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L'Institut a microfilme le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a ete possible de se procurer Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-etre uniques «>/v«\'4 r^^f* " ♦riiey that go down to the sea in sliips, and do basiness in ^mX waters, these see the works of the Lord, and his wonder* in tie deep." -mtfi^PtC*^' DUBLIN: PRINTED BY T OMAS COURTICET, 18, fVhWriar-ttreit* 1822, *«* $^m ^ i I ' ^w ",»,.'': r"-.''. .". — ■--»■ ^e\^^<* my life, and the lid and tendt^i dealings of a merciful God to ne, 1 con- cluded that in doine: so, the whole, a;? i respects myself, would compose nothing but Kic scene of unfaithfulness, ingratitude, and the most base return* of love fo the best of Beings, by whose tender and loving care 1 have been brought through so many repeated trials in \ife ; and knowing that many families had it in contem- plation at this time to remove to Anerica, I chose rather to send an account of my voyage to Quebec, with some «s«^ il directions to my countrymen respecting the necessary preparar* tions for such a serious undertaking. Wishing the whole may prove a blessing to my iriends, I remain, their most humble a^d .^ very obedient servant in the gospel of Christ,; ! JAMES WILSON. QueUc, July 9th, 1817. ^ [m. ^M- ■4' ^ ? ^^:,:.«2»P -^ -1- '"l* %-■-.». :^ ■» •, l4^' ^4,=^ NARRATIVE. l^n. I sailed on Thursday 15fh of May frond i>Liljlir, in the brig M iry and Bell, bound for Queh c, commanded by Captain Cunningham; lelt ny mind awfully impressed on leaving my nati' e land ; yet sensible that it is thy will, O Oo(^! do willingly commend myself and family to tlee, both now and for ever. 17tu — This morning the following circum- stano* happened. The captain seeing a small cask »r barrel floating on the waves, took boat in puisuit of it, and on examining found a hu- man liody contained therein. I and my family are now sick, especially my companion: Lord help us to be resigned'! We are in hy liands, O God ' chasten us, but not iu thine ni.ger, lest thou 1 nng us to nothing. 1 8th.- This day the indis fair ; the vessel sails rapidly We passed Tusker rock, situate within nine miles of Wexford town, on which is built a light house to be a guide for shipping by night ; a family resides therein, paid by governmei)t for lighting the house. This evening I was re- quested to hold a religious meeting, which I consented to, having obtained leave from the captain of the vessel ; a great number attended on the occasion, whilst I said a few words on the i 3d chapter of 2d Peter. The people waited on God in a becoming manner ; I trust not in vain. 19th. — The people are mosily all recovering from their sickness, consequently there is more order and regularity observed. I 20th.— This day the wind is fair ; the ship sails ,|j nearly five miles an hour. The rocking of the "* vessel has brought on sickness again to many of the passengers. My wife is quite unwell, and II "^ J yiyself also; but thou art my portion, O Lord, ny God ! , 21st.__TIus morning: is quite calm: the ^wy clear. About twelve o'clock, the wavesswellcd prodigiously, the ship making five miles r hour. and through its excessive motion extrcnr: "K- ness prevails. O my God! save me troii a mur- muring spirit, and help me to cast my ctre oii thee ! 22d.— It is now eight days since 1 left tubl a bay, nevermore, 1 suppose, to return. A h /d it a serious thing to go to America ; it is at-eu eel \Aith much pain of miud, sorrow, sickn/^p /nd aifliction- How few consider this, nil tio liud themselves on the wide extended oceiii tae' 'tis too late to wish themselves back ! mnuk those who enjoy the comforts of life u abun- dance in Ireland, have no right to leaxxj a cer- tainty for an uncertainty, at least without a .satisfactory evidence ot eir removal oeing ot God , but, alas ! how few consult him on any occasion. This evening several huge fish w«re seen sporting on the waves ; this it seems indicated an approaching storm, which lasted the whole of the niu^ht. ;2^^j._This day nothing particular occurred ; many of the passengers continue sick: my wife and I are still unwell, and my children also ; but my trust is in thee, O Lord, my God ! 26th.— Being muci^afflicted with sickness these few days past, 1 have been unable to write, bfit thanks be to God, new feel better. I never wit* nessed such a scene before as the storm which we had on Friday night. About eleven o'clock, tbe captain being just gone to bed, it began ; on which he immediately got on deck and ordered all the sails down, which being done, restrained the motion of the. vessel; nothing could equal H Lord, B sky .ellcd hour, i mur- tre oii Dubl'a i fi/d eu ed <8 /nd ) ifiud /think abnn- a cer- hout a sing of )n any e seen lied an eof tlie jurred ; ny wife no ; but iss these ite, bfit ver wit* I which 3'ch)ck, ^aii ; on ordered strained d equal 5 the awful chanjxe that took place-the vessel ^ rolled from side'to side, and overturned all lae ^ passeni^ers' boxes, pans, keltlos, and vessels of water,"in such a manner as that no tonss'ue oari express, or mind conceive the state we wcro inlall, i may say, expected' every inomput to be swallowed in the great deep. My mind was seriously impressed on the occasion, but ,ny whole soul was stayed on God. The captain had, by his own account, three dozen ot pla es broken, besides several bottles of porter. Ihis storm continued partly till Sunday evening. 27th.— This day being very fme, the people are chiefly on deck, and thanks be to God re-, covering their health after the late tremendous storm. , ^ - , V 28th.— This day has been the most favourable for sailing of any we have had since we lett Ireland. It is supposed the vessel has sailed since four o'clock yeste ^ vy until twelve this day, one hundred and fifty miles. If this . m- tinues we shall soon arrive in Quebec. 3 1st.— Yesterday I felt so sick, with a violent pain in my head, that 1 was not able to leave my bed : but thanks be to God, to-day I find mysel something better. Whilst on deck, 1 had a view of several huge nsh, some of them, I think, were from eight to ten feet long, called sea hogs, they came within six yards of the vessel. How won- derful are thy works, O Lord ! , ^ ,, June 2d.— On Saturday night we had another ^orm, which continued the whole ot Sunday; and although it %vas not so violent as the one we bad on the 26th, yet 1 may safely say, the conse quences were of a more serious nature. 1 hrongn the violent agitation of the waves, the vessel heaved from side to side so vehemently as U^ produce the utmost confusion ; the people could A 2 ■ ,^« f^mmmms ■ TlS?7y= TT ¥ i^ s%. j'-t ^■^ 1(1 ■ "\: 6 scarcely remain secure in their beds ; tlioir chests and other articles of use were all thrown into one common heap: in short, I never witnessed such disorder before. I felt my mind deeply im- pressed on the oc(?asion, and firmly stayed on the God of my salvation. The vessel sailed near ten miles an hour part of this day, till the shift- ing of the wind caused a decline in sailing-. 5th. — We are now three weeks this day^t sea, and by this time, have a tolerable knowledge of what kind of provisions are most needful for a voyage to America : And 1st. Oatmeal, and cutlinjys are much used, molasses also ; potatoes are of the greatest value] nothing more so in my judgment. Salt, or hung beef, pork, bacon or hams, are all excellent in their use; veal when salted, and afterwards watered, then boiled with beef or bacon, will produce a soup very desirable. One family here, brought a quantity of fowl in pickle, which when watered, eat very delicious. Collee is much preferable to tea, the w|^er being so bad, as to render the tea rather insipid and tasteless.' buttled ale is good for drink, but in my opinion, cyder when mixed tii rough water, is a much better and cooler drink for the stomacn than any other; a constant thirst being common to ail on sea. As to spices, pepper, and ginger is mostly used. Flour is essentially necessary ; cake bread or pan cakes being very applicable to weak constitutions. Eggs are much used, and when well grazed, or put in salt pickle for six hours, and well packed, will keep fresh a considerable time, this I found by experience. Good port wine is very reviving on sea, when used mode- rately; but spirits is not so very necessary here. I conceive pickled cabbage to be very- useful, such kind of diet only answering whilst sickness prevails; 1 tlierefore recommend it. Biscni way fc water toast i will ea wise : ansvvei be ver^ vinega To, large ( markal therein it close water, when d otlitr 1 the pai truth i Philad( arrival, is a d *' begg and eit mixed the so with pc answer com me noggin at sea, have a in the i boilin on the highly many 1 time. to male t'jr chests into one «!