A Welch Clergyman who came pretty often, requested him in a particularly Manner to refrain Drinking; (tho’ indeed there was no necessity for that Caution) Sheppard says, Doctor, You set an Example and I’ll follow; this was a smart Satyr and Repartee upon the Parson, some Circumstances consider’d.

When he was visited in the Castle by the Reverend Mr. Wagstaff, he put on the Face only of a Preparation for his End, as appear’d by his frequent Attempts made upon his Escape, and when he has been press’d to Discover those who put him upon Means of Escaping, and furnish’d him with Implements, he would passionately, and with a Motion of striking, say, ask me no such Questions, one File’s worth all the Bibles in the World.

When ask’d if he had not put off all Thoughts of an Escape and Entertain’d none but those of Death, would Answer by way of Question, not directly, whether they thought it possible, or probable for him to Effect his Release, when Manackled in the manner he was.  When mov’d to improve the few Minutes that seem’d to remain of his Life; he did indeed listen to, but not regard the Design and Purport of his Admonition, breaking in with something New of his own, either with respect to his former Accomplices, or Actions, and all too with Pleasure and Gayety of Expression.

When in Chapel, he would seemingly make his Responses with Devotion; but would either Laugh, or force Expressions (when as an Auditor of the Sermon) be of Contempt, either of the Preacher, or of his Discourse.

In fine, he behav’d so, in Word, and Action, (since retaken) that demonstrated to the World, that his Escape was the utmost Employ of his Thoughts, whatever Face of Penitence he put on when visited by the Curious.

     An Account of SHEPPARD’S Adventures of five Hours immediately
     after his Escape from Newgate, in a Letter to his Friend.

     DEAR FRIEND!

Over a Bottle of Claret you’ll give me leave to declare it, that I’ve fairly put the Vowels upon the good Folks at Newgate, i.o.u. When I’m able, I may, or may not discharge my Fees, ’tis a Fee-simple, for a Man in my Condition to acknowledge; and tho’ I’m safe out of Newgate, I must yet have, or at least, affect, a New Gate by Limping, or Turning my Toes in by making a right Hand of my Feet.  Not to be long, for I hate Prolixity in all Business:  In short, after Filing, Defileing, Sawing, when no Body Saw. Climbing (this Clime in) it prov’d a good Turner of my Affairs, thro’ the House of a Turner.  Being quite past, and safe from Estreat on Person or Chattels, and safe in the Street, I thought Thanks due to him who cou’d Deliver hence; and immediately (for you must know I’m a Catholick) to give Thanks for my Deliverance, I stept amongst