Page:Life and astonishing adventures of Peter Williamson (3).pdf/6



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unhappy companions I never knew it was my lot to be sold to one of my countrymen, whose name was Hugh Wilson, a North, Britain, who had in his youth undergone the same fate as myself--having been kidnapped from St. Johnstone in Scotland. Happy was my lot in falling into my countryman's power, as he was, contrary to many others of his calling, a humane, Worthy, honest man. Having no children, of his own and commiserating my unhappy condition, he took great care of me until I was fit for business, and, about the 12th year of my age, set me about little trifies; in which state, I continued until my 14th year, when I was more fit for harder workt. During such my idle, state, seeing my fellow-servantş often reading and writing, it incited in me an inclination to learn, which I intimated to may master, telling him I should be very willing to serve a year longer than the contract. by which I was sold, if he would indulge me in going to school; this he readily agreed to, saying that winter would be the best time. It being then summer, I waited, with impatience for the other season, but, to make some progress in my design, I got a Primer, and learned as much from my fellow-servants as I could. At school, where I went every winter for five years, I made a tolerable proficiency, and have ever since been improving