believe, the fishermen to whom they were entrusted destroyed. On the 11th a Chinese came on board, who understood English; he informed me that the Ladrones demanded ten thousand dollars for our ransom, which if not given they would murder us. He offered, if I would write to capt. G. to pay him ten dollars, to carry let ters to Whampoa. I accordingly wrote again to Mr. Baring, requesting his assistance. time, stating, that I was coutinually threatened with death. Mr. Drummond could not have received this letter, having left China before it was written, and I know not whether it fell into the hands of any other gentleman. Among the captures made daily, there was taken on the 18th a small Mandarin boat, with four men in it, one of whom was brought aboard the junk I was in. Their cruelty to him, as also to another which I shall menDecember 14, an Armenian was brought tion hereafter, has made an indelible impres on board, who spoke Moors; he had been sion on my mind. He was naited to the deck captured by them about 17 months before, in through his feet, with large nails; then beat a Portuguese brig, from Manilla to Macao, with four rattans twisted together, till he voin which he was passanger. He partly reliev-mited blood; and after remaining some time ed me from my apprehension of being murdered; he remained on board till the 24th, when he was sent to look at some wounded men in another Junk, as he had before assisted in one or two cures. On the 15th we weighed and made sail, in company with about 70 sail of Ladrone vessels; and stood to the N. E. between the islands. On the 18th we anchored at a place called by the Ladrones Wong-chong-chow, where they attacked two places defended by forts; neither of which they carried. I did not see the attack; as the Junk of the chief seldom or never fights, but when attacked. January 11, 1807, three Ladrone Junks came from off Macao, sent by the man who had captured us, to bring me to him, saying that the Mandarins would pay the ransom, they having now raised it to thirty thousand dollars, which at first I could scarcely credit. On the 13th I arrived on board the other Junk, where I was more certainly informed that thirty thousand dollars were insisted on ; they also alleged, that it was not the English who were to pay this sum, but the Mandarins, by order of the viceroy of Canton. And they informed me, that four men belonging to the Mandarins of Macao, had been with them to say, that the Mandarius would pay our ransom; inquired how much they wanted, and where I was. They were told, that the above-mentioned sum was requisite; and that I was on board a Junk to the eastward. These men desired I might be sent for; and promised to pay the sum required. The truth of these circumstances were confirmed to me by the Armenian. The Ladrone captain then ordered that I should write to the Mandarins, and tell them, that if the ransom did not come in three days, he would murder us all. Not knowing how to address them, I wrote to Mr. Drummond, informing him of the above particulars, requesting, should what I had heard be true, he would be good enough to use his influence with the Mandarins to hasten our relief: should it be false, I had no hopts, unless the hon. Company took pity on my unfortunate situation; at the same in this state, he was taken on shore and cut to pieces. The others I believe were treated in a similar manner. On the 19th, I received a letter from capt. Greg, dated 28th December, informing me, that 500 dollars were offered for our ransom ; and that if the Ladrones refused to deliver us up, vengeance would be taken on them. Capt. G's. letter was accompanied by one addressed to J. W. Roberts, Esq. desiring him to pay the above sum, on our being brought to Macao. I informed the Ladrones of what was offered by my coinmander, who had sailed by this time; and that I had no money of my own, but they still continued to think that the Mandarins would release me. For my own part, I much doubted it, and wrote by the bearer of the foregoing, to Mr. Roberts, desiring he would be good enough to answer my letter, and inform me of the truth of what I had heard concerning the Mandarins requesting, should it not be true, that he would inform Mr. Drummond that the threat used against them, had produced no other effect than their threats to murder us, should such vengeance be attempted: as this was the case, I begged that no force might be used, but that I might be left to my wretched fate; until I could eitheir make my escape, or receive assistance from England. I also request ed, that a few cloths might be sent me, as I suffered much from the cold. Shortly after there came another man from the Mandarins, offering, as I was told, the sum of 5,000 dollars for our ransom; which they refused, insisting now on 25,000, besides other things. The next day there was taken a Canton chop boat, in which were 22 passengers, going to Macao, several of whom spoke English. With one of them, named Afoo, an intelligent man, I soon formed a friendship, which afforded me no small consolation during the rest of my captivity. Sometimes we would