After we got out into the open sea, the motion of the ship made me feel
very sick, and I was so starved out before I came on board, that what
good provisions I ate on board did not seem to agree with me. My stomach
was in a very bad state, for while I was in the lower regions of the
convent I ate only a small quantity of very stale hard bread once in
twenty-four hours, at the ringing of the vesper bells every evening, and
the water given me was that in which the holy Mother Abbess had washed
her sacred feet. But I must give the holy mother credit for one good
omission--she did not use any soap.
The captain gave me a good state-room which I occupied with an English
lady passenger. This good lady was accustomed to the sea, therefore, she
did not suffer any inconvenience from sea-sickness; but I was very sick,
so that I kept my berth for five days. This good Protestant lady was
very kind and attentive during the whole passage, and kindly assisted me
in getting my garments made up on board. On our arrival in London, the
captain said that he would sail for America in two weeks time, and very
kindly offered me a free passage to his happy, native land; and I could
not persuade him to take any money for my passage from Naples, nor for
the clothing he had given me.
My fellow passenger being wealthy, and well acquainted with people in
England, took me to her splendid home, a few miles from London. At her
residence I was introduced to a young French gentleman, a member of the
Evangelical protestant church in France, and a descendant of the pious
persecuted Huguenots. This gentleman speaks good English and Italian,
having enjoyed the privilege of a superior education. His fervent
prayers at the family altar morning and evening made a very deep
impression on my mind. He became deeply interested in my history, and
offered to take me to France, after I should become his lawful wife.
Though I did not like the idea of choosing another popish country for my
residence, yet as my friend assured me that I should enjoy my protestant
religion unmolested, I gave him my hand and my heart. My lady fellow
passenger was my bridesmaid. We were married by a good protestant
minister. My husband is a wealthy merchant--gives me means and
opportunities for doing good. Home is precious in a foreign land. Our
home is one of piety and peace and happiness. The blessed Bible is read
by us every day. Morning and evening we sing God's praise, and call upon
the name of the Lord. Our prayer is that God may deliver beloved France
and Italy from the curse of popery.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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