George Spearing

“ Thro’ the brambles and bushes that covered the mouth of the pit, I could discover the sun shining bright, and my pretty warbler was chanting his melodious strains, when my attention was rouzed by a confused noise of human voices, which seemed to be approaching fast towards the pit. Immediately I called out, and most agreeably surprised several of my acquaintance, who were in search of me! As soon as they heard my voice, they all run towards the pit, and I could distinguished known voice exclaim, "Good God! he is still living!" ”

“ Many people in my dismal situation would, no doubt, have died with despair; but, I thank God, I enjoyed a perfect serenity of mind; so much so, that on the Tuesday after-noon, and when I had been six nights in the pit; I very composedly, by way of amusement, fell to combing my wig on my knee, humming a tune, and thinking on Archer in the play called the Beaux Stratagem.
At length the morning (Sept. 20.) the happ morning for my deliverance, came! a day that I while my memory lasts, I will always celebrate with gratitude to Heaven! ”

“ At the distance of about a huundred yards, in a direct line from the pit, there was a water mill; the miller’s house was nearer to me, and the road to the mill was still nearer: so that I could frequently hear the horses going on the road to and from the mill. Frequently I heard human voices; and I could distinctly hear the ducks and hens about the mill. I made the best use of my voice on every occasion; but it was to no manner of purpose; for the wind, which was constantly high, blew in a line from the mill to the pit, which easily accounts for what I heard ”