Hutton, June 6, 1832.
My endeared Friend,
I LEAVE Hutton to day for Bristol, and expect to go on board the brig
_Active_ for New York, to-morrow; and, as my only remaining means of
communication, I take up my pen to bid you adieu. Had I sailed from
Liverpool, as I was once intending, I should certainly have endeavoured
to have spent a few hours with yourself and family; but the expenses of
travelling and of conveying luggage so far across the country, together
with the higher charges in the Liverpool vessels, obliged me to consult
my purse rather than my feelings; and I am persuaded that my endeared
friend will not be the first to censure me.
We are now proceeding to Upper Canada by the way of the United States;
and though the climate is somewhat colder in winter, and hotter in
summer, than our own, it is considered as very fine and healthy. To
myself also it has this no small recommendation, that it is under British
Government, and is principally inhabited by British settlers.
I have used all endeavours to procure ministerial employment there, but
as yet in vain. Our present leading men are too liberal to give support
to any religious object; and the Canada company prefer the
recommendations which arise from local knowledge and representations.
But on this latter account, I still hope, that when I arrive there, I
shall not be long before I hear of some situation or other in which I may
be usefully employed. Some desirable introductions to residents have
been kindly afforded me.
The want of religious instruction is almost the only drawback from the
Canadas. In many instances persons are thirty or forty miles from a
place of worship. This, however, is no small call on the superabundant
labourers among ourselves; and I do expect, that ere long this call will
be fully regarded.
And now my endeared friend, what shall I say as to all the comfort—the
unmixed satisfaction—which, for so many years, I have been permitted to
enjoy in our occasional intercourse? To our gracious and faithful
Redeemer let us give all the praise! And may we ever be looking forward
to the time, when the friendship of earth shall be followed by the
blissful and never terminating enjoyments of heaven.
Mrs. G. M. begs to be united with me in kindest remembrances to yourself,
Mrs. C., and family, and I remain, my endeared Friend,
Yours, ever sincerely,
GEORGE MORTIMER.
* * * * *
Mr. Mortimer and his three sons set sail on the 11th of June, 1832. He
gave an account of his passage to America, of his reception in Canada,
and of his first impressions and expectations there, in the following
letters to Mrs. Mortimer.