MEMOIR. CHAPTER I. Introductory Remarks. - Birth and early character of Zerah. - Display of his talent. - Leaves home with his father; goes to Montpelier, and other places in Vermont; returns home, and starts for Boston. - Offer made in Hanover. - Squire B. - Arrives in Boston , the Indenture offered and rejected. THAT men should wonder in contemplation of those things which exceed the common limits of experience and observation, is not strange. Such is the narrow compass of our faculties, eveu in their most perfect state, that it becomes difficult, while we see the outward effect produced, to trace the hidden energy which prompts and impels the inward cause, Should our astonishment excite within us sentiments of mingled awe, curiosity and reverence, corresponding with the greatness and elevation of the source whence the marvellous proceeds, wonder may profit us, and our excited inquiries yield us a lasting benefit. It is not pretended, or thought, that the subject of this memoir stands first among the numerous exhibitions of His power who made the world, and has fashioned and endowed the human mind; but it is believed that while much surprise had been felt on this subject, and many have indulged in unsatisfactory speculations in regard to his early endowment, a full development of his case may contribute somewhat to assist in leading the contemplative inquirer to a correct view of Him who is the giver of every good and every perfect gift. 2

- 10 - ZERAH COLBURN was born in the town of Cabot, county of Caledonia, and State of Vermont, on the first day of September, 1804. His father, Abia Colburn, removed into, that town from Hartford, Vermont, about three months previous to his birth, and purchased a farm lying on the road from Cabot to Peacham. Zerah was the sixth child; and his parents being in straitened circumstances, with a large family, subjected to such difficulties and hardships as full to the common lot of all new settlers at that period, there seemed to be no prospect that his name should ever be distinguished, or even known beyond the immediate circle of his neighbors and kinsmen. There was nothing remarkable in the endowments of his father or mother; they were plain persons, not superior to others, and in regard to the early years of this their son, it may be proper to remark, that they considered him to be the most backward of any of their children. Yet in common with his brothers and sisters, he shared in the cares and kindness of his parents, who after six years of toil, were beginning to discover the dawn of more prosperous days, and to hope the time had arrived when they might rejoice in the security and permanence of home; and while pursuing the labors of industrious life, might also calculate for the future welfare of their children, it would therefore have been peculiarly painful, had they foreseen that an event was about to take place, which would in a moment rise up to destroy all those pleasing anticipations, blast every prospect of social happiness, and after years of absence, consign the husband and the father to a stranger's grave. Indeed, all the experience of human life emphatically shows, that ignorance of the future is more frequently our bliss than our bane. Residing at a considerable distance from any school, it would be unreasonable to expect that education had done much for Zerah, while very young, in preparing

- 11 - him for that display of early strength, correctness and rapidity of mind in figures, which was never more remarkable to others, than unaccountable to himself. Various fanciful and groundless statement have been circulated by ignorant persons in regard to the cause, which first led his mind to assume and exercise that power in calculation; the author of these pages cannot acknowledge himself particularly indebted to such individuals; for it has been attended with some trouble, as well as disgust, to correct their relations. The inquiry has often been made whether the gift were natural or supernatural; his answer is that it was partly both; understanding by this, not the putting forth of Divine energy in the entirely new creation of a faculty hitherto unknown to the mind, but the uncommon extension of a faculty already given, and common to all; extension in a manner beyond the operations of Nature, as we see her exhibited, and therefore supernatural; but natural, in as much as every one is to a certain extent, able to compute by mental process alone. Sometime in the beginning of August, 1810, when about one month under six years of ago, being at home, while his father wad employed at a joiner's work-bench, Zerah was on the floor, playing in the chips; suddenly he began to say to himself, "5 times 7 are 35 - 6 times 8 are 48, &c," His father's attention being arrested by bearing this, so unexpected in a child so young, and who had hitherto possessed no advantages, except perhaps six weeks attendance al the district school, that summer, he left his work, and turning to him began to examine him through the multiplication table; he thought it possible that Zerah had learnt this from the other boys, hut finding him perfect in the table, his attention was more deeply fixed; and he asked the product of 13x97 to which 1261 was instantly given in answer. He now concluded that something unusual had actually taken place; indeed he has often said he should not have

