One morning, towards the latter part of the month of March, 1841, having at that time no particular business to engage my attention, I was walking about the village of Saratoga Springs, thinking to myself where I might obtain some present employment, until the busy season should arrive. Anne, as was her usual custom, had gone over to Sandy Hill, a distance of some twenty miles, to take charge of the culinary department at Sherrill's Coffee House, during the session of the court. Elizabeth, I think, had accompanied her. Margaret and Alonzo were with their aunt at Saratoga.
On the corner of Congress street and Broadway, near the tavern4, then, and for aught I know to the contrary, still kept by Mr. Moon, I was met by two gentlemen of respectable appearance, both of whom were entirely5 unknown to me. I have the impression[Pg 29] that they were introduced to me by some one of my acquaintances, but who, I have in vain endeavored to recall, with the remark that I was an expert player on the violin.
At any rate, they immediately entered into conversation on that subject, making numerous inquiries6 touching7 my proficiency8 in that respect. My responses being to all appearances satisfactory, they proposed to engage my services for a short period, stating, at the same time, I was just such a person as their business required. Their names, as they afterwards gave them to me, were Merrill Brown and Abram Hamilton, though whether these were their true appellations9, I have strong reasons to doubt. The former was a man apparently10 forty years of age, somewhat short and thick-set, with a countenance11 indicating shrewdness and intelligence. He wore a black frock coat and black hat, and said he resided either at Rochester or at Syracuse. The latter was a young man of fair complexion12 and light eyes, and, I should judge, had not passed the age of twenty-five. He was tall and slender, dressed in a snuff-colored coat, with glossy13 hat, and vest of elegant pattern. His whole apparel was in the extreme of fashion. His appearance was somewhat effeminate, but prepossessing, and there was about him an easy air, that showed he had mingled14 with the world. They were connected, as they informed me, with a circus company, then in the city of Washington; that they were on their[Pg 30] way thither15 to rejoin it, having left it for a short time to make an excursion northward16, for the purpose of seeing the country, and were paying their expenses by an occasional exhibition. They also remarked that they had found much difficulty in procuring17 music for their entertainments, and that if I would accompany them as far as New-York, they would give me one dollar for each day's services, and three dollars in addition for every night I played at their performances, besides sufficient to pay the expenses of my return from New-York to Saratoga.
I at once accepted the tempting18 offer, both for the reward it promised, and from a desire to visit the metropolis19. They were anxious to leave immediately. Thinking my absence would be brief, I did not deem it necessary to write to Anne whither I had gone; in fact supposing that my return, perhaps, would be as soon as hers. So taking a change of linen20 and my violin, I was ready to depart. The carriage was brought round—a covered one, drawn21 by a pair of noble bays, altogether forming an elegant establishment. Their baggage, consisting of three large trunks, was fastened on the rack, and mounting to the driver's seat, while they took their places in the rear, I drove away from Saratoga on the road to Albany, elated with my new position, and happy as I had ever been, on any day in all my life.
We passed through Ballston, and striking the ridge22 road, as it is called, if my memory correctly serves[Pg 31] me, followed it direct to Albany. We reached that city before dark, and stopped at a hotel southward from the Museum.
This night I had an opportunity of witnessing one of their performances—the only one, during the whole period I was with them. Hamilton was stationed at the door; I formed the orchestra, while Brown provided the entertainment. It consisted in throwing balls, dancing on the rope, frying pancakes in a hat, causing invisible pigs to squeal23, and other like feats24 of ventriloquism and legerdemain. The audience was extraordinarily25 sparse26, and not of the selectest character at that, and Hamilton's report of the proceeds presented but a "beggarly account of empty boxes."
Early next morning we renewed our journey. The burden of their conversation now was the expression of an anxiety to reach the circus without delay. They hurried forward, without again stopping to exhibit, and in due course of time, we reached New-York, taking lodgings27 at a house on the west side of the city, in a street running from Broadway to the river. I supposed my journey was at an end, and expected in a day or two at least, to return to my friends and family at Saratoga. Brown and Hamilton, however, began to importune28 me to continue with them to Washington. They alleged29 that immediately on their arrival, now that the summer season was approaching, the circus would set out for the north. They promised me a situation and high wages if I[Pg 32] would accompany them. Largely did they expatiate30 on the advantages that would result to me, and such were the flattering representations they made, that I finally concluded to accept the offer.
