greaves, Abthorpe Mrs. Gnnn, Neithorpe Mrs. Greaves, Manor-House, Haversham Mrs. Gee, Brackley Mrs. Gillet, Brailes Mrs. Gardner, Adderbury Miss Gardner, Balscott Mrs. Green, Brackley Mr. J. Goode, Buckingham Mr. Richard Garret*, Eydon Miss S. M. Gulliver, Banbury 12 Mrs. Goode, Buckingham A Gentleman, Adderbury, 2 copies Mr. John Garrett, Calcott-Cottage, Heyford Mrs. Griffin, Banbury Mrs. G. Grimbly, Ditto. Mr. John Gulliver, Ditto Miss Susan Guttridge, Thorpe-Mandeville Mr. James Garrett, Banbury Miss Golley, Ditto James Wake Golby, Esq. Ditto Miss Goodman, Willscott Mr. S. A. Gillet, Shipston The Rev. William Gorden, Dunstew Miss Griffin, Deddington Miss Goddard, Brondstone Miss Ann Gunn, Neithorpe Mrs. Graves, Ditto The Rev. R. J. Geldart, Rector of Little-Billing Mrs. Goodacre, Northampton W. Gates, Esq. Ditto H Thomas Hunt, Esq. Stratford-on-Avon William Hunter, Esq. Leamington Mrs. F. Hutton, Northiam, Sussex Miss Hatton, Walkworth Mrs. Hillyard, Thorplands-House, near Northampton The Rev. John Hill, High-street, Oxford Mrs. Hanks, Oxford Sir Edward Hitchings, Oxford The Rev. J. W. Hughes, Oxford Mrs. Hastings, Dalesford-House, 3 copies Mrs. Hopcraft, Croughton-House, 3 copies Mrs. Heydon, Banbury, 2 copies Miss Hopcraft, Evenley Miss S. Hopcroft, Ditto Miss Horwood, Steane-Park Miss Holloway, Manor-Iiouse, Buckingham Mrs. Hughes, Shennington Mrs. Hetherington, VVhitchurch Mrs. llollingridge, Heath Mr. W. Hitchcock, Banbury, <2 copies Miss Hitchcock, Ditto 13 Mrs. Hemmingway, Chichester Miss Hirons, Sidnum Miss Heath, Newington, London Mrs. H , London Mrs. Humphrey, Thorpe-Mandeville Thomas Hearne, Juu. Esq. Buckingham The Rev. W. Harding, Sulgrave The Rev. Mr. Hubbard, Banbury Mrs. Hawtyn, Ditto Hickman, Esq. Market-Deeping Mr. William Hilchman, Chipping-Norton Mrs. Hoare, Brackley Mr. John Heath, Chipping-Norton Mrs. Hay ward, Ditto Mr. Samuel Hickvale, Over-Norton Mr. W. Haynes, Adderbury Mr. John Hawkes, Sulgrave Mr. William Hill, North-Aston Mrs. J. Holloway, Wickham Mrs. Richard Holloway, Bioxham. Richard Hirons, Esq. Chacombe Mrs. Hall, Shipston The Rev. P. Hersent, Overthorpe Miss Harris, Deddington The Rev. Nicks Marshall Hacker, Enstone The Rev. W. E. Honey, South-New ington Mrs. Harrison, Banbury Mrs. Robert Hemming, Ditto I. Major General Sir Charles Inch! IT, London Lady Inchiff, Ditto Mrs. Ingram, Thenford-House, 4 copies Mrs. B. Ingram, Ditto, 2 copies Miss Irons, Stratton-Audley Miss Ivies, London Mrs. Isted, Ecton The Countess of Jersey, Middleton-Park Mrs. Johnson, Thenford-House Adolphus Johnson, Esq. London, 2 copies The Rev. Anselm Jones, Brackley Miss Johstiney, Buckingham Mr. II. R. Judd, Birmingham Mr. Jennings, Somerton 14 Charles Jones, Esq. Surgeon, Banbury Mrs. Jones, Brack ley Mr. Jones, Overthorpe William Jeffs, Esq. Costow-House Miss Jelf, Castle- Ashby Mrs. E. Jones, Southam The Rev. Humphrey Jeston, Rector of Avon-Dessel Mr. James, Albion-Hall, Oxford K. Sir Charles Knightley, Bart. Fawsley-Park Mrs. Kekewich, Newington Mrs. Kimingway Mrs. Kirby, Bicester Mr. Thomas Kilby, Banbury Master W. G. King, Avon-Basset Mr. G. Kalabargo, Banbury Mrs. Burrows Kirby, Ditto L. Sir Henry Lawson, Brough-Hall, near Catterick, 2 copies Lady Lawson, Ditto, 2 copies Sir George Leigh, Harivell-House, 6 copies The Rev. Mr. Lancaster, Vicar of Banbury Mrs. M. Longe, Banbury, 2 copies Mrs. Lloyd, Middleton-Cheney John Lewis, Esq. Old-Post, near Oswestry Mrs. R. W. Leonard, Aynho Mrs. H. Lucas, Newport-Pagnell Mr. Richard Loveil, Edgcott Mrs. Lamb, Shelswell Lever, Esq. Surgeon, Culworth Master Lews, Droughton-House Mr. William Loftus, Banbuiy Mrs. Anthony Longe, Banbury, 2 copies James Liltle, Esq. R. N. Stonehouse, Plymouth, Devon. Mr. Joseph Langford, Burgh field'Reading Mrs. Loveday, Wilscot A Lady, London A Lady, Charwelton, Northamptonshire Monsieur de Lalande, Northampton Lady Lock, Oxford Mr. Laurent, St. Clements, Oxford 15 Mrs. Landou, Worster-College, Oxford Mr. William Lucas, Bicester M. Sir John Riggs Miller, Bart. Dallington, 5 copies Lady Riggs Miller, Ditto, 5 copies Lady Musgrave, London The Rev. M. Marcus, Northampton Edward Morant Gale, Esq. Upton-House, 2 copies Mrs. Morant Gale, Ditto, 2 copies Brown Mostyn, Esq. Kiddingtou Mrs. Brown Mostyn, Ditto The Rev. William Mills, Magdalen-College, Oxford Mrs. Mills, Deddington John Mills, Esq. London Mrs. Mills, London Miss Mills, Ditto Mrs. Martyn, Ladgershall-Rectory Mrs. Manning, Deddington Miss Manning, Ditto Mrs. Marlin, Bloxham Mrs. Manning, Croughton Mrs. Morse, Neithorp-House Mr. Joseph Montgomery, London Mr. W. Manneville, Ditto James Minn, Esq. Shouldern Mrs, Minn, Ditto Miss Malin, Brackley Miss Milward, Banbury Mrs. Munton, Ditto Robert Mordaunt, Esq. Heythorp-Enstone Charles B. Morgan, Esq. Daventry The Rev. Charles Marsham, Caversfield Sir Thomas Moystn, Bart. SwiftVIIouse, 2 copies The Rev. R. Mensham, St. Clements, Oxford Mrs. Macbride, Oxford, 4 copies N. The Most Noble the Marquis of Northampton, Castle- Ashby The Marchioness of Northampton, Ditto Miss Nagle, Dallington Miss Ann Nagle, Pengreep, Cornwall 16 The Rev. Thomas Nicholson The Rev. T Nutt, Bodicott George Nelson, Esq. Buckingham Miss Elizabeth Nasbey, Banbury Nen mi recordo, Lake of Como o. Mr. Thomas O'Gery, Daventry Miss Ormond, Bicester P. Sir Henry Peyton, Bart. Tusmore-House, 3 copies Lady Peyton, Ditto, 2 copies The Hon. P. S. Pierrepont, Evenly-Hall The Hon. Mrs. Pierrepont, Ditto Paynton Pigott, Esq. Bridge- Villa, Maidenhead The Rev. R. Paine, Asprey, Bedfordshire Mrs. R. Prettyman, Middleton-Stoney, 2 copies Miss Peck, Oxford Mr. Preedy, Bloxham Richard Peyton, Esq. Birmingham Miss E. F. Peyton, Ditto Monsieur L'Abbe de la Porte, London The Rev. John Prescott Mrs. J. Palmer, Stratton-Audley Miss Pearce, Stoney-Stratford Mrs. Parker, Bicester Mrs. Platford, Hull Mijs Paine, Banbury Mr. Joseph Pain, Neithorp Miss Paine, Ditto Mrs. Pope, Abingdon Mr. Page, Banbury Mr. Perry, Sardon-School Mrs. Perry, Shipston Mr. Thomas Perry, Banbury Mrs. Price, Deddington Mrs. Philips, Montague-place, Russell-square, London Robert Page, Esq. R. T. S. Madeira Mr. B. W. Palmer, Daventry The Rev. Mr. Pearson, Oxford Mrs. Pillenger, Ditto The Rev. William Perkins Mrs. H. Parsons, Oxford 17 R Archibald Robertson, M. D. Northampton Mrs. Reanolds, 25, Bloomsbury-square, London Mr. Rusher, Oxford Mrs. Rann, Banbury Mrs. Ross, London Mrs. Rousby, Souldern Mrs. Roots, Goddington Miss Russel, Middleton-Cheney Miss Reed, Hinton Miss Rusher, Overthorpe Mr. Thomas Rusher, Banbury Mr. John Roberts, Ditto Mr. A. Rutter, Ditto Mrs. Mary Rose, Deddington Miss Rebecca Root, Wardington Mr. J. G. Rusher, Banbury s. The Rev. John Stoddart, Northampton Christopher Smylh, Esq. Ditto, 3 copies G. F. Stratton, Esq. Upper- Werton Strickland, Esq. Cokethorpe-Park Daniel Stewart, Esq. Wickham Park Mrs. Stewart, Ditto Mrs. Salmon, Hardwick-House Richard Smith, Esq. Bicester The Rev. Mr. Smalley, Banbury The Rer. C. Smalley, Brailes Miss Smalley, Ditto T. Smaliwood, Esq. Wilraorton The Rev. R. S. Skillern, Chipping-Norton Mrs. Smith, Charwelton Miss Scott, Hinton Miss S. Scott, Ditto Mrs. Severne Miss Severne Miss Catherine Severne Miss Solomon, Liverpool, L copies Mrs. Smith, Deddington Miss Spence ; Culworth c 18 William Stone, Esq. Buckingham Mrs. Shouble, Bensington Mrs. Edward Southam, Buckingham Mr. H. Stilyres, Plumber's-Furze Miss Sansbury, London Mrs. Elizabeth Stone, Banbnry Mr. Lyne Spurrett, Ditto Mrs. Staley, Ditto Mr. Slater, Shelsweli Mr. C. Sharpe, Neithrop Mrs. Stafford, Chacombe Miss Snowe, Shipston Miss Martha Sabin, Ditto Mrs. Slatter, North- Aston Mr. G. M. Smith, Chipping-Norton Mrs. H. L. Smith, Southam Mr. T. Sternberg, Northampton Mrs. Smallbones, Hordley T. Sir George Throkmorton, Bart. Weston-Underwood The Rev. Dr. Tatham, Oxford The Rev. Francis Turville, Hampton Miss Tubb, Bicester The Rev. L. M. Turner, Bicester, 2 copies William Tuckwell, Esq. Oxford Mr. Charles Tomes, Jun. Ditto Mrs. Taylor, Goddington-Hall Miss Taylor, Ditto The Rev. S. N. Taylor, Shipston Thomas Tims, Esq. Banbury Mrs. Tawney, Banbury, 2 copies David Twopenny, Esq. Oriel College, Oxford Mrs. Tanner, Goddington Mr. W. Taylor, Jun. Finmere-Grange Mrs. Taylor, Wark worth Mrs. Turner, Hinton Mrs. Tirpp, Brackley Mr. Joshua Thome, Banbury Mr. John Turner, Epwell Mr. Wm. Tibbetts, Brackley 19 Viscountess Newport Mrs. Vincent, Oxford w. The Right Hon. Lord Willoughby de Broke Wellesbourne, 2 copies Fiennes Wykham Marten, Esq. Leeds Castle, Maid- stone, Kent The Rev. Charles Wetherell, Byneld Rectory The Rev. John Whittenbury, Daventry Dr. Williams, Regius Professor of Botany, in the Unirersity of Oxford Dr. Wall, Oxford, 2 copies Mrs. W. Walford, Banbury Miss Wyatt, Ditto, 2 copies Mrs. Theophilus Walford, Ditto, 2 copies The Rev. T. Woodroofe, Drayton Miss Walmersley, Hammersmith Mrs. Woodman, Brackley-Rectory Mrs. Robert Weston, Brackley Mrs. Watson, Aynho Mrs. Wells, Hornton Thomas Williams, Esq. London The Rev. Thomas Winter, Chipping-Norton Benjamin Whitaker, Esq. London Mrs. Whitaker, Ditto Miss Wilson, Ditto John Wilson, Esq. Adderbury Mrs. Wagstaff, Windsor Mrs. E. Winsor, London Mr. Edward Wells, Woodstock Miss Whitney, Buckingham Mr. J. Wyatt, Baubury Mr. John Williams, Adderbury Mrs. Whetton, Banbury E. W. Wright, Esq. Shipston Mr. George Wells, Shipston Miss Ward, Ditto Mr. John George Walford, Banbury Mr. M. Wilson, Ditto Mr. Joseph Wells, Ditto 20 Mrs. Weston, Deddington Miss Wells, Banbury Mrs. Warriner, Bloxham-Grove Rev. W, M. Whalley, Swarford Mrs. Woolston, Adderbury Mr. C. Whitton, Sulgrave John Wardle, Esq. Wardington The Rev. George Wasey, Ditto Mr. J. Whitton, Sulgrave Mr. Watson, Coton Mrs. Windham, Charlotte-street, Bloomsbury-square Mr. M. Wilson, Banbury Miss Wood, Southam J. M. Wardle, Esq. Daventry Henry Walford, Esq. Bicester R. Wootton, Esq. Oxford The Rev. Dr. Winstanly, Albion-Hall, Oxford Mr. Wade, Oxford Mrs. Wheeler, Ditto MEMOIRS. VARIOUS are the reasons which have induced me to write these Memoirs, which are compiled partly from authentic documents left by my deceased parent,, who had collected many in- teresting anecdotes relative to our family, with such particular accounts of my ancestors, as were before unknown to me. I conceived it would be an agreeable employment of my leisure moments, to select and arrange from these papers, such material information as might be necessary for the completion of my narrative; but what outweighed every other consideration was, in my estimation, the libe- ral and candid way in which my father has faithfully delineated every minute circumstance, neither concealing any thing, or exaggerating in the least degree, but exhibiting only a true picture of events just as they occurred. There are also other considerations which prompted me to this undertaking, and which I shall fully state, From the bosom of affluence, my family has been, in consequence of the French Revolution, reduced to comparative B 2 indigence and obscurity : indeed what has not this tremendous Revolution destroyed ? it has inflicted the most fiery ordeal that any country ever underwent ; and many, many years must necessarily elapse, to heal the wounds, and repair the ravages committed during its reign of terror. Necessity therefore, and an anxious desire to discharge some arrears of accompts, Jdue on my part ; and which the small pension I receive from the French Government, is in- adequate to meet, are the principal motives to the publication of these Memoirs. The only merit to which I aspire is, that of veracity in thenarration of my history; and the only apology I can offer for my appearance in public is, the desire of complying with the wishes of many of my kindest friends. Prom my imperfect knowledge of the English language, should any inaccuracies have escaped my notice, I trust they will be excused ; and as my motives are pure, I repose with confidence on the liberality of my readers. I proceed therefore to the history of my ancestors, which I shall deliver as nearly as possible in the words of my deceased parent. The Baron de K ,son of Louis Baron de K , was born on an estate belonging to his father, in a town situate about leagues from the river R. . . ., in Germany. Being an only son, and the family of Louis Baron de K , one of the most ancient Baronial families of the empire, as also a member of the circle of Bas Rhin*, he was naturally obliged by his father * Germany was formerly divided into nine great divisions, called circles. Bas-Rhin, or Lower Rhine, was one of the three middle circles. - - -^ >i -^ i to enter into the service of a powerful monarch, who was engaged in frequent wars. This mo. tiarch, whom he served with great eclat, having no other object in view than the ac^ quirement ot honour and glory, and being by his fortune placed above necessity, he con- ferred credit on the different stations he held, without being obliged to sustain their splen- dour from the bounty of his prince, and as such he was at all times regarded, rather as a friend than as a servant; Ever frank and dis- interested, if he did avail himself of the favors conferred on him by his prince, it was solely that he might benefit others. He entered the service of the prince of H. D. . . . as cadet in the guards of his Serene Highness ; but he was soon after promoted gentleman of the chamber, and officer in the guards. The Prince was highly flattered, in having in his service the only son of the Baron dc K .., so much so, that he acknowledged by his continued kindness towards the Baron the high approbation he entertained for his son's assiduity in the diligent discharge of his duties. Although very young, he possessed the entire confidence of his master, and never did he meet with a denial in any thing he re- quested of him : of this, the following circum- stance is a proof. Two grenadiers of the guards one day de- serted : as soon as their absence was discovered, his Royal Highness sent hussars, subalterns, and even officers, on the different roads to in- tercept them. My ancestor, although only seventeen years of age. but ever jealous of shewing himself worthy the favors of his prince, and attending only to the voice of glory, having disguised himself in his shooting dress, and taken with him the necessary instruments of authority, to make himself known in case of need, as officer of the Prince's guard, immedi- ately departed, accompanied only by his dog, armed with a hanger and a double-barrelled gun ready loaded. He proceeded on the road which he imagined these deserters had taken : he travelled over a considerable extent of country without hearing any tidings of them ; at length he arrived at a mill, which was at no considerable distance from a neighbouring vil- lage : here he made enquiries relative to the objects of his search ; and was apprised that they had actually riot long since passed through to reach the neighbouring village, which was bordered on the frontiers of the Duchy of D...... Upon this information he continued his pursuit, but being extremely fatigued, he determined be- fore he went to the Bailiff, to whom he intended paying a visit, upon taking some refreshment, and for this purpose he entered an inn on the road side. What then must have been his as- tonishment, w hen on entering this house he found the objects of his search, the two deserters quietly seated at table eating a piece of bread each, and drinking some beer, to recruit their strength to enable them to reach the frontiers, which sheltered them from all farther pursuit. These men, no doubt, already anticipated their safe arrival, since the place where they were delected, was very distant from the usual route generally taken by deserters : and it was by mere accident only, they were discovered in this place, where they must have believed they had no longer any thing tp fear, It is not easily imagined with what terror these two men were seized, when my ancestor, who although only a youth, proved to be an officer, and produced the necessary power to arrest them, in order to have them conveyed in safety to the garrison ; and when, without being in the least intimidated by their gigantic size, said to them in a tone of authority, (C You are my prisoners, empty your pot of beer, and we shall depart; in the mean time I shall take some refreshment also." They thus finished their beer, and asked permission to have another pot brought, in, which he granted ; but when that was emptied, and he on his part had finished his frugal repast, and they requested permission to have a third supply, he resolutely refused. This astonished them not a little, for they imagined it would be easy for them to amuse a youth, until a favora- ble opportunity should occur to enable them to evade or deceive him, and make their escape : but the manner in which he refused their demand, convinced them they had only to obey; so that they proceeded on their road. As soon, therefore, as they had left the house, and entered a narrow valley, bounded on one side by a frightful precipice, and on the other by a sterile and craggy mountain, such as the boldest man would not have ventured to have climed, having directed them to walk before him, he said, " Grenadiers, I command you to march twenty-eight paces in advance of me, and if you deviate from the road, (which 6 was almost impossible,) I swear that I will fire on you, and the same if you turn back against me."- They heard this command with cool- ness, and executed it without uttering a word ; he on his part, put his double-barrelled gun, which was loaded, on his shoulder, and fol- lowed their steps. Having travelled a league without any obsta- cle, the two Grenadiers now turned 'round towards him, threw themselves on their knees, arid earnestly iutreated him not to take them any farther ; and if pity for their sufferings did not engage him to give them their liberty^ that he would kill them, rather than compel them to go to the garrison ; but he was deaf to their supplication, for he could not do it, without betraying his duty, which a gentleman could not do without dishonouring himself, at least he conceived so ; but on such an occasion it is necessary to possess much firmness of mind, not to be led away by the first impulse of the mind, which is that of pity : for a true gentle- man, who has always in retrospect the actions of his illustrious ancestors, will never be guilty of a mean action ; for if in the first instance their virtue becomes a title for us, ours, if we follow their steps, adds an additional palm of glory to theirs ; which prevents the commission of any action which may render us unworthy of them. At this moment how dreadful was the re- morse of conscience in these defaulters, no means, no authority could stifle it : he, how- ever, could not grant their earnest request ; he endeavoured to pursuade them with mildness to pursue their route, and boldly to face the danger which they dreaded ; he assured them that they would have every indulgence to expect from the clemency of the prince,, (who though certainly was not very lenient when military discipline was in question,) might be en- treated in their favour, nor could these misera- ble men scarcely hope to escape punishment ; such severe corporeal punishment, as appeared to them a thousand times worse than death itself. He at length prevailed upon them in making them continue their route, but when they had reached within about half a league of the town, the punishment which they expected so soon to endure, in an instant rushed on their minds in all its horrors : they sunk under the bare idea of submitting to it, in so short a time. It being their first offence, they again threw themselves on their kness, and entreated him to take their lives, rather than compel them to proceed any farther ; saying, at the same time, he was at liberty to do with them what he pleased, but that no human power should make them advance another step, unless they were dragged by main force. All was of no avail, even his entreaties and kind per- suasions had no effect on their obduracy. What then could a youth of his age do, without assistance in an open country, and himself too weak to compel them by force? One method only remained untried, but he was too high minded to have recourse to illusion, in pro- mising them their pardon: for had he given his word of honour (which to hiiri was sacred) and the prince should have refused to ratify it, he would be equally dishonoured. What 8 could be done? his entreaties and remon- strances were useless ; but still he had hopes of influencing the Prince in their behalf, who was very partial to his soldiers, particu- larly so to the fine tall men, and as one of these deserters was the finest man in the whole company. He then called him aside., and said, " Grena- dier, you know the Prince sometimes honours me with his favour, I give you my word of honour that 1 will use all my interest with him to obtain your free pardon, if you will allow yourselves to be peaceably conducted to the castle, and instead of putting you in prison, which is the usual method on such occasions ; I will take you to him, and in your presence render an account, with what mildness you permitted yourselves to be conducted hither, and I shall describe to him the repentance and remorse that has already penetrated your consciences, and be assured he will not refuse me your pardon." Encouraged by this discourse, which seemed to convey a salutary balm to their minds, they arose, and agreed to pursue their route. All the officers they afterwards met, complimented him on his success : but they vfere inwardly vexed that a youth should ac- complish an action, which the boldest amongst them would not have attempted alone. And what, moreover, was their astonishment, when they saw him conduct his prisoners to the castle, instead of putting them under a military guard at the entrance ; which they expected. Thus a sudden ray of hope flashed on their minds ; but they trembled when he consigned them to the officer on guard at the anti-cham- ber, and was announced to the prince as being there with the two deserters. The Prince instead of calling him to his presence, commanded the officer on guard to have them put in irons, saying, he would make a severe example of them on the morrow. After giving some commissions to my an- cestor, the Prince returned into his apartment, whilst my ancestor remained as though struck dumb with astonishment at the anger of his highness; yet his presence of mind did not wholly desert him : he followed the steps of the Prince, and placed himself unperceived by him, behind his chair, for the Prince always eat alone. Soon after, the Prince perceived some one behind his chair, he turned round,, and seeing my ancestor, asked him his reasons for being there, saying, I shall take care of you, my child : you have performed an action, which deserves to be well recompensed, there- fore .rely upon me, and it shall be done ; and 1 shall write to your father; but as you must be much fatigued, go and rest yourself, and to-morrow you shall make your report to me. Perceiving the Prince was appeased, he threw himself at his feet, and said, if your Royal Highness thinks 1 merit a reward, permit me to request a favour. What, my child, would you wish me to do for you ? said he, with heartfelt kindness ; it is to order the removal of the irons from those two unfortunate men I have made prisoners, and be assured, your Highness, for the future they will be the more faithful in 10 your service/ and that if they had a thousand lives,, they would sacrifice them for you. He then entered into a relation of the circum- stances of their capture, and above all, dwelt on their having twice, on their return to the garrison,, requested him to take their lives, rather than conduct them back to their just punition ; at the same time stating, that he had given them his word pf honour, to use every means in his power to soften the just wrath of their Sovereign. Besides, said he, if these mens* heart had been hardened in crime, it is certain my weakness must have sunk under their efforts to escape. The Prince, softened and much affected by the generosity and courage of my ancestor, said to him/ f Well, my child, go; I give up those two prisoners to you. I disengage ;you from your parole, and tell them it is to your intercession they owe their liberty ; and fur- ther, order that meat and drink be given them at the office ; but tell them, also, that in grant, ing them their pardon, 1 have made you re- sponsible for their future conduct. And to enable you to watch over them more effectually, I give you the company of in my guards, vacant by the dismission of Mr My ancestor embraced the knees of his Prince, and immediately flew to the place where these miserable men were confined. They were plunged into the most profound sorrow; expecting only to leave their dungeon at the fatal moment when they should be summoned to receive their merited punishment: but what were their emotions of joy, in seeing 11 him arrive, who, but a moment before, they thought was the author of their misery, now came as their liberator. He said, cc Arise, ray children ; by command of the Prince, I come to relieve you from your fetters, you are free, and for the future you are my soldiers : your pardon only did I solicit, as a reccmpence for my zeal in the service of my sovereign ; but he, always magnanimous and generous, has by an excess of kindness, made me your captain/' Who can paint the sensations these miserable men experienced, in embracing the knees of their benevolent liberator and captain ; they swore in the enthusiasm of their joy, a thousand and a thousand times over, that they would be ever faithful to the commands of such a captain. He raised them himself from the ground, and gave orders at the office to provide these men with food, which was immediately done. Thus the soldiers, women, and children, all gave him a thousand blessings. What can be put in competition with the exquisite feelings of a virtuous mind ; conscious of its having ac- complished a meritorious action, no pleasure can vie with these feelings of self complacency, which are often more pleasing than all the praise that may be lavished by a numerous public; and since nothing could sully such pure motives, who could wish for more ? cherished as he was by his prince, respected and beloved by all around him, unless it were to have tor a partner a sensible and faithful woman ? 12 The moment was not far distant ! A short time after the occurrence which I have related, the Princess was delivered of a son,, who was named Frederick; on this occasion, my ancestor was chosen by his master, to carry the news of the birth of a son to the Prince's father, who was then Sovereign Prince, residing in the capital at L. . . .1, at D. . . . . He immediately departed as courier with his despatches, and arrived at D. . . . ., where he learnt that his Highness was distant some leagues from home, on a hunting excursion with a whole retinue, in the large forest, and was not expected to return for some days. In consequence of this information, he made for the hunting lodge of the prince, but did not find him there, as his Highness was already in the hunt. As it may not be unacceptable to my readers to have described to them the manner in which the grand hunt is conducted in Germany, I will endeavour briefly to relate it. When the Prince proposes a grand hunt,* he commands his huntsman, who is always commandant of the guard and chamberlain, to make the neces- sary preparations. This huntsman, who is usually stiled (the Yieger Meister,} causes several thousand peasants to be assembled, and orders them to form a large circle round the forest, each peasant taking his proper post. His subalterns then give a signal, by sounding their horns ; when all of them are instantly required to advance in regular order, and at the same time to make a great shout : at this * A grand hunt is not a very frequent entertainment in ^Germany, it is generally resorted to upon some great festival 3 or signal occasion. 