[Illustration: William Torrey.]
TORREY'S NARRATIVE:
OR, THE
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
OF
WILLIAM TORREY.
WHO FOR THE SPACE OF 25 MONTHS, WITHIN THE YEARS 1835, '36 AND '37, WAS
HELD A CAPTIVE BY THE CANNIBALS OF THE MARQUESAS, (A GROUP OF ISLANDS
IN THE SOUTH SEA,) AMONG WHOM HE WAS CAST FROM THE WRECK OF THE
BRIG DOLL, CAPT.----, OF OTAHEITE, OF WHICH WRECK HIMSELF,
AND ONE SHIPMATE, CAN ALONE TELL THE SAD TALE. ALSO, FOR
MANY YEARS SERVED IN THE SEVERAL CAPACITIES REQUISITE
FOR SEAMEN, ON BOTH ENGLISH AND AMERICAN
MERCHANTS' SHIPS.
WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.
Illustrated with Engravings of his own Sketching.
"'Tis mine to tell a tale of grief,
Of constant peril, and of scant relief;
Of days of danger, and of nights of pain."
BOSTON:
PRESS OF A. J. WRIGHT, 3 WATER STREET.
1848.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847,
BY A. L. STEARNS,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.
PREFACE.
The author, in offering his narrative to the public, is conscious
of his almost utter inability to the task of giving it a strictly
grammatical publication. We, whose march is upon the mountain wave,
and whose home is upon the deep, have but little opportunity, however
strong the desire, to become adepts in grammatical or orthographical
science. We better know the intricacies of our calling than the
intricacies of scientific lore.
One object in this publication, (apart from the pecuniary
consideration,) is to give the civilized world an insight into the
manners and customs of the children of the island of the sea with whom
the author was so long associated, and whose manners and customs were
so indelibly fixed upon his memory as well as upon his person.
Also to note the manners and customs of the other nations of the earth,
into whose society he was often forced in his many wanderings to and
fro. In pursuance of which he proposes giving a hasty geographical and
historical sketch of each place of importance which he visited, and,
to better accomplish this work, he has in many instances consulted
the writings of others, as he, as well as all other mariners, was
restricted to a certain extent by duties on ship board during the short
time he might remain in port, and was therefore unable, through his own
observation, to gather many important facts worthy the reader's notice.
There may be many startling incidents narrated in this work--incidents
and circumstances which would jar, even upon the ear of credulity
itself, to believe; but the author claims one merit, if nothing else,
and that is truth.
With these few remarks, he gives his work to the world in expectation
of their patronage and sympathy for his sufferings when in bondage
among those savages, and, also, in his intercourse with the many other
nations of the earth, knowing the indulgent community will kindly
overlook all errors which may arise through his inability.
WM. TORREY.
_Springfield, Mass., January 1848._
CONTENTS.
PAGE
CHAPTER I.
The author's early life. Has a strong desire to remove. Leaves
home. Falls in with a robber by the name of Harris. Goes to
New London. Harris commits many thefts. Is taken, and both
thrown into prison. Trial comes, and Harris is sentenced to
State prison. The Judge takes the author to his own house.
Gives him fatherly admonition, and money to go home. Remains
sometime. Again leaves, and gladly returns. The third time
leaves, and is retaken. Leaves home resolved never to return.
Proceeds to New Bedford. 13
CHAPTER II.
Leaves New Bedford. Touch at the Azores. Description of them.
Encounter a heavy squall. The author is struck by lightning. Goes
on shore at Fernando Po for water. Trade with the natives. Treatment
offered a thief. See a native suffering with the Chiger. Deceive
a British Man-of-War. Have poor success and sail for the
Brazil Banks. Providential escape at Barbadoes. Land at St. Vincent.
Great frolic with the natives. Thrown in prison. Sail
for New Bedford. Storm in the Gulf Stream. Arrive at New
Bedford. 33
CHAPTER III.
Sail from New Bedford. The Crew are put upon allowance. Reach
the Azores. Proceed to the Brazil Banks. Return to the African
coast. Great fear arises from breakers. Prove to be an innumerable
number of canoes filled with natives who come to the ship.
Their awful appearance. Serious difficulty arises with one of the
crew, who is put on shore. Cruise about for whale. Trade with
the natives of St. Thomas. Procure two monkeys, who render
much service in killing cockroaches. The treatment given the
crew at Fernando Po. Kindly interference of British officers.
The crew are obliged to catch their own provision. Sail for
home. I take a few flying fish, which the captain claims as his.
Threw them into the sea. Great rage of the Captain. Reach
New Bedford. The sailors leave the Captain to secure the
sails. 44
CHAPTER IV.
Sail on board the Huntress, bound for the Pacific, on a whaling
Expedition. Encounter a heavy Storm. A Man lost. Reach the
Falklands. Description of them. Storm at the Cape. Icebergs.
