A Narrative Of The Most Remarkable Particulars In The Life Of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, An African Prince, As Related By Himself by James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw
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James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw >> A Narrative Of The Most Remarkable Particulars In The Life Of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, An African Prince, As Related By Himself
A
NARRATIVE
OF THE
MOST REMARKABLE PARTICULARS
IN THE LIFE OF
JAMES ALBERT UKAWSAW GRONNIOSAW,
AN AFRICAN PRINCE,
As related by HIMSELF.
_I will bring the Blind by a Way that they know not, I will lead
them in Paths that they have not known: I will make Darkness Light
before them and crooked Things straight. These Things will I do
unto them and not forsake them._ Isa. xlii. 16.
BATH:
Printed by W. GYE in Westgate-Street; and sold by T. MILLS,
Bookseller, in King's-Mead-Square.
Price Six-Pence.
1772
TO THE
RIGHT HONOURABLE
The _Countess_ of Huntingdon;
THIS
NARRATIVE
Of my _LIFE_,
And of God's wonderful Dealings with me, is,
(_Through Her LADYSHIP'S Permission_)
_Most Humbly Dedicated,
By her LADYSHIP'S
Most obliged
And obedient Servant,_
JAMES ALBERT.
THE PREFACE to the READER.
This Account of the Life and spiritual Experience of James Albert was
taken from his own Mouth and committed to Paper by the elegant Pen of a
young Lady of the Town of Leominster, for her own private Satisfaction,
and without any Intention at first that it should be made public. But
she has now been prevail'd on to commit it to the Press, both with a
view to serve Albert and his distressed Family, who have the sole
Profits arising from the Sale of it; and likewise as it is apprehended,
this little History contains Matter well worthy the Notice and Attention
of every Christian Reader.
Perhaps we have here in some Degree a Solution of that Question that has
perplex'd the Minds of so many serious Persons, viz. In what Manner will
God deal with those benighted Parts of the World where the Gospel of
Jesus Christ hath never reach'd? Now it appears from the Experience of
this remarkable Person, that God does not save without the Knowledge of
the Truth; but, with Respect to those whom he hath fore-known, though
born under every outward Disadvantage, and in Regions of the grossest
Darkness and Ignorance, he most amazingly acts upon and influences their
Minds, and in the Course of wisely and most wonderfully appointed
Providences, he brings them to the Means of spiritual Information,
gradually opens to their View the Light of his Truth, and gives them
full Possession and Enjoyment of the inestimable Blessings of his
Gospel. Who can doubt but that the Suggestion so forcibly press'd upon
the Mind of Albert (when a Boy) that there was a Being superior to the
Sun, Moon, and Stars (the Objects of African Idolatry) came from the
Father of Lights, and was, with Respect to him, the First-Fruit of the
Display of Gospel-Glory? His long and perilous Journey to the Coast of
Guinea, where he was sold for a Slave, and so brought into a Christian
Land; shall we consider this as the alone Effect of a curious and
inquisitive Disposition? Shall we in accounting for it refer to nothing
higher than mere Chance and accidental Circumstances? Whatever Infidels
and Deists may think; I trust the Christian Reader will easily discern
an All-wise and Omnipotent Appointment and Direction in these Movements.
He belong'd to the Redeemer of lost Sinners; he was the Purchase of his
Cross; and therefore the Lord undertook to bring him by a Way that he
knew not, out of Darkness into his marvellous Light, that he might lead
him to a saving Heart-Acquaintance and Union with the triune God in
Christ reconciling the World unto himself; and not imputing their
Trespasses. As his Call was very extraordinary, so there are certain
Particulars exceedingly remarkable in his Experience. God has put
singular Honour upon him in the Exercise of his Faith and Patience,
which in the most distressing and pitiable Trials and Calamities have
been found to the Praise and Glory of God. How deeply must it affect a
tender Heart, not only to be reduc'd to the last Extremity himself, but
to have his Wife and Children perishing for Want before his Eyes! Yet
his Faith did not fail him; he put his Trust in the Lord, and he was
delivered. And at this Instant, though born in an exalted Station of
Life, and now under the Pressure of various afflicting Providences, I am
persuaded (for I know the Man) he would rather embrace the Dung-hill,
having Christ in his Heart, than give up his spiritual Possessions and
Enjoyment, to fill the Throne of Princes. It perhaps may not be amiss to
observe that James Albert left his native Country, (as near as I can
guess from certain Circumstances) when he was about 15 Years old. He now
appears to be turn'd of Sixty; has a good natural Understanding; is well
acquainted with the Scriptures, and the Things of God, has an amiable
and tender Disposition, and his Character can be well attested not only
at Kidderminster, the Place of his Residence but likewise by many
creditable Persons in London and other Places. Reader, recommending this
Narrative to your perusal, and him who is the Subject of it to your
charitable Regard,
I am your faithful and obedient Servant,
For Christ's Sake,
W. Shirley.
AN
ACCOUNT
OF
JAMES ALBERT, &c.
