A narrative of the most remarkable particulars in the life of
James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African prince, written by
himself. | ||
An Account of James Albert, &c.
I WAS born in the city of Baurnou, my mother was the eldest daughter of the reigning King there. I was the youngest of six children, and particularly loved by my mother, and my grand-father almost doated on me. I had, from my infancy, a curious turn of mind ; was more grave and reserved, in my disposition, than either of my brothers and sisters, I often teazed them with questions they could not answer ; for which reason they disliked me, as they supposed that I was either foolish or insane. 'T was certain that I was, at times, very unhappy in myself : It being strongly impressed on my mind that there was some GREAT MAN of power which resided above the sun, moon and stars, the objects of our worship. — My dear, indulgent mother would bear more with me than any of my friends beside. — I often raised my hand to heaven, and asked her who lived there ? Was much dissatisfied when she told me the sun, moon and stars, being persuaded, in my own mind, that there must be some SUPERIOR POWER. — I was
I hope this digression will be forgiven. — I was going to observe, that after the duty of our sabbath was over (on the day in which I was more distressed and afflicted than ever) we were all on our way home as usual, when a remarkable black cloud arose and covered the sun ; then followed very heavy rain and thunder, more dreadful than ever I had heard : The heavens roared, and the earth trembled at it : I was highly affected and cast down ; insomuch that I wept sadly, and could not follow my relations & friends home. — I was obliged to stop, and felt as if my legs were tied, they seemed to shake under me : So I stood still, being in great fear of the MAN of POWER, that I was persuaded, in myself, lived above. One of my young companions (who entertained a particular friendship for
About this time there came a merchant from the Gold Coast (the third city in GUINEA) he traded with the inhabitants of our country in ivory, &c. he took great notice of my unhappy situation, and inquired into the cause ; he expressed vast concern for me, and said, if my parents would part with me for a little while, and let him take me home with him, it would be of more service to me than any thing they could do for me. — He told me that if I would go with him I should see houses with wings to them walk upon the water, and should also see the white folks ; and that he had many sons of my age, which should be my companions ; and he added to all this that he would bring me safe back again soon. — I was highly pleased with the account of this strange place, and was very desirous of going. — I seemed sensible of a secret impulse upon my mind, which I could not resist, that seemed to tell me I must go. When my dear mother saw that I was willing to leave them, she spoke to my father and grandfather and the rest of my relations, who all agreed that I should accompany the merchant to the Gold Coast. I was the more willing as my brothers and sisters despised me, and looked on me with contempt on the account of my unhappy disposition ; and even my servants slighted me, and disregarded all I said to them. I had one sister who was always exceeding fond of me, and I loved her entirely ; her name was LOGWY, she was quite white, and fair, with fine light hair, though my father and mother were black. — I was truly concerned to leave my beloved sister, and she cry'd most sadly to part with me, wringing her
We travel'd till about four o'clock every day, and then began to make preparations for night, by cutting down large quantities of wood, to make fires to preserve us from the wild beasts. — I had a very unhappy and discontented journey, being in continual fear that the people I was with would murder me. I often reflected with extreme regret on the kind friends I had left, and the idea of my dear mother frequently drew tears from my eyes. I cannot recollect how long we were in going from Bournou to the Gold Coast ; but as there is no shipping nearer to Bournou than that city, it was tedious in travelling so far by land, being upwards of a thousand miles. — I was heartily rejoiced when we arrived at the end of our journey : I now vainly imagined that all my troubles and inquietudes would terminate here ; but could I have looked into futurity, I should have perceived that I had much more to suffer than I had before experienced, and that they had as yet but barely commenced.