*(?d such pply iin- tavod on iled near tho shift- ing-. ly at sea, led^e of Iful for a ich used, st value, or hung' client in tervvards ton, will lily here, , which IJoflee is ; so bad, astoloss: opinion, a much ;han any to ail on s mostly ke bread weak id when X hours, iderable >od port 1 mode- ?cessary be very ? whilst lend it. Biscuit is much used by seamen, and the only way for passengers to take it is. to pour boiling- water on it, and when steeped a few minutes toast it before the (ire, then butter it, and it will eat as pleasant as loaf bread, but not other- wise : oat bread well baked in an oven, will answer well with either tea or collte ; cheese will be very needful ; split peas for soup; and lastly, vinegar, butter, and potted herrings. • t To preserve new milk for a voyage, take a large or small jar or jars, and clean them re- markably well, and when done, put the milk therein, and after securing it well by corking it close, put the jar or jars into a large pot of water, and boil them over a good fire, and when done, pack them in a hamper, or scire other place, and it will keep sweet the whole o** the prissage. This has been tried by a man o truth and credit, who went last season to Philadelphia, and used the milk there after his arrival, it retain ing^^its natural sweetness. There is a diet much lised here, vulgarly called *' beggars dish," composed of peeled potatoes and either beef or bacon cut in thin slices, and -Tdixed through them, atfords a pleasant meal, the soup is much esteemed, being seasoned with pepper. Delft ware will not in any wise answer In common use, I would therefore re- commend tin poringers, or small wooden noggins and trenchers, these will be found best at sea, as the constant motion of the vessel will have a tendency to break any other: a tin kettle in the form of a D will be found very useful in boiling meat or any other food, as it can hang on the bars of the grate at aay time, this will be highly accommodating, especially where so many families are boiling their food at one time. The kind of apparel I would recommend tg male passengers would bo, shor' jackets or r K A t iff ■ «-,;stcoats with ^^ee^•cs, a Jark han nece^lary to provide strout; chests or boxes tor Tvovale we\l secured with good locks and 'LZK\- oibcrwise it is inn-ossibi to preservo ?escl there has been much plnndcr committed, for vant of be.ns i auacu >vcj made u ,o n y'self. I bad on deck ten ga Ions ^rtsh' water given me by that v«y respectable and liud family, Mr. »»* ^' '^; **;-,- i^' "o^f, ntv of Dublin, who knidly sent then por»-r f. lifto tl.o quay, ^t''.^^:!ZXttkX nrecions article was taken in one night, excepi about one Vallon. The next attack wa. on apoui o"^_^^ ^^ r^^ ^^,^,1, from him hve s^t^of 'oatmeal -.'from B n W--— n some bee and lastly from the Captain six Pieces of Sled beef, secured in the under hold ot the ?"ssil, and having broke the top, thereof cor- veved them to another part ot the h«l(i, and curthem m> in small pieces for oc( sional use Some oT them were fiund, and compared with sorbeef,whichasetof---badpreparingthisday for dinner and notwithstanding it was tound to be a mrt of the stolen spoil, yet after some hot wo?dsu id on the part of the captain, to these wretched sons of Belial, the matter was ended ^- '^^othl-Trday is fine, and aiTords much pleasure to the passengers who .re chiefly on deck, except a few who are weak and sickly. My dear deal cont thanks b« day, wit favoured if this vv would b( Yestei of water pusseng( and fror small q distress did the eagerly do here Nvill the I fear si nth.- violent to my b bo to I these f a coni: our pa captain weathe the em sober, This a dark from tl deck ii truly ( their b 12th periloi storms blessec ■-'^m&ii^mmmil^i' Ikercliief ' women, 'k shawl- innot be P. It is boxeH for [)cks and presorvo r, in this )mmit.ted, stit. [)d should siel sonio e robbed Hack was E*n g:allons sspectable -s, of the eir porter ailv^d, this nt, except k wa& M.^y 1 him five n some [ pieces of »old of the ureof, cor- hold, and sionai use. pared witli ingthisday as found to ;r some hot in, to these was ended 3rds much chiefly on and sickly. * My dear wife bein;? one of these, is a good deal confined to her bed. She is this day better, thanks he to God. Our vessel is i.ailin«- well to day, with a fair wind. We hope ere louf^- to be favoured with a si^^ht of Newfoundland bo^ks, if this vvas on2Q eiVocted, we then, it seems, would be liable to no danj^er arming fiom storm. Yesterday we were cut shor\, of our allowance of water, from three quarts per day to eacU passenfi:er, to five p'nts, (government allowance) and from the badness of it, together with the small quantity given, serves to increase the distress of mind which arises daily; and never did the children of God pant, and long more eagerly for the water of life, than the people do here for the clear spring water : but when v/ill they long for the fountain of living waters? I fear some nerer ; 1 hope others in due time. nth.— Yesterday being quite unwell with a violent pain in my head, 1 was chiefly confined to my bed, but this day feel much better. Glory bo to God. Our vessel is gaining but little these few days by means of foul winds, and a constant swell in the sea. Both render our passage tedious and disagreeable. Our captain says he never remembers such severe weather this season of the year before : " but the end of all things is at hand." May I be sober, and watch unto prayer. This evening presents an awful appearance, a dark sky ; the waves roll mountains high ; and from the frequent dashing of the wates over the deck into the hold, unite to make cur condition truly distressing ; the people themselves, and their beds being frequently wet thereby. 12th.— This day we are foup weeks on the perilous deep, divinely preserved am'dst the storms and tempests that constantly prevail ; blessed be God his power extends through i..^ 'i '■,.3 1 ( f] was seen took a boi such a c 10 earth's remotest bounds. He rules over th( sea, and dry land ; I trust we shall be brough m due time to our long wished for destination but is there here a soul seeking after eterna rest ^ I fear but few : may I be one of the happ^ ^^^^^ she number. *^* * it, their 1 13th.— Another day has commenced, thanii bird, wit God. A thick fog covers the sea; this is to b( bird ca expected, it seems, in drawing near Newfound existence *aud. nected v lath.— I feel a degree of thankfulness to the ^vorm ; J Lord for his sparing mercy, in being brought to appearan see another Lord's day." But oh! how unlike and fro i the former ones to m^e. I have been long Hth.— favoured with precious opportunities oi assembling with the people of God ; often have I been blest in his ordinances ; my soul has fed on the living bread, and drank of the fountain of living waters: I am now deprived for the present of these blessed means of grace ; yet thanks be to f^od, his presence is still with me, and I humbly hope again to enjoy my un- speakable privilege after the dangers of ihi.< great sea. I often think of my kind religious friends of the town and neighbourhood of Ballycanew, (Co. Wexford), nany of whom lie very near my heart; tiieir loving kindness to me, I trust, shall return on them in blessings, by a benevolent Being, who kindly remembers a cup of cold water given in his name. May the blessed God reward them with a present and an eternal salvation. 16th. — This morning we have a calm sea, the day being very fine, the passengers are chiefly on deck, there are a few viio remain sick. One young woman, I fear, will not recover. 1 visit her frequently, speak to her respecting her soul : and pray also with her, I hope not in vain. This day a slender pine tree,about 18 feet long. a lively an hour expect e were it n ere now time ma shore. 