Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-03-01
reflection in my cell, I ascribed to the

rencCtlOn III my cell, l aSCTlDed 10 the
extreme paucity of those who made
the court yard place Of resort.
"After a week had elapsed without
my again beholding him, one morning
remained with my eyes open for a
considerable time, before could be-
lieve myself to be properly awake;-
for had drcamt, that ! was returned
to my native cottage in Dcvonshire,
| and | seemed still to feel the warm
embraces Of my good old mother, who
pressed me with transport to her bo-
som. But when | started from my
miserable pallet, and found it but a
dream, my weakness overcame me,
the tears trickled down my cheeks,
and | sobbcd aloud for some minutes
like child. This ebullition, howcv.
er, relieved the torture Of my feelings.
l uttered my morning orisons to the
gracious Author Of my being with
more than usual fervour, and proceed
ed with confidence and resignation to
my wontcd station at the window.
81 had not waited long before my
acquaintance in the cooked hat Sacc
more made his appearance; ssd ny
heart palpilated with uncomfortable
agitation when | saw him advancing
towards me with firm and martial
step. As he approached he touched
his hat, with the dignifed politeness
which an officer of rank displays in
the salutation of his inferior; he then
addressed me in French, nearly in the
following terms: Young man, you
seem to have been born to betterpros-
pec,s; have long pitied your misfor-
tunes'-He paused.
"Sir,' said |, 'it so long since !
have heard any sounds, save the harsh
voice of our jailor and the wailings Of
my fellow sufferers, that your words Of
pity are as cordial to my wounded
spirits; and | thank you sincerely for
your condolence.'
"T am a man offew words replied
he, Il am the Governor of this island,
and on one condition will set you at
liberty
"Ah! do not trife with the
wretched; but fain would think you
as incapable Of offering me dishonor'
able terms,a las | am Of accepting them.'
"Sir, if had supposed you undcserv-
ing the confidence Of man Of honor,
| should not have proffered my as
sistance. shall see you on this spot
to-morrow'-and with a slight incl-
nation Of the head he disappeared.
"High and various were the per-
turbations Of my mind during that rest
less night. Hope and fear alternate
ly assailed me and after building a
thousand castles in the air, fell into
broken slumber, and woke i'm the
moming with my heart luttes5,a 5,ag be-
tween doubt and expectation. IA few
minutes sooner than his usual time, our
jailor entered, and told the prisoners,
that he had orders to treat them with
less rigour in future, and that was to
follow him into the court yard, where
he leftmc in the presence Of the Gov
eruor, who bowed and thus addressed
me:
"Now, Sir, to your terms Of re-
lease! Do not interrupt me till have
finished my remarks. have been all
my life in the service of my country,
and several years Governor Of this
place. 1 tell you in confidence, that
| do not approve Of all the measures
Of the present rulers Of France; yet !
considered it my duty, both for the
sakes ofmy country and my family, to
remain at the post which Providence
had assigned me. When my country
was attacked by foreigners, did not
think it was proper in me as soldier
to quarrel with the government at
home. knew the shameful and rig
orous treatment you received, and re-
monstrated on the subject; but it was
in vain. All my motions were mar
rowly watched by an agent of the Di-
rectory, who has now left the Island.
Had | ventured more directly to in
terfere in mitigating your sufferings,
it is probable that the lives Of myself
and children would havo paid the for
felt of my imprudent manifestation Of
humanity. am rough soldier, un-
used to compliment, and incapable Of
aattery; but | am father, Sir, and can
feel for you. ! have two sons and
three daughters, who have arrived.s:
that age when the passions are strong
and the hear RI snscnniihln They , 70