CONTENTS OF VOLUME I. LETTER VOYAGE TO BRAZIL. I. Commodore Thompson and the Guerriere II. Departure from the Chesapeake PAGE INTRODUCTION. THE circumstances which compelled me to bid a reluctant farewell to the Sandwich Islands, in the year 1825, are known to the public. A partial restoration of the health of Mrs. Stewart was effected by the residence of a year in the United States; but all medical advisers interdicted a return to a tropical climate, and any future exposure to the privations of a missionary life. It became desirable, therefore, that I should select some sphere for the exercise of the duties of my office, other than the field of my first choice. Familiarity with the sea; long intercourse with seamen; close observation of their character; and strong attachment to individuals of their number, had implanted a lively interest in my heart for them, as a class of my fellows; and led me, in connection with circumstances which it is unnecessary to explain, to direct my attention to the UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE. As early as the spring of 1827, I communicated my views on this subject to the gentlemen then at the head of that department of our government, with an application for a chaplainship, when the relation existing between myself and the American Board of Foreign Missions should cease. It was subsequently arranged, that my connection with that body should not be dissolved till November, 1828. A few weeks previous to this period, I was incidentally apprised, by the Secretary of the Navy, of an opportunity of communicating with any friends at the Sandwich Islands, through a government vessel, the United States' ships Guerriere and St. Louis having been ordered to relieve the public squadron in the Pacific Ocean, one vessel from which, the corvette Vincennes, would visit the Islands, and return to America by the Cape of Good Hope. The idea at once suggested itself, of commencing. the duties of my proposed new station, by making the voyage. It was with deep regret that I had relinquished the hope of returning to reside permanently at the Islands; and I felt, that the visit of a few weeks to them, while discharging the duties of the situation I had selected, would soften the necessity of a permanent separation from my former associates, and from the enterprise in which they are engaged. Others, in whose judgment I confided, strongly urged the measure; and, ascertaining that the commission of a chaplain could be secured, with the privilege of a transfer from the Guerriere to the Vincennes, I determined to perform the voyage. The resolution necessarily involved a painful sacrifice to myself and to those most deeply interested in me, in the separation requisite to its accomplishment, a sacrifice, which could be mitigated to those left |