was thrown into a mixed company of the towns-
people. Being a stranger, this extraordinary
person was introduced as a subject of conver-
sation; but the company being of different reli-
gious and political sentiments, I found that nothing
correct could be gathered respecting the charac-
ter of this man, even amongst his townsmen and
neighbours. Some of them asserted that he was a
drunkard; others the contrary. Some asserted that
he was not fit to live, and others with equal earnest-
ness that he was an upright honest man, and kind
and friendly to the poor. Perhaps all might have
some ground for their assertions, by viewing dif-
ferent periods of his life; but what appeared the
most remarkable was an observation of the land-
lady, who asserted her belief, that he was an
enemy to American freedom, and that he was
supported by Great Britain, and was the friend of
that Government. In proof of her assertion, she
said that he had treacherously mixed black sand
in the American gunpowder, intended to be used
against the English. All this, however, manifested
that the mind of man is liable to be darkened and
clouded by party spirit, which so much prevails in
the world; and which seems inseparable from free
Governments, when mankind, individually, are
unwilling to come under the government of the
Prince of Peace.