I shall not mention how diligently I cultivated this gift, which seemed capable of unlimited improvement; nor detail the various occasions on which it was successfully exerted to lead superstition, conquer avarice, or excite awe.
"I left America, which is my native soil, in my youth.

I have been engaged in various scenes of life, in which my peculiar talent has been exercised with more or less success.

I was finally betrayed by one who called himself my friend, into acts which cannot be justified, though they are susceptible of apology.
"The perfidy of this man compelled me to withdraw from Europe.

I returned to my native country, uncertain whether silence and obscurity would save me from his malice.

I resided in the purlieus of the city.