bewail together our hard fate, which had thrown us into the hands of cruel pirates; at others, we encouraged each other with the hopes of obtaining our release. The Ladrones now passed over to Wong-chong-chow, to keep their new year The Armenian now begged to be sent to the Junk he was before on board of, which they complied with, as he had cured those who were either slightly wounded, or had sores: for which services he not only received no recompence, but was worse treated than before. On the 7th or 8th of Feb. I wrote, at the desire of Afon, a letter to Mr. Beale, requesting he would be good enough to lend kim 200 dollars to complete the sum demanded for his ransom. At the same time, informed him of my own distressed situation; beseeching him to make it known to my countrymen, and receive whatever they might think proper to contribute, for my relief, in doing which he would lay me under infinite obligations. After passing a few days of the new year at Wong-chong-chow, we left it, to go near to Macao. Nothing particular happened for some time; except that the Ladrones often wished me to write to the British gentlemen at Macao, nod Canton, requesting their assistance. I always informed them, that I was unacquainted with any of them; never having been at China before. They threatened if I did not get released shortly that they would put me to a cruel death, unless I assisted them in working their guns; of this I constantly told them I knew nothing, as I belonged to a merchant man, and not a ship of war. They persisted, however, in asserting that this could not be the case. Here I must not forget to mention the kind treatment Afoo and myself experienced from the purser of the Junk in which we were:-This man had been taken by the Ladrones about three years before; and not having money to ransom himself, accepted of the situation he then held; in hopes one day or other to obtain his enlargement. He often invited us to come and sit in his cabin; and one evening, when we were there al together, talking about our unfortunate situation, we swore to each other, that the one who might first get released, should use every exertion in his power to procure the release of the other. A foo was the fortunate man; having by the generous assistance of Mr. Beale, completed the sum wanted for his freedom, which he obtained on the 22d Feb. having been just a month in the hands of the Ladrones; he repeated his assurances of making every possible effort for my enlargement, and I embraced this opportunity of writing to the British gentlemen at Canton and Macao soliciting their assistance. About this time, the Ladrone captain who had taken me, left the vessel he was in, to take the command of another, and smaller; which arose from the following circum stances: On board a small vessel two men had been laying a plan to run away, but being overheard, and information given to the captain, they were immediately fogged, and put in irons; he then brought then on board to the chief of the squadron (who was the captain just alluded to) desiring that they might be put to death. This the chief would not allow on which the captain, and some of the people of the small Junk, got their arms, and insisted that their request should be complied with. The chief still refusing, a fray began; when the captain and his people were driven to their boats, one or two of them wounded. On account of this behaviour, the captain was obliged to leave the Ladrones; and the chief, on consulting their Gods respecting a succes or to him, found himself called upon to give up his own vessel, and to take the command of a smaller one; which was done accordingly. March 1st. Received a letter from Afoo, with some clothes, which were sent by Mr. Beale; but before I had time to ac knowledge the receipt of them, the Ladrones got under weigh, and stood to the southward, passing at a short distance from 2 or 300 sail of Mandarins, and salt boats coming from the westward; and in two or three days we came to Satye. Here they hauled their vessels on shore, and cleaned their bot toms; I was on shore at this place, for about an hour, being the first time since my capture. At this place, a man was put to death, with circumstances as I was told of peculiar horror. Being fixed upright, his belly was cut open, and his heart taken out, which they afterwards soaked in spirits, and eat.