The Virginia Gazette

LONDON, October 8.

About four years ago, as a Lady and her servant were returning from a visit late in the evening, at the corner of one of the courts in the Strand, she saw a great crowd, which was occasioned by the constables who came to apprehend the unhappy women who infest those places. The Lady was obliged to stop till the mob was a little dispersed, when to her great surprize, a pretty young creature broke loose from one of the constables, and threw herself at her feet, imploring her, in a most pathetic manner, to protect her, saying, Indeed, Madam, I am not hardened in vice; I was once the delight of my parents, as much as you may be of yours.

The Lady was much moved, and happening not to be so outrageously virtuous as to deny her pity to a poor, fallen, fellow creature, asked the name of the Magistrate before whom she was to be carried. It being one the Lady was acquainted with, she procured her discharge that night; and, on making proper enquiry into her affairs, found her to be a well educated person, and that a little money, properly applied, would pay her debts, and enable her to get a genteel living by painting fan mounts. The Lady was soon after obliged to leave London, and thought nothing more of the affair. A few months ago, however, she received a parcel containing a beautiful piece of chintz, and several other things of value, with the following letter:

Madam,

You may remember a poor creature you snatched from infamy; she is now the wife of a very worthy and wealthy Gentleman; she begs your acceptance of this small token of her gratitude: She signs no name for obvious reasons.