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and that being once freed from restraint, they would not willingly return to constant industry and regular habits.
They, however, promised faithfully that they would, and Friend Hopper thought it might have a good effect upon them to know that they were trusted.
He accordingly entered into bonds for them; thinking this additional claim on their gratitude would strengthen his influence over them, and help to confirm their good resolutions.
They returned punctually at the day and hour they had promised, and their exemplary conduct continued to give entire satisfaction to their employers.
A short time after the oldest had fulfilled the term of his indenture, the tanner with whom he worked bought a farm, and sold his stock and tools to his former apprentice.
Friend Hopper took him to the governor's house, dressed in his new suit of freedom clothes, and introduced him as one of the lads whom he had pardoned several years before; testifying that he had been a faithful apprentice, and much respected by his master.
The governor was well pleased to see him, shook hands with him very cordially, and told him that he who was resolute enough to turn back from vicious ways, into the paths of virtue and usefulness, deserved even more respect than one who had never been tempted.
He afterward married a worthy young woman with a small property, which enabled him to build a
Boston, J. P. Jewett and Company; Cleveland, Ohio: Jewett, Proctor and Worthington; London; Low and Company, 1854.
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