- 12 - been more surprised, if some one had risen up out of the earth and stood erect before him. It was not long before a neighbor rode up, and calling in, was informed of the singular occurrence. He, too, desired to be a witness of the fact, and soon it became generally known through the town. Though many were inclined to doubt the correctness of the reports they heard, a personal examination attested their truth. Thus the story originated, which within the short space of a year, found its way, not only through the United Status, but also reached Europe, and foreign Journals of literature, both in England and France, expressed their surprise at the uncommon incident. Very soon after the first discovery of his remarkable powers, many gentlemen at that time possessing influence and public confidence throughout the State, being made acquainted with the circumstances, were desirous of having such a course adopted as might most directly lead to a full developement of his talent, and its application to purposes of general utility. Accordingly Mr. Colburn carried his son to Danville, to be present during the session of the Court. His child was very generally seen and questioned by the Judges, members of the bar, and others. The Legislature of Vermont being about to convene at Montpelier, they were advised to visit that place, which they did in October. Here large numbers had an opportunity of witnessing his calculating powers, and the conclusion was general that such a thing had newer been known before. Many questions which were out of the common limits of Arithmetic, were proposed with a view to puzzle him, but he answered them correctly; us for instance - which is the most, twice twenty-five, or twice five and twenty (2x25 or 2x5+20)? Ans. twice twenty-five. Which is the most, six dozen dozen, or half a dozen dozen (6x12x12 or 6x12)? Ans. 6 dozen dozen. It is a fact too that somebody asked how many black beans

- 13 - would make five white ones? Ans. 5, if you skin them. Thus it appeared that not only could he compute and combine numbers readily, but also he possessed a quickness of thought somewhat uncommon among children, in other things. After a few days spent in Montpelier, they proceeded to Burlington. But as the thinly inhabited State of Vermont did not appear likely to furnish that efficient patronage which such an unusual case seemed to demand, Mr. Colburn was advised to bend his course toward the principal cities of the Union, in order to obtain that ample encouragement which would probably attend his undertaking. Accordingly they returned to Cabot, and after spending one night under the family roof, they departed to return no more. Arriving at Hanover, the friends of science associated with Dartmouth College desired to retain the boy and educate him. Dr. Wheelock, President of the Institution, made a very generous offer, intending to take upon himself the care and expense of his studies; and it may be no more than a reasonable supposition that if Mr. Colburn had acceded to such kind overtures, his wishes would have been eventually fulfilled. But he had certain objections to the offer, arising from the fact that already different patrons had not only offered their aid, but also used an influence to prevent him from subscribing to the terms proposed by others, residing in different parts of New England, by presenting to his inexperienced mind censorious strictures upon the motives of each other. However, before he fully declined, he proceeded to Boston, in the hope that he might become better prepared to decide between the various prospects presented to his view. While at Hanover, a circumstance took place, which may deserve particular notice, A. B. Esq. residing in H. Vermont, was a man who for many years had been gradually forsaking the truths of revealed religion, until he was completely established in

