Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-08-18
ABDUCTION.

|
month, Mr.. Harwood, tho faithful Keeper OF
the Aims House, of this town, was awakened
/ by knocking at his private door, and arising
from his slumbers, he threw on his clothes, re-
paired to an outer apartment, and demanded
Of his midnight disturber, his wishes, and the
causes that induced him, to make u visit at
that late, and unusual hour.
The stranger, after apologhing for intruding,
stated, that he came on business of vast mpor-
tance, to young and interesting female, and
to the cause Of humanity, and being seated
told his story. He said, that by artifce, he
had just discovered, that an interesting young
female, resident of Pawtucket, had, by the
wilcs Of villain, been seduced from the house
of her guardian, conveyed to the residence OF
questionable woman Of the town, where she
then was, in tharldom, and if something was
not instantly done to redeem her from her per-
ilous situation, infamy, disgrace. and pollution,
must be the inevitable result Of the adventures
Of the night
The humanes keeper of the Aims House did
not hesitate about acting; and in a moment,
was prepared to accompany the complainant
to the scene of mfamy and disgust; but as the
night was then far advanced, after consdera
| bic compensation. it was deemed most meet
! that the visit should not be made till morning
when the young girl could be restored without
difficulty, and without giving rise to the dis
turbanccs, which an attempt at her rescue was
likely to engcndcr.
Concluding on this arrangement, the inform
ant returned to mis- home; and the keeper OF
the Aims House, weary with the fatigucs of
the day, betook himself to bed; but he had
not lain long on his pillow, when reflection
seized him; and fearing that the girl might be
lost, if he suffered her TO remain in her then
perilous situation, he determined to fly to her
rescue, without more delay or consideration.
Thus determined, Tho repaired to the house of
questionable fame, and having gained admit
tance, demanded her immediate restoration;
when the old Hecate, who kept the house
produced her; and remarked that she was not
at all accountable for her being in her domicil
that she was brought there by her sister, who
had simply asked for lodgings, which were af-
forded her, as willingly as they would be to
any other person.
The keeper, well knowing that this was
nothing but the common told tale of an infa-
nous woman, remarked, that the girl mus, be
instantly taken care of, and removed; but as
the landlady gave him every assurance that she
should be well taken care of, and allowed a
separate apartment, it was determined, that
the unhappy girl should remain where she was,
till the ensuing morning.
About day-brcak, the keeper called for her,
andthough he found her in tears, ,and under tho
influences Of the most distressing anguish, the
old jczcbcl, the keeper of the house had tho
tcmcrty to avow, that she did not wish TO do
part, but chose to make her infamous dwelling
her abiding place and asylum. But the keep
cr was not to be wheeded by such palpable
falsehoods, and ordering the girl to his pres
cncc, demanded of her, if she would remain at
*It is nothing more than common justice to
! say Of this gentleman, that since he has had
the anagemcnt of our Aims House, period
| of almost twenty years, he has discharged the
arduous duties assigned INN with fidelity and
ability, always keeping single eye TO justice
and humanity.
Our present Aims House, is situated in one
of the most insalubrious districts of the town,
and is one of the most dismal abodcs concciv-
able. We congratulate tho Lsuiicrcr, and the
wrctchcd and distressed, that a more comfor-
J table situation will be provided for them in the
| Asylum; where it is hoped, they VIII be di-
vested Of that misery, and Of that cloud al
melancholy darkness and dependency, which
has too long envclopcd them, and rendered
their days and nights, the days and nights OF
sorrow and despair.
II is "a matter Of astonishmont, that our Aims
House has been suffered to exist so long as IT
has, and when the occupants shall have been
removed from il, we hope, il will be rrostrat-
! cd like the Blslilo, that not trace may be
left TO mark the spot, where the cup ofhuman
suffering has too often been filled 10 the RIM,
| and where the unfortunate maniac, the lcpcr,
and the abandoned offspring OF infapy, have
dwclt in common. and dragged out the rcni-
! nant Of a miserable existence. Our Asylum,
will he croditablc 10 the town, and many an
unfortunate, rs he roans within iis walls, with
eyes upturncd, will implorc the bcnedic'ions of
nifccnt and philanihropc founder, EBzNrzrR