“In February 1823, finding house-rent dear in Graham’s Town, we returned to our location at Cuyler Ville, 46 miles off. On 2d May my husband hurt his kidnies by carrying a bag of pumpkins home, which he had purchased, and took to his bed. On the 9th our youngest child died of an irruption, which the other two were very ill of, and I buried it in the garden, a neighbour assisting me in making a little box to contain the body. Dr. ——— and Capt. ———- called, and frequently gave us relief. Hearing that charity was given by the Landdrost, I wrote to Mr. GODLONTON, (whom I knew,) Clark to the Landdrost, but I got no answer. Mrs. WAKEFORD, my neighbour, going to Graham’s Town, asked GODLONTON what he had done? He said, he had spoke to the Landdrost, but got no answer. Mrs. WAKEFORD resolved to see him herself, and made known our case. The Landdrost gave her 5lbs. rice, 2lbs. sugar, 1lb. sago, and 1lb. oatmeal; this was the latter end of May. Capt. —— called one day, and said he had written to ———- about us, but had got no answer. “I then wrote to the Landdrost direct, stating my husband’s case, and that I was on the point of being confined, that I was in want of linen, as I had used it to dress my dear child’s sores.
“Mrs. WAKEFORD took the letter, and got a small pair of blankets, but no other relief! About this time, a subscription had commenced at Graham’s Town without our knowledge, and to this relief, and the great fatherly goodness of Capt. ———- and Dr. ——- we were saved from perishing. About the 2d July I laid-in, and my good neighbours assisted me, while my husband lay in great agonies in the next room. I fortunately soon recovered from my confinement, and was again able to attend him. Capt. ——— once said to my husband and myself, “Have you received nothing lately from ——- ——- I wonder at it, as I have again spoke about your state.” Dr. ——— said, “Don’t agitate his mind now; I fear he is in the last stage.” Capt. ———— then read a chapter in the Bible to him, and told him to compose his mind; and that his family should be taken care of. He then drew me on one side, and said, “Mrs. HARDEN, the little you have got from ——- ——- has been of serious injury to you; it has stopped the subscription in Graham’s Town, as the people think you are relieved by ——— ———; but it shall not rest here.” He then walked the room in great agitation. About this time I was told Mr. GEARY had said, that the Landdrost had given orders to Mr. BOWKER to give us assistance. I sent to Mr. BOWKER, but his reply was, ‘I never had any orders whatever.’
“On the 17th August my husband’s dreadful sufferings were over, and my kind neighbours assisted in burying him in the garden, by the side of our child. About the latter end of September, I went, at the persuasion of Mr. BAILIE, in his wagon to Graham’s Town, and after staying a fortnight at a friend’s house and calling repeatedly upon (Mr. RIVERS), I got an interview. He said he could do nothing for me; he was sorry; but every body applied to him for relief, and he had nothing to give them or me. At last he called in the Messenger, and desired him to give me some rice. I then asked, as I could not maintain myself and three children, if I could not get a free passage to England? He said that I might memorialize, and he would back it. I got Mr. BAILIE to draw it up. I took it myself; but have never heard more about it. Next day, I had from CLARK, the Messenger, half-a-pound of tea, 2lbs. sugar, and 5lbs. rice; - but the flood took place; - I was detained, and was obliged to consume what was given me. When I returned to my location, my house I found washed down; but my children were taken care of by Mrs. HEATH. I returned worse than I went. My neighbours built up a little of my house; but after disposing of all I had left of my husband’s tools, &c. &c. &c. I was left destitute. In this state I married my present husband, and my three children are now, thank God, healthy and provided for by my husband’s industry.
The mark of Mrs. Maria FLETCHER, late HARDEN:
X