- 14 - deistical principles. Business called him to Hanover at this time; he was informed that Zerah was in the place, and his peculiar gift described. On learning that the boy was only six years old, without opportunity or education, and yet able to solve such large questions by mental process alone, he was disposed to treat it as wholly untrue. Finding however that the statement was supported by facts which he could not controvert, he was much struck, and exceedingly disturbed in mind. As a Deist, it had been his anxious labor to believe that miracles had never taken place; that it was totally impossible for any thing to happen contrary to the established laws and visible course of nature. Now he found that something had happened contrary to the course of nature and far above it; hence in hid mind an irresistible inference arose that greater things, equally above nature, might take place - even the miracles recorded in holy writ. He went home with a burdened spirit, passed a sleepless night in investigating the subject with all the acuteness of his vigorous mind, and at length found himself compelled by the force of conviction to renounce his Infidel foundation, and ever since has been established in the doctrines of Christianity.* On their way from Hanover to Boston, Mr. Colburn and his son received the most flattering marks of attention in the different towns through which they passed. They arrived in this city on the 25th of November; here, as might be expected, the public were anxious to see for themselves if they had been correctly informed. Questions in multiplication of two or three places of figures, were answered with much greater rapidity than they could be solved on paper. Questions involving an application of this rule, as in Reduction, Rule of Three, and Practice, seemed to be perfectly adapted to his mind. The Extraction of the Roots of exact Squares and * In 1827 the author received the above from Esquire B.

- 15 - Cubes was done with very little effort; and what has been considered by the Mathematicians of Europe an operation for which no rule existed, viz, finding the factors of numbers, was performed by him, and in course of time, he was able to point out his method of obtaining them. Questions in Addition, Subtraction, and Division were done with less facility, on account of the more complicated and continued effort of the memory. In regard to the higher branches of Arithmetic, he would observe that he had no rules peculiar to himself; but if the common process was pointed out as laid down in the books, he could carry on this process very readily in his head. That such calculations should be made by the power of mind alone, even in a person of mature age, and who had disciplined himself by opportunity and study, would be surprising, because far exceeding the common attainments of mankind; - that they should be made by a child six years old, unable to read, and ignorant of the name or properties of one figure traced on paper, without any previous effort to train him to such a task, will not diminish the surprise. The remembrance that this faculty was bestowed and exercised under such circumstances, while it necessarily prompts the possessor to speak of it us wonderful indeed, at the same time precludes all room for boasting, if he were thus disposed; for it ever has been, and still is, as much a matter of astonishment to him as it can be to any other one; God was its author, its object and aim perhaps are still unknown. Soon after their arrival in Boston, the attention of the friends of science was fixed upon the propriety of educating the boy, in order to place him in a situation where he might be enabled to pursue the studies which seemed most adapted to his genius, and render it profitable to the world. After much deliberation, a number of the first gentlemen in that city made the following proposition to Mr. Colburn: 1. To raise 5000 dollars by donation without any public exhibi-

- 16 - tion of Zerah. 2. To give the father 2500 dollars, while they were to retain the other half and the boy wholly under their control, and educate him. To this offer Mr. Colburn was not willing to consent, but signified his approbation of their plan so far as to say, that they might raise the contemplated sum with the understanding that if they gave him one half, he would pay half the expenses of his son's studies, until he should have completed a collegiate course, after which he would commit him more directly to their cure and superintendence. Hon. Josiah Quincy, one of the gentlemen concerned, was then about to start for Washington; he informed Mr. C. that if he was able to remain three days longer at home, he doubted not that the business might be arranged in a manner fully coinciding with his views; as he was unable to carry, he wrote a letter to the associated friends, requesting them to adopt. the amendment suggested by the father. They, on receiving Mr. Quincy's communication, at first concluded to comply. The plan of public exhibition was now proposed, in order to raise the sum required. To this Mr. C. had many and strong objections; but these objections were at length overcome, by the high tone of interest and friendship used by his advisors, and after much preliminary discussion, the following paper was prepared and presented to him for signature. THIS INDENTURE, of two parts, made and concluded in Boston, in the county of Suffolk, and commonwealth of Massachusetts, on this day of in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ten, between Abia Colburn, of Cabot, in the county of Caledonia, and State of Vermont, husbandman, on the first part, and James Perkins, Daniel Sargent, Josiah Quincy, Isaac P. Davis, William Sullivan, and William S. Shaw, all of Boston aforesaid, esquires, on the second part, Witnesseth: That whereas the said Abia Colburn has a child named Zerah Colburn, who has discovered uncommon powers in arithmetical calcula-

