these means my wife could get no employ, neither had I work enough to
maintain my family. We had not yet been married a year before all these
misfortunes overtook us.

Just at this time a gentleman, that seemed much concerned for us,
advised me to go into Essex with him and promised to get me employed.--I
accepted his kind proposal, and he spoke to a friend of his, a Quaker, a
gentleman of large fortune, who resided a little way out of the town of
_Colchester_, his name was _Handbarar_; he ordered his steward to set me
to work. There were several employed in the same way with myself. I was
very thankful and contented though my wages were but small.--I was
allowed but eight pence a day, and found myself; but after I had been in
this situation for a fortnight, my Master, being told that a Black was
at work for him, had an inclination to see me. He was pleased to talk to
me for some time, and at last enquired what wages I had; when I told him
he declared, it was too little, and immediately ordered his Steward to
let me have eighteen pence a day, which he constantly gave me after; and
I then did extremely well.

I did not bring my wife with me: I came first alone and it was my
design, if things answered according to our wishes, to send for her--I
was now thinking to desire her to come to me when I receiv'd a letter to
inform me she was just brought to bed and in want of many
necessaries.--This news was a great trial to me and a fresh affliction:
but my God, _faithful and abundant in mercy_, forsook me not in this
trouble.--As I could not read _English_, I was obliged to apply to some
one to read the letter I received, relative to my wife. I was directed
by the good Providence of God to a worthy young gentleman, a Quaker, and
friend of my Master.--I desired he would take the trouble to read my
letter for me, which he readily comply'd with and was greatly moved and