13 noise the stags, hinds, wild boars, and all the beasts take immediately to their flight, in order that they may shelter themselves in the in- terior of the woods; at the end of a few days, the circle is very considerably diminished, and all the animals, are, as it were, confined within its limits. When the circle is sufficiently di- minished, the whole circumference is well staked round, and secured with cords, made for this purpose, very strong, and placed sufficiently high, so that none of the beasts may escape, and a guard stationed on the exterior to add to these means of detention ! During the interval taken up in these necessary precautions, which generally occupy a con- siderable space of time, an amphitheatre is erected under a canopy, winch is so raised from the ground, as to prevent any danger to the occupants, with respect to the wild beasts, who are most cruelly tormented, as will be seen in the sequel. The Prince is stationed on this amphitheatre, with his suit; and behind the ring of cords are placed the chariots, from of which the opera- tions of the chace are performed. They then first separate the wild deer, which are to be preserved alive, from the rest of the herd, and send them to the Prince's park. Those who are to assist in the hunt, are placed in these chariots, a considerable number of which being reserved for the nobility of the city and neigh- bourhood, who are always present on these occasions. The day the grand hunt begins, the Prince places himself under the canopy, and from 14 thence selects those animals which he wishes to have preserved tor his park ; these are soon taken in nets, made for this purpose. The Prince then commences the hunt, by darting a kind of tubular fire arrow, which penetrates the skin and flesh of the wild boars, and im- mediately sets fire to and burns them. These tortured animals, of course, strive in every possible way to disengage themselves from the shafts ; but no sooner are any of these arrows extinguished, ere fresh ones are darted upon them, until it is the Prince's pleasure to forbear these horrid tortures ; which very often does not take place, until actual fatigue unfits them for the contest, and obliges them to desist. The Prince then commands them to be slain, and sometimes kills them himself. After hav- ing thus most dreadfully tortured the wild boars, in this extremely cruel manner, the Prince farther commands the circle to be diminished ; the butchery then begins : stags, hinds, wild boars, &c. &c. are killed with the carbines, until but few escape, on account of their distance : not only does the Prince fire, but also those of the court who are invited, and served with carbines by his Highness ; which is considered a great honour. After having killed some hundreds of all kinds, ca- valiers from the nobility, or the court, enter the circle on foot, to defy the wild boars to personal combat, which is effected in the fol- lowing manner. The hunter is armed with his hanger, and is surrounded by his pikes for safety, in case the wild boar should overthrow him, to be enabled at the instant, to secure assistance ; he then takes his hanger by the 15 hilt, places it on his knee, and thus irritates the wild boar with the point of its blade. The boar seldom fails rushing* furiously open mouthed on his antagonist; and then the hun- ter, after having shewn his dexterity, and for some time wearied the ferocious creature, plunges the hanger down its throat, into the heart of the animal. After this spectacle is finished, the hunters from the common class destroy, in their turn, with their carbines, a number of smaller boars ; after which, the circle of ropes is removed, to give liberty to those animals that have escaped the carnage, or that are not so dreadfully wounded, as to cause their death. It was on an occasion like this whrch I have now described, that my ancestor found the then reigning Prince of D Having been an- nounced to his Highness, he was introduced into the pavilion, where he delivered his des- patches to the Prince, who was so much pleased with his message, that he immediately conferred upon him very marked attention and kindness, and at once commanded the Baron de N h to present him with a carbine, tc* take part in Ibe hunt. After the termination of this scene, my ancestor returned with the court to the hunting lodge of the Prince, who granted him permis- sion to ride in his carriage, with himself and chamberlain. While travelling, the Prince said to the Baron de N h, (for he he was always his favorite,) " Attend, here is a fine youth ; (speaking of my ancestor,) I am resolved he shall marry thy Caroline. What say you, young 16 gentleman, I assure you she is a genteel girl." The Baron de N. ... . replied, ef as it pleases yourlloyalHighness, if the young man is agreea- ble^ and is approved by my daughter, 1 shall not object/* Then said the Prince, " as soon as we arrive, give orders that fresh relays of horses be provided ; and as A is not very distant, \ve will proceed thither, for we must know if she is agreeable to the match-" Addressing himself again to my ancestor, he asked, if he gave his consent : he replied, (( whatever your Royal Highness chooses, will be highly agreea- ble to me, hut as rny dependance rests on two persons, whose consent is indispensable, the one, his Highness your son, the latter my father/' This, said the Prince, I will take upon myself; 1 will send one of my gentlemen to my son, to announce your arrival here, and by him make the demand in your name, and I am certain he will not refuse me : as to what relates to the other person, who is your father, as soon as you have seen your intended, you shall go to him yourself, and carry my request. Here the subject closed, and the interview finished. When princes meddle in matrimonial con- nections, it is very rare that parents oppose ; in this case, moreover, nothing derogatory to the family of the Baron de N. . . . .h, which was as ancient as our own, could be urged. The gentleman therefore, who was despatched by the Prince, having soon arrived with the consent of his son, my ancestor was sent home, bearing the request of the Prince, and to obtain his father's permission ; and two days after his return, the marriage was celebrated, tinder the most flattering- auspices ; but I shall be silent on the happiness of this union; After his marriage, my ancestor departed with his amiable wife, to attend the Prince his master; who, on her arrival, was made maid of honour to the Princess: indeed, both of them had places at court, and were allowed peculiar privileges. But my ancestor having so very young a wife, who was only fourteen years of age when married, felt too jealous of such juvenile charms, to remain very long at court, and therefore, in spite of all its gaiety, and the pleasures which it afforded, it soon became wearisome to him ; he conse- quently solicited his dismissal, which, however, was as*constantly refused, A short time after my ancestor's nuptials, his father died : new pretexts were accordingly presented, to obtain his dismission from the palace ; such, that as his mother was left a widow, with a family, her domestic affairs would require to be arranged by him But though his entite dismissal from court was objected to, he was yet offered leave of absence for a short time, which he accepted : and at the expiration of this period, being recalled by the Prince, he arrived at court, leaving his wife with his mother; on his return, he again solicited his dismission, which at length he obtained, and most certainly under very flattering conditions. The Prince said to him, I grant you your dismission as captain of the guards, but not as gentleman of the chamber ; and I farther require your presence every year, to spend c 18 three months with me, not on duty, but as a companion and friend. My ancestor's accustomed disinterestedness prevented his retaining the emolument which was offered him, from his vacated situation in the guards ; he thought too nobly, to receive emolument without performing his duty; he therefore declined accepting it. It is true, that during his stay at court, he was at no expence on his own account, being accommodated with his suite, at the Prince's own cost. Yet the charges of travelling were not very inconsiderable, and would have af- forded a reasonable plea for retaining his pay. Besides, soon after his retirement from the court, his wife had the misfortune to lose her father, who, in consequence of an accident arising from the overthrow of his carriage whilst he was in it, and which was simply occasioned by his horses taking fright at a stag, which unexpectedly darted from a wood, while pursued by the hounds and the hunts- men, directly in front of them, died so suddenly, that he made no settlement upon his daughter. She was therefore left without dowry ,* and although her sister, married to the Baron D ,g, had her portion of his property, yet it became necessary to wait until the death of her mother, which happened in the year 17. . After my ancestor, therefore, had received his dismission, he retired to his estate at G. ... e where my father A was born; in order that he ^fiJi might himself assist in the management of his estate, since it required the greatest economy to support the ancient dignity of his house; \vhich though formerly one of the most af- fluent, at that time was gradually decaying, and in consequence of accumulated misfortunes and losses, was greatly on the decline. One prin- cipal cause to which this change of affairs may be attributed, was the war carried on against this country by the French, who took every thing and spared nothing. This family, be- sides, had to indemnify the farmers, and others, who had likewise been injured by the war; it was sufficient for such persons to have been un- fortunate, to have had a claim on the munifi- cence of their superiors. But though assistance was furnished, merely byway of loan, yet these loans were never repaid ; and among the number were the inhabitants of one whole village. Loans were also granted to the county of L. .. .ges. . .y and M...heim: for the recovery of which, from these two places, my family pleaded a very long time, at the chamber of W This almost ruined them with law expences : for after they had gained the process, if it can be called gaining a cause when one is obliged to pay expences, and content oneself with only one half of one's property, my ancestor himself was compelled to borrow considerable sums upon his estate, &c. I shall now proceed to lay before my readers, an account of the life of my father, from which I have wandered, in order that I might furnish them with some information respecting the family of De Poly in general. It will be more easy, however, after this digression, to form a better judgment of what follows. C 2 20 The life of rny father,, as will be seen in the sequel, has been a tissue or series of blessings and misfortunes. He proceeded in his career without any fixed plan, similar to a vessel bereft of all its sails, while navigating a stormy sea; yet, at the same time, the invisible hand of divine Providence, which incessantly directs our destiny, and which alone can regulate it, never deserted him. Thus was he circumstanced at the age of twenty six : his youth was impetuous, and full of storms; he therefore attached himself to every chimerical ray of hope, so much so, that the extreme vivacity of his natural disposition, and an ardent desire of arriving the soonest at the object, whatever it might be, which he had in view, led him to consider every shadow as a reality; but this delusion was only of short duration. At an early age, he was placed under the care of a private tutor, and under the more immediate eye of his grandmother (on the father's side) and aunt, who conjointly with his ecclesiastical preceptor, impressed on his mind the sacred and wise precepts of religion, without the observance of which, no perma- nent happiness can be expected in this life, or in that which is to come. They frequently exhorted him to have the fear of God always before his eyes; and assured him that it is religion which instructs us in every necessary duty, and will be our consolation in the time of distress and misfortune. At the age of twelve years, he was sent to college, in the city of G t, which was but a small distance from the Count of L ges, 21 into the which he was admitted, on account of his high birth. He possessed much influence with the old Countess, the widow of the late reigning Count ; this lady was extremely devout, and frequently made prayers and lectures to him, as did also the Baroness de B. . . ., with whom he was likewise in. favour. The days spent in the society of these ladies were very agreeable to him ; for although he was but young, and extremely vivacious, he yet seldom joined his companions in their amusements at the college. My father was naturally very gener- ous, and when he had money, it was not unfrequently given to the first comers, who might be in want; especially to French soldiers, whom he knew by their uniforms. But his greatest fort was for horses and equestrian exercises. He endeavoured also to acquire some knowledge of the mechanical arts, &c. and for this purpose, he traversed the city of G. ..... repeatedly, and visited manu- factories of every kind. He examined into every trade and profession, from the cord- wainer's stall, to the painter's chamber ; but without acquiring a competent knowledge of either, he contented himself with merely questioning the workmen, &c. in their various employments. For chemistry, certainly, he had a great partiality, and to it he therefore applied himself strenuously, as will be seen hereafter. father was originally destined for the but the army had much greater allure- ments for him. One day, while jesting with his companions, one of them seized him, and threw My fa church ; him down on a rugged stone ; he instantly felt his knee much hurt, and immediately called out for assistance : they helped him up, but he could not stand ; they were,, therefore, obliged to carry him to his room,, and put him to bed. A physician was procured with- out delay, who said there was no fracture, and ordered the knee to be rubbed with spirits, &c. and a strengthening plaster to be applied round it ; but his knee swelled more .and more, to such a degree, that the Rector deemed it necessary to acquiaint his family with the circumstance : who, on receipt of this infor- mation, were much alarmed, and immediately sent servants with their carriage for him, G. . .t being only seven leagues distant. On his ar- rival at home, the most celebrated physicians were sent for, who also assured his parents that no bone was fractured. The swelling and inflam- mation, however, continued the same, in spite of all the remedies applied ; nor could he stand, or bear ever so lightly on that leg, without pain. For nearly twelve months, he remained, under the care of these celebrated, but ignorant disciples of ^Esculapius ; being the whole of this time generally obliged to rest his leg on a sofa or bed. At length a country physician arrived, who had resided a considerable time in England, who never until that time, had the honour to prescribe in the family; but finding the most celebrated men could do no good, and that this person re- quested permission to see my father ; his request was complied with. As soon as he had carefully examined the knee, he declared there was a fracture, and offered to undertake the cure, which was at once agreed to ; and thus 23 in consequence of this gentleman's great skill, and new mode of treatment, in the course of a month my father was enabled to bear on his leg, and even to walk a little ; and in a few weeks he quite recovered from his lameness. Sometime after my father's recovery, my grandfather, De Poly,, proposed to him the choice of his profession, the church or the army. To the latter he gave his decided preference. "Well/' said his father, (f since you have made choice of the army, I will present you to his Highness L deD.....,my old master, who has become, since the death of his father, Landgrave ; and who will, most assuredly, on account of the friendship sub- sisting between us, take every care of you, if you conduct yourself in a proper manner to merit his kindness." But my father, who had a much greater inclination for the French service, frankly said, perhaps a little too ab- ruptly, ff No, no, I will never serve with such soldiers, but I shall be most happy to serve his Majesty the king of France/' His father, extremely angry at the contempt shewn by bis son, at those troops in the which he had himself served for many years, said to -him in an ironical manner, " Yes, yes, you shall serve his most Christian Majesty, by my sending you to the place of confinement at M , where you will receive ninety lashes of the whip, and be compelled to salute the door-sill on your entrance." My father was but little disturbed by this menace, for he well knew his father's fondness for him. Some days, however, passed without his hearing any 24 thing more on this subject, till at length his father, without the least appearance of anger, proposed an excursion, which was highly pleasing to him, and to which he assented ; being, as was before observed, very fond of equestrian exercise. On the road, according to custom, he had a lecture, on the folly of his choice, enforcing the necessity of his compliance with his father's wishes ; reminding him of the great kindnesses he had formerly received from the Prince, and the advantages and sudden promotion naturally to be expected in his service, rather than in the one he had chosen. And, moreover, that his father's old master would, without doubt, heap favours on him ; and if his conduct merited it, would be his friend : besides, that he would in this service be benefited by the advice of his father's old friends, some of whom he had left at court, and others in the different regiments in the service, But deaf to all his father's arguments, he attended only to what suited his own inclination; that is to say, his entering into the service of his most Christian Majesty, the king of France. His father perceiving that Jie could gain, no ascendancy over him, al- though he was inwardly much displeased with him, did not at this time let him discover his disappointment, which his son considered as 3. favourable omen. About eight days after this conversation, one evening his father said to him, "My son, will you accompany me to-morrow morning to W. . . . . (a town a few leagues distant from his father's residence,) knowing at the same time that his sort's partiality for travelling, would prevent .25 a refusal ; for that though he was not so fond oi riding in a coach, as on horseback, yet the pleasure of travelling" with his father, whom he at all times almost adored, would, notwithstanding his severity, prompt his com- pliance. On the following morning the Berlin was brought to the door, and they were informed the carnage was ready; it being very early, before break of day, and still quite dark, the servants were provided with flambeaux, to enable them to make the necessary arrange- ments. By this light, my father perceived a large trunk, fastened to the back of the Berlin, which made him start with fear, lest there should be some scheme in this journey ; and made him conjecture, that perhaps his father might intend to take him into confinement at M.,....; and the more so, since the high road toW.. .. led to it. But if such had been his father's intention, he had no means of preventing it; they therefore got into the carriage, accompanied by a valet de chambre, and the necessary servants to escort them. When they arrived at W , his father alighted, and paid some visits to his friends who resided there, leaving orders to have the horses refreshed during his absence. On his return, they again proceeded on their journey ; but instead of returning homeward, they took the road to M This greatly terrified my father, yet he dared not say any thing, or even let his alarm be perceived ; at length they arrived at the very place which occasioned all his fears, nor is it easy to conceive his 26 agonized feelings at the moment which, al- though groundless, were yet not less painful. They were driven to the best hotel in the town, supper was ordered, and there they slept. But before they went to bed, his father had occasion to go into the town ; during his ab- sence, therefore, his son endeavoured to learn from the valet de chambre, their destina- tion ; but every thing seemed enveloped in the deepest mystery, and he could gain no information from this person, to satisfy' his curiosity. After some length of time, his father returned, and ordered the carriage to be ready early in the morning. The miserable night my father passed in this gloomy uncertainty, will be readily conceived ; at break of day, however, they were sum- moned, the carriage being ready, and they departed from this much dreaded place, and travelled the whole of the day, until at night they alighted at a small town. Here my father was almost transported with joy, when he discovered \\iejleursdelis on the uniforms of the soldiers ; which at once flashed conviction on his mind, that they were already in the French territory ; and all his glory seemed to concentrate, in his being permitted to serve the great monarch of France. After he had made this discovery, he threw himself at the feet of his father, and embraced his knees, which he moistened with his tears ; but not tears of fear, such as escaped him in the town of M ,but tears of joy and gratitude. His astonished father exclaimed, t( what means all this, my son ?" " Ah ! best of fathers, ever 27 kind parent/' he replied, " I am at the summit of my most ardent hopes ; we are in France/' He was asked., how he knew that he was in France : " there are/' said he, fe the well known fleurs de Us on the uniforms of all the soldiers; this plainly tells me that I am in France." His father, finding it useless longer to endeavour to conceal his design, said, " Well, my son, I am taking you to the regiment of H D. . . .st, in the service ot the king of France, who is the son of my master our Prince, and who is Commandant. He is at present, I believe, at L , where we shall arrive in about four days. I shall then place on you, for the first time, the uniform you have been so anxious to wear ; and you will then be in the service of a king whom you love, without your having ever seen him. What can be the infatuation which inclines you rather towards him, than any other of the great potentates, whose different uniforms you have seen ?" It was an inward prepossession which prompt- ed my father to give this preference to the Jcing of France. At the expiration of the four days, they arrived at St , whence they expected to find the regiment of Hesse Darmstadt, but did not, it being in garrison at S L , very unhealthy situation. PIS father, therefore, alarmed for his son's health, made choice of the regiment of D ce, of which, the Prince M de D was Colonel; and on the morrow took him to his Highness, whom he knew, from his having married a princess of the house of 1 1 t L/ S t ,. 28 In presenting the youth, lie said, " I bring your Highness,, my son, who has objected to serve in the troops in which I served ; and has declared he will serve none other than his Majesty the king, your master. For this rea- son, I request you will have the kindness to receive him into your regiment, as a common soldier ; my will is, that he sleep in the same room with the other soldiers, take his meals with them, and that he be not exempted from any duty a soldier is obliged to perform ; not even in the most trifling circumstance : for we must, before we arrive at command, learn to obey ; which duty he has not yet been taught to put in practice." This language was, undoubtedly, very severe; the Prince, nevertheless, but very feebly opposed it, and said, (f I receive him as the son of a gentleman, and as a volunteer into my regiment ; he shall be lodged accord- ing to your desire, in a public room, where he will sleep with the Serjeant Major of the com- pany : and I shall place him in the company of the Baron de B ; Monsieur Klo. . . who is Lieutenant Colonel, will be his master; and the 2d Captain of the company, Monsieur D'ux. .....; he will have no higher pay than 2s. 6d. per day. And if, (said the Prince,) at the end of six months, he has acquired a perfect knowledge of his exercise, manoeuvres, &c. he will be promoted." All this perfectly coincided with the wishes of his father : who, although well pleased thus to punish him, for refusing to enter into the ser- vice of L de H.... D...., yet was unwilling that his son should continue too long a private soldier. 29 The Prince then ordered Mons. Lieut. Colonel, to be called into his presence, and said, (t I place this young gentleman under your direction, watch over his conduct; and you are required to make the necessary ar- rangements tor his reception in your company." After receiving the Prince's commands, the Lieut. Colonel retired. His father then re- mained in private conversation,, in the Prince's apartment. After which, having taken leave, the Serjt. Major was sent for, to the hotel : he was a man of tolerable good physiognomy, excepting a monstrous pair of mustaches, which gave an appearance of ferocity, not very pleasing at first sight to a timid young man. He was invited to supper, which he accepted ; after which, my father went with him to the muster, and the same evening was installed into the chamber and bed of this said Serjt. Major. The following morning they called at the hotel, and dined with his father ; but it was for the last time, although he remained some days in the town, for the purpose of seeing how his son would accustom himself to this new mode of life. Some money having been given to him, he treated his comrades of the chamber, and several subaltern officers^ and other soldiers of the regiment, with beer, &c. Although he slept with the Serjt. Major, yet my father was not permitted to dine alone, as he did. He was, however, after some little time, allowed occasionally to dine in the town, at a friend's house. 30 On the day after his arrival, the tailor of the? regiment took his measure,, to equip him from head to foot in his new regimentals, which were ordered to be made precisely of the same cloth as those of the private soldiers ; excepting only a narrow silver lace, which was to be put round the collar of his uniform, to distinguish him from the other soldiers : which was the only mark of distinction then in vogue, by which those of high birth were recognized. When thus accoutred, he was presented by the Serjt. Major to his Captains, and by one of them to the Prince, who received him with great kindness; recommending him to conduct himself well, to learn his discipline and manoeuvres perfectly, that he might be in time advanced to the rank of officer ; apprised him that if he should fail in his duty, the Serjt. Major was to render an account to his Captain, who would order him under arrest; and that if he committed faults of greater importance, they were to render an account to him personally, that he himself might order his confinement in prison: but no one was to be allowed to strike him ; at which, my father was much surprised ; yet such were the commands of the Prince. But although my father was only a private, he was regarded by his comrades not only as a gentleman, but as an officer. Notwithstanding these restrictions and in- junctions of the Prince, none of which, my father had ever himself violated, great was his astonishment sometime after, to see the Serjt. Major arrive, and take away his old clothes, to sell them, to prevent any of the 31 other soldiers making use of them, to facilitate their desertion : who at the same time offered him some money ; saying, " take this, it is your enlisting money." ex ; the consideration that we are not cer- tain of Q?en the fleeting moment, must surely convince us of the intinite danger of delay , > u human nature is so apt to procrastin. uUy hoping that the short span of life may be pro- longed, until perhaps a< suddenly called into eternit\. a> tl: nle now before us ; leav- ing but a very short time indeed for concerns 58 ( of the most infinitely vast importance, the sal* vation of our souls. This is the second instance recorded in this narrative of sudden death, from accidental causes, which 1 trust will plead a sufficient apology to the reader for this degression, (if apology be deemed necessary) who may rest assured it arises from the purest motive of doing good ; and that it may have this effect is my most earnest wish. After the funeral obsequies and months of sorrow and mourning, my mother turned her attention principally to the instruction of her children. When the mind is harrassed by mis- fortune and sorrow, the judgment is too apt to be in some measure biassed, notwithstanding a sincere wish to the contrary. My mother ac- cordingly seemed to find her children the chief solace to her grief, and therefore a very long time elapsed before she could be prevailed on to join in the friendly parties of her relations ; though after their continued and repeated soli- citations, she was induced at length to comply with their wishes, at intervals, which afforded sometimes a temporary relief to her agonized mind. If men are commonly, and as I presume for the most part, justly supposed to possess greater strength of mind, in science, in council, in action, and in danger ; let them acknowledge, however, that in generosity of soul, and noble- ness of attachment, they are sometimes at least equalled by women : instances are familiar to me, of females having displayed on many oc- casions, a courage truly heroic, sacrificing 59 every comfort to relieve the miseries of a re- lation, or a friend in distress ; surmounting every obstacle and danger, to accomplish this desired object; and not unfrequently have been known to succeed, beyond their most sanguine expectations. What a rich reward for their generous, and noble exertions in behalf of the unfortunate ! But to return to my narrative, at length my mother was induced by her friends to join in their different parties, and once more to move as before in the circle of their friendly inter- course ; which by degrees gradually dissipated the gloom on her mind, much to the satisfaction of her friends, and more particularly to her more near and dear relations : she thus found her serenitude of mind gradually restored, when occasionally mixing in select society. Social intercourse therefore, with its enlivening charms reconciled her by its influence, and time, tem- pered with the lenient powers of religion, com- posed a bairn to heal her wounded spirits. At this period, a series of ignoble petty tyrants were permitted to outrage every feeling of humanity, in my unhappy country; by the plunder and spoliation of the opulent, and subversion of all established order. It was sufficient at this time to be of noble birth, to be marked out for a victim of persecution, and not unfrequently of destruction. Unhappy France doomed to send forth the flower of her youth to the tented field crimsoned with human gore, trembled to her basis, but durst scarcely ejaculate her groans ; espionage, imprisonment, and death, were the order of the day, during this reign of terror: though some persons made 60 most rapid fortunes, by taking advantage of the general devastation. Even the sabbath was profaned by every irregularity ; it was no more regarded than any other day of the week, nor did it occasion any interruption of public business. He who most notoriously trans- gressed the divine laws, in this particular, thought himself superior to the rest of man- kind. What glory can possibly result from sporting with that worship, which a weak mor- tal owes to the Supreme Being? The sabbaths were turned into decades ; and while religion was so grossly neglected, and the people ac- customed to see the religion of their ancestors daily reviled, they learned to think of it with the greatest indifference ; and soon became ripe tor the ridiculous celebrations of the festival of the Goddess of Reason, &c. What desti- nation awaited men distinguished for purity of manners, and decided friends to the welfare of their country, may, from hence, be easily deduced by every one. Indeed, a most melan- choly sensation is produced, by merely con- templating the immense number of gentlemens* seats in ruins, formerly the property of persons who were then obliged to forsake their country, or who had become the victims of the guillotine. And this sensation is still augmented, in be- holding what once probably was the abode of munificence and hospitality, now, perhaps, only occupied by a peasant, or by a labourer and his family, the dilapidated mansion, the abode of squalid misery and want, wretched- ness and misery, the portion of its possessor. Prom this slight sketch may be seen, the sad effects of lawless power, and subversion of order in