have had much affliction and death, all tending to weigh down and depress the spirits, yet we have much to encourage us. Great things are being accomplished through the preaching of "the glorious Gospel of the blessed God." We have schools established in many places, together with small societies; other places are sending to us for Teachers; and, indeed, all the Fanti country is quite open to us, had we but Teachers enough to occupy it; so that you see we are not fighting as those that beat the air.

It affords me great pleasure to inform you that we are now established in this town, and that our Mission is fairly commenced. On account of our having left the coast rather before the rains were over, we were longer on the road than we expected to have been. We had some little difficulty to contend with on account of the badness of the roads. In several places we had to cut a way through the bush. In addition to this,

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were detained on the way several days, because the King had unexpectedly to make custom, and was not, therefore, at leisure to give us a proper reception. At length, however, on the 13th of December, we entered the town, and were graciously received by the King and his numerous Chiefs and Captains. There was a vast assembly of persons collected together on this occasion; not less, I should think, than thirty-five thousand. There was nothing revolting in the reception, such as has been described by Europeans who have visited this place on former occasions; and one could not but be pleased with the manner in which we were received. The King and his household made an imposing appearance. The numerous splendid umbrellas, the great number of gold and silver trinkets and utensils, the grotesque appearance of several of his attendants,all went to show the grandeur of a semibarbarous people. The day following, we had what is called, "a private reception; " on which occasion we took some of the presents with us, and submitted them to the King's inspection. He was much pleased, and expressed his sincere thanks to his European friends. The King then ordered us some refreshment; after partaking of which, we went to our quarters, much gratified with the interview.

The next day we presented the remainder, with all of which he seemed much pleased, and particularly with the beautiful japanned box presented by Mr. Chubb. I went with the splendid chan

delier intrusted to my care by Mr. Edge, a few days afterwards, and he was highly delighted with it; said it was much better than the one he had already, and that he would soon have it suspended; which, indeed, was the case; for, a few days afterwards, he sent for me and my carpenter to have it fixed.

We have also been favoured with a strictly private interview with His Majesty. One evening, about eight o'clock, after we had retired to our respective quarters for the night, he sent his linguist to us, requesting us to repair to his house, as he wanted to have some conversation with us. We accordingly prepared ourselves, and went, and spent about two hours with him, during which time a variety of subjects was discussed. When we arrived, we found him in a large open hall, with only his linguists, and five or six of his household. His Majesty was sitting about one-third of the length of the room from the end of the wall; on each side of him sat a few servants and boys with elephants' tails, who, when the King spat, carefully wiped it up with their hands. Behind the servants, on the right-hand side of the King, sat the linguists. We were directed to occupy the open side of the square, opposite the King; and in this way we carried on the conversation. The place was lighted with torches of wood, dipped in palmoil from time to time. For this purpose the boys held in their hands brass-candlesticks, with pans of gold fastened on the top of them, which contained the oil. I should have observed, that it is the custom of the King to converse through the medium of his interpreters; but, on this occasion, he condescended to break through his accustomed rules, and conversed with us personally.

On Tuesday, December 28th, we were invited to dine at the palace; and, according to invitation, we went about half-past one P. M.; and after a little waiting in one of the areas of the King's house, we were admitted to the banquet, where we found a select party of the principal Chiefs, and in the midst of them His Majesty, dressed in the European style, having on the Admiral's uniform-coat, which was presented to him by Dupuis, I think,-satin trousers, a silk gauze sash, studded with gold, and a black silk hat covered with silver lace. By his side he had two beautiful dirks, with mother-of-pearl handles, gold sheaths, and suspended by a handsome gold chain. After dinner, the King invited us to examine the

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large stone house. We did so : found the place almost full of presents, received from various Europeans, consisting of cut glass of various colours, patterns, and kinds; time-pieces, tables, boxes of every description, lookingglasses, and pictures. These things were all tastefully laid out, and intermingled with gold chains and trinkets of native workmanship, and large lumps of native or rock gold, the whole of which would weigh from four hundred to five hundred ounces.

