Life in the Grey Nunnery at Montreal Part 9

For a long time I wandered around, until at length, being faint and weary, I began to look for some place where I could obtain refreshment.

But when I found a restaurant I did not dare to enter. A number of Irishmen were standing around who were in all probability Catholics. I would not venture among them; but as I turned aside I remembered that Mr. Williams had directed me to seek employment a little out of the city. I then inquired the way to Main street, and having found it, I turned to the north and walked on till I found myself out of the thickly settled part of the city. Then I began to seek for employment, and after several fruitless applications I chanced to call upon a man whose name was Handy. He received me in the kindest manner, and when I asked for work, he said his wife did not need to hire me, but I was welcome to stop with them and work for my board until I found employment elsewhere.

This offer I joyfully accepted; and, as I became acquainted in the place, many kind hands were extended to aid me in my efforts to obtain an honest living. In this neighborhood I still reside, truly thankful for past deliverance, grateful for present mercies, and confidently trusting G.o.d for the future.

CHAPTER XXVI.

CONCLUSION.

Here closes the history of Sarah J. Richardson, as related by herself.

The remaining particulars have been obtained from her employers in Worcester.

She arrived in this city August, 1854, and, as she has already stated, at once commenced seeking for employment. She called at many houses before she found any one who wished for help; and her first question at each place was, "Are you a Catholic?" If the answer was in the affirmative, she pa.s.sed on, but if the family were Protestants, she inquired for some kind of employment. She did not care what it was; she would cook, wash, sew, or do chamber-work--anything to earn her bread. A Mr. Handy was the first person who took her in, and gave her a home.

In his family she worked for her board a few weeks, going out to wash occasionally as she had opportunity. She then went to Holden Ma.s.s., but for some reason remained only one week, and again returned to Worcester.

Mr. Ezra G.o.ddard then took her into his own family, and found her capable, industrious, and trustworthy. Had anything been wanting to prove her truthfulness and sincerity, the deep grat.i.tude of her fervent "I thank you," when told that she had found a permanent home, would have done it effectually. But though her whole appearance indicated contentment and earnestness of purpose, though her various duties were faithfully and zealously performed, yet the deep sadness of her countenance, and the evident anxiety of her mind at first awakened a suspicion of mental derangement. She seemed restless, suspicious, and morbidly apprehensive of approaching danger. The appearance of a stranger, or a sudden ringing of the bell, would cause her to start, tremble, and exhibit the greatest perturbation of spirit. In fact, she seemed so constantly on the qui vive, the lady of the house one day said to her, "Sarah, what is the matter with you? what do you fear?" "The Roman Catholic priests," she replied. "I have been a nun. I ran away from the Grey Nunnery at Montreal, and twice I have been caught, carried back, and punished in the most cruel manner. O, if you knew what I have suffered, you would not wonder that I live in constant fear lest they again seek out my retreat; and I will die before I go back again."

Further questioning drew from her the foregoing narrative, which she repeated once and again to various persons, and at different times, without the least alteration or contradiction. She resided in the family of Mr. G.o.ddard some weeks, when she was taken into the employ of Mr.

Amos L. Black.

This gentleman informs us that he found her a faithful, industrious, honest servant, and he has not the least doubt of the truthfulness of her statements respecting her former life in the Convent.

A few weeks after this, she was married to Frederick S. Richardson with whom she became acquainted soon after her arrival in the city of Worcester. The marriage ceremony was performed by Charles Chaffin, Esq., of Holden, Ma.s.s. After their marriage, her husband hired a room in the house occupied by Mr. Handy with whom she had formerly resided. After a few weeks, however, they removed to a place called the Drury farm. It is owned by the heirs, but left in the care of Mr. Ezra G.o.ddard.

Previous to her marriage, Mrs. Richardson had often been advised to allow her history to be placed before the public. But she always replied, "For my life I would not do it. Not because I do not wish the world to know it, for I would gladly proclaim it wherever a Romanist is known, but it would be impossible for me to escape their hands should I make myself so public. They would most a.s.suredly take my life." After her marriage, however, her princ.i.p.al objection was removed. She thought they would not wish to take her back into the nunnery, and her husband would protect her from violence. She therefore related the story of her life while in the convent, which, in accordance with her own request, was written down from her lips as she related it. This was done by Mrs.