the government : this same country, 61 but a few short years previously to these events, under the sway of the most amiable of mo- narchs, now a prey to anarchy and tyranny, the enemy and scourge of the neighbouring kingdoms, nay, I might say, almost of all Europe: committing every enormity, under the specious names of liberty and equality, by order of their self-elected petty tyrants of the day. At this period my father was with his regi- ment, at Avesnes, visiting in the first circles of the place, and frequently meeting my mo- ther in different parties. He was much re- spected as an officer, and as a gentleman, by the inhabitants; ever keeping the strictest discipline and due subordination in his men: although lenient and indulgent to them on proper occasions, yet he never overlooked any deviation from their duty ; the slightest breach of which, would be sure to receive his marked displeasure. On the other hand, he invariably obtained a redress of their grievances, when represented to him ; and was always esteemed as the soldiers' friend and benefactor. This impartial conduct was approved and com- mended by all who knew him: so different from the despotic conduct of some of his predecessors, whose principal motive of action seemed to be, to tyrannise over all who were unfortunately under their command : quite an opposite mode of conduct was invariably fol- lowed by my father ; strict discipline main- tained, yet always ready to conciliate every difference between parties, and ever to avoid arbitary or despotic decisions ; let them eman- ate from whom they might, they were sure to 62 meet with his strongest opposition and ulti- mate rejection. My father, at this place visiting in the same parties with my mother, an intimate acquaint- ance was insensibly formed between them; which, by degrees, ripened into the most disinterested friendship, that noble relation, so superior to the common connections of birth or accident, that delightful union of the mind, which is formed by intimacy, founded.on esteem, sanctified by virtue, cernemented by a similarity of views and inclinations, and preserved by the reciprocation of kindness and confidence, of sympathy and zeal: the comfort and dignity attendant on an animated but calm reciprocation of esteem and com- plaisance, the enchanting ties by which hearts are often united, with an appropriation ineffably endearing, from the numberless pur- poses of private delight and felicity. I am convinced that honourable love is the will and the work of the common parent of us all ; and we know that the state of life to \vhich it naturally tends, was appointed by him from the beginning of ages: it is the bond and cement of society, the wishes of the heart pointed from the best of principles to a worthy object, which deserves to be happy in its possession, on account of its purity and elevation. It has been long agreed, that as soon as this ennobling energy is mutually experienced, the usual ideas of splendour and affluence, rank arid fashion, will fade from the imagination ; and often that retirement will be accompanied with a satisfaction, which the 63 bustle of company and the parade of fortune can never confer. Formed to increase the comforts and dimin- ish the sorrows of life,, by a tender and un- wearied participation of both, and placed in situations most friendly to the polishing the mind and manners; my mother reaped from a virtuous education, all those advantages which become inestimable in their future con- duct in life. And when the heart becomes more fixed by an appropriating passion for one individual, the enlivening and refining energy is then most happily experienced. My father, naturally of an ardent mind, his benevolent affections assumed a vigour and sweetness unobserved before ; he seemed to rise above himself: his friendly disposition, ambitious of preserving her approbation, attended with an assimilating influence on his character, in- dulged in a generous glow of amity and con- scious greatness, unspeakably soothing to the soul ; that seldom appears so amiable or respectable, as when expanding in kindred minds, and pursuing plans of communicating happiness in all the social affections, mixed with a certain complacency arid strong desire to please, joined to a circumspect behaviour, \vhich rendered him more particularly dear to all his friends and acquaintance; possessing great assiduity, discretion, and perseverance, added to true politeness, with lively and agreea- ble sentiments, and a manner of expressing them, at once natural and delicate. Who knows not, that we slide insensibly, yet rapidly, into a resemblance of those we so much admire? Between two minds tuned to one anothef, there may be much diversity in many particu* lar notes, but the general ground and air are the same ; and the different parts combined, serve only to complete the unison and harmony of the whole. This delightful friendly inter- course was, by time, ripened into affection and mutual love ; and with the approbation of all parties on either side concerned, they were united in the holy bond of wedlock, on the twenty third day of October, 1792, at Le Quesnoy ; but most certainly at an unpro- pitious period; that is to say, during the French Revolution: of the horrors of which, no one can form an adequate idea, or of its dreadful effects, much as has been heard on this subject, unless they had been at the time in this devoted country. We shall have fre- quent occasion to refer to this period in the sequel; I shall, therefore, proceed with my narrative. During the residence of my mother and her two sons in La Quesnoy, the place was besieged, and closely blockaded ; all egress and regress completely cut off: to retreat was impossible; they were, therefore, obliged to remain, and witness all the horrors of the siege. There being no alternative left, they were compelled to submit, and make a virtue of necessity as far as was practicable. At this awful period, the author of these Memoirs drew her first breath, on the twenty eighth day of May, 1793; amidst the thunder of artillery, the incessant roar of volleys of musketry, and frequent discharges of bombs, throw into the town by the besiegers. A shell penetrated the apartment where my 65 mother and her helpless infant then lay, broke a cauldron, at the time on the fire, into atoms, and dispersed into pieces in every direction about the chamber ; which spread terror and dismay amongst all the domestic attendants then present, who immediately fled for the safety and preservation of their lives, to the cellars below ground, leaving my poor mother, then in an extremely weak state, and myself her infant, to all the horrors and imminent dangers of this appalling scene: but who, though almost exausted from weakness, fatigue, and alarm, placed her whole trust and confidence in Him alone, whose invisible hand only could shield us from impending destruction. Her secret prayers to the Almighty were not made in vain: we were preserved, I must say miraculously preserved uninjured ! Amidst sa many impending dangers, we remained not only safe, but unhurt; to the utter astonish- ment of all those who had deserted ns at this awful crisis of imminent danger, and who had, no doubt, anticipated a very different result ; scarcely believing it possible we could escape, and who fully expected we had both perished : but what must have been their astonishment and gratitude to that Omnipotent Being, whose arm had shielded us from the threat- ening dangers, to find us still in existence and wholly uninjured ? for although my mother was nearly exhausted from extreme weakness and alarm, which from natural causes might have been anticipated, especially in so perilous a situation ; still the escape was deemed by every one most providential. From the strictness of the blockade and F 66 great scarcity of provisions in the garrison, inconceivable deprivations and hardships were experienced; at length, the most common necessaries of life could scarcely be procured, even at the most exhorbitant prices; and although every expedient was tried, no fresh supplies of provisions could be thrown into the town to relieve the garrison. The pressure of want became at last so great, that the in- habitants were obliged, with the garrison, to supply their wants with such food as at other times they would have rejected with disdain ; but there was no alternative, the cravings of hunger must be in some way appeased, to pre- serve existence. When these pangs had in some measure been relieved by the scanty supply, they were satiated only for the moment, and would therefore return again with redoubled vio- lence, before any thing farther could be procured, with the miserable expectation of a still increas- ing scarcity, and the dreadful anticipation, that shortly this very scanty supply which was daily diminishing, would soon totally cease. I shall dwell no longer on these appalling scenes of my infancy ; suffice it to say, the place was at length compelled to capitulate, and the block- ade was of course removed ; the distresses of the inhabitants were immediately relieved, or as greatly alleviated, as circumstances would al- low, by the humanity of the besiegers ; who, when they had taken possession of the place, treated the inhabitants with lenity, and even kindness; dissipating their alarm, and afford- ing as prompt assistance as was possible, to all who most needed it, by distributing fresh provisions and every kind of relief which be- fore had been so long denied them, and wholly 6? prevented ; to the. inexpressible joy of the poor sufferers, who had not anticipated such a favorable result when oppressed with hunger, and the melancholy dread of still greater pri- vations, which all vanished on the surrender of the place. My mother, compelled by untoward events passing in such rapid succession, to consult the personal safety of herself and children, retired to Avesnes. When we had reached Mons, we were all thrown into prison, and there confined for the space of three weeks; but on being released, we proceeded on this painful journey, labouring under every kind of calamity. Our misfortunes still increasing, we were arrested a second time, and experienced the severest treatment merely on account of our title, which at this period was a sanction for inflicting the most unjust, the most flagrant outrages the mind can conceive, without the slightest per- sonal provocation. We were, however, again released after a time, and persevered on our miserable journey: but on our arrival at Avesnes, new sources of misery seemed to await our destined family: our whole pro- perty was seized, and ordered to be confis- cated, and ourselves to be thrown into prison ; from which confinement we could not for a considerable time get released : nor from tho unmerited sufferings and wanton cruelty heaped upon our devoted heads. At length, after the repeated intercessions of my father, we were once more liberated ; but only to experience accumulating distress and misery being after- wards deprived of all out property, for the recovery of which many fruitless attempts were F 2 68 made by my parents. Yet ineffectual as these applications had hitherto proved, a glimmering of hope still remained,, to cheer our despon- dency a little ; and by constant and unwearied perseverance in these applications, incessantly renewed, we at length succeeded in obtaining the restoration of a small portion of the family property, situate at Wallers, the residence of my grandfather ; likewise that at Floreune, at Ouvenel Glazon, at Treilori, and at Anor ; but very small indeed was the portion thus restored to us at each place ; taking into consideration the amount and value of the property confisca- ted, and that nearly three years had elapsed before the restitution of even this small part of the family estates was acceded to ; and that, even when granted, much difficulty and trouble was experienced at each particular place where the restitution was ordered, and that obstacles of every kind were fabricated ; various subterfuges and evasions, nay, every trick that could be devised resorted to, in order to delay, and if possible, to prevent the ultimate restitution. In this precarious state of uncertainty and comparative indigence, was our family kept, by the petty chicanery and wrangling of the local possessors of the pro- perty, for several years ; and never could obtain the whole even of this inconsiderable part of their former possessions. In a ramble to a village called Ouvennelles, about half a league distant, my mother discovered, near a water mill, some elder blossoms overhanging the water ; at this time wanting some for medicinal purposes, she step- ped on a large branch of the tree, to be able 69 to reach them. After gathering a few bunches,, the branch suddenly broke off, and my parent was immediately precipitated head long into the stream below; rny cries of alarm soon reached the miller and his family, who instantly ran to the spot, and very fortunately were in sufficient time to rescue my poor mother from drowning ; and who very humanely placed her in one of their beds in the cottage, kindly afford- ing every relief in their power, to endeavour to restore suspended animation, which after much difficulty, and many repeated efforts from these good peasants, was at length attended with the desired success : several days, however, elapsed before it was deemed safe to remove her to her own house; and for a considerable time afterwards, my mother required the care of her medical attendants at home. From the violence and suddenness of the shock on her nervous system, febrile symptoms were pro- duced ; and several weeks passed before she was again rendered, through the skill of these medical gentlemen, convalescent. Thus once more restored to health, the miserable situation of our pecuniary affairs, at this period, preyed on her mind. Still weak, and subject to frequent nervous irritability, which, though she had never before experienced any symtoms of the kind, produced such de- pression and lowness of spirits, (added to the cause above related,) as soon made a rapid inroad on her constitution, which was gradually becoming more enfeebled by these combined anxieties and miseries; which not only re- quired a much stronger constitution to bear them, (without experiencing these fatal injuries 70 and shocks so frequently repeated,) but in fact, a vigour of rnind and body that could avert their ill effects; but these unfortunately she did not possess at this melancholy period, nor could! it indeed be expected, all circum- stances duly considered. My father, with a consummate knowledge of mankind, a robust constitution, sanguine disposition, acknowledged perseverance, and a fund of useful information,, acquired by his professional intercourse with the higher classes of society, had the utmost difficulty with life, to weather the revolutionary storms, and the loss of his property which was inevitable ; no exertions even strained to the highest pitch, could avert the evil : such was the rapacity and tyranny of those miscreants at the head of aflkirs, that the utmost efforts of human power were ineffectual to its preservation. The instability of human grandeur was at this period most conspicuous : an awful death- like gloom prevailed every where ; as the revolutionary committee imprisoned greater part of the most respectable inhabitants, many of whom were dispatched to the capital, to be mocked by a pretended examination, and sen- tenced by that most diabolical institution the revolutionary tribunal, with the mere outward form of a trial; frequently on charges of the most trivial nature, totally void of foundation, or even probability; for the very purpose of confiscating their property and possessions. No one can form an adequate idea of the great enormities committed in the names of Reason and Liberty, or of the horrors perpetrated 71 by these self-elected petty tyrants, who were the scourge and dread of every respectable person within their influence; nothing could scarcely escape their rapacity,, nor was any thing too mon- strous for them to hestitate about its execution. Among the various diversified occurrences, which at different periods have occupied the at- tention of mankind, and employed the pen of the historian, none have appeared in modern times more important in itself, or more likely to excite the interest of posterity, than this tremendous moral convulsion the French Revolution. The wonderful effects it had pro- duced in Europe, are generally known ; very few indeed, of the continental kingdoms es- caped its rapacity; in fact, for a time the gigantic strides of these despots seemed to threaten them with total subversion; which, if even secured by the loss of their best blood and treasure, for a respite from their encroach- ments, were constantly liable to fresh aggres- sions, as caprice or policy dictated. In the winter of 1791, the French armies marched into Holland; a few days after their arrival, the French commissioners with the army published a proclamation, in which they told the Dutch " In the midst of war we con- sider you as our friends and allies ; it is under this name that we enter your country ; we seek not to terrify, but to inspire you with confi- dence. It is but a few years since a tyrannic conqueror prescribed to you laws ; we abolish them and restore to you your freedom : we come not to make you slaves ; the French nation shall preserve to you your independence ; personal safety shall be secured, and property protected/' T2 Seven days after this proclamation, the same commissioners, having been admitted with their troops into all the tovrris, &c. published a second proclamation, in which they formally directed the Dutch government to furnish the army, within one month, with the follow- ing supplies, viz. 200,000 quintals of wheat, 500,000 rations of hay, 200,000 rations of straw, 500,000 bushels of corn, 150,000 pairs of shoes, 20,000 pairs of boots, 20,000 coats and waist- coats, 150,000 pairs of pantaloons, 200,000 shirts, and 50,000 hats; and besides all this, 12,000 oxen, to be delivered in two months. This requisition they called their amicable in- tentions, &c. and gave the Dutch to understand, that in case the articles were npt furnished, they should be exacted by force. This, however, was only the commence- ment; they kept their armies in Holland during the winter, took every thing they wanted, and paid in depreciated Assignats at par ; and finally forced the Dutch to form an offensive and defensive alliance with them against Eng- land for ever. This treaty was signed May 15, 1795. It obliged the Dutch to cede to France, (f as indemnities," two of their most important frontier towns, with the adjoining territories, and one of their provinces, to admit French garrisons, in case of war in that quar- ter, into three of their strongest frontier towns, one of their principal sea-ports, &c.; to em- ploy half their forces in carrying on the recent campaign, under French generals; and finally, to pay France, as a farther indemnification for the expences of the war, one hundred million of livrcs; equal to twenty five millions of 73 dollars, in cash or bills of exchange on foreign countries, &c. &c. In return, the French drove away the Stadtholder, and changed the government ; but did not suffer the Dutch to adopt one to their own mind. The Dutch brought upon themselves,, in addition to all these proofs of amity, an offensive and defensive war against England, in which they lost all their rich possessions in the East Indies, &c. a great part of their fleet, and the remains of their trade. In an enumeration of French requisitions, the losses of the Dutch are estimated at the enormous sum of thirty four millions sterling. The French armies entered Belgium under repeated and solemn promises of protection and freedom. No sooner had they obtained possession of this unfortunate country, than they put every article of property which could be of use to them, into requisition, and com- pelled the people to receive payment in de- preciated Assignats at par; levied immense contributions; ordered measures to be taken to compel the people to exchange their money for Assignats at par ; placed the country under the government of military commissioners, &c. and having thus afforded " liberty and pro- tection" to the Belgians, having thus " broken their chains/' &c. they proceeded to confis- cate for their own use, the whole property of the clergy in Belgium, to the amount of more than two hundred and fifty millions of dollars.- This is a faint sketch of a few of the aggressions of the French Republican governors. 1 shall not however, in this place cite any other instance on the subject, but resume my narrative 4 74 My father at this period employed most of his leisure hours in chemical researches, making experiments on an extensive scale ; in which large sums were expended. He ultimately acquired a sufficient knowledge of this useful art, to benefit society by some important dis- coveries : which with his usual disinterested- ness were immediately communicated to the public, without ever requiring the smallest remuneration for his assiduous labours. Al- though the chimerical idea of commuting metals into gold, or searching for the philoso- pher's stone, was with some a prevalent idea, yet my father never for a moment entertained such visionary prospects : all his researches tended to benefit science by his new disco- veries ; leaving to others, by their promulga- tion, the means of reaping the benefit, which was only due to the party who at considerable expence and labour had first made the dis- covery. My father one day sauntering in the superb rooms at A , appropriated to gaming, without any intention of partaking in the fascinating amusement, was, however, soon induced to join a party at rouge et noir ; at first he was tolerably successful ; but after alternate changes, the fickle goddess, fortune, forsook him, and he found himself completely drained of all his cash, (which was no incon- siderable sum :) thus he determined if possible to retrieve some part of his lost property ; and for this purpose, a valuable gold repeater which he had with him, being produced, it procured for him a temporary supply of cash, but which like the former was soon ingulphed 75 in the same vortex of dissipation. Retiring with- out a shilling, and his mind harrassed with the most poignant feelings of regret, he left the place with the firm resolution never to enter it more. This afforded him a salutary lesson to avoid for the future the fatal rock on which so many others had split ; and he wholly re- nounced for ever after, this dangerous amuse- ment. The Battalion de Poly,, under my father's command, was soon after disbanded by order of the republican general Dampierre, and the Baron de Poly declared to have acted contrary to the then existing laws ; in retain- ing to the said battalion his own name. The men were drafted into different regiments, but they had been so well disciplined, and taught by their revered commander to venerate their Sovereign, that they never could be induced to take any oath derogatory to the Bourbons. Their Commandant was proscribed in Novem- ber, 1793, for his persevering loyalty to his Sovereign and country ; his person seized, his papers sealed up, by order of John Francis Jourdain, at Troyes; but nothing found to criminate their victim at this time. No sooner was the Baron de Poly liberated, than with determined perseverance in the cause of his illustrious master, in concert with Le Clerc Marquis de Vrainville, and other adherents of his Majesty, he was strenu- ously exerting every possible means in his power, to re-establish the lawful authority; and by this means restore to his distracted country, her former tranquillity and felicity. To accomplish this desirable object, he could 76 never desist ; it was the wish of his heart, and the mainspring of all his efforts. He joined the agency which his most Christian Majesty had in Paris,, with Monsieur Bedouet, general inspector of the Chauon Posts, &c. in commu- nication with the loyal army in La Vendee ; \vhose movements were arranged and directed by them,, as the necessity of the occasion re- quired, For his eminent services at this pe- riod, he was offered the Cross of St. Louis, which, with his usual disinterestedness he de- clined accepting; Brotier, Duverne, de Prailes, Berthelot, de la Villeurnoy, M. de Bonnaire Chevalier of the order of Malta, Ramel, Malo, &c. at this period acted in concert with them. To facilitate his communication with the Marquis de Vrainville, their residences were chosen contiguous to each other at Paris ; where private meetings were held of the dif- ferent partizans of the king, and the best means in their power divised, for ultimately obtaining the object so anxiously and earnestly desired. But what must have been my father's great sur- prise and indignation at this eventful period, when their plans and operations, formed with such secrecy and determined perseverance, were nearly complete,* to find himself suddenly be- trayed by some of his coadjutors and apparent friends, M..1.., and R..m..l, &c. He was consequently arrested by order of the directory of the French Republic, under the sanguinary Robespierre, &c. at Paris, A D. 1796, and thrown into prison ; where, in consequence of the sentence of a military tribunal/ he was con- fined five years and a half in irons, deprived of what remained of his property, and finally condemned to death ; constantly expecting to 77 be led to execution : yet meanwhile experi- encing every kind of misery, during this horrid confinement. The immense sacrifices my father had made, he did not regret or regard, but eagerly longed for fresh opportunities of displaying his zeal and loyalty to his Sovereign. I cannot omit the insertion of the Count D*Escat's account of these circumstances ; which is literally as follows : " The Baron de Poly, "who was employed in the agency which the " king had at Paris, was, through the treachery sf of the chiefs his coadjutors of that agency, of " which he would by no means partake, im- " prisoned, condemned to death, and doomed <{ to suffer every kind of vexation for upwards " of five years and a half with unshaken fidelity." Two of his companions died at Cayenne, a third enjoyed his liberty, by sacrificing the interests of his master, whom he betrayed, to which the Baron de Poly would never in the slightest degree accede; although arrested and imprisoned five different times, having in the whole suffered more than seven years im- prisonment for his adherence to his Sovereign. For more than two years no intelligence could be obtained by our family, of the fate of my father; although during this long period of anxiety and dread, every means were used to effect this purpose. At length he was found by his disconsolate wife, imprisoned in the dungeon of la Pelagic, loaded with irons, and suffering every kind of misery and privation ; being in the most wretched condition, having only prison allowance to subsist on; almost without clothes, and no fire allowed him, even in the most inclement season; suffering in 78 addition every species of vexation, that the malice of his enemies could devise; yet en- during all with undaunted firmness and de- termined resolution. It was with the utmost difficulty permission could be obtained to see him in his dungeon ; at length, however, after repeated solicitations, it was granted to my mother, who eagerly embraced the opportunity of visiting her un- fortunate husband, in his miserable situation: but the reality of his present sufferings so far exceeded any thing she could have imagined, that her affliction was extreme ; her immediate attention was turned to soothe the horrors of his imprisonment, alleviating as much as possi- ble his sufferings, administering to his neces- sities as far as practicable, sharing as long as permitted his confinement, to soften by her presence as far as lay in her power, his misera- ble destiny. The feelings of regret and horror at this first meeting, may be more easily conceived than described ; the mind seemed overpowered by the weight of affliction and misery; des- titute of money or friends, who feared to incur the risk perhaps of sharing his confinement, if they hazarded even a temporary visit in his dungeon, where relief seemed almost inac- cessible. My mother was persuaded to take her two sons (by her former husband) to Mons, and place them under the care and protection of Monsieur Dumez, their uncle, who resided there ; he having no other family than an only son, who emigrated to England with the Count D'Artois- and returned with his Royal Highness 79 at a subsequent period, to the residence of his father, with whom he still remains. The principal object of my mother's journey to Mons, was to collect as much of our property in specie and other valuables, as could be had on this emergency She immediately returned back to Paris, took apartments in La Rue de la Clef Faubourg St. Margeau, and again renewed her applications to visit her husband daily in his confinement ; which, under certain restrictions, she was allowed. This afforded me the means of access to my parent iw his gloomy dungeon ; and of administering some little consolation to him in his sufferings. I was placed at a school near the prison, that I might the oftener attend him ; carrying daily some provisions for him in my pockets, in which I was instructed to use the greatest caution, not to give any ground for suspicion ; or even this small relief would have been peremptorily denied him; and which a susceptible mind will readily conceive would have much in- creased our aggravated sufferings ; which were already wound up to the highest pitch, and were almost too great to bear, without giving ourselves up to despair ; but despair was hap- pily banished, by our placing our whole trust only in the Supreme Being, whose inscrutable dictates are beyond mortal comprehension ; and by relying on the divine mercy, for the consummation of those things which we could not fathom, and fur the completion of which human efforts seemed to avail but little. My mother, notwithstanding incessantly employed herself in obtaining the best possible information how to proceed, ultimately to 80 obtain the so much desired object, the libera- tion of my dear father : numberless ineffectual efforts were made ; and after repeatedly visit- ing those persons whose influence might per- haps by her frequent applications, be interested in his