Island of Juan Fernandez. Arrive at the Sandwich Islands.
A Sketch of them. 54
CHAPTER V.
Description of the Volcano of Kilauea, at Hawaii. 63
CHAPTER VI.
Sail for the "Off shore ground." Cruise for Whale. Come to
anchor at Payta. Desert the ship. Sufferings in the desert.
Reach the human habitations. Are entertained by an old Spaniard,
who takes us to St. Augustine, and delivers us up to the Governor.
Thrown into a Calaboose. Released by the Captain.
Sketch of Peru. Proceed to the Galapagos. Scenes at that group.
Rock of Dundas. Sail to the Society Islands. Run upon the
Coral Reef. Loose an anchor. Employ natives to dive for it.
Proceed to the Coast of Japan. Description of the Dolphin and
Flying Fish. A violent storm. Sail for the Sandwich Islands.
Touch at Pitcairns. Desert the ship. Ship on board the brig
Doll. Arrive at Magdalena. Proceed to Wytohoo. Phosphoretic
scene. A heavy storm. Seven men lost. Flee to the
boats. The ship runs upon the rocks. 83
CHAPTER VII.
Got on shore among the Cannibals. The reception. Description of
the _Tabu_ ground. Visit the scene of the wreck, after the storm
subsides, accompanied by the king and chiefs. Manner of building.
Manner of bathing. The bread fruit. Description of the
Carver. The Captain proposes leaving for Otaheite. Are taken
around to the other tribes. Death of one of our number from the
sun's heat. Manner in which the dead are disposed of. 108
CHAPTER VIII.
A war breaks out. Its causes. Awful Massacre. The Author is
tattooed. Manner of its accomplishment. An attack is made
upon the Cohapha. Disposition of the prisoners. Continuance of
the war. A ship comes to anchor. Our fond hopes blasted. Purchase
a gun. Departure of the ship. The author builds a hut
and takes a wife. Effect of the gun upon the Cohaphas. They
attempt another night attack. Its results. The grand appearance
of our army. Result of a single shot. The Author is wounded.
Kill the native and take possession of the body and gun. The
king rewards us. The body is roasted. Singular adventure with
a wild hog. The Cohaphas wish for peace. The place of skulls.
Peace is declared. 124
CHAPTER IX.
A visit from the Cohaphas. Our King wishes to learn the use of
the gun. Abandons the idea. Arrival of Captain Fisher. His
inhumanity. Is driven from the land. Manner of fishing. Attempt
to cultivate tobacco. Efficacy of the tabu law. A missionary
ship arrives. Meetings are held. Unbelief of the natives. Narrow
escape of the author. Conduct of Mr. Daylia. He is driven from
the island. Another sail approaches. Recognition of the Captain.
His conduct. Plan of escape. The king is deceived. The author
leaves the island. Secretes himself. Is missed. His unpleasant
situation. Joy at seeing the natives leave the ship. Reflections. 145
CHAPTER X.
Description of the Whale Fishery. Being again on board a whale ship,
I propose giving my readers a brief description of the Whale, and
of the manner of capturing them. 162
CHAPTER XI.
Speak several vessels. Massacre at Keppell's Island. Touch at the
Duke of York's Island. Find a tomb. Electrical eel. Conduct
of a negro, who makes much sport. Land Lobster. Land at
Cohannah. Improper conduct of the captain. A storm off Hawaii.
Anchor at Honolulu. Its description. Scenes on shore. Sports
of the surf. Arrival at Sir Francis Drake's Bay. Scenes on
shore. Cruise about the different islands. Proposed mutiny. The
author leaves the ship. 169
CHAPTER XII.
Sail for the North West Coast. Am required to sign the ship's articles.
Trouble with officers. Anchor at New Archangel. Dogs
trained to the harness. Leave the ship. Fall in with an Indian
hunting party. Their manners and customs. Humanity of an Indian.
Return to St. Lucas. Goes over land to St. Josephs.
Lives with a Catholic priest. Narrow escape. Arrive at San
Blass. Ship for Buenos Ayres. Fearful passage of the straits
of Magellan in a storm. Description of Buenos Ayres. 184
CHAPTER XIII.
Return to San Blass. Description of the Town. Strikes a Spaniard,
and resists the Police. Is placed in the Stocks. Goes on board the
Tammercee. The Captain is employed to take a quantity of Gold
to England. Fight between the Officers. Anchor at Tehuantepec
for Dye-Stuffs. Precaution used against Scorpions, Centipedes,
&c. Arrival at Panama. Scenes on Shore. Arrive at Callao.
Ride to Lima. Description of Lima. Arrival at Valparaiso.
Again double the Cape on the wings of the wind. Arrival at
Liverpool. Sketch of the City. 197
CHAPTER XIV.
Proceed to New Brunswick. Encounter a severe storm. Come
near losing the ship. Arrived at Delhouse. Sickness of the author.
