the Ajax, Capt. Clark, bound to Madras; and I expect to sail tomorrow. It is a number of weeks since I formed the conclusion that I should gain no material benefit by staying any longer at the Cape. Since that period I have been looking out for an opportunity to return to Ceylon. No opportunity has yet presented itself for me to go directly to Ceylon; and it is very uncertain whether any such opportunity will occur, during the present season.

On Friday last I heard, that a missionary had just arrived here on his way to *Madras. It immediately occurred to me, that it might be well for me to take a passage with him. After consideration, I concluded that it would be about as well for me to be landed at Madras, as at Columbo, on account of the season: because, with the present monsoon the wind will be fair, two months hence, to come from Madras to Jaffna; but not to go from Columbo to Jaffna.

After inquiry, I learned that there were two missionaries, instead of one. They were both here on Friday evening; gave me a favorable account of the accommodations on board the Ajax; and offered me every assistance in their power, in case I should conclude to make one of their company. The next morning I called on Capt. Clark, to know on what terms he would give me a passage. He told me, that he could not do it for less than four hundred Spanish dollars, or one hundred pounds. I wrote him a note soon after, and informed that I would give him two hundred and sixty dollars, and no more. It was not till yesterday afternoon, that he consented to my proposal. This price is considered cheap by some, but I consider it a very fair price. I did not feel at liberty to spend any more of the money of the Board, than appeared to be necessary.

One of the missionaries, Mr. Traveller, who is married, is sent forth by the London Missionary Society; the other, Mr. Sperschneider, by the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge.* I feel much gratified with the idea of going in their company. There is a physician in the ship, whose advice may be of use to me. There is also a good cow on board. On the whole, I think the opportunity a very good one.

The Lord is always exceedingly kind to me, and I desire to be thankful, and to make mention of his unspeakable mercy. Though he has been trying me with afflictions, ever since I landed in Ceylon, he has tried me more with mercies. There has not been a single day, during almost three years, in which Mis. R. and myself have both. enjoyed our usual state of health; but I have always had occasion to sing of mercy, as well as of judgment. I desire to speak it to the praise of divine grace, that I have had more religious enjoyment, especially, at some particular seasons, within twelve months, than I had experienced before for years. I think I can truly say, that I find it good to be afflicted. O that the Lord would enable me to trust in him, and to lean upon him more and more. I have given an account of my own state of health in a letter to Mr. Evarts, and have not time to repeat it.

I have another subject to mention; and that is respecting a grave stone for brother Warren's remains. Some of my friends advised me to get one erected; but I did not feel at liberty to do it, without the advice of the Prudential Committee; nor did I consider it of great importance. But if the Board should wish to have a stone erected to brother Warren's memory, it can be done still, by requesting John Melvill, Esq. with whom I now reside, to attend to the business. A decent stone will cost but a small sum. Mr. Melvill has just told me, that if you wish to have the stone erected, all that is necessary is, to let him know this wish, and to send him the inscription.

With prayer for the prosperity of the Board, and for yours in particular, I subscribe myself.

Yours in the Lord,

Rev. S. Worcester, D. D. Sec. of A. B. C. F. M.

JAMES RICHARDS.

P.S. Nov. 25. It is said that the vessel will sail in two hours. The Lord has assisted me in preparing for the voyage, so that I feel better than usual.

* Mr. Sperschneider is the same missionary, to whom the charge was delivered, from which extracts are published in the preceding pages.

LETTER FROM MR. RICHARDS TO THE TREASURER.

[This letter is dated Cape Town, Nov. 16, 1818. The first part of it relates to pecuniary affairs principally. It mentions Capt. L. a pious man, who touched at the Cape, bound from Batavia to Antwerp, Petersburgh, and Boston. A few Christians at the Cape were much refreshed by the visit of capt. L. who gave a very pleasing account of the state of religion in the U. S. The closing part of the letter is as follows:]

My expenses at present are very small, except for medical advice. The reason is this. Immediately after the death of brother Warren, which took place on the 11th of August last, John Melvill, Esq. invited me to take up my abode in his family, where I have continued ever since. I consider this circumstance a peculiar blessing, for there is no good Boarding House in Cape Town, especially for invalids who are serious. The family in which I now reside, is pious. Mr. and Mrs. M. have been in the divine life but a few years, and have an ardent thirst for knowledge of the best kind. They are about my own age, and do every thing for me in their power. They have lately left the church here called Lutheran, -but which in fact appears to be Socinian,-and have joined the church, which has been under the care of the Rev. Mr. Thom.

