could be obtain'd, was that on the _Sunday_ before they had an Interview
at the _Chapel_, but at such a distance, that they neither saluted, or
shook Hands, and the Reason given for it, was that no Implements might
be convey'd to _Sheppard_ to assist him in making an Escape.

This, Caution seem'd to be absolutely necessary, for it appear'd soon
after that _Sheppard_ found Means to release himself from the Staples to
which he was Chain'd in the Castle, by unlocking a great Padlock with a
Nail, which he had pickt up on the Floor, and endeavour'd to pass up the
Chimney, but was prevented by the stout Iron Bars fix'd in his way, and
wanted nothing but the smallest File to have perfected his Liberty. When
the Assistants of the Prison, came as usual with his Victuals, they
began to examine his Irons; to their great Surprize they found them
loose, and ready to be taken off at Pleasure. Mr. _Pitt_ the Head
Keeper, and his Deputies were sent for, and _Sheppard_ finding this
Attempt entirely frustrated, discover'd to them by what means he had got
them off; and after they had search'd him, found nothing, and Lock'd
and Chain'd him down again; He took up the Nail and unlocked the Padlock
before their Faces; they were struck with the greatest Amazement as
having never heard, or beheld the like before. He was then Handcuff'd,
and more effectually Chain'd.

The next Day, the Reverend Mr. _Purney Ordinary_ of the Place came from
the Country to visit him, and complain'd of the sad Disposition he found
him in, as Meditateing on nothing, but Means to Escape, and declining
the great Duty incumbent upon him to prepare for his approaching Change.
He began to Relent, and said, that since his last Effort had prov'd not
Successful, he would entertain no more Thoughts of that Nature, but
entirely Dispose, and Resign himself to the Mercy of Almighty God, of
whom he hop'd to find forgiveness of his manifold Offences.