_To the Honourable ―――― R――――, Esq.; of Bermuda._
_London, July 12, 1748._
_Honoured Sir_,
GRATITUDE constrains me to embrace the first opportunity of informing
you of our safe arrival at our wished-for port. We struck ground, I
think, the 27th day after we set sail, and landed at _Deal_ the 30th.
We were chased the first afternoon, and prepared for going to prison
twice or thrice. But our fears were groundless; there was a cessation
of arms with _France_, though we knew it not, and some ships that we
thought were pursuing us proved to be _English_ men of war. We had
plenty of provisions, and met with no storms or bad weather worth the
speaking of. Other particulars, I suppose, Captain _E――――_, who was
very civil, will inform you. The evening after we landed at _Deal_,
I was at Mr. _D――――_ and _E――――_’s, before I came to my own lodgings.
They were very glad to hear from _Bermudas_. Since then, words cannot
well express how joyful my friends were to see me once more in the
land of the living. I find the news-papers had buried me ever since
_April_ last; but it seems I am not to die, but live: O that it may
be to declare the works of the LORD! My obligations to do so, are much
increased by the mercies conferred on me at _Bermudas_, and during
my voyage. Surely the stones would cry out against me, did I not set
forth the riches of redeeming love. Blessed be GOD, I have had several
opportunities of doing so, since my arrival. Last Lord’s-day I believe
we had a thousand communicants. In a few weeks, GOD willing, I purpose
to see _Scotland_, and then shall do myself the pleasure of writing to,
or waiting on your brother. In the mean time, I shall, as opportunity
offers write to some more of my _Bermudas_ friends, whom I desire never
to forget at the throne of grace. You and yours, honoured Sir, will be
pleased to accept my most cordial salutations. That you and your house
may serve the LORD here, and live with him eternally in the kingdom of
heaven hereafter, is the hearty prayer of, honoured Sir,
Your most obliged humble servant,
_G. W._