I was endow'd by my Great Master with an innocent boldness, in which
I could use great freedom in solid conversation with the most leading men; for
they mostly quartered where we did; which gave me a full opportunity to re-
lieve my oppressed mind.

The prospect seems gloomy, whether any
thing can be done at this time for the Relief of our distressed fellow Men,
yet I would not have my friends here be discouraged: The Cause is Surely
good; And I have no doubt but way will be made for this poor people's libe-
ration, but what way, or how Soon must be left to the Lord. My mind was
turned to think of trying for a religious public Meeting in the place
which some of those we conversed with, spake in favour of, if the Way
should be opened, and the Business they were met on, would admit of it: It was
also thought the house where they sat in would be the most suitable place; But after wait-
ing a while to see how matters would turn with respect to a publick
opportunity, it seemed scarce likely to be obtain'd in the present Circumstances.
I was therefore the more free to make use of private opportunities
with the Members of the Legislature and others; which was to my own
satisfaction & to theirs, as far as I saw: There being here now a
large collection of those of the first rank, Gentlemen, so called: most of
them being Men in some Office, Civil or military. I thought the res-
pect they shewed me was marvellous: For my simple Appearance, singular
as it was, some of them confessed it was instructive to them; that their own Conduct
and way of living was luxurious, & they allow'd much might be spared; Saying that
I looked as well s they did, altho' they had great variety of roasted, baked,
& boiled provisions &c; whilst mine was about half a pint of milk and
as