We can easily im.agine what must have been the situation of a pious family, and what the feelings of a husband and a father under such circumstances. Mr. Jay determined that those nearest and dearest to him should no longer be exposed to insult and contamination ; and, finding a safe opportunity, he secretly sent his family, together with several articles of value, on board a vessel bound for England. This vessel arrived in safety. The departure of his family did not long remain undiscovered ; and

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER, , 83

causing suspicion of his own intention, he was arrested and thrown into prison. From thence by the intervention of some worthy Catholic friends he was rescued ; when foreseeing that France was no longer a residence for him, he determined to leave it for ever. But first it was necessary to raise funds for the support of himself and family in a strange land ; this he dared not do by turning any of his French property into money lest his motives should be surmised, and a second arrest should follow. At this time, several of his ships were expected to arrive. He gave secret orders to one of the pilots of the port, to bring the first of his ships that should arrive, to anchor at some distance, and not come up to the town. The first of his vessels that made its appearance was from a Spanish port, laded chiefly with iron ; and fortunately, both for his honor and his future means of living, both ship and cargo belonged entirely to himself. The pilot faithful to his instructions, anchored the vessel in the place determined on. With his assistance, Mr. Jay embarked and sailed immediately for England. He arrived in safety, and happy must have been the meeting between him and his family.