A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars in the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an A | Page 5

discoveries at my return home that would enable them to make war
with the greater advantage to ourselves; and for these reasons he had
resolved I should never return to my native country.--When I heard this
I suffered misery that cannot be described.--I wished a thousand times
that I had never left my friends and country.--But still the Almighty
was pleased to work miracles for me.
The morning I was to die, I was washed and all my gold ornaments
made bright and shining, and then carried to the palace, where the King
was to behead me himself (as is the custom of the place).--He was
seated upon a throne at the top of an exceeding large yard, or court,
which you must go through to enter the palace, it is as wide and
spacious as a large field in England.--I had a lane of lifeguards to go
through.--I guessed it to be about three hundred paces.
I was conducted by my friend, the merchant, about half way up; then he
durst proceed no further: I went up to the King alone--I went with an
undaunted courage, and it pleased God to melt the heart of the King,

who sat with his scymitar in his hand ready to behead me; yet, being
himself so affected, he dropped it out of his hand, and took me upon his
knee and wept over me. I put my right hand round his neck, and prest
him to my heart.--He sat me down and blest me; and added that he
would not kill me, and that I should not go home, but be sold, for a
slave, so then I was conducted back again to the merchant's house.
The next day he took me on board a French brig; but the Captain did
not chuse to buy me: he said I was too small; so the merchant took me
home with him again.
The partner, whom I have spoken of as my enemy, was very angry to
see me return, and again purposed putting an end to my life; for he
represented to the other, that I should bring them into troubles and
difficulties, and that I was so little that no person would buy me.
The merchant's resolution began to waver, and I was indeed afraid that
I should be put to death: but however he said he would try me once
more.
A few days after a Dutch ship came into the harbour, and they carried
me on board, in hopes that the Captain would purchase me.--As they
went, I heard them agree, that, if they could not sell me then, they
would throw me overboard.--I was in extreme agonies when I heard
this; and as soon as ever I saw the Dutch Captain, I ran to him, and put
my arms round him, and said, "father, save me." (for I knew that if he
did not buy me, I should be treated very ill, or, possibly, murdered)
And though he did not understand my language, yet it pleased the
Almighty to influence him in my behalf, and he bought me for two
yards of check, which is of more value there, than in England.
When I left my dear mother I had a large quantity of gold about me, as
is the custom of our country, it was made into rings, and they were
linked into one another, and formed into a kind of chain, and so put
round my neck, and arms and legs, and a large piece hanging at one ear
almost in the shape of a pear. I found all this troublesome, and was glad
when my new Master took it from me--I was now washed, and clothed
in the Dutch or English manner.--My master grew very fond of me, and

I loved him exceedingly. I watched every look, was always ready when
he wanted me, and endeavoured to convince him, by every action, that
my only pleasure was to serve him well.--I have since thought that he
must have been a serious man. His actions corresponded very well with
such a character.--He used to read prayers in public to the ship's crew
every Sabbath day; and when first I saw him read, I was never so
surprised in my whole life as when I saw the book talk to my master;
for I thought it did, as I observed him to look upon it, and move his
lips.--I wished it would do so to me.--As soon as my master had done
reading I follow'd him to the place where he put the book, being
mightily delighted with it, and when nobody saw me, I open'd it and
put my ear down close upon it, in great hope that it wou'd say
something to me; but was very sorry and