On another occasion, shortly after, we were invited to see a sort of domestic scene. The King, his sisters, wives, and Princesses were all there, with their female attendants. All the members of the family were richly attired. The King himself was highly delighted, and said that he was much pleased to testify his regard for us in this way. At the close of the evening, the female part of the company amused us with several native songs, one of which was quite extemporaneous, having been composed as a compliment to us for visiting them, and doing the King honour; the others were chiefly a recital of the deeds of the King's ancestors, by which it was evident that the King became much excited; and we were informed by our interpreter, that former Kings have been so much excited on such occasions as to render it extremely dangerous for any one to come into their presence.

did them no good whatever; and that they should never have his money again. "The white men," says he, "freely tell us what is good for us, and never charge any thing for it." The signs of the times are certainly favourable. The Mahometans have lost their influence with the people; various circumstances have contributed to bring this about. Some three or four years ago, a Chief among them was proved to be connected with a conspiracy, for which he was punished; another had his ears cut off for some misdemeanour; and, a few days ago, one was burnt to death in his house, during the tremendous fire of which I shall speak directly. It is

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notorious fact, that these persons write charms to prevent fire, which they sell at an enormous price; a little piece of paper, about four inches square, with a sentence of the Koran written on it, sometimes selling for three or four pounds. The Ashántis had shrewdness enough to observe that they pretended to sell charms to protect the property of others, but could not protect themselves, and that they had ample proof of the insufficiency of their charms; for scarcely a house that was burnt but had one or more of these charms in it. Thus their influence is destroyed.

Notwithstanding all the favourable prospects that are opening up before us, it must be evident to every thinking mind, that where superstition and idolatry have so long held unbounded sway, we shall have difficulties of no ordinary character to contend with. We cannot expect that where Satan has so long held undisputed authority, he will give up his claim without a struggle; and, when we consider the infinite purity of the doctrines of the Gospel, and the most unqualified claims of obedience to the holy law of God which that Gospel enjoins, we cannot suppose that where the most unbounded freedom has been given to the carnal mind, which is itself at enmity with the law of God, it can be brought at once, without a severe struggle, to yield to those unqualified terms of obedience. These things I am prepared to expect; but, at the same time, I am aware that they present no insuperable difficulties; I am persuaded that God can so work upon the minds of the people by the influences of his Spirit, that the mountain shall sink into a plain before him. My duty, I see, is faithfully to preach the word, and to embrace every opportunity of doing good, and leave the event in the hand of my Master. I will, by his assistance, sow the

During the time we have been here, the King has paid us the greatest attention. Indeed, it seems, that neither himself nor his people are any longer under those superstitious fears respecting us, which have hitherto occupied their minds; for, whenever we have held our public services, hundreds of them have attended, including several of the King's household, all of whom pay the most profound attention to the great truths which may be advanced. We also hold familiar conversation with them whenever opportunities offer themselves; and by this means we certainly undermine the influence of the fetish-men. One fact might be mentioned in order to show that this is actually the case. A son of Osai Tutu Quamina, who has been very familiar with us since our arrival, and with whom we have had several conversations on subjects connected with Christianity, and who has been in a measure enlightened, (although I do not know that he is inclined to become a Christian,) one day told a fetish-man, that they were nothing but a set of cheats; that they took money from them, and

St. Philip, dressed as a Bishop, borne on the shoulders of men, before which were candles burning, and incense waving. Many of the American part of the population came to our chapel, and spent some time in prayer. On Sunday morning our place of worship was filled before the usual hour. There was a solemnity of expression upon every countenance: all seemed to feel that God had spoken to them. At the close of the service many cried aloud to God to have mercy upon their souls: they felt unprepared to die, and great was their lamentation. In the afternoon the chapel was crowded, and again in the evening, at the French service. Nearly all the stores were closed on the Sunday, as also on the last Sunday: until now this has been the greatest day of commerce. The natives regard the earthquake as a visitation from God for their sins, and seem to be reminded and impressed particularly about their Sabbathbreaking. Most of the females have habited themselves in dresses of brown linen, as a token of penitence. O that it were a rending of the heart, and not merely a change of the garments !

We have had religious services at our chapel once and twice every day ever since we have been led to examine our own hearts and lives, and to humble ourselves before God, beseeching him to avert further calamity. Many have come forward and declared their resolution to forsake sin, and enter into the service of God; some have already felt the truth of our Saviour's words, "Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." Being justified by faith, they have peace with God." One instance I will mention, which is peculiarly gratifying, that of a young lady from the country, who is on a visit to our house. She is a native of France, and a Roman Catholic by baptism and education. She had been reading the Scriptures for some time, and had many doubts in her mind as to the profession in which she was baptized. During, or shortly after, the earthquake, on Sunday morning, whilst she was in the chapel, her