Lucy Ann Hood, wife of Edward P. Hood, and daughter of Ezra G.o.ddard. It is now given to the public without addition or alteration, and with but a slight abridgment. A strange and startling story it certainly is. Perhaps the reader will cast it aside at once as a worthless fiction,--the idle vagary of an excited brain. The compiler, of course, cannot vouch for its truth, but would respectfully invite the attention of the reader to the following testimonials presented by those who have known the narrator. The first is from Edward P. Hood, with whom Mrs.

Richardson resided when her narrative was written.

(TESTIMONY OF EDWARD P. HOOD.)

To all whom it may concern. I hereby certify that I was personally acquainted with Sarah J. Richards, now Sarah J. Richardson, at the time she resided in Worcester, Ma.s.s. I first saw her at the house of Mr. Ezra G.o.ddard, where she came seeking employment. She appeared anxious to get some kind of work, was willing to do anything to earn an honest living.

She had the appearance of a person who had seen much suffering and hards.h.i.+p. She worked for Mr. G.o.ddard a short time, when she obtained another place. She then left, but called very often; and during her stay in Worcester, she worked there several times. So far as I was able to judge of her character, I do not hesitate to say that she was a woman of truth and honesty. I heard her relate the account of her life and sufferings in the Grey Nunnery, and her final escape. I knew when the story was written, and can testify to its being done according to her own dictation. I have examined the ma.n.u.script, and can say that it a written out truly and faithfully as related by the nun herself.

EDWARD P. HOOD.

Worcester, May 5, 1856.

(TESTIMONY OF EZRA G.o.dDARD.)

I first became acquainted with Sarah J. Richardson in August 1854. She came to my house to work for my wife. She was at my house a great many times after that until March 1855, when she left Worcester. At one time she was there four or five weeks in succession. She was industrious, willing to do anything to get an honest living. She was kind in her disposition, and honest in her dealings. I have no hesitation in saying that I think her statements can be relied upon.

EZRA G.o.dDARD.

Worcester, Jan. 21, 1856.

(TESTIMONY OF LUCY G.o.dDARD.)

I am acquainted with the above named Sarah J. Richardson, and can fully testify to the truth of the above statements as to her kindness and industrious habits, honesty and truthfulness.

LUCY G.o.dDARD.

Worcester, Jan. 21, 1856.

(TESTIMONY OF JOSIAH G.o.dDARD.)

To whom it may concern: This is to testify that I am acquainted with Sarah J. Richardson, formerly Sarah J. Richards. I became acquainted with her in the fall of 1854. She worked at my father's at the time. I heard her tell her story, and from what I saw of her while she was in Worcester, I have no hesitation in saying that she was a woman of truth and honesty.

JOSIAH G.o.dDARD.

Worcester, March 1, 1856.

(TESTIMONY OF EBEN JEWETT.)

I became acquainted with Sarah J. Richardson last winter, at the house of Mr. Ezra G.o.ddard; saw her a number of times after that, at the place where I boarded. She did some work for my wife, and I heard her speak of being at the Grey Nunnery. I also heard her story, from Mr. G.o.ddard's family. I have no doubt of her being honest and truthful, and I believe she is so considered by all who became acquainted with her.

EBEN JEWETT.

Worcester, Feb., 1856.

(TESTIMONY OF CHARLES CHAFFIN.)

Worcester, ss.--Holden, Nov. 11, 1854.

This certifies that I this day united in marriage, Frederick S.

Richardson and Sarah J. Richards, both of Worcester.

CHARLES CHAFFIN, Justice of the Peace.

(AFFIDAVIT.)

I, Sarah J. Richardson, wife of Frederick S. Richardson, of the city of Worcester, County of Worcester, and Commonwealth of Ma.s.sachusetts, formerly Sarah J. Richards before marriage, do solemnly swear, declare and say, that the foregoing pages contain a true and faithful history of my life before my marriage to the said Frederick S. Richardson, and that every statement made herein by me is true. In witness whereof, I do hereunto set my hand and seal, this 13th day of March, A.D. 1855.

SARAH J. RICHARDSON (X her mark.)