Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-04-01
THE STOLEN BRACELET;

OR, Transportation FOR LovE.-.4 recent fact.
About week since, vessel bound to Bot
any Bay sailed from Portsmouth with number
of persons on board, condemned to transporta-
ton. Among these was young girl, apparent
ly not twenty years Wage, whose genteel appear
ance and faded features formed striking con-
trast to the manner and looks of the other pris-
oners She was well dressed and sought, by
hiding her face in her handkerchief, to avoid the
gaze of the idle and curious. AS they were set
ting sail, her eyes filled with tears, and with a
deep sigh, she gave parting look to her country,
and then followed the other prisoners to the
steerage. What shocking contrast This
Young Girl, educated in one of the best schools in
London. was now thrown in the company of
thieves and prostitutes One of the officers on
board came up to her to point out her seat; she
did not raise her eyes, but seated herself without
saving word, and then burst into tears. The
officer seeing her thus afflicted. asked her if she
had any favor to request of the Captain, promis-
ing to use all his influence to have it granted!
"Oh nos she replied, in faint and trembling
tone, g want nOthing-I am quite happy
The vessel being at anchor for the night, the
Lieutenant spoke to the Captain about this in
teresting girl The Captain sent for her, and in
quired who she was? At first, she refused to
answer; but at last, overcome by the kind and
pressing inquiries of the Captain, she replied /;
s.Sir, | was condemned, four months ago, at the
Exeter Assizes, to be transported for seven years
I was guilty and the law has blasted my name
forever. Do not recall cruel and heart-rending
recollections, by obligng me to relate my story"
The captain gave her separate birth from the
rest of the prisoners, and, unable to reprcss his
curiosity, he sent for second time and begged
her to con6de to him the tale of her misfortunes
and of her guilt. Moved by his kindness, and
the interest he expressed for her, she determined
to CRAFTY him, and made the following avowal :
6 MY name is Priscilla Dewar, and belong to
one of the first families in Edinburgh. About
nine months since was weak and foolish enough
to elope from my fathers house with MIR. George
Scott, to whom | was passionately attached, and
whose suit my parents refused to sanction.-
Our finances were very low when we arrived at
Newton Bushell and there my husband soon
spent our remaining property, and he went to
Exeter in search of employment. But disap-
pointed in his hopes of finding some means of
support. and driven to despair, he entered Jew
eller's shop and stole ring he was discovered,
apprehended, tried and condemned to transporta-
ton. Three months have elapsed since he was
sent to Botany Bay, and can no longer live
without him. Twas the cause of his misfortune,
and for that reason choose to share his fate
While he was in prison worked for mantua
maker; saw him every day, and the profits of my
labour supported us both. After his transporta-
ton determined to follow him and theft was
the only chance of securing transportation
One day | carried to lady dress had been
making for her; and seeing beautiful bracelet
on her dressing table, l snatched it up and left
the house. too was discovered, and condem-
ned, under feigned name, to be transported
for seven years. My family knew neither nv
fate nor my guilt. | am happy. because shall
soon again be united to my husband and yet,
when think of my father and sisters, l cannot
restrain my tears" Foreign paper.