Bleeds himself. His end apparently approaches. Timely
assistance. Sails for Quebec. Description of the Citadel. A
sketch of its history. 210
CHAPTER XV.
Sail in the Borneo for Limerick. A Man is found secreted on
board. Conduct of the Captain. Sympathy of the Crew. Terrible
Storm. Wretchedness of our Situation. Account of the loss
of the Francis Spade. Singular occurrence. The Storm continues.
Reach the Shannon. The rolling of the Killserphine.
Its Tradition. Reach Limerick. Sail for London. Sail for
Egypt. Description of Gibraltar. Arrive at the quarantine
ground off Alexandria. Go to the Dead Sea. Its description.
Return to Alexandria. Curiosities and History of Egypt. Manners
and Customs of the People. 223
CHAPTER XVI.
Sail for London. Arrive at the Downs. Sail for St. Johns. A
dense fog. Bay of Fundy. Come to anchor at St. Johns. Proceed
to London. Sail for the East Indies. Study Navigation.
Arrive at St. Helena. Tomb of Napoleon. Reach Cape Town.
Description of the Country. Of the several Tribes. Arrive at
Calcutta. Description of the Ganges, and its Religious Rites.
Of Calcutta. Sail for Canton. Tiger Island. Straits of Malacca.
Preparations for Pirates. Arrive at Canton. Its description.
Chinese Floating Town. Manners and Customs. Fourth
of July. Sail for England. Misconduct of the Mate. His discharge.
Arrival at London. 243
CHAPTER XVII.
London. Thames tunnel. Bank of England. St. Paul's Church.
Westminster Abbey. The tower. Sail for St. Johns. A storm.
Proceed to Londonderry. Its description. Wolf Rock. Sail for
Holland. Burial at sea. Arrive at Hamburg. Its description.
Come near going upon the sands. Dover cliffs and castle. Pilots.
Eddystone light. A ship in distress with a drunken captain. Return
to my family. Go to New Orleans. Sail for Glasgow. Go
to Edinburgh. Go to St. Johns resolved to quit the sea. Build a
house. Go to Savannah. Meet an old school fellow. Appointed
chief mate. Gulf stream. A storm. Go home. Sail to Cork.
Belfast. Thence to London. Return home. Imminent danger
and narrow escape. 261
CHAPTER XVIII.
Command a vessel. Sail for London. Come near going on the
Goodwin Sands. Anchor at London. Sail for Mobile. Serious
affair with the Seamen. Spirits discharged from the Ship.
A fortune-Teller. Sail for Liverpool. Sail as mate of the
Ashburton. A Storm. Run upon the Rocks. Perilous Situation.
Proceed to St. Johns, and go smuggling. Are taken,
and ship sold. News from home. Go thither, and unknown.
Conclusion. 283
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
OF
WILLIAM TORREY.
CHAPTER I.
The author's early life. Has a strong desire to remove. Leaves home.
Falls in with a robber by the name of Harris. Goes to New London.
Harris commits many thefts. Is taken, and both thrown into prison.
Trial comes, and Harris is sentenced to State prison. The Judge takes
the author to his own house. Gives him fatherly admonition, and money
to go home. Remains sometime. Again leaves, and gladly returns. The
third time leaves, and is retaken. Leaves home resolved never to
return. Proceeds to New Bedford.
As it will be of little or no interest to the reader, I shall speak but
briefly of my early life, simply stating that I was born in the town
of Wilbraham, State of Massachusetts, 4th of March, 1814, of poor yet
respectable parents.
My father during the winter months, followed the occupation of school
teaching. My time was passed between school and boyish sports, until
I reached my tenth year; at this time my parents removed to the
manufacturing village of Chickopee Falls, (formerly, and perhaps more
generally known by its Indian name, Skipmuck,) when I was, during
the summer months, put in one of the cotton mills, that my labors
might contribute something to the support of the family. This I found
extremely tedious, as I was oftentimes much abused by those under whom
I worked. Possessing naturally a restless disposition, I was induced
to believe this treatment much worse than I could bear; and I resolved
to cast myself upon the wave of life, and seek for myself a living,
independent of parents or guardians. This resolution I cherished most
tenderly; and, in the fall of 1826, packing what clothes I could easily
carry, I set out, with a heart beating high with hope, little dreaming
of the privations I was to suffer; and which I shall attempt to picture
to the reader, from time to time, in the following pages.