- 17 - tions; and it has appeared probable to the said contractors on the second part, that if the said child should receive an honorable and liberal education, he would become useful to himself and valuable to the public; and whereas the said Abia professes himself to be unable to educate the said child in a suitable manner; - Therefore it is agreed that the said contractors on the second part shall be, and hereby are appointed Trustees to superintend the education of said child on conditions hereinafter expressed; and that they will use their influence and exertions to raise a sum of money not exceeding live thousand dollars, by donations and honorable exhibitions of the child, at such times and places within the United States as the said Trustees may direct; and that after the said sum of five thousand dollars shall have been raised, the said Abia shall at no time exhibit the said child, or suffer him to be exhibited for the purpose of obtaining money; but that he shall be placed at Hanover, in the county of Grafton, and state of New-Hampshire, under the direction of said Trustees; - And it is further agreed that the said Abia Colburn shall attend the said child, until he shall have been placed under the direction of his Instructor or Instructors, after the said sum shall have been raised; - And as an indemnity to the said Abia for the loss of his time, and for his services, and to enable him to remove to Hanover aforesaid, and dwell near said child, who is to be there placed for the present, it is further agreed that the said Abia shall receive for his sole use and benefit, the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars, or whatever sum shall be the one half of the funds to be so raised by donations and exhibitions of the child, first deducting from the whole amount received, the expenses necessary for supporting the said Abia and his child during the time required for raising the sum of five thousand dollars clear. And it is further agreed that the said child shall remain at said Hanover, until he shall be fitted to enter a college; at which time a further arrangement shall be made between said Abia and the said Trustees, as to the college to which said child shall be sent. And it is further agreed that the residue of the sum obtained after the deduction of all expenses as aforesaid, shall be invested in the names and under the direction of the trustees aforesaid, and the survivors of them, with full power to associate a person in the place of either of them, as they

- 18 - may successively decease; and that the interest of the said fund, and so much of the principal as may be necessary, shall be applied to the education of said child, at the discretion of said Trustees; and the surplus, if any remain, shall be paid over to said child when he shall have attained to the age of twenty-one years; and said Trustees shall have the entire direction of the education of said child; it being understood that they may place him where they think fit within said Hanover, for the purpose of educating him until prepared for admission at some college: Provided that the father shall always have such intercourse with the child as may be consistent with his education. And it is further agreed and provided, that if the said Trustees should find it impracticable after reasonable exertion to raise the said sum of five thousand dollars, they may in their discretion stop all further exhibition of the boy, and after deducting necessary expenses from the fund obtained, they may divide the residue equally between the said Abia and themselves, and proceed immediately to educate said child so far as the sum obtained shall be sufficient, and until the same shall be exhausted. And it is further provided, that in case said child should decease before he attains to the age of twenty-one years, said fund shall then be paid to said Abia, and if not, then to the lawful heirs of said child, to his or their sole use and benefit forever. And it is further provided, that if said child should attain to the age of twenty-one years, and yet in the opinion of said Trustees should prove unworthy of this bounty, then they shall have full power to give said fund to those of said child's brothers and sisters who may be living at that time, in equal shares. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties above-named have set their hands and seals interchangeably this day of in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ten. This offer is thus particularly stated, because many persons at that period, and perhaps some at the present day, wonder that he did not remain to be educated in this country, where so much interest was excited in his favor. To those terms, however, Mr. Colburn did not feel himself at liberty to accede. Simply to receive the

- 19 - patronage and sanction of their respectable names as a suitable equivalent for the desertion of family during a period long enough to travel through the States and collect so large a sum of money, and then for giving up one half that sum with the boy, during the most important season of youth, did not harmonize with his views of parental obligation. Concerning the motives which actuated them, the judgment of charity would be highly favorable - it ought to be so. He did not refuse to sign this Indenture until after mature deliberation, - he concluded that to subscribe to it would be much to his reproach and injury. This matter is thus fully described, because the rejection of the offer went abroad to the world as the wanton rejection of a very noble and friendly proposition. Individuals living at a distance from New England were disposed, when they afterwards saw the father, to accuse him in no very mild terms, of being ignorant or indifferent to the welfare of his son, as well as to the claims of gratitude towards those who interested themselves in his affairs; and he was not always able to convince them of the real state of the case.

