Viewing page 69 of 208

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

130   Gustavus Vassa.

pulse resembling French beans, though larger; they are sweet and palatable.

34. "In the spring of 1773, an expedition was fitted out to explore a northwest passage to India. Dr. Irving concluding to go, I accompanied him, and we went on board one of the vessels the 24th of May; and about the middle of June, by the use of the doctor's apparatus for making salt water fresh, we distilled from twenty-six to forty gallons a day. On the 28th we reached Greenland, where I found the sun did not set.

35. "We saw large fields of ice, and to one of them, about eighty yards thick, we made our vessel fast: but we soon became so surrounded with ice that we could not move, and were in danger of being crushed to pieces. In this perilous situation we remained eleven days, when the weather becoming more mild, and the wind changing, the ice gave way, and in about thirty hours, with hard labor, we got into open water, to our great joy, and arrived at Deptford, after an absence of four months, wherein we had experienced imminent dangers.

36. "Rejoicing to be again in England, I entered into service, and remained a considerable time; during which, I began to reflect seriously on the many dangers I had escaped, particularly in my last voyage, and it made a serious impression on my mind; and my reflections were often turned to the awfulness of eternity.

37. "In this state, I took to my Bible, rejoicing


Gustavus Vassa.  131

that I could read it for myself, and I received encouragement. While my mind was thus seriously impressed, I went several voyages to Spain, and being often led to look over the occurrences of my past life, I saw there had been the hand of Providence to guide and protect me, though I knew it not; and when I considered my obligations to the Lord for his goodness, I wept.

38. "On our return, the last voyage, we picked up eleven Portuguese. Their vessel had sunk, with two of the crew, and they were in a small open boat, without victuals, compass, water, or any thing else, and must soon have perished. As soon as they got on board our vessel, they fell on their knees and thanked God for their deliverance. This I saw verified what was written in the 107th Psalm. 

39. "From the year 1777 to 1784, I remained more quiet; but about the latter period I made a trip to New York, and one to Philadelphia. At the latter place, I was very much pleased to see the worth Quakers easing the burdens of my oppressed countrymen. It also rejoiced my heart when one of these people took me to the free school, and I saw the children of my color instructed, and their minds cultivated, to fit them for usefulness.

40. "Not long after my return, I found government was preparing to make a settlement of free people of color on the coast of Africa, and that vessels were engaged to carry such as wished to