behalf, the only point she could gain in these interviews with them, was merely a suggestion., or vague opinion ; that if a pe- tition was presented to Bonaparte in person, perhaps some alleviation of my father's suffer- ings might be obtained ; provided suitable "op- portunities were watched for, in presenting it, and a time, if possible, was selected, when his mind was not ruffled by any untoward event ; as it would under such circumstances, inevita- bly fail of the intended effect : perhaps not only for the moment, but for the future ; which consequently ought most carefully to be re- garded : and indeed required very judicious management, to be attended with the desired success. How to ascertain this circumstance, my poor mother was at a loss to conceive; nothing in her power was omitted, or any sacrifice she could make deemed too great to effect it : but a considerable time elapsed before a favorable opportunity occurred, when a petition was presented, the most minute particulars recom- mended to her, cautiously attended to, and sanguine hopes entertained of a beneficial result ; which were completely illusive, though consolatory for the moment; they were, how- ever, fondly cherished during the short period of uncertainty which elapsed, before its fate was known : but it completely failed of success. Several other petitions were at dif- 81 ferent periods presented, which terminated as in the former instance : so that there now re- mained scarcely a hope of effecting it by any means in our power. Great pains had been taken with me, by my dear mother, to instruct me in the most minute particulars to which I wast to attend : and at the age of six years, I pre- sented a petition with my own hand, to Bona- parte in person, and delivered to him a short speech, which I had been taught to repeat word for word, for a considerable time before- hand, until 1 could distinctly pronounce every syllable it contained, with the greatest ease and regularity ; and on my knees I begged the life and liberty of my dear father, as nearly as I can recollect, in the following words: ce Noble Empereur Jetez les yeux sur un foible enfant qui vous demande la vie de sou Pere Daignez ecouter favorablementj'humble petition de la Mere et de la Fille Epargnez, epargnez mon Pere et rendez le a son epouse cherie qui lui tend les bras O' Vous genereux et bienfaisant Monarqne dont le pouvoir est grand et que la victoire accompagne, ayez pitie d'une humble suppliante prosternee a vos pieds ; accordez rnoi la liberte et la vie de mon Pere Ainsi vous jouirez des benedictions du Tout puissant et des milliers d'hommes lui addresseront leurs prieres pour qu'il vous accorde Sante, bonheur, prosperite dans le monde et la felicite des Justes dans 1'autre." The following is a translation : " Most noble Ernperor ! behold an helpless infant supplicating from your hands the life of her father ! Receive the humble petition of the Mother and Daughter : and spare, oh ! spare G my father! And restore him to the arms of conjugal affection. You, most noble Em- peror, who are great in power and victorious in arms, regard your humble suppliant I and bless me with the liberty and life of my honoured parent. So shall you enjoy the blessing and favour of the Almighty, and the prayers of thousands shall be offered up for your health,, happiness^ and prosperity." To describe the sensations of mingled joy and gratitude that filled my infantine breast, when I had reason to hope, from the gracious manner my petition was received, a successful termination, my pen is inadequate ; I can only say, I felt such serene heavenly joy, that I can in no way make known. My dear father's life was spared, and proper orders issued for his liberation, as soon as the regular forms and necessary documents were made out for this purpose, which were soon completed; but not to complete our happi- ness : for we were again doomed to a disap- pointment, wholly unforeseen by us; for such were the anxious wishes of his companions in captivity to gain their liberty, that all my efforts were foiled, by one of them taking the advantage, and obtaining his release ; having by interest, procured the insertion of a descrip- tion of his own person, age, stature, &c. in the order issued for my father ; and by this means, however unjust, obtained his liberation, at the expence of my parent's protracted confinement. This deception, which was not detected until too late to be remedied, at once crushed all our hopes, and we were again plunged from the height of human happiness, produced by 83 the expectation of seeing my father delivered from his long and painful imprisonment, into the greatest despair. A considerable time now elapsed in waiting for a favorable opportunity, but there was no alternative ; and we were obliged to wait with patience. Dreadful indeed was our disappoint- ment ; the anxious state of suspense we were placed in, exceeded description : every exertion was used, every interest employed, that could give us the slightest glimmering of hope ; every means we could suggest resorted to, but all our efforts for the present proved of no avail Many other persons were placed in still more dreadful situations. I shall mention one in- stance. A young nobleman was arrested by the agents of the'police, at the time he was on the point of marriage with a young lady in the neighbourhood ; the moment after his arrest, she took post horses, arid thus arrived at Paris sometime before him ; she met the cart to which he was chained, at the entrance of the capital, watched it to the prison, where her lover was destined to lie, until his execution .' she then hired a lodging opposite, and com- municated to him by signs, the result of her interviews with his merciless judges. All her efforts to save him proved ineffectual, arid she was destined to see him perish on a scaffold. Prom that moment she became deranged ; she retired from the fatal spot, and sought those scenes, where once she had known happiness, which she had fondly imagined would be last- ing. Alas ! how soon obliterated for ever :^ nothing can exceed the misery and despair G 2 84 depicted on her countenance, one of the most interesting ever beheld ; but from this fatal period,, she never after recovered her senses. My mother's anxieties were now wound up to the highest pitch, and we were determined to make another attempt as early as a favora- ble opportunity occurred, when 1 again ap- peared before Bonaparte in person, once more to solicit my poor parent's release. I was instructed to relate to him, in the most candid manner, the artifices used, so unwarrantably, to annul his former grant ; representing the pro- tracted suffering and misery of our whole fa- mily, from this melancholy circumstance ; which I did in the best manner I was able, and had the pleasing satisfaction to observe there was some hope of ultimate success. After ascertaining the accuracy of my statement, which occupied some time, I was made happy by his renewing the order for the Baron's liberation ; which we took great care should not be foiled as in the former instance. I had surely made my application at the most propitious moment : this was indeed the happiest instant of my whole life ; to be made by divine Providence the instrument of saving my dear father's life, and rescuing his person from his dreadful imprisonment, was to me a scource of the purest delight, of which my dear parents equally partook. We all returned our most fervent thanks, and addressed our silent prayers to that Omnipotent Being, whose mercy could alone have occasioned this miracu- lous deliverance. A peremptory order was received previously 85 to my father's release from prison, for him to leave the kingdom within a short stipulated period ; and to which we were extremely glad to accede. On our arrival at Avesnes, the first object of my parent's care, was to place me under the direction and tuition of Monsieur Joseph Rosignol, minister of the altar, who resided there; under an agreement duly signed by the respective parties. My mother learned with the deepest sorrow on her arrival here, that her son Louis Dumez de Rilly 3 had been sent to the army as a con- script, by his uncle, under whose protection he had been placed ; to save his own son from this service ; as no substitute could be procured at this period, without expending a very considera- ble sum of money; the young men having been 1 so much drained by the incessant calls of Bonaparte,, for such immense numbers of fresh conscripts, or as he emphatically called them, cc more food for cannon ;" who were continually ordered to join his armies : and melancholy to relate, we were at this time unable to ascer- tain any particulars relative to his future des- tiny. My elder brother was induced from this circumstance, to leave the school at Mons; and formed an acquaintance with a female, unsanctioned by his parents ; her father and mother from interested motives, did all in their power to induce him to come and live in their family, who from his youth was easily persuaded to do so ; and after a time took up his abode with them, in consequence of which, the illicit acquaintance with their daugher was con- tinued. This family lived in the neighbourhood of one of the estates belonging to my mother, 86 at a village called Momiguies ; they were obliged to labour hard for a living., being very poor and having a large family. My father and mother used every means in their power, persuasive and even coercive, to induce my brother to break off this objectiona- ble connection, but without effect ; and all their efforts proved abortive. At length they were married, when all opposition of course ceased. My mother gave him his share of the property arising from the small part rescued from the confiscation, as before related. My mother's feelings were again much agonized, by the information she received that her aunt, the Mother Abbess of the order of Poor Clares, was dead ; and that her sister Nettelie, who had been placed under her pro- tection in this convent, for the reasons before stated, had married Monsieur Du Rutz ; that they resided on one of her estates at Douai ; and that they had suffered very heavily from the numberless requisitions and exactiops of the revolutionary government, large sums of mo- ney having at different times been expended, to save their son from the conscription, or what may be justly termed, the military massacre ; that they had been almost ruined by forced requi- sitions; the quartering on them, and support- ing of the military, to which all were compelled, by the tyranny of the then leading members of the existing government. My brother-in-law received from my parents a sufficient sum of money to pay Mr. Joseph Rosignol (as per agreement) at stated periods, all the cxpences of my board, education, cloth- 87 6 ing, &c. for a number of years ; for the due performance of which., a regular contract was drawn up and duly signed, in the presence of a Notary Public. At the church of St. Nicholas, at Avesnes, I was baptized, by the Rev. Monsieur Bonnaire, grand Cure Diocesan of this place, in the diocese of Carnbrai, ; John Baptiste Pierrard was iny godfather, and Mademoiselle Constance Pieu my godmother. After the completion of this necessary duty, my parents were obliged to leave the kingdom, the time limited for their departure being nearly expired ; having scarcely time sufficient to reach the frontiers within the period. My fa- ther, however, reached his native soil, Germany, in safety; but bein^ without any employ, or cer- tain means of subsistence, he travelled to dif- ferent parts of the country, without any deter- minate object at that time in view : wandering from place to place, as yet uncertain of his future destination, until he resolved to quit his native country, and sail for England. I was wholly unacquainted with these cir- cumstances at the time, and remained in the greatest uncertainty, daily expecting to see my parents; but after repeated inquiries, I at length learnt that they were no longer at Avesnes : and when farther concealment was deemed unnecessary, I was informed of the absolute necessity for their leaving the country, and that they had not a moment's time to see me previously to their departure. My affliction was so great, on being made acquainted with this circumstance, not know- 88 ing the destiny of my parents, who bad left the country ; but for what foreign kingdom I could not tell; that 1 at once concluded they were lost to me for ever ; and in all probability I should never have the happiness of seeing them more. This preyed so much on my mind, that every kind of indulgence was resorted to, to assuage my grief. I had permission to visit my godfather and godmother at all times, as often as I chose ; as likewise other respectable acquaintances in the town ; of which permission I frequently availed myself : but it was a long time before I could in any great degree relieve my anxieties. My friends tried every means they could suggest, to efface the remembrance from my mind ; but in every kind of amuse- ment, the idea of my being left as it were with- out parents, to watch over my youth, uncertain of their fate, or even of their being in existence, at all times so agonized my mind, that I re- mained long inconsolable. A chamber in the school was furnished for me, with every thing necessary for my instruc- tion or amusement, and a large quantity of wearing apparel, (sufficient for me for several years,) purchased for my use, by my dear mo- ther previously to her leaving Avesnes. All these kind attentions in some measure softened my afflictions, and I became at length more reconciled to my situation ; which would have been very agreeable to me, had my dear parents been permitted to reside in the town or neighbourhood ; or even had I been certain of their welfare: for had I only heard from them, it would have been highly pleasing to me, and would have removed that doubt and antici- pa toil dread, of which I was continually think- ing : but this consolation I could not receive ; though a glimmering of hope that I should soon hear from them, or perhaps see them again, kept my rnind at times more at ease. - This, however, was but of short duration, as are most of these creations of fancy. An unexpected and melancholy event now occurred, which in its consequences was a most unfortunate circumstance for me. The clergyman under whose care and proteetion L had been placed for tuition, died before I had been six months under his direction. I was now doomed to suffer every calamity ; and great reason I have had to deplore his loss, having constantly received such kind attentions from him, until this awful period : his memory, therefore, I shall ever revere. My brother-in-law, on hearing of the death of my preceptor, removed me from the school; promising that every attention and care in his power should be paid to me. Having married a person contrary to the express wishes of his parents, he for this reason never visited any of our relations. He had at this time two chil- dren, a son and a daughter. His wife, regard- less of my interest or welfare, used every artifice to prejudice the mind of her husband against me ; and being more anxious to assist her own family and relations, than to protect me, she distributed many articles of my wearing apparel to her own children and relations. My bro- ther-in-law being naturally of a generous, easy, and free disposition, assisted her family and relations to the utmost in his power; and had one of her sisters living with them, to help his 90 wife in her domestic concerns ; but I had not been there many months, before I was made a complete drudge to the family ; in nursing the children, and doing all kind of work, which my age would lead them to expect from me. From this time my education was totally neg- lected, and no concern whatever entertained for my improvement or benefit. My brother wholly unacquainted with busi- ness, was advised to turn farmer : and as-he was quite a novice in this new line of business, he employed his wife's relations to cultivate his land, &c. who, in consequence of his not having a competent knowledge in agriculture, betrayed him, very shamefully, in stocking and working his farm ; so that after a year's trial, he found it quite impossible to keep on this concern : it was, therefore, after much useless toil and labour, abandoned. My brother now turned his attention to building, erected a brick-kiln, to make his own bricks; in this un- dertaking he met with no better success, even after he had given it a longer trial than the former, and was ultimately obliged from the self-same cause to relinquish it. No tidings from my father having been re- ceived since he left the country, and a ground- less report, moreover, circulated that my dear mother was dead ; I was thus left quite un- protected. My brother's wife did not fail to take advantage of these circumstances, and persecuted me in every way she could devise ; at the same time frequently hinting, that she kept me out of charity. I was considered of course as quite defenceless, and therefore obliged to submit to every kind of menial 91 drudgery and indignity, which this woman chose to inflict on me. I was compelled to keep their cows and sheep in the field,, knitting at the same time, from five o'clock in the morn- ing until six in the evening, during the spring, summer, and autumn months ; and after 1 returned home from this my daily employment, I had the milk pails to clean, and not unfre- rently the stables, &c. I milked the cows, g the soil, planted potatoes, and, in fact, as I became stronger, nothing was deemed too servile or laborious to employ me in doing. Sometimes 1 found this service so extremely irksome, that I took the liberty of reasoning with my brother-in-law on the subject, particu- larly on the impropriety of assigning to me such labour at my early age, which seemed for a time to be productive of some good effect, but not for any long continuance. He, however, frequently in my presence reprimanded his wife, for her unfeeling conduct toward me, saying, that he had her sister in the house for the express purpose of doing the menial work, to which she had always been accustomed : this occasioned frequent disagreements in the family, but his wife had such an ascendancy over him, that it caused an alteration of very short duration, when he was present, but none in his absence : I generally found it in the end productive of a much greater degree of severity and ill treatment toward me ; so much so, that I was in fact pleased to embrace every opportunity of being absent from the house, in any out-door work or employment whatever, that my strength would allow me to perform. One day occupied as usual in my rural 92 employment, I was most suddenly surprised by the appearance of a ferocious wolf; my little flock of sheep immediately dispersed in every direction, as though conscious that their mutual safety consisted in the most precipitate flight from their dreaded enemy,, who instantly pur- sued those nearest him ; at which I must con- fess I was much terrified ; I had, however, sufficient presence of mind to blow a horn at the instant so violently, that 1 had the satisfac- tion to hear all the others in the same employ in the neighbourhood, follow my example ; and in a very short time, I was relieved from the dread and horror I experienced at the sight of this ferocious animal ; by the appear- ance of a considerable number of peasants and labourers, properly armed, to attack^ and if possible, to destroy this scourge of the neigh- bourhood : for every one who guards flocks in this part of the country, is supplied with one of these horns to be sounded on such occasions only. They succeeded in preventing the destruction of any of my sheep, but were unable to effect the destruction of the wolf. The wolf being disappointed of his prey by their presence, immediately fled before his pursuers, and made good his retreat to the forest ; to the great regret of these good people, who anxiously hoped to have been able to have prevented his retreat thither, and ultimately to have succeeded in destroying him. Well knowing we should be continually lia- ble to his future depredations, while prowling in search of food in the forest, these resolute peasants followed the wolf into the thicks w-t 93 of the forest, to discover if possible, bis den or retreat ; but without effect, all their exer- tions were in vain, and they were obliged, al- though with much reluctance, to relinquish the pursuit, and the hopes of reward for his des- truction ; thereby leaving all of us in the con- stant dread of future depredations from this ferocious animal. We were not altogether void of fear for the safety of our persons, deeming it very probable that he might attack the guardians, as well as the flocks they watched; which might ere long be the case; at least our fears inclined us to believe so. It took me a long time again to collect the whole of my little flock together, which the ap- pearance of the wolf had so suddenly dispersed; but after much trouble (added to the agitation of my mind at the time, which in some measure retarded it,) I at length succeeded, and re- turned home safe with them all ; to the no small joy of myself and friends, who long- before my return had been informed of the circumstances of the attack on my flock, and naturally expected some of the sheep must have fallen a prey to this prowling enemy : their satisfaction was much increased, when informed that not one of them was lost. They endeavoured to relieve my apprehensions for the future safety of myself and flock, as much as possible ; but could not wholly remove my fears. It is usual for the shepherds in this part of France, when their flocks are kept out in the fields during the night, to remain with them in a small wooden hut (not larger than is necessary for the shepherd, his dog, and gun,) and made 94 moveable by being placed on four very low \vheels ; the dog is trained for the purpose, and never fails to give notice by growling or bark- ing when any wolf approaches near the enclo- sure in which the flock is penned. The shep- herd on the first alarm, immediately discharges his musket, then reloads it, and prepares to repel any attack, or prevent the wolves from committing any depredations; and with his faith- ful companion, his wolf dog, whom he releases, he goes round the enclosure. It often" re- quires the utmost vigilance to prevent the fe- rocious attacks of these animals, particularly so very late in the autumn, when not unfre- quently several of these hungry animals coming in droves from the forest, make their attacks at the same time conjointly. The ravages com- mitted by them during the winter, are some- times most distressing; the more severe the weather, particularly if much snow has fallen, and a continued frost succeed, they are then driven by hunger to commit every kind of ravage on the defenceless flocks, that happen not to be properly secured from their desperate attacks. At such times incredible mischief is done by them to the flocks and herds; they do not confine themselves to seizing the innocent sheep alone, but every domestic animal: the horse, the cow, or any other within their reach, are oftentimes destroyed by them. It is a great happiness that England is free from these nightly depredations ; for I must candidly confess that I was by no means free from apprehension when at times employed in the forests of Prance, in cutting grass for the cattle, in picking up rotten wood for fuel, and in 95 collecting it into bundles to carry home on my back. These burthens were frequently so large, that I could with difficulty walk under them. At other times I was employed to pick up the dead leaves which fell from the forest trees, and which were used for litter, in the winter months, for the cattle. I likewise collected the beach leaves, for the purpose of stuffing mat- trasses for beds ; the beech nuts I picked up in large quantities, to extract oil from them ; likewise acorns for food for the swine, and if more were collected than were sufficient for our own use, they were sold to others. The wild raspberries and strawberries I likewise gathered in the woods, for to sell ; and corn salad, dandelion, &c. for salads for the same purpose, without deriving the smallest gratuity or emolument to myself. My sister-in-law had a relation who made brooms for sale ; I was therefore frequently sent to cut the brushwood, and prepare it ready for his use. These unsuitable employments were continued a long time ; but my brother- in-law being of a very fickle unsettled dispo- sition, again changed his plan, and undertook the management of a mill ; having a plantation on the estate, he made purchases of horses, cows, sheep, &c. and employed several servants. I always assisted in hay-making and harvest work; likewise in going round the neighbour- hood with a horse, to almost every house, to sell his flour, and to collect the empty bags, and to bring them with the orders I received, back to the mill. Sometimes I was sent out to pick hops for the use of the family, and when my time was not wholly employed in out-door 90 work, I filled up the interval by cooking, &c, for the family. I was frequently required to drive the cattle to market to sell, and often left by my brother-in-law to mind them there, during his absence an other business in the town, which I have been obliged to do for hours at a time. It being deemed necessary at this time to remove the plantation, 1 was occupied in dig- ging the soil, carrying the young trees to other fields, and in planting them, and to collect the broken branches to make into faggots for fuel. These alterations had scarcely been completed before my brother-in-law became tired of this new concern, which like his former ones was soon abandoned. He then removed to Ponte- nelle, to another mill belonging to him ; he here commenced making great improvements, enlarging the house, and purchasing a quan- tity of inferior land, expecting by tillage and industry, to improve the soil and render the land serviceable for sowing corn and other grain. I was occupied for a considerable length of time by assisting in filling up the ponds with earth and rubbish, and to work in the garden, to plant, sow, and weed it, to gather the fruit when ripe, and to take the children a consider- able distance to school ; to churn the butter, and make the cheese ; to collect small debts from individuals, living in the neighbouring towns and villages, which was often a very tedious employment. I was one day sent by my brother-in-law to receive some rents due to him at a distance of more than seven leagues from home, in the most inclement season of winter. I had not 97 reached many miles ou my journey, before very heavy fall of snow came on ; in conse- quence of which the roads became almost im- passable in many places. I soon missed my way, arid in my endeavours to recover the road, I unfortunately fell into a pool of water, which from being lightly frozen over was co- vered with snow ; consequently 1 was almost frozen before I could extricate myself, being' so benumbed by the intense cold, that it was sometime before I could reach the bank ; and after more than an hour's exertion, I escaped from this perilous situation, and I may say imminent danger of losing my life ; and even then 1 was so much exhausted from cold and fatigue, that it was with the greatest difficulty I proceeded to a cottage, not far distant from this place. On my arrival I was unable to speak, but my cries and moans at length were heard by the cottagers, which soon procured me admittance, and prompt relief was afforded, which in some measure diminished my dreadful sufferings. I was immediately placed in a bed, and remained with them the remainder of the day and night, and was much recovered from the effects of the intense cold by the morning, from the great care and attention paid to me by these friendly people, (although a total stranger, and wholly unknown to them at the time,) who would not suffer me to go alone when I left them, but sent a person to conduct me to Chimay. When I was sufficiently recovered so as to be able to speak, I informed these humane people of the object of my journey, my name, and from whence I came; who redoubled their kindness from mo- tives of gratitude for past benefits, which they acknowledged to have received from my dear 98 parents, some years prior to this accident, and seemed perfectly happy to render every assis- tance in their power to the child of their former benefactors. I have thought it was a great mercy I fell into such good hands on this occasion, or it might probably have cost me my life. When I arrived atChimaywith my conductor, the people there would not permit me to return until the following market-day, it being deemed unsafe for me to venture earlier. I was then placed under the care of some persons who were going to the market, with suitable direc- tions that every care should be taken of me, and a severe reprimand communicated to rny relations, for exposing me to such imminent danger of perishing from the inclemency of the weather, in so long a journey on foot, and par- ticularly at such an unseasonable period of the year. This reprimand for a short time had its due effect, but was soon after forgotten, and I became gradually exposed to their usual ill treatment. My brother-in-law was frequently engaged in law suits, and of course obliged to employ a solicitor. I was often sent with orders from this person for the payment of different sums of money, to places at a considerable distance, and not unfrequently compelled in an evening on my return, to cross the forest, without any other sustenance than a piece of dry bread, which I carried in my pocket ; liable to acci- dents of every kind, in these gloomy woods on the approach of night, but which I providen- tially escaped, though 1 continually experi- 99 enced much dread on these occasions, from which 1 could never wholly divest myself, when necessity obliged me to traverse them at a late hour. It was customary with my brother- in-law to send me out with quantities of cheese, which had been previously sold to his cus- tomers. 1 carried them in a basket on my back, to the houses of the purchasers, fre- quently some miles distant. 