— The dead body I saw myself. I am well assured that this shocking treatment is fre quently practiced, in the case of persons who having aunoyed the Ladrones in a vigorous manner, unfortunately fall into their hands. From this place, we sailed to Tyhoo: where I was ordered aboard the small Junk commanded by the chief of the squadron. Sailed thence, in company with five Junks, leaving several others lying there; three days afterwards they joined us, and I was informed by the Liscars, that they had met with some Mandarin vessels, had engaged them, and taken a small one which they burned, heaving every person overboard. We now kept beating to the N. E. between the islands, and the next day again parted company. One evening, about sun set, saw two Chin Chew Junks to which they gave chase. The force of the Ladrones was 4 large and 3 small vessels. They attacked the first they came up with; and after some time, finding she was too heavy for them, they took the guns out of one of the small vessels and 2 C 4 2 made a fire ship of her. The force of stood towards the Mandarins. They laid her alongside the Chin Chew Junk, to windward; and then set fire to the train, in doing which one of the Ladrone Junks was much burnt. She burit very well; but, there being little wind, and the Junk's mainsail being on the opposite side, there was nothing that could take fire, except the hull; | from which in about ten minutes they got her shoved off. The Ladrones seeing this gave the Junk a few more shot, and stood from her. Two days after, as we were lying between the islands in company within 3 days. three other Ladrone vessels, we saw in the forenoon several Mandarin Junks making all sail towards us, with a force consisting of 22 large Junks. On the 9th May, a Chinese, who had been dispatched by Afoo, came to the Ladrones, telling them there was an English ship lying of Sam-Cock, which had the money aboard; and that if they would In the evening fell in with 14 sail, small carry us there, and anchor in sight, the sum and large, of the Ladrones; and came to an demanded for our ransom should be sent. anchor at the back of an island. The next We were then put into another Junk, morning got under weigh, and stood to the with two others to accompany her, and N. E; at about 8 A. M saw the Mandarins proceeded to Sain-Cock. I was at this time at anchor, in shore of us, who shortly after | informed, that one of the Lascars had made gor under weigh; and though much superior his escape, a few days before. On our arin force to the Ladrones, they never attempt- rival there, saw nothing of the ship. The ed to get near them. The Ladrones turning Chinese, who had come to the Ladrones, to windward, 3 leagues off; and the Man- went to Macao, it being foul weather, thinkdarins close in shore, the former appearing ing the ship might have gone there. neither to seek an engagement nor to avoid one. About 4 P. M. tween the islands. tinuing outside. the Mandarins went be The Ladrones still conShortly after this, the purser aforementioned, having informed me that he believed 3 or 4000 dollars would be accepted for my ransom, I wrote to Mr. Beale to that purpose. I had received from him two or three encouraging letters, during my confinement. The next day the purser left the Ladrones, having obtained his release, by plan concerted between himself and Afon. On the 22d of April, Afoo came to the Ladrone Junk in which I was, and informed me, he had been with the chief of the flag, from whom he had a pass for three months; and that he had been endeavouring to induce him to lessen the sum demanded for our ransom, which I believe was of considerable advantage. After treating some time with the chief of the squadron, by whose boat I was taken, it was at length agreed that 2,600 -dollars should be paid. Afoo then left us, to return to Macao; having first obtained a pass, to secure the above sum, when bringing it, from being taken by any other Ladrone. April 28th in the morning, when lying at Luupack-How, news was brought, that several Alandarin vessels were coming. The Ladrones immediately got under weigh; when one of the captains hailed the Junk I was aboard of, saying, "we are equal to them in force, and surely will not run.' Immediately the Ladrones put about, and Next morning, the Ladrones stood towards Macao, to see if they could discern the ship. But, on observing 25 sail of Mandarin Junks, made sail towards Wongchong chow, at which place they arrived next morning, and we were welcomed on our return, with the promise of having our heads cut off. On the 21st a letter was brought me from Capt Ross, informing me, he had the mo ney on board, for our ransom; and wished to know where we were to be found, or at what place he should stay. Of this I informed the Ladrone chief, who said he would send us next morning, and allowed one of the La-cars to go with a letter to Capt. Ross, telling him, that one of the Ladrones would anchor in sight of him, and fire a gun; when, if he would send his boat, with the money, the Ladrones would let us go. At midnight, myself and the remaining Lascars were sent away, with vessels in company, and the next forenoon arrived in sight of the Hon. Comp. cruizers Discovery and Antelope. One of the Ladrone row boats went to make the signal. Shortly after, a fishing boat brought a letter from Capt. Ross, saying he perceived the signal, and would dispatch immediately the jolly boat, with the money; of which I informed the Lascars, desiring they would go nearer the ship. They then put us into a smaller vessel, for that purpose. Observed the Discovery had dispatched her boat; but as she was pulling towards us, another Ladrone that was out on a cruize passed between the vessel I was in and the Discovery's boat, at which she fired two guns, and dispatched a row boat after her. Upon this the Discovery's boat put about, and pulled