- 20 - CHAPTER II. Zerah proceeds to New York, Philadelphia, and Washington; returns to Norwich, Vermont; starts once more for the South; visits Boston; New Hampshire; goes to New York and Washington. - Richmond Theatre. - Shipwreck. - Mr, Colburn concludes to go to England. THE rejection of the proposals made in Boston, very speedily raised a prejudice against Mr. Colburn in that city. Some of the parties named in the Indenture were exceedingly displeased by his unwillingness to comply with their terms; and he soon found that little prospect remained of promoting his object while within the scope of their influence. Accordingly, after many unavailing efforts to effect a change in the course which public feeling had taken, he departed for the South. In New York and Philadelphia the reception his son met with was very flattering, the inhabitants signifying their approbation of his talent by liberal attendance and donations. In the latter city, a likeness of him was taken by Rembrandt Peale and placed in the gallery of the Museum. Arriving at Washington, they found the Congress in session, and they spent some time in that city. However they met with no particular encouragement that appeared likely to after their situation for the better, and they returned towards the North. At this period Mr. Colburn had money with him to the amount of five or six hundred dollars. When they landed at the ferry from the Jersey side, Mr. C. proceeded to the tavern where he had put up during his former visit to New York. On going in, he inquired of the landlord if he could be accommodated there

- 21 - that night? The landlord replied in the affirmative. They sat down in the bar-room and waited till about nine o'clock; then he spoke to the host and said he should like to go to bed. The landlord started paused a moment, and then said: "Mr. Colburn, I have deceived you; when you came in, I told you I could entertain you; but my beds are all occupied." "Very Well," said Mr. C. "I can go somewhere else." The landlord rejoined, "there is a room in the back part of the house, where I sometimes sleep when the other beds are full; if you please, you may lodge there," "Any place," said Mr, C. "is preferable to going out at this late hour." He took his trunk, and with Zerah followed the landlord through a back-yard surrounded with buildings, connected with the front of the house, up three flights of stairs, into a room where was a bed, set down the candle, and retired. Zerah was soon in bed; his father took off his boots and coat, blew out the candle, mid lay down to think. Not feeling safe or satisfied, he rose, put on his coat, and descended, picking his way along to the bar-room. Informing the amazed landlord that he wished to speak with him alone, they went into an inner room, and Mr. C. began: "When I first came into your home, you told me I could be accommodated with a bed; during the evening I have seen very few guests, not half enough to fill your large house; at bed time you have taken me up into that back-room, without lock or latch; I know not what to think; from the public papers you must know that I have a good deal of money with me, and it is my opinion you have a design upon my life. I shall not sleep in that room. If you can lodge me in the front of the house, well - if not, I shall go to another tavern." The host appeared completely at a stand; twice or thrice he attempted to speak; at length he made out to say: "you may have your choice of my rooms." Accordingly after bringing Zerah and the trunk out of the garret, the landlord conducted them into an