I directed my steps towards Hartford, Connecticut. Passing through
Longmeadow, I chanced to meet a cousin, much older than myself, who,
having by sad experience known somewhat of the hardships of life,
besought me, most imploringly, to return to my father's roof. His
advice I was unwilling to heed, and passed on. Soon I was overtaken by
a gentleman (by the name of Burbanks) who was riding alone, and kindly
offered me a seat at his side. Being already quite fatigued, I most
gladly accepted his offer. Soon as I was seated he began questioning
me, whither I was going, and of my prospects. When informed of my
plans, he kindly offered to give me lodging for the night, also to give
me, the next morning, a passage to Hartford, on one of the river boats
of which his father was pilot. As was presumed, the next morning the
boat came in sight, and landed at the wharf, where she stopped but
a few moments. After rendering due acknowledgment to my friend and
benefactor, I stepped on board, and was under way, (often has the cry
of "God bless him!" arisen from the companion, as I have related to the
hardy crew this, the first incident of my first adventure,) and had a
fine passage down the river.
When safely over the falls at Enfield, the father of my friend left us,
and I deeply felt his loss, being, as it were, alone again; my heart,
which had before been big with hope, was now the scene of fear and
anguish. I was near a strange city, yet unlearned in the world, without
a penny in purse. I came near despondency, scarce knowing where I was,
or whither going, till I aroused from my reverie by the boat striking
against the wharf. I sprang to my feet, and momentarily resolved to
forget the past, and to improve the present, that the future would with
it bring no misgivings. I soon found myself seated at a public house,
where I had engaged entertainment for the night.
After breakfast, the next morning, I acquainted the landlord with my
destitute situation; he became enraged, and with loud words threatened
to flog me; a gentleman being near, hearing his angry words, came
up, and, on learning the cause, kindly offered to settle the bill
for me--again the stranger had compassion on me. I left the house,
and wandered up and down in quest of employment; finding my efforts
unavailing, I directed my steps towards the wharves, where I spent much
time watching the jolly tars in their labors and sports. I went from
vessel to vessel, till I became perfectly enamored with the sailor's
life, and I resolved to be myself a sailor, and made application to one
and another for a berth; but none seemed willing to take me, probably
my age, which was not yet thirteen, proved disadvantageous. I next
resolved to try a country life, till such time as I could get a berth
at sea, for that was now my fixed purpose.
It being now near night, I concluded to seek out the residence of some
distant relatives living in the city, acquaint them of my penniless
situation, and of them solicit lodgings. After searching a long time
I found them, and from them received money to defray my expenses at
some hotel, as their situation was such at that time, that their house
was crowded to its utmost capacity. With the early morn I started
for the country, fell in with a foot pedler, with whom I traveled to
Farmington. During the evening, I engaged to remain with the landlord,
a few weeks, for small wages. The next morning the pedler left me.
During my stay there I was ever dwelling upon my future life, as a
sailor.
After the lapse of a few weeks the pedler came back, and stating
his determination of going to sea, persuaded me to go with him. We
directed our steps towards Hartford; resolved to spare no exertions in
procuring a berth. At Hartford, we visited each and every vessel. Being
unsuccessful, we had almost given up the idea, when strolling along
the wharf, was met by a person of gentlemanly appearance, by the name
of Harris, who asked "what we were driving at?" I answered, "we are
out of employment, and had been searching in vain for a berth at sea."
He offering us good wages to run with him one trip to New London, we
accepted. The vessel we engaged to go on was a one-masted sail boat,
which he had hired for the trip. The owner not being altogether pleased
with his appearance, insisted upon his taking with him one man whom he
might select as boat keeper. All things being ready, we set sail, five
of us in number. Had a fine passage down the river; were soon passed
by the New York steamer, and while yet in sight, she run aground. When
we passed her, she was exerting herself most violently to get clear.
We were hailed by a gentleman from the shore, who was waiting to take
passage in the steamboat. Seeing her position, he offered three dollars
for a passage for himself, and the two ladies with him, to Middletown.
Soon they were on board. Arrived at Middletown at 4 P. M. Having a fine
breeze, we remained but a few moments; took in a boy bound to Saybrook.
The gentleman concluded to go farther with us. Arrived at East Haddam
about 9 P. M. Our boat possessing no convenience for lodging, we all
repaired to the hotel at the expense of the master.
The next morning we started at an early hour for Saybrook, with the
four passengers. The wind hauling around right ahead, obliged us to
beat our way along, as best we could. We stood for Lyme, a little
village opposite Saybrook, where we left our other passengers, while
we took the boy over to Saybrook. After this was done, we attempted
to recross the river; but, in consequence of the heavy wind from the
sound, were unable; therefore we put up the river. Mr. Harris and
myself amused ourselves by singing songs. A little after sunset we
arrived at a little village called Petty Pog; remained during the
night, by the order of Harris.