I must hasten to inform you, that I committed to Capt. Libbey for the Society of Inquiry on the subject of missions, at the Theological Seminary, Andover, a box of curiosities, consisting principally of books, and directed them to your care. I hope this box will arrive safely.

I am sorry that I have not been able to write to the Secretary of the Board of Commissioners a particular account of brother Warren's last sickness and death. I regret it the less, however, because I have written to brother Warren's father, and have told him every thing, which I might have told the Secretary. I have also requested him to send a copy of that letter to you, or to Dr. Worcester, as soon as convenient.

You will see from that letter, that the Lord was peculiarly merciful to brother Warren. You will see, that as he approached the dark valley of the shadow of death, his light, his peace, and his joy, were greatly increased. The hope of eternal life, which he had long cherished, but which was sometimes weakened by doubts and fears, now appeared like an anchor to the soul, sure and stedfast. The light of God's countenance seemed to give new strength to his body and his mind; the glories of heaven seemed to burst upon his view, and he exclaimed, with apparent rapture, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly."

I suppose you will wish me to say something concerning my own health. In a few weeks after I landed in Ceylon, I was seized with inflammation in my eyes; and have never enjoyed my usual health from that day to this. It is now about fourteen months since I was attacked with my present complaint. During this period, I have sometimes apparently been better, and sometimes worse. I am more comfortable now, than I was a year ago. Then I had a hard dry cough, pain in my chest, fever in the day, and copious sweats at night, loss of appetite, and was so weak, that I could scarcely walk twenty rods. Since the month of May last, I have had very little fever in the day, or perspiration at night. But my cough has continued, and has generally been growing worse. I sometimes expectorate half a pint in a day. During my passage from Ceylon to this place, I got rid of my fever and sweats, gained a good appetite, and considerable flesh and strength. But just before I landed at Simon's Town, I took a violent cold, which very much increased my cough, and produced a copious expectoration. I was disturbed in my rest, lost my appetite, became much weaker than before, and found myself losing ground very fast. In this situation I arrived in Cape Town.

Four days after, I began to take medicine, and at once felt better, and continned to gain for about three weeks; when I began to spit blood. It was not clear blood, but there were streaks or specks of blood in the matter, which I raised from my lungs. I have continued to raise blood in this way, very frequently, ever since; in three or four instances I have raised it more copiously. At one time I threw up about a wine glass full. Not long after my arrival at Cape Town, I began to be troubled with soreness of throat, and this was followed by occasional hoarseness, which has become constant, and is so severe, that I cannot speak, except in a whisper. Still, I have a good appetite, sleep quietly,

can walk half a mile, or a mile, at a time, am able to attend public worship, and do not lose flesh or strength, unless it be very gradually.

I do not expect to recover from this sickness; but think it possible, that I may live many months. I have a desire to return to Ceylon, that I may die on missionary ground, and in the bosom of my friends. I have been looking out for some time for a ship to carry me to the east, but have not yet found one. I desire to be thankful, that I am not anxious respecting any of the external circumstances of my death. As I draw nearer the grave, my hope of salvation through the atonement of Christ becomes stronger, and my views of heaven become more and more pleasant.

Please to present my respects to the Board of Commissioners.
Yours with Christian affection,

P.S. I expect to send this letter by way of England.

JAMES RICHARDS,

EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF MRS. NICHOLS,

(Continued from p. 222.)

Wednesday, Dec. 24, 1817. Mr. N. and myself have just come below to write; have been running and walking on deck for exercise. The subject of our conversation was the receiving of letters from home. We are very much surprised to find that we are the bearers of so many letters and packets for the missionaries at Bombay, and at Ceylon. The number is at least 100, and perhaps 120 letters in the whole. This will be a rich treasure to our brethren and sisters. On our arrival they will doubtless be puzzled to know whether to talk or to read. How great the gratification to receive so many letters from home friends, after having lived in a heathen land for several years. I venture to say, that it is not in the power of a mortal to express the high pleasure of our hearts, should we, at this moment, receive from you a letter, in the form of a journal, What then will it be when we have lived in a region of moral death years, instead of months? Neither yon, my beloved parents, nor I can conceive of it. Well, if it is so important that we have letters from our friends, is it not reasonable that our request should be gratified? I have already described to you, my dear sisters and brothers, the kind of letters we wish for. Keep this in constant remembrance. One sentence from home will be precious. To see the hand writing of a dear friend will give us joy; but permit us, O indulge us, in asking something more. We must have something more. In any ship bound to the east you may find room enough for whole reams of paper.