18♦*« !l 'V J I (■lea- 1 t i I woman already spoken of) about twelve o'clock this morning, but found her speechless, prayed with her for the last time, and commended her soul to the Lord ; she died about two hours after. She was allowed to remain in her bed till night, when about nine o'clock she was put into a sheet of canvas and brought upon deck. I was sent for by the captain to have prayer on the occasion. Ii was a serious time I After prayer she was let down into he sea, there to remain till the morning of the resurrection, when the se^ shall give r ler dead, and body and soul be united again to receive its final sentence, and I liope to inherit a crown of glory. The distress and anguish of her sisters on the occasion were truly la".ientable. ^ This young woman was from Ahowle in the To. Wicklow, about 23 years of age, and whilst - health, was agreeable, friendly, and truly pleasing in her manner. 21 St.— We have at length arrived at the banks this morning; the captain sounded for bottom, and found it 54 fathoms. A thick fog covers ^ every part of this region, with a heavy mist of rain. The vessel sailed from four o'clock yesterday evening till twelve to day, about 7 miles an hour and now sails slowly this evening, through means of a dead calm, yet we humbly hope very soon to land at Quebec. 22d. — This blessed Sabbath is spent by many of the passengers in fishing, fish being very numerous in this part of the sea. I praise God I find better emplo lent in reading and meditation. I thah.c je Lord in the midst of a confused, disorderly, and unawakened people, I am divinely preserved from the contagion of sin, my mind is kept in peace ; the Lord's day is precious ; his word also whiph points out the ^1.^:..^.- K»^ mussm We o'clock ss, prayed lended her lOurs after. I till night, nto a sheet I was sent jr on the 'ter prayer to remain when the ^ and soul sentence, ory. The s on the svle in the and whilst and truly the banks )r bottom, og covers leavy mist ir o*clock r, about 7 s evenings i^e humbly t by many e'mg very iraise God ding and midst of a ;d people, atagion of lOrd's day ifi out the m unerrinc^ path that leads to heaven, a path wliich no man in a state of nature walks in, and only frequented by those who are " born again" and " created anew in Christ Jesus:" may these truths be universally embraced, and sensibly enjoyed by the sons of men, until all know the Lord from the least to the greatest. ^«^d. — This morning several vessels are in view, all employed in fishing, this part of the deep supplying chiefly evei;, part of the world with fisii, and is resorted to at this season by fisher- men of almost all nations w.. ^rade in this line of life. A thick fog cover^^ the whole sea in this place, and is, I think, unwholesome in the high- est degree. I expect a fe^*' jdays will bring us to the gulf of the great river' St. Lawrence — this will be truly pleasing to our longing minds. 26tn. — We are now past the banks, and hf^ye a sight of the island of Newfoundland, ^iSU gives general satisfaction as^ we pass along, it being six weeks this day since we left our native land. Our ship hardly moves, there being no wind whatever, the sun intensely warm, the sea quite smooth, all render this a delightful day ; the chief of the people are on deck — their beds and bed-clothes airing. Tiiis is very necessary, it being impossible to conceive how fast the in- fection of filth and dirt prevails ai this wretched place. 27th. — The weather is at present very fine — the high winds and constant storms are entirely gone; a dead calm succeeds, which makes our voyage tedious; yet b; ..ssed be God, it is prefer- able to Uxe dreadful hciVrieanes wc have passed through. " S8th. — Thi«^ ilay has changed much in our fa- vour; whereas yesterday and a few days be- fore were quite calm, we have now a fi';?rc« B 1 n w ^ m jMllll t M aegiwg - lllMJlT' 14 arliarp gale — our vessel sails eight miles an hour. We passed three islands, St. Petei's, Langiey, and Magalav n islands ; on the mountains of these are several huge ridges of snow which, no doubt,, s the chief cause of the severe cold which we ,€ .perience. 29th. — 7aanks and praise be to the God of all mercy wno hath graciously spared me to see another Lord's day, which 1 trust will be the last I shall spend here, this being the seventh on my voyage to America. There is a clear view on the right of a very extensive chain of moun- tains, composing some hundreds of miles, and so thickly, jovered with snow as to form a grand appearance ; at the S. E. end of which lies Cape Ray. It is expected by to-morrow morn- ing we shall get fully into the gulf, wind and weather permitting ; this dor 2, we have not long to spend here till we arrive at Quebec. SOth. — This morning presented a beautiful cle^'r sky, the suq extremely hot, with a calm smoo'''i sea, until aL Jut three o'clock, when a lively gale of wind sprung up, causing the vessel to run seven miles a?" 'lour, which brought us to St. Paul's island, slo;^ ^sed to be seven miles round, between Cape Rli^ and Cape Breton, off Nova Scotia, but much nearer the latter. Cape Bre- ton forms a very fine appearance, being to the left on our course. This timely wind has been kindly given by the hand of God : for had the calm continued, it would be nearly impos- sible for us to urge our way through the heavy tides that are here, being now fully in the gulf of the river, leading to Quebec ; here several large rivers empty themselves, and are of such force as to be able to drive back any vessel from its course, unless the wind is fair and strong, which, thanks be to God, it is this evening;. t*-™wai; an hour. Langley, ntaiDs of vv which, vere cold Jodofall le to see U be the 'venth on lear view of moun- liles, and 1 a grand hicii lies )w morn- vind and not long ■> tiful cle^'r n sinoo*'! iveiy gale i\ to run us to St. es round, off Nova ape Bre- ng to the has been r had the y impos- the heavy \ the gulf e several e of such ?ssel from d strong, vening. July 1st.— This morning we had heavy rain, attended with a thick fog, preventing a sight of land on either side ; the ship sailed near eight miles an hour all night and continues to do so still ; we passed a few large islands called the Bird isles, lying northward of our -' arse, and fifty miles from St. Paul's; a few day more with such a constant wind will bring u,* to our desired haven. 3d.— We are this day seven weeks on the great deep, urging our way often against fierce con- trary winds and heavy tempests, and as fre- quently detained by a settled calm ; this has been our case since we left America ; yet blessed be the' Lord, he has brought us to the - v'er Saint Lawrence, at the entrance of which may be seen a large wood, or forest, abounding with stately trees, which afford great pleasure as we sail along. This morning and yesterday we made no way, by reason of a dead calm, but at two o'clock a brisk wind arose, and we now pro- ceed at the rate of eight miles ari hour ; we therefore expect, being now far up the river, that our danger is over, and hojje the rest of our passage will be pleasant and agv '3able. 4th.— This morning (as \^\ ual in drawing near Quebec), about six o'clock, a pilot came on board to steer us safely up the river; it appears no vessel dare approach the city without one. This had a tendency to appease the minds of the people at large, being now convinced that we are near our landing place. The stately mountains ascending over each other, are truly grand along the sea shore on the left, and it seems continue all the way to Quebec. The people now seem to forget all the misery, sick- ness, and sensible trials they have passed through, as all enjoy health, and are looking forward with eager desire to a speedy deliverance, and are 16 tnereby comforted, expectin^^ to reap tho benefit of an exertion truly great and awful, in ieavina: one kingdom for another. 