We were called at daylight; repaired to the boat, and made preparations
to leave. The absence of Mr. Harris could not be accounted for until he
returned, having as many lobsters as he could carry; being asked where
he got them, he replied, out of a schooner which lay near; ordered
all possible despatch to be made in clearing away; gathered together
the stones used as ballast, and of them forming a hearth, we built a
fire, and cooked our lobsters for breakfast. Arrived at East Haddam
about noon; stopped at the public house; passed the afternoon very
finely about the village. There were quite a number of people waiting
at the hotel for the boat, to take passage for New York. The boat, in
consequence of the before mentioned foundering on the bar, had put back
to H---- for repairs. During the evening, conversation turned upon
business topics; and each, in turn, made their respective vocations
known. Harris represented himself as having drawn $20,000 in a lottery,
and was then on his way to New London to receive it. He succeeded in
taking a valuable gold watch from the pocket of the gentleman with
whom he was mostly engaged. This accomplished, he came to me, (I was
sitting on the wood box, and half asleep,) and said, are you asleep?
arousing, I said, not exactly, sir, and soon sank back again. Soon the
owner of the watch, wishing the time, felt for it, and, to his great
astonishment, it was gone--the cry of "a thief, a thief," was raised;
the whole company were struck with dismay; a search was proposed; and,
as no one had left the room, it was most certain it would be found.
All were obliged to undergo this searching process, save myself--my
situation during the evening had been observed, and it was deemed
useless. Mr. H. called me his brother; and, during this search, he was
the most active, expressing much sympathy with the gentleman. Great was
the consternation when it was not to be found.
As the hours, one after another, passed away, the company gradually
dispersed, and half past eleven found the bar-room deserted, save by
Harris, myself, and the landlord. We at length retired. On entering
our room, Harris tested the quality of the fastenings of the door
thoroughly; then took, to my great astonishment, the stolen watch from
my pocket. I asked how it came there; in reply, he said he put it there
when I was on the box. Putting a pair of pistols under his pillow,
after having examined them, he remarked he should be pleased to see
the man that dared disturb his slumber, and getting in bed took me in
his arms. Soon we were fast asleep. Arising at an early hour the next
morning, we found none up save the landlord and our boat-keeper; passed
the compliments of the morning; and, as usual at those times, took a
morning glass by way of preparing for breakfast. The landlord expressed
much sympathy for the looser of the watch, and deeply regretted that
such an occurrence should take place in his house. At this moment the
gentleman entered with sad and downcast expression of countenance.
Harris immediately entered into conversation with him, assuring him
that the robbery would most certainly disclose itself; then I panted to
give the information I was in possession of. Harris fearing something
of that kind probably, would not suffer me for an instant to be from
his sight; while they were talking, the boat came to the landing; the
passengers left the house for the boat, Mr. H. and myself accompanying
them.
During the walk to the boat, and the few moments occupied in preparing
to start, Harris was talking with the looser of the watch, holding me
by the hand; there seemed something pressing heavily upon his mind
which gradually wore away, as the distance between him and the boat
increased. Went next to our own boat; ordered the boat-keeper to have
all things ready in two hours; then proceeded to the hotel; wished
to see the bill, which was shown him. Harris then stated that he had
a brother living about two miles distant whom he very much wished to
see, and was going to his residence; said he would pay his bill when
he returned, or then, if the landlord wished; the landlord assured
him it would make no difference. Taking me by the hand, we left the
house, and proceeded southerly; walked four miles; stopped at the farm
house of one Warner. Before entering, he cautioned me against saying
any thing different from what he might say; said he wanted two horses
to go to New London; was in great haste, for "he had drawn $20,000 in
a lottery some months previous; had not yet obtained it, as he had
been long absent; had suffered shipwreck at or near the mouth of the
river La Platte; himself and brother were alone saved from the wreck;
our sufferings were great as imagination could picture them." Offered
to pay $3 per day for two horses; and, if he could have a guide, or a
person to take charge of the horses, would willingly pay for that also;
he was asked many questions, which he answered very cunningly.
Soon the three horses were saddled for the journey; a son of the
landlord was to accompany us; we went along quite merrily. Stopping at
a hotel, Harris and myself went in, leaving Warner with the horses.
Harris represented himself as belonging to a Circus company; his
brother that was with him was a most beautiful rider. He even went so
far as to fill out and put up some handbills, which he had previously
obtained somehow; and to make arrangements necessary for an exhibition
of that kind, went on our way. Came to an acquaintance of Warner's
who was a manufacturer of musical instruments. Harris selected one,
a dulcimer, valued at twelve dollars, and would purchase it if the
gentleman would wait upon him for the pay until he could go to New
London and get the money he had drawn in the lottery; this he was
perfectly willing to do, Warner assuring him of the unquestionable
character of the man.
We arrived at New London about five in the afternoon. Stopped at one of
the principal hotels. After supper we walked out, taking the dulcimer
with us, which Mr. Harris ordered me to sell for any thing I could get.
I walked boldly up to two gentlemen who were talking, and offered it;
they did not seem inclined to purchase. I offered it for one dollar;
this was so very cheap they purchased it; taking the money, I offered
it to Harris; he refused it, having money enough already he said. We
walked on until we came to a large field without the limits of the
city. Seated ourselves behind the stone wall which enclosed the field.