I would address all my dear friends and say, write to us. And if you comply with our request, we shall have indubitable evidence of your love, and at the same time you will be laying a foundation for increasing gratitude, and endless ascriptions of praise to the Author of every good and perfect gift.

Sabbath, Dec. 22. A charming day as ever I witnessed. Not a cloud is discoverable; a warm sun, and a most salubrious and forwarding breeze. You cannot conceive what animation it gives us to have such a wind after such a calm. Lately, we have sailed but one mile an hour; but this carries us 9} miles. It is remarkable, that we have been at sea twelve Sabbaths, and have not yet had a rainy one.

We had much enjoyment to-day in public worship. Our hearts exulted in the wonderful privileges bestowed upon us. Though few in number, and thousands of miles distant, I trust our hearts were in unison with those who kept holy time in God's house. Spent the evening in singing.

29. We are now near the islands of St. Paul's and Amsterdam. Look at the map of the world, and you will see these islands in lat. 38, S. and long. 78, E. We hope to arrive at Ceylon in three or four weeks, and to sail thence to Bombay in two or three. But we will not dictate. Divine Providence knows infinitely better than we, when we shall be placed in a heathen land; and knows, also, infinitely better, when it will be most fit that we should arrive. If we are only prepared for labor, it is enough. If we have the submissive spirit of our Savior, we shall be prepared for labor, or disappointment, for reproach and banishment, or for a grave in the bosom of the deep.

51. This day closes another year; a year which has been replete with events the solemnity of which will ever have an indelible impression on my mind. The

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paternal refuge is abandoned, for an unknown habitation in a land of strangers;→ friends left forever, who are as closely entwined about my heart, as the ivy clings to the tree on which it climbs; a cause engaged in, more precious than the wealth of worlds.

Sabbath, Jan. 18, 1818. A calm. Brother G. preached. All in health except one poor ignorant man in the forecastle. It is not expected that he will live long. He has some serious thoughts, but we fear, has no deep impressions of eternal things. Brother G. and Mr. N. are trying to teach him to read, and to instruct him in the things that appertain to his soul.

Sabbath, 25. Mr. N. preached on deck, a sermon on missions. The men were never more attentive. And what surprised us was, a request from the carpenter to copy the sermon for his friends. A charming day. The ship very still. We are about to re-cross the equator. We have lately had very pleasant sailing.

27. Passed the line to-day,the weather excessively warm.

30. Have spent several days in writing to improve the calm, while the ship has but little motion.

Sabbath, Feb. 1. A delightful day. Preaching on deck by brother Graves. We advance by a pleasant breeze.

5. Apprehensive that we were near land, the captain sounded an hour sooner than he had intended, and was much surprised to find but 15 fathoms water. We were sailing at a rapid rate, and had he not sounded about the time he did, we should probably have struck on some rocks, called "the Little Bassas," which were within one mile and a half. Merciful deliverance.

Early in the morning the joyful tidings, “Land, ho," echoed throughout our ship. Imagine, if you can, what news could have been more animating to soli tary pilgrims;-to us, who have been so long imprisoned on the world of waters." You never can conceive our feelings. A more desirable breeze never filled our sails than at this moment The day was clear and delightful. Our joy constantly increased. On our right hand, the beautiful country of Ceylon, called, "the paradise of the Indies," was rising to our view. On our left, a large stately ship was approaching us under full sail. In a different direction we discovered another sail. The most beautiful landscape I ever saw is not to be compared with the view of the south-eastern side of Ceylon. The verdant hills, rising one above another,the rich vales, the forests of tall-spreading palm, cocoa-nut, and banian trees, and a beautiful village of the natives, in the midst of which was a church, probably Roman Catholic. All these were presented to our admiring sight.

[Mrs. N. here gives a particular description of speaking with an English ship, the Grenada, four months from London for Bombay, in want of water, which was supplied from the Saco.]

Surely this is one of the most interesting days of my life. I have seen four Hindoos, and have gazed again and again at the land of idolatry and moral death, and with tears of compassion have implored the Spirit of Him, who wept over the sins of Jerusalem.

The Hindoos came to us in a canoe of very curious construction, with fruit to sell. They brought bananas, shaddocks, pine-apples, cocoa-nuts, oranges, lemons, eggs, and sugar. The bananas are an exceedingly rich fruit. Their form is similar to that of a cucumber; but in color they resemble a musk-melon. They grow in large clusters on a stalk similar to the corn-stalk, but as large as one's wrist. Their growth is very exuberant. The steward has counted those on one stalk, and finds 150, so thick together, as scarcely to admit a finger between them. The shaddocks are a species of the lemon, about as large as a water-melon. The pine-apples are not ripe.