I was now more than a thousand miles from home, without a friend or any means to procure one. Soon after I came to the merchant's house I heard the drums beat remarkably loud, and the trumpets blow — the persons accustom'd to this employ, are oblig'd to go upon a very high structure appointed for that purpose, that the sound might be heard at a great distance : They are higher than the steeples are in
This account gave me a secret pleasure ; but I was not suffered long to enjoy this satisfaction, for, in the evening of the same day, two of the merchant's sons (boys about my own age) came running to me, and told me, that the next day I was to die, for the King intended to behead me. — I reply'd, that I was sure it could not be true, for that I came there to play with them, and to see houses walk upon the water, with wings to them, and the white folks ; but I was soon informed that their King imagined I was sent by my father as a spy, and would make such discoveries, at my return home, that would enable them to make war with the greater advantage to ourselves ; and for these reasons he had resolved I should never return to my native country. — When I heard this, I suffered misery that cannot b e described. — I wished, a thousand times, that I had never left my friends and country. — But still the Almighty was pleased to work miracles for me.
The morning I was to die, I was washed and all my gold ornaments made bright and shining, and then carried to the palace, where the King was to behead me himself (as is the custom of the place). — He was seated upon a throne at the top of an exceeding large yard, or court, which you must go through to enter the palace, it is as wide and spacious as a large field in England. — I had a lane of
The next day he took me on board a French brig ; the Captain did not chuse to buy me : He said I was too small ; so the merchant took me home with him again. The partner, whom I have spoken of as my enemy, was very angry to see me return, and again purposed putting an end to my life ; for he represented to the other, that I should bring them into troubles and difficulties, and that I was so little that no person would buy me.
The merchant's resolution began to waver, and I was indeed afraid that I should be put to death : But however he said he would try me once more. A few days after a Dutch ship came into the harbour, and they carried me on board, in hopes that the Captain would purchase me. — As they went, I heard them agree, that, if they could not sell me then, they would throw me overboard. — I was in extreme
I was exceedingly sea-sick at first ; but when I became more accustom'd to the sea, it wore off. — My master's ship was bound for Barbados. When we came there, he thought fit to speak of me to several gentlemen of his acquaintance, and one of them exprest a particular desire to see me. — He had a great mind to buy me ; but the Captain could not immediately be prevail'd on to part with me ; but however, as the gentleman seemed very solicitous, he at length let me go, and I was sold for fifty dollars (four and six penny pieces in English.) My new master's name was Vanborn, a young gentleman ; his home was in New-England, in the city of New-York ; to which place he took me with him. He dress'd me in his livery, & was very good to me. My chief business was to wait at table, and tea, & clean knives, & I had a very easy place ; but the servants used to curse & swear surprizingly ; which I learnt faster than any thing, 'twas almost the first English I could speak. If any of them affronted me, I was sure to call upon God to damn them immediately ; but I was broke of it all at once, occasioned by the correction of an old black servant that lived in the family. — One day I had just clean'd the knives for dinner, when one of the maids took one to cut bread and butter with ; I was very angry with her, and called upon God to damn her ; when this old black man told me I must
He told me that God was a great and good Spirit, that [he] created all the world, and every person and thing in it, Ethiopia, Africa and America, and every where. I was delighted when I heard this : There, says I, I always thought so when I lived at home! Now, if I had wings like an eagle, I would fly to tell my dear mother that God is greater than the sun, moon and stars ; and that they were made by him.
I was exceedingly pleas'd with this information of my master's, because it corresponded so well with my own opinion ; I thought now if I could but get home, I should be wiser than all my country-folks, my grandfather, or father, or mother, or any of them. — But though I was somewhat enlightened,
My dear kind master grew very fond of me, as was his lady ; she put me to school, but I was uneasy at that, and did not like to go ; but my master and mistress requested me to learn in the gentlest terms, and persuaded me to attend my school without any anger at all ; that, at last, I came to like it better, and learnt to read pretty well. My schoolmaster was a good man, his name was Vanosdore, and very indulgent to me. — I was in this state when, one Sunday, I heard my master preach from these words out of the Revelations, chap. i. v. 7. “Behold, He cometh in the clouds and every eye shall see him and they that pierc'd Him.” These words affected me excessively ; I was in great agonies because I thought my master directed them to me only ; and, I fancied, that he observed me with unusual earnestness — I was farther confirm'd in this belief as I looked round the church, and could see no one person beside myself in such grief and distress as I was ; I began to think that my master hated me, and was very desirous to go home, to my own country ; for I thought that if God did come (as he said) He would be sure to be most angry with me, as I did not know what He was, nor had ever heard of him before.
