manded by captain James Wilson, was purchased and prepared for the reception of the Missionaries ; who were also abundantly supplied by the Society with mechanic tools, clothes, books, medicines, &c.

August 10th, 1796. The ship being complete in her equipment, thirty persons having been selected, were assembled by the Directors at the house called Zion Church in Whitechapel, and were publicly designated as Missionaries; when each was presented with a bible, accompanied with an impressive charge suitable to the solemnity of the occasion.

After the solemn appointment of the Missionaries to their work, the evening preceding their embarkation, they were assembled with the Directors, and many other christian Friends at Haberdashers' Hall, where they united in "breaking of bread and prayers." The Missionaries were then commended to the divine care and protection of the great Head of the church.

At 4 A. M. many christian friends from London accompanied the Missionaries to the ship, which was laying at Blackwall.

At 6 A. M. weighed anchor, and dropped down to Gravesend. Displayed the Missionary banner at the mizen top gallant mast head,-viz. three doves, argent, each a sprig of olive in her mouth, on a field of blue in passing down the river, amidst numerous spectators, sung several hymns suitable to the occasion.

:

At 11, came to an anchor off Gravesend. Many friends who had accompanied us hence from London,

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took their affectionate leave. Three of the directors, viz. Dr. Hawies, Mr. Wilkes, and Mr. Brooksbank, remained on board, designing to proceed with the ship to Portsmouth, and to assist in making the necessary arrangements for the voyage. This night, being the first the Missionaries passed on board of ship, (all but two or three being landsmen,) considerable difficulties arose respecting the slinging and making a right use of their hammocks: some in attempting to get in manifested such a degree of awkwardness, that instead of obtaining their object, they fell over on the other side to the deck; but after a few instructions and experiments they managed pretty well, and found their new-fashioned beds very comfortable.

August 11th, 1797. The Missionaries were employed in preparing for sea, stowing away, fixing chests, clearing decks, &c., and were divided into messes, the families and single men separately.

13th, P. M. Pleasant breeze and fair. Weighed anchor and proceeded for the Downs: the wind continuing fair, concluded to sail for Portsmouth.

14th being Sabbath, Dr. Hawies preached in the morning on the quarter deck: the afternoon was occupied by Mr. Brooksbank, and the evening by Mr. Wilkies. We were perhaps the first professing church which ever employed the first day of the week in that capacity, in such a situation, and on so singular an occasion.

15th, about 8 A. M. a sloop of war hailed us, and gave information of a French privateer lurking about

in the offing: after the usual ceremony, the sloop hauled her wind and stood in the supposed direction of the privateer. Shortly after our separation from the sloop, we heard two guns; the report came from the direction in which the sloop stood. Probably she had fallen in with the enemy.

16th, at 6 A. M. arrived in sight of Spithead; and shortly after came to an anchor: hoisted the Missionary colours, as signal to our friends at Portsmouth; when Mr. Griffin of Portsea, Mr. Eyre of Hommerton, Mr. Bogue of Gosport, and many other friends came off. Also we were boarded by a lieutenant from the admiral's ship, who knew nothing of the equipment, or the object we had in view. Our appearance, together with the strange colours, excited no little surprise among his majesty's servants. Here we expected to join the East-India fleet; but it had sailed 3 or 4 days previous to our arrival; we were then under the necessity of waiting the appointment of another convoy. Shortly after, his majesty's ship, the Adamant of 50 guns, was appointed as convoy to some vessels bound to Gibraltar; with whom it was determined we should join in company.

Captain Wilson, and brother Harris and Gillham, joined the ship; they having had some business to transact, could not conveniently embark in London. Brother and sister Hudden quitted the ship on the 17th, in consequence of Mrs. H. declining to accompany the mission. The Directors, therefore, thought it improper to continue Mr. H. as a Missionary under those circumstances. This was much regretted by

him and the Missionaries, who were under the necessity of so soon parting with one whose affection and interest, and godly conversation, were so manifest.

A passage-boat was employed for the use of the ship, by which the Missionaries had frequent opportunities of visiting their friends on shore, and attending the worshipping societies of Portsmouth.

23d. The Missionaries were invited to spend the evening of shore, where Dr. Hawies was requested to preach at Mr. Griffin's meeting.

25th. This morning departed this life, on board the Duff, James Cover, Jun., son of James and Mary Cover, aged 13 years, after a sickness of about 5 weeks. The funeral took place the following day; accompanied by all the Missionaries to the Episcopal burying-ground of Portsmouth. Brother Cover was desirous of making some observations suitable to the solemnity of the occasion, but was prevented therefrom by the parish priest.

Sept. 2d. James Gaulton was received on board to officiate as cook to the Missionaries during the voyage, and also as a Missionary, should his deportment be approved. During our stay here, the writer was visited by several of his friends from London, which afforded many very agreeable and interesting hours in their company.

Sept. 10th.. At 8. A. M. the wind veered round to a favourable point; the Adamant made signal for sailing. Between 9 and 10 o'clock the fleet weighed anchor, intending to proceed through the Needles. Our ship was laid to for brother Harris, who was on

shore, and also for Dr. Hawies to take his leave of us; but at about 11 o'clock, finding that neither of them were to be seen, and the fleet increasing their distance, we bore up, and made after them.

At 1 P. M. the wind heading us, the convoy made signal for anchoring. Tacked ship and stood back again for Spithead. At 3 P. M. came to an anchor near our former situation; and in the evening, Dr. H. and brother Harris came on board.

Sept. 11th, being Sabbath, Mr. Love, of London, preached in the morning on board; in the afternoon, Mr. Bogue of Gosport, and in the evening, brother Eyre.

22nd. At 10 A. M. the wind being favourable, the convoy made signal for sailing. About half past 10, weighed and made sail for St. Helens, in company with the fleet. At noon the weather becoming calm, came to off St. Helens. At 2 P. M. Dr. Hawies preached his farewell sermon from 3d ch. Hebrews, 1st v.; after which he took his leave, and returned to Portsmouth.

23d. At 5 A. M. the convoy made signal for sailing, there being a fine breeze from the eastward: at 6, the fleet, amounting to about 70 or 80 sail, was under way, and pursued its course down the Channel.

24th, P. M. arrived off Plymouth: signal was made for the fleet to lay to, as we were here in expectation of being joined by some other vessels: continued laying to until morning, owing to a heavy sea. Many of the Missionaries were sick; but the writer has reason for great thankfulness that he has not expe