Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

The following little Narrative savours so strongly of the romantic, that we should hesitate in believing it, had we not been told it by a gentleman who witnessed part of the transaction.

A person who had made a considerable fortune in Philadelphia, as a butcher, went on board one of the last ships from Amsterdam, which had a number of German Redemptioners, for the purpose of purchasing one to assist him in his business. After examining the physiognomy of several of the passengers, without being able to please himself, his attention was arrested by the tranquil and composed countenance of a man, rather advanced in years, but with much appearance of strength and activity. Not less pleased with the conversation of the German, than with his exterior, he described the purpose for which he wanted a servant, and obtained the man's consent to purchase his indentures, provided he would also purchase those of his wife, who had accompanied him. The parties then went ashore to complete the business, attended by the captain; and upon the names of the persons being mentioned, to insert them in the writings, they were the same with those of the purchaser's father and mother; and, upon further inquiry, he ascertained them to be in fact, his father and mother; the latter declaring, that if he was their son, he had a remarkable mole upon his left arm—which proved to be the case! It is added, that nothing could surpass the joy of all parties. The providence of God had snatched the venerable pair from poverty and servitude, and conducted them to plenty and independence, under the protection of an affectionate son. He, it seems, had ran away from his parents when quite a boy: and from the continued wars in Europe, neither had ever heard of the other since.