Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 215

1841.

Loss of the Ship Kite.

201

On the 9th, I had again the great happiness of receiving two letters from you, from one of which I learned our then contemplated rescue, which at that time gave me great uneasiness, as I trembled at the idea of any of my countrymen running the risk of such sufferings as I had undergone. But it is wonderful how often we heard of our speedy release and were as often disappointed; still for the time being our spirits were kept up by such good news.

Your first letter was accompanied by a copy of the holy Bible, an inestimable treasure for which fer ad long and earnestly prayed; but, to avoid discovery, I had to read it during the night, so that it was in truth a secret treasure, and henceforth my constant compa- nion. On Tuesday, the 2d of February, I heard that the gentlemen had been summoned by the mandarins to receive clothes and letters, and with an anxious heart I watched the whole afternoon, expecting every moment a visit from them. However, I was obliged to con- tinue in suspense till the next day, when I was called to appear be fore the mandarins to obtain another most affectionate letter from you, my friend, with an abundant store of clothes and every comfort I could desire. Grateful and thankful as I felt for them, my spirits be- came deeply affected, inferring as I did, that so many things would not have been sent, if my captivity was not to be prolonged; yet the linguist cheered me by the assurance, that I should be free within three weeks, or a month. At this time they treated me with great kindness, and I went to see the mandarin's lady, who gave me some fruit and artificial flowers, the first mark of kindness I had received from a Chinese lady. They allowed me to remain until the evening, and I was once more gladdened by meeting my countrymen, and, after staying some time, we all went to my prison to write answers to our letters.

February the 8th, I had the pleasure of a visit from some Chinese naval officers, who told me, that we were to leave Ningpo within a fortnight. We thought there was truth in the news, but we were not certain until the 14th, when I received the glad tidings from yourself. It would be impossible to describe what our feelings were on that occasion. I had thought that the gentlemen had known it the day before, so that our meeting at the first moment was not so joyful as it otherwise would have been, but they had no sooner read my letter, than our mutual congratulations were warm and most sincere, and I again had the happiness of welcoming them to my prison, where we wrote answers to our friends.

VOL. X. NO, IV.

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