But, the next day, about ten of the clock, there came two printed Hue and Cries in at the tavern where I was, and I got them both, and went directly to the Governor, who was walking alone on the wall of the fort, and delivered one of them to him, who read it and then called to a little man walking on the pavement of the fort, saying, “Mr. Bickly, Mr. Bickly, come hither.” And when he was come he read it, and said he, “I grant protection to this man; he shall not be sent back upon this Hue and Cry,” and saith he, “I will write to the Governor of Connecticut,” and to me he said, “You are safe enough here; I will grant you protection.” I told him I did believe no answer would be returned him. He found my words true, and advised me to go for England and make my complaint, and told me there was a ship then going from Pennsylvania. A merchant being then present told me if I wanted money he would lend it to me, and if I should never be able to pay him he would never trouble me for it. All this kindness have I met with from strangers; but have thought it my wisdom to commit my cause to the all-seeing God.
And after I had continued in York about three months, I returned home, and, after I was recruited, with great difficulty I prosecuted the judges of said Inferior Court, for you had made it so difficult to summon them that none could give forth a summons but your General Court in such a case; but when I with great difficulty brought it to your Court of Chancery, you non-suited me and ordered me to pay all the charges and fined me £20. All which causes me to suspect your pretended care expressed in your printed Hue and Cries to cure me of my distraction. And here follows a copy for you to view:—
ADVERTISEMENT.
Whereas John Rogers, Sr., of New London, being committed to the custody of her Majesty’s Goal, in the County of New London, which is under my care, with special orders to keep him in some dark apartment thereof, until proper means be used for the cure of that distraction which he appears (to her Majesty’s Court of said County) to be under in a very high degree, hath, by the assistance of evil persons, made his escape out of the said custody, these are therefore to desire all persons to seize and secure the said Rogers and return him forthwith unto me, the subscriber, sheriff of the said County, and they shall be well satisfied for the trouble and charge they may be at therein.
Dated in New London, March 31, 1712.
John Prentis.
After I returned home, I went to the printer to know who it was that drew this advertisement up, and he showed me the copy, and I took it to be Governor Saltonstall’s own hand.
New London, 15th of the 7th month, 1721.
J. Rogers.
Matt. x, 26. “Fear them not therefore, for there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, and hid that shall not be known.”