1 was employed also in selling his butter and eggs, at market, in fact every kind of menial work and drudgery was my constant employ, and yet I could sel- dom give satisfaction (do what I would) to my unreasonable relations, at any time. If my sister-in-law ever discovered ine in conversation with any respectable person, who appeared to take notice, to pity, or seemed in- clined to relieve my miseries, I was sure to ex- perience her resentment, and consequent ill treatment. Frequently on these occasions she would severely beat me, without any real cause of offence ; she would never allow me, (if she could by any means prevent it) to mention my name, or that of my parents, to any person ; her cruelty has been carried on several occa- sions to such AH extreme, that I have been ob- liged to make my escape from her. In the ab- sence of my brother-in-law she always selected the opportunity of inflicting on me the most severe punishments she could devise : every person in the vicinity pitied my deplorable and defenceless condition, without knowing even my real name, or family connections, merely from the great severity of treatment I con- tinually experienced from this most unfeeling and inconsiderate woman, whose chief delight 100 seemed to be to increase my miseries. In my unprotected state, 1 had no other means of pre- venting it, than by making rny escape if pos- sible ; at other times I had not this opportunity, I was (hen obliged to submit to whatever mode of punishment she chose to indict on me. My brolher-in-law finding his affairs still in a very unsatisfactory state, again changed his employment, became an innkeeper, and took the concern of the Red Cross inn, at Forrtenel, I was there employed to wait on his customers, and as usual to do every kind of menial work. It was not long, however, before he became again dissatisfied with his new business, it being equally unsuccessful with his previous employ- ment, for nothing seemed to prosper that he un- dertook ; at least nothing was so productive as he anticipated it would be. This new concern was therefore quickly abandoned. His next ar- rangement was to build himself a cottage in the same village, and consequently he once more turned his attention to agriculture, but confined his views for the present, within a nar- row compass, taking only a small farm, which he hoped to be able to manage more success- fully himself, without the aid of so many helpers, to whom he had sufficient reason to expect he might in a great measure attribute his former ill success in this line of occupation, as they understood but imperfectly the proper management of land, nor did he himself know much of this business ; but still he had gained some little experience by his former attempts, although these were unsuccessful. I of course returned to my former employ, as soon as a few cows and sheep had been purchased, and the 101 necessary implements, &c. again provided. The children were likewise not unfrequently left under my care the whole day, while my bro- ther's wife was spending her time in visiting her reputed friends and relations. On her re- turn home late in the evening, I have been often obliged to go to the forest to collect wood for fuel for the next day's consumption in the fa- mily, which required no small quantity, as nothing but rotten wood was burnt, no coal being used at any time, in consequence of the opportunity of getting wood from the forest without incurring any expence, but it was at all times with the greatest reluctance I did it in the evening, from the unconquerable trepida- tion and fear 1 continually experienced on these occasions, which had no eflect on the obdu- racy of iny sister-in-law ; I was therefore ob- liged to obey, and console myself as well as 1 could. My education had now been totally neglected from the time I was taken from the school at Avesnes, not having had the least instruction since that period, what little I had there ac quired, was nearly effaced from my memory, and comparatively lost for want of practice and due attention on the part of my relatives, who could place their own children at school, and even employed me to take them there, without ever giving rne an opportunity of improvement, which most ungenerous conduct I have daily to regret; assured that I shall never be able to the extent of my wishes, to retrieve this loss of time in my youth, from the unjust and .perhaps most parsimonious conduct of my careless relations, with whom I resided. 102 My life became so thoroughly embittered by the miseries I continually experienced that I formed the resolution (let what would be the consequence) to leave this insupportable bond- age, the first favorable opportunity that pre- sented itself, which design I carefully kept within my own breast., conscious that it would be prevented if known. I frequently called when employed in nursing the children, on an industrious old woman, who although very poor, gained a living with her family, by spinning flax very fine, for the purpose of making cambric and lace. I endeavoured to learn to spin, in this family, every few minutes I could possibly spare, until at length I could spin tolerably fine/and after considerable prac- tice at different times, found 1 could manage Very" well'. I then requested this poor Woman to let me come and live with her ; her husband Was a day-labourer, having one son and one daughter living with them ; she agreed to my request, and 1 left my brother-in-law's house, to take up my residence in this poor, but indus- trious family, which so enraged my sister-in law, that she would not give up any thing be- longing to me, more than what 1 had at the time on my back, which were little better than rags, having been worn for such a length of time; 1 was in fact without any stockings, only \vearing socks with my sabots (wooden shoes.) In this wretched plight I was cheerfully re ceived by these poor people, and every assist- ance in their power was afford ed me : my first care was to procure, if possible, the loan of a few francs, from a gentleman in the neighbourhood, who was a manufacturer of cambric, and to whom the thread, whrn spun, was sold. 103 I called on this person, and candidly related to him my artless, but melancholy tale, of the hardships and sufferings I had undergone for such a length of time, with my unfeeling rela- tives; and requested the indulgence of this small loan, which 1 would faithfully repay him ; it was immediately granted, and in addition, a quarter of a pound of flax to begin with, given me at the same time, to iny great satisfaction. I informed him I had quitted my brother-in- law's house, and that 1 was going to live in the poor woman 's family, and endeavour by the most persevering industry to get my own living if possible, for the future, which I had but little doubt of effecting. The poor cottager kindly lent me a spinning wheel, and allowed me to sleep with her daughter ; it was true our bed was but indifferent, consisting only of straw, yet this was of little consequence to me at the time, having been so long accustomed to every kind of hardship and privation, besides I was completely inured to fatigue, and slept as com- fortably on this humble bed that I occupied, as I could possibly have done on a bed of down. I purchased, with the few shillings I had bor- rowed, a loaf of bread, some cheese, butter, and meat, also a box, and some bobbins for my work. With this small stock I began my new employment, generally working until a late hour in "the evening, reserving a certain proportion of my gain to pay for the oil we consumed in our employment jointly ; as we always used a lamp as soon as it became dusk, and frequently worked many hours after this time, to get as much done as we possibly could. We regaled ourselves at supper with potatoes roasted in the wood embers of our 101 fire, which, with a little salt constituted our frugal meal. As soon as day-light began to appear, we gathered rotten wood from the forest, for the daily consumption of fuel for us all ; not a moment of our time was lost,, for on our return,, we immediately proceeded to work. Very fortunately we had constant employ, which was not always the case with others in the same line, which of course must be a great loss to them. When my little stock of necessaries was ex- hausted, 1 took the work 1 had finished to the manufacturer, and had the happiness to find I had a trifle left, after paying him the money I had borrowed, with which I procured a fresh supply, and resumed my new employ with alacrity, I may say with pleasure, as 1 met with the kindest treatment from these worthy people, who fortunately for me were very religious, which I considered as a great blessing, and trust it has had its due effect on my literally- speaking totally uncultivated mind. My re- ligious duties having been as much neglected as my education, I eagerly embraced every op- portunity of gaining all the information 1 pos- sibly could on this most important part of my duty. I continued my new employment for three years, with indefatigable industry and perseverance, but the very low price of the ar- ticle when spun so very fine, and the length of time taken up in producing any considerable quantity by my utmost exertions, prevented my acquiring more than sufficient to defray my daily expences, for food, clothing, &c. yet I was much more cheerful and happy in my present situation, being so accustomed to la- bour, that I found but little inconvenience in it. 105 I was at times much affected while I re- mained in this humble cottage, by the un- merited conduct of my sister-in-law, who forbid her children ever calling on me ; but in spite of this prohibition, the children would some- times come to see me, from their natural affec- tion, in return for the little indulgencies I had at different times, while under their roof al- lowed them, unknown to their mother ; but if it was discovered that they had paid me a visit, she never failed severely chastising them for this simple offence. 1 did not wish to encourage their visits, knowing it to be contrary to their parents' order : I therefore discouraged it at all times as far as I could ; this however did not prevent their coming at different times, if they had any reason to hope they could do it with impunity. The honest cottagers had an invitation one day to go to a feast in a neighbouring village, which was regularly kept once in the year, as a holiday, in innocent amusements and re- joicings ; not being quite ready when they pre- pared to set out, 1 of course requested them to go on forward, and promised to overtake them. Soon after their departure, having finished my work, I accordingly followed them as quickly as 1 could, in the hope of soon overtaking them ; and on the road met with an elderly gentleman of very respectable appearance, who entered into conversation with me, and asked me if 1 knew the name of the person who lived on the estate we were then approach- ing. 1 said in reply, I knew too well, to my misfortune, for it belonged to my dear mother, but now a part only belonged to my jbrother- 106 iu-law, and the remainder to my uncle, Du Rutz. On this information I perceived a sud- den alteration in the countenance of this gen- tleman,, who proved to be uo other person than my uncle Du Rutz himself, who soon made himself known to me. He was much shocked at the recital of the hardships and miseries 1 had experienced, which 1 related to him without reserve, in as few words as possible. After I had finished my artless tale, he took me by the hand and conducted me to the resi- dence of Monsieur le general Despres le Polq- nis, at Anor, which was not very far distant. On our arrival he explained to him the dread- ful situation in which I had been left, wholly unprotected by every one who ought to have been interested in my welfare ; at the same time requesting their kindest care and attention towards me. This request was immediately complied with, which filled my mind with gra- titude for so sudden and unexpected a change in my favor. I was thus at once received into the general's family as an inmate, and my former occupation wholly renounced ; the good cottagers were remunerated for their kindness to me, and received my warmest thanks for their generous hospitality, while I resided in their family. My cousin was so much affected by the re- lation of rny past sufferings, that she used every endeavour to make me as happy as circumstan- ces would permit ; and made immediate ar- rangements for placing me at a boarding school, to remedy as much as possible the for- mer unpardonable neglect of my education; 107 but on condition I might be permitted to go every day to see her, for the purpose of being introduced to all the relations of our family, who might call at the general's house. My uncle Du Rutz came from Douai yvith his son on a short visit, and soon after returned to his residence at that place. To my acci- dental, but most fortunate meeting with this gentleman, 1 am wholly indebted for my change of situation, which promised to be in every way so beneficial to me ; and I returned my most heartfelt acknowledgments to him for his humanity and great kindness to me. I felt so happy in the society I was now led into, that the time passed swiftly away, I had scarcely time to think of my former miserable state ; a continued round of pleasing amusements (after school hours) when I returned to my cousins, from the novelty of such scenes which I had previously been wholly unaccustomed to, quite delighted me ; besides, having the great satis- faction of being introduced to my relatives, and by this means becoming acquainted with them; who all behaved in the kindest manner to me on every occasion, and seemed to take a pleasure in affording their assistance : I had only to regret that I had not earlier been for- tunate enough to be introduced to this worthy family, for I had not resided here more than six months, when I received a letter from my disconsolate parents, (from whom I had not previously heard,) requesting every informa- tion from me respecting the state of my health, and a circumstantial account of particulars, relating to myself during their long absence ; requiring an immediate answer, stating that 108 several former letters had been written to tne ; none of which were received. I communicated the contents of the letter to my cousin, and complied with their kind request, by replying to every particular ; fully describing my for- mer and my present situation, in the most correct manner that I was able to do ; not concealing or exaggerating any circumstance. Soon afterward I received a second letter from rny father, with a peremptory order to come to England, as early as possible ; at the same time enclosing a sum of money to defray the ex- pences of my journey. I of course immediately obeyed the summons, and made preparations for my departure ; taking leave of all my friends, and sincerely thanking them for their very great civility and kindness to me ; being naturally, extremely anxious to embrace the earliest opportunity of once more seeing my dear parents, whom 1 had at times conjectured were lost to me for ever. Monsieur le general Despres sent an old and very faithful servant, to accompany me to Avesnes, for the purpose of rny taking leave of my godfather and godmother, with other friends and acquaintance there ; which duty performed, he took a place for me in the coach, and continued the journey with me to Douai ; where I paid a visit to my uncle Du Ruiz, and remained with him a few days, before I took my leave. I was much affected at this time with the melancholy situation of my poor aunt, whose mental afflictions occasioned my deepest sorrow. I acquainted my uncle with the cir- cumstances of my journey to England, which met with his entire approbation. We then 109 proceeded to St. Omers, having a recommen- datory letter to Mr. Br.wn, who, we were in- formed, lived at his seat at a village called llalline, not far distant. On oar arrival., the old servant of my worthy relation left me, under the care of this family., and returned according to his previous orders, back to his master at A nor. I remained with Mrs. Br.wn nearly three months, before a safe conveyance could be found for proceeding on my journey ; this kind lady interested herself much in my behalf; the family at home at this period consisted of three children, the eldest daughter became much attached to me, in fact I found kind friends in them all. Mr. Br.wn resided at Dunkirk. It was at length determined I should go there, and on my arrival take my passage on board the first vessel bound for England, that 1 could meet with ; this scheme was no sooner sug- gested than I most anxiously longed for its completion, and immediately prepared for my departure, leaving my best thanks for the great kindness I had met with in this charming fa- mily ; which on any other occasion 1 should have quitted with the greatest reluctance. I proceeded on to my destination, and on my arrival at Dunkirk, apartments were taken for me in an English family near the residence of Mr. Br.wn, who had a large circle of friends and acquaintance in the place. I was almost daily introduced to different captains of merchant vessels, for the purpose of pro- curing a passage for England, but to my great disappointment, not one could be found who dared to run the risk of taking me on no board his ship, not having any passport in my possession from the then existing- French go- vernment, without which no one was per- mitted to quit the kingdom. I was therefore compelled to remain here for nearly six months longer., my parents sending me money to defray my expences until some favourable opportunity should occur to enable me to make my escape, and fortunately reach the so much wished for shores of England. I experienced every civility arid kindness ill this place, many of Mr. Br.wn's friends in- viting me to their houses, who kindly intro- duced me to their different parties; and ad- mitting me to all the amusements of the place; they took me to the opera, concerts, &c. which were extremely agreeable to me, and in some measure relieved my mind from the great un- easiness I experienced arising from the so' frequent disappointments 1 met with in every attempt made to effect my escape, which I really began to think was almost impossible for me to accomplish ; the regulations being so very strict, it was extremely difficult to elude them. As a final resource, I was obliged to assume the disguise of a youth, and act in some menial capacity, as the most probable way of succeed- ing; many stratagems of this kind were at- tempted, but without success ; and I began to experience great uneasiness, in spite of all the gaiety and amusements of the place, which now began totally to lose their effect with me. As the novelty of these public exhibitions in a great measure wore off, the depression of my Ill spk'its increased : T almost despaired of being able lo comply with the anxious wishes of my dear parents, as the difficulties and impracti- bility ,of succeeding seemed to increase, rather than diminish. At the time I was almost desponding, I for- tunately heard that a lady had arrived at one of the inns in this place, provided with the proper documents for herself and servants, and who was going to embark for England ; on receipt of this information, I lost no time in waiting upon her, although a total stranger, (yet such an opportunity was not to be allowed to escape me ;) I was immediately introduced to her, and after candidly explaining rny hope- less and miserable situation, stating the many fruitless attempts I had made to effect my escape, I suggested a plan which, after some hesitation, and much entreaty on rny part, was at last agreed to; although this lady was well aware of the great risk she herself ran, if detected in aiding or assisting the escape of any one ; and it was agreed upon between us that I should pass for one of her servants on board the ship. Assuredly the great interest this benevolent stranger took in my case, only could induce her to comply with my most earnest wishes, to take me even in this menial capacity. Overjoyed at the success of my plan, I immediately made the proper arrangements; soon equipped myself suitably to my intended station ; bid adieu to all my friends, and waited on this lady as one of her attendants: our scheme was fortunately successful ; we were taken on board the ship without suspicion, it being an American merchant vessel ; which set sail about five o'clock in the evening; and we arrived at Dover the following day about eleven o'clock, it being the 2d of August, 1810 ; to my inexpressible joy and satisfaction. I had sometime previously to my leaving France, been furnished with letters of recom- mendation from the Marquis of B.ck.ng. .m, sent to me in a packet by my dear mother, and which were now of infinite service to me. I was left by the lady with whom I came over in charge of her packages and boxes, at the inn,, during the time she procured a post-chaise, to take us on our way to London ; on her return we took some refreshment, which appeared very different to what I had been previously accustomed, particularly the large size of the joints of meat, and the very different mode of cooking them ; which, 1 must confess, at that time much surprised me. I likewise noticed the very different manners of the people here ; but what struck my mind most forcibly, was the apparent singularity of the language, not knowing a word scarcely of what I heard around rne, but which seemed intelligible enough to every one else ; I figured to myself the difficulties I should have in acquiring a language foreign to me, and so very different in every respect to my native tongue : amid these momentary reflections, I recollected I should soon have the happiness to see my dear parents, with whom I could converse, until 1 had acquired some knowledge of the English language ; this reconciled me completely : and we were soon ready to proceed on our journey. We entered the vehicle which was waiting for ill us, and proceeded at a rate we are but little accustomed to in France. We arrived in town early on the third day, which greatly delighted me. I had spent very uneasy nights at the inns, having been unable to close my eyes the whole time, principally arising from my great anxiety and perturbation of mind ; being so overjoyed in the anticipation of the pleasure I should experience, in once more beholding my long- lost and ever dear parents. My first object on rny arrival in London was to find out the bank of Messrs. Br.wn, C.bb, & Co. to make inquiry respecting Mr. Br.wn, son of the lady with whom I staid at Halline, in France ; I had letters of recommendation to him, and was so fortunate as to meet with him here. On being introduced to this gentle- man, my first inquiries were relative to my father and mother; to whom, I had inconsider- ately though fondly indulged the hope, I should be immediately introduced : but what was my surprise and disappointment, when informed I could not possibly see them at present ; though a promise was held out to me, that 1 should soon have that satisfaction; but that as they did not reside in London, some little time must elapse before they could be made acquainted with my arrival in England, and a day or two more before they would reach town. 1 was then informed that they resided at Middleton- Cheney, in Northamptonshire, a distance of nearly eighty miles from me. I was therefore obliged to wait with patience, and console my- self with the certainty of seeing them in a few days. The lady, my companion in our jour- ney, now took her leave of rne, to whom I I 114 returned my most grateful thanks. Mr. Br.wn shortly after conducted me to his residence; I remained in this gentleman's family two or three days, who immediately wrote to my parents, communicating to them the welcome intelligence of my arrival at his house; after which 1 communicated all the news I was commissioned with from his mother; and en- .deavoured to conceal the anxiety of mind I laboured under at my disappointment,, in not being able immediately to see my dear parents : this, however, did not escape Mr. B's. observa- tion ; and for the purpose of diverting my mind a little from this object, he proposed a visit to the lady, with whom 1 made my escape from Prance. This certainly had in some measure the desired effect for a time ; after which, he took me to an immensely (in appearance to me) large brewery, shewing and describing to me every thing worthy of notice in the place ; the amazing size of the vessels, their great num- ber, and the surprisingly large scale on which this concern was conducted, struck me with no small degree of astonishment, the whole being a complete novelty to trie, having never before seen any thing of the kind ; nor could I have previously formed any adequate idea of the magnitude of such concerns, without ocular demonstration. I was much pleased with this visit, which occupied some considerable time. On our return, Mr. Br.wn was obliged to leave me for a short time, having business of impor- tance to transact in the city. During his ab- sence, I amused myself as well as 1 could, by noticing the number and bustle of the persons continually passing and repassing in the street, which appeared very amusing to rne. On the 115 third day, during the absence of Mr. Br.wn* a hackney coach stopped at the door, I saw an elderly lady and a venerable old gentleman alight; and I was much at a loss to conjecture who these visitors could be. From what innate cause I was not at the moment aware : I was on the tiptoe of expectation, but could not for one moment conceive that this appar- rently elderly woman and gentleman could possibly be my parents, there being to me such evident disparity in their age and persons, from what I recollected of them when they left me in France. I remained sometime in anxious suspense; at length Mr. Br.wn re- turned, arid the mystery was soon elucidated, by his immediately introducing the lady to me as my mother; the elderly gentleman who accompanied her was Monsieur de Chevalier de Calbiac, a French gentleman, and intimate friend of our family. I was so overcome by the sudden joyful sensations that all at once rushed into my mind, that for a time I could scarcely articulate my words, to express my gratitude to him for having, at so unexpected a moment restored me to one of my dear parents : yet I could not restrain my surprise at seeing my dear mother appear so very old, and so much altered in her person and appearance ; but this mystery was soon developed by being informed that the evident alteration in her health and person, principally arose from grief and mis- fortunes, of which she had experienced so large a share, since leaving me at Avesnes, arising from the loss of her property and dear relatives, in fact, miseries of the most poignant kind; the detail of which, might here be deemed superfluous. I 2 116 Alter remaining at Mr. Br.wn's a few hours, we accompanied Monsieur de Calbiac to his residence, and staid with him nearly three weeks. We waited on the Duke de Lachat, Ambassador from Prance, who was so much afflicted at the recital of the miseries and misfortunes of our family, that he fre- quently shed tears of regret at this interview, and promised to exert his influence in our behalf. We then proceeded to the town resi- dence of the Marquis of B.ck. .g. ,m, who was unfortunately not in town at this time: our next visit was to Richard Lorentz, Esq. the German Ambassador, from Hesse Cassel, from whom we met with a very flattering and kind reception ; and received a promise that his best exertions should be used, in promoting the interest of our family. We then proceeded to the Emigrant Office, and there met with great civility from Joseph Parkinson, Esq. -who afforded us all the necessary information we required. We next called on Madame la Comtesse de Cailone, Monsieur L'Abbe Mad- line, Monsieur L'Abbe Robert, and several other distinguished friends of my parents; from all of whom we met with the greatest kindness and sympathy. We next called on an old servant of our family, whose name was Le Clerc ; my mind indeed was very forcibly af- fected at this interview, on finding that his daugh- ter, who was present, had received a tolerably liberal education, and had even made some proficiency in music ; she played us several tunes on the harp and piano, delightfully ; which made me feel most poignantly the ir- retrievable loss I had sustained, by the un- pardonably cruel neglect of my education, 117 from the time I lost my late worthy ecclesiastical preceptor, until I had the happiness to be introduced to the family of the general Despres, at Anor; and I much regretted having been able to remain there so short a time. Sonte days after we called on Madame Courtois, and on Monsieur C.ss.n, who was uncle to an un- fortunate youth, whose name was Francis Senage, whom my father and mother had agreed to take under their care and protection for seven years, on condition of annually re- ceiving a small stipulated sum, and which his uncle usually paid, towards his board, mainte- nance, clothing, &e. After we had finished all we had to do of any importance in town, we took our places in the coach for Banbury, and returned to Mr. Cal- biac's to take our leave of him. At the time appointed we proceeded to the coach office, and soon commenced our journey for Oxford- shire ; my father being apprised of our coming, met the coach on our arrival, and conducted us to Middleton-Cheney. I now felt com- pletely happy, in being once more united in the same family with my dear parents ; who equally sympathised with me in this so long wished for event : the general satisfaction, however, was soon much damped, by their being in such distressed circumstances, which unfortunately I had not the power in any way to relieve; but had the melancholy prospect be. fore me, of perhaps still adding to their bur- then., by my presence ; we, however, consoled ourselves with the hope, that something might in the course of time, turn up to our advantage in this respect, to make our lives less grievous in future. 