5th. — The vessel now being conducted by the pilot, I think it my duty to make some obser- vations on our captain, and am of opinion, that no man could possibly take more pains to secure the comfort, health, and protection of the pas^ mongers at large than he did ; night and day he left nothing undone to hasten us on our way; and when almost all the people were seasick,' he failed not to visit them daily in tlieir respec- tive births, to enquire after their health, and to administer such medicine or food (whether meat or drink), as he judged might recover them speedily: his attention to the deceased young woman who left this stage of time, de- I rvestobe noticed. He attended her faithfully, and freely gave her of his wine, fowl, or any thing else he had, and evinced much trouble respecting her; and confident I am, that his knowl dge and skill \h conducting and bFinging passengers to America crainot be exceeded, or perhaps equalled. And I am further of opinion, if captain Cunningham is disposed to bring pas- se^^ec:^^ next sea'on to Quebec, it would be wise and sai'e in all my countrymen vho can to em- bark with fiim in preference to any other : and 1 would not make such an assertion, were it not tliat I feel convinced of his ability, care and at- tention to all who commit themselves to his protection. 6th.— This sabbath day I expected to spend in Quebec aiYU)ngst the people of God ; but tho Lord has so ordered it, that we nro stjij ^n sea, and have a clear view of Labrador on the right hand, and a truly delightful prospect it affords. The land is low near the sea, and spots of it cleared, which look exceeding well; the trees .K-^- ho benefif n ieaviiiji: ed by the ne objjer- iiiou, that to 8ecure f the pas- d day he 3ur way; sea sick, ir respec- alth, and (whether recover deceased time, de- aithfully, I, or any 1 trouble that his bying'ing icded, or opinion, rin^ pas- d be wise n to em- ber ; and E?re it not e and at- fs to his spend in but tho 1 on sea, the right ; affords, ots of it be trees 17 are very large, and growing along the beach. I saw this day two or three hug-e whales in this wid. and very deep river ; also another curioiis fish called the seal ; and had a view of anotl;e>' largo fish culled the threslier : this fish has tu'o great fins, or arms, with sharp points, witli which, the united help of the sword fish, and eirectually kills the whale. The thresher, by constantly striking its back and sides, and the sword fish by keeping under its belly and piercing it in the tenderest parts until they actually de- stroy it. 1 saw the thresher close to the whale, as if in the very act of using every exertion to kill it. How astonishing is this! 8th.— This morning I was confined to my bed with a violent head-ach, but finding myself bet- ter, arose and went on deck, and had a ne^-* view of Bir island, a very beautiful place, also Green island ; both lying on the left hand as we pass to Quebec. The river here '^rows quite narrow, and affords a pleasing Vsicw on each side. On the right nothing appears bni; high 'mo jntains without any inhabitants ; but on the left the land is cleared in spots, and in- habited chiefly by French aj*d Indians. We passed a small oval island, alao Wet island and Hare island, all on the right in the ;iver; from Hare island to Quebec is 105 miles. We have this day a fair wind and good sailing. This evening we passed several small islands in the river, on the left called the Pelerins, and expect to be at our journey's end by to-morrow, God being our helper. 9th. — This morning T arose between four and five, went on deck, and felt truly thankful to the Lord for his wonderful care over us in the past night, which ought never to be forgotten by any on board this vessel. A tremendous storm took place in the evening late, continued r j^- 18 all nig:ht, and it being extremely dark, toorelher vvitii the judgment tiiut was required in steering ariglit, all conspired to make our i^U\\e. qui{e dangerous; tiie captain had to sound the depth ot the water for the space of two hours con- stantly, and give a report of it every five nijw I "Jtes ; the vessel sailed over part of the river iiot exceeding twenty-four feet of water, but through the great skill of our pilot wt were safely brought clear of the rocks which were on every side. We passed by several large vessels which lay at anchor, being fearful to get under sail till morning, the masters of whom advised us not to proceed; but depending, under God on the experience of the pilot, we proceeded saeiy, all praise be to God for this and ail other mercies. Having contemplated witii asto- nishment our great deliverance, I cast my eyes around to view the country as I passed along, and never did 1 behold such a delightful view as I had on both sides. Here are lands improved with such exquisite taste and 'au out to such great advantage, as to exceed every idea Uiat can be formed of it by any mind not t^ivo.ired with seeing it. Her'- arc beaut;*"l large and small houses so neatly built as to a jrd the great- est satisfaction to the beholder, several churches and chapels are along the sea shore; windmills tan-yards and large buildings, are also to be seen.' ihe houses are very near each other, and the Jand laid down in square lots, about two acres wide and extend very far backward, where the people have their wood-land for firing. There are none oi these houses mean in appearance • tney areall executed in the neatest manner, and painted outside, some white, some yellow, and others slate colour. In short I never belteld sucn an improved country, nay, not in any part ot Ireland that 1 have seen, and what causes ^ toe:e. the river ater, but wfe were 1 were on tre vessels et under n advised tier God, roceede(l !^ and all vitii asto- my eves 'd along-, tl'nl view mprov^ed t to such dea that tavonred irge and he ^reat- cliurches ind mills, > be seen, and the wo acres ■here the There sarance ; ner, and ow, and r belteld any part t causes such de:-erved praise to this land of liberty i?, that all the improvements done are the elFect of much labour and constant industry. We arrived safe, glory be to God! about eleven o'clock this morning at Quebec, and so concluded our v yage of eight weeks. Our ship cast anchor opposite the great battery, where we have a view of the troops doing duty, and also of the shipping lying in the harbour. We now felt the strongest desire to go on shore, and having applied to the captain, a few of us were allowed that liberty, but requested to re- turn in a few hours, the ship not yet being ex- amined as to the state of passengers' healtl^ &c. We got into the boat, and in a few minutes ar- rived on shore, when the joy that each o. us felt was inexpressible. We could scarcely walk, the earth appearing to bend under us. My first ob- ject was to find out the stationed preacher of the city ; and after some enquiry was shewed the house he lodj^ied in, belonging to Messrs. Shea and Walker, pnuners in the boot and shoemakinj^ trade. This fa'mily received me very kindly and brought me to Mr. Hicks' room, to whom I was introdu ' J as a friehU and local preacher from Ireland, f This pious servant of God (for so 1 consider him to be) shewed much affection and brotherly love to me ; and after shewing him some of my credentials from the preachers of Ireland, he asked me to preach the next even- ing in their new meeting-house, which in my judgment is not inferior to any 1 have seen in Ireland. Hiving to return back to the vessel again, I thought proper not to delay long-, and so wished Mr. Hicl ;arewell for the present. Mr. Shea kindly asked me to dinner next day] and in the morning I got permission to go ashore (as we were not yet allowed to leave the vessel.) ^1 .if "•T-I 20 I took a minute view of tbi?; ancient and well, fortified city ; and felt quite astonisjlied to see mai'y lar{;e buildings covered with tin, parti- cularly the French church, which all'ordsa most splendid appearance, the roof, walls, and steeple bein^ all covered with tin. This si!