bodily fears were drowned in alarm for her immortal soul; she felt herself to be a miserable sinner, and unprepared to die she wept much about her condition: we encouraged her to go direct to Jesus Christ in earnest prayer, seeking no other mediation. She did so; and poured out her soul in supplication to Him who hath said, "Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." On the Tuesday afternoon following, she observed that she thought there was no mercy for her. We conversed with her for some time, encouraging her to put her trust in the merits of Christ, and placed in her hands Miss Thayer's Letters, directing her to the one containing an account of Miss T.'s conversion. This seemed to encourage her, in some measure; and she went out to the seaside, engaging her mind in prayer and meditation on the promises of God. On returning, she still felt her burden to be almost intolerable. She sat down, and took up the Bible, still praying; and, in a moment, on her exercising faith in the Lord Jesus, her load was all taken away, and she rejoiced in the favour of God, and in the sense of sins forgiven. She gave us a clear testimony that she has obtained peace with God, and has been very useful since in encouraging others to look to Christ, and believe on him. Now, she says, she sees that the Bibleway of seeking God, through the mediation of Christ alone, is the only true way.

I have made the alarm caused by the earthquake an occasion of visiting the houses of many of the natives, and conversing with them, giving them tracts and books to read.

May God grant that any good impressions that are made may not quickly wear away! My dear wife, myself, and family, are in tolerable health, thank God. We have not heard from Samana, nor from the brethren at the other sta tions; but we trust, that He who has preserved us here, and Mr. Bird and his family at Cape-Haytien, in so wonderful a manner, has also preserved them.

perished in its ruins. Mr. Thompson, the British Consul, a gentleman I well know, who attended Mr. Bird's ministry every Sabbath morning, was riding by the sea-side, found his horse start, and was afraid the earth would drive him

into the sea, or swallow him up: he rode with speed; but the town was destroyed before he reached it, every individual in his house buried, and his wife so crushed, that the head alone was visible. "But why fear for Mr. Bird?" Because the whole town is one mass of ruins, and his house was in the very centre of it. Because the gentleman's house above alluded to was close by the Mission-house. "He may have been preserved in the ruins." Almost impossible; such high buildings, thick stone walls and massy beams, in lofty rooms. Flight under such circumstances is scarcely conceivable. "They may have been from home." This is not very likely a fortnight before, Mrs. Bird was delivered of a son; then Mrs. Bird was weak, had the care of three children, servants scarce, none trustworthy, and it was Saturday evening: nothing so likely as that they should be all at home.

When the steamer arrived, I went to Mr. Downs, the Purser of the Tweed, and said, "Sir, did you hear Mr. Thompson speak of Mr. Bird? is he alive?" He feelingly answered, "No; you cannot expect that any are saved who were in that town;" adding, "You are a happy man to have left it when you did. The place is abandoned by the survivors. The villages along the

shore are all in ruins: it is feared that the whole island has suffered. The ships in the harbour are crowded with refugees." On hearing this distressing report, my feelings for those whom I a few days before had left, would have caused me instantly to have gone to Hayti. After much thought I judged, and still think, I ought to go, or give the reason why I do not.

I hope that Mr. Towler, of Port-auPlaât, has escaped, and that an opportunity has offered for him to go to the Cape. I wrote to him last week, before I knew how the island had suffered, and am expecting to hear from him every hour. If he is not going, or gone, I shall feel it my duty, if possible, to get there, though there will be some danger and much need of caution, for continued shocks threaten further convulsion. The survivors are destroying life for plunder, and the military force are as bad as the mob. I should scarcely feel safe, but under the wing of the British Consul, who, perhaps, is unsafe himself, if the principal men in the army are lost. Then if pestilence follows, it will be no matter of surprise.

I had left my letter open, hoping to hear from Mr. Towler; but the steamer has arrived before the expected boat from Port-au-Plaât. Hoping things may be better than my fears, I remain, &c.

I AVAIL myself of the first opportunity to inform you, that, about five o'clock in the afternoon of the 7th instant, the entire of Cape-Haytien was in a few seconds involved in one common ruin by an earthquake. The escape of myself and family from the general destruction is such an instance of the interference of Divine Providence, as neither time nor eternity will be able to obliterate from my memory.

The following are the particulars of the escape of myself and family, and of the general event.

At the time of this awful catastrophe, I was sitting reading in the balcony of our house, which projected into the street: Mrs. Bird was in a room three stories high, with our youngest and eldest child. Our servant was in the kitchen with our second child; and a young person living with us, was in the