I was born in the city Bournou; my mother was the eldest daughter of the
reigning King there, of which Bournou is the chief city. I was the
youngest of six children, and particularly loved by my mother, and my
grand-father almost doated on me.
I had, from my infancy, a curious turn of mind; was more grave and
reserved in my disposition than either of my brothers and sisters. I
often teazed them with questions they could not answer: for which reason
they disliked me, as they supposed that I was either foolish, or insane.
'Twas certain that I was, at times, very unhappy in myself: it being
strongly impressed on my mind that there was some Great Man of power
which resided above the sun, moon and stars, the objects of our worship.
My dear indulgent mother would bear more with me than any of my friends
beside.--I often raised my hand to heaven, and asked her who lived
there? was much dissatisfied when she told me the sun, moon and stars,
being persuaded, in my own mind, that there must be some Superior
Power.--I was frequently lost in wonder at the works of the Creation:
was afraid and uneasy and restless, but could not tell for what. I
wanted to be informed of things that no person could tell me; and was
always dissatisfied.--These wonderful impressions begun in my childhood,
and followed me continually 'till I left my parents, which affords me
matter of admiration and thankfulness.
To this moment I grew more and more uneasy every day, in so much that
one saturday, (which is the day on which we keep our sabbath) I laboured
under anxieties and fears that cannot be expressed; and, what is more
extraordinary, I could not give a reason for it.--I rose, as our custom
is, about three o'clock, (as we are oblig'd to be at our place of
worship an hour before the sun rise) we say nothing in our worship, but
continue on our knees with our hands held up, observing a strict silence
'till the sun is at a certain height, which I suppose to be about 10 or
11 o'clock in England: when, at a certain sign made by the priest, we
get up (our duty being over) and disperse to our different houses.--Our
place of meeting is under a large palm tree; we divide ourselves into
many congregations; as it is impossible for the same tree to cover the
inhabitants of the whole City, though they are extremely large, high and
majestic; the beauty and usefulness of them are not to be described;
they supply the inhabitants of the country with meat, drink and
clothes;[A] the body of the palm tree is very large; at a certain season
of the year they tap it, and bring vessels to receive the wine, of which
they draw great quantities, the quality of which is very delicious: the
leaves of this tree are of a silky nature; they are large and soft; when
they are dried and pulled to pieces it has much the same appearance as
the English flax, and the inhabitants of Bournou manufacture it for
cloathing &c. This tree likewise produces a plant or substance which has
the appearance of a cabbage, and very like it, in taste almost the same:
it grows between the branches. Also the palm tree produces a nut,
something like a cocoa, which contains a kernel, in which is a large
quantity of milk, very pleasant to the taste: the shell is of a hard
substance, and of a very beautiful appearance, and serves for basons,
bowls, &c.
[Footnote A: It is a generally received opinion, in _England_, that the
natives of _Africa_ go entirely unclothed; but this supposition is very
unjust: they have a kind of dress so as to appear decent, though it is
very slight and thin.]
