Volume containing the typescript 'Anecdotal Recollections
of Morgan Jellett', born in Moira, Co. Down in 1769, and
written about 1830, with some genealogical notes relating to
the Jellett family and to the related family of Courtenay,
Grange, Co. Antrim, 1632-c.1880; genealogical notes relating
to the Frackleton, Moore, Mackay, MacIlwaine, Walmsley,
Connor, Easlett, Courtenay, and McWatters families.
c.1600-1960.
EXTRACTS FROM THE ANECDOTAL RECOLLECTIONS OF
MORGAN JELLETT.
PREFACE:
It may naturally be presumed, that he who has lived to the
age of sixty years has travelled far, and seen much of the
world, must have met with great variety, curious characters
and pleasing anecdote, and when faithfully recorded, might,
be both amusing and instructive to others: the writer of
this having moved in that respectable sphere of life, which
rendered all classes of society from the Peer to the
Peasant, open for his reception, therefore his opportunities
to observe and collect, what might be interesting or
amusing, were particularly favourable, and having a taste
for the enjoyments of society, with a retentive memory of
what might be stiled [styled?] its"PIC NICS" he humbly
presumes, the following quite unadorned "ANECDOTAL
RECOLLECTIONS" may be deemed worthy of a perusal,
especially, when accompanied by a positive assurance of
their originality and truth, and considering that a concise
Biography of this person, may be requisite as a key to the
understanding of many of the anecdotes hereafter related, a
brief expose shall first be given.
-----------------------------------------
I was born in the town of Moira in Ireland in the year
1769, which produced those great men, Wellington
Bonaparte,and Castlereagh. My father, being the agent and
Magistrate of that town, was consequently the most
influential person then, he was one of the few Landed
proprietors remaining in the County of Down, who held under
Olliver [Oliver?] Cromwell's original grant, therefore
respectable. My early education was one which a country
school master, who spoke broad Scotch, could be expected to
impart, tho [though?] late I was sent to wipe off my
rusticity, to Doctor ..... Diocesan School at Downpatrick,
soon my age more than my acquirements induced my father to
remove me from thence, and bind me as an apprentice to
S...H... [Mr. S. Heron?] of Lisburn to be an Attorney, and I
there spent 5 years, acquiring more knowledge of pleasure
than that of Law, I was then enrolled a member of that
honorable profession and practised as such for some years.
It would appear I became tired of my freedom, for I
voluntarily bound again, it was in Matrimony but my excuse
is the lady was beautiful amiable and respectable, and this
act assuredly was a much better specimen of my taste than of
hers, soon afterwards the Rebellion of 1798 broke out, when
Law and Lawyers were handed to the Military department, and
I fell into the ranks of the Belfast Yeoman Cavalry, we saw
some service painful, tho [though?] not dangerous,
honourable, tho [though?] not lucrative and gladsome peace
rewarded our loyalty.
I need not here say the why, but in the following Spring,
I sped my way via Dublin and Cork to America, where I had a
sister settled, whom I had never seen, it so happened I
pleased her and her spouse, and they pleased me and with
that country I was enamoured, it therefore became an easy
matter for my friends to induce me to remain, especially,
when they enabled me to domesticate, on a beautiful farm
near Baltimore. I then wrote for my mate, whom I had left
in Ireland until I should feel my way among strangers for
having drank sweetly of the cup of Matrimony, I became
thirsty, perhaps, there was sympathy in our wishes, for she
joined me in due time, with an increase to my stock, there
we most happily lived on our own industry comfortably and
independent, for six years, my wife having been very
industrious in the breeding department, her health became
delicate my good sister and our daughter suddenly dying, her
constitution broke up, so, to save her from following them I
had to break up my establishment, and set sail for sweet
Erin. Most travellers complain of ennui on board ship,but
my sick patient with four children to tend, (for we had no
servant) kept me in ample employ, all went well, we reached
Moira via England, where, between visiting old friends, and
old haunts, hearing old stories then new to me, and drinking
old wine, time went on merrily. Having during my
transatlantic sojourn turned the quill into a hoe, and
exchanged my legal into Farming knowledge, I thought it as
agreeable to my taste, to follow the latter and so pursued
it. My lady recovered and improved on her old habit of
"good-breeding" until we were amply provided, having gone
far enough with my Biography for my purpose I shall here
close it.
EXTRACTS FROM
THE ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS OF MORGAN JELLETT.
ANTRIM : REBELLION OF 1798. (Page 84 in MSS.)
In this town the first Northern blood flowed and here was
cruelly butchered one of Irelands best and truest friends
and most incorruptable [incorruptible?] nobles, Lord O'Neill
[ONeill?]. He as a governor of the County had called a
meeting of the magistrates thereof, for the purpose of
considering whether the alarming disturbed state of the
County required that it ought to be declared in a state of
insurrection. Prior thereto the rebels had collected in
considerable force, at Donegar Hill a few miles from Antrim
under the command of one Dickey, son of a Publican in
Crumlin and who at one time had been apprenticed to an
Attorney, their plan was to surround the town when the
Magistrates should assemble, and make captives of them.
Fears for their safety and to ensure their protection
induced the Commander of the district to send three strong
detachments of troops, composed of both horse and foot, from
Belfast, Lisburn and Ballymena, and it was so arranged, that
they should approach the town at three several points at the
same moment, but to await them doing so, until a rocket
should be fired from the the Belfast party headed by Col
[Colonel?] Durham, who was to command the whole, Lord
O'Neill [ONeill?] of course knew of this arrangement, but
seeing armed crowds assembling in the town, whom he knew
might soon be involved in destruction when the troops
arrived actuated by that true patriotism and humanity, for
which he was eminently distinguished for fondly yet fatally,
confiding in his good intentions and deserved popularity
ventured (only accompanied by his nephew) to approach them,
requesting a few of them to advance, from their party until
he would commune with them, as their friend, in whom they
might confide they advanced and in a moment carried their
deadly intent into execution, one drove a pike into his
abdomen whilst another struck the devoted Lord with a like
weapon in the shoulder, the first assassin he shot but the
other dastardly villain escaped then and afterwards got to
America there I saw him and he admitted to me the fact and
that he often was inclined to return and give himself up.
