Pagina-afbeeldingen
PDF
ePub

miles below, are lined with country seats, some of them very elegant. The tops of the houses are flat, with a terrace around them. The groves and lawns give them a beautiful appearance. Some of them have parks, others verandahs, which are similar to a large piazza, extending to the top of the house. I saw one, that is owned by an affluent native, to which were attached several little cottages one superior to the rest; these were the residence of the owner's wives, the number of which our pilot said might be seventy or eighty, the favorite residing in the more conspicuous one. We passed the Botanical Gardens, extending a mile or more along the river, and Bishop's College on our left.

"Sept. 22d.--Mr. Stone, who went on shore yesterday, to present our letters of introduction, met with a very cordial reception at Arch-deacon Corrie's. We were all invited to breakfast and to pass the day at his house. Early in the morning, therefore, we left the vessel and went on shore, where we found the Arch-deacon's carriage waiting which conveyed us to his residence. It is a splendid edifice, fitted up with every convenience for this sultry climate. Contrasted with the close air and long confinement of our late prison, you may judge how

grateful it was to my feelings. I believe we all felt like prisoners set free. Arch

deacon Corrie now fills the place pro. tem., vacated by their late excellent Bishop Heber, and consequently occupies his palace. It is rightly styled thus, and the only house in the city, which receives that appellation. A new bishop is appointed and expected soon, when Dr. C. will return to his own house. He is a most benevolent, philanthropic, and godly man; his family are very interesting. The kindness with which they have treated us, and the interest they have taken in our welfare, lay us under the strongest obligations, both to them and to Him from whom we receive every blessing as the first cause. Through their influence, accommodations have been kindly offered us for the present gratuitously, and within three weeks we expect a passage to Bombay. Mr. and Mrs. Stone are residing at Mr. Goode's, the chaplain of one of the churches. Miss Farrar stops at Dr. Corrie's, it being inconvenient for them to furnish more than one with lodgings, as they have other company. For Mr. A. and myself, they have provided lodgings at Mr. Gisborne's, a son of an author of several works, whose name you may have seen. He is an extensive merchant, a native of

His lady

England, and a very worthy man. is daughter of Mr. Brown the friend of whom Martyn speaks. Mrs. Corrie almost considers her as an adopted daughter. I have not yet seen her, but hear an excellent character of her. She had, with Mr. G. and other friends, an appointment to visit over the river during the heathen holidays, which are just commencing. During these, almost all mercantile business is suspended, because the officiating clerks are mostly natives. Mr. G. is therefore at liberty, almost for the only time in the year. They left home the day we came on shore, but offered for us rooms, with servants in attendance, their carriage at command, and breakfast every morning. Dr. Corrie accepted for us, inviting us to pass the day with him. Thus every want is supplied, and if our hearts do not glow with the liveliest gratitude, they must be adamantine indeed. Mrs. G. remarked, that on their return, which would be in about ten days, she hoped we should be their guests while we remain at Calcutta.

Dr. Corrie was the most intimate friend of H. Martyn. His lady's mother resides with them, who is the patroness of every thing good and praiseworthy. She was

personally acquainted with Buchanan and Martyn, and they were residents in her house. Her present name is Ellerton, and she is a widow."

CHAPTER VIII.

Letters, &c. written on the ocean.

"Ship Emerald, July 3d.

My dear Miss D-Among those beloved friends to whom I feel myself under peculiar obligations, both of gratitude and affection, I shall assign you a prominent place. I should corsider myself wanting in the best feelings of humanity and benevolence, did I not cherish with pleasure a lively sense of obligation, and put myself in a way of fulfilling promises repeatedly made before I left you. Often does my mind revert to past scenes of familiar and pleasant intercourse, now forever fled. Often do I contemplate the numerous offices of kindness performed for me by yourself; and if in any way, not as a compensation, but as an expression of grateful affection, I can do anything which may prove a source of gratification to you, gladly would I avail myself of the opportunity. The efforts of the pen are the only ones now in my power, with alacrity then will I apply myself to

« VorigeDoorgaan »