Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-06-08


of my papers and clothes which he per-
mitted he TO use, by having one OF his men
observe me shift, and see that nothing was
misplaced. He likewise gave me rice e.
nough to eat /; though my place was very
wet and uncomfortable. | then from day
to day endeavored to be permitted TO give
some information OF myself, but he deni-
ed me that privilege, positively declaring
| should never give any information where
| was, and that should never be released.
then endeavored ransom but without ei-
feet. From that moment | was determl-
ned to make my escape, or lose my lie
in the attempt.
For several nights kept wakeful, but
was so closely watched that there was no
possibility Of escape-when on the ninth
night after my capture obtained some IN
formation through Chinese, that the Go
vernment were about sending force a
gainst them. They then had their spies
out every day, and the Chinese. being
treacherous to them, gave me every iafor-
nation respecting the Dutch troops, how
they advanced, and what position they
were in from day TO day. then determi-
ned TO wait the event of the troops coming
and endeavor to make the event, OF an en-
gagement, my opportunty.-Accordlngly
keeping myself in constant readiness was
as it were upon the tenler books of Death
for "a hours-when on the morning OF the
4th of Feb. aheut daylight, heard mus
ke,s.-The whole village was instantly a
I larmed, the women running in all drec-
tons, ami the men marching to meet the
enemy, except three armed men to take me
into the woods, then found ! should have
no other opportunity, Il endeavoured 10 keep
in the village as long as possible, to ascer-
tain the event OF the attack but in vain,
they being anxious began 10 use force, when
| was obliged to 20 with them, and having
nothing 10 defend myself, was determined
6rs to try some deception, and il unsuc-
cesslul, then to take hold of the frs, wea-
pom could End and resist them. accord
ingy approaching the woods seigned FAINT
ness aud fell, when they stopped to raise,
me, at the same time endeavoured to get
them TO stay by me, thet might not be la
ken by their enemieS--"hen gun was IL
red which so alarmed them that they ran
few PAGES from me, when instantly Jump
ed up and ran from them. | had not gone
far before was again intercepted hy one
armed, and ohlgedto flee mo wood in
an opposite direction from the Dutch troops,
and being 50 closely pursued was obliged
to hide in a thicket where he passed me
within few yards, without discovering NE.
After which was six times more chased
anu very closely searched alter, olce
lay in the water seven hours with sa'aSes
searching m'ny times within twenty PAGES
OF me when it came dark, maze aaother
attempt but Icing lost and be" Ildrred, got
into the water, where il Was with great
deal of difficulty could get Out, II beng
so extIemely dark. After getting out was
again dsco,e rea in TIE WOODS y The ssva-
yes, wpo searched until towards moIn'uS
with torcLes, sometimes almost near IN ugh
TO rc ach me with their spears. At about
O'Clock in the morning they gave up the
search, when again entravoured 10 had
the way TOWARDS the troops, anu ny means
of star which appeared soon ailrl ! O.
clock, whicn by placing sick aud watch
ing it, found hch way IlroSe, and which
way to direct my course.
AtlIo'clock ths 9th reached The troops
having been ~ hours without any nourish-
mcnl and without any clothes. My .eet
anu legs as we'll as my body, were torn by
the bushes and SO exhausted, that when
reached the troops il was with difficulty |
could stand. could write much more but
the recollection Of 10y suferings, and the
anxiety OF my mind on account OF tGe de-
rangement these events have thrown my
business into that can hardly connect my
ideas.
Thus, after undergoing the utmost hard
ships, and experiencing the most barbarous
trt atment, was Capt. Gerrish prGvIdental j.
ly rescued from captivity an dealh-ahd
proceeded on his voyage 10 Europe. But
other trials and difficulties, il seems, were
reserved Tor this unfortunate Gentleman
for after proceeding to Holland, thence to