Harris then took out his purse, and began counting his money; took out
a large quantity of bills which he said he stole from the lady who was
his passenger on the small boat. In giving a short history of his
life, he said he had followed thieving for several years--two years
of which time he had spent at Charlestown in the State's employment.
Replacing his purse, he remarked he would have a "gold chain that night
or a wooden leg!"
We started back; had gone within the limits of the city when we met
Warner, who anxiously asked where we had been. "We have been looking
for you this hour," says Harris. "Come, now let us go into this shop
and get something to drink before going to bed." Returned to the hotel;
and, as we were going in, met the gaze of the lady whom Mr. Harris
had robbed on the boat; this did not in the least tend to buoy up his
spirits, but rather to discomfort him. Warner left the room a moment to
see to his horses, when Harris took me by the hand, and hurriedly left
the house.
We proceeded up the street with a quick pace, he looking each way,
as if fearful of being pursued. Again we were met by Warner, whom
we supposed had, ere this, retired for the night. Without the
least embarrassment, Harris says "come, go with us and get a dish
of oysters," and turned into a shop, as if this course had been
premeditated. While eating, Warner, by his looks, appeared as if
conscious that Harris was playing a game with him. An acquaintance of
his speaking to him for a moment, took his attention. Harris noticing
it, immediately left the house. Went a short distance, when stopping
at a jeweller's shop, said "here lies my fortune." He stationed me on
the corner of the street, with strict orders to give a violent cough
should any one approach. Taking a large bunch of keys from his pocket,
he tried to unlock the door, and had nearly succeeded, when seeing
a person (one of the watch, I think,) coming, I walked towards the
door, and gave Harris the signal; but not till I was sure he was near
enough to detect some mischief; he dropped his keys, seized my hand,
and ran fast as possible. The man being so near, noticed something out
of order, and immediately raised the cry of "A thief! a thief!" The
cry was echoed from street to street, and at each corner we found new
hands to give chase; but we had no fresh hands to take the position we
occupied. Harris finding the pursuit growing warmer each step, let go
my hand. My motive-power being thus suddenly cut off, I fell to the
ground. Before I could raise myself, I was jerked to my feet by the
powerful arm of Warner, who said, "you young scoundrel, why did you not
inform me of his rascality before? Where is Harris?" Giving me a shake,
which took me from the ground, he said, "Well, you vagabond, I have you
at any rate."
I was taken before a magistrate, who, after hearing their story,
ordered me kept in close custody that night, and brought before him the
next day at 9 o'clock. I was taken to the hotel. The lady, hearing of
my situation, expressed a strong desire to see me. Warner, unwilling
to loose sight of me, accompanied me to her rooms. She, recognizing
me, welcomed me with a smile. Wished all the information respecting
Harris I could give of his character. Farther than the few days I had
been with him, I knew nothing, except from his own mouth. She expressed
much regret that one so young should be found in such company, and
besought me to refrain from the course of life he was evidently
pursuing. Spoke of the loss of the $750 she had sustained, supposed
to have been stolen by him on the boat. I assured her of the certainty
of that, as he had acknowledged it to me but a few hours before. It
being now near eleven o'clock, we retired for the night. I slept but
little, as might be supposed, situated as I was. Without influential
friends, and in fact without friends at all to care for me--in a land
of strangers--viewed as a criminal awaiting justice,--I had only one
source of consolation,--conscience favored me with her smiles. I knew
I was guilty of no misdemeanor, farther than having been drawn in
unwittingly by one who
----"A chosen villain was at heart;
And capable of deeds that durst not seek
Repentance."
I pondered well upon my situation and destiny, and resolved strongly,
(as I many times did in after years,) could I but be extricated from my
present difficulty, I would return to the home of my youth to wander
no more. With the earliest rays of dawn I awoke, when, in the act of
arising, I woke Warner, who, half suspecting I was giving him the slip,
sprang from the bed with the greatest eagerness, saying, "Well, you
are now going to run away, are you, you young scamp?" I, without the
least degree of excitement, calmly replied, "I am not, sir, but I think
it time we were starting; for one, I wish to know my destiny." Soon
the bell called to breakfast. Warner spoke to the landlord, saying,
"Please keep your eye on that boy while I take breakfast," not even
thinking, I suppose, I should wish any. Soon as he had gone, I asked if
I could have breakfast. "Certainly," says the landlord, with emphasis,
who possessed soul enough not to give the _pay_ the least thought.