Their slaughtered victim was then rescued and carried into
the Castle In revenge the few soldiers in the town a mere
sergeants guard fired som [some?] shots uselessly and
unfortunately for those alarm balls, induced the commander
of the Lisburn troops to dash into town, heading the 22nd
and some yeomanry dragoons, leaving his foot soldiers
behind, in consequence he was unsupported when he reached
the field of contention by the other detachments he however
charged boldly the rebels in the street they retreated into
shelter and when his troops had reached the Church yard the
contents of two pieces of artillery six pounders, charged to
the mouth with musket balls and iron nails, were discharged
at them just in the act of wheeling, the havock [havoc?] was
appaling [appalling?], one third of the whole were either
killed or wounded Col [Colonel?] Durham on hearing the
firing hastened to their succour but learning of a wounded
soldier of their defeat and consequent retreat he planted
his cannon against the town and a few shots cleared it of
the rebels we then entered it, a most dreadful scene it was
which the streets presented, of dead and wounded men and
horses, but our opponents had fled in consternation and
dismay the wounded especially claimed attention particularly
Lord O'Neill [ONeill?] who until Surgeon Fuller one of the
Belfast troop examined him, was ignorant that his wounds
especially that one inflicted first was mortal, he however
bore the annunciation with much fortitude lamenting more the
infatuation of his murderers than his own suffering. In two
days after this excellent man paid the debt .... and in a
few days more he was intered [interred?] in the old family
cemetery situate in the Shanes Castle Domain with Military
honors the Belfast yeoman cavalry attending on that
melancholy occasion to pay our last unfeigned tribute of
sorrow and respect for one of Ireland's best friends.
KANE (Page 87 in MSS.)
Was edecamp [aide de camp?] to Monroe this young man was
born in Moira and was educated for business, he was a
spirited lad, which was perhaps the only qualification he
possessed for the post he held at Ballynahinch, and he too
was shortly apprehended after their defeat Monroe was tried
and executed in Lisburn. Kane was sent to Belfast, intended
to make a similar exhibition there as an example. That Inn
in Belfast called the Donegal Arms was converted by
Government as a Provost prison here he was taken to the day
before his trial In the same house two persons from Moira
were also confined one the priest the other a relation of
Kanes, In the evening a little before 9 o'clock when all
prisoners were shut up for the night Kane begged to be
conducted to their room to bid them farewell his request was
granted and a sentinel ordered to attend him, and not to let
him move from his reach, these two men not being confined on
any particular charge, but merely implicated as being United
Irishmen, and of influence, Their room window was not
secured by Iron bars but was in the third story of the
building and which looked into a small enclosed yard, and as
the weather was intensely hot and the room a mere closet the
window was open Kane after conversing with his friends a few
minutes made a sudden spring at the top of the window
reckless of the consequence his fall at 20 feet was arrested
by the roof of a back building against which a ladder had
been that day placed by workmen to repair same, down it he
slid, the soldier in close pursuit fortunately for the
escape, the back door was unbarred Kane therefore entered
and instantly bolted it and rushed thro [through?] the hall
to the front door, where the servant girl was standing
begged her to not open the back door for a few minutes and
to say nothing of seeing him, but shut the door, At that
moment the 9 O'clock town bell and soldiers tattoo announced
that the intercourse of the inhabitants for the day had
closed, and that all persons found on the street until
morning would be made prisoners, Kane without a hat on was
then stopped by a sentry but on his saying he had only been
2 doors off and lived round the corner and was not aware of
the hour he was permitted to pass he knew another guard was
just at hand he therefore lifted up a small iron grate which
covered the main street sewer squeezed into it and shut
himself in One moments hesitation from the first to the last
of these movements and he must have been retaken he
disappeared as if by magic altho [although?] surrounded by
soldiers who were turned out on the first intimation of his
escape and in 10 minutes after there was above 2000 men in
search for him and guarding against his escape but if he was
not snug he was secure from detections the most diligent
search possible continued that night and all the next day,
but without success it was then given over, under the
impression he must in the first instance, have succeeded in
reaching the country. About the middle of the 2nd night
Kane being then nearly famished with hunger and cold,
ventured out, it fortunately for him was both dark and wet
His mother lived in a convenient street to her house he
crept she was not in bed heard his cautious knock at the
door, guessed it was him and received him, with a mothers
joy, after washing warming and relieving his hunger she put
him to bed, watching over him, until refreshing sleep
renovated him, she then placed him in an obscure cupboard in
the room, and hung a gown carelessly over the opening side
of it, here he remained for two weeks unknown to one of the
family save his parent, altho [although?] the house was
often visited by a spy's[sic] sent to reconnoitre the
premises A ship was about to sail for America and when
ready to start Kane disguised as a sailor walked between two
others in open day through Belfast, streets to the quay, and
there embarked in safety, and bid an everlasting adieu to
his native land, and the country he had forfeited, I saw him
afterwards in New York, and there from himself obtained the
foregoing interesting account of his miraculous escape.
Hastings Mason.
(Page 91 in Mss.)
I now come to the last of my Rebelly Biography,tho
[though?] only a distant relation of mine one whom I
regarded, as a brother, it is painful to me to have to class
him with such characters, but truth demands it, However I
am proud to say he was the only person I ever knew belonging
to my Family disloyal. This young man was son of Capt.