I hope this digression will be forgiven.--I was going to observe that
after the duty of our Sabbath was over (on the day in which I was more
distressed and afflicted than ever) we were all on our way home as
usual, when a remarkable black cloud arose and covered the sun; then
followed very heavy rain and thunder more dreadful than ever I had
heard: the heav'ns roared, and the earth trembled at it: I was highly
affected and cast down; in so much that I wept sadly, and could not
follow my relations and friends home.--I was obliged to stop and felt
as if my legs were tied, they seemed to shake under me: so I stood
still, being in great fear of the Man of Power that I was persuaded in
myself, lived above. One of my young companions (who entertained a
particular friendship for me and I for him) came back to see for me: he
asked me why I stood still in such very hard rain? I only said to him
that my legs were weak, and I could not come faster: he was much
affected to see me cry, and took me by the hand, and said he would lead
me home, which he did. My mother was greatly alarmed at my tarrying out
in such terrible weather; she asked me many questions, such as what I
did so for, and if I was well? My dear mother says I, pray tell me who
is the great Man of Power that makes the thunder? She said, there was no
power but the sun, moon and stars; that they made all our country.--I
then enquired how all our people came? She answered me, from one
another; and so carried me to many generations back.--Then says I, who
made the _First Man_? and who made the first Cow, and the first Lyon,
and where does the fly come from, as no one can make him? My mother
seemed in great trouble; she was apprehensive that my senses were
impaired, or that I was foolish. My father came in, and seeing her in
grief asked the cause, but when she related our conversation to him, he
was exceedingly angry with me, and told me he would punish me severely
if ever I was so troublesome again; so that I resolved never to say any
thing more to him. But I grew very unhappy in myself; my relations and
acquaintance endeavoured by all the means they could think on, to divert
me, by taking me to ride upon goats, (which is much the custom of our
country) and to shoot with a bow and arrow; but I experienced no
satisfaction at all in any of these things; nor could I be easy by any
means whatever: my parents were very unhappy to see me so dejected and
melancholy.
About this time there came a merchant from the _Gold Coast_ (the third
city in Guinea) he traded with the inhabitants of our country in ivory
&c. he took great notice of my unhappy situation, and enquired into the
cause; he expressed vast concern for me, and said, if my parents would
part with me for a little while, and let him take me home with him, it
would be of more service to me than any thing they could do for me.--He
told me that if I would go with him I should see houses with wings to
them walk upon the water, and should also see the white folks; and that
he had many sons of my age, which should be my companions; and he added
to all this that he would bring me safe back again soon.--I was highly
pleased with the account of this strange place, and was very desirous of
going.--I seemed sensible of a secret impulse upon my mind which I could
not resist that seemed to tell me I must go. When my dear mother saw
that I was willing to leave them, she spoke to my father and grandfather
and the rest of my relations, who all agreed that I should accompany the
merchant to the Gold Coast. I was the more willing as my brothers and
sisters despised me, and looked on me with contempt on the account of my
unhappy disposition; and even my servants slighted me, and disregarded
all I said to them. I had one sister who was always exceeding fond of
me, and I loved her entirely; her name was Logwy, she was quite white,
and fair, with fine light hair though my father and mother were
black.--I was truly concerned to leave my beloved sister, and she cry'd
most sadly to part with me, wringing her hands, and discovered every
sign of grief that can be imagined. Indeed if I could have known when I
left my friends and country that I should never return to them again my
misery on that occasion would have been inexpressible. All my relations
were sorry to part with me; my dear mother came with me upon a camel
more than three hundred miles, the first of our journey lay chiefly
through woods: at night we secured ourselves from the wild beasts by
making fires all around us; we and our camels kept within the circle, or
we must have been torn to pieces by the Lyons, and other wild creatures,
that roared terribly as soon as night came on, and continued to do so
'till morning.--There can be little said in favour of the country
through which we passed; only a valley of marble that we came through
which is unspeakably beautiful.--On each side of this valley are
exceedingly high and almost inaccessible mountains--Some of these pieces
of marble are of prodigious length and breadth but of different sizes
and colour, and shaped in a variety of forms, in a wonderful manner.--It
is most of it veined with gold mixed with striking and beautiful
colours; so that when the sun darts upon it, it is as pleasing a sight
as can be imagined.--The merchant that brought me from Bournou, was in
partnership with another gentleman who accompanied us; he was very
unwilling that he should take me from home, as, he said, he foresaw many
difficulties that would attend my going with them.--He endeavoured to
prevail on the merchant to throw me into a very deep pit that was in the
valley, but he refused to listen to him, and said, he was resolved to
take care of me: but the other was greatly dissatisfied; and when we
came to a river, which we were obliged to pass through, he purpos'd
throwing me in and drowning me; but the Merchant would not consent to
it, so that I was preserv'd.