The next morning they suggested that, inasmuch as we were about entering a slave State, it would be well, before leaving New-York, to procure31 free papers. The idea struck me as a prudent32 one, though I think it would scarcely have occurred to me, had they not proposed it. We proceeded at once to what I understood to be the Custom House. They made oath to certain facts showing I was a free man. A paper was drawn up and handed us, with the direction to take it to the clerk's office. We did so, and the clerk having added something to it, for which he was paid six shillings, we returned again to the Custom House. Some further formalities were gone through with before it was completed, when, paying the officer two dollars, I placed the papers in my pocket, and started with my two friends to our hotel. I thought at the time, I must confess, that the papers were scarcely worth the cost of obtaining them—the apprehension33 of danger to my personal safety never having suggested itself to me in the remotest manner. The clerk, to whom we were directed, I remember, made a memorandum34 in a large book, which, I presume, is in the office yet. A reference to the entries during the latter part of March, or first of April, 1841, I have no doubt will satisfy the incredulous, at least so far as this particular transaction is concerned.
[Pg 33]
With the evidence of freedom in my possession, the next day after our arrival in New-York, we crossed the ferry to Jersey35 City, and took the road to Philadelphia. Here we remained one night, continuing our journey towards Baltimore early in the morning. In due time, we arrived in the latter city, and stopped at a hotel near the railroad depot36, either kept by a Mr. Rathbone, or known as the Rathbone House. All the way from New-York, their anxiety to reach the circus seemed to grow more and more intense. We left the carriage at Baltimore, and entering the cars, proceeded to Washington, at which place we arrived just at nightfall, the evening previous to the funeral of General Harrison, and stopped at Gadsby's Hotel, on Pennsylvania Avenue.
After supper they called me to their apartments, and paid me forty-three dollars, a sum greater than my wages amounted to, which act of generosity37 was in consequence, they said, of their not having exhibited as often as they had given me to anticipate, during our trip from Saratoga. They moreover informed me that it had been the intention of the circus company to leave Washington the next morning, but that on account of the funeral, they had concluded to remain another day. They were then, as they had been from the time of our first meeting, extremely kind. No opportunity was omitted of addressing me in the language of approbation38; while, on the other hand, I was certainly much prepossessed in their favor. I[Pg 34] gave them my confidence without reserve, and would freely have trusted them to almost any extent. Their constant conversation and manner towards me—their foresight39 in suggesting the idea of free papers, and a hundred other little acts, unnecessary to be repeated—all indicated that they were friends indeed, sincerely solicitous40 for my welfare. I know not but they were. I know not but they were innocent of the great wickedness of which I now believe them guilty. Whether they were accessory to my misfortunes—subtle and inhuman41 monsters in the shape of men—designedly luring42 me away from home and family, and liberty, for the sake of gold—those who read these pages will have the same means of determining as myself. If they were innocent, my sudden disappearance43 must have been unaccountable indeed; but revolving44 in my mind all the attending circumstances, I never yet could indulge, towards them, so charitable a supposition.
After receiving the money from them, of which they appeared to have an abundance, they advised me not to go into the streets that night, inasmuch as I was unacquainted with the customs of the city. Promising45 to remember their advice, I left them together, and soon after was shown by a colored servant to a sleeping room in the back part of the hotel, on the ground floor. I laid down to rest, thinking of home and wife, and children, and the long distance that stretched between us, until I fell asleep. But[Pg 35] no good angel of pity came to my bedside, bidding me to fly—no voice of mercy forewarned me in my dreams of the trials that were just at hand.
The next day there was a great pageant46 in Washington. The roar of cannon47 and the tolling48 of bells filled the air, while many houses were shrouded49 with crape, and the streets were black with people. As the day advanced, the procession made its appearance, coming slowly through the Avenue, carriage after carriage, in long succession, while thousands upon thousands followed on foot—all moving to the sound of melancholy50 music. They were bearing the dead body of Harrison to the grave.
From early in the morning, I was constantly in the company of Hamilton and Brown. They were the only persons I knew in Washington. We stood together as the funeral pomp passed by. I remember distinctly how the window glass would break and rattle51 to the ground, after each report of the cannon they were firing in the burial ground. We went to the Capitol, and walked a long time about the grounds. In the afternoon, they strolled towards the President's House, all the time keeping me near to them, and pointing out various places of interest. As yet, I had seen nothing of the circus. In fact, I had thought of it but little, if at all, amidst the excitement of the day.
