Memoirs of Major Alexander Ramkins (1718) by Daniel Defoe

D >> Daniel Defoe >> Memoirs of Major Alexander Ramkins (1718)

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

These were the melancholly Meditations with which the more discerning
part of King _James's_ Friends often entertain'd themselves, but great
care was taken that no such Language shou'd reach the _French_ Court.
Their Honour was too nearly touch'd to pass over such Reflexions in that
severity and remarkable Punishment. I took my self to be pretty Cautious
upon such like Subjects, yet upon this last pretended Descent, King
_James_ being inform'd that I had express'd my self very improperly upon
the Matter, so as to blame the Dilatory Methods of _France_ upon his
Account, I was order'd to be Prisoner in my Lodgings, but releas'd after
two Days Confinement, with a threatening Charge, never more to reflect
upon the _French_ King's Conduct. I do not remember where I spoke the
Words, or in what Company, but I believe I might make a loose upon their
Management who prefer'd the _French_ to the King's own Subjects upon
this Expedition; adding withal, that it look'd as if such Persons had no
Design the Project should take Effect, but this was enough to shew I had
a jealous Mind.

About this Time my Company, with the rest of the Regiment, was order'd
down into _Flanders_, and having been a considerable Time absent I was
commanded to attend there. My Brother-in-law who was one of the Robe in
his own Country, and unacquainted with the Wars, yet was moved with a
certain Curiosity to see a Campaign, and tho' much against my Sister's
Will, resolv'd to accompany me into _Flanders_; yet his Principal Motive
was to make a Halt at _Doway_, whither he had been invited some time
before by a near Relation belonging to the _Scotch_ College in that
University. We went together in the _Cambray_ Coach, and after a short
stay at _Doway_, we proceeded on to the Army, which then was under that
expert and resolute General the Duke of _Luxembourg_. It was certainly a
kind impulse of Heaven that gave me my Brother for a Companion upon this
Occasion; for an Action happening soon after, viz. the famous Battle of
_Launden_, where it was my Misfortune to be dangerously wounded. I had
the Satisfaction of my Brother's Company and Assistance during a tedious
Sickness, which was the Consequence of my Wounds. The _French_ were no
great Gainers by this Battle, though they at long run routed the Enemy,
and kept the Field; for besides the great loss they sustain'd during the
Attack, which far exceeded that of the Allies, the Victory was not well
pursu'd. It was my Post to reinforce a Party of _French_ Fusiliers, who
were order'd to Storm the Intrenchmenent, in which Service a Bullet was
lodg'd in my Shoulder, which besides disabling me on one Side, the loss
of Blood I suffer'd was so great, that I was not able to support my
self, but drop'd down and had been trampled to Death under my own Mens
Feet, had not a strong Body'd Drummer hurried me out of the Croud upon
his Back; but he carried me off with such Precipitation, that one of the
Enemies Troopers seeing me at a Distance, and thinking me to be somebody
of Consequence, sprung after me upon his Gelding, and carried both me
and the Drummer into a Village on the left Hand of the Attack, where
several Squadrons were posted. The commanding Officer who was a Colonel
of the _English_ Guards, finding, I was of the _British_ Nation, order'd
me to be laid in a Barn with a Centinel to guard me, and the Surgeon of
the Regiment was immediately call'd for to dress and tie up my Wounds. I
had not been in that Lodging above an Hour, but the Village was attack'd
by the _French_ Gens d'Arms, and there was a Tryal of Skill between the
Flower of both the Armies, in which Action the _French_ at last were
Superior, so I was releas'd, but it was equal to me in the Condition I
was in whose Hands I fell into, for I had so many fainting Fits which
succeeded one another, that I expected not to survive any of 'em. My
Brother, whom I desired to go to _Loraine_ during the Action had a Mind
to be a little nearer, so remain'd with the Baggage, but met not with me
till the next Day, that we both went in a Waggon to his Lodgings in
_Loraine_, where I was confin'd three Months before I was able to
Travel.