I went home in great trouble, but said nothing to any body. — I was somewhat afraid of my master ;
I should have complained to my good mistress of this great trouble of mind, but she had been a little strange to me for several days before this happened, occasioned by a story told of me by one of the maids. The servants were all jealous, and envied me the regard, and favour shewn me by my master and mistress ; and the Devil being always ready, and diligent in wickedness, had influenced this girl to make a lie on me. — This happened about hay harvest, and one day, when I was unloading the waggon to put the hay into the barn, she watched an opportunity, in my absence, to take the fork out of the stick, and hide it : When I came again to my work, and could not find it, I was a good deal vexed, but I concluded it was dropt somewhere among the hay ; so I went and bought another with my own money : When the girl saw that I had another, she was so malicious that she told my mistress I was very unfaithful, and not the person she took me for ; and that she knew, I had, without my master's permission, ordered many things in his name, that he must pay for ; and as a proof of my carelessness
I continued in a most unhappy state for many days. My good mistress insisted on knowing what was the matter. When I made known my situation, she gave me John Bunyan on the holy war, to read ; I found his experience similar to my own, which gave me reason to suppose he must be a bad man ; as I was convinced of my own corrupt nature, and the misery of my own heart : And as he acknowledged that he was likewise in the same condition, I experienced no relief at all in reading his work, but rather the reverse. — I took the book to my lady, and informed her I did not like it at all, it was concerning a wicked man as bad as myself ; and I did not chuse to read it, and I desired her to give me another, wrote by a better man, that was holy, and without sin. — She assured me that John Bunyan was a good man, but she could not convince me ; I thought him to be too much like myself to be upright, as his experience seemed to answer with my own.
I am very sensible that nothing but the great power and unspeakable mercies of the Lord could relieve my soul from the heavy burden it laboured under at that time. — A few days after my master gave me Baxter's call to the unconverted. This was no relief to me neither ; on the contrary it occasioned as much distress in me as the other had before done, as it invited all to come to Christ ; and I found myself
I could find no relief, nor the least shadow of comfort ; the extreme distress of my mind so affected my health that I continued very ill for three days, and nights ; and would admit of no means to be taken for my recovery, though my lady was very kind, and sent many things to me ; but I rejected every means of relief and wished to die — I would not go into my own bed, but lay in the stable upon straw — I felt all the horrors of a troubled conscience, so hard to be born, and saw all the vengeance of God ready to overtake me — I was sensible that there was no way for me to be saved unless I came to Christ, and I could not come to Him : I thought that it was impossible He should receive such a sinner as me. The last night that I continued in this place, in the midst of my distress these words were brought home upon my mind, “Behold the Lamb of God,” I was something comforted at this, and began to grow easier and wished for day that I might find these words in my bible — I rose very early the following morning, and went to my school-master, Mr. Vanosdore, and communicated the situation of my mind
About a quarter of a mile from my master's house stood a large, remarkably fine oak-tree, in the midst of a wood ; I often used to be employed there in cutting down trees, (a work I was very fond of) I seldom failed going to this place every day ; sometimes twice a day if I could be spared. It was the highest pleasure I ever experienced to sit under this oak ; for there I used to pour out all my complaints to the LORD : And when I had any particular grievance I used to go there, and talk to the tree, and tell my sorrows, as if it had been to a friend. Here I often lamented my own wicked heart, and undone state ; and found more comfort and consolation than I ever was sensible of before. — Whenever I was treated with ridicule or contempt, I used to come here and find peace. I now began to relish the book my master gave me, Baxter's call to the unconverted, and took great delight in it. I was always glad to be employed in cutting wood, 'twas a great part of my business, and I followed it with delight, as I was then quite alone and my heart lifted up to GOD, and I was enabled to pray continually ; and blessed for ever be his holy name, he faithfully answered my prayers. I can never be thankful enough to Almighty GOD for the many comfortable opportunities I experienced there.