To-day completes just four months since we sailed, and three months since we spoke a ship. When the Dryad arrived here, she was five months out. We rejoice in the great goodness of our God, and would desire renewedly to consecrate ourselves to his service.

We hope to reach Bombay in about 12 days. The English ship, named “Grenada" is sailing by the side of us, and we hope she will accompany us till we reach the desired spot.

Saturday, 7. Last evening saw several lights from the shore. The brightest was supposed to proceed from the light house of Point de Galle. Five ships VOL. XV.

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are in sight. We have almost the appearance of a fleet. It is very pleasant to have company on the ocean.

Sabbath, 8. A pleasant day. Mr. N. preached on the subject of repentance. A refreshing shower. During the latter part of the afternoon we heard the rumbling of distant thunder, which is very sublime. About 8 o'clock in the evening, while in the cabin attending to Bogue's Lectures on the subject of missions, we were suddenly alarmed by the danger arising from the nearness of the Grenada to us. She had turned about in her course, and given us warning; but in consequence of the information not reaching the Captain or other officers, nothing was done to get out of her way. She came within a few feet of our ship; and had she struck, great injury would doubtless have arisen.

At one time to-day there could be seen eight ships on the ocean, besides our

own.

Feb. 10. At two o'clock this afternoon discovered Cape Comorin, the southern extremity of Hindoostan. We have had a rapid run from Ceylon to this Cape. We have crossed the Gulf of Manara in 16 hours, most of the time sailing at the rate of 9 or 10 miles an hour. This country has a beautiful appearance. We see multitudes of trees and charming green shrubbery all along the coast. We have seen several large white houses, which appear to be built of white granite. We have also observed something which answers very well to the description I have had of the pagodas. They are white, and rise in a pyramidical form. In some places, the sand on the shore is white; in others it is a very bright crimson.

Last evening very large fires were seen on several mountains. We were tr able to ascertain their cause. All these interesting objects have gratified us exceedingly. Today we are looking out for a boat of the natives, hoping they will bring more bananas, pine-apples, &c. Have been much amused with the scene about two hours.. Instead of one boat, we have had four, who came with baskets, little boxes, fowls, fresh fish, cocoa-nuts, yams, &c. &c. The number of all the natives in the four boats I think was at least thirty.

Sabbath, 15. A pleasant day. Brother Graves preached on deck. Twenty Sabbaths since we sailed, and among them all have not had a rainy one. Our prayer meeting last evening was unusually solemn, and, I trust, profitable. This question was discussed, "What should be our feelings on our arrival at a heathen land?" The remarks on the subject were adapted to make deep impressions of the nature of our work, to inspire us with a sense of its magnitude, and to show us the importance of placing entire reliance on Christ.

Monday, 23. Ere this we expected to land on the shore of Bombay; but for a week past we have had the wind directly ahead, and a rough head sea. To advance on our course at all, we have been obliged to steer N. E. and then N. W. Last night we passed Goa. The country now in view is not so beautiful as the scenery at Ceylon; but it is more romantic. We see a multitude of country boats with one sail, moving down the coast. A very handsome species of snake frequently passes our ship. The weather is now delightful, as it generally is during the north-east monsoon. But the season of the south-west monsoon is rainy, hot, and unhealthy, especially the succeeding month.

Yesterday was a solemn day. Before the dawn of another holy day, we hope to rejoice in the society of those dear friends to whom we are going. Mr. N. preached, and at the close of the discourse made remarks adapted to the occasion. The men were attentive. We have regretted exceedingly, that we did not take a quantity of religious tracts. The men will read tracts, when they will not read a book of a large size. If you see any, my beloved mother, who con template following us with an embassy from the King of Zion, mention to them the necessity of taking a supply of tracts.

24. We were animated this morning by the information that we were within sight of an island near Bombay. The prospect of speedily disembarking from this ship inspires us with fresh vigor and animation. Before night we hope to get into the harbor of Bombay, though we may not leave the ship until morning.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, discovered the light-house of Bombay. How did our souls swell with joy. At 4 o'clock a pilot came and took the direction of the ship. He is a European. The scenery all around us becomes increasingly delightful. Boats filled with Hindoos are very numerous. In the evening a boat came with a Parsee, and his attendants. He was neatly dressed, and