118 I detailed to my afflicted parents more fully the accumulated miseries and great distress I had experienced during their absence/ from those relations, who should have endeavoured to alleviate or prevent them. At this recital of my misfortunes,, their affliction was extreme ; more particularly on the tola! neglect of my education, which in its consequences, was irremediable. This unpardonable neglect-was doubly grievous to them, having at the time, taken every precaution that human foresight could suggest; as they did not expect at the time of our separation, it would have been for so many years : yet even this they had, as they conceived, fully provided for, by leaving in the hands of my brother-in-law,, a sum of money adequate to this purpose, under a regular agree- ment for its fulfilment, legally drawn up and signed by the parties ; how far this had been attended to, my readers have been fully in- formed in the preceding part of this narrative: my parents were, literally speaking, from this cause almost overwhelmed with affliction, which 1 endeavoured to soften and relieve by every means in my power; but 1 am sorry to say with but little effect. I anxiously wished to render myself useful in every thing 1 was capable of doing, assisting to the utmost in my power in the domestic, and in fact every concern in the family. My mind having been thus left uncultivated, and my re- ligious duties much neglected, I could not be surprised at the anxious wishes of my parents, to endeavour in some measure to remedy the latter defect; accordingly the Rev. Mr. Hersent was applied to. and requested to instruct me \\\ 119 this most important and necessary duty, which he immediately undertook to do ; and who, with the zeal of a truly worthy pastor, com- municated to me all the most necessary and important duties of our religion, which I con- fidently trust will be eminently beneficial to me through life ; to this person my most grateful acknowledgements are ever due. The great truths of salvation this reverend gentleman enforced on my untutored mind, by so plainly elucidating them, that they have had a happy effect in numberless instances on me ; and occasioned an anxious desire on all suitable opportunities, to acquire, a full knowledge of every minute duty of a good Christian ; which it will ever be my pride and most anxious wish to persevere in, to the utmost my poor abilities will allow : earnestly hoping I shall be enabled as I number more years, to fulfil still more "strictly my duty to the Omnipotent Being, from whom all blessings flow, that are experi- enced in this sublunary world. It seemed to be the wish of my parents, if my own inclina- tion coincided with theirs, that after their de- cease I should retire to a convent, to which injunction I shall most probably at some future period accede. In a conversation with my father, he in- formed me, whilst speaking of the number of emigrants in England, that he had served with distinguished honour in the regiment of veterans, composed only of emigrant French officers, in the loyalists' army : but that all their efforts were unattended with the desired success: being always opposed by such an immense desparity of forces, they were ultimately defeated ; and 120 compelled to make the best retreat circum- stances would allow ; and that in order to escape, he was obliged to assume the character and occupation of a master of a manufactory of pottery ; though this did not long shield him from the active scrutiny of his implacable ene- mies. He was eventually discovered, and thrown into prison : from which he had much difficulty to escape with life. He likewise stated to me, that he was engaged in the agency of the king, in the affairs of La Villeheruois and his adherents; and was the only person out of the whole number, who miraculously es- caped destruction : every one of whom, with this single exception, having perished in the good cause of loyalty to their sovereign. And often has my parent expressed a wish, to have himself died in the field of glory. My father enjoyed but a very indifferent state of health, after his long and painful im- prisonments ; which had completely under- mined and ruined his constitution, for the re- establishment of which, or the restoration of temporary health, every means that suggested the least probability of relief, were tried, though in vain; nothing could be devised that was found of any real service to him ; and although the advice of the most eminent physicians was consulted, it proved of no effect : a rapid de- cline seemed to baffle all attempts to cure ; in fact, it was beyond the power of medicine to Affect jt. The perturbed state of my poor parent's mind, arising from his pecuniary em- barrassment, increased the malady which was now making rapid advances towards tcnni- ting his earthly career. 12! At this period my afflicted parent was obliged to leave his cottage at Middleton- Cheney ; and was by the humane interposition of Fiennes W.k. .in, Esq. rescued from his most wretched situation. This good, gener- ous, and benevolent gentleman received the houseless wanderer into his own family, until he had prepared one of his cottages for my parents' reception : and to the last day of his existence did my father share the counsel, cha- rity, and friendship of this most benevolent protector. May such deeds live in the grate- ful remembrance of posterity, as they will never be effaced from mine, and in sweet memorial rise before the throne of grace! Such honoura- ble, disinterested, generous, and most humane conduct, speaks for itself in stronger language than my feeble pen can possibly convey ; and rny gratitude for such acts of munificence, will cease only with my existence. I remained at this period, by desire of rny parents, in the family of Mr. H.rr-s, of Over- thorpe; but on their removing from Middleton, I came to Banbury, to arrange every thing in the best manner I was able in their new habi- tation, for their mutual comfort and conveni- ence. I occasionally came to visit them, and regularly washed and mended the linen every week, assisting in every thing 1 could make myself useful in : but as my dear father's health was most rapidly declining, it was not long- before he was confined to his bed, daily getting worse, although every means were resorted to, that his medical attendants could devise; but still his complaint completely baffled every attempt at removal ; rill at length, exhausted 122 nature gave up the struggle, and my dear father departed this life in the fortieth year of his age, in the happy expectation of a blessed futurity. He had conducted himself as a zealous pro- fessor of the Catholic Church, during the whole of his long and tedious illness ; and frequently received the holy sacrament. His conversion from the Lutheran persuasion,, and his death were very remarkable : and when he found he should soon enter into the house of his eternity, he received with great edification all the rites of the Catholic Church, and expired, after having communicated, on the 12th day of December, 1810, and was interred in Banbtiry church yard. The Rev. Mr. M.rg.n, the Rev. Mr.R.ck, the Rev. Mr. P. Hersent, and the Rev. Mr. Ch.rt.n, visited the Baron de Poly during his illness. P , Wy . kh . m, Esq. the Rev. Mr M . rg . n, M. VV.st, and Mr. Br.ckw.ll attended the fune- ral ; Mr. Br.ckw.lPs men carried the corpse to the grave on this solemn occasion. I have been credibly informed, that his best friend Mr. Wy.kh.m, who esteemed and paid great respect to the Baron's memory, was the ever good Samaritan ; and that with other most respectable gentleman, he acted on this as on other occasions, with private benevolence and liberality : and am happy to add the same humane conduct was afterwards continued to the afflicted widow. Mrs. M.rg.n with anxious solicitude en- deavored to mitigate my mother's sorrows, and 123 relieve the distresses of the children of misfortune oppressed with adversity in a foreign land; and ordering what was requisite for the funeral. The Rev. Mr. M.rg.n officiated on this melan- choly occasion. The benevolent and disinterested conduct of Mr. and Mrs. W.st, at this distressing period, voluntarily affording their kind assist- ance in furnishing the funeral, &c. must claim my most grateful thanks ; I was totally ignorant of this circumstance until a short time since, when Mrs. M. L.ng. , my most munificent benefactress and ever valuable friend, and who has afforded me a kind asylum for so long a period in her house, &c. informed me of it ; for had 1 known it sooner, I should long since have personally expressed my gratitude to Mr and Mrs. W . st, for such benevolence. My dear mother's grief at this momentous period was inconsolable, being herself in an extremely weak state of health, which this melancholy event much aggravated ; the very embarrassed state of our affairs still further augmented it : in fact, her despondency daily seemed to increase with her malady, and could not be removed by human means. My deceased parent's small pension of course now ceased, and we found ourselves under the distressing necessity of soon after selling the few goods and chattels, still remaining in our possession, to satisfy as far as they would go, the urgent demands of our creditors ; but they produced but a very small sum indeed, toward accomplishing this desirable object. 124 After the sale, we removed to a small house in West-street; here our calamities increased, and we found it utterly impossible any longer to support Francis Senage, who at an early age had lost his mother. His father, an officer in the army, had returned to France during the peace, and nothing had been heard of him since that period by us. As we did not receive the small sum agreed on for his maintenance, &c. after he had remained seven years and a half in our family, necessity obliged us to send him back to his uncle in London, after repeated applications had failed in procuring payment of the sum due to us for his support. Being wholly unable any longer to bear this additional burthen in our misfortunes, we were com- pelled, although with much reluctance, to resort to this mode, from actual want of the means for our own individual support. Through the interest of the Ambassador from Hesse Cassel, and the kind assistance of our friends, with considerable difficulty my mother at length succeeded in procuring a small increase to her pension from the French go- vernment, during a limited period, which was regularly paid to, and thankfully received by us. Frequent applications were made by friends of my mother residing in London, to persuade her to remove to town ; where (should she be inclined to adopt this plan) she would be more immediately situated in the circle of her former acquaintance, which might in some degree relieve her rnind from the gloom and despon- dency under which she laboured ; yet all their kind solicitations failed, as she could not be prevailed on to accept their kind oilers. 125 It being my mother's particular wish to remain in Banbury, arid be placed in the same grave with my father, at her decease ; this seemed principally to occupy her thoughts, and she frequently said that she most anxiously desired its fulfilment. Her health was gradually de- clining, although much relieved by the inter- positions of her numerous friends ; yet she never enjoyed a day's good health for a long period. The late Michael W. .dh.ll, Esq. and Mrs. Ingram were invaluable friends to my poor parents ; for which most generous and humane assistance, I must beg leave to pay to them my most grateful tribute of thanks ; not that any thing I can say will add to the so well known philanthrophy of these truly good persons, whose actions alone speak loudly in their praise: my silent prayers flowing from the grateful source of benefits conferred, are frequent to the throne of grace; to that Om- nipotent Being, whose all-seeing eye penetrates into the secrets of every heart, and will not reject the incense of gratitude. Mr. and Mrs. B.ll and family were amongst the earliest friends of my dear parents, and who still .continue their friendship to me ; which also claims my warmest acknowledgments. Mrs. R.ss.l and family were likewise very early friends ; as was also the truly benevolent Sir G. .ge L.., of II. .tw. ,1-House, who at all times kindly interested himself in softening the cares and adrninstering to the relief of the afflictions of my dear parents ; and whose many acts of truly Christian charity, it is my consolation to believe, will be amply rewarded in futurity. 126 The Iley. Mr R.ck, chaplain to Br.wri M .st. n, Esq. of K .nn. .gt.n, and the Rev. Monsieur P. H.rs. .t were also invaluable friends, both spiritually and temporally speak- ing, to my parents, and myself. The Marquis of B. .k. .gh .m kindly patro- nized and assisted our family; and on my arrival in England, proposed taking me into his family; but my parents were so much hurt at the total neglect of my education, that they could not by any means be induced to comply with this humane request. The noble Marquis, with his usual munificence, defrayed all the expences of rny journey from the continent., for which, with many other acts of kindness, my most grateful thanks are justly due: the remembrance of such signal benefits, will be ever sacredly treasured up in my memory ; and I earnestly hope will meet with an ample reward, when the vain shadows of sublunary things shall be no more. To the Rev. Mr. Ch. .t.n, I am infinitely indebted, for his very great kindness to my dear parents and myself; as likewise to the Rev. Mr. M .rg .n and family, who very kindly interested themselves as much as possible in our welfare. The late Mr. Chapman, and the present R. Br.yn., Esq. were also very benevolent and kind to us; the latter gentleman has continued his kindness to me, to the present period, and to whom I beg leave to return my most grateful and very sincere acknowledgements, for his disinter- ested benevolence. T . rn.thy C . bb, Esq. and family have been invaluable friends to my parents and myself; their kindness has been invariably continued ; 127 and they have afforded me every comfort in my distresses, being ever disinterested and benevo- lent towards me; and invariably promoting my interest and welfare by every practicable means : my gratitude for such liberality will only cease with my life. My mother, previously to leaving Prance, was obliged to disguise herself on her journey, as occasions required/ for her own personal safety ; but fortunately, after innumerable difficulties, she safely effected her escape : but at an expence she was scarcely able to bear, at this most distressing period. This circum- stance was of serious consequence to her after- wards, yet the necessity of the case required these sacrifices ; which it was useless to regret, as there was no possibility of avoiding it. The accumulated distresses my parents had ex- perienced, from the time they were obliged to quit France, my mother related to me, prior to her death, and which I shall recapitulate as nearly as possible in her own words. On their arrival in London, she took lodgings in an obscure street of the metropolis, at as moderate a rent as possible, not having the means to provide more suitable apartments; but this was a trifling circumstance, and deemed of but little consequence. Almost unknown, and scarcely knowing any persons themselves; in a foreign country, destitute of property ; without any employ, or probable means of obtaining for a time, even the common necessaries of life: this subject alone engrossed all their thoughts; and most certainly their future prospects were gloomy in the extreme, until some relief could be procured. 128 My mother, by mere accident, had the happi- ness to -meet with a person, who employed her in working embroidery ; this was a relief as sudden as unexpected : she invariably began her work very early in the morning, and con- tinued at it until a late hour in the evening, to enable her to support herself and husband : who at this time could get no employ whatever : which added greatly to their misfortunes ; nor could any pension for himself and family be obtained for some years after this period. My mother at length was obliged to make list shoes for sale, platted straw for making bonnets, &c. and in fact, laboured with the most persevering industry early and late, to pro- vide for their sustenance so indefatigably, as was truly wonderful, it being so very different from her former occupations, never before having been accustomed to any kind of labour; but necessity is the mother of invention, which enabled her to persevere even with cheerful- ness in her new and laborious employment. My mother having occasion early one morn- ing to take some work home that she had finish- ed, had left rny father in bed, and was detained rather longer than she expected, in not imme- diately meeting with the person by whom she was employed at the shop. On her return, the neighbours informed her, that during her ab- sence her husband had very nearly been acci- dentally killed. On entering the house in the greatest imaginable alarm, she found that my poor parent had fallen down stairs, and broken his leg ; and tha^ he was still lying at the bottom of the staircase, in the greatest agony. In her first moments of alarm, (from the great 129 perturbation and distress of her mind,,) my dear mother knew not what to do ; but when she had recovered a little from the sudden shock, she immediately procured assistance, and had the Baron removed up stairs to his bed. The next thing' which on the emergency occurred to her mind, was to write to the French and Ger- man Ambassadors, stating to them the melan- choly accident that had happened ; at the same time describing the very miserable situation in which they were placed ; without medical as- sistance^ or the means of procuring any ; almost unknown, and destitute of money ; and that they had no other resource but to apply to the well- known humanity and benevolence of these gentlemen. Very fortunately this appeal was not made in vain : as soon as possible after they were made acquainted with these circum- stances, the French Ambassador arrived, bring- ing with him an eminent French surgeon ; the German Ambassador was but a few minutes later, and brought with him an English doctor of eminence : they both immediately proceeded to the examination of the fracture. It was the opinion of these eminent medical gentlemen, that an amputation of the leg or thigh would be necessary, from the nature of the fracture ; but this was objected to by my parents, if any possible means could be devised to com- plete the cure without, it being a bad compound fracture, and from appearances deemed almost irnpractible, However, in compliance with the anxious wishes of my afflicted parents, these medical gentlemen, with great difficulty and extreme attention on their part, ultimately effected a cure without amputation to the great satisfaction of my distressed parents; K. 130 but it required a considerable length of time, before this desirable object could be effected : and the pain was most excruciating for a very long period ; it being the third time the same Hrnb had been, by different accidents, so much injured : twice in the knee, once as has been before related, and again by the kick of a vicious horse, in the same place ; which oc- casioned the most intolerable pain for many months after : in fact, my father was seldom free for many years from acute pain in this part, although every thing that could be of benefit, or even deemed likely to be of service, was tried in vain. This unfortunate accident was in the end productive of some good ; so true it is that good frequently arises from what we deem a great evil : in this instance it was completely verified. My parents were now relieved from the accumulating distress they had so long experienced in their circumstances, by the liberal and most generous donations of several benevolent individuals; who each subscribed a certain sum towards the relief of their present embarrassment and future comfort. This most welcome relief was so opportunely afforded, and with such delicacyof friendship carried into effect, that we did not even know the namesof the bene- factors ; a circumstance 1 now regret, not being able personally to pay my just tribute of praise to the humanity of these individuals ; and to which they are so justly and fully entitled. Their conduct, so similar to the good Samaritan's, cannot be too highly applauded ; nor will it ever be effaced from my memory : such worthy actions will undoubtedly meet with ample re- ward, when time shall be no more. 131 About this period. my father, being previ- ously of the Lutheran persuasion, embraced the holy catholic faith, and was received into the catholic church by the Rev. Dennis Chau- rnont, director of the foreign mission in China ; at this period also he experienced a sudden ces- sation of pain in his knee, which had for such a length of time so cruelly tormented and af- flicted him, with but little previous intermission day or night. My poor mother had at different times (pre- viously to the receipt of the friendly donations above stated,) been obliged to sell all her ornaments of jewellery, diamond rings, &c, for their mutual support; and was at this period taken suddenly ill; which illness soon became so very serious, that for a considerable time her life was in danger, and for some time despaired of by her medical attendant ; a fa- vourable change at length took place, the violent symptoms diminished^ and after a few months she in some degree recovered ; but never after enjoyed a good state of health. For some years her bodily strength had been visibly declining, but this last illness had made much more fatal inroads on her constitution, than any of her former attacks ; although she had experienced such severe afflictions both in body and mind, that she was now so extremely weak and debilitated, that it re- quired great care and some months' medical attendance, before she could be pronounced out of danger; and a much longer time before she could assist iri domestic concerns* Very fortunately my father was now nearly become convalescent, and was employed by K2 132 the late Mr. P.tt, in writing for government ; but this new employ was not of long duration, or at all certain, sometimes their being very little to do/ at other times nothing whatever; this did not suit my father's convenience or necessity; he was therefore obliged to decline it altogether; and endeavour to procure some- thing more regular and certain ; but this he found very difficult to obtain. After innumera- ble attempts had failed of success, he was obliged to wait with patience, until something more favourable could be obtained. During my mother's illness, Madame la Com- tesse de Callone and family were most kind friends ; likewise Madame la Baronne Defache and family : several benevolent catholic clergy- men also alleviated as much as possible her acute sufferings, at this distressing period ; affording spiritual and temporal relief in the most praise- worthy manner; which indeed was a great comfort and solace to her troubled mind. Charity is the virtue which distinguishes the true ecclesiastic from his contemporaries, and without which all others are of no avail : how truly this most necessary christain virtue was ex- emplified by these good pastors, is so evident, that it needs no comment. May their future reward equal their desert. This benevolence was not only their characteristic on this occa- sion, but the rule of conduct adopted, and always practised by them, as far as their limited means would allow; which most fully and most unequivocally bespeaks the true Christian spirit. My father removed to another residence, and 133 had a catholic chapel in one part of In's dwel- ling house ; the Rev. Mons. L'Abbe Grongelle, officiated there for a considerable time. From the chemical and medical knowledge my father had acquired, it was recommended to him to make an essay in this profession ; being quite disappointed in his expectations, and finally tired of waiting such a length of time, always in uncertainty, he adopted the plan ; but it wholly failing of the expected suc- cess, the profession of medicine was abadoned ; and the trade of book-seller adopted: this was likewise unsuccessful ; and after many fruitless efforts ultimately relinquished. His next attempt was in the bookbinding business, but from his imperfect knowledge of the trade, he was continually liable to the impositions of the workmen he was obliged to employ; and from this cause it was attended with no better success than his former plans Many other schemes were tried in vain, and my parents determined on leaving the metropo- lis ; they accordingly came to reside at Ban- bury, in Oxfordshire, but (in the first instance) remained here but a short time ; removing to a cottage in the neighbouring village of Overthorpe, in Northamptonshire.- The Baron and his lady made choice of this place, because being catholics, they wished to live in the neighbourhood of a catholic chapel : they also intended to establish a school there ; this com- pletely failed of the success anticipated : and I am extremely sorry to say, most of my father's undertakings did, but from what cause I am unable to determine. 134 Fro this place they removed to Middleton- Cheney, where they resided on my return from the continent, and for some little time after- wards, but in a very ill state of health ; and were ultimately obliged to quit their cottage here, without having any place to go to. It was at this juncture the humane Mr. Wy.kh.m inter- posed, and placed them in a cottage of his own at Banbury, (as has been before stated in this narrative,) where we remained until the. de- cease of my father: sometime after, we re- moved to a small house in West-street. I had proceeded thus far with my memoirs, when a letter was received from my uncle Du Rutz, now residing at Douai, communi- cating to me the intelligence that my brother- in-law Louis Dumez de Rilly, (with whose destiny I had been wholly unacquainted be- fore,) was captain in the regiment of Orleans ; that on his return from America, at the age of twenty-four years, he found himself immediately after his disembarkation in France, in an en- gagement, in which his regiment highly dis- tinguished itself; but that he was struck by a musket ball in the arm, which having been but ill attended to in proper time, that the wound occasioned his death. My other brother-in-law, Dumez de Rilly, is now employed as a custom-house officer, near Vervins, in France, and has a large family to maintain; but very fortunately during the pre- sent peaceable state of the country, which it is to be hoped will continue for many years unin- terrupted by foreign or domestic hostilities, there is not so much difficulty to be anticipated in providing for a numerous family, as in times of J35 commotion, tumult, and disturbance ; which are generally the natural attendants on a state of war. May heaven avert the recurrence of such an event in my native country, or in any part of Europe ; not only from motives of humanity to our fellow creatures,, but that by a long and happy peace, the nations may be enabled to heal the wounds, and in some mea- sure repair the horrid ravages and immense expenditure, occasioned by the late long and tremendous conflicts ; which had for so many years afflicted Europe by their desolating in- fluence, and accumulating miseries; particu- larly those countries in which the seat of war happened more immediately to be experienced. Their losses have been immense, and I should conceive almost irreparable, without a long continued state of peace arid repose. I had hitherto enjoyed almost an uninter- rupted state of good health, scarcely remem- bering a day's illness or indisposition worthy of notice; it was, however, soon to be quite the reverse : for on Good-Friday, having gone with Madame, my mother, to the catholic chapel, at Overthorpe, during divine service an alarm of fire was heard in the village. Anxious to afford the most prompt assistance on such an occasion, we quitted the chapel and hastened to the spot. 1 exerted myself to the utmost in my power, in removing articles of furniture, &c. from Mr. Ch.mL.n's, from about nine o'clock in the morning, until nearly five in the evening; carrying them in the best way 1 could, from Warkworth to Overthorpe, to place them in safety. Although the distance from one village to the other was not con- 136 siderable, yet going to and from each place so repeatedly, with such heavy loads, some of which I had great difficulty in carrying, I began to feel much fatigued. Having taken no kind of refreshment during the whole time,, great lassitude and faintness succeed ed, to which I paid but little attention, until the fire was extinguished ; after which I walked to Banbury, and reached home unusually wearied, which I attributed to rny over exertions,, .con- tinued for so many hours without intermission. Yet I experienced sensations very different to what I had ever felt before,, from the severest fatigue ; and anxiously wished to get some rest, fondly hoping I should be relieved by repose, and that by the morning rny distressed feelings and bodily sufferings would be en- tirely removed. I consoled myself with con- sidering that my greatest exertions had been made in the cause of humanity, and for benefiting individuals in a case of emergency. I confess I felt an exalted pleasure in this idea ; and could have wished it had been in my power to have been of greater service on the occasion. I however passed a sleepless night, being very restless the Whole time, and wishing for the tlawn of day long before its appearance; but alas ! the morning, which I had thought so slow in its approaches, brought for we new sources of grief and trouble ; for on its arrival 1 was found extremely ill, and for nearly three years I was confined to rny bed from this period, with violent pains in all rny limbs: my symptoms were very severe, being for many months completely deprived of the natural use of my limbs, suffering great agony at times; and but seldom free from acute pain for any 1ST length of time together. The medical gentle- men who attended me., were completely baf- fled in their attempts to remove the cause of my complaint ; all their kind efforts to restore my health were unsuccessful; although every means that medical skill could suggest, as likely to be beneficial to me, were tried and persevered in, yet all seemed of no avail. In sickness^ the imagination is disturbed, and disagreeable, sometimes terrible ideas are apt to present themselves ; and whether real or imaginary, occasion, for the time being-, every variety of distress and pain. Such I fully experienced, in the restless nights of rny long and painful illness : for when the body is eneasy, the mind will be disturbed by it ; and disagreeable ideas of various kinds will, in sleep, be the natural consequences. At this melancholy period, I was much alarmed, by dreaming three successive nights that my dear mother was dead, which I com- municated to the Rev. P. Hersent at the time ; but no great attention was paid to what forcibly struck me as an admonitory warning : it being considered merely the effect of perturbed imagination, and groundless fear ; and conse- quently was disregarded. It, however, won- derfully affected my mind, nor could I in my then weak state, any way get rid of the impression it had made ; it preyed on my mind, and added to my bodily afflictions. It was not long, however, before these fore- bodings, (imaginary or real, call them what you please,) to my sorrow, were too soon realized. Madame, my mother, going to provide some- 138 thing for my use, fainted away on the stairs ; \vhere she remained sometime without assist- ance. Being alarmed at the long absence of myl parent, so unusual, my dreams at once rushed into my mind., with increased horror ; but what to do in this miserable situation, 1 knew not; unable to leave my bed, or walk a step when out of it, I immediately began making as much noise as possible, with the chairs nearest me, in hopes to attract the at- tention, and endeavour to induce any casual passenger, who might accidentally pass by the door, to come in to ascertain the cause ; not doubting, if I obtained this point, we should soon be enabled to obtain necessary assistance. When I was nearly exhausted by my repeated efforts, I at length succeeded in attracting the notice of some person, who on entering the house, found my dear parent in an apparently lifeless state, extended on the stairs ; this hu- mane person did every thing in his power to restore suspended animation ; and immediately sent for Messrs. Ch .pm . n & Br . yn . , who not being at home, Mr. C. Br.ckw.ll was re- quested to attend, and who promptly gave his assistance, and partially restored animation to my poor parent, who was in this melancholy state brought up into the same room where I lay : myself nearly dead with fear and apprehen- sion, from the state of suspense and miserable anticipation of its fatal result ; the shock was almost too violent for me to bear, and had such a powerful effect on my weak and ex- hausted frame, that I was almost driven to despair ; and indeed should have been, had not religion in some degreee calmed my poignant and wretched feelings. My prayers were 139 made to the Omnipotent unceasingly, for the restoration, through his divine mercy, of my miserable parent, whose remaining days in this world were but few in number ; the allotted span of her life was nearly completed, and in the short space of three days my dear mother was no more ; having departed this life on the first day of June, 1813. Thus was I left a wretched orphan in a foreign country, quite unacquainted with the English language, confined to my bed by a long and painful illness, my mother dead by my side, myself unable to provide the most trifling thing towards the support of my existence : yet constantly relying on the bounty of an all wise and merciful creator, innumerable friends were raised up to protect, succour, and assist me, in my great distress and affliction. Even previously to the decease of my mother, the Rev. Mr. L.nc.st.r, with his accustomed benevolence, and the Rev. E. G. W.lf.rd, (the latter gentleman was at the time Mayor of Banbury,) called on the principal ladies of this Borough, and most humanely made the Baroness' then afflicted state known to them. This benevolent appeal was not made in vain ; donations of ten shillings and sixpence each, and in some instances one pound, were imme- diately made for our relief. Mrs. D'Oyley kindly contributed twenty pounds: the total amount of these benevolent gratuities was placed in the hands of P. O. B . gn . 