I was one day in a most delightful frame of mind ; my heart so overflowed with love and gratitude to the author of all my comforts : — I was so draw out of myself, and so fill'd and awed by the presence of God, that I saw (or thought I saw) light inexpressible dart down from heaven upon me, and shone around me for the space of a minute. — I continued on my knees, and joy unspeakable took possession of my soul. — The peace and serenity which filled my mind after this was wonderful, and cannot be told. — I would not have changed situations, or been any one but myself for the whole world. I blest God for my poverty, that I had no worldly riches or grandeur to draw my heart from him. I wished at that time, if it had been possible for me, to have continued on that spot forever. I felt an unwillingness in myself to have any thing more to do with the world, or to mix with society again. I seemed to possess a full assurance that my sins were forgiven me. I went home all my way rejoicing, and this text of scripture came full upon my mind. “And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good ; but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me.” The first opportunity that presented itself, I went to my old schoolmaster, and made known to him the happy state of my soul who joined with me in praise to God for his mercy to me the vilest of sinners.
— I was now perfectly easy and had hardly a wish to make beyond what I possessed, when my temporal comforts were all blasted by the death of my dear and worthy master Mr. Freelandhouse, who was taken from this world rather suddenly : He had but a short illness, and died of a fever. I held his hand in mine when he departed ; he told me he had given me my freedom. I was at liberty to go where I would. — He added that he had always prayed for me and hoped I should be kept unto the end. My master left me by his will ten pounds, and my freedom. I found that if he had lived twas his intention to take me with him to Holland, as he had often mentioned me to some friends of his there that were desirous to see me ; but I chose to continue with my mistress who was as good to me as if she had been my mother.
The loss of Mr. Freelandhouse distressed me greatly, but I was rendered still more unhappy by the clouded and perplexed situation of my mind ; the great enemy of my soul being ready to torment me, would present my own misery to me in such striking light, and distress me with doubts, fears, and such a deep sense of my own unworthiness, that after all the comfort and encouragement I had received, I was often tempted to believe I should be a cast-away at last. — The more I saw of the beauty and glory of God, the more I was humbled under a sense of my own vileness. I often repaired to my old place of prayer ; I seldom came away without consolation. One day this scripture was wonderfully apply'd to my mind, And ye are complete in him which is the head of all
My kind, indulgent mistress liv'd but two years after my master. Her death was a great affliction to me. She left five sons, all gracious young men, and ministers of the gospel. — I continued with them all, one after another, till they died ; they lived but four years after their parents. When it pleased God to take them to himself. I was left quite destitute, without a friend in the world. But I, who had so often experienced the goodness of God, trusted in him to do what he pleased with me. — In this helpless condition I went in the wood to prayer as usual ; and though the snow was a considerable height, I was not sensible of cold, or any other inconveniency. — At times, indeed, when I saw the world frowning round me, I was tempted to think that the LORD had forsaken me. I found great relief from the contemplation of these words in Isai. xlix. 16. Behold I have graven thee on the palms of my hands ; thy walls are continually before me. And very many comfortable promises were sweetly applied to me. The 89th Psal. and 34th ver. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone cut of my lips. Heb. xvi. 17, 18. Phil i. 6. and several more. As I had now lost all my dear and valued friends, every place in the world was alike to me. I had
The situation of my affairs required that I should tarry a little longer in New York, as I was something in debt, and was embarrassed how to pay it. About this time a young gentleman that was a particular acquaintance of my young master's, pretended to be a friend to me, and promis'd to pay my debts, which was three pounds ; and he assured me he would never expect the money again. — But, in less than a month, he came and demanded it ; and when I assured him I had nothing to pay, he threatened to sell me. — Though I knew he had no right to do that, yet, as I had no friend in the world to go to, it alarm'd me greatly. — At length he purpos'd my going a privateering, that I might, by these means, be enabled to pay him, to which I agreed. — Our Captain's name was — — . I went in character of cook to him. — Near St. Domingo we came up to five French ships, merchantmen. — We had a very smart engagement, that continued from eight in the morning till three in the afternoon ; when victory declared on our side. — Soon after this we were met by three English ships which join'd us, and that encouraged us to attack a fleet of 36 ships. — We
I met with many enemies, and much persecution, among the sailors ; one of them was particularly unkind to me, and studied ways to vex and teaze me. I can't help mentioning one circumstance that hurt me more than all the rest, which was, that he snatched a book out of my hand, that I was very fond of, and used frequently to amuse myself with, & threw it into the sea. — But, what is remarkable, he was the first that was killed in our engagement. — I don't pretend to say that this happened because he was not my friend ; but I thought 'twas a very awful providence, to see how the enemies of the LORD are cut off.
