Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-03-01
or who have been prevented from

4
breathing the free, untainted air OF
heaven, can form any notion Of my
feelings at that moment. Enyeloped
as was in rags and familiar with filth,
| certainly thought more about free
dom from captivity, than about either
friendship Of love. The good old
man reiterated his injunctions az we
went along, and added this as his chief
reason for such precaution: 8 do not
wish the cheerful serenity Of my do.
mestc enjoyments to be ruffled, or my
children's happiness to be destroyed
"In about half an hour we arrived
at the Government-house, which was
situated in one of the most delightful
valleys Of the island. Though not
large, it was constructed in such
manner as to afford comfortable and
convenient accommodation to a gen.
teel family. Its interior was fitted up
in rather an antique style, which be-
spoke taste and refinement, devoid Of
splendor and ostentation. followed
my venerable guide into a spacious
| saloon, ia which all the members of
! the family were assembled and | was
30 shocked on viewing myself in a
mirror, which reflected my figure from
head to foot, that sickened with dis
gust at my squalid and uncouth ap-
pearance, and wished instantly to re-
treat from observation. But the Gov
ernor, taking me kindly by the hand,
desired me to advance, and said My
dear children, this is the English pris-
oner whom | mentioned to you yes.
terday; he is your enemy, it is true,
but he is an officer and a gentleman.
After suffering long and rigorous
confinement, he is now your guest;
therefore remember the cautions
which have given you, and treat him
as your hearts shall dictatc.'
"Thus the whole family, Of which |
was an inmate, formed one social cir.
Gle, where all was gaiety, happiness,
and peace. Every night when | re-
tired to rest, [ taxed myself with the
crime ofhaving an inclination to break
my promise with the GOVERNOR
Most fortunate was it for me, that
there was more than one object to ex-
cite my admiration! The three charm
ing sisters we're all viewed by me as
equally fascinating: yet each Of them
was so different from the others, that
it was impossible for me, who general
ly saw them together, to resolve upon
which should have fixed my afec.
tions, had | possessed the power Of
choice without infringing my word of
honour. Though each Of them was
all that the heart of man could desire
yet to this day, whenever reflect on
those pleasing by past scenes, am at
I loss to deteaaine which of the lovely
sisters | should prefer.
"One morning before we had quit
ted the breakfast table, and whilst we
were rallying each other on the COM
Parative merits of France and England,
the old gentleman opened the door
and beckoned me out Of the room.-
He bade me take my hat and follow
him, which ] did in silence, for some
time, without noticing the route we
had taken, till observed with kind
of horror, at turn Of the road, that
we were proceeding towards the port.
| then broke silence, and asked whith-
er we were going, and what was the
purport of our walk? The governor
looked earnestly upon me, and thought
tear glistened in his eye.
'You must abide by my directions,'
said he, "and it will save you and 9TH
ers much pain. A cartel has arrived,
and an exchange of prisoners has been
effected, and you will sail from the is
land within half an hour.'?
"But, my dear sir, you will allow
me to return and take-
Il" No, sir! l will have no leave
taking-no shedding Of tears at part
ing no pressure Of the hand more ell
oquent than words-no uttering Of the
painful FAREWELL, so destructive to
the future peace Of mindn
ooh, sir, allow me but one word
one last adieu!
&c Not one, sir! Remember your
promised
81 seized the rugged veterans hand
between both Of mine, and, pressing it
felvently to my lips, exclaimed, AL.
low me to express my gratitude-
| "' Not to me sir | have only done