Page:Famous Negro robber, and terror of Jamaica, or, The history and adventures of Jack Mansong.pdf/15

 Fortunately a favourable and sudden change took place, for which neither her physician nor attendants could assign a cause, and she visibly recovered.

Mr. Chapman was blessed by this joyful change; he saw with transport the colour again glow on the cheek of his beloved daughter; he was resolved that the day of her recovery should be a joyful holiday to the whole plantation. He was really a good man, and very generally beloved; the slaves readily obeyed so kind a master; and his plantation was esteemed the most thriving in the island. And we feel no hesitation in asserting, that if every planter in Jamaica and thothe [sic] West Indies were to follow his humane example, it would not only tend to the increase of their own private wealth, but the good of this country at large; and it is indisputably as easy for a master to gain the love of his slaves, as their hatred.

One morning, Mr. Chapman visited the apartment of his daughter, expecting to find her much recovered; but what his surprise to perceive her chamber window open, a sheet slung out, and onoone [sic] end tied to the bed-post! Her clothes were on the floor. He was transfixed in amaze; but perceiving a note lay on the table, he eagerly broke the seal, and read its heart-rondingheart-rending [sic] contents. It was as follows:—

Being no longer able to support an existence without the partner of my soul, my beloved Orford, I hope you will pardon this my first act of disobedience. The conflict between filial duty and love has been severe—but all-powerful love has conquered. I am determined to search the mountains and find out this Jack—this terror of our