- 22 - apartment in the front of the house, furnished with two beds and a lock on the door; he handed the key to Mr, Colburn, who said to him, "now you may come at any hour in the night with as many as you please." He slept without disturbance. The next day he called for his bill. The landlord inquired why he was going away? on being told that it was because he could board cheaper in a private family than at a tavern, the man replied, "Only do not mention last night's adventure to any one, and you may stay here as long as you please at your own price." Mr. C. promised, and with his son remained there while in New York. They afterwards went in the steam-boat up to Albany. It was on this passage, that a gentleman, by the name of Hopkins, taught Zerah the names and powers of the nine units, of which he had been previously ignorant. From Albany, they proceeded to Utica, receiving a patronage proportioned to the population of those places. At length Mr. Colburn directed his course towards Vermont. During this period that he had spent traveling through the States, he had very frequently been injured in his feelings by the remarks made by persons who labored under a wrong impression in regard to the indenture. When he arrived in Boston, he called upon the publishers of the public journals, in hopes that he might succeed in having the original paper, (which he always kept) printed, for the general information of the public. They all refused to admit the article into their columns, alleging as a reason, that it would be an indelible disgrace to the gentlemen concerned. While on his journey to the South, many gentlemen of knowledge and experience had suggested the propriety of a voyage to England, on the ground that the wealthy and scientific in that country would be likely to afford patronage sufficient to answer every desirable purpose. This was a measure no way

- 23 - adapted to Mr. Colburn's feelings and wishes. While he was in Boston, at this time, Elbridge Gerry, Esq. formerly Governor of Massachusetts, who was always a kind adviser, recommended the course, and offered letters of introduction. The time however was not yet come, for him to indulge the thought of such a separation from his family and country. He left Boston and went on to Norwich, Vermont, in April, 1811, where his family were transiently residing. Had he at that time, in view of all his former trouble and vexations relative to his son, concluded to abandon the idea of obtaining property, and perhaps some honor on account of his boy's remarkable talent, it is a matter of belief, if not of certainly, that by returning to his farm, and laying out the money collected by exhibition in a prudent manner, he might have supported his family and brought them up in a respectable manner. Yet it was not surprising that the singular endowment of a member of his family in this manner, should produce an anxiety to secure its probable benefits; while at the same time, a curiosity to seek in a proper use of menus the object of the gift, might have had an influence; moreover he felt himself injured in the Boston business, and being of a high spirit, he was unwilling to settle down at home, for he hoped such success would attend his efforts, as to convince the framers of the indenture that liberality wad not confined to them, nor his welfare wholly dependent on their patronage. After tarrying about a week at Norwich, he departed with his son, leaving about five hundred dollars with Mrs. Colburn, from which period he never saw his children. He went, to Boston by way of Amherst, and was at length successful in getting the indenture printed. According to a previous arrangement, in May Mrs, Colburn joined her husband in Boston, and accompanied him to Concord, Exeter, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. On the second of July, she took her final leave of her husband and returned to Cabot.

- 24 - After her departure, Mr. C, pursued his way to Portland and soon made up his mind to try the effect of another journey to the South. They now visited Providence, New Haven, Hartford and the other places of note in Connecticut. Arriving at New York, they went on to Lancaster in Pennsylvania. It was while on this road that they passed a pump which would probably have remained unknown and unnoticed in history, but for its handle, which by the sinking of the piston, was thrown up into the air. A few weeks previous to their passing it, the stage, while traveling along in the evening, was suddenly stopped by the frightened driver, who declared, that an armed highwayman with shouldered musket, was waiting to. intercept their passage. The passengers looked out and discovered the unconscious object of their alarm, standing in a truly threatening attitude, and even they thought he was moving towards them. The result of their council of war may be speedily told: one gentleman flung out his pocket book, another his purse, &c, &c. and the driver wheeling his horses rapidly round, they returned with all imaginable speed and related their wonderful preservation. The stolen pocket book and other articles were picked up the next day by some honest laborers, who little knew to what beneficent being they were indebted for their booty. Another little circumstance may be related to show the erroneous views entertained by some in regard to the gift of Zerah. Being at Columbia, a little village on the Susquehanna, a woman sent a request to the tavern where he put up to have him come and see her, he want, and after some preliminaries, she said: "About twenty years ago, I lost some silver spoons; I suspect they were stolen. I want you to tell who has got them." It is needless to add, that being neither prophet nor conjurer he could not tell. They arrived at Washington in the fall of 1811; - at this time the Hon. Josiah Quincy was there, and

