Craven County, NC - Thomas Boyd Looking For Family, 1810

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Philadelphia, Sept. 18, 1810

Dear Friend,

After a long absence from this country, thank God I have arrived safe
in it once more, out of the hands of oppression. When I was in New
York, I sailed out from there in a brig called the Sussex, bound for
St. John's in the island of Antigua, and in that place I had the 
misfortune to get pressed on board a man of war. I had my protection
along with me at the time, but they would not look at it, nor let me
go again; so I was forced to go along with them, which grieved me
very much to think I should be forced away by them to serve a country
which my inclinations don't admit of me to serve.

I then belonged to her almost two years in the West Indies, until we
went home to England, with the windward island fleet of merchant ships.
We arrived safe in Portsmough, Eng. where I made application to the
American consul in London, and sent my protection up to him, and he
procured me my discharge from her.

I then shipped out of London in an English ship bound for Constantinople
and from there to the Black Sea and back to England again; and in
Constantinople I had the misfortune to have my chest broke open, and
lost my protection, discharge and about 48 dollars in money, besides the
best part of my clothes. 

Then coming to England, I got pressed again by a frigate in the English
Channel, belonging to the fleet, which almost broke my heart. Still I
weathered it with as much firmness and resolution as lay in my power,
in hopes to get clear of them once more.

They kept me then, almost three years, and never could get a chance to 
make my escape, until we came into Portsmouth, after we burnt and
destroyed the French fleet at Rochfort. Then I had liberty on shore, 
and made my escape from them in a merchant brig bound for Lisbon (in
Portugal). From thence I came here to Philadelphia in an American ship, 
to the land of freedom - once more thanks to God for his mercies.

Dear friend, I have never heard from any person belonging to me since
I left home. If you have heard of, or seen any of my brothers, I would
thank you very kindly to inform them where I am. 

My mother lived in Newbern (NC) when I left home, but I don't know
whether she lives there now or not - or where to write to her. Thank
God I have had my health ever since I saw you last, as well as I could
with, but I have gone through a deal of trouble. I have nothing more
in particular to mention to you at present, but remain your ever 
affectionate friend and well-wisher.
                                         Thomas Boyd

Source: Otsego Herald
        October 13, 1810

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This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by
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