The Letters of Alex. Smith

Letter 1st

To my father and mother on my first arrival in London October 22 1813.Dear parents,After a hard struggle I am at last settled with Mr. Smith Surgeon Gn 16 Exeter Street Home st Knights Bridge. I arrived on Sunday last and on Monday I made application along with Mr. Murray, who indeed seem interested in my cause at the Middlesex Hospital, but the surgeons were gone, this was one day lost.On Tuesday I applied at the London Hospital and was told that their terms were a guinea more than Dr Joseph Whyte mentioned; this you know would not do. I then went to the Middlesex and was introduced to a very civil Gentleman one of the Surgeons who told me that their terms were fifteen guineas for half a year and that I must attend private lectures which were horridly expensive there being none given in the hospital. But this was not all! He told me that a regulation was lately passed at Surgeon hall that no person was to be admitted to examination until he had attended on hospital for 12 months and that the most moderate way I could live it would amount to upwards of £200! I thanked him and went to dine with Mr. Murray, he seemed to be as much concerned as myself and none of us knew what was to be done. However you know my disposition could not brook delay. I that very night went to Apothecaries hall and deposited 3/6, received two addresses went to the other end of the town was disappointed they having engaged and was under the necessity of returning to the wharf with fatigue and anxiety quite wore out.Wednesday passed much in the same way and I really almost despaired of procuring any situation. The town is swarming with young fellows in our way but I see none that look as me, they all appear to be from 20 to 25.Those surgeons whom I applied to seem surprised and all asked my age. I was of course between 19 & 20. Captn Watt has been most kind to me indeed - until Wednesday night last I slept on board the Resolution. I then met with Mr Thomas Wright who has a room in half moon court Hermitage Place and had a share of his bed for these 2 nights past and if I had not got a situation intended to have run halfs and lived together neither having any inclination to waste.Passage £2.2/ Some meals at Peterhead with drink at Fraserburgh, Peterhead & London to the Captn and crew, maintenance since I came here, porterage for trunk with several other necessary expenses almost £2. and I assure you I have wasted nothing I could save.Page 4As I was in want of a hat I was strenuously advised to buy a good one and accordingly I have got an excellent one for £1.1. By this you see my money is gone and I must have recourse to my bill of which I will retain £10 Stng.

You will please write me by return of post with your advice and mention what you would wish done with the £20. I mean what way you would have remitted home again, as I shall have no occasion for it at this time at least not that I know of at present.

As to my SituationThis namesake appears to be about 45 to 50 years of age apparently a very learned clever man and as far as I know unmarried.He has got a beautiful house in the best part of the town, far from the hustle confusion and I had almost said filthiness of the city. He has a shop [but no slavery1no mortars there is not a metal mortar in it] at the back of which there is a neat little parlour which is to be my habitation. I am to eat with himself and have the house practice and attend the shop or visiting slight cases at first, this he thinks will take up rather more than half the day and I have the use of his library. I think I hear you say this is all very well, but the Salary – it must be referred to a future day he says for 3 or 4 four weeks he will not give much but you shall immediately know when it is fixed.You will be out of all patience with the length of this, but methinks I can write to you for ever. In ten days I expect the pleasure of a long letter from you.Believe me, My Dear Parents, your most obedient son. A. Smith.Remember me in the kindest manner to G Mamma, Aunts, Cousins, Mr & Mrs Mathison and Family, James Guthrie and all old Friends. Tell George Mathison I will write him soon and also Dr J. Whyte.Page 7

Letter 2To Mr Geo Mathison Student of Medicine McDuffMy Dear George, Chelsea, Oct. 24 1813I presume my father has informed you of my arrival and that I had got a situation which taken I can assure you was no easy matter there being no less than 4 applications the day I was engaged and 3 the day following and even as late as Saturday we had applicants.There are a great many young men in our way in town just now: I was recommended to a quaker, who was in need of an assistant to dispense medicine and upon going there were no less than two in the shop praying their cause to Ephraim. I was of course told that he was partly engaged. Hundreds are in daily attendance at Apothecaries hall and very few situations to be procured. Upon my arrival here I applied to the London and Middlesex hospitals and was informed that the tickets were at the former 21 guineas, and that the latter 15 to 20 guineas halfyearly. The lectures at the London are Anaty & Surgy. 5 Gns. Medicine 3 Gns. Chemistry 3 Gns. Subjects are from 3 to 5 and scalpels 1 guinea. At the Middlesex there are no lectures and the students are obligated to attend private lectures which are more expensive. I have seen Brandt - he is not yet settled and appears undecided.

1 “Surgery”, possibly?