Showing me to the dining-room, he gave me a seat by Warner, saying,
"Look after your boy, yourself, sir." Breakfast over, we went again to
the bar-room. Warner called for _his_ bill, saying, "I don't pay for
his breakfast." "I don't wish you to, sir, I yet have money," was my
ready reply; and the half suppressed laugh of the standers-by vexed and
mortified him extremely. Nine o'clock came, and I was marched to the
police office; and, after severe questioning, Warner was told I was not
the man for him, as there was nothing appeared against me, except the
fact of my being with him, (Harris.) I was ordered to be kept alone
for a few days to see if Harris could not be taken, in which case I
should be a valuable evidence. I was taken to the hotel, and confined
on the second floor. About four in the afternoon, Warner came running
in, half out of breath, saying, "Harris is taken, prepare immediately
for the police office." I jumped for joy, went to the office; was asked
if I could swear to the prisoner at the bar to be the one who hired
the horses of Warner. I replied that I could. A bill being immediately
found against him, we were ordered to prison, he as a criminal, and I
as evidence against him, but to separate apartments. The next morning
we were taken to the office again. I was ordered upon the stand, and
made to tell what I knew of the late character of Harris. The statement
of Warner and the lady confirmed the statements I had made. He was
ordered back to jail to await his trial at a higher court which would
sit in about three weeks; I to be kept as evidence against him at said
court. After a few days, I was allowed the privilege of walking about
the yard; and was very kindly treated by the family of the jailer. The
time passed so pleasantly that it soon was time for the sitting of the
court. We were taken to the court-house, where we found the lady, her
son, and daughter, the owner of the watch, and Mr. Warner. The watch,
the money, and the dulcimer, were also there, and recognized by real
owners. My statements, confirmed by the others, proved a verdict of
guilty to him; and, at the expiration of three days, he entered upon
his sentence, which was seventeen years hard labor at Wethersfield
prison. I was taken by the honorable judge, whose head was frosted over
by the winter of age, to his own house. Tears ran down those furrowed
cheeks as he, with a father-like simplicity, pointed me to the paths of
rectitude, urging me to pursue them to the end--holding up to my mind
the recent case of Harris as the reward of the evil doer. Gave me my
living while I remained with him, and two dollars from his own purse,
and besought me to return directly to my father's roof.
I retraced my steps towards home. Stopped with Warner a short time. Was
most joyously welcomed home.
I remained with my father nearly three years, having but little desire
to roam; finding at length the life of a factory boy rather unpleasant,
I thought again to try my luck. I was near three years older than
before, besides having the experience of the former cruise. I was quite
sure I was then able to take care of myself. I went to Springfield,
took stage for Albany, intending to ride as far as my money would carry
me. I rode about forty miles and concluded to try it on foot; had
proceeded but a little way when I fell in with a Caravan; I traveled
with them for small wages; came to Albany, run one trip to Rochester on
a line boat, took passage to New York on a sloop, arrived there with
but twenty-five cents in my purse. I resolved to depend upon charity,
as in fact I was obliged to do, for my small allowance would hardly be
worth mentioning in the way of living. I met two frank looking young
men in the garb of sailors, and knowing something of the true character
of sailors, I made known to them my situation and solicited aid. They
took me to a house kept by a widow lady and ordered for me all that my
necessities required, and they would see the bills settled. I remained
with this good lady a day or two, she doing all she could to make me
comfortable and happy. Besides her naturally good heart, she had the
remembrance of her only son being out upon the tempestuous sea of life
to prompt her to deeds of love and charity, having, as she hoped, the
assurance that all acts of kindness shown towards the unfortunate,
would be repaid by similar deeds of love and care being shown to her
son. Never can forgetfulness deprive me of the fond remembrance of this
kind woman. The tears trickled down her cheeks as she bade me be a good
boy and besought me as I loved the mother who gave me birth, to return
to her and be a solace to her declining years.
I left her, resolved to go home, proceeded to the wharves, found a
vessel going to Middletown, engaged a privilege of working my passage,
went on board and shoved out from the dock, but soon found that instead
of nearing home I was getting still farther from it, for instead of
going to Middletown, Connecticut, we were bound to a place of the same
name in New Jersey. I performed the voyage with a sorrowing heart. On
our arrival I went from one vessel to another, but found none bound to
New York. I then concluded to go on foot, and went on my way to Brown's
point, so called, with a heart near bursting with grief. I went into a
house occupied by a middle aged lady, asked for lodging, it being near
night and very rainy. She said, "By your looks young sir, I perceive
you have been weeping; unburden your grief to me, and if in my power, I
will assist you."
I told her of my situation, of the great mistake I had made, and the
state of my funds, having to depend upon charity entirely, and how long
I knew not, knowing of no other way of getting home, except by going
on foot. She kindly offered me a share of her humble fare as long as
I chose, or till some opportunity for continuing my journey offered
itself. She learned that a schooner loaded with wood would sail in a
few days for New York in charge of her son, on which she engaged me a
passage. I bade adieu to the kind lady when ready, and sailed for New
York; prosperous winds brought a speedy termination of the voyage; the
Captain gave me a dollar for my services and a home on his boat as long
as we might both remain in port.