[Captain?] Mason mentioned in anecdote No 11 and also as
mentioned in No. 37. He had been an officer in the first
Downshire Malitia [Militia?] and a deserved favourite with
both men and officers especially the Colonel. The Marquis
of Downshire he was a most pleasing companion like his
father sang a good song, and consequently his society much
seeked, but his acquirements were superficial he wanted
firmness of character and so he became a tool to a designing
party It was not long after he had joined the Dublin United
Irishmen the regiment being then quartered there, that I
discovered his awful dereliction from his duty, and his oath
to his King. I therefore insisted if he would not give up
the one, he must the other, in consequence he resigned his
Commission, after some time, I succeeded in draging
[dragging?] him out of Dublin to his beautiful farm near
Moira and endeavoured all I could to induce him to abandon
the insidious party he unfortunately had become linked with,
but their powers, and their flattering promises, set my
advice and my admonition at nought. He then sold his farm
and went to Belfast, just ere the rebellion broke out to be
distinguished with a Colonels Commission, under the United
Irish banner. Being his first appearance in that character,
he was at Donegar Hill but their defeat at Antrim broke up
that encampment and he became a fugitive. Like Dickey his
Commander and a reward of ú100 was offered for his
apprehension and the property of they who would harbour him,
to be given up to Military pillage, and themselves to
military punishment, which meant military flogging. My
residence at that period was in the vicinity of Belfast. I
was dining one day in the town at a friends, when my
gardener required to speak to me, he informed me that poor
Mason, the fugitive was in his house so worn down by hunger
and fatigue, that I could scarce know him, and that he had
no hope of being saved but thro [through?] me. I really
never felt myself in so difficult and dangerous a situation
as his presence in my house placed me. Prudence would have
induced one to refuse him shelter, but that good will,
friendship, I may say affection I always bore to him, and he
to me, overbalanced fear and calculating caution. I
therefore held to humanitys [humanities?] impulse and
determined to protect him if I could, His appearance when I
saw him, shocked me, he assured me he had never approached a
house since the defeat at Antrim, where he declared he was
not present, but remained at the camp, in command there,
that he had subsisted chiefly by sucking Cows at night, and
hiding in ditches during the day, he had buried in a moss
hole his military dress had a handkerchief on his head, in
place of his cocked hat, and had a ragged great coat on
which he somewhere pilfered, It really was an appalling
spectacle to see an elegant young man of such promise, so
early in life blighted in hopes and in character. Supposing
it even possible to save his life, which at that moment was
not probable, retribution for the many valuable lives
destroyed by that infatuated party, demanded examples to be
made, and who so proper to be the victims, as the leaders,
especially, he who must be ranked as a renegade. Respect
and delicacy to those in power who kindly aided me in
humanitys [humanities?] cause forbids me being more
explicit, then merely to say, I was enabled with safety to
myself, to keep this unfortunate in my house for a length of
time, and hoped to continue to do so, until punishment would
be succeeded by amnesty and pardon offered for repentance,
It happened that a very particular friend of mine from some
distance, called to see me, accompanied by his cousin, who
was an officer in a mounted regiment then quartered in
Belfast I could not avoid asking them to dine with me that
day, to which they consented. When any stranger visited me
of course Mason kept concealed. and on that occasion I
informed him he must particularly do so. Judge of my
surprise when he assured me, they were both warm united
Irishmen and that he had communication with each more than
once on that business and therefore he was as safe with them
as with me, consequently we formed one dinner party. When
these two Gents [Gentlemen?] were retiring they persuaded
poor weak Mason, to accompany them it being dusk, and they
would be responsible for his safety and return. The latter
I said was out of the question for if he once left my
protection he thereby threw it off and could not resume it
again but go he would and go he did, and the first news I
heard next morning was that he was a prisoner, and removed
to the prison ship until Government were prepared to try
him. His death seemed now inevitable. Our troop were then
on permanent duty and one of us was stationed in the
officers guard room in the provost. Some time after Masons
arrest I happened one day to be on this duty when a heavy
shower of rain drove a Mr. McCleverty into the room for
shelter, He was a magistrate of the County, and had been a
prisoner at the Donegar Camp, during the battle of Antrim,
and had come to prosecute Mason. Being known to this Gent
he communicated to me his business, and object of his coming
to Belfast, and that as he did not know the fellow
personally he had with him a prisoner taken at Antrim who
was also a deserter from the Downshire Malitia [Militia?]
and who had served under him in that regiment to prove his
having joined the rebels and accepted a command from them.
It so happened that as the shower ceased I was relieved from
my post and Mr. McCleverty and I left the house together.
Something induced me to watch where he went it was to an Inn
in North Street. His stay was short in it. It occurred to
me that he might there have his informer or evidence, I
therefore went in and boldly asked for Mr. McCleverty's man
and I was instantly admitted to him, a few words sufficed,
to satisfy me he was an unwilling witness, but had no
alternative to save his own life, but the proving tho
[though?] reluctantly against Mason. I proposed to him to
pay his passage to America and give him ú5 if he would go
and that day a ship was to sail for it, suffice he agreed
and whilst Mason was on his way from the prison ship to
Belfast his prosecutor was on his way to the American ship,
and in two hours after it had proceeded on the voyage. The
Court Martial was assembling to try the prisoner and he
lodged in the interim in the Provost, and the town a-hunting
for the witness of whom they could only discover that he had
left the Inn escorted by a soldier who said he had been sent
for him I then ventured to visit Mason I found him
disponding [sic] indeed and I did not dare to cheer him in
the least After considerable delay the Court finding they
had not evidence sufficient of Masons identity or guilt, Mr.
Pollock the Kings prosecutor knowing my connection with him
sent for me, and said now Jellett I know your [you are?]
loyal, and that you have great influence over Mason, I
therefore authorize you as a soldier to bring him to my
rooms, and on your way here advise him to give us all the
information he can, and if he does so on your account and
his other relations he shall be pardoned. I replied I would
bring him as directed but must leave him to mention his own
proposition. Accordingly I presented to his Gaoler the
order to deliver him to me, and of course it was obeyed, the
expectant culprit could scarce believe the reality, when I
communicated my mission, I even then did not dare to explain
to him, what I had done for his safety but said, if they
believed they could convict him they would, not have entered
into treaty, therefore, betray no living man, tell them them
all the secrets you know, which can serve that Government
you have injured, and would have overthrown. It is a debt
you owe them it will evince your contrition, and in some
degree quiet your own conscience, and will induce you to a
final separation from
that party which has been your ruin. Mr. Pollock wished me
to be present at their discourse, that I declined but said,
I would attend him when required, in about half an hour I
was called in, why said Mr. P--- he had told me nothing but
what I knew before, I have got no secrets from him, my reply
was, I had ever thought he was but a tool in others hands,
they thought he had military knowledge and some popularity
but all who knew him were aware, he had neither steadiness
or prudence, to be entrusted with matters of consequence,
witness his being left at Donegar during the Antrim
business, After some consideration, Mr.Pollock said he
would let him out on Bail, himself in ú1000 and two sureties
each for ú500 -- and would take me as one. Now Mason you
may now retire in your friends custody until to morrow when
I will expect your attendance with your bail, He and I
immediately proceeded to one of the leading men of the
disaffected party, him I hooked in as one of his bail, and
so I succeeded in rescuing him from death, and his friends
from disgrace.
I shall terminate this long anecdote by epitomising,
the rest of this unfortunates, "Finale". Early in the
Spring following the Rebellion he and I wound up our
affairs, and proceeded to Dublin, on our way as I thought to
America together, on entering that City, we parted, as I
thought only for the night, he to go to a sisters, and I to
my lodgings, to meet again on the morrow but alas for his
sad fortune, that day did not arrive for 7 years, when on my
return from America, I found poor Hastings Mason expiring in
wretchness, and poverty, I could not harrow up the feelings
of him who I affectionally regarded with all his faults, by
seeking his intermediate history, suffice, it was melancholy
bad, I even fear he was again concerned in Rebellion.
AMERICA
-----------------
In the Spring of 1799 Morgan Jellett sailed to America from
Dublin via the port of Cork. (PAGE 103 in MSS.)