11, Esq. and the most liberal and prompt relief afforded us in this pressing emergency ; and after the decease of my affectionate parent, I received ten shillings per week for a long time from O J. C7 140 this charitable source, at the hands of this same gentleman, even without then knowing to whom I was indebted for this gratuitous and in valuable supply in my miserable situation ; but to whom now I beg to return my most sincere and grateful thanks for the liberal munificence thus afforded me, in the time of my greatest i^eed. The reverend gentlemen before mentioned, recommended me to the particular notice and care of Mrs. M. L.ng., who kindly attended to their benevolent solicitations, and frequently visited me in my distress,, assisting in a pecuniary way, and pouring consolation into my afflicted heart as copiously as the imperfect knowledge she had of the French language, would permit. To this lady I am indebted for innumerable benefits since received. Such conduct to a stranger, surely bespeaks the true Christian! Such actions require no elucidation ; no com- ment of mine would equal their desert : or could it equal my gratitude for such signal benefits conferred, and so long continued. This humane lady attended with the Rev. P. Hersent, to the preparations for the funeral; and followed as chief mourner the corpse of my deceased parent to church, and saw it deposited in the silent grave. The whole was conducted with the utmost decorum, suitable to the wishes of my deceased mother, a plain neat funeral without pomp ; whose most earnest desire for a long time previously had been to share the grave of her departed hus- band ; after which, Mrs. M. L.ng. returned to comfort and support me by every means in her power, to calm my distressed mind, to reconcile me, as far as it was practicable, to my irrecoverable loss, and soothe my afflictions, 14L which- she was so eminently gifted to perform, if within the reach of mortal comfort to accomplish. I The Rev. Mr. L.nc* ,ter came to offer me aid and assistance at this most afflicting period, and afforded me consolation which greatly relieved me in my distressing situation. To this gentleman also my most grateful acknow- ledgements ire ever due, for his kind inter- cessions in my behalf. : ' ' Lady R.ggs M.ll.r was extremely kind to me at this period, and has uniformly continued her benevolence to the present time ; to her lady- ship also, under divine Providence, I consider myself idebted for rny restoration to health, in consequence of her continually sending me medi- cines, and affording me pecuniary assistance at thesame time. Nothing could exceed the benevo- lence and humanity with which these numerous benefits were conferred, or the delicate manner in which they were presented; very far ex- ceeding any encomiums 1 am capable of adduc- ing; in fact, they exceed all praise. Such distinguished munificence will ever claim my warmest acknowledgments of gratitude, and will never be effaced from my memory during my existence. Mrs. Cr . wf . rd, Mrs. H . yw . rd, Mrs. W.st, Mrs. R . sh . r, and Mrss E . t . n were particu- larly assiduous and attentive friends to me ; and therefore I beg to return my most sincere thanks to them. The expence of my mother's funeral was defrayed by the generous benevolence of sun- dry humane individuals ; to whom I am under 142 infinite obligations. ^- Such worthy acts of humanity will, I confidently trust, hereafter meet with their just reward ; when all the pomp and splendour of this world will be deemed, in reality as vanity and dross. I was under the necessity of selling the remaining few articles of furniture, books, &c. in my possession, to satisfy as far as they would go, the claims of my creditors ; but they pro- duced but a very small sum. After the sale I was removed to Mr. Garret's apartments, which had been previously taken for me, and where I still remain. His most Christian Ma- jesty the king of France sent me eight pound sterling, from his residence at Hartwell-House. The late Queen (Charlotte) of England like- wise sent me a donation of five pounds. Richard Lorentz, Esq. from Hesse Cassel, in Germany, by my request received my pension, (allowed by the French Government,) and regularly remitted quarterly the amount, which was a great relief to me in my distress. The Rev. E. G. W.lf.rd always kindly interested himself in my welfare ; writing let- ters for me to many persons in office, &c. and through his interest the late Right Hon. the Earl of G. .If. .d munificently relieved me in my difficulties, through the hands of W. W.lf.rd, Esq. As soon as I was recovered from my long* and painful illness, I employed myself in making fancy articles, &c. which were sold, to enable me to acquire something towards my support, by my own industry : but being still very weak, I could not do much in this way 143 for sometime, yet every trifle gained was of service to me ; and afterwards I added other branches in succession. Mrs. B. Apl . in was a very kind friend, af- fording me every assistance in my distresses, assuaging my grief, arid kindly relieving my perturbed mind in my illness. The Misses C . bb were also very affectionate to me, con- stantly interesting themselves in my welfare, and promoting my interest on all occasions ; in fact, (like most of my friends) they endeavoured to amuse me in every way they could suggest, which I believe had no small share in calming my spirits ; and which in the end was produc- tive of much improvement in my health. My kind benefactress Mrs. M. L . ng . , was indefatigable in affording me every necessary comfort, and extremely liberal in her very kind assistance to me at this period ; as I was so very weak and nervous from my long confine- ment, the society of such a friend was of infi- nite service to me in every respect : and it is with the deepest sense of gratitude 1 treasure up in my mind, and often reflect on, the innu- merable kindnesses I have received in a foreign country ; left as I was in the most unprotected state ; but fortunately, in a country renowned in the annals of the world for magnanimity and generosity ; of which I indeed have had practi- cal and evident proofs ; and for the truth of which, I can confidently and impartially speak, having in innumerable instances experienced the same, as will evidently appear on the perusal of this unvarnished narrative of facts; which requires no metaphorical diction, wo ornamental or figurative style, to cou- 144 vince any impartial person of the truth of my positions. At this period I now turned rny attention to the platting of willow, straw, and paper, for the manufacturing of bonnets, &c. likewise the knitting of gloves, for different friends; also plain sewing, and needle-work, which fully occupied my time ; but all this was unproduc- tive of much gain. F. Wy. kh . m, Esq. and P. O. B.gn .11, Esq. made repeated applications to different parties, for the recovery of a small sum of money due to me in Germany; but unfortunately without succeeding in their benevolent intentions : not any part of it could at this period be obtained, although every legal means were used, that could be deemed likely to effect this desirable object, or furnish a ground for future claims. i Going to the chapel at Overthorpe one morn- ing, I fortunately formed an acquaintance with a catholic family, (Mrs. Pl.tf.rd's,) and re- ceived an invitation to her house at Adderbury, to meet Mrs. M.nn.ng, of Deddington, her sister; to whom she very kindly introduced me, and from whom I have since received many signal benefits. Mrs. Pl.tf.rd's father had been in France for nearly twelve years ; they very kindly interested themselves in my behalf, obtained the assistance of several of their own friends ; and also accommodated ine with the loan of small sums at different times: I am likewise much indebted to them for their recommendation to a most invaluable friend, Mrs. H.pc. .ft, with whom 1 have been par- ticularly intimate for several years ; which in 145 its consequences, has been of inestimable ser- vice to rne : in fact, the whole family have been constant and valuable friends to me up to the present period : I am therefore under the greatest obligations to them for their invariable and continued kindness. Mrs. H.pc..ft has most indefatigably exerted her- self in procuring, through her interest and voluntary exertions, a considerable proportion of the subscribers to my work, amounting to upwards of one hundred names. This lady still continues kindly to persevere for me, with an expectation of still increasing this number. The pains and trouble thus taken to promote my interest, have been wonderful, great beyond expectation ; and for which my warmest ac- knowledgements of gratitude and thanks are but a poor return : it is however my consola- tion to believe, that such benevolent and charitable acts will meet with ample reward hereafter ; such infinite reward, as will crown her virtuous and truly Christian charity. To Mrs* T.yl.r I am likewise under great obligations; also to the Rev. Mr. C.rb .shl.y, whose spiritual and temporal advice on many occasions, has been of the greatest bene- fit to me; proceeding from the pure motive of doing good, influencing my actions much to my future benefit and temporal welfare : indeed this gentleman has been a truly valuable friend to me in all circumstances. As has also the Rev. Mr. Ch . rd . n, of Br . yles, and the Rev. Mr. P.ns.ll, of M. .ch. .t.r; to whom like- wise I am infinitely indebted. The Mayor of Banbury having received information one morning that the Duchess of L <*>f Oldenburg would, in the course of the day, pass through this borough, accordingly waited on her Grace, to pay those marks of personal respect and honour, due to the exalted rank and family of this illustrious personage. The ladies of Banhury with myself, waited on the Duchess; the interview was short, as her ( i race eonld not be prevailed on to leave the carriage ; but very kindly presented me with two pieces of gold, contained in a small box, at I he same time recommending me to see the Duke of Oldenburg, who was expected to pass through this place on his route to Oxford: but we were extremely disappointed in this particu- lar, a different route having been taken ; which deprived me of the anticipated pleasure of seeing this august personage, whom I was more particularly anxious to see, as my uncle Charles died in the service of the Duke, in the last war. It has been generally acknowledged that the French Revolution has materially changed the face of society, and given a new and different im- pulse to the course 4 of human affairs ; particularly in a land moistened with the blood of an amiable prince, and his faithful adherents : which caused those memorable vicissitudes, that have been exhibited to astonished Europe. The titles of the nobility were abolished, and imprisonment and death were the order of the day, in my devoted country. The vigilant eye of the police at Paris, was constantly on the watch, to scrutini/e into the actions of every foreigner, and penetrate, if possible, his most secret thoughts. The diabolical system of spies was carried to such u length, that every action 147 inimical to government, was registered, and resorted to as occasion required, or caprice dictated : the multitude of people employed by the police, was incredible. A visit to a countryman in prison, was deemed a high mis- demeanor, and was registered accordingly. It is necessary to remark, that in no other country are the women so persevering, when they undertake to ask a favour of government, as in France ; few being disconcerted at the first or second refusal, and many having been known to continue their efforts with such per- severing zeal in the cause they undertake, that hot unfrequently have they ultimately suc- ceeded. In this case, therefore, they wished if possible to lead back to their society a valiant people, whom the concussions of the revolution had thrown, as it were, at a distance from them; and by this means to restore that character of urbanity, which had been nearly, if not totally lost, in the struggles of party. It must be confessed, that if the French people formerly possessed the graces of Athens, they had latterly exchanged them for a con- siderable degree of Spartan bluntness. And the examples of such men,, whose minds had been but perhaps slightly cultivated, with the influence on the rising generation, whose edu- cation had been much interrupted, or materially altered, during the horrors of war, nay, from day to day, brought about a still greater change in the national character. What has most effectually opposed this increasing evil ? doubt- less the society of amiable women ; they im- press the sentiments of decorum ; they are the true preceptors, in elegance and refinement L 2 us taste: they restored the graces which had for- saken us, brought back that affability which was our distinguishing characteristic, and re- created (if 1 may be allowed so to express my- self) that nation,, whom so many convulsions, crimes, and misfortunes, had thrown out of its true bias. Ah! had the chiefs of terror more truly appreciated them, much less blood would have flowed. Men who know how to prize them as they ought to be prized, are rarely barbarians. I cannot refrain mentioning an instance of devoted female intrepidity,'in what she considered the cause of her country. In the beginning of July, a female of the name of Charlotte de Corde, proceeded from Caen, in Normandy, in the department of Calvados; this person concerted the daring project of delivering her country from those, whom she considered as its enemies and its tyrants. Among the jacobin party, none had rendered themselves more obnoxious than Marat. On the 12th, she wrote to solicit an interview with that deputy, pretending that she had something of high importance to communicate. As she did not receive an immediate answer, she addressed a second billet. And on the evening of the 13th, she waited upon him again. Being admitted, she entered into conversation with him concering the supposed conspiracy which existed at Caen, and the conspirarors who had fled thither. Marat answered, that the traitors would soon be discovered, and at a day not very distant, would lose their heads on a scat- fold. He had scarcely uttered these words, little thinking he should so soon expiate his crimes and be numbered with the dead, when observing a favourable opportunity, this female 149 plunged a dagger in his breast; and walked calmly out of the room. Upon her being secured, to which she made no resistance, this intrepid heroine was asked who were her accomplices? She answered, (< I have none; no person has prompted me to perform the noble action which I have done: and if people will but take pains to examine into all the events preceding and subsequent to the death of Marat, they will be convinced that my sole motive was to free my country from its most dangerous enemy ; to prevent, if possible, the rest of Prance being consumed by the fire of civil war ; which was the avowed intention of this man. I have voluntarily sacrificed my life, for the good of my country. May peace be restored as speedily as I desire ! I confess that I was obliged to have recourse to artifice, in order to gain admittance to this monster, but I could not otherwise have succeeded ; and, therefore, I shall be happy to meet the fate I well know is destined for me." And which she did with the greatest composure. Thcprincipal agents in the events of this period had been accused of stupid pride and fatal policy; of incapacity either to make orpreserve peace; of prodigality, in the idle waste of the blood and treasure of the state; of overturning wantonly the governments of other countries ; of listening only to the voice of contemptible and perfidious flatterers; of harbouring the most malignant passions ; of corruption, and of being ignorant of any force but that of bayonets. Their agents were mostly subaltern tyrants ; spreading terror and consternation throughout the kingdom. Commerce, and the 150 useful arts were in a state of decay, public credit annihilated/ property insecure, per- sonal safety at the controul of these petty tyrants, civil and religious institutions in- sulted and persecuted,, and liberty of speech proscribed,, under a very thin veil of hypoth- esis : treading underfoot the laws, and the most inviolable principles of public and private security,- of suffering no opposition to their will, of tormenting the people in every possible mode/-- of being, in short, despots and petty tyrants in every sense of the words. I might relate sufferings that would almost exceed belief, and at the bare mention of which, humanity would shudder; wantonly inflicted by order of these miscreants. 1 shall ever recollect with humble gratitude, the first gleam of hope and comfort, that shot across the gloom of my poor father's confinement, when a state prisoner in the dungeon of St. Pelagic. Religion inspired him with the heart-cheering idea, that neither massive walls, nor tremendous bolts, and horrid chains, nor all the vigilance of suspicious keepers, could conceal him from the sight of God ; all their cruelties and wanton injustice, heaped upon him with such subtle and persevering acrimony, sunk into oblivion at the thought, and which he fondly cherished; this afforded him infinite consolation in his long imprisonment, and principally contributed to enable him to support with a degree of fortitude and resignation, (at which he has since frequently expressed his wonder, and that for so long a period as five years and a half,) his at one time almost solitary confinement. Ever obliged to be on his guard in all he said or did ; uncertain of his own destiny, and for a 151 long* time that of his family ; ignorant of what passed beyond the walls ofhis prison, constantly ruminating on the severity of his unhappy fate, to which he saw no end : but inspired by his religious hopes, he endeavoured to resist the horror* of his long imprisonment, with an in- vincible and manly fortitude ; his spirit, truly heroic and undeviating, trusting solely to the will and mercy of that Omnipotent Being, whose inscrutable dictates are wisely ordained beyond the reach of mortal scan. He has been frequently heard to express his regret, at the cruel destiny of many of the old officers, as well as at that of himself, remaining in obscurity, who had honourable testimony to produce of what they have done and suffered for their native land, in innumerable instances : but now, thank heaven, their condition is much ameliorated, by the return of our beloved monarch to the throne of his ancestors ; and they confidently hope time will reinstate them in their ancient rights and priviliges, Under these considerations, may our souls be pene- trated with the most lively gratitude, the most ardent love, and the most constant praise, to our glorious benefactor: we shall have daily reason to acknowledge his paternal care, al- though in this world all pleasures are mixed with pain, and perfect happiness cannot be found : yet have we great reason to be thankful for this most propitioous event. The dreadful effects of the revolutionary system is too recent, to be in the least degree forgotten ; scarcely a family that has not lost some of its members by the troubles which it produced; and many a family has not a mem- 152 her left,, to reprobate the monsters who exer- cised this destructive fury ; the scenes of blood which have flown, will not allow me to speak with coolness, on such an occasion. Monsieur de V... was cast into prison in common with most of the other respectable people in France, at a moment when every person who had the misfortune to be of noble birth, or possessed of much property; was marked out for the victims of the revolution : while in confinement, he reflected that if he shared the fate of many of his fellow-prisoners who were led to execution, his whole fortune would be confiscated, and his children become beggars ; but, that, if he should terminate his life while in confinement, as his children were minors, their inheritance could not legally be seized or confiscated, and that perhaps he should shorten the period of his existence a few hours only. These considerations were so powerful in his mind, that humbly praying for pardon from the Omnipotent, he effected his purpose ; and thus secured his property to his children, by the sacrifice of his own life. Yet the crime of suicide admits of no extenuation no person having a right to take away that life, but the divine Creator, who bountifully bestowed it. A decree was passed, for transporting from the kingdom, such of the priests, or non-juring clergy, &c. who had not taken the civic oath, and for their property to be confiscated. The distress and misery which many worthy indi- viduals suffered, in consequence of this despotic act, cannot be sufficiently deplored. Many of these victims of conscience were hurried from 153 their friends and connections, and landed des- titute and pennyless on a foreign shore : some were committed to prison, others massacred ; and no inconsiderable number were reserved for butchery in the capital. It will remain to the latest ages a monument of British hospitality and liberality, that some thousands of these unhappy fugitives, ecclesi- asticks and others, were received into England. No prejudices could stifle the voice of hu- manity, or eradicate from the hearts of Britons, that generosity which has always been the characteristic of the nation ; they were not only generously received, but treated with the greatest humanity, and furnished with a safe asylum from their implacable enemies; their wants were supplied, and their miseries allevia- ted, and a stipendiary allowance granted them, by the munificence of government, for their support, during the time of their residence in this country. Some of these persons, from choice, still continue residents here, and will most probably end their days in akindom, which, under divine Providence, had perhaps been the means of preventing their destruction in their native land, by their then infatuated countrymen. How admirable is the providence of God, and his tender care for our preservation ! He has numbered the days and years of us all. How tranquil then ought we to be, and how fearless of death ! If we are interested in the mediation of Jesus Christ, we may rest assured (that we shall not be taken out of the world till we are ripe for eternal glory. Let us be ani- mated to finish our appointed work in the years yve are likely to live, since we know not what 154 a day may bring forth. How wise, therefore, will it be, to make an early preparation for that death, which may surprise us in a moment! Let us live, then, prepared to meet death ; that come when it will, it may find us watchful ; and that we may, even in our last moments, triumph over it, through the mediation of our blessed Saviour. I cannot refrain paying my just tribute of praise to the memory of the unfortunate re- fugees from my own country, in this hospitable kingdom, most of whom were persons of rank ; they are deserving of general respect, but from me a tribute of gratitude is due to them. I felt for their misfortunes with no common sen- sibility ; because though they have laboured under the persecutions of oppressive power and obloquy, 1 have yet experienced great kindness from many of them. This testimony I owe to truth. I consider myself much indebted to Mrs. Cr.wf.rd, who was my constant companion in my afflictions ; and through whose acquaintance I became known to Mrs. P. .Id, of Adderbury. who was so kind as to call on me at different times, and afterwards made me an offer of a residence at Adderbury, in a cottage of theirs, in which a poor family was placed, to live with, assist, and wait on me. I was subsequently received as companion to Mrs. F. .Id, which was a fortunate circumstance for me at this period, being destitute of money, and scarcely knowing how to act. Lady M.ll.r being informed ot this circumstance, with her usual goodness sent, unknown to me, a new set of clothes for my use ; which were of the greatest 155 service lo me at this time; but the many obli- gations I am under to this benevolent lady, 1 am wholly unable adequately to describe; her kindness has in innumerable instances been continued up to the present period. For nearly three years I also experienced great kindness in the family of Mrs. F. .Id, and felt it a duty incumbent on me, to assist and make myself serviceable to this benevolent lady, to the utmost in my power ; who kindly introduced me to the acquaintance of many of the respecta- ble inhabitants of Adderbury, and its vicinity : to Mr. and Mrs. M.lls, Mrs. Cl.rs.n, Miss Cl.rk., Miss S.m..sk.ll, Mrs. F.rd, Mrs. R.b.ns . n and family, who have all been very great friends to me in my adversity : likewise to W. F. .Id, Esq. and family, whose invariable kindness merits my warmest acknowledgments of gratitude. Also to Capt. Adk.ris, Mrs. \V..lst.n, the Rev. Mr. N.tt, Mr. Pl.tf.rd and family, Mrs. G.dd.rd, Miss G.dd.rd, Mr W.ls.n, Mr. H.yn.s, Mr. John W. 11., ins, and many other valuable acquaintances in the neighbourhood. I arn under great obligations to Mrs. F. .Id, for thus adding to the circle of my friends and acquaintance, as also for in- numerable benefits I received, during my resi- dence at Adderbury, which will never be effaced from my memory. It was with great reluctance I left Mrs. F. .Id's, but being rather in embarrassed cir- cumstances, it induced me to live in a more retired way ; the expences necessary to appear in such genteel company, being beyond what my limited means would allow. 