A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars in the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African Prince, as Related by HimselfGronniosaw, James Albert Ukawsaw
Religion
A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars in the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African Prince, as Related by Himself
Gronniosaw, James Albert Ukawsaw
Autobiographies; Christian biography; Gronniosaw, James Albert Ukawsaw
I was very much distress'd when I heard it, and felt greatly for his
family who were reduc'd to very low circumstances.--I never knew how to
set a proper value on money. If I had but a little meat and drink to
supply the present necessaries of life, I never wish'd for more; and
when I had any I always gave it if ever I saw an object in distress. If
it was not for my dear Wife and Children I should pay as little regard
to money now as I did at that time.--I continu'd some time with Mr.
Dunscum as his servant; he was very kind to me.--But I had a vast
inclination to visit England, and wish'd continually that it would
please Providence to make a clear way for me to see this Island. I
entertain'd a notion that if I could get to England I should never more
experience either cruelty or ingratitude, so that I was very desirous to
get among Christians. I knew Mr. Whitefield very well.--I had heard him
preach often at New-York. In this disposition I listed in the
twenty-eighth Regiment of Foot, who were design'd for Martinico in the
late war.--We went in Admiral Pocock's fleet from New-York to Barbadoes;
from thence to Martinico.--When that was taken we proceeded to the
Havannah, and took that place likewise.--There I got discharged.
I was then worth about thirty pounds, but I never regarded money in the
least, nor would I tarry to receive my prize-money least I should lose
my chance of going to England.--I went with the Spanish prisoners to
Spain; and came to Old-England with the English prisoners.--I cannot
describe my joy when we were within sight of Portsmouth. But I was
astonished when we landed to hear the inhabitants of that place curse
and swear, and otherwise profane. I expected to find nothing but
goodness, gentleness and meekness in this Christian Land, I then
suffer'd great perplexities of mind.
I enquir'd if any serious Christian people resided there, the woman I
made this enquiry of, answer'd me in the affirmative; and added that she
was one of them.--I was heartily glad to hear her say so. I thought I
could give her my whole heart: she kept a Public-House. I deposited with
her all the money that I had not an immediate occasion for; as I thought
it would be safer with her.--It was 25 guineas but 6 of them I desired
her to lay out to the best advantage, to buy me some shirts, hat and
some other necessaries. I made her a present of a very handsome large
looking glass that I brought with me from Martinico, in order to
recompence her for the trouble I had given her. I must do this woman the
justice to acknowledge that she did lay out some little for my use, but
the 19 guineas and part of the 6, with my watch, she would not return,
but denied that I ever gave it her.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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