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THE JERSEY" PRISON SHIP, 1781.

See pp. 110, 161. This wood cut of the Jersey, kindly loaned by C I. BUSHNELL, Esq, was engraved by ALEX. ANDERSON, M.D., when 88 years of age. This pioneer wood engraver still lives, and plies the graver, or did so till very lately. Mr. Lossing, in the Child's Newspaper, Nov., 1867, published a brief account of him (accompanied by a portrait), in which it was stated that he was then 92 years of age, and that all the beautiful cuts in that number of the paper, with one exception, were engraved by him. Alex Anderson was born in New-York city, 1775. He made his first pictures on wood when 17 years old; they were for The Looking Glass for the Mind," a book for children.

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bread, and I see but very little likelihood of their being soon relieved. Mr. Butler will bring you the Tax Bill, and the sooner the rates are made, the better for the public and private. A gentleman arrived here last evening from Philadelphia, who informs that Gen'l Lincoln has defeated the British army, and taken thirteen pieces of brass cannon, and three hundred prisoners; I shall be glad to have it confirmed. There is a report in town that Britain has offered to acknowledge our independence and withdraw their troops; provided they may keep Canada, Nova Scotia and Pensacola. I never should be willing they should have Canada; but it is out of our power to enter into any treaty without the consent of France; and France, I am fully persuaded, will never consent to part with Canada. Holland also has offered to enter into a treaty of commerce with us. My compliments to all friends, your lady in particular. A few lines from you will lay under a new obligation, your assured Friend and Humble Servt.

To Coll. JOHN WAITE,
In Falmouth.

Favor of

Mr. Batter.

JEDIDIAH PREBLE.

Falmouth, July 11, 1781.

DEAR CHILD,-I received your favor with great pleasure and satisfaction to find you have met with so much kindness and friendship from Col. Tyng and lady. I have written him my acknowledgments on the subject, and hope that your future conduct will be such as to render you in some measure worthy their future notice. As you are admitted on shore, a favor denied all the officers of the ship, never stain your honor by attempting to escape. I shall do every thing and pursue every measure that affords the least prospect of success, to get you exchanged in a justifiable way. Present your mama's, and my best compliments to Col. Tyng and lady, and let them know Madame Ross was in good health yesterday. Be always on your guard against temptations, or giving the least occasion to any that has shown you favors to charge you with a breach of trust. Be kind and obliging to all. For no man ever does a designed injury to another, without doing a greater to himself. Let reason always govern your thoughts and actions. Be sure and write me at all opportunities; your mama, brothers and sisters join me in presenting their love to you, and wishing you a speedy exchange.

I am your ready friend and affectionate father,

JEDIDIAH PREBLE.

Το

My Son EDWARD.*

Afterwards the Commodore; at that time, a prisoner on board the Jersey Prison Ship, New York.

Boston, Feb. 27, 1782. DEAR CHARLES,The particular regard I have always entertained for those that gave you being, excites in me a friendly desire to contribute as far as lies within the compass of my abilities, towards the happiness and prosperity of their offspring. Consider you are an only child, and on your close attention to your studies, and future proper conduct, very much depends your worthy parents' happiness. You are now in the bloom of youth, and Nature has been very liberal to you, in adorning you with superior abilities for one of your age; therefore I would advise you to keep a continual watch and guard over all your words and actions. Endeavor always to conduct yourself in such a manner as shall meet with the best * * * * * * * [This portion of the original is torn and illegible.] * * * Take heed never to treat those whom Providence has placed you above, with contempt, for this reason, because no person that is ever so poor and despicable, but may have it in their power to serve you, or injure you. Consider you are now, by the care and kindness of your indulgent parents, placed at a school where if you apply yourself to your studies in a proper manner, you will as you grow into manhood be properly qualified to make your way through life with honor; and be a candidate for preferment, and a useful member of this Commonwealth. Always avoid heedless disputes, and never commence any quarrels; but always make your passions the subject of your reason. If any thing I have said in this letter shall contribute any thing to your advantage, it will afford the greatest pleasure and satisfaction to your ready friend and well wisher,

Mr. CHARLES MILLAR,

JEDIDIAH PREBLE.

Andover.

POETRY.

BY BRIG. GENERAL JEDIDIAH PREBLE.

ON NOTHING-AN IMPROMPTU.

NOTHING, what art thou! no where to be found,
Yet everything on earth thou dost surround.
In thy dark womb, this work lay hid from sight
Till Great Jehovah said "Let there be light!"
No sooner spoke than instantly obeyed,
And then from nothing everything was made.
The numerous fish that in the ocean swim,
Were every one from nothing, made by Him.
The beasts, the birds, and every creeping thing
The Great Creator did from nothing bring.

The Earth, the Sea, the Stars, the Moon, the Sun,

From naught were made, when first this world begun.
And thus have I this verse on nothing made,
Which has no being, not so much as shade.

ON THE EXTENT OF THOUGHT.

ON fancy's wings my towering thoughts shall rise,
And trace the regions far beyond the skies,
And leave all sublunary things below

To try the stretch of thought, how far 'twill go;
Thro' worlds unnumbered o'er amazing height
My anxious thoughts pursue their rapid flight,
Swifter ten thousand times than bullets fly,
Or fiery streaks of lightning cross the sky;
Swifter than do the subtle rays of light
Dart from the blazing sun, to banish night.

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