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Loss of the Ship Kite.
APRIL,
a time since a happy wife and a joyful mother, and that I must now return desolate and alone. However, I could but be thankful to be freed from my fetters, having worn them, as I imagine aright, for 32 days; and on our way home,-if our wretched prisons deserve such a name, our hearts were much lighter and we began to put confi- dence in the glad tidings. But little did I then think, that we should be obliged still to drag on four long months of our existence in the dreary abode.
About the 1st of Nov., it was reported publicly that I should be sent to Chusan alone, and that the gentlemen would be sent to Canton. On the strength of this account, they wrote letters for their friends, which I was to have taken, but, like the many rumors we had before heard, this also proved groundless. Sometime afterwards the two marines, already mentioned, were removed to the other prison. I felt sure, that one of them was then dying, and I greatly feared that he would never reach the prison. His weakness was so excessive, that he once fell down on his way, though supported by a Chinese; after a few days, the news of his death was brought to me. Notwith- standing all the representations of lieutenant Douglas, the irons were not taken off this poor man, until he breathed his last. The prison was so excessively small that they could not turn around, without squeezing each other, and though their commander remonstrated and insisted upon their being allowed to walk about and enjoy the fresh air, they were never permitted to take any exercise in the court. I frequently wrote a few lines to the lads, for whom I felt. most deeply, as well as for the crew in general. Lieut. Douglas was now able to provide them with money, and once only, during the four months' imprisonment, was he permitted to visit his men: for, on seeing the deep interest he took in their welfare, and his great anxiety to better their condition, they never permitted him to see them any more. I was delighted to observe the noble feelings, evinc- ed by lieut. Douglas towards the crew of the Kite, who suffered great hardships.
Our joy was inexpressible, when a channel of private communi- cation with our friends at Chusan was opened, and when I receiv- ed from you, my friend, the first letter (Dec. 29th), which afforded us very great consolation. Before this we heard of the death of another marine, which affected us all deeply, and especially his master. Death has made sad havoc amongst us, and the Almighty alone knows the reason why he afflicted us, and I fervently hope that these many solemn warnings may be sanctified to us.
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