AN OLD FOOL
------------
Amongst our passengers for America was a Mrs. Hugo an old
lady aged about 60 years, the object of her voyage was to
connubiate with a husband, who had left her fond arms some
30 years before, and never after noticed his loving wife
either by word or deed. and she then was going to claim her
conjugal rights, after having so long lived in dubious
widowhood, I could not but say alas poor old fool I fear you
may be disappointed more ways than one. Our destined port
was New York her husband lived in Baltimore she being much
exhausted by her voyage, and perhaps anxious to know how the
land lay, ere [before?] she undertook a journey of 200
miles, begged of me who was going to the latter City to make
the necessary enquiry for her, and fortunate it was for the
poor woman she had such prudence, and patience, for when I
did so, I found Mr. Hugo was then a corpse having another
wife and family behind him, in Baltimore.
A DANGEROUS ALTERNATIVE
(Page 103 in MSS.)
------------------------
One day of my voyage to America, a suspicious looking sail
appeared in the offing, which was as discovered making for
us. Our Captain viewed her with a very distrustful eye, as
she neared us, he decided in his own mind that she must be a
French privateer Scooner [Schooner?] if so we must be
captured and taken to the West Indies, as our ship being
laden with linen cloth, would be a valuable prize to them
Captain Waite being sole owner of our ship, his anxiety was
extreme, until he could ascertain whether friend or foe,
however in a little time her manouvring [manoeuvring?]
convinced him she was the latter, Our ship had rather a
warlike appearance, with sham portholes appearing, our
Captain called me below and advised me, to put on my best
suit of clothes, and hide in the best manner about me what
money I had, for assuredly if taken we would be robbed of
everything except what might be on our backs and probably
taken to Saint Domingo, and there rot in a prison, but for
his part he would rather go to the bottom than be captured
and that he was determined if they gave him an opportunity
to attempt running them down and to me only did he confide
his intention, when we again reached the deck our dreaded
visitant was about a 1/4 mile from us, bearing beautifully
up and in apparent peace and quietness to leeward hoping to
lull suspicion for being so superior to us in speed was able
to go round and catch us at their leisure, Capt Waite
hoisted American colours and the other declined answering
the signal by shewing [showing?] his when within hail. Our
Capt did so in the usual seaman's call. "Scooner [Schooner?]
ahoy", whence come ye" no reply was made, previous to this,
all our seamen and male passengers who could handle a rope,
were stationed ready to act, as ordered at a moment, Captain
Waite took the helm, and he told me to stand by him knowing
his hazardous intention, I watched his countenance, as the
critical moment approached it was anxiously determined and
animated his was the forlorn hope personified, the ships,
tho [though?] meeting each other had both a side wind, and
approached each other steadily. The French ship was much
smaller and lower in the water than ours her decks were
covered by tarpawling, [tarpaulin?] which completely hid her
guns, not more than 6 or 8 men appeared and they quite
seemingly unconcerned. We were now about 50 yards apart,
when our gallant Captain gave the word to square the sails,
put the helm hard up, and placed the tiller into my hand to
keep it so, in one minute the prow of our good ship struck
that of our opponent and had not their bowsprit given way we
would have run her down and perhaps sunk also in the vortex
made by her sinking our collision was a fearful experiment,
our ship perceptibly shivered but went on, not so the other,
she at first appeared as diving then spun around and reeled
ungovernable, her bowsprit was completely cut loose, as if
by a gigantic pair of scissors, we then could distinguish
her decks covered with men all in great confusion, and our
Captains opinion was that in all probability she would sink,
He however crowded all sail, and kept right before the
wind, until evening, he then changed his course again, for
the purpose of more effectually evading them if they had
been able to pursue, for unquestionably had they caught us
after such a bold dash, they would have murdered every soul
on board. On examining, whether our ship had received any
damage, the Fluke of the Scooners [Schooners?] anchor was
found to have been broken off by the concussion, and
remained firmly sunk in the prow of our good ship, without
injuring her, until we reached New York.
BEWITCHMENT OF THE EYE
(Page 105)
On my way from New York to Baltimore the passengers
having got into a desultory conversation on the fascination
of the eye a Gent [Gentleman?] said he would engage to catch
either wild bird or Quadruped provided it would remain
stationery [stationary?] until he could attract the sight or
perception of its eye on his, Few of his fellow travellers
but considered it a boast however ere long a pheasant was
observed perched on the upper rail of a wooden fence, here
was a trial of his skill the coach man pulled up the Gent
[Gentleman?] alighted, we were cautioned to be all quiet he
walked forward apparently unconcerned, of course fixing his
eye steadily on the bird he gradually neared it until he
actually put his hand on it and secured it.
On an after occasion I was riding with a Gent
[Gentleman?] when we discovered a Black bird fluttering in a
bush apparently in great excitement and distress my friend
being an American immediately said thats [that is?] a bird,
which a snake is charming into his mouth of course we
halted, to witness this to me new and most interesting
sight. We soon observed a large black snake coiled round
the bush its month wide open, its eyes glaring like fire,
but quite immovable. The poor bird unconsciously every
moment and in every movement neared its voracious enemy,
apparently so completely bewitched that it had no power to
resist the infatuation of the snake but as if voluntarily
absolutely entered his mouth and declined into his throat
without any visible exertion made by the snake to catch or
secure his prize. I would for humanitys [humanities ?] sake
have saved the bird but wished to witness the whole
exhibition, so as to endeavour to discover the magic power
in the snake which secured the prize and my firm conclusion
was that he accomplished his object by the power of the eye
alone and not as some persons who I mentioned the
circumstances to seemed to surmise, that it might be by the
breath.
YELLOW FEVER.
(Page 106 in MSS.)
That dreadful scourge to humanity with all its dreadful
horrors visited Baltimore the year after I went to America
it first made its appearance in the month of July and
continued its ravages for nearly 3 months the greatest
number of deaths per day was 74. the total amount of
sufferers who were buried were above 1700 persons almost the
whole of whom were intered [interred?] by one man of the
name of Agnew an Irishman who contracted with the City
Council to do so at one dollar per head, he had a covered
cart for the purpose of removing the bodies and 2 men to
make the requisite grave to hold 8 bodies the number
generally put into the cart as a load, Agnew miraculously
escaped the contagion notwithstanding his great exposure, I
afterwards was very particular in my enquiry how he
conducted himself and he informed me he had never commenced
his daily occupation until after he had eat a good
substantial breakfast he then dressed himself in his working
suit which was all well tared [tarred?] as was his hands and
face he then took a glass of brandy and put a clove or
garlish [garlic?] [garnish?] or a piece of tobacco into his
mouth which he kept up during the day and never swallowing
his spittle, the orders given was for a white article to be
hung out of the windows in front of each house where a
corpse was, Agnew took the City by Streets and where he
observed the signal entered and having tied up the dead body
in a sheet or quilt hoisted it on his back and threw it into
his cart and so proceeded until he had eight then drove to
the Lazaretto burying ground backed his cart to the prepared
hole and cast its loathsome contents therein some quicklime
being then thrown over the bodies the place was filled up
and a new one prepared for another cargo and so on until
about 5 O'clock in the evening when Agnew retired home he
changed his clothes and went into a cold bath then took his
dinner and a hearty glass after it and such was his
heartless employment from day to day until the fever ceased
its devastation and each evening he had to make his return
of the number of interments to the proper officer. He
assured me there were many cases where he had removed the
whole family one after another he often took a dead body
from a bed where lay another person nearly expiring and he
often found a corpse in houses where none remained to or
capable of exhibiting the death signal. For a length of
time there was much disputation among the medical faculty
whether the yellow fever was epidemic or contagious or in
other words whether the infection was communicated by
contiguety [contiguity?] with the afflicted or not.