We travel'd 'till about four o'clock every day, and then began to make
preparations for night, by cutting down large quantities of wood, to
make fires to preserve us from the wild beasts.--I had a very unhappy
and discontented journey, being in continual fear that the people I was
with would murder me. I often reflected with extreme regret on the kind
friends I had left, and the idea of my dear mother frequently drew tears
from my eyes.--I cannot recollect how long we were in going from Bournou
to the Gold Coast; but as there is no shipping nearer to Bournou than
that City, it was tedious in travelling so far by land, being upwards of
a thousand miles.--I was heartily rejoic'd when we arriv'd at the end of
our journey: I now vainly imagin'd that all my troubles and inquietudes
would terminate here; but could I have looked into futurity, I should
have perceiv'd that I had much more to suffer than I had before
experienc'd, and that they had as yet but barely commenc'd.
I was now more than a thousand miles from home, without a friend or any
means to procure one. Soon after I came to the merchant's house I heard
the drums beat remarkably loud, and the trumpets blow--the persons
accustom'd to this employ, are oblig'd to go upon a very high structure
appointed for that purpose, that the sound might be heard at a great
distance: They are higher than the steeples are in England. I was
mightily pleas'd with sounds so entirely new to me, and was very
inquisitive to know the cause of this rejoicing, and ask'd many
questions concerning it: I was answer'd that it was meant as a
compliment to me, because I was Grandson to the King of Bournou.
This account gave me a secret pleasure; but I was not suffer'd long to
enjoy this satisfaction, for in the evening of the same day, two of the
merchant's sons (boys about my own age) came running to me, and told me,
that the next day I was to die, for the King intended to behead me.--I
reply'd that I was sure it could not be true, for that I came there to
play with them, and to see houses walk upon the water with wings to
them, and the white folks; but I was soon inform'd that their King
imagined that I was sent by my father as a spy, and would make such
discoveries at my return home that would enable them to make war with
the greater advantage to ourselves; and for these reasons he had
resolved I should never return to my native country.--When I heard this
I suffered misery that cannot be described.--I wished a thousand times
that I had never left my friends and country.--But still the Almighty
was pleased to work miracles for me.
The morning I was to die, I was washed and all my gold ornaments made
bright and shining, and then carried to the palace, where the King was
to behead me himself (as is the custom of the place).--He was seated
upon a throne at the top of an exceeding large yard, or court, which you
must go through to enter the palace, it is as wide and spacious as a
large field in England.--I had a lane of lifeguards to go through.--I
guessed it to be about three hundred paces.
I was conducted by my friend, the merchant, about half way up; then he
durst proceed no further: I went up to the King alone--I went with an
undaunted courage, and it pleased God to melt the heart of the King, who
sat with his scymitar in his hand ready to behead me; yet, being himself
so affected, he dropped it out of his hand, and took me upon his knee
and wept over me. I put my right hand round his neck, and prest him to
my heart.--He sat me down and blest me; and added that he would not kill
me, and that I should not go home, but be sold, for a slave, so then I
was conducted back again to the merchant's house.
The next day he took me on board a French brig; but the Captain did not
chuse to buy me: he said I was too small; so the merchant took me home
with him again.
The partner, whom I have spoken of as my enemy, was very angry to see me
return, and again purposed putting an end to my life; for he represented
to the other, that I should bring them into troubles and difficulties,
and that I was so little that no person would buy me.
The merchant's resolution began to waver, and I was indeed afraid that I
should be put to death: but however he said he would try me once more.
A few days after a Dutch ship came into the harbour, and they carried me
on board, in hopes that the Captain would purchase me.--As they went, I
heard them agree, that, if they could not sell me _then_, they would
throw me overboard.--I was in extreme agonies when I heard this; and as
soon as ever I saw the Dutch Captain, I ran to him, and put my arms
round him, and said, "father, save me." (for I knew that if he did not
buy me, I should be treated very ill, or, possibly, murdered) And though
he did not understand my language, yet it pleased the Almighty to
influence him in my behalf, and he bought me _for two yards of check_,
which is of more value _there_, than in England.
When I left my dear mother I had a large quantity of gold about me, as
is the custom of our country, it was made into rings, and they were
linked into one another, and formed into a kind of chain, and so put
round my neck, and arms and legs, and a large piece hanging at one ear
almost in the shape of a pear. I found all this troublesome, and was
glad when my new Master took it from me--I was now washed, and clothed
in the Dutch or English manner.--My master grew very fond of me, and I
loved him exceedingly. I watched every look, was always ready when he
wanted me, and endeavoured to convince him, by every action, that my
only pleasure was to serve him well.--I have since thought that he must
have been a serious man. His actions corresponded very well with such a
character.--He used to read prayers in public to the ship's crew every
Sabbath day; and when first I saw him read, I was never so surprised in
my whole life as when I saw the book talk to my master; for I thought it
did, as I observed him to look upon it, and move his lips.--I wished it
would do so to me.--As soon as my master had done reading I follow'd
him to the place where he put the book, being mightily delighted with
it, and when nobody saw me, I open'd it and put my ear down close upon
it, in great hope that it wou'd say something to me; but was very sorry
and greatly disappointed when I found it would not speak, this thought
immediately presented itself to me, that every body and every thing
despis'd me because I was black.
