nt the Relations of
these imprisoned persons from making an Escape, who thro fear of the
King might attempt it. This always is the Kings custome to do. But
it put us into an exceeding fear, lest it might beget an admiration
in these Soldiers to see White men so low down: which indeed is not
customary nor allowed of: and so they might send us up again. Which
doubtless they would have done, had it not been of God by this means
and after this manner to deliver us. Especially considering that
the King's Command came just at that time and so expresly to keep a
secure Guard at the Watches, and that in that very Way that alwayes we
purposed to go in: so that it seemed scarcely possible for us to pass
afterwards, tho we should get off fairly at present with the Soldiers.

[But get fairly rid of it.] Which we did. For they having delivered
their Message, departed, shewing themselves very kind and civil unto
us. And we seemed to lament for our hard fortune, that we were not
ready to go upwards with them in their good company: for we were
Neighbours dwelling in one and the same County. However we bid them
carry our commendations to our Countrymen the English, with whom they
were acquainted at the City, and so bad them farewel. And glad we
were when they were gone from us. And the next day in the morning we
resolved, God willing, to set forward. But we thought not fit to tell
our Host, the Governor, of it, till the very instant of our departing,
that he might not have any time to deliberate concerning us.

That Night he being disposed to be merry, sent for people whose trade
it is to dance and shew tricks, to come to his house to entertain
him with their Sports. The beholding them spent most part of the
Night. Which we merrily called our Old Host's Civility to us at our
last parting: as it proved indeed, tho he, honest man, then little
dreamed of any such thing.

[They get away fairly from the Governour.] The morning being come,
we first took care to fill our Bellies; then we packed up those
things which were necessary for our Journey to carry with us, and
the rest of our Goods, Cotton Yarn, and Cloth and other things;
that we would not incumber our selves withall, we bound up in a
Bundle, intending to leave them behind us. This being done, I went
to the Governor, and carried him four or five charges of Gunpowder,
a thing somewhat scarce with them, intreating him rather than we
should be disappointed of Flesh, to make use of tha