Incontrovertable [incontrovertible?] facts appeared to
confirm the opinion of it being epidemic. There was a
certain quarter of the City in which no case was ever known
to originate and if any persons living in that portion
became infected, it could always be traced to their having
visited the impure part of the City, especially in the night
early in the morning ere the sun had time to dispel the
noxious effluvia or in the evening after it had begun to
gather neither could one case be substantiated of the
infection having been communicated by the invalid when taken
to a healthy part of the country to any individual. Agnew
seemed aware of this security for he removed his family to
the healthy quarter as soon as he was employed in his
dangerous office and he even ventured to bring a young woman
who had lost her mother and only sister in the fever, when
evidently infected, to his own house, and where she died tho
[though?] under the care of his wife but whether humanity or
interest prompted him is not for me to say, his neighbours
declared he got rich booty by her death, certainly between
one thing and another he that year feathered his nest
comfortably for life. My Baltimore friends family at that
time consisted of above 30 persons principally people of
colour whom he employed in Ironmanufacturing. His house was
situated in the healthy quarter of the City and he shortly
confined all his family to his own premises and when
business required him to visit the unhealthy parts he always
went during the heat of the day in consequence they all
escaped the fever I lived in the country in a very healthy
place and had every arrangement made to send waggons at an
hours notice for all the family if the fever should make its
appearance in the healthy quarter, but such was the dread of
persons in the country of going to the City that few could
be prevailed on at any price to go or send even their slaves
there. The consequence was those inhabitants who from
necessity had to remain in the City found it most difficult
to procure the necessaries of life and nothing but the great
prices offered and given to those who did venture would have
induced farmers to run the risk of entering that
pestilential atmosphere. I was one however who did so. I
regularly attended a market place once a week which was in
the healthy part of the City, but had to pass through the
most polluted portion to reach it, however I made it a rule
neither to eat nor drink in the City nor delay longer than
necessary and that only during the middle of the day. It
was a truly melancholy and appaling [appalling?] sight to
pass a mile thro [through?] the main street of so fine a
city at midday and scarce see an inhabitant and those who
perchance might appear were muffled up and hurrying to
procure absolute necessaries. The rats seemed in the quiet
possession of the town scarcely heeding the casual appearing
of a human being or a waggon hurrying to the market place.
TURKEY SHOOTING.
(Page 109 in MSS.)
As the American lands became peopled and the woods more
cleared these fine birds became more scarce consequently in
the neighbourhood of old settlements they are now a luxury
and much in request. Being a tolerable sportsman and a very
fond one too and having read much of the gigantic size of
these wild birds especially as stated by the well known Penn
"as sometimes to weigh 40 pounds", I felt particularly
anxious to visit some of their undisturbed haunts. My
Baltimore relative had some very valuable and respectable
friends possessing extensive Iron works and lands at the
Catocton mountains. Their residence being in that
neighbourhood it was settled between my friend and those
Gent that as soon as October should arrive we were to visit
them, the turkeys then beginning to be in prime order.
Accordingly early in that month my friend and I proceeded by
a stage conveyance to Frederick town 50 miles distance to
the residence of Colonel Johnston which was to be our head
quarters. This Gent was both an eminent lawyer and had been
in the Revolutionary war a gallant officer but he did not
like many whom I met in America hurt the feelings of a
British subject by declaiming against the mother country,
but rather lamented for the blindness of her counsellors
which drove her colonies (most unwillingly) in the dreadful
war-tug of brother against brother in fact this person was
the best specimen I met in America of a perfect gentleman.
His elder brother Governor Johnston and a younger brother
were joint proprietors of one of the most profitable Iron
works in Maryland their own lands produced the timber
wherewith to make the requisite charcoal and the iron ore
for smelting with a full command of water to work their
Engines by furnace forge and Casting and all manual labour
was performed by their own slaves and their own horses and
waggons. The senior brother was a complete specimen of the
old school of the real independent, uncompromising
republican, he had filled a most prominent part in the
contest for liberty was a favourite military officer in
command under Genl [General?] Washington a confidential
selected member for Maryland in the first American Congress
and the first republican Governor [Governor?] of that state
and when I saw him Cincinatuslike: he had retired to enjoy a
rural affluence, he was plain in his appearance simple in
his dress rich in his language commanding in his deportment
and almost unbounded in his knowledge and acquirements and
had Genl [General?] Washington lived but a few months longer
than he did, it had been so arranged that I was to have
accompanied this Gent on a visit for a week to that great
man.
But I must not permit these agreeable recollections to
drive the turkey killing sport out of my anecdote. I was
not long at Frederick town until young Mr. Johnston and I
proceeded to the Mountain which was covered with timber in
quest of game, squirrels end pheasants were numerous and
many fell, sufficient in a little time to load our negro
attendant. We then sent him to one of the mills and we
proceeded in silence to a more retired part of the ground
where we hoped to meet with turkeys. We came to an elbow of
a mountain road here my companion placed me, taking a wide
circle with the dogs, so as to drive the birds if there,
into my ambuscade. [ambush?] My anxious eye kept both
roads in strict observance. In about half an hour when I
was almost in despair the head and neck of a most
magnificent turkey cock made its appearance peeping through
some bushes, erected full four feet high, to view if all was
clear, he gave a signal lowered himself and dashed across
the road, into cover, I was so astonished I could not bring
my gun to bear on him, in truth, I almost forgot in my
admiration that I had a gun, for never had I before seen
such a bird. He was immediately followed by another
apparently not so large who acted precisely as his leader
had done and I as puerile as before let him pass undisturbed
until I believe 20 of them crossed the road within 30 yards
of mewithout [me without?] my having even presented my gun
at one of them. I really seemed as if spell bound, the dogs
soon appeared and then came young Johnston whom I was almost
ashamed to expose my impotence to however, my anxiety to
retrieve it induced me to tell him, he laughed heartily at
me told me he could have shot a small hen but wished to give
me a chance of a picked one, but dont despair said he we
must take another cast together and we will I trust
intersect their line of march. We did so, and succeeded in
crossing about their centre, for as I had observed at first
they were about equal numbers male and female and when we
found them again I shot a cock and he a hen, and the rest
were gone past all expectancy of our again meeting them.