Our Captain was a cruel, hard-hearted man. I was excessively sorry for the prisoners we took in general : But the pitiable case of one young gentleman grieved me to the heart. — He appeared very amiable ; was strikingly handsome. — Our Captain took four thousand pounds from him ; but that did not satisfy him, as he imagined he was possessed of more, and had somewhere concealed it, so that the Captain threatened him with death, at which he appeared in the deepest distress, and took the buckles out of his shoes, and untied his hair, which was very fine, and long ; and in which several very valuable rings were fastened. He came into the cabin to me, and in the most obliging terms imaginable asked for something to eat and drink ; which when I gave him he was
I inquired if any serious Christian people resided there, the woman I made this inquiry of, answered me in the affirmative ; and added that she was one of them. — I was heartily glad to hear her say so. I thought I could give her my whole heart : She kept a public house. I deposited with her all the money that I had not an immediate occasion for ; as I thought it would be safer with her. — It was 25 guineas, but 6 of them I desired her to lay out to the best advantage, to buy me some shirts, hat, and some other necessaries. I made her a present of a very handsome large looking-glass, that I brought with me from Martinico, in order to recompence her for the trouble I had given her. I must do this woman the justice to acknowledge that she did lay out some little for my use, but the 19 guineas, and part of the 6, with my watch, she would not return, and denied that I ever gave it her. I soon perceived that I was got among bad people, who defrauded me of my money and watch ; and that all my promis'd happiness was blasted, I had
I thought the best method that I could take now, was to go to London, and find out Mr. Whitefield,
I began now to entertain a very different idea of the inhabitants of England than what I had figured to myself before I came among them. — Mr. Whitefield received me very friendly, was heartily glad to see me, and directed me to a proper place to board and lodge in Petticoat-lane, till he could think of some way to settle me in, and paid for my lodging, and all my expences. The morning after I came to my new lodging, as I was at breakfast with the gentlewoman of the house, I heard the noise of some looms over our heads : I inquired what it was ; she told me a person was weaving silk. — I expressed a great desire to see it, and asked if I might : She told me she would go up with me : She was sure I should be very welcome. She was as good as her word, and as soon as we entered the room, the person that was weaving looked about, and smiled upon us, and I loved her from that moment. She asked me many questions, and I in turn talked a great deal to her. I found she was a member of Mr. Allen's meeting, and
My master lived there before he bought me, and used to speak of me so respectfully among his friends there, that it raised in them a curiosity to see me ; particularly the gentlemen engaged in the ministry, who expressed a desire to hear my experience and examine me. I found that it was my good old master's design that I should have gone if he had lived ; for which reason I resolved upon going to Holland, and informed my dear friend Mr. Whitefield of my intention ; he was much averse to my going at first, but after I gave him my reasons appeared very well satisfied. I likewise informed my Betty (the good woman that I have mentioned above) of my determination to go to Holland,
I embarked at tower-wharf at four o'clock in the morning, and arrived at Amsterdam the next day by three o'clock in the afternoon. I had several letters of recommendation to my old master's friends, who received me very graciously. Indeed, one of the chief ministers was particularly good to me, he kept me at his house a long while, and took great pleasure in asking questions, which I answered with delight, being always ready to say, “Come unto me all ye that fear GOD, and I will tell what he hath done for my soul.” I cannot but admire the footsteps of Providence ; astonished that I should be so wonderfully preserved ! Though the grandson of a King, I have wanted bread, and should have been glad of the hardest crust I ever saw. I who, at home, was surrounded and guarded by slaves, so that no indifferent person might approach me, and clothed with gold, have been inhumanly threatened with death ; and frequently wanted clothing to defend me from the inclemency of the weather ; yet I never murmured, nor was I discontented. — I am willing, and even desirous, to be counted as nothing, a stranger in the world, and a pilgrim here ; for “I know that my REDEEMER liveth,” and I'm thankful for every trial and trouble that I've met with, as I am not without hope that they have been all sanctified to me. The Calvinist ministers desired to hear my experience from myself, which proposal I was very well pleased with : So I stood before 48 ministers every
At this time a very rich merchant at Amsterdam offered to take me into his family, in the capacity of his butler, and I very willingly accepted it. — He was gracious, worthy gentleman, and very good to me. — He treated me more like a friend than a servant. — I tarried there a twelvemonth, but was not thoroughly contented, I wanted to see my wife (that is now) and for that reason I wished to return to England. I wrote to her once in my absence, but she did not answer my letter ; and I must acknowledge if she had, it would have given me a less opinion of her. — My master and mistress persuaded me not to leave them, and likewise their two sons, who entertained a good opinion of me ; and if I had found my Betty married, on my arrival in England, I should have returned to them again immediately.
