An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

They had killed and Otter, and gave me some of the Broth, and a bit of the Flesh: here I slept till towards day, and then was able to get up, and put on my clothes; one of the Indians awaked, and seeing me go, shouted, as rejoicing at it: as soon as it was light I and Samuel Russel went before on the Ice, upon a River, they said I must go where I could on foot, else I should frieze. Samuel Russel slipped into the River with one Foot, the Indians called him back and dried his Stockings, and then sent us away; and an Indian with us to Pilot us: and we went ⟨p. 52⟩four or five miles before they overtook us: I was then pretty well spent; Samuel Russel was (he said) faint, and wondered how I could live, for he had (he said) ten meals to my one: then I was laid on the Sled, and they ran away with me on the Ice, the rest and Samuel Russel came softly after. Samuel Russel I never saw more, nor know what became of him: they got but half way, and we got through to Shamblee about midnight. Six miles of Shamblee (a French Town) the River was open, and when I came to travail in that part of the Ice, I soon tired; and two Indians run away to Town, and one only was left: he would carry me a few rods, and then I would go as many, and that […] we drave, and so were long a going six miles. This Indian now was kind, and told me that if he did not carry me I would die, and so I should have done sure enough: And he said, I must tell the English how he helped me. When we came to the first House there was no Inhabitant: the Indian spe••• both discouraged; he said we must now both die, at last he left me alone, and got to another House, and thence came some French and Indians, and brought me in: the French were kind, and put my hands and feet in cold Water, and ⟨p. 53⟩gave me a Dram of Brandy, and a little hasty pudding and Milk; when I tasted Victuals I was hungry, and could not have forborne it, but that I could not get it; now and then they would give me a little as they thought best for me; I lay by the fire with the Indians that night, but could not sleep for pain: next morning the Indians and French fell out about me, because the French as the Indian said, loved the English better than the Indians. The French presently turned the Indians out of doors, and kept me, they were very kind and careful, and gave me a little something now and then;