My friends, several times during the afternoon, entered drinking saloons, and called for liquor. They were by no means in the habit, however, so far as I[Pg 36] knew them, of indulging to excess. On these occasions, after serving themselves, they would pour out a glass and hand it to me. I did not become intoxicated52, as may be inferred from what subsequently occurred. Towards evening, and soon after partaking of one of these potations, I began to experience most unpleasant sensations. I felt extremely ill. My head commenced aching—a dull, heavy pain, inexpressibly disagreeable. At the supper table, I was without appetite; the sight and flavor of food was nauseous. About dark the same servant conducted me to the room I had occupied the previous night. Brown and Hamilton advised me to retire, commiserating53 me kindly54, and expressing hopes that I would be better in the morning. Divesting55 myself of coat and boots merely, I threw myself upon the bed. It was impossible to sleep. The pain in my head continued to increase, until it became almost unbearable57. In a short time I became thirsty. My lips were parched58. I could think of nothing but water—of lakes and flowing rivers, of brooks59 where I had stooped to drink, and of the dripping bucket, rising with its cool and overflowing60 nectar, from the bottom of the well. Towards midnight, as near as I could judge, I arose, unable longer to bear such intensity61 of thirst. I was a stranger in the house, and knew nothing of its apartments. There was no one up, as I could observe. Groping about at random62, I knew not where, I found the way at last to a kitchen in the basement. Two or three colored servants were moving through it, one[Pg 37] of whom, a woman, gave me two glasses of water. It afforded momentary63 relief, but by the time I had reached my room again, the same burning desire of drink, the same tormenting64 thirst, had again returned. It was even more torturing than before, as was also the wild pain in my head, if such a thing could be. I was in sore distress—in most excruciating agony! I seemed to stand on the brink65 of madness! The memory of that night of horrible suffering will follow me to the grave.
In the course of an hour or more after my return from the kitchen, I was conscious of some one entering my room. There seemed to be several—a mingling66 of various voices,—but how many, or who they were, I cannot tell. Whether Brown and Hamilton were among them, is a mere56 matter of conjecture67. I only remember, with any degree of distinctness, that I was told it was necessary to go to a physician and procure medicine, and that pulling on my boots, without coat or hat, I followed them through a long passage-way, or alley68, into the open street. It ran out at right angles from Pennsylvania Avenue. On the opposite side there was a light burning in a window. My impression is there were then three persons with me, but it is altogether indefinite and vague, and like the memory of a painful dream. Going towards the light, which I imagined proceeded from a physician's office, and which seemed to recede69 as I advanced, is the last glimmering70 recollection I can now recall. From that moment I was[Pg 38] insensible. How long I remained in that condition—whether only that night, or many days and nights—I do not know; but when consciousness returned, I found myself alone, in utter darkness, and in chains.
The pain in my head had subsided71 in a measure, but I was very faint and weak. I was sitting upon a low bench, made of rough boards, and without coat or hat. I was hand-cuffed. Around my ankles also were a pair of heavy fetters72. One end of a chain was fastened to a large ring in the floor, the other to the fetters on my ankles. I tried in vain to stand upon my feet. Waking from such a painful trance, it was some time before I could collect my thoughts. Where was I? What was the meaning of these chains? Where were Brown and Hamilton? What had I done to deserve imprisonment73 in such a dungeon74? I could not comprehend. There was a blank of some indefinite period, preceding my awakening75 in that lonely place, the events of which the utmost stretch of memory was unable to recall. I listened intently for some sign or sound of life, but nothing broke the oppressive silence, save the clinking of my chains, whenever I chanced to move. I spoke76 aloud, but the sound of my voice startled me. I felt of my pockets, so far as the fetters would allow—far enough, indeed, to ascertain77 that I had not only been robbed of liberty, but that my money and free papers were also gone! Then did the idea begin to break upon my mind, at first dim and confused, that I had been kidnapped. But that I thought was incredible.[Pg 39] There must have been some misapprehension—some unfortunate mistake. It could not be that a free citizen of New-York, who had wronged no man, nor violated any law, should be dealt with thus inhumanly78. The more I contemplated79 my situation, however, the more I became confirmed in my suspicions. It was a desolate80 thought, indeed. I felt there was no trust or mercy in unfeeling man; and commending myself to the God of the oppressed, bowed my head upon my fettered81 hands, and wept most bitterly.