>ht to me appeared truly surprising:, having never seen or heard of such a thinp: before. Having preached to a large and respectable congiegation, Mr. Hicks seemed pleased with my weak, yet well-intentioned exertions in dis- pensing the gospel ; he then inquired closely respecting my views : 1 gave him to understand that my design was to look after a farm of land, but in consequence of my contracted means was much afraid I could not accomplish my end. He then informed me of a gentleman in the c/ty who gave great encouragement to settlers who wished to take land, and said it might be well to have an interview with Mm. I consented, and brought u few friends with me. Mr. Hicks told him we were desirous to take land ; and as he had thou- sands of acres to dispose of, it might answer both parties to agree with each other. The proposals made to us by this person were as follow: first, our part of twenty-five acres of cleared ground to till and cultivate for three years, without any charge ; second, the milk of two cows free, the produce of a few acres of wheat for present sup- port, with a year's provision gratis, during which time he expected we might be able to clear a sufficient quantity of ground in the course of the time we enjoyed the use of the tillage ground, namely for three years; and then he rr red us to give up the twenty-five acres, anu ^ in upon our own land, consisting of one h» .'red acres, free for ever, lying about fifty mile, from Quebec. This encouragement seemed quite rea- sonable were n land, b gagem( the pr< Wilson nDj)er from 1 1 nie, an tention above | design, in the cold, V seven r tling a but Fre con van weighty the mil] Mr. W way to warmer Scotch, make o Accord boat gc termine up a pe granted supply , ground present My n my tryi a wife i a half ii lor lane *u.. --m%.mit^mm--^^ : and well. 0(1 to !!!ee (in, parti- rds a most nd steeple flit to me er 8een or expectable eased with [>ns in dia- ?d closely nderstand m of land, means was vend. He e c/ty who ho wisheii to have an bronght a d him v's '. had thou- iswer both } proposals low: first, ed ground itbout any 'S free, the •esent sup- ring which to clear a nv^e of the le ground, p '"^ed ns lU or in le h\ -'red mile^ from .quite rea' 1 n sonable to me and my friends, as our financed were nearly exhaiisted, we agreed to take the land, and were to enter more fully into our eu- fe^agemenis next morning; but after retiring for the present, I happened to meet with a°Mr. Wilson, a merchant, from the bay of Cantay, Upper Canada, who finding I had came late Irom Ireland, entered into a conversation with me, and after letting him know my friends' in- tention and mine, and our agreement with the above person, Mr. Wilson directly opposed our design, by expressing the impossibility of living in the climate, through the intense frost and cold, which held in that part for at least six or seven months, besides the disadvantages of set- tling amongst Canadians, who spoke nothing but French; also the fatal effects of not being convenient to any •» means of grace." These weighty reasons, soon changed my mind, and the minds of my friends, and we all agreed, by Mr. Wilson's counsel, to strive to urge our way to Upper Canada, where the climate being warmer, and the country at large consisting of Scotch, English, and Irish settlers, it would make our way more pleasant and comfortable. Accordingly having an opportunity of the steam boat going in a day or two to Montreal, 1 de- termined to embrace it, taking care first to draw up a petition to the governor for the privileges granted last year to my countrymen, namely, a supply of rations (or food) to bring us up to the ground ; but the governor being from home, my presenting it was rendered useless. xMy mind became deeply exercised respecting my trying situation, now in a strange land, with a wife and five children, only one guinea and a half in my pocket. However, I got my grant lor land from the governor's secretary, with a 22 i :h \ ) ' ticket directed to a commissioner at Perth on the river Khedo, who is appoint<^d to shew the diftereat lota to the settlers. Having pioeef led so far, I availed mself of the opportunity of goinjj up in the steam boat, and accordingly got '"y luggage out of the vessel, as did also most of the families who came over with me. The time being dow very near that we were to proceed on our journey, I thought it my duty to bid my friend;, Mr. Hicks, farewell, and hiji* colleague (a French missionary), a truly loving^ pious, and tender-hearted man. i went to Mr. Hicks, and found ! 'm at the other preacher's lodging, with Mr. Walker ; I told them in a few hours the steam boat would sail, and therefore came to bid them farewell. Mr. Hicks and his colleague enquired how I stood with respect to money, and whether I stood io need of any assistance ; to which i replied that it was not my intention to have said any thing on that sub- ject, but a» they were kind en oun':h to make t' 3 enquiry, I would let them know, and accord- iDgly told them my case; *hey seemed much distressed, and asked w* v I '.id not let them know my distress before. I l d V^ora 1 could not bring myself to do it, though quite sensible of my approaching diflficulties. They imme. diately contributed to my wants, and not finding their minds satisfied with what money they had themselves,, the kind and humane mind of Mr. Kicks' colleague stirred him up to make an ex- ertion amo^ngst his piou& friendSy though at the hour of eight o'clock at night. He soon re- turned, and on the whole made up the sum of £2 5s. May God bless them through time and eternity, with every needful blessings Amen. I returned to my family with a joyful heart, ascribing salvation ta uiy gracious Lord for this re He we toward The night, 1 consist! of unof dren ai con fusil ever be passe ^ but wht Quebec and mil «Jurrour lug moi The each, ai years o; so mo( contrac boat, a ceed to We a eleven of rest, On leai beds W( on a i Tlu ex| which ! kindnes ber thei Here porary ] king's I remain < some ei place, and lug{ *%i,^ mmm y^*^^. m-^m Perth oil shew the )ioeef led rtunity of lingly got t we were t my duty I, and h\» ly lovingy nt to Mr. 3reacher's* m in a few therefore :s and his respect to >d of any t was not 1 that sub- make t' 3 d accord- ned much let them \k I eonld e sensible »ey imme. lot finding they had nd of Mr. ike an ex- igh at the ! soon re- he sum of I time and Amen, ful heart, rd foe this 23 renewed instance of hi« great and tender mercy towards me. Tlie steam boat sailed at eleven o'clock at night, having near five hundred souls on board, consisting of tlie 37th regiment of foot, and part of unotlier also, which, with their wives, chil- dren and luggage, produced such a scene of confusion and distress us to exceed any thing I ever before wiluesaed. I thought the misery I passe < through on sea could not be exceeded, but when 1 compared it with my voyage from Quebec to Montreal, I felt my comforts of body and mind were then much greater, as I was now «Jurrounded with the most unruly cursing, swear- ing mortals I ever beheld. The expense of this voyage was on:y 9s. each, and 4s. 6d. for every .child under fourteen years of age. The reason of this charge being so modeiatfc was occasioned by government contracting with the proprietors of the steam boat, and thereby allowing every settler to pro- ceed to Montreal for half price. We arrived in Montieal the second day about eleven o'clock, being much fatigued for want ot rest, having slept but little tor two nights. On leavinv- the vessel, our boxes, chests, and beds were all measured, and a charge laid on, ou a small allowance made to each passenger. The expense of this journey amounted to £3 5s. which sum I could not have paid, but for the kindness of my friends in Quebec. Lord remem- ber them for good ! Here my first object was to look out for a tem- porary lodging, but on enquiry I found that the kings barracks were open for the settlers to remain anhile ; this was very timely, as it raved some expense, lodging being very high in this place. I hired n v.aggon and brought my family and luggage into the barrack, as did also the rest f 1 If l; C.\'i •Urn 1^ flv '^1/ illr I ■ •>•.,. ; '.'