In this Retirement it was that I began to be very Serious: A Soldiers
Life has many Occurrences which are not very reconcileable to strict
Morality. To comprize my own Character in relation to Christianity, I
was neither a Saint nor a Devil. The Pains I felt were very Sharp, and
hindred my Rest; my Blood was heated and boiling up to a Fever, which
being agitated with daily dressing my Wounds, it requir'd a skillful
Physician and a good Regimen in the Patient, to stave off a Fit of
Sickness. My Brother prov'd an excellent Nurse, and had he not us'd a
great deal of Reason in keeping me from improper Nourishment, the Game
would quickly have been up with me. I was also waited upon several
times by a worthy Clergyman, who neglected not to give me Penitent Hints
to have regard to the main Concern; I return'd him Thanks, and gave him
to understand I would make use of him when there was more urgent
Occasion. When I began to grow a Valetudinarian, and that my Wounds
began to heel up, I had the Liberty to drink _Loraine_ Beer, which is
much celebrated in those Parts. As yet I had drank nothing but Tissans
and such like Decoctions, which being very mild upon the Palate, did not
give content to the inward dryness and thirst I felt by the loss of
Blood. But I quickly repented this Indulgence of tasting the Beer, I
took such deep Draughts that I relaps'd into a dangerous and most
violent Fever, in which I acted all the Parts of a dying Man, besides
making my Exit; I was delirious above three Days, which though it was
but a melancholly Sight in it self, yet I behav'd my self so various in
my rambling Discourse, that it occasion'd no small Diversion to such as
were present, and had no immediate concern in my Welfare. I besieg'd
Towns, rally'd scattered Forces, accepted Challenges, wandered over the
_Alpes_, and pass'd over several Seas without Ships; I was in the
Orchard at the Boyne, under the Walls of _London Derry_, and diverted
with the fine Rode to _Lions_, and what I thought I should never have in
my Head again, some amorous Ideas, though very faint one's, discover'd
themselves, and I was heard to talk of Snuff-Boxes, Periwigs, and
_Spanish_ Ladies. My Brother who heard me, and to whom I had discover'd
that Intrigue, burst out into a Laugh when he heard me name Snuff-Boxes;
for this was enough to make him believe the Passion was not dead in me,
which he horded up to rally me with.

During this Entertainment which I gave the Spectators, my Brother had
sent for the Priest, but I was then in a very improper State to settle
Accounts in Relation to the next World. However, the Gentleman
approaching my Bed, and calling upon me to hear whether I could return a
rational Answer. He bid me lift up my Heart to God, and call upon my
Redeemer. But I, as I suppose, taking him to be one of my Sergeants, bid
God--D--n him for a Rascal, why had he not been with me before? for the
Colonel had order'd a Review shou'd be made at Eleven a Clock. The
Priest shrugg'd up his Shoulders, sprinkled me with Holy Water, and
retir'd to the Window, where my Brother and the Physician were attending
my Fate. When my Delirious Fit was over, which was about an Hour
afterwards, I turn'd my Eyes towards the other Side of the Room, where I
saw three Persons leaning in the Window with their Backs towards me; and
not being entirely recover'd from my Delirious State, I fancied my self
a Prisoner at _Constantinople_, and that my Brother, the Physician, and
the Priest, were three Mutes sent to Strangle me; but in an Instant or
two I return'd to my self, and discover'd whose Hands I was in. This was
a terrible Attack, and the Enemy had made such a Breach, that I desired
to wisper a Word with the Priests, telling him I wou'd Capitulate next
Morning about Eight a Clock. Afterwards I recover'd very leisurely, and
took great Care not to be too bold with the _Lorain_ Beer. My Phician
advised me not to remove from that Place till I was perfectly
establish'd, assuring me there was not better Air in all the
_Netherlands_. I follow'd his Advice, for I cou'd not think him prompted
to give it me through Avarice, for he was so very moderate in his Fees,
