Page:Surprising adventures and sufferings of Frederick Baron Trenck.pdf/19

19 when he was in the best of health possible, he requested the commandant to send to Vienna for a confessor; St. Francis having, as he said, declared to him that he would die on his birth-day at noon precisely. Though every body laughed at his prediction, the Capuchin Friar was sent for.

The day after Trenck had confessed himself, he exclaimed, ‘God be praised! my end approaches; my professor is just dead and has appeared to me.’ Upon inquiry it was found that the monk was really dead. Trenck then begged all the officers of the garrison to come to his prison: took the tonsure, dressed himself in the habit of a Capuchin Friar; made a public confession and preached an hour, exhorting his audience to think of their salvation. He then took leave of them, knelt down to say his prayers, fell into a sound sleep, rose and prayed again. Oct. the 4th, he looked at his watch, at seven o’clock in the morning, and cried out, 'God be praised, my last hour is not far off.' Every body present was much entertained at seeing a man of his character play so ridiculous a comedy. However it was remarked that his face was pale on the left side. He then seated himself beside a table, leaned his head upon his hand, and after saying a prayer, continued motionless, with his eyes shut.

In the month of March, 1754, I received news of the death of my mother, and asked the Board of War for six months leave of absence to go to Dantzick, in order to concert with my brothers and sister the steps necessary to be taken, relative to any possessions that had been confiscated in Prussia. I obtained it; and in the month of