towards the ship, fearing some treachery: but on their making a signal from the vessel I was in, the other left off chasing, and bore down to us. The fisherman who brought me the letter, having overtaken the jolly boat, accompanied her to the Ladrones, with the ransom, which having taken ont and counted, they let us go. One of their row boats was sent part of the way with us, to prevent our being molested by any other Ladrone vessel, and about 3 P.M. of the 22d May I arrived on board the Hon. Comp cruizer Discovery: where I was sincerely congratulated on my happy deliverance. During my captivity of five months and a half, I was fortunate enough to enjoy tole rable health; notwithstanding the inconveniences to which I was subject. release was happily effected; and for which Canton, August 11, 1807. We are under the necessity of deferring till next number, some very interesting particulars related by Mr. Turner, respecting the force, discipline, &c. of the LADRONESthe result of his observations during his confinement among them. ON TOLERATION. Although the following letter has appeared in a contemporary publication, yet as we have private information, from unquestionable authority, that it speaks the sentiments of a great proportion of the Friends, (known commonly under the appellation of Quakers) who take a lively interest in the subject of it, we are induced to insert it: especially, as the same information leads us to believe that efforts will be made to render the prin ciples asserted in it, somewhat more than a dead letter. Those who recollect the in My fare was the same as that of the common Chinese; consisting for the most part of coarse red rice, with a little salt fish. Influence and perseverance of the Friends * on the question of the Slave Trade, will be vessels so crowded as the Ladrone boats ge- of our opinion that reference to this letter nerally are, the accommodations, it may eamay be of use, if not of importance. sily be conceived, are wretched; and this inconvenience I felt severely. At night, the space allowed me to sleep in, was never larger than about eighteen inches wide, and four feet long; and, if at any time, I happened to extend my contracted limbs beyond their limits, I was sure to be reminded of my mistake by a blow, or a kick. For the first few days after being taken, I was kindly used; but afterwards, my treatSeveral times ment was very indifferent. have I been struck, and kicked by the lowest of the Ladrones, while useless expostulation was all I could oppose in my defence. Often was I threatened with a cruel death; til at last their threats almost failed to intimidate me; though I was well aware that had nothing to hope, either from the justice or mercy of those unprincipled robbers. I cannot describe my feelings during my captivity; and it is scarcely possible for any to conceive them, but those who have been in similar unfortunate circumstances. Even when I expected daily to be ransomed, I was under the most dreadful apprehensions that some treachery on the part of the Ladrones might render useless the efforts of those who had interested themselves in my liberation; and might perpetuate my confinement amongst those pirates. But I shall leave these painful recollections; to acknowledge the obligations I lie under to those gentlemen, by whose exertions my Mr. Wyvill's answer has also been published: that gentleman's sentiments are well known; but they are not our object, at present. Extract of a Letter from Mr. G. Harrison to the Reverend Christopher Wyvill. Worthy and respected Friend,-I hare read thy little tract, recommending "a more ex"tended discussion in favour of liberty of "conscience," with cordial satisfaction, and as I trust that a formal apology on the part of a well-wisher to such a discussion, though a stranger, will not be deemed necessary for obtruding myself upon thy notice, I will venture to set down a few thoughts, which have occurred to my mind upon the perusal of thy pamphlet. The interest of mankind, both in a civil and religious point of view, scems to be deeply involved in the occurrences of the present eventful period. Every feeling mind must be affected by the contemplation of the horrors and miseries accompanying the extended warfare that has of late years prevailed in Europe; and yet the history of former ages affords a fair ground of hope that He, * Vide Panorama, p. 42, of the present volume. In Vol. II. p. 1207, may be seen the epistle of the meeting of Quaker-, (held May 27.) 1807, to their brethren, on the Slave trade and Indian civilization.