that I thought my self oblig'd at our parting to make him a handsome
Present. My Brother who was a Man of Letters, and very curious in his
Enquiries, had a good opportunity during our stay here to get acquainted
with several learned Men of this University. One of the first account
was Dr. _Martin_ an _Irish_ Clergyman, who had a lively Genious and was
also a Person of great reading. In the mean time my Sister at _Paris_
began to grow impatient for her Husband, but she bore his Absence the
better when she understood how useful he had been to me during my
Sickness. However, we made bold to Trespass a little further, by taking
a turn round the Country. It was not a Journey entirely of Pleasure, for
I was oblig'd to go to _Amsterdam_, there being a stop put to the
Interest of my Mony, so I was resolved to see that Matter rectify'd. So
having obtained a Pass from the Allies, under the Quality of two
_Scotch_ Merchants we began our Journey. When I came to _Amsterdam_, I
was very much surpriz'd to understand the odd Occasion of my Money being
stop'd. It seems a Countryman, of mine who had fish'd out something of
my Concerns, and saw me fall at the Battle of _Launden_, had
Counterfeited a Deed in the Nature of a Will, which imported, that all
my Effects in _Amsterdam_ were left to him, he being my Brother, and
demanding it as his due. The Banker had the Deed perus'd by several
Persons, it had a great appearance of being Authentick, and my Hand was
so inimitably clap'd to it, that when compared with what was certainly
known not to be Counterfeit, 'twas impossible to discover the
Difference. Now the Banker desired this pretended Brother of mine to
have Patience till he had an account from _Paris_ whether or no I was
dead, and the general Report being that I was kill'd at _Launden_, this
was the occasion that the Money was neither paid to my Correspondent nor
to my Sham Brother. This Point once clear'd, I was resolv'd to find out
the Person who had personated my Brother, that I might bring him to
condign Punishment, as also to clear a Suspicion I had, that my Servant
had a Hand in it, for otherwise I thought it impossible one that was a
Stranger should know whose Hands my Money was in. In the first place I
cunningly interrogated my Servant at a distance, and found enough by his
Countenance that he was not entirely Innocent, however, not being able
to prove it upon him, I in the next place made a diligent Search after
my Sham-Brother; for he had told the Banker at his last Visit that he
wou'd return again in Seven or Eight Days, and Six of 'em were now
expired. The Gentleman was as good as his World. He came to the Banker
with a good Assurance, and demanded both Principal and Interest. I was
then at my Lodging, but being sent for, I was strangely surpris'd to see
the Clerk of my Company, who was also a Sergeant, metamorphos'd into my
Brother. He shrunk two Inches lower at the Sight of me; but dissembling
the matter, I am glad to see thee alive Sergeant said I, for I took it
for granted you were kill'd at the Battle of _Launden_; and I, reply'd
the impudent Villain, thought you had, otherwise I had not been here:
but if you please, noble Captain, to walk into the next Tavern and give
me leave to wait upon you, I will discover to you the occasion of my
coming to _Amsterdam_. My Fears as to my Money being now all over, I
comply'd with the Rascal, and went along with him. But he dress'd up
such a Narrative in favour of his good Intention, and strengthen'd it
with such plausible Circumstances, That he and my Servant, whom he
confess'd to be one of the Party, had no other Intention but to get the
Money out of the Banker's Hands for the Use of my Relations; for that
they had Reason to suspect I had made no Will, and so no body wou'd have
a Right to demand the Money. Now though this Stratagem was very probably
all a Fiction, yet it wrought so much with me, that I did not Prosecute
either of 'em; for as I was acquainted with both their Friends in
_Scotland_, so I had some regard for them, and dismissed them to go home
or whither they pleas'd, not thinking it safe to entertain Persons who
had been involved in such mysterious Practices.

