"During the last week, two important witnesses spontaneously appeared,
and offered to give public testimony in her favour. From them the
following declarations have been received. The first is an affidavit
given by Mr. William Miller, now a resident of this city. The second is
a statement received from a young married woman, who, with her husband,
also resides here. In the clear and repeated statements made by these
two witnesses, we place entire reliance; who are ready to furnish
satisfaction to any persons making reasonable inquiries on the subject.
"W. C. BROWNLEE.
"JOHN J. SLOCUM.
"ANDREW BRUCE.
"D. FANSHAW.
"AMOS BELDEN.
"DAVID WESSON.
"THOMAS HOGAN."
* * * * *
(AFFIDAVIT OF WILLIAM MILLER.)
"_City and County of New York, ss._
"William Miller being duly sworn, doth say--I knew Maria Monk when she
was quite a child, and was acquainted with all her father's family. My
father, Mr. Adam Miller, kept the government school at St. John's,
Lower Canada, for some years. Captain Wm. Monk, Maria's father, lived
in the garrison, a short distance from the village, and she attended
the school with me for some months, probably as much as a year. Her
four brothers also attended with us. Our families were on terms of
intimacy, as my father had a high regard for Captain Monk; but the
temper of his wife was such, even at that time, as to cause much
trouble. Captain Monk died very suddenly, as was reported, in
consequence of being poisoned. Mrs. Monk was then keeper of the
Government House in Montreal, and received a pension, which privilege
she has since enjoyed. In the summer of 1832, I left Canada, and came
to this city. In about a year afterward I visited Montreal, and on the
day when the Governor reviewed the troops, I believe about the end of
August, I called at the Government House, where I saw Mrs. Monk and
several of the family. I inquired where Maria was, and she told me that
she was in the nunnery. This fact I well remember, because the
information gave me great pain, as I had unfavorable opinions of the
nunneries. On reading the 'Awful Disclosures,' I at once knew she was
the eloped nun, but was unable to find her until a few days since, when
we recognized each other immediately. I give with pleasure my testimony
in her favour, as she is among strangers, and exertions have been made
against her. I declare my personal knowledge of many facts stated in
her book, and my full belief in the truth of her story, which, shocking
as it is, cannot appear incredible to those persons acquainted with
Canada.
"WILLIAM MILLER.
"Sworn before me, this 3d day of March, 1836.
"BENJAMIN D. K. CRAIG,
"Commissioner of Deeds, &c."
* * * * *
_From the Protestant Vindicator of March 9._
"The following statement has been furnished by the female witness
above-mentioned; the name being reserved only from delicacy to a lady's
feelings."
(TESTIMONY OF ANOTHER OLD SCHOOLMATE.)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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