I was exceedingly sea-sick at first; but when I became more accustom'd
to the sea, it wore off.--My master's ship was bound for Barbadoes. When
we came there, he thought fit to speak of me to several gentlemen of his
acquaintance, and one of them exprest a particular desire to see me.--He
had a great mind to buy me; but the Captain could not immediately be
prevail'd on to part with me; but however, as the gentleman seem'd very
solicitous, he at length let me go, and I was sold for fifty dollars
(_four and sixpenny-pieces in English_). My new master's name was
Vanhorn, a young Gentleman; his home was in New-England in the City of
New-York; to which place he took me with him. He dress'd me in his
livery, and was very good to me. My chief business was to wait at table,
and tea, and clean knives, and I had a very easy place; but the servants
us'd to curse and swear surprizingly; which I learnt faster than any
thing, 'twas almost the first English I could speak. If any of them
affronted me, I was sure to call upon God to damn them immediately; but
I was broke of it all at once, occasioned by the correction of an old
black servant that liv'd in the family--One day I had just clean'd the
knives for dinner, when one of the maids took one to cut bread and
butter with; I was very angry with her, and called upon God to damn her;
when this old black man told me I must not say so. I ask'd him why? He
replied there was a wicked man call'd the Devil, that liv'd in hell, and
would take all that said these words, and put them in the fire and burn
them.--This terrified me greatly, and I was entirely broke of
swearing.--Soon after this, as I was placing the china for tea, my
mistress came into the room just as the maid had been cleaning it; the
girl had unfortunately sprinkled the wainscot with the mop; at which my
mistress was angry; the girl very foolishly answer'd her again, which
made her worse, and she call'd upon God to damn her.--I was vastly
concern'd to hear this, as she was a fine young lady, and very good to
me, insomuch that I could not help speaking to her, "Madam, says I, you
must not say so," Why, says she? Because there is a black man call'd the
Devil that lives in hell, and he will put you in the fire and burn you,
and I shall be very sorry for that. Who told you this replied my lady?
Old Ned, says I. Very well was all her answer; but she told my master of
it, and he order'd that old Ned should be tyed up and whipp'd, and was
never suffer'd to come into the kitchen with the rest of the servants
afterwards.--My mistress was not angry with me, but rather diverted with
my simplicity and, by way of talk, She repeated what I had said, to many
of her acquaintance that visited her; among the rest, Mr. Freelandhouse,
a very gracious, good Minister, heard it, and he took a great deal of
notice of me, and desired my master to part with me to him. He would not
hear of it at first, but, being greatly persuaded, he let me go, and Mr.
Freelandhouse gave L50. for me.--He took me home with him, and made me
kneel down, and put my two hands together, and pray'd for me, and every
night and morning he did the same.--I could not make out what it was
for, nor the meaning of it, nor what they spoke to when they talk'd--I
thought it comical, but I lik'd it very well.--After I had been a little
while with my new master I grew more familiar, and ask'd him the meaning
of prayer: (I could hardly speak english to be understood) he took great
pains with me, and made me understand that he pray'd to God, who liv'd
in Heaven; that He was my Father and best Friend.--I told him that this
must be a mistake; that _my_ father liv'd at Bournou, and I wanted very
much to see him, and likewise my dear mother, and sister, and I wish'd
he would be so good as to send me home to them; and I added, all I could
think of to induce him to convey me back. I appeared in great trouble,
and my good master was so much affected that the tears ran down his
face. He told me that God was a Great and Good Spirit, that He created
all the world, and every person and thing in it, in Ethiopia, Africa,
and America, and every where. I was delighted when I heard this: There,
says I, I always thought so when I liv'd at home! Now if I had wings
like an Eagle I would fly to tell my dear mother that God is greater
than the sun, moon, and stars; and that they were made by Him.