My Affairs being settled at _Amsterdam_, we had the Curiosity to see
_Antwerp_, which is a City where a Stranger may employ his Time very
agreeably, for a longer Term than we cou'd conveniently spend there. We
lodg'd at a House where an _English_ Nobleman also had an Apartment. He
had been in that City about two Months, kept a handsome Equipage, was
very young, and a well bred Gentleman, of great value among the Ladies,
and had he been able to support the Character he bore at first
appearance here, it would have convinced the World there is very little
difference between a Footman and a Nobleman, where neither Sense nor
Money are wanting to carry on the Resemblance. I must anticipate the
dismal Exit of this unfortunate Gentleman which happen'd not till about
two Years afterwards. While he was in his Splendour at _Antwerp_, and
cou'd answer every bodies Expectations as to Money matters, it was not
any Mans Business to pry into his Pedigree; but when his Conduct began
to be observ'd, and taken Notice to be full of Shuffling and Demurs in
the Payment of small Bills, there was a Jealousy spread about the Town
that the Lord G---- would prove a Cheat, so his Credit began to sink in
the Shops, but it held up still among the Ladies, where a handsome
Personage, and a charming Tongue is often ready Money. But it was not
long before he began also to be suspected from this Quarter; his Visits
were not so frequent, his Treats much more sparing; and especially one
Lady, who was his greatest Admirer, and most capable to make Him Happy
on all Accounts, was oblig'd to expose him, and make this Phantom of
Nobility evaporate. In the frequent Visits he pay'd this Lady, he had
observ'd a very handsome Diamond Ring upon her Finger, which was no
less remarkable for its uncommon Form, than intrinsick Value, at a low
Estimate being judg'd to be worth 80_l_. Sterling. The Gentleman had
often thrown out a great many Compliments upon it, which usually tended
towards extolling the Ladies Judgment and Fancy in the choice and
ordering of that Jewel, for she wanting to her self, let him and every
body else know, it was a Thought of her own. The Gentleman in the midst
of one of his Panegyricks upon this little Charmer, begg'd the Favour of
the Lady that he might borrow it for a Day or two till he had shewn it a
Jeweller, for he design'd to have one made in the same Form. The Lady
was not a little pleas'd that her Fancy was like to become a Pattern to
the Town, willingly drew it off her Finger, not in the least suspecting
any Trick, for as yet his Fame was untouch'd. I think he made two or
three Visits without returning the Ring, pretending the Workman was
dilatory in taking a Pattern; but 'tis suppos'd he wanted time to
prepare himself for a Flight, and brush off with the Ring. However, none
of these Suspicions enter'd the Ladies Head, he not being her Aversion.
About three or four Days after, a Lady visiting her, told her the
_English_ Nobleman had parted with his Chariot, pawn'd his best Suit of
Cloaths, and that his Credit was not only very low, but it was suppos'd
he wou'd in a Day or two be oblig'd to Decamp, or take up his Quarters
in a Jail. 'Tis obvious to imagine that the first Thing that came into
the Ladies Mind upon this Occasion was her Diamond Ring; but, as she
confess'd afterwards to a Friend, the Compassion she had for the
Gentleman's Circumstances had so large a Place in her Heart, that she
does not remember to have had any concern upon her in Relation to the
Jewel; from whence we may gather that Evil Fate that hangs over some
Persons Heads, for had but this unfortunate Person pursu'd the Interest
he had with that Lady, whilst he was in flourishing Circumstances, he
might easily have carried it to the _non plus ultra_, and became Master,
of 15000, as she her self own'd when she recover'd her Passion and began
to think calmly. However, the Diamond Ring was not to be neglected, for
though she had been willing to have parted with her Interest in it to
Succour the Gentleman in Distress, it was too large an Alms, and would
perhaps have been judg'd by the World rather an Instance of her
Forwardness and Indiscretion than of her Charity. Her Friends before
advis'd her to demand the Ring, which she did that Evening, but
understood he had pawn'd it for the full Value; upon which she was
(though much against her Inclination) oblig'd to Arrest him, and had him
clap'd up in Prison: But however, she was a very kind Jailor. It is a
Custom, having the Force of the Law in the _Netherlands_, that when a
Debtor is kept in Prison, it shall be at the Charges of the Creditors;
in which also they observe a kind of Proportion, that a Gentleman is to
be allow'd like a Gentleman, and a Mechanick is to be content with a
smaller Allowance. The Lady comply'd very willingly with the Custom, and
her Prisoner being reputed a Person of Quality, it was an excellent
Disguise to show her Liberality. But afterwards being weary of the
Charge, and finding by the Information of several _Englishmen_ that
pass'd thro' _Antwerp_, that her Prisoner was not the Person he
pretended to be, but a meer Sharper and Knight of the Post, she
slacken'd in her Charity, and gradually brought him down to a common
Allowance, and at last discharg'd him. His Life after that was a meer
Romance; He first went into _Gaunt_, here he took up a large Apartment