-^ 24 of the families who came over with ir.e. We remained here about a week, durin^^ which time my wife employed her.self in cleaning the weariiij^ apparel, bed-clothes, dc. after the severe distress and filth contracted on sea. In taking- a view of this extensive city, I found it far superior in appearance to Quebec ; the markets well supplied with beef, mutton, fowl, &c. selling- at a moderate pnce. In this place I first took notice of the Indian tribe, who were very numerous, selling at market maple sugar, wild pigeons, and wrought baskets of every kind. Their curious dress and appearance excited my attention much ; many of them were very grand in their way, and are called Mohawks : the wo- men (called Squaws) wear large trinkets in their ears, large b east-plates composed, I suppose, of silver, made after the form of our military offi- cers, with long fine blue cloaks down to their feet. The hair of these people is black, wore long, and hanging loose on their necks The Mohawk Indians aa*. much superior in appear- ance and manners to another tribe which I have seen, who wear no clothing but blankets, which his majesty king George gives^ them yearly. These live chietly on wild fowl, &c. ' hilst the females are employed in m.akingbasketS; brooms, &c. which they carry into towns for sale, and affords them a means of drinking rum, a liquor they are exceeding fond of. This city is a place of great business, and likely to become very extensive, as building is carried on with much spirit. The houses are large, some composed of wood, and others of stone. The French here, as in Quebec, have a very splendid church, and are very numerous. Having a letter from the preachers of Quebec to the preachers of Montreal (Messrs. Booth and Pope), I pro- ceeded to their house, which is built in the ^Wi^.i^fi, \^ me. We which time the wearii)]^ ere distress ty, I found lebec ; the tton, fowl, liis place I who were E\ple sugar, every kir.d. ?xcited my very grand :s : the wo- :ets in their suppose, of lilitary offi- in to their lack, wore ecks The in appear- hich 1 have kets, which em yearly . ' hilst the is, brooms, r sale, and tn, a liquor ;, and likely ;; is carried large, some tone. The ry splendid ing a letter ? preachers pe), I pro- lilt in the 25 preaching-house yard, and had an interview with them. On reading the letter, they made enquiry respecting my means and design. Having laid the state of my alJairs before tliem, I was re- quested to call next day, which being done, IVIr. Hooth presented me with the sum of £3. which he raised by going through the society and iriends, and procured such means of relief as enabled me to proceed on my journey. iVIay tile blessings of heaven fall on these two ministers of the gospel : Amen. Finding it attended with much expense to re- main here, I prepared to proceed on my way, and from enquiry found I should hire a waggon to bring my fomily about eight miles ; and having waited on Sir John Johnson, a gentleman of inerit and interest ; 1 obtained a letter from him to a magistrate, a Mr. Finciav, in a small town called Lacheen, to which place I proceeded, paying eight shillings for carriage the above dis- tance of eight miles. On my arrival here, I halted ai a store belonging to a .ur. Grant. The night approaching, I laid down our beds, and the wea- ther being very warm, I and my f^imily slept eomtortably, having nothing but 'the canopy of Heaven for a covering: yet, blessed be God! we received no cold whatever. On delivering the letter above mentioned to squire lynclay, he prepared to seek for a free passage for my family to Fresoott by water, and having consulted with two or three gentlemen, they agreed to pay my fare, and send me free of expense A large boat being about to sail, I got my tamily and luggage into it, and so proceeded on tor 1 rescott, a distance of nearly one hundred and eighty miles. Here my trials became truly feneat. I had witnessed the direful ellects of sin m the coriduct of the passengers at sea, and alsj irom Quebec to Montreal; but in this small boat c P a «»%>«#» ...mm *'■ 1W- \i i ■.^ 2e 1 Irecame a witness to such repeated blasphemy, and most horrible new invented oaths, tliat Lucifer and all his train perhaps could not exceed ; and tliis every day, and every hour during- my abode in this vessel. After sailino: a h\y days, we arrived at a part of the river called the Cascade;s called by some the Rapids, and by otliors the Split Rock. In this place the water swells and rises to such a degree that every boat or vessel coming' up aijalnst these Rapids are obliiic^d to be unloaded, and the property sent by land carriage to a place called the Cedars. Ant] iiere my increasing sorrow, I may say, com- nipuced: for being obliged to lighten tie boat I and my family were in, amongst the ^ ^ of the proj)erty delivered up by the proprietor of the boat to carriers waiting on shore for that pur- pose, my valuable library of books, packed up in a large box, with another larger one of clothes, <^c. were given in charge to the waggoner, to be ]>rought forward to the Cedars ; it being rather late in the day, this carrier left my two boxes, with two puncheons of rum, in the yard of a tavern, about half a mile from the place wliere he took taem in ctiarge, and as 1 supposed them r<\i'e, remained with my fumily ; in the mean time, my box of books was stolen in the night: and thus, after bringing them safe across the sea, and fi-ittering myself that I should have much com- fort in reading them from time to time, in one night 1 lost my :aluable library, w4iich I had for ye;irs been collecting. I pray God, that they may fall into some hands tiiat may know their value, and derive divine knowledge therefrom. After a tedious passage, and 1 may truly say a most disagreeable one, I and my family arrived safe in Prescott, and felt much satisfied in mind tiiat I had no longer to deal with the wicked crew Ott'onging to the boat, and having my luggage '•'9^m\mmmiiian time, ^ht : and sea, and eh coni- , in one [ had for hat they ow tlieir efrom. irnly say r arrived in mind [ed crew luggage 27 on shore, we got our beds, &e. in the most comfortable place we could iind near the river side, and slept secure till morning. Being uneasy to get forward in my tedious journey, 1 agreed with a waggoner to bring my family and luggage to Rrockville, a distancH^ of twelve miles, for which 1 gave iiim 12a. 6d. and coming in the evening, I expected lo t-ke up my abode for a few days with i\!r. Hazle\v»ood, .i wheelrighr, who came over in the same vtjssel with me, and arriving some days before u)e hi Brockville, had taken a house and commeuc<'d his trade; this friend had his house so hllod with several families who came over with us, that I would not allow my family to take shelter with ilmh people, whom Mr. Hazlewood had kindly received, arising from a knowledge of their sinful and very improper conduct on sea ; and being now a good deal acquainted with trials, and indeed well inured to a sufieritii^ life since 1 left Quebec, I was thereby prepared to meet and expect a continuation of difficul- ties at least for some time longer, and there- fore resigned myseif to Him, who for my sake became a man of sorrow, and acquainted with grief. Not being able to iind a lodging for my family, I sought out a convenient place near tiie river side, and unloaded my little property, and paid the carrier for carriage to Krockvilie. Resolving thus to sleep with my family in the open aii-^ I procured, through Mr. Hazlewood's means, leave to put my beds and other etiecls into a workshop, belonging: to a Mr. Skinner, who carries on the carpenter and joiner busine.^s very extensively. I should have noticed before this, that I re- ceived assistance from a i'ew friends, whom 1 hap- pened to fall in company with. This proceeded I ■#»•% .