Indded [Indeed?] the weight I had to carry to the mill a
distance of a couple of miles proud as I was of my burthen
[burden?] tired me through. When I got there my prize was
found to weigh 28 pounds such a bird I never saw since or
before his colour was a copper black he must have been a
year at least over bird, but I am confident the first cock
which I saw was many pounds heavier then him. A more
successful and less fatiguing mode of killing these fowl is
practised at night and the darker the better. They are
particularly fond of Buckwheat which is sown in July and is
ripe in October, when a flock of these birds discover a
field of this grain near their haunt they are sure every
night to visit it until discovered and fired at, but after
that they never return, but seek for some other. The
sportsmen who intend to surprise them have an attendant with
a large candle in a lantern and a small hand bell He
proceeds cautiously and without exhibiting his light to the
fence on one side of the field on which he mounts then he
exposes his light and tinkles his Bell. If the turkeys are
in the field the old cock challenges and the whole attention
of the flock is to the cause. The sportsmen then advance
quietly from the opposite side until they get a view of the
object of their solicitude. Having arrived at a proper
distance they then fire as near as possible together, for in
one minute all uninjured disappear, the Bell man with his
light joins the shooters to pick up the slaughtered which
sometimes are numerous for the flock always on such
occasions congregate close probably for mutual protection.
The only night I went out there were three guns and we got
four birds. I spent three most delightful weeks among these
three brothers during which time I got more knowledge of the
American Character and Customs than many travellers who have
written volumes on the subject could impart and I left that
neighbourhood with pleasing recollections of kindness,
hospitality and delight which never can escape my fond
recollections or be forgotten while memory lasts.
PERSONATING INSANITY.
As we returned to Baltimore by the public coach we had
to start at a very early hour and had a long stage before
Breakfast my friend when on travel carried with him a small
flask of brandy a little sugar and some crackers which with
a little mock [milk?] made a good auxiliary for a long ride
before Breakfast, having a heavy hill to ascend our driver
requested the passengers to walk up it. The morning being
cold we stepped out and on gaining the top we espied a woman
entering her house with a can of new milck [milk?]. My
friend begged her to accommodate him with some which she
kindly consented to do and invited us in, where we took our
morning collation. Two dandys [dandies] who were also
passengers animated (sic) intruded themselves and finding we
did not give them the invite invited themselves to a dish of
apple butters a kind of jam made with the pulp of apples
boiled in best Cider and which the good woman had been
making the night before. Our vehicle coming up my friend
presented the woman with a piece of silver for his
accommodation and not having observed the young bucks doing
the like gave them a gentle hint to do so, presuming they
had forgotten Impudence and Puppyism are generally
connected, so with them, they became impertinent to him
whose years and appearance should have commanded respect. I
soon took up the cudgels, an Irishman requires much less
provocation than I had to do so. I at once stepped between
them and the coach and insisted that if they did not pay for
their Jam I would jamb [prevent?] them from getting into
their seats, for no swindlers should travel in my company.
My friend did not lack in spirit yet was fond of a joke, so
he whispered to the apparently exasperated individuals, not
to irritate me for I had only very lately been liberated
from a Madhouse. This hint calmed their choler, they paid
the woman and very cautiously removed to as great a distance
from me in the coach as possible. It then came into my
head to persevere during our journey in supporting my new
character, and my friend seemed actuated by the same
impulse. At breakfast he would not permit me to use a knife
or fork but cut my cold ham and venison for me. All the
party especially the before named pair were peculiarly shy
of me, particularly when I wanted a razor to shave. As we
were again on our way toward midday a respectable young
widow lady got in as a passenger and it so happened the only
vacant seat was next me. Being tired of the long reserve my
new character had imposed on me, I soon commenced a chat
with her which I took care should be eccentric and I
professed great admiration of her and I cannot say how far
it might have succeeded but for our reaching our dining
house. A short time before that we had overtaken a waggoner
whom the widow familiarly noticed. The moment we stopped I
slipped unobserved to meet this man and from him I learned
the widows name number of her children, negroes extent of
her farm, the time of husbands death, how and where, I then
returned to my company, who were just sitting down to
dinner. I endeavoured to get beside my nice widow but
during my absence she had been told the fearful tale of my
insanity consequently cut the connection. My friend however
took me in charge and as at breakfast cut my meat. I played
more than one prank during our meal and I was as well
watched. Dinner over and our horse fed we were called to
take our seats once more, but my new female acquaintance
seemed very shy of resuming her former one, but my friend
assured her that with ladies I was always correct. I soon
began the subject of my admiration of her and of my
prefering [preferring?] a widows experience to a flirting
maid. To this she replied very coyly, that she had lost one
of the best of husbands but lately, had a family to take
care of and never intended to marry again. I assured her I
respected her feeling much for the loss of so good a husband
as Mr.Howard was, and dying as he did so suddenly, the poor
woman looked at me with agitated astonishment, yes said I, I
know he left you in good health went to Baltimore to receive
a good deal of money due him for paper and to take orders
for a further supply for his paper mill he got the money,
but you did not, however he left you very comfortable a good
farm of 500 acres, 10 Negroes and three fine children your
eldest a boy now 7 years old the youngest a girl not weaned
when he died and a good paper mill in full work altho
[although?] now idle for want of a conductor, therefore my
dear Madam your situation requires a husband when the usual
year of mourning shall expire and that will be in about 3
months you will then be warrantable, indeed, absolutely
necessary for you to accept of another protector and I trust
before that time if you permit my visits at your plantation
we may be acceptable enough to each other. By the time I
had finished my expose she was so astounded as to be
incapable of speaking indeed she was more like one going
into a fainting fit, all seemed surprised but none so much
as my brother in law who had not the slightest conception
how or when I had got the information he even doubted its
veracity supposing it all my own fabrication but as soon as
Mrs Howard recovered composure enough to speak she said in
the name of God who are you and where are you from. I
unhesitatingly told my name that I was a true born Irishman
and had only been 4 months in America then said she you must
be a wizard to know so much of one you say you never saw
before, therefore said I the greater my knowledge should be
your inducement for the match. She burst into tears I saw I
had gone far enough therefore ceased and in a little time we
reached our destination much to the relief of most of the
company. However the next morning brought the widow to my
sisters to endeavour to bribe me to tell her about the money
which I had stated her husband had about him when he died
and of which she said she always had suspicions of. It then
became necessary to undeceive her and to account for how I
obtained my information which had induced her to believe me
to have supernatural knowledge. COLONEL O'DONNELL
[ODONNELL?]