of four or five Rooms well furnish'd, which he sold after a Fortnight,
taking an advantage of the Landlady's Abscence. With the strength of
this Plunder, he made a Figure for two or three Months at _Brussels_,
where he fought a Duel with _H.S._ an _English_ Gentleman. This Accident
drove him from _Brussels_, but finding he was not secure in the _Spanish
Flanders_, he crossed the Lines, spent the remainder of his Substance at
_Lisle_, and he directed his Course to _Dunkirk_, from whence 'tis said
he design'd to take Shipping for _England_. But here he finish'd his
Misfortunes as I was inform'd upon the Spot, by a Merchant who resided
in that Town, and saw his Exit. This _English_ Merchant walking upon the
Key according to Custom, observ'd a young Gentleman walking in a
Melancholy Posture, and thinking he knew him, though the poor Dress he
was in would not suffer him to make a positive Judgment; however, he
stept up towards him, and upon a nearer View, was convinc'd he was the
Person he took him for. This Merchant had been acquainted with him at
_Antwerp_, when he bore the Character of an _English_ Nobleman and lived
with great Splendor. The Gentleman more dash'd, as I suppose, to jump
upon one who had heard of his Tricks, than for the meanness of his
Circumstances, told the Merchant he was an unfortunate Man, and Things
were now so desperate with him, that he had no way left to relieve
himself but by a Halter. The Merchant having a charitable regard for his
Circumstance, though he knew him to be a very undeserving Object, told
him, he wou'd provide him with a Lodging and Diet till he had a Return
of Money, the Gentleman answer'd frankly he expected no Returns, nor did
he know of any Body that wou'd Assist him, nor you'd he make any
Demands. This Account encourag'd the Merchant to be more Charitable, so
he conducted him to an Inn, desiring the Master of the House to furnish
him with Diet and Lodging till further Orders. Two Days after, the
Merchant coming to Visit him about Ten in the Morning, when they
imagin'd he was still in Bed, a Servant being sent up to call him, he
was hang'd upon the Beam, in one Corner of his Chamber. The Merchant had
a great Curiosity to find out the Pedigree of this Romantick Gentleman,
but you'd get no Authentick Account. I told him I was inform'd at
_Antwerp_, that he was Footman to a Person of Quality, and that he had
robb'd his Master, and fled into the _Netherlands_ to escape Justice,
which made him always unwilling to think of returning Home.

The Peace of _Reswick_ was a ratifying King _James's_ Abdication, and
enrolling in the _French_ Archives, what was before declar'd in the
Convention at _Westminster_. It was now no Time to expostulate with
_Lewis_ XIV. why he had concluded a Peace without mentioning the Person
upon whose Account he had began the War? The Titular King of St.
_Germains_, and the Real one at _Whitehall_, were not irreconcileable,
and the continuation of the Pension was regarded as an unquestionable
mark of the _French_ King's Sincerity, and the unthinking Crew spoke
well of the Master that cramm'd them, never dreaming that they were but
fatten'd for Slaughter, and that under the Disguise of Succouring their
Persons, he might Prey upon their Interest. The _Spanish_ Monarchy was
what _France_ had in their Eye by the Peace of _Reswick_, and the
Restoring of King _James_ was decreed to be the Motive of a War when
they came to a Rupture. Upon the Decease of the King of _Spain_, _Lewis_
XIV diverted Europe with a fresh Scene of Politicks. He convinc'd 'em,
that what he had done at _Reswick_ was a meer Decoy to gain Time and
Breath, and bring greater Designs about. The Allies saw clearly he had
been jugling with two Sham Treaties of Partition, but was underhand
working to engross the Whole, and that the Son and Father at St.
_Germains_ were always to serve to the same Purposes, and stand in the
first Line of his _Manifesto_, to make the War plausible, and raise
Factions in the Territories of _Great-Britain_. This was Fact, for no
sooner were _Things_ ready in _Spain_ and _Flanders_, but King _James_
II departed this Life, which opportunity the _French_ Monarch snatched,
and in a studied Royal Transport, exalted the young Striplings
Expectations at St. _Germains_ by a solemn Protestation, that he wou'd
never sheath his Sword till he saw him upon the Throne of his Ancestors,
by which I suppose he understood no more than that titular Inauguration
which was settled upon his Father at the Peace of _Reswick_. For had not
the Affair of the _Spanish_ Monarchy prompted _France_ to this generous
Declaration in Favour of the Son, 'tis highly probable the _Gallick_
Sword wou'd have rusted in the Scabbard, as it was lock'd up by the
Treaty of _Reswick_, nor had it been now drawn but upon a more
beneficial Provocation, than restoring King _James_, for if it was the
Interest of _France_ to let the Father sit down quietly with the Title,
nothing cou'd supervene to give the Son the Reality. Upon this Basis the
War was renewed again on both Sides, and the Juggle was kept on with the
Court of St. _James_'s, and great Pains were taken by the Emissaries of
_France_, to buoy up King _James_'s Friends both at home and abroad,
that _Lewis_ XIV was Sincere, and wou'd exert himself sooner and later
in their Cause.