>A 28 r from my oftentimes absentini^ myself from tlu? boat, and walking the public road. Tn the towri of Matilda, I obtained kmdness from a respectable man, Mr. Paul Glassford, Store- keeper, and Post Master, who brought me into his liouse, and used me ail'ectionately ; here I met a Mr. Poye, an English missionary, who also shewed much tenderness towards me ; from these I received the sum of 7s. 6d. ; with this kind family I left my dauj;l\ter Maria, till the Lord determines my way. On my journey also I met a Methodist preacher, a Mr. Browne, belonging to the American body of Methodists. I had some conversation with this eervant of God; and on our parting he constrained me to take 5;?. T was ashamed and unwilling to accept of his kindness. Another instance of the kind and providential care of God over me, took place in an interview I had with a minister of the Dutch reformed church, who with another clergyman, came to this country to see the state of religion ; after this pious man and I had conversed on re^'^ion, and its etfects on the heart of man, most generously gave me a piece of gold to the amount of 25s. I returned him my sincere thanks, and so took my leave of him, with a heart grateful to the Lord for his repeated mercies and tender care, in providing for me in.a strange country. Having now a temporary place of abode for my family, 1 enquired if a person capable of teaching school was wanting in the town, and found though there was only one in it, there was no want of any more, the town being small : here I had keen reflections of mind, and knew not what steps to take, to make some provision for my helpless family ; at length 1 resolved to set oiit for Kingston, a distance of near 60 miles, Jtev. B iHilWMBl^llMi^bi^* ' Vom tlu? Tn the from a , Stcre- nie into here I ry, who e ; from vith this , till the uey also Browne, thodists. rvant of 3(1 me to o accept the kind ne, took mister of another see the n and I ffects on ?ly gave 25s. I took my Lhe Lord care, in Having; V family, teaching id found ; was no \11 : here new not ision for (d to set 50 miles, 29 to fry if any means could be adopted for the support of myself and fdinilv ; having- arranuod every thing as well as could be expected, I took leave of them, and 'i,-ot a seat in a wa^oo-i helonginy: to a Air. Pike, who happened lo he ^•oiu<,Mo Kingston llie same day; we came as tar as a j)lace called Gannannockway, a decent small town, where Colonel Stone resides, and to whom 1 was In trod need bv ujy friend ; and iiaving- arrived in thne to preach, the i)eopie Here notiried, and a larg:e con v|vi»'aci'ni attended. Next morning- 1 breakfasted at the Colonel's, and found him to be a rational gentleman, and deeply attached to the cause of Methodism. I shewed my credentials to him 1 brong-ht from Ireland, which pleased him exceedm|i:ly. 1 found his lady to be a truly pious Methodist, and from whose kind hand, f received 5s. Mr. Pike and I set olf after breakfast, and arrived in King-ston in the evening, and after returning: him many thanks for liis kimlness in carryiuir me, we parted; and now tonnd myself in a Strang town, unknown by any human being-. Findin my mind deeply ex- ercised, I lifted my hearrto'the Lord, and after some relleotions, considered it best to wait on tiie preaciier of Kingston, Mr. Kathrick. This kind and good man received me in mucii love, and invited me to stay witli him whilst I remained HI town, for which favour I felt tliankfnl. Next day I prepared to look after a school about to be establislied on the Lancasterian system, and having- applied to tiie Hev. Mr. Stewart, minister ot the established church, and also to Major Corbett, a gentleman from Ireland, I received tor answer, that they had written to Qn('i)ec for a master, and having received as yet no answer, it w-as judged iinproper to employ any other person, till an answer came tc hr.nd ; on which 1 declined I I ,; 30 , »< urging: my suit any farther. Mnjor Corbett j^eenied a {i;ood deal distressed that I had failed in oblaining- the school, but recollectiui^ that the Rev. John Wilson. Master of the District Academy, wanted an assistant, advised me to wait on him ; I did s), but not then being- at home, 1 requested the Major to accompany me the next day, which he complied with imme- diately, and after shewing Mr. Wilson my testi- monials, &c. from Ireland, he agreed to give me £100 per year, and directly entered into a written covenant, that if I left him without giving three months notice, or if he dismissed me without three months notice, in such a case the person so dismissing or warning, should pay £25. This open door fipd a tendency to cheer my desponding mind, being a long time weighed down by repeated diiliculties and trials; 1 returned to Mr. Kathrick, and letting him know- how I succeeded^ he rejoiced ; and it being pleaching evening, he asked me to preach, to which I consented, and so got acquainted with some of the society, namely a Mr. Gardener and Mr. Brennan, botii partners in trade, v» ho kindly invited me io ihe'ir place, and expres.ed great satisfaction cf mind in my expected re- moval to Kingston. 1 returned to Brockvillc to my family with a mind truly thankful,, and reaching Gannannock- way before night, published m.y design to preach, and had a large company of attentive hearers, amongst the rest a Baptist minister, who has brought over many to his opinion, namely, " im- mersion." After preaching 1 went home with Colonel Stone and slept at his place that night; next morning this kind and afl'ectionate gentle- man, lent me a horse for fourteen miles, riding with me seven miles, and then procuring a per- son to go forward the other seven, and bring 31 ■ -1 \ f 1 .: * ":• 'orbett liled in mt the District me to Bin {2; at my me imme- y tef«ti- i^ive me into a kvithout ^sed me 3ase the ay £25. leer my veighed ials ; 1 n know t being ?aeh, to ed with ardeuer le, who :prejijed !ted ir- r with a annoek- p reach, hearers, vho has y, " inl- ine with ,t night; 3 gentle- *, riding g a per- ad bring back the horse ; thl»s enabled me to get to my famil^^ that night, whom 1 found in good healtli and peace, blessed be the Lord God for his mercy. It hnppened providentially that tlie next evening afior 1 reached home, a vessel came into Brockville with passengers, and being bound for Kingston next morning, I agreed with the captain for 25s. to Kingston, and getting my family and luggage into the boat ; having a brisk fair wind, we arrived in the evening, a distance of about sixty miles. This voyage from Krockville to Kingston proved the most pleasing and delightful of any that I experienced since I left Ireland. I had a company of respectable passengers, and the captain I found to be a mild and friendly man. Amongst the com- pany was Mr, James Wilson from the J3ay, by whose seasonable advice I have been, 1 hope, saved from a complication of trials and sorrows, in rejuoving up from Quebec, at a time that I was on tlie point of settling perhaps for life. I arrived in Kingston on Tuesday the 12th of August, being just one month and three days, coming the distance of 400 miles, chiefly by water; and surely the sorrow, distress and hard- ship that 1 and my family sustained during that period, very for exceeded what we expe- rienced in coming across the g eat deep. 1 entered on my new employment the 1st of September with Mr. Wilson, and every thing seemed to answer his expectation respecting me. He expressed the strongest desire to serve me in every way possible, and made some proposals to me of a lucrative nature, which, if attended to, might have involved and sunk me into pride, worldly mindedness, ami deadness of soul ; but having an eye to the glory of God ; I rather discovered a mind sensible of his unmerited kindness, though in no wise disposed to accept E / s 3,« '\ .( 32 of his generous offers to me. During Hip first three weeks he .seemed satisfied with my ahihlies, <}ondiiot and attention ; but on a sudden 1 per- ceived a g'radual decline in his usi;.;d manner towards me, wliich led me to conceive that he felt dissatisfied in his mind, arising from some cause best known to himself: and on the second day of the second month in his service, he oifered some childish reasons wherein he designed to dismiss me ; the reasons he urged, not appearing to me sufficient, i concluded he had some private reason respecting my being a preacher of tlie Methodist Society, and expressing my belief and opinion as specified. He denied having any objection to me on that ground ; however, I felt resigned to the will of Providence, ex- i)ecting still the fulfilment of the promise, " that all things shall work together for good, to them that love God." Having three whole months to continue vvhh Mr. Wilson, according to our agreement, I found 1 had sufficient time to look after some other means of support, which led me to use every prudent exertion to that end. 1 received much friendship and brotherly kindness from the pious frienas at Kingston, and enjoyed the privilege of preaching in conjunction with Mi-. Kathrick, during which time, I obtained favour in the sight of the people, and generally had large congregations. ' Drawing near the conclusion of my time in the academy, 1 received an account ^^ating that a congregation of people called Luthera is, living up the bay, about twenty-five miles from Kingston, signified a desire to encourage me tu preach for them occasionally, which, with the benefit of a public school, was thought might be suificient to give a decent support to my family. Ob- taining leave ifrom Air. Wilson, I went to the fe*.