Page:Narrative of the life of Mrs. Hamilton (1).pdf/23

 wretches who were here ſecured in heavy irons, and condemned either to make a ſpeedy and painful tranſition into eternity or to fpend here the remainder of their dreary lives, without ever more beholding the chearing light of day Like the other priſoners I had alſo ſtrong manacles upon my hands heavy irons upon my legs, and chains about my neck and waiſt, and had likewiſe my feet ſecured in the ſtocks through the night, and to complete my wretchedneſs the proviſions that were given us ſcarcely ſuſtained our life—But happily my grievances were in a ſhort time redreſſed: I ſoon perceived the indulgent Providence which had before led me thro' numberleſs dangers and difficulties, ſeemed yet to ſtretch forth a kind band towards me.

A ſhort time after my examination before the obdurate preſident a beautiful female was conducted into the dungeon; and being directed to me. ſhe with a look of ſympathy and kindneſs, deſired to hear the particulars of my adventures. I chearfully complied with the kind repueſt by giving her a detail of the moſt remarkable viciſſitudes of my checkered fortune Her ſympathetic heart ſeemed to be greatly affected by my former as well as preſent ſufferings She informed me, that, having deſcended from Engliſh parents, ſhe entertained a great affection for thoſe whom ſhe efteemed her countrymen; and conſequently being moved with compaſſion on beholding me as I was carried, in my fetters, to the Governor, and hearing