The World needs not be put in Mind what Service King _James_ II, Troops
did to _France_ during the War, every Action spoke their Bravery, but
the grand Reform that was made upon the Peace was a sorry recompence for
their Service. _France_ wou'd not entertain 'em, and a Halter was their
Doom if they return'd Home. This was an odd way of obliging King
_James_; I speak not so much upon my own account, (though I was reduc'd
at the same Time) because I had a Sufficiency elsewhere to keep me from
Starving; but it was but a melancholly sight to behold poor Men
strolling upon the Road, not knowing which way to direct their Course,
and begging Alms through those Towns in which a little before they had
Triumph'd in Victory. But the Rod is often thrown away and burnt after
the Child is Whip'd. Upon this Occasion it was that I took leave of
_Mars_, resolving to make use of this Interval of Peace, to satisfy an
old Curiosity to see _England_, a Place as yet I never had beheld. Some
Acquaintance I had contracted at _Dunkirk_, made me willing to take
Shipping there, besides the hopes I had of decoying a pleasant Gentleman
for my Companion, and upon my Arrival I found him in a good Humour, so
we set Sail about three in the Morning, and came under _North Foreland
Point_ about seven the same Day. The Master of the Vessel, though he was
an old Coaster, was not willing to trust himself among the Flats in a
dark Moon, so we lay at Anchor all Night, and in the Morning by peep of
Day, the Wind being pretty favourable, we weigh'd and pursu'd our Voyage
up the River; but being a little too soon for the Tyde, we struck upon a
Sand Bed, and oblig'd to remain ther till the Rise of the Water. I was
all alone in the Master's Cabin when this Accident happen'd, but being
very intent upon a Book, I was not sensible whether we mov'd or stood
still. A Lady who was with the rest of the Passengers upon Deck coming
hastily down, Sir, said she. Do you sit quietly here and we are struck
upon a Sand-Bed? Madame, said I, I did suppose such a Thing, but the
Tyde will cast us off. You suppos'd such a Thing, said she, Why, Sir, we
shall certainly be drown'd, come let us to Prayers. I was not very much
accustom'd to the Sea, yet I imagin'd there could be no great Danger as
long as we had a flowing Tyde, and that it did not blow a Storm: Had the
Water been ebbing and a Storm ensu'd upon it, 'tis probable our Ship,
being none of the strongest, might have been beaten to Pieces among
those Sands. However, I step'd upon Deck to see how Things went; there
was a profound Silence every where, the Passengers were scatter'd here
and there looking one at another, but not speaking a Word; the Master
was walking with his Arms across without Fear, but not without Concern
in his Countenance: I ask'd him how he came to be mistaken in the Tyde?
he answer'd, Accidents would happen'd sometimes, but there was no
Danger. Then running on in a Strain of Sailors Cant, he said, God was at
Sea as well as at Land, that the Lord wou'd protect 'em if they did but
put their Trust in him, and love him as they ought. In the middle of
this moral Lesson, the Ship was gently wafted off the Sands by the Tyde,
and Sails being abroad spread, the Ship sail'd merrily along. 'Twas
surprizing to observe the Alteration in every bodies Countenance; the
Women began to Laugh and Giggle; the Men began to rally one another for
want of Courage; the Sailors began to raise their Note higher and
higher, and the Master of the Ship turn'd his Sermon into a Volley of
Oaths and Curses against his Crew; and thus in an instant, from a
profound Silence we recover'd our selves again to Noise and Hurry. That
Day brought us to _Gravesend_, where we took Boat, and so arriv'd safe
at _London_, though I was not very well pleas'd with those small Boats
People usually pass in from _Gravesend_ to _London_, for I understood
they were often Overset by sudden Gusts of Wind which blow from the
Shoar.

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6