--An account of the school at Ackworth, Yorkshire, established by this respectable society, may be also seen in p. 1297 of Vol. I. of our work. who can and does educe good from evil, will give to the present calamitous scene an effect ultimately beneficial to the human race. Believe I have detained thee too long. me very sincerely and truly, thy respectful Friend, GEO. HARRISON, But though feeble mortals cannot controul Walcot-place, Lambeth, 8th Sept. 1808.. events, does it become the well-wisher of his One word more. If it is intended to prospecies listlessly to regard the passing scene? Benevolence is an active principle, and ceed in this business upon the broad bottom of "unlimited," or "universal toleration," (buman affairs are conducted under Providence by human talents and exertion, and there or, more correctly, "universal right," give talents and exertion have been the most conme leave to suggest the irrelevancy of identispicuous in times of the greatest difficultying this cause with the situation, however It is the storm and not the calm that calls pitiable or alarming, of the people of Ire for them. May, then, the cause of the pamphlet be taken up with a calm, but firm resolution, to persevere till the rock of civil and religious liberty be made the foundation of social order in this country; but let the object be frankly and explicitly stated and avowed, in order that all malevolent insinuations or misrepresentations may at once be put down. To be uniformly and scrupulously temper ate in discussion is wisely recommended in the pamphlet. land. G. H. COLLEGE OF FORT WILLIAM, AT [For former Proceedings, compare Panorama, The Right Hon. Lon! Minto, Govenor Genehaving appointed Saturday, the 27th of February, ral and Visitor of the College of Fort William, for a Public Disputation in the Asiatic Languages, to be held in conformity with the Statutes of the I'observe, that with the exception of one College, the Governors, Officers, Professors, and respectable individual, your association con- Students of the College, met at ten o'clock, at sists of members of the Established Charch, the Government House; where the Members of to whom the undertaking is highly creditable, the Supreme Council, the Judges of the Supreme and in such a cause it seems peculiarly expe- Court, and many of the Civil and Military Officers dient that they should fill the foremost ranks; at the Presidency, with others of the Principal but at the same time members of " European Inhabitants of Calcutta, and a few every sect "and denomination" are invited as auxili- respectable Natives were also assembled.-After aries. This seems quite consistent with the the Prizes and Honorary Rewards had been disgrand principle of the object in view, in notributed, the Right Hon. the VISITOR, delivered the following Discourse; sort invidious or exclusive. What opinion or disposition my fellow professors may enterGentlemen of the College of Fort William, tain upon the subject I cannot undertake to In addressing a body constituted as you are, I say, but I think it must be a sad dereliction have to regret, that the course of my pursuits and of first principles, or a lamentable ignorance occupations has not led to those attainments, which can enable me to form a personal judg of the tenets professed, or a fear arising froin worldly considerations, that influences their liarly connected with the solemnities of the prement on the interesting objects which are pecujudgment and actuates their conduct, if they sent day, much less to bring into this chair the withhold their countenance from the promo-authority of the distinguished and accomplished tion of a purpose so congenial to the doctrines avowed in the writings of our best authors. After all, when I consider the powerful effect of prejudice and habit upon the minds of men, I am scarcely able to exclude from my mind a doubt whether, before the object aimed at can be effectually accomplished, it will not, by education, be previously necessary to impress the minds of the youth of the rising or succeeding generation with those just and liberal sentiments of religion, the prevalency of which can alone ensure success. person who lately filled it. In the delicate and scrupulous office, however, of distributing the honours and rewards, which are annually assigned to talents, application and conduct, in this place, I have felt no diffidence, and I shall feel none in performing the remaining duties of the day, by observing on the progressive success of this institution, both in its immediate and peculiar functions for the instruction of youth, and in its more general tendency to promote the improvement and extension of oriental literature; I feel no distrust, I say, in the execution of duties so foreign to my personal habits and acquirements, because We have seen of late a striking and cala- my own deficient judgment has been guided by mitous instance of the want of due preparathat of learned and honourable men, whose ention in the minds of the people of France for lightened testimonics, I know, cannot mislead the sober adoption and permanent enjoyment me. Speaking, therefore, no longer in my inof civil and political freedom, and ardently dividual character, but as I ought, and as I am do I wish that the "extended discussion,' abour to do, in that of the high office which I recommended in the case in question, may have the honour to bear, I rest on the firm and secure ground, which ought to be the foundation eventually have the effect of precluding all of every act and every sentiment issuing from such objection, danger, and inischiefon that ground.offices; I mean, the collected wisdom, knpw |