that kept me from going there for the
present; and as I had made no scruple of being openly of the religion of
the country all the while I was among them, so neither did I yet; only
that, now and then, having of late thought more of it than formerly, when
I began to think of living and dying among them, I began to regret having
professed myself a Papist, and thought it might not be the best religion
to die with.

But, as I have said, this was not the main thing that kept me from going
to the Brazils, but that really I did not know with whom to leave my
effects behind me; so I resolved at last to go to England, where, if I
arrived, I concluded that I should make some acquaintance, or find some
relations, that would be faithful to me; and, accordingly, I prepared to
go to England with all my wealth.

In order to prepare things for my going home, I first (the Brazil fleet
being just going away) resolved to give answers suitable to the just and
faithful account of things I had from thence; and, first, to the Prior of
St. Augustine I wrote a letter full of thanks for his just dealings, and
the offer of the eight hundred and seventy-two moidores which were
undisposed of, which I desired might be given, five hundred to the
monastery, and three hundred and seventy-two to the poor, as the prior
should direct; desiring the good padre's prayers for me, and the like. I
wrote next a letter of thanks to my two trustees, with all the
acknowledgment that so much justice and honesty called for: as for
sending them any present, they were far above having any occasion of it.
Lastly, I wrote to my partner, acknowledging his industry in the
improving the plantation, and his integrity in increasing the stock of
the works; giving him instructions for his future government of my part,
according to the powers I had left with my old patron, to whom I desired
him to send whatever became due to me, till he should hear from me more
particularly; assuring him that it was my intention not only to come to
him, but to settle myself there for the remainder of my life. To this I
added a very handsome present of some Italian silks for his wife and two
daughters, for such the captain's son informed me he had; with two pieces
of fine English broadcloth, the best I could get in Lisbon, five pieces
of black baize, and some Flanders lace of a good value.

Having thus settled my affairs, sold my cargo, and turned all my effects
into good bills of exchange,