- 25 - Mr. Colburn culled on him, hoping from the interest he had formerly taken, that he might then be able to point out some course that would render it advantageous for him to remain in America. However, Mr. Quincy did not feel himself in a situation to assume the responsibility of giving further advice. Discouraged here, Mr. C. made up his mind to sail for England, and with that intention, engaged places in the northern stage. The night before he contemplated starting for Annapolis, Matthew Cluy came in, being just arrived from the south. He had some conversation with Mr. Colburn that night, and finally dissuaded him from going to Boston until he had traveled more extensively in Virginia and the Carolinas. Yielding to his advice, and receiving letters from him to a number of the first people in Richmond, Mr. C. changed his course. On their journey towards Richmond, a very striking comment was exhibited on the convenience of having good roads; traveling along in the cloudy evening at a rapid rate, the stage went down a slight descent, and soon after reaching the level below was suddenly stopped. The driver applied the whip, but the horses could not start their load. After several fruitless attempts of this kind, the driver dismounted from his box and looked around to discover the impediment, but as the night was dark, and the stage unfurnished with lamps, he sought in vain. After a little deliberation it was deemed advisable that the horses should be liberated from the vehicle, and the passengers mount them to ride to the nearest stopping place. They went on about a mile before they reached a small house where the male and female travelers were accommodated as well as circumstances would admit, until morning. Then a stout yoke of oxen was sent down after the empty stage, and dragged it along. They found that the carriage had been thus forcibly detained by means of a stump, against which

- 26 - the axleirec had been lodged, perhaps by some deviation from the road. The next day they came to Fredericksburg. Here they were invited to stay a day or two by General Mercer. While at this place intelligence came of the burning of Richmond theatre. Among the victims of That awful conflagration were a number of the first people in the place to whom Mr. Colburn had letters of introduction. As he had never witnessed a dramatic exhibition, and but for General Mercer's invitation would have reached Richmond on the day that closed with that memorable night, he used to consider it a providential interposition that detained him in Fredericksburg: had he gone on, he thought it possible that some of the friends to whom Mr. Clay directed him would have taken him and his son to the theatre, in which case, he might have shared the mournful destiny of others. When they arrived in the city, they visited the spot on which the theatre had stood, and beheld a striking lesson of the uncertainty of life, and the feeble tenure by which all earthly good id held. The place was lone and still; so lately echoing with the cries of mirth - still later with the frenzied shriek and wait of despairing, dying men, women, and children; all was silent, and except foundation wall, and ashes, nothing was left to tell what life had glowed, what hearts had throbbed with joy, and soon with wildest grief, a few short days before. By reason of this awful calamity Mr. Colburn's expectations of patronage in Richmond were cut off, and after a brief tarry among the bereaved and the suffering, they went on towards the South. It appears by a letter written to his wife from New York city, dated October 14, 1811, that he had been strongly urged to remove his family to Charleston, in South Carolina, with ample promises of encouragement, but on account of the climate, he would not consent; however he now concluded to visit that city in hopes of finding there what Providence with held

- 27 - in Richmond. On his way he tarried a few days in Norfolk. The actors connected with Richmond theatre, being thrown out of employment by the catastrophe stated above, had also started for Charleston; and it so happened that they engaged their passage in the same vessel with Mr. C. and his son. They sailed from Norfolk at noon, January 12, 1812. As evening came on, the passengers began to prepare for spending it in the most jovial manner; with cards, and songs, and merriment, they passed their time until nearly eleven. When they retired to rest, the snow was falling fast, and it was very dark. At midnight the vessel struck in shoal water. Instantly the sleepers were awake, and soon learned the cause of their disturbance. The exuberance of their gaiety, which perhaps had not been wholly calmed by their short slumber, now met with a check perhaps equal to the terror and confusion of the burning theatre. The wind was high, the storm was severe, and the darkness so thick that on deck no object could be discerned, not even the hand hold up before the eyes. The scene was truly terrific; the vessel striking every minute with an awful shock; no coast to be seen; the commander unable to give directions for safety; men vociferating; women in agony, praying; all combined exhibited a scene of sorrow better conceived than described. Indeed there seemed to be no human probability of escape or of assistance. Some, under apprehension of the worst, went to the Steward, and swallowed as much strong drink as would suffice to render them insensible to the pain of drowning. One, a Captain in the Navy, declared if he ever set foot on dry land again, he would there abide. Another, a Frenchman, when first waked by the shock, learning the cause, was so completely paralyzed by fear, that beginning to dress, he put on his spectacles add sat down on the edge of his birth, with nothing over him, seemingly unconscious of every thing around. Some of the men proposed to cut away the mast, as

