1841.
Loss of the Ship Kite.
195
of which they led us. The people thronged by thousands to stare, so that we could scarcely pass. Their savage cries were terrific. From this they led us to a temple full of soldiers, and one of the wretches stole my wedding-ring from my finger, the only thing I treasured. Alas! that I was not to keep that one dear pledge of
my husband's affection. Never shall I forget that temple, their fierce grimaces and savage threats. Hitherto lieut. Douglas had been my only friend, and, I think I may say, that we have been a mutual comfort to one another throughout our sufferings. But we were now to part. The soldiers bound lieut. Douglas' hands behind him, and tied him to a post, and in this situation I was forced from him. We took an affec- tionate leave of one another, as friends never expecting to meet again, until we met in heaven. He gave me his black silk handker- chief to tie around my waist, which I shall ever treasure as a remem- brance of that truly sad moment. We anticipated instant death in its most cruel form, and I think I could say, surely the bitterness of death is past. I now felt indeed alone. Mr. Witts, one of the boys, and myself, were now again dragged through the rain, and my bare feet slipped at every step, so that they were at last obliged to bring me a pair of straw sandals. I was obliged to hang to the coat of a tall man, who held me by the chain. We must have looked wretch- ed in the extreme, our clothes being much covered with dirt as well as drenched with rain. My hair hung disheveled around my neck. In this state we must have walked at least 20 miles, and pass- ed through numberless cities, all the inhabitants of which crowded around us; their hooting and savage yells were frightful. We twice passed through water nearly up to our waist. After having reached a temple, we were allowed to rest ourselves on some stones. They here gave us some prison clothes and food. At night they laid down some mats and a quilt, on either side of a large temple. Mr. Witts and the boy took one side, and after a short prayer to my heavenly Father, I lay down but not to sleep; the chain round our necks being fastened to the wall. Would that I could describe to you the scene:-the temple beautifully lighted up with lanterns, our miserable beds, all the dark faces of the frightful looking Chinese (of whom I think there were eight), the smoke from their long pipes, the din of the gongs and other noises which they kept up all night. Long, very long, did this night appear. Morning at last dawned, the keepers brought us a little water to wash with, which was a great comfort; after which they led us to an open court, to be exposed to the public gaze of numberless spectators to come throughout the day. Here they