Изображения страниц
PDF
EPUB

close by us. Pleasant having company. Spoke with the brig to-day-Owned by some one in Calcutta, and manned by Bengalees. I could see them distinctly with a spy-glass.-Lost sight of land.No observation of the sun for three days.

June 15. We anchored last night. It is dangerous sailing in this place in the dark. Providentially discovered a pilot's schooner this morning. Vessels are sometimes kept waiting ten days or more, for a pilot. The pilot, an English lad called the leadsman, and the pilot's Hindoo servant, came on board. I should like to describe this Hindoo to

you. He is small in stature, about twenty years of age, of a dark copper colour. His countenance is mild, and indicates the most perfect apathy and indolence, He is dressed in calico trowsers and a white cotton short gown. He is a Mahometan. should not imagine he had force enough to engage in any employment. But he has a soul.

I

June 16. Last night, by sunset, the anchor was thrown again. A heavy sea; the vessel rocked violently all the evening. The water, rushing in at the cabin windows, overflowed our rooms. The birth is our only place of refuge at such times.

About eleven the cable broke, and we were dashed about all night in continual danger of running upon some shoal. The anchor was lost, but we were preserved from a sudden and awful death,

by that God who rules the seas, and whom the winds obey. I slept the greater part of the night sweetly; though the dead lights were in, which made our room excessively hot, and there was much confusion on deck; all hands hard at work almost all night. What a blessing, O my mother, is health.-Were I on land, I think no one would be so free from complaint as I. Even here, notwithstanding all the fatigue to which I am unavoidably subjected, I get along surprisingly. Land in sight again. It is Saugor Island; about two miles from us. This is the island where so many innocent children have been sacrificed by their parents to sharks and alligators. Cruel, cruel! While I am now writing, we are fast entering the river Hoogly. For several days past, we have had frequent showers of rain. This is the time at which the rainy season commences in Bengal. It is the most unhealthy part of the year. The weather is not uncomfortably

warm.

12 o'clock. A boat filled with Hindoos from Cudjeree, has just left our vessel. They have taken letters, which will be sent before us, to Calcutta. These Hindoos were naked, except a piece of cotton cloth wrapped about their middle. They are of a dark copper color, and with much more interesting countenances than the Hindoo we have now on board.

They appeared active, talkative,

and as though they were capable of acquiring a knowledge of the Christian religion, if instructed. Their hair is black-some had it shaved off the fore part of the head, and tied in a bunch behind: that of the others, was all turned back. I long to be. come acquainted with the language of Hindostan. 1 o'clock. We are now so near land as to see green bushes and trees on the banks of the river. The smell of the land air is reviving. We hear the birds singing sweetly in the bushes.

the

5 o'clock. I wish my ever dear mother could be a partaker of our pleasures. Were it in my power, how gladly would I describe to you the beauties of the scenery around us. After passing hundreds of the Hindoo cottages, which resemble hay-stacks in their form and colour, in the midst of cocoa-nut, banana and date trees, a large English house will appear to vary the scene. Here will be seen a large white Pagoda through the trees, the place where the idol gods are worshipped; there a large ancient building in ruins. Some Hindoos were seen bathing in the waters of the Ganges; others fishing; others sitting at their ease on its banks; others driving home their cattle, which are very numerous; and others walking with fruit, and umbrellas, while the little tawny children are playing around them. The boats frequently come to our vessel, and the Hindoos chatter away, but it is thought best to take no

Q

notice of them. This is the most delightful trial I ever had.—We anchor in the river to-night, twentyfive miles from Calcutta.

CHAPTER VII.

Residence in India-Serampore-Baptist Missionaries-Juggernaut--Natives bathing in the Ganges The Missionaries ordered to leave Bengal-Mr. and Mrs. Newell leave India for the Isle of France.

June 17. After a tedious voyage, we have, my dear mother, arrived at Calcutta. We reached here yesterday, at three o'clock in the afternoon.

Mr.

N. and brother J. went on shore immediately, and returned in the evening. They called at the Police office, entered their names, called upon Dr. Carey, at his dwelling-house at Calcutta, were cordially received, and invited to go immediately to Serampore. They likewise saw Mr. Marshman and Mr. Ward. I cannot say that our future prospects are at present flattering, but hope before I send you this, they will wear a different aspect.

Mr. N. and J. will go on shore again this morning; we hope to be permitted to land and reside here for a season, but know not how it will be.

The English East India Company are violently

opposed to missions; but I will tell you more at some future time. O that their hearts might be opened to receive the blessings offered them. O my mother, my heart is pained within me at what I have already seen of these wretched Pagans. Here we are, surrounded by hundreds of them, whose only object is to get their rice, eat, drink, and sleep. One of the writer cast, who can talk English, has just left the cabin. Your pious heart, my dear mother, would melt with compassion to hear him talk. O the superstition that prevails through this country! I am sure, if we gain admittance, I shall plead harder with American christians to send missionaries to these Bengal heathen, than ever a missionary did before.

Three miles from Calcutta, a native came with a basket of pine-apples, plantains, (which taste like a rich pear,) a pot of fresh butter, and several loaves of good bread-a present from one of Capt. H.'s friends. At night I made a delicious meal of bread and milk. The milk, though thin, was a luxury. Yesterday and last night we were not uncomfortably warm, as the day was cloudy, attended with a little rain. But to-day it is excessively hot. I dare not go on deck, for I burned my face so yesterday that it is almost ready to blister; owing to my going on deck without a bonnet. You have heard of the natives dying by being sun-struck.

« ПредыдущаяПродолжить »