- 28 - a probable expedient for safety - to this the Captain objected with all his authority; to this objection they were eventually indebted for their safety. Thus three or four hours pushed heavily along, when by a providential shift of the wind, the vessel taking the advantage, filled her sails, and ran ashore, fast bedded in the sand about two roods below high water mark. In the morning they landed on the beach, and traveling about a mile through the woods, discovered a house. From the inmates they learned that they were about thirty miles below Norfolk: that the place on which their vessel was cast was called False Cape. A few days were spent on this lonely beach under tents constructed with sails; during which time the cargo was landed, and the shattered vessel abandoned. They returned to Norfolk and unsuccessful in this journey, Mr. Colburn began to think that his situation and prospects were not likely to be improved by a longer effort in his own country. The decided objections he had entertained to leaving his native country, and seeking his fortune in Europe, were strong in his mind; but disappointed thus far in obtaining patronage to educate his son in a way that met his concurrence, he was very reluctantly led to a resolution to visit England. In unison with this, while on his way to the North, he received letters of introduction, from the Hon. Rafus King, formerly Minister from this country to the British Court; Elbridge Gerry, Esq. of Massachusetts, and others. Perhaps indeed it has fallen to the lot of very few, if any individuals, while attracting curiosity and notice, to receive at the same time so many flattering marks of kindness as the subject of this memoir; and it is not unfrequently a sorrowful reflection to him, that after all the sympathy and benevolence shown by the liberal and scientific, certain unforeseen and unfortunate causes have prevented and still prevent his reaching and sustaining that distinguished place in the Mathematical Lit-

- 29 - erature of the age, to which on account of the singular gift bestowed upon him, he seemed to be destined Yet let him not repine, while realizing the higher obligations, honor, and usefulness of the station, which lie now in the Providence of God, imperfectly and unworthily fills.

- 30 - CHAPTER III. Mr. Colburn embarks for England; arrives in London; his son is exhibited there. - William Wilberforce. - Duke of Cambridge. - Likeness of the boy published by subscription. - A Memoir contemplated. - They leave London to visit Ireland and Scotland. THE faculty possessed by Zerah Colburn was of so remarkable a character, that it might not have appeared singular, if a little time must necessarily elapse, in order to give his patrons an opportunity of concerting measures to prepare him for being useful to him self and the public; but a year and a half had now elapsed, without the occurrence of say thing that seemed likely to promote this object. The step which his father was about to take, was one that maintained the interest felt by his friends; and they looked forward to his contemplated voyage to England, as the probable means of ultimate success. Mr. Colburn wrote to his wife in December, 1811, while at Washington, giving her the first decided intimation that such a voyage was intended, and requesting her to make such a disposition of her children and the farm, that she might be able to accompany her husband over the Atlantic, if he should still think it best. To this, however, her feelings and judgment were irresistibly opposed. She undoubtedly believed that such a certainly of support as he might have found on his farm, was better than to follow in the uncertain pursuit of patronage, depending on the caprice or liberality of the great; and us a mother, she could not reconcile herself to the idea of leaving her children, the oldest being only fourteen years of age, without either parent to watch over them. Her