1 therefore came to Banbury, and enquired for my old 156 lodgings at Mr. Garret's, which were imme- diately granted to rne as formerly ; to whom I am much obliged, and in fact, to the whole family, who have at all times acted with the greatest kindness to me, under all circum- stances. When Mrs. F. .Id became acquainted with the circumstances of my leaving her, regretting the loss of my company, she kindly offered to take me as an inmate in her house ; but my* determination was fixed, I therefore declined accepting this kind proposal ; although I re- ceived every mark of kindness from them, since niy return to Banbury. During my stay at Adderbury, I had una- voidably contracted some debts, which I had no means of paying, in consequence of my small pension being wholly inadequate to meet these demands ; and although at certain times I received presents, &c. from my friends, yet I was never able to discharge these accumulating demands; and have been obliged in one instance to pay 5 per cent, per annum interest, on the amount of my bill for grocery, &c. until I should discharge the principal, to pre- vent legal proceedings, with which 1 had been frequently threatened by this same individual. Many other of my creditors, as a matter of course, applied to me for the payment of their debts, on my leaving Adderbury, but were induced to wait until I should be enabled to pay them, and which is the main object of this publication ; the profits of which will be ap- plied to the payment of all my creditors; and which I trust by divine Providence, and through the kind interest of my invaluable friends, I 157 shall be enabled wholly to effect. This para- mount duty could only induce me to undertake a work of this kind, being too well aware of my total inability to attempt any thing* of import- ance in the literary way, owing in a great measure to the unpardonable neglect of my education ; but, as I said before, I have every thing to hope from the kind indulgence and candour of my friends,, and the generous liber- ality of the public ; who, though they will find but little Attic salt in these Memoirs, will yet, I trust, appreciate the motives which urged me onwards in this attempt. My most anxious wish for leaving Adder- bury, was by my own exertions and industry, to endeavour, if possible, to provide for myself; and devise some means, if practicable, to pay off my incumbrances. I called on all my friends to gain every information I could from them, how to act in this dilemma. I was ad- vised by Mrs. T.yl.r and other friends, tc* publish, by subscription, the memoirs of my parents, and my own eventful life ; as the most likely mode of succeeding : who at the same time offered me every assistance, but as I was undetermined, not knowing precisely how to act, from the variety of plans proposed by my friends, it was for that time deferred, for future consideration. At this period, a French lady who had been accustomed to visit the Rev. Mr. Il.rs.nt, at Overthorpe, annually, and who had (like my- self) experienced a large share of trouble and afflictions, came to reside at Overthorpe. I met this unfortunate person at the chapel, who informed me she had much uneasiness on her 158 mind, having been greatly deceived by lief reputed friends, whom she had left in the occupation of a house in London,, on the liberal condition of their paying only the poors' rates, taxes, &c. which they wholly neglected to do ; and that in consequence of this neglect, the furniture, &c. was seized, to satisfy these demands. It was therefore necessary that she should be present, to mitigate, or if possible, to prevent the more expensive consequences. She anxiously wished me to go with her, which at length 1 agreed to do ; but was obliged to borrow a small sum of money, to defray the expences of the journey; which we undertook by the cheapest mode of conveyance, namely, the waggon : it was, however, a very tedious way of travelling, being two days and three nights on the road, in the inclement season of winter, about Christmas. On our arrival in town, we were under the unpleasant necessity of sleeping in a bed which had not been used for many months, belonging to a French gen- tleman, who had returned to France, and who rented this room ; which had been occupied by no one during his absence, but was usually paid for by him regularly at stated periods, although not occupied. We were farther obliged to live in a miserable back-kitchen, every pane of glass in the window of which being broken, or wholly out ; a blanket being the substitute for a curtain, to the shattered window. In this wretched place we remained seven weeks, until the unfortunate business \vas accommodated and settled in the best mariner we could accomplish. I endeavoured during my stay in town, to 159 find out the residence of some old friends of my parents, arid fortunately succeeded in meeting with Madame la Comtesse de Callone, who kindly introduced me to the notice of Monsieur Nettement, and the Marquis de B.rt..tt; through whose interest I obtained the payment of a small sum of money, left to me by a great uncle, in France ; and who also kindly pro- cured for me, the certificate of marriage of my parents, at Le Quesnoy, and my certificate of baptism ; for which I had repeatedly applied previously without success. Monsieur Nette- ment called on me at this deplorable residence, to obtain every necessary information respect- ing my pecuniary difficulties, offering to use his interest in procuring for me, if to be ob- tained, the remaining sums due to rne in France and Germany : and to whose persevering be- nevolence I am much indebted. I experienced the greatest kindness also from the Comtesse de Callone, who has been truly indefatigable in whatever would tend to promote my welfare; and without whose kind solicitude and atten- tion, i should doubtless have experienced many greater privations: this lady has af- forded me the best advice and assistance in the trying times of adversity and trouble ; and her great kindness has been invariably continued to the latest period; and for which, I wish to express those sentiments of gratitude, which I have and ever shall retain, for her goodness to me, during this benevolent lady's stay i;i England ; who wrote to me but a few days previously to her going to the continent, in the most friendly manner ; and I have had occasion since, frequently to regret the irreparable loss 1 have sustained by her absence. Through 160 the interest of my most benevolent benefactress, Monsieur le General Damien has taken the trouble personally to call on my aunt, at Cassel, in Germany, and has fully explained to her my present situation and circumstances, in order to forward my interest as much as possible in that quarter ; and for which, my warmest ac- knowledgments are justly due. Having a great desire to see the interior of the Convent of the Benedictines,, I begged the favour of Madame Courtois to go with me to Hammersmith, for that purpose. The Mother Abbess kindly explained to me the nature of the institution, and shewed rne the different apartments, &c. Having a wish, at some future time to embrace a religious life, 1 took the liberty to ask if they would be inclined to take me as a religeuse, if I wished to enter,, for the annual receipt of my pension ; and which would, I doubt not, have been acceeded to : I further wished to know what sum would be charged for six weeks, if I should wish to make trial of the order for that time ; this was offered to be done gratuitously : but being embarrassed with debts, I could not con- scientiously accept this liberal offer, until I was enabled to pay my numerous creditors. I was much pleased with my visit, and have an inclination, at a future period to carry my intended design into effect, and retire into the privacy of a convent; when I shall fully have accomplished the total discharge of my present incumbrances, and pecuniary embarrassments. On this subject,, which will occupy my most serious thoughts and attention, I purpose taking the advice of my friends, and to decide accordingly. 161 While in London, I received a very kind letter from Mrs, F. .Id, expressing her anxiety for my future welfare, and soliciting my early return, as soon as the business I had under- taken was finished. This lady likewise re- quested Miss Cl.rk., who was going to town, to endeavour to find me, and personally to communicate to me her wishes for my imme- diate return; which I did accordingly, as soon as 1 could with propriety leave Madame Courtois. Mrs, W.st twice favoured me with a call at this deplorable place, and kindly invited me to her house, but I could not avail myself of her kind offer, being at such a con- siderable distance from Duke Street, Lincoln's Inn Fields, otherwise I should have been pleased to accept it. Not having the means to pay the coach fare, I was obliged to content myself in returning by the waggon ; and most tedious did I find this journey. On my return, however, I felt still more miserable, as several of my creditors on my arrival, called on me, and insisted on being paid their respective demands; but alas ! I had no money to enable me to comply : some of them were so very angry at my ina- bility to pay them, as to threaten m repeatedly with imprisonment, arid to seize the few goods remaining in my possession. I was, therefore, under the necessity of availing myself of the of my most invaluable friend, Mar. forne to her house ; and which I did, by being provided with a key of the garden door, by the back way, for the sake of privacy J and more particularly on Thursday, being market days, when I have often times been M 162 obliged to leave the town, and go into the country at some distance, to my friends, to avoid the incessant duns of my clamorous creditors. On these urgent occasions, I gener- ally went to Mrs. H.pcr.ft's, Mrs. T . yl . r's, or Mrs. M .nn.ng's, all of whom well knew my troubles and afflictions ; and invariably afforded me every comfort in their power, kindly assuaging my distress, and adminstering to my necessities on all occasions ; which cer- tainly very greatly relieved my agonized mind. The Rev. Mr. W. M . Us, having occasion to go to Germany, very kindly offered to exert himself in my behalf, by promoting my interest to the utmost in his power, and endeavouring to procure for me, a remittance of some part at least, of the property due to me ; but after repeated unsuccessful applications, nothing could at this time be obtained : but on quitting the country, he kindly left the management of my affairs in the hands of a very respectable friend of his, who took a great deal of pains in this respect, on my account ; but without being productive of the desired effect. At the same time we gained one material point by their joint assistance and perseverance, namely, the es- tablishment of my claim ; which was recognized by the other parties concerned, and which affords rational ground to hope for our ulti- succeeding in recovering it. This was a great consolation to me ;"*tmt from the repeated delays, and the impatience of some of my creditors to have their demands liquidated, to bring the matter as early as possible to legal issue, I was induced to employ 163 a solicitor, and Mr. T . ms kindly offered to undertake the business; who, after repeated applications, and paying due attention in con- forming to the precise forms required in the documents, had good ground to hope that he should procure for ine about forty pounds; \vhich but for the gratuitous exertions of this gentleman, most probably I should never have been able to have obtained. Since my long and painful illness, I have never enjoyed so good a state of health as formerly; of that invaluable blessing, of which I had previously possessed no small share, I am now doomed to lament the want, fre- quently experiencing continued indisposition : on these occasions, I have generally applied to Mr* Br.yn., who has always afforded me the most prompt medical aid ; arid has not un- frequently succeeded in preventing a relapse of my former complaints, which indicating symptoms had led us to expect would other- wise have been the unavoidable result. This gentleman has afforded me gratuitous attend- ance with the utmost regularity, equal to what could have been given, had I been in different circumstances, and been enabled to remunerate such meritorious services; which, however, this benevolent gentleman well knew was not the case, or at all probable that it ever would be. For such disinterested generous conduct, continued for so many years without deviation, and for the many signal benefits I have received from this gentleman's skill, I cannot avoid expressing those sentiments of gratitude which I shall ever retain. Ms 164 I have received great kindness from the late Mrs. T. W.lf.rd, and many of her friends, who afforded me every assistance in promoting the success of my present undertaking ; the loss of this benevolent lady, whose memory I shall ever revere, t do indeed most feelingly regret. To Mr. Gillet I beg to return my best thanks, for his kindness to me on all occasions. To Mr. J. Th.rn. I arn much indebted, for the interest he has taken in my bahalf during his residence in London. Mrs. F. .Id kindly invited me one day to join a party to the Marquis of Buckingham's seat, in order to view the curiosities and beauties of Stowe ; with which place I was much delighted, having never before seen any thing equal to it. We spent the whole day in minutely examining every part of this extensive and enchanting spot. While viewing the beautiful paintings, rny attention was forcibly arrested by a very fine one of the late Marquis, who had been such a benefactor to my deceased parents and myself, and which so agitated my feelings, that the sensations of regret at the instant rushed on my mind so powerfully, that I was obliged to retire to another room, to compose my per- turbed mind, and which I was unable to effect for some time ; but nothing can ever weaken the veneration and gratitude I shall ever retain for the memory of this august personage. I was extremely anxious not to disturb the har- mony of the company by my indisposition, I therefore concealed it as far as possible, and by degrees assumed as much cheerfulness as I could command. The whole of our party was extremely pleased with the great variety and 165 high value of the different works of art, which we met with here, and the delightful effect of the tout en semble. We returned highly gratified with our visit ; and I have since had frequent occasion to relate to many of my friends, the particulars of this excursion, some of whom had seen, and others had never visited this splendid mansion. I endeavoured, for some time, to form a col- lection of old china for Mrs. P. ,ld, and pro- cured a tolerable quantity of various kind ; but could riot succeed to the extent of my wishes in this particular, from the scarcity of pieces to be met with of any value. I likewise at- tempted, at another period, to collect different species of curious birds, and various kinds of plants, herbs, &c. in which I was partially successful. Being so highly delighted with my visit to Stowe, Mrs. F. .Id invited me to go with a party of friends to Blenheim; and accordingly we proceed to the magnificent seat of the Duke of Marlborough, and were very politely ad- mitted to see the interior of this splendid mansion. I was much pleased with the beauti- ful paintings, many of which appear highly valuable ; I was quite charmed also with the fine collection of antique china, so elegantly and tastefully arranged in the china-house, containing many of the finest specimens 1 ever saw. The beautiful and scientific manner in which the grounds, &c. are laid out, attracted our particular attention ; the wood and water afford views superbly grand and imposing ; the immense edifice is likewise highly worthy of the attention of visitants; this splendid rnonu- 166 of the munificence of the English govern- ment to one individual, will remain to distant ages a stimulus to the exertions of those men of fenius, who profess a military life, in this ingdom. After a careful examination of the whole, we returned, abundantly gratified with our charming excursion. A short time after, a second journey to the same place was proposed ; I had, therefore, an opportunity of again visiting Blenheim, w'ith a party of friends, who opportunely arrived from London, and who had never seen this delightful residence. A pedestrian excursion, however, was this firne agreed upon ; I accordingly left Banbury early in the morning, to take breakfast with rny friends at Bodicott; from thence we proceeded to Deddington, where we partook of an early dinner ; we then continued on our journey to the Fox Inn, and after taking some further refreshment, walked on to Sturdis Castle, when unfortunately it began to rain, which induced us to wish for some mode of conveyance, to carry us the remainder of the distance, but none could be procured ; to add to the dilemma, some of the party began to feel much fatigued, being unaccustomed to travel so great a distance on foot ; however, there was no alternative, and we were under the necessity of walking on in the rain until we reached Woodstock : here we remained sometime, and refreshed and dried ourselves, at a cottage : at length we reached Blenheim, where our fatigue vanished, in the pleasing anticipation of viewing this magnificent abode. We were, however, doomed to experience further disappointment, having arrived too late 167 to be admitted to view the interior of the house : we were, therefore, obliged to con- sole ourselves with examining the exterior. We continued in the park until the approach of evening, when we retired to the Maryborough Arms Inn, and took up our abode for the night. We renewed our visit in the morning, and although disappointed in the first instance, we were now amply satisfied, and highly pleased with our excursion We returned the same day on foot to Deddington, and were kindly accommodated with beds for the whole party, at my friend Mrs. M.nn.ng's, being so much fatigued that we could not proceed any farther that day. I took the opportunity in the morn- ing to visit a few friends ; we then proceeded on our pedestrian excursion back to Bodicott; where I left my party, and returned to Banbury the same evening. On our return home, a plan was arranged to visit Stowe in the same way. We therefore pro- ceeded to Croughton-House, and were kindly provided with refreshment, by my most invalua- ble friend Mrs. H. per. ft, and obligingly in- vited to call again on our return. We now be- gan to feel rather fatigued, and embraced the opportunity of going in a cart, which fortu- nately was passing at the time; the carrier being well known to us, we finished our jour- ney in this manner to Buckingham. As we intended a kind of gypsey excursion, we had provided ourselves with provisions, &c. and alighted at the carrier's house, and regaled ourselves with what our stock afforded. We passed ihe night at the inn ; in the morning we again paid a visit to the carrier, and partook 168 of breakfast from our stores ; after which, we proceeded in the same vehicle to Stowe, and agreed with the carrier to meet us at a time appointed, for our return. We then proceeded to view the house, &c. which afforded me increased satisfaction,, although I had so re- cently seen it. The gardens, temples, &c. were again viewed with increased curiosity. The party was much amused in this excursion ; but what particularly increased my admiration was, that a gentleman who accompanied us was able to give the most minute scientific description of every object we viewed ; which was acknowledged by the person who generally attends the visitors here, and who said unasked, that there had not, to his knowledge, been a person there for many years previously, who had so accurately and scientifically explained the whole. At the hour appointed, we re- turned in the carrier's cart to the Barley-mow, and reached Croughton-House the same even- ing, where we received the kindest treatment from my ever invaluable friend's there; whose hospitality and kind beneficence to me at all times, is beyond all praise. We reached Bodicott in the evening; after taking leave of the party, I walked on to Baqbury : and the following morning we agreed to visit Wroxton- Abbey, which I had long wished to see, but had not a previous opportunity, although I received the greatest kindness from the late Earl and Countess of Gu.lf.rd: as did also iny deceased parents. We accordingly made a party, and soon reached Wroxton; the venerable appearance of this ancient Abbey much pleased us; and it more particularly iexcited my admiration, from the munificcncfe 169 experienced by our family from its late posses- sors ; to whose memory my warmest sentiments of gratitude will be ever due. We continued our promenades in the charming walks and gardens, until the hour of dinner ; we then dined in the temple on the mount,, highly pleased with the delightful view from this eminence. As in our former excursion, we had taken our provisions with us, and provided ourselves with wine ; but prefering wine and water, we employed a little girl we took with us, to procure some clear water for us in a goblet ; but soon after, we were much alarmed by the cries of this young person, who had filled her large glass with water from the fountain, and in her return to us, had fallen into the water ; I immediately, therefore, ran to the spot, and succeeded in extricating her from her perilous situation, but not without getting wetted myself; but in consequence of the charming state of the weather, being hay- making time, we did not feel any ill effects from this accidental ablution. The grotto, Chinese-house, cascade, Tuscan temple, monu- ment, and beautiful gardens, afforded us much satisfaction ; and after highly enjoying our pleasant ramble, we took tea at the porter's lodge, and returned in the evening completely satisfied with the amusements of the day. A short time after this, Mrs. F. .Id invited me to go with a party to the forest fair, which was a complete novelty to me. We took provisions with us, and partook of the amuse- ments of the scene; but, unfortunately, the rain corning on, we were obliged to retire to he barouche, and partook of our frugal repast 170 therein ; but when the servant unpacked the wine, we were much surprised to find the bottles broken, which obliged us to regale ourselves with water instead of wine ; though this accident did not prevent our partaking of a comfortable refreshment; and we returned home late in the evening, much pleased with the variety of amusements of thisfite champetre. . On the celebration of peace between England and France, public rejoicings were held in most places : at Banbury the gentlemen and ladies of the place provided a public dinner, and tea party,, in the horse-fair, in which the ladies kindly assisted the whole time ; Mrs. M. L.ng., who had no small share in this voluntary duty, took me under her care, and placed me near her person at table, where 1 assisted to the utmost in my power in promoting the hilarity and festivity of the meeting. I also visited the celebration of the same auspicious event at Deddington, and partook of some of the roast beef, &c. and joined in the amusements of the day at that place. I had the happiness to be informed, about this period, that I had two aunts still living in Germany; from one of whom, I received a very flattering and kind letter, promising to assist me in recovering my property there ; and offer- ing a small gratuity annually, which, however, I have not yet had the pleasure to receive; but am in expectation of its fulfillment. The latter aunt has made a claim to some part of the property due to me there, which 1 am fearful will reduce the remainder of my claim to a very small sum indeed. 171 Mr. T. ins in conformity to the arrangements previously made for the recovery of my claim in Germany, after taking a great deal of trouble in my behalf on this subject, at length succeeded in procuring for rne forty pounds from this quarter; and after the deduction of the expences, (no charge whatever being made on his part,) 1 had the pleasure to receive thirty-seven pounds three shillings and four pence ; without the benevolent exertions of this gentleman, I should in all human proba- bility never have obtained this amount. I wish, therefore., to express those sentiments of gratitude which I have and ever shall retain, for such generous conduct. On receipt of this sum, I was enabled to pay some of my credi- tors, particularly my most troublesome ones, and whose claims 1 immediately discharged out of this welcome supply. Having waited upon Mrs. M. L.ng., for the purpose of asking her advice on the work I intended to undertake ; this lady kindly of- fered rne an asylum in her own house,, until it should be completed; and which was pro- posed should be under her directions. She had the goodness further to extend her kind- ness to my friends, whom she welcomed at all times to her house, which was a source of great satisfaction to me ; and I am sorry to say she had no inconsiderable share of trouble with some of my creditors : and has taken great paius to promote rny interest in every way, by writing in my behalf to many persons of quality, and endeavouring to procure sub- scribers to my publication. Mrs. M. L.ng. has likewise kindly procured a friend to take 172 rny portrait gratuitously, which will be pre- sented with the work. Such disinterested generous conduct claims my warmest acknow- ledgements of gratitude; and I shall never forget the very many and great obligations 1 am under to this my most benevolent bene- factress ; for whose welfare my prayers are daily made to that Omnipotent Being, whose all-seeing eye penetrates the secrets of every heart, and who will, I confidently trust, amply reward such magnanimous conduct in futurity. The Rev. Mr. P. Hersent, from the time I came to England, has been my spiritual director to the present hour ; this gentleman has taken a great deal of trouble on my ac- count, in promoting my interest and welfare by every means in his power ; at all times afford- ing me the best advice, and comforting my afflicted mind, by his spiritual directions. His character as a minister, a good man, and a true Christian, is indisputable, and highly praise- worthy : ever strict in the performance of every religious duty, and eminently benevolent as far as practicable. The limited means entrusted to his disposal by divine Providence, are so judiciously applied in charities, as to effect the best purposes to which they could be directed. To this benevolent, humane, and most worthy minister, I am anxious to express those senti- ments of gratitude, which I shall ever retain for his invariable kindness to me on all occa- sions, whose mind and manners are so suitable to his sacred function. The total amount of my debts remaining at the present period unpaid, is one hundred and 173 forty pounds twelve shillings and ten-pence;* which I have the unspeakable pleasure to anticipate, by the generous and liberal sub- scriptions received from my friends and the public, I shall be enabled wholly to discharge ; this will be a source of infinite satisfaction to me, and has been the subject of my most anxious solicitude for a very long time past. The anticipation of fully accomplishing this most desirable object, has been the source of the greatest satisfaction to rne, and its fulfilment will complete my happiness. I have before * In consequence of the many delays which have pro- tracted the publication of these Memoirs, the Baroness has unavoidably increased rather than lessoned the amount of her encumbrances ; for ia addition to thirty three pounds and upwards, which, resulting from her imperfect knowledge of the English language, she has been obliged to pay a person at Banbury, for assisting her in writing the manuscript, she has had other expenditures to meet, connected with her feeble undertaking. The individual to whose hands the correction of the manuscript and the revisal of the press have been intrusted, thinks it right also just to subjoin, that as a stranger to the Baroness de Poly, and from the imperfect state of the manuscript, he could not of his own accord' make such alterations as he could otherwise have wished ; still as the most material defects have been attended to, he trusts the reader will overlook verbal criticisms, and a few literary erratas. The time and labour required, and which he has been obliged to bestow upon the work, in order to make it in any way fit for the public eye, have not been inconsiderable : in fact, it is almost impossible to calcu- late upon the many difficulties he has had to wade through, in order to complete his undertaking. Indeed, It was only the wish to benefit the subject of these Memoirs, that induced him to engage in a work, which, in a literary point of view, he feels assured, can afford him no com* mendation whatever. The Editor is happy to add, that the above note is per- mitted by the Baroness, whom he has had the pleasure of peeing in Northampton, to accompany the work. 174 observed, that this was the principal motive to my undertaking a work, I feel myself so in- adequate to direct : I do, therefore, most humbly solicit the kind indulgence of my friends and the public ; my sole intention having been to relate a plain unvarnished narrative of facts, without the aid of fiction. My want of education in my youth, has been an insurmountable obstacle to my attaining any literary knowledge, to which, therefore, I can make no pretensions ; but as my motiye is pure, my acknowledged want of a thorough acquaintance with grammatical rules and the idiom of the English language, I doubt not, wilt plead my excuse with my friends, who are fully acquainted with my disabilities ; and yet whose continued kindness to me on all occasions, far exceeds all praise. I confidently repose on the candour of a generous and discerning public ; having no doubt but that every in- dulgence which has been claimed, will be readily allowed. And now having brought my Memoirs to a close, when I take a retrospective view on the past days of my life, even in the earliest stage of infant weakness, I trace the hand of divine Providence, whose arm has helped, supported, protected, and defended me through the dark scenes of adversity and danger! The supreme Being has guided my feet, and brought me from my own country, into a strange land; where I have been sur- rounded with innumerable friends ; who, like the good Samaritan, have poured into my wounded bosom the oil arid wine of consola- tion and of love ! Here let me pause, and gratefully bless and adore my gracious bene- factor, whose mercy and goodness has followed 175 V me all the days of the years of my life long! and who has put it into your hearts,, my good and generous, my honoured and revered sub- scribers and benefactors,, to extend the helping- hand to extricate me from my temporal diffi- culties, to shield me from distress, and place me in an humble, yet independent state. Ac- cept the orphan's grateful acknowledgments. My prayers shall ever be offered up at the throne of grace, for your prosperity ; and may the blessing of her you have saved from perishing, rest upon you and your posterity for everl FINIS. ABEL, PRINTER, NORTHAMPTON RETURN CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT LOAN PERIOD 1 HOME USE JMRLb 7 4 6 ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS. Renewls and Recharges may be made 4 days prior to the due date. Books may be Renewed by calling 642-3405. bfcK 09 1997 U. C. BERKELEY FORM NO. 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