Again I tried to get a berth on one of the many vessels lying at the
docks, and at each of them received the same answer, "you are a runaway
boy, we have no place for you." I now resolved that home was the
best place for me, at least for the present, though I was altogether
unwilling to abandon wholly the idea of becoming a sailor; found an
opportunity of getting to East Haddam, where on my arrival, I found
work for two or three months, at the expiration of which time I
again started for home; was received most joyously by my friends, who
entreated me to return to my wanderings no more.
Again I went to work in the mill, with the same discontentedness
as before, for the desire to roam was paramount to all others, and
I resolved to try my fortune in another direction. I made known my
determination to a co-laborer in the mill and solicited his company; he
readily accepted my proposals.
Together we shaped our course towards Boston, thinking to get a berth
at sea. The harbor being frozen rendered business very dull, and we
gave up the idea through compulsion. Foiled in that attempt, we started
for Charlestown, having our imaginations pointing high to our future
greatness as soldiers; but a visit to the Navy Yard, which occupied
some sixty acres, and the barracks, the soldiers' home, dispelled the
charm entirely, and we hurried from the place and went to seek our
fortunes elsewhere. We came to four corners, undecided which course to
steer. Setting up a stick we agreed to follow in the direction which
that should fall. True to this agreement we followed its dictation,
and still continued on our course into the country, though upon a
different tack. Our appetites were now considerably sharpened by the
excessive cold, and we cast lots which should solicit food from the
hand of charity. Chance threw the task upon me. This I was willing to
bear, having been inured to such situations in my former wanderings.
I would gladly avoided the necessity, but such was our need of food
that I broke over all feelings of delicacy and entered a good looking
farm house, where we found smoking hot one of those huge dishes of
baked beans so common in New England, to which we did ample justice.
After dinner we went on to the small manufacturing village of Shirley.
There I obtained employment. My friend finding none, was obliged to
wander on towards home. I was employed three months, when a dullness
of the times caused a suspension in part of the business, and I turned
my face homeward again to see if the pent up village of Chicopee Falls
would now hold out any inducement to my staying there. My stay in the
mill was even more tedious than before, and I resolved to be there no
longer. I encouraged several of my associates to go with me.
To get away with so many required some stratagem. I appointed Sunday,
the first day of June, 1830, as the day for our starting. My repeated
going and coming rendered the affair, as far as I was concerned, no
uncommon thing, and but little was said to prevent me, supposing I was
alone in it.
At the appointed time we came together and started for Hartford;
arrived there the first night; put up at the hotel. In the morning
while standing in front of the house, we were accosted by a person
who asked, "if we wanted employment?" We assured him that we did;
he said, "he had a quantity of flour which he wished removed to the
store-house." That was not the business we wanted, but still we were
willing to do it for the pay. We went to the store-house, and as soon
as we were in he turned the key, saying he only wanted me, and that I
should be soon called upon by Mr. Bird, who would be pleased to have me
accompany him to Chicopee Falls. The affair was then plain to my mind;
we were traced, and found, and this means had been taken to get me
back. I remarked that "I should esteem it a great pleasure to ride with
him, though my business arrangements were such that it would be rather
inconvenient for me to go at that time." Soon Mr. Bird arrived, saying
he "was ordered to tie me behind his carriage and drive home." I asked
by whom ordered; he made no reply. On condition of my keeping quiet
I would be allowed to ride. All things ready, he ordered me into his
carriage, also taking one other of my companions with him, and drove
off.
I was rather puzzled to know why such means had been taken to get me,
also what would be the consequence of my behavior. We put up that night
at Enfield and were treated worse than prisoners, for we were not even
allowed bread and water, being sent to bed hungry. We were put in a
room on the second floor, and fastened in. When all was still, we took
the bed clothes, tied them in a string and attached the end to the bed
post, thinking to let ourselves down from the window. Having adjusted
all things, we went to the window, found it secured, and we had no
means of removing the fastenings, consequently we were obliged to
abandon the enterprise and submit calmly to our fate.
At early light we were called and made to get ready for the remainder
of the journey, not being allowed any breakfast. On our arrival at
Chicopee Falls I was given up to the tender mercies of one---- the then
reigning tyrant of Chicopee Falls, occupying the station highest in the
gift of the Manufacturing Corporation, viz: that of Agent. His tyranny
I felt to be far more oppressive than that of any other power I was
ever doomed to submit to. The remembrance of that morning scene will
cling closely to my mind, when all others shall have been obliterated.
Years have passed since its transaction, yet my blood almost ceases to
flow when by memory I am carried back to those days. I went into the
mill, but I went with a heart thirsting for revenge. My stay was short.
By the first of July I had got a few dollars together, and I resolved
that on the fourth I would declare myself free and independent, at
least from the tyranny of----. On the morning of the fifth, at an early
hour, I bade adieu to home and all I held dear, resolved that never
again would I even visit the scene of my childhood. I went to Hartford,
took passage to Boston, thence to New Bedford, shipped myself on board
a brig bound to the coast of Africa, on a whaling expedition.
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