My lady proposed my marrying her maid ; she was an agreeable young woman, had saved a good deal of money, but I could not fancy her, though she was willing to accept of me, but I told her my inclinations were engaged in England, and I could think of no other person. — On my return home I found my Betty disengaged. — She had refused several offers in my absence, and told her sister that she thought if ever she married I was to be her husband.
My wife got a very good living by weaving, and could do extremely well ; but just at that time there was great disturbance among the weavers, so that I was afraid to let my wife work, least they should insist on my joining the rioters, which I could not think of, and, possibly, if I had refused to do so they would have knock'd me on the head. So that by these means my wife could get no employ, neither had I work enough to maintain my family. We had not yet been married a year before all these misfortunes overtook us.
Just at this time a gentleman, that seemed much concerned for us, advised me to go into Essex with him, and promised to get me employed. I accepted his kind proposal, and he spoke to a friend of his, a Quaker, a gentleman of large fortune, who resided a little way out of the town of Colchester, his name was Handbarrar, he ordered his steward to set me to work.
There were several employed in the same way with myself. I was very thankful and contented though my wages were but small. I was allowed but eight pence a day, and found myself ; but after I had been in this situation for a fortnight, my master, being told that a Black was at work for him, had an inclination to see me. He was pleased to talk to me for some time, and at last inquired what wages I had ; when I told him, he declared it was too little, and immediately ordered his steward to let me have eighteen pence a day, which he constantly gave me after ; and I then did extremely well.
I did not bring my wife with me : I came first alone, and it was my design, if things answered according to our wishes, to send for her. I was now thinking to desire her to come to me, when I received a letter to inform me she was just brought to bed, and in want of many necessaries. This news was a great trial to me, and a fresh affliction : But my God, faithful and abundant in mercy, forsook me not in this trouble.
As I could not read English, I was obliged to apply to some one to read the letter I received, relative to my wife. I was directed by the good providence of God to a worthy young gentleman, a Quaker, and friend of my master. — I desired he would take the trouble to read my letter for me, which he readily complied with, and was greatly moved and affected at the contents ; insomuch that he said he would undertake to make a gathering for me, which he did and was the first to contribute to it himself. The money was sent that evening to London, by a person who happened to be going there ; nor was this all the goodness that I experienced from these kind friends, for as soon as my wife came about and was fit to travel, they sent for her to me, and were at the whole expence of her coming ; so evidently has the love and mercy of God appeared through every trouble that ever I experienced. We went on very cordially all the summer. We lived in a little cottage near Mr. Handbarrar's house, but when the winter came on I was discharged, as he had no further occasion for me. And now the prospect began to darken upon us again. We tho't it most adviseable to move our habitation a little
The boundless goodness of God to me has been so very great, that, with the most humble gratitude, I desire to prostrate myself before him ; for I have been wonderfully supported in every affliction. — My God never left me. I perceived light still, thro' the thickest darkness.
