“I don’t know; I want to go off in a ship.”
“But you are too young now, and you should first learn something; are you not willing to learn reading and writing?”
“Perhaps I should like it if that would help me to go to sea.”
“Have you no relations now your parents are dead, who can help to take care of you till you are older?”
“I don’t know any: I don’t want to be put under any body’s care: I want to do as I please, and have enough to eat.”
“That you cannot expect while you choose to run about the streets in this way;—where have you slept these few nights past?”
“In your wood-house, on an old blanket which covers a box; I crept under the things and tried to keep warm, for I did not dare to go any more to the glass-house, for the man threatened to beat me if he saw me about there again.”
I found from the few facts thus related by poor John, that he was much to be pitied for the forlorn state into which he was cast, and for his utter ignorance, and determined to ride over and inquire of the overseer of the Almshouse, something more particular concerning him. His appearance was that of a child who had been exposed to evil company and bad example; and I hoped as he was so very young, something might be done to eradicate the seeds of wickedness thus early sown in his heart, and in their place cultivate virtuous and religious principles.
I therefore hastened to leave home, giving directions that he should be detained till my return.
I was not long in reaching that place which has witnessed so much misery, but where so great good has also been done, the Almshouse in Leveret street, (since pulled down). Mr. P*****, the overseer gave me all the information I sought, briefly, in the following words;