g down stores to Hope
Harbour; even the water had to be carried a considerable distance. It
is contained in large pieces of bamboo, which can be stored securely in
the hold, as there are no casks in which to put it. Then they have
sago, rice, and Indian corn, and young cocoa-nuts and bananas, mangoes,
and several other roots and fruits. Among the most valuable are the
bread-fruit, just now ripe, the trees of which my uncle planted when he
first came to the island. He had also grown some tea-plants, and among
our other occupations I forgot to mention, was preparing the leaves
according to the Chinese mode. The beverage does not taste very strong,
but it has a nice flavour, and will answer its purpose very well. The
cocoa-nut oil which we manufactured is also contained in pieces of
bamboo. Our sugar is not very white, and would not be considered highly
refined, but it is sweet and nice, and Grace and the Frau consider it a
very delicious sweetmeat. The vessel is thus stored with the
necessaries of life. I hope she may sail well. She is decked
completely over, with three compartments for cabins. When we all sail
we are to have the centre, the men are to be forward, and the gentlemen
aft, with a small cabin for Mr Thudicumb in the fore part of the
vessel. There are large lockers on either side for stores, some of
which are to be placed in the hold, but only those which will not suffer
from being wet, as it is thought likely that the vessel will leak
somewhat, perhaps, in consequence of the want of skill on the part of
the workmen. However, each one says he has done his task to the best of
his ability, and can do no more. My uncle and Oliver retain two of the
best fire-arms, and the rest are to be put on board the vessel, in case
they should fall in with pirates, or land on any part of the coast where
savages exist. We are to go down to-morrow morning to see them off.
Oh, how earnestly will my prayers ascend for their safety, and that they
may find dear Walter!

The _Hope_ has sailed. We went down to Hope Harbour early in the
morning, having breakfasted by lamp-light, and as soon as all had gone
on board the anchor was weighed. It was like a Malay anchor, made of
wood, and a huge stone to keep it down. Favoured by the land-breeze,
the _Hope_ glided out of the harbour. Oliver said she appeared to sit
beautifully on the water, and he thought she would be a fine sea-boat.
Amid cheers and tears and prayers--oh