(Page 116in MSS.)
This Gent [Gentleman?] lived about 2 miles out of
Baltimore his Domain which was very extensive lay on a ruck
of land on the North side of the entrance to Baltimore bay
the situation tho [though?] low was picturesque but
unhealthy. It was on this Gents property the British Genl
[General?] Ross was killed and whose death saved Baltimore.
Col [Colonel?] O'Donnell [ODonnell?] was an Irishman, and
like his country men famed for hospitality his estate tho
[though?] so near a city abounded with game, and any Gent
properly introduced obtained permission to shoot on it, I
had become acquainted with a Mr Olliver an intimate of the
Colonels and with him I went to have a days shooting being
introduced and on soliciting for permission he said it must
be on certain terms one was that each must kill him a pea
fowl, and the other that we must return at 3 O'clock to
partake of his dinner. They appeared easy and agreeable
enough engagements to make provided we could find such birds
and so we promised. The Gamekeeper was in attendance and he
soon brought us to where there were abundance of Partridge
these birds appear to be a mongrel between the Irish
partridge and Quail and midway in size and when sprung from
their feed take to the branches of trees, where the American
sportsmen deliberately shoot at them. The Gamekeeper seemed
quite astonished at seeing me take them down on the wing,
during the time I had been killing several brace of these
birds I had not observed one Pea fowl therefore thought the
request to kill a couple was a quiz of the old Gent however
on asking the man where the Pea fowl were to be found he
said he would shew [show?] us but we must be very cautious
of making any noise for they were very wary and hard to get
a shot at. After some time we reached a large field in
which a flock of at least 100 were feeding and on top of a
high tree near them we saw one perched as sentinel to guard
the rest from surprise, and it was not until we had failed
in several attempts that we succeeded in procuring one.
After however a day of ample sport we returned to our kind
hosts dinner where we found a young pea hen formed part of
our repast and a more delicious bird I never tasted. During
dinner we were visited by a most beautiful pet male deer,
perfectly white, who was permitted to enter the dining room
at meal time, and to partake of crusts cakes and fruit. On
our departure I received a very friendly invitation to
repeat my visit when agreeable, but as he was an old
bachelor he taxed all such sportsmen as my friend and me,
that we must give our name to his housekeeper as we came in
and our company to him at dinner when we returned a pleasing
injunction for so much amusement and which I more than once
afterwards availed myself. About a year after my first
introduction, I one day took my gun determining to call on
this kind Gent [Gentleman?] when I neared the house I heard
a shout of distress from a retired coppice. I instantly
dashed in and discovered the poor old Colonel prostrate and
the ungrateful pet deer goreing him. On seeing me he
shouted for me to shoot him. However confiding in my own
strength I considered I could save both by seizing the
infuriated buck by the horns and secure him. I indeed was
little aware of the task I had contemplated I first caught
him by the horns in a moment he threw me on my back I
however held my grip yet I found his powers quite equal to
raising me up and pounding me down again I therefore got my
feet upon each of his shoulders by which purchase I held him
stationary in defiance of his great strength and there we
remained eyeing each other in determined contest for
victory. How it might have ended I cannot say but the
Colonel the moment he was relieved, tho [though?] sorely
bruised, made for the house which fortunately was near and
sent men with ropes to secure him and release me, and ere I
could plead for his life his throat was cut and he suspended
from the branch of an oak tree and the next day a hind
quarter of him sent to my sisters for me so ended poor
Acteon the pets name he bore but not so the Colonels bruises
for they were weeks reminding him of his overthrow and
escape.
NEGRO DICK
(page 118 in MSS.)
It is quite a favourite subject among Englishmen the
censuring the Americans for permitting slavery to exist in
that free country they who do so forget or perhaps are
ignorant that it was when that country belonged to Great
Britain that slaves were introduced into America and that it
was British law which made them the chattel property of
their owners, the same as their stock of cattle, and that
therefore habit made them as necessary an appendage
contributing to their support as their horses their cows
their sheep or their swine. The Americans have done much
and are doing more to eradicate this unjustifiable property
but it can only be done by degrees the evil crept in and it
must creep out again for I am confident if all the slaves in
America were manumited [manumitted?] by one sweeping law,
they would become a curse to themselves and a burthen
[burden?] on society and I can confidently say that in
comparing the situation of the negroes in America whom I had
any knowledge of and the labouring people in the North of
Ireland the former were better clothed better fed better
bedded and not more slaved with work than the latter. In
Ireland we feel no interest in the labourer but to get a
good days work out of him but in America there is a
permanent interest that secures consideration and respect.