My dear wife and I were now both unemployed, we could get nothing to do. The winter proved remarkably severe, and we were reduced to the greatess distress imaginable. — I was always very shy of asking for any thing ; I could never beg ; neither did I chuse to make known our wants to any person, for fear of offending, as we were entire strangers ; but our last bit of bread was gone, and I was obliged to think of something to do for our support. I did not mind for myself at all ; but to see my dear wife and children in want, pierc'd me to the heart. — I now blam'd myself for bringing her from London, as doubtless had we continued there we might have found friends to keep us from starving. The snow was remarkably deep ; so that we could see no prospect of being relieved. In this melancholy situation, not knowing what step to pursue, I resolved to make my case known to a gentleman's gardiner that lived near us, and entreat him to employ me ; but when I came to him my courage fail'd me, and I was ashamed to make known our real situation. — I endeavoured all I could to prevail on him to set me to work, but to no purpose ; he assured me it was not in his power : But just as I was about to leave him, he asked me if I would accept of
We went to bed, as usual, before it was quite dark (as we had neither fire nor candle) but had not been there long before some person knocked at the door, and inquired if James Albert lived there ? I answer'd in the affirmative, and rose immediately ; as soon as I opened the door I found it was the servant of an eminent attorney who resided at Colchester. He asked me how it was with me ? If I was not almost starved ? I burst out a crying, and told him I was indeed. He said his master suppos'd so, and that he wanted to speak with me, and I must return with him. This gentleman's name was Daniel, he was a sincere, good Christian. He used to stand and talk with me frequently, when I work'd in the road for
When she came to Norwich I hired a room ready furnished — I experienced a great deal of difference in the carriage of my master from what I had been accustomed to from some of my other masters. He was very irregular in his payments to me. — My wife hired a loom and wove all the leisure time she had and we began to do very well, till we were overtaken by fresh misfortunes. Our three poor children fell ill of the small pox ; this was a great trial to us ; but still I was persuaded in myself we should not be forsaken. — And I did all in my power to keep my dear partner's spirits from sinking. Her whole attention now was taken up with the children, as she could mind nothing else, and all I could get was but
The apprehension of this plunged me in the deepest distress, considering the situation of my poor babies : If they had been in health I should have been less sensible of this misfortune. But my God, still faithful to his promise, raised me a friend. Mr. Henry Gurdney, a Quaker, a gracious gentleman heard of our distress, he sent a servant of his own to the woman we hired the room of, paid our rent, and bought all the goods, with my wife's loom, and gave it us all. Some other gentlemen, hearing of his design, were pleased to assist him in these generous acts, for which we never can be thankful enough ; after this my children soon came about ; we began to do pretty well again ; my dear wife worked hard and constant when she could get work, but it was upon a disagreeable footing, as her employ was so uncertain, sometimes she could get nothing to do, and at other times when the weavers of Norwich had orders from London, they were so excessively hurried, that the people they employed were often obliged to work on the Sabbathday : But this my wife would never do, and it was matter of uneasiness to us that we could not get our living in a regular manner, though we were both diligent, industrious, and willing to work. I was far
We met with a great deal of ill treatment after this, and found it very difficult to live. — We could
I left her once more, and set out for Kidderminster in order to judge if the situation would suit us. — As soon as I came there I waited immediately on Mr. Fawcet, who was pleased to receive me very kindly and recommended me to Mr. Watson, who employed me in twisting silk and worsted together. I continued here about a fortnight, and when I thought it would answer our expectation, I returned to Norwich to fetch my wife ; she was then near her time, and too much indisposed. So we were obliged to tarry until she was brought to bed, and as soon as she could conveniently travel we came to Kidderminster, but we brought nothing with us, as we were obliged to sell all we had to pay our debts, and the expences of my wife's illness, &c.
Such is our situation at present. — My wife, by hard labor at the loom, does every thing that can be expected from her towards the maintenance of our family ; and God is pleased to incline the hearts of his people at times to yield us their charitable assistance ; being myself through age and infirmity able to contribute
A narrative of the most remarkable particulars in the life of
James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African prince, written by
himself. | ||