eventful, and gloomy period of war between Amer ca and Great Britain; when many things, of a serious nature, occupied my mind. My father had command of the militia, at that time; and as an invasion of the town of P-th, was hourly expected, he was summoned to stand in its defence. It happened that a "sergeant" of his company, (a very promising young man,) was crossing the Piscataqua, at a late hour of the night, and was accidentally drowned. This with the circum:stances concurrent, tended to arouse me again to a sense of my duty to God:-he having been my school-mate,-likewise, school-master,-but a short time before.-But (what I designed to say, more particularly, was:) The day prior to his = decease, he was at Hm, and called on the =young lady, to whom he had paid his addresses for some space;—and sang in her presence, twice or thrice over, the verse of Watts, "Hark from the = tombs a doleful sound, &c." meaning;-but for being thus led, She asked his he was unable to account; and only replied, by presenting her the following lines: While bravely struggling, in the foaming wave, The shipwrecked sailor, hopes his life to save: And firmly clinging, to the floating oar, At length, is wafted to some friendly shore. For me, alas! no friendly shore appears; My cares increasing, faster than my years, Deprived of every charm, that sweetens life, No pleasing home, no fond endearing wife, In whose soft breast, I might my cares repose, And in her circling arms, my eye-lids close. But overwhelmed by fate,* and anxious care, shattered bark, is driven to despair." My Written by S. L. of Hampton. During a few days stay in Leskeard of Cornwall, (England,) I was visited by a French lady; who would take no denial, but I must go to her house: She went and came again. According ly, I consented to go, in company with Mr O'B. and daughter, (who understood the French Dialect sufficiently, to become my interpreters.)-We found the man and his wife, the only occupants of a humble dwelling. After having served us with the best that their table afforded; he began the interesting history of his life-a as follows:-"I was trained in the army of Bonaparte. When a child of seven years, I was taken prisoner by the Mamalukes, and to be sent into Egypt: but it happened to be suggested to my mind, to say I was a Greek. It was demanded, "Of what town?" It struck me again, to say "Frenchtown." There chanced to be a place of that name:-so, after a course of events, I was again free to join the French army. In the war with Britain, I was also taken prisoner;-and from a prison-ship, with a number of others I jumped overboard, and swam for the shore. We were fired after;—and it is probable all went to the bottom, except myself. It being duskish, I climbed up beneath a bridge, and hid myself,-till under cover of the night, I ventured to betake to the fields. Three days I subsisted upon grass; when finding I must *Predestinarian. famish, I went and delivered myself up (if I mistake not) to the Guards of the French prisoners. They, instead of making my condition known, gave me bread, and sent me away. But shortly after, being again in a strait what to do, (not understanding English) I met a fellow whom I asked, "What I should say, in begging for bread and cheese?" The Wag, very readily put words into my mouth, -which in my extremity, I failed not to use; even at a lady's shop, in the city of London: but instead of the favour I hoped, she began beating me over the head in the most unmerciful manner, with the handle of her broom. A French gentleman, just then passing by-enquired the cause; who took me to his home-furnished me with bread, a bottle of water, and a boat; and sent me back to France.--I hence, quickly after returned to the army of Bonaparte:--and I was in that memorable battle of Waterloo. Of the flank where I was stationed, consisting of fourteen-hundred, nine only survived; of which number I was one:-Though twice during that dreadful fight, I pluck'd the musket balls of the enemy from my thigh. Not long from thence, I came to this country to reside: and being of the Romish faith, I went to the priest for "Confession." But he very positively returned, "You have fought against England in the army of Bonaparte, and there can be no mercy for you:-so, to Hell you must go!" I was afterwards very uneasy, and attended the meetings of Dissenters. Yesterday, Madam, I went to hear you:and though I understood nothing that you said, I believed it was good."-Mr O'B. at length, strove to point them to the Lamb of God, in whom alone is found 'pardon for the guilty. From the word of God, he likewise endeavoured to set before them the necessity of being born again,-in order to their salvation, &c. They listened with much eagerness, to what he proposed;--and readily united with us in prayer.--Soon after, I had the satisfaction to learn, They had united also in church-fellowship, with the people of God.--And we hope, will ultimately be found with the General Assembly and church of the first-born, whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. VERSES By the Hon. W. R. to Miss M.-: and presented afterwards, to myself. Say, female Stranger, who art thou- Thy lonely state, may all demand. Thou wing'st thy way, both night and morn? And with affection, pure and bland; "'Tis true, thou sayest "Almighly Power," And who dares doubt, thy faith sincere, Go then, dear Messenger of Peace, Pursue thy Heaven-appointed way: Thy arduous labours soon may cease, Lost in one bright, eternal day. Open each door should quickly fly, - At thy approach;-Each friendly breast, Should beat thy welcome, and draw nigh, To greet with smiles, their lovely guest. A blessing, on that house should rest, Where thou shalt lay, thy weary head: Each inmate feel thy visit blest; Rejoice with thee, in breaking bread, |