My brother in law before mentioned possessed a number of
slaves of both sex, the men worked in an Iron Manufactory,
and from necessity he had occasionally to purchase but never
would he sell one. The subject of this anecdote Negro Dick
was his property, a remarkable fine active spirited fellow,
of about 21 years of age he was the best nail maker I ever
saw, on a trial for a wager he worked up in twelve hours a
bundle of nailrod Iron into twelve penny brads, which made
52 pounds of wrought work, wining [winning?] the bet
cleverly. During the Baltimore races which there were
annually the boys of my friends factory were favoured with
permission for one day to visit them, they having arrived
the usual permission was granted to all but Dick, who having
attempted once to run away therefore was exempted, but
knowing that he was a favourite with me and I a favourite of
his masters he entreated me to request that he might
accompany the party, making the most solemn assurance of his
punctual return and good conduct. In consequence I made the
application, and his master granted it evidently with
reluctance saying he feared we would never see him again for
he knew the runaway determination existed in him I however
determined to attend the course and have an eye on him, I
also in confidence gave him a charge to each and every of
the other lads, Six o'clock in the evening was the
prescribed hour for their return. I had seen him often
during the day and in company with his companions and had no
fears for his safety. However as the party returned in
groups each said that Dick was just behind them with some
other until at last all had returned except Dick. It was
then sundown but I instantly set off for the course which
was about two miles distant it I perambulated visiting
carefully every tent until a late hour in vain, When I
returned desponding [ and vexed indeed for this loss
occasioned by my interference, for he would have sold for
ú100, I retired to bed intending next morning to resume the
search. During my sleep I deramt [dreamt?] I saw the
runaway on one of the wharfs engaging with a sailor to take
him on shipboard. When I awoke my dream stimulated me to an
early commencement of my overnight intentions, and as soon
as it was light I started on my enterprise. The quays and
wharfs are very numerous in Baltimore, and I not much
acquainted with them. However I determined to take them in
detail, commencing at the first small craft. I did so, not
however having much faith in my dream, conceiving it arose
from the anxiety of the mind, and the object I had in view
for the morning when I went to rest, I had carefully
explored every wharf and the approaches to them and I had
just examined the last but one unsuccessfully, but the
moment I got round a wall which opened to the last one to
me, and where I never had before been I immediately knew it
to be like I saw to my great joy the object of my search in
converse with a sailor. exactly as they had appeared in my
dream. I had neared him within about 80 yards ere he saw me
he instantly fled, I pursued, and seeing a large dog, I
hunted him on to the chase, Dick finding the mastiff was
likely to catch him he very knowingly took off his hat held
it to him, and he seized it instead of my object. I found
then I must rely on my own activity which I then had some
reason to be confident in and which Dick was well acquainted
with. He seemed nearly as much acquainted with that part of
the City which was called the Point, as I was, for he headed
up to a creek which must have stopped him, but there
happened to be a loose raft of timber lying on it, he
ventured on it and almost at every step he fell in between
the logs but he scrambled on every moment in danger of being
drowned (for he could not swim) until he made the opposite
bank. I of course declined following his dangerous track
and had to make a considerable circle to gain the same
position. When I did so I saw him many hundred yards ahead
making for a wood, the ground of which was full of bramble
and copse. I found I was gaining on him fast and so did he,
for he kept a fearful watch he then halted to rid himself of
his shoes these when I came up to them I lifted, and held to
my pursuit gaining still. The wood appeared near enough for
him to gain, ere I could overtake him, when fortunately
another creek intervened, in his descending to which I lost
sight of him. I here found lying some distance from the
bank two hulks of vessels I tracked Dicks feet into the
water I followed supposing him to have taken refuge in one
of them, but I found the water was too deep for either him
or me to wade, I therefore as an old sportsman searched up
stream for our trace and after his having kept the water
about 30 yards I discovered his mark again. I therefore was
confident he must be lurking near. At last seeing a
stagnant pool of water with long grass growing through it, I
knew it could not be deep and in it I dashed and soon
discovered his black face among the weeds, and all the rest
of him under the water. When detected he jumped up and I
really believe had I not put a pistol to his breast he would
have tried strength with me, I bound his arms with my
handkerchief and so marched him a prisoner to Town. We were
just entering his masters enclosure as the family were
rising from their slumbers. I a very proud personage he
poor man trembling at every joint, his fate was soon settled
a Bomb shell weighing 50 pounds was attached by a chain to
his leg, never to be removed whilst he or his master should
live as his companion at his work his meals and his bed.
Had he surrendered to me when I first discovered him, it
would not have been so bad but his flight determined his
fate.
Months and months passed over, during all which time,
his chains daily rung a knell grating to all our ears,
especially to my sister and my wife, but to ask for their
removal would we knew only lead to another attempted escape.
However on consultation we adopted the following expedient,
a person having advertised to purchase a few young negro men
and boys for his farm in Maryland, we concluded for me to
beg Dick from his Master, without restriction as to keeping
him, my sister giving him a hint of my motive. In
consequence I became nominally his owner and being
acquainted with and not realishing [relishing?] such traffic
my friend acted in the sale for me. Upon being informed of
our intention the purchaser appeared, and Dick was
introduced with his heavy metal the buyer gave his name as a
resident in Maryland. Dick was asked would he wish him for
a master he looked at him most shrewdly then replied "you
look like a Georgia slave dealer, if you are have nothing to
do with me, for as sure as you are I will run away at the
risk of my life but if you are what you say I will serve you
faithfully." After some bargaining the purchase was
completed but Dick to remain in irons and at work as usual,
until his new master was ready to leave town. All parties
seemed pleased and in a few days he was duly paid for and
taken away some months after, my friend received a letter
via Philadelphia from the Secretary of the Society for the
abolition of slavery stating that a negro of the name of
Dick, had been taken up as a runaway slave pursuant to an
advertisement and since claimed by a Georgia planter as his
property purchased by him from my Baltimore friend, the
truth of which was denied by the negro and requesting from
him a satisfactory reply for if there was any fraud in the
transaction, by the laws of Pensilvania [Pennsylvania?] that
society would defend his case and obtain his freedom to this
he replied he had never sold a negro to any one, that he had
assisted his brother in law in disposing of a negro named
Dick to such a person, who stated himself a citizen of
Maryland, but not to the person now named as claiming the
runaway and if he was the same person, he had bought the
negro under a false name, and a false named residence, and
which he was ready to prove when called on, the consequence
was the man found he would be defeated on a trial, if he
proceeded, he therefore give Dick up and so he became a free
man for ever.
DREAMING EXTRAORDINARY.
(Page 123 in MSS.)
The dream alluded to in the foregoing anecdote might be
deemed as incidental to the state of my mind when I went to
sleep but that which I am now going to relate can bear no
such conclusion. Dreams have never been clearly accounted
for my own opinion is, that there is a divine inspiration in
many dreams, graciously conveyed by that invisible agency
for some benefit or use to ourselves or others and never in
the slightest degree to injure any one and this indicates a
Divine origin, but to my story I had purchased three dry
cows in Baltimore, to put on my farm in the month of March,
a piece of wood was tied across each cows horns to prevent
them running into the woods on their journey and sent off in
charge of a careful boy. Night however came on ere he
reached my farm and he left the cows there and went to seek
a house shelter for himself. In the morning two cows only
were forthcoming and with them he reached my farm. For
several days diligent search was made for the other, but in
vain. I then advertised her as a stray but without effect.
I therefore considered her as lost in the woods. Many
months passed over when I was informed that a farmer about
10 miles from me and about the same distance from where the
cow had been lost, had a stray cow. I therefore determined
to visit him, and as his residence lay in a part of the
country I was acquainted with and no road leading to it I
concluded to walk and to take a negro with me as a guide. I
dressed myself in a short blue jacket with a red cape, which
I had worn as an undress in the Belfast troops and with my
staff in hand I set forth on what I feared would be a
luckless errand. I was young and active the day fine, the
prospects occasionally beautifully diversified with wood and
water. The autumnal Bronze adding its mellow tinted lustre
to the foliage. After an agreeable walk of nearly 3 hours
my guide brought me in view of the place of my destination.
The house stood on a hill side and had a comfortable and
respectable appearance, the persons approaching it as we did
were visible for some hundred yards as we neared it we saw
some men employed in front of the barn and for them I made
conceiving it likely that the proprietor might be one of
them, and I was right it was the father and his two sons. I
saw as I approached them that I had been the object of their
attention and conversation. On reaching them I introduced
myself to the elder person saying I had lost a cow and that
I was informed the owner of that place had a s