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1
legerdemain
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| n.戏法，诈术 | |
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torment
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| n.折磨；令人痛苦的东西(人)；vt.折磨；纠缠 | |
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3
receding
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| v.逐渐远离( recede的现在分词 )；向后倾斜；自原处后退或避开别人的注视；尤指问题 | |
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tavern
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| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
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5
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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6
inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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7
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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proficiency
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| n.精通，熟练，精练 | |
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appellations
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| n.名称，称号( appellation的名词复数 ) | |
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10
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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glossy
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| adj.平滑的；有光泽的 | |
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14
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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15
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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northward
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| adv.向北；n.北方的地区 | |
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17
procuring
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的现在分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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metropolis
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| n.首府；大城市 | |
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20
linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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21
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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ridge
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| n.山脊；鼻梁；分水岭 | |
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23
squeal
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| v.发出长而尖的声音；n.长而尖的声音 | |
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24
feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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extraordinarily
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| adv.格外地；极端地 | |
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sparse
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| adj.稀疏的，稀稀落落的，薄的 | |
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27
lodgings
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| n. 出租的房舍, 寄宿舍 | |
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importune
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| v.强求；不断请求 | |
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alleged
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| a.被指控的，嫌疑的 | |
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30
expatiate
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| v.细说，详述 | |
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31
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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32
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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memorandum
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| n.备忘录，便笺 | |
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35
jersey
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| n.运动衫 | |
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depot
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| n.仓库，储藏处；公共汽车站；火车站 | |
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generosity
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| n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为 | |
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38
approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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39
foresight
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| n.先见之明，深谋远虑 | |
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40
solicitous
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| adj.热切的，挂念的 | |
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41
inhuman
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| adj.残忍的，不人道的，无人性的 | |
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42
luring
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| 吸引，引诱（lure的现在分词形式） | |
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43
disappearance
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| n.消失，消散，失踪 | |
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44
revolving
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| adj.旋转的，轮转式的；循环的v.（使）旋转( revolve的现在分词 )；细想 | |
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45
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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46
pageant
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| n.壮观的游行；露天历史剧 | |
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47
cannon
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| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
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48
tolling
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| [财]来料加工 | |
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49
shrouded
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| v.隐瞒( shroud的过去式和过去分词 )；保密 | |
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melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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51
rattle
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| v.飞奔，碰响；激怒；n.碰撞声；拨浪鼓 | |
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52
intoxicated
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| 喝醉的，极其兴奋的 | |
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53
commiserating
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| v.怜悯，同情( commiserate的现在分词 ) | |
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54
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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55
divesting
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| v.剥夺( divest的现在分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
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56
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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57
unbearable
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| adj.不能容忍的；忍受不住的 | |
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58
parched
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| adj.焦干的；极渴的；v.（使）焦干 | |
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59
brooks
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| n.小溪( brook的名词复数 ) | |
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60
overflowing
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| n. 溢出物,溢流 adj. 充沛的，充满的 动词overflow的现在分词形式 | |
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61
intensity
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| n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度 | |
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62
random
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| adj.随机的；任意的；n.偶然的(或随便的)行动 | |
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63
momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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64
tormenting
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| 使痛苦的，使苦恼的 | |
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65
brink
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| n.(悬崖、河流等的)边缘，边沿 | |
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66
mingling
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| adj.混合的 | |
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67
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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68
alley
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| n.小巷，胡同；小径，小路 | |
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69
recede
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| vi.退(去)，渐渐远去；向后倾斜，缩进 | |
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70
glimmering
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| n.微光，隐约的一瞥adj.薄弱地发光的v.发闪光，发微光( glimmer的现在分词 ) | |
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71
subsided
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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72
fetters
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| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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73
imprisonment
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| n.关押，监禁，坐牢 | |
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dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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75
awakening
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| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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77
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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78
inhumanly
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| adv.无人情味地，残忍地 | |
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79
contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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80
desolate
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| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
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fettered
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| v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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