Page:Surprising adventures of John Roach.pdf/23

 wretches who were here secured in heavy irons, and condemned either to make a speedy and painful transition into eternity or to spend 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 cheerfully complied with the kind request 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 esteemed her countrymen; and consequently being moved with compassion on beholding me as I was carried, in my fetters, to the Governor, and