^-4--1^^^fe*fe'. '^ ^ tlip first abilities, ri 1 pei- nianncM' that he 11! jjotne ) second ( oifered s^ned to jpeani!^ d soir.o acher of iv belief having- ovvever, ice, ex- , " that to them lie with nent, I }r !?«iiie to ufse eceived rotn the ed the ith Ml-. favour lly had time ill $•' that a vin^'up ng-iston, ach for nefit of jliicient . Ob- t to the 83 neighbourhood of these people, and taking Dr, Chamberhiin with me, (at who>e place 1 set up, and who used me with much kindness,) 1 oI»- tained liberty to preach in the Lutheran church on the following sabbath on Mark c. 1(5, v. 15, 16. x\fter preaching, the deacons and members of the ciiurch intimated their design to meet on the next day to adopt such measures as might be conducive to my support, and seemad highly gratified in my being their minister. They met accordingly, and agreed to send me a written account of the encouragement they designed to give, and so 1 parted with them for" the present. By promise to this society of people, I pro- posed to stcuid disengaged from any situation that might oifer, till they sent me an account of the encouragement they were willing to give, and after three ^veeks had elapsed, I received a verbal message, that the Lutherans having consulted with each other respecting^ me, there were some of them disposed to accept of my labours, but as I was denominated a methodist preacher, they could by no means accept of my labours. I told them I could not change that appellation to gain any preferment whatever, and so we parted. Finding no door open whereby 1 could be useful in the cause of God ; 1 felt disposed to offer myself as an itinerant preacher, in the American body of methodists ; yet in consequence of my f iniiiy 1 felt delicate on account of the expence that would follow to the societies, but per- ceiving from well-founded testimonies, that if I was willing to join them as a preacher, I would meet with no objection, I signified my desire of uniting my exertions amongst the brethren, to proclaim the everlasting gospel of peace ; and was accordingly received by Elder Case, whom 1 consider to be a man deep'ly devoted to God ; 4' ii 34 i i' deeply inforrstcd in the liappine.ss and etoriuil wolfalo of the church of Christ, and a faithful lubonrer in tlie vineyard of the Lord. The quarterly meetiuj; of the first town, five miles from Kin^sion, connnj>:on, Elder Case and Mr. Madden, tlie circuit pieacher, called upon nie before (juarter day, and it being Saturday, after the school was over, I went with these two ministers to the quarterly conference, and being appointed to preach before the leaders, exhoi lers, and stewards, I spoke from 1st Pet. c. I. v. ',1, 4, 5. After preaching, my case being examined by the conference, it was agreed that 1 should be received as a travelling preacher, to travel under the care and patronage of the American conference, and so commenced my new em- ployment on Saturday the 29th November, 1817. Respecting the climate here, I think the winter preferable to honje, as heavy rains and high winds are frequent in Ireland, throughout the whole winter season ; here we have little or no rain. The snow generally foils lightly near Christmas, but in January it comes heavy, accompanied with severe frost, which congeals the bays, rivers, &c. and renders a way passable by the strength of the ice, for man and horse or waggons to go along. In the winter season travellers may go hundreds of miles without soil- ing their shoes. The mode of travelling here is with sleighf,, not unlike a waggon in appearance, only it has no wheels ; the shafts of which glide along the snow, being shod throughout with a broad rim of iron. A horse will travel in this manner, with a heavy burthen, near seventy miles a day. The snow remains on the ground till the beginning of April, or towards the middle, and gradually goes away : this causes every place to be muddy and disagreeably wet, that it is almost J ..jsmm (1 eforiiaf a faithful )wn, five Case and lod upon Saturday, these two LUid being ;xhoi ler?, ;. 1. V. I), examined 1 should to travel American new em- ber, 1817.. Ihe winter and high ^hout the ttle or no titly near »s heavy, , congeals y passable I horse or ter season thout soil- ng- here is ipearance, ^liich glide lit with a vel in this ir seventy d till the iddle, and y place to t is almost 35 impossible to travel. Oh I M'hat reflections have pa.sed in my mind when travelling tiirougli the woods and places going to my appointuKMits ; my horse wading every step through mud and ^^ater ; but wherever we are, trials await us. The people here have many privileges: in the spring they make sugar by piercing the maple tree, which ^ /ounces a sweet sap, and when well boiled, makes remarkably good sugar. Ano- ther advan ,3 is, most families make their own soap, by saving the ashes of the firewood : the ])eopie in general live well ; there are here no poor, comparatively speaking; they have from tiio produce of their gardens, melons, cucumbers, and all kinds of vegetables, and of these they make preserves ; auvl as each house has in general a cellar, tliey store their garden roots, potatoes, &c in these secure places, to protect them from the frost. The women here in general weave their own clothing, consisting of linen,and woollen, diaper and fancy bed quilts and" floor carpets; many of them are also well skilled in making both men and women's clothing: this saves much ex- pense, as tayloring is extremely high. Provisions are ctieap, in general : potatoes from Is. 3d. to 3s. a busliel (4;] stone to each bushel), butter from Is. od. to Is. 6d. per pound ; beef from 4d. to 5d. per pound ; mutton lYom 5d. to 6d. per pound, j'-reen tea from 5s. to lOs. per pound, congou tea from 6s. to 7s. Gd. per pound, sugar lOd. per pound, lump sugar from Is. 3d. to Is. 6d. per pound, rum from 6a. 6d. to 7s. per gallon, brandy from 7s. 6'd. to 10s. per gallon. Cider is mucli in use here, and made by many families. Clothing is much the same as it is in Ireland, ex- cept in some instances, as linen and a few other articles, which carry a high price ; but as cotton is nuich worn for shirting the dearness of linen is liot much felt, cott r •»C«1 I *»» T r\ ' o ■>'* '^ *^ I "■ '>»S'**r*' .^!..mssm!- -"m »i" I 1 E ^ m fl There are now in tills province len Cliurcli elorjrynien, ton Haptist preachers, twelve Fres- byterimi ministers, six Quaker preachers, one G(Minan Lutheran preacher, twenty travellinj^ iMelliotlist preacliers, thirty-two local preachers, and forty one exhorters. In the Melhodist con- nexion there are four thousand in tliis province, one thousand of whom have been abided \n the lust year ; and in the Bay of Quinty circuit, in which 1 travel, about three hundred have been also added to the society. To close this journal, I have to add, that my heart feels for the thousands of mv countrymen who are in a perishing ntate in Ireland, for want of means to obtain food, raiment, land or pro- perty, whilst in this e.xtensive rej^ion are millions of acres of choice land l^inj^ waste and uninha- bited. Oh ! that it were possible that the poor, thus perishing in want and penury, were here, where, if not able to manage land then-sselves, tl'ey would get a ipoRUS of support by labouring for others, far superior to any they may ever expect in Ireland. . To conclud ..— Whetlier families come here in afrtuence, or destitute of means of support, they will e sure to find in the end that comfort, protection, and means of living, which all exer- tions to secure in Ireland is insufficient ; but pre- vious to this enjoy f.>ent, the dangers of the sea, the various distressing cii-cumstances that follow a tbyage here, all conspiue to make their removal to' America an exertion of the utmost import- ance. Lord direct all my countrymen. to what is best for time ari