In my opinion it is not at all advisable for any young men to come to London at present – several gentlemen whom I have spoke to think there will be some material alterations soon in favor of those who have served a regular apprenticeship. It is impossible they can get surgeons to the Army and Navy under the present situations: twelve months attendance at least before they can be admitted to examination.Give my most respectful compliments to your father and mother, my kindest wishes to Miss Mathison and accept of them yourself from My Dear George your most affectionate friend ASPage 9

Letter 3To Mr. James Guthrie Writer BanffMy Dear James, Chelsea, Oct. 31, 1813I am settled and as happy as I can expect absent from you and the rest of my friends. I was not long at sea on the day I left you before it blew a gale perhaps you had seen us next day off Banff from which we were all obliged to go to Cromarty which is a pleasant place with an excellent road for shipping, upon leaving that our next landing was at Fraserburgh we then touched at Peterhead and my next landing was at Greenwich 5 Miles below London; we were so unfortunate as to come up most part of the River at night but what I saw fit was great and beyond conception. Gravesend, Woolwich, the beautiful scenery along the banks - the shipping of which we met two East Indiamen going down under full sail, the London East India dock & west India docks full of ships, Greenwich, Deptford where are some of the Russian men of war; but I could never describe its beautiful and interesting appearance. In short time we arrived in London on the 17th a fortnight after our departure from Banff - we had a very rough passage having carried away the bowsprit.What a bustle! What confusion! I was stupified and scarcely know what I did.I had however the pleasure of seeing a number of virtuous young ladies running and climbing in the ships rigging with the sailors chasing them.It was late when we got to the wharf and I did not go on shore till next morning when with a Mr. Raffan I went almost round the metropolis: I had over the remains of Nelson in St Paul’s, went through Saint James and other Parks, had the pleasure of meeting Al. Elder in the strand, went round the Tower and returned to the wharf at night perfectly wore out – next day I recommenced my travels but being upon business I did not take any notice of the objects which surrounded me. On Wednesday I went to Ratcliff high way and saw an elderly lady in the shop to whom I delivered Mr. Laird’s letter and parcel; she had the kindness to invite me to return, but it has not yet been in my power. I think I shall tomorrow if possible.I have been in company with Mr Thos Wright - he has not yet got a situation but expects he will soon. Al. Elder has I am told 3/ per week of which he will require £1.1/ for board and lodging.My present residence is in a most beautiful part; it is out of London and scarcely in Chelsea. We are very near Hyde Park, St James Park and indeed all around us there are parks and gardens; it is about 6 miles from the wharf which I am rather sorry for, but write by the shipmasters and they will put it into the two penny office please omit Banff in your letters in case of discovery.

You will say I am a lucky dog when you hear that there is an Establishment for the education of young ladies in the one half of the house with us. I can’t account for it but I do not relish the company of the ladies since I left McDuff. We hear a great deal in Scotland about the beauty of English women but in my opinion you have got some within a mile of you that would outshine the greater part of them; we have three here look as well as most I have seen.Give my most respectful compliments to Mr Alardice. Mrs & Miss Stewart, Mr & Mrs Laird and family and all friends and accept of them yourself from Dear James yours, most affectionately, AS16 Exeter St.Sloane StreetPage 14

Letter 4To my Father and Mother Chelsea, Dec 1 1813My Dear Parents,I received your most acceptable letter in due time, it gave me exquisite pleasure to hear that all friends were well. I have enjoyed perfect health since I came here. Your advice shall always be most welcome to me and I will ever endeavour to profit by it.I had the pleasure of seeing Jack twice - it was not in my power to render him any service nor did he want my assistance much. I have however made a shift to rob him of some Oranges of which he had a large stock. I am sorry for Mr. Taylor’s death and shall be most anxious to hear in what way James Guthrie intends to settle.I have purchased a new pair of boots for £1.5/ they are not stout but very neat and appear to be good; it was Saturday night and the maker wanted money but was very unwilling to take less than 30sh. I applied to Mr. Murray about the breeches he says the best kind are about £2 and the second £1.1/ these he says are the very lowest.I have not yet purchased but will buy them ready made as they make such large quantities of them, they can get the cloth &c much cheaper. I can have a very good pair for a guinea. I return my mother the most sincere thanks for her kind offer. As to washing there is none done in families here. Washerwomen get all the clothes & the woman who washes for Mr Smith does for me it is very expensive indeed. Shirts 4d in the city 6d and every other article in proportion. The money has very little parting here are indeed, I am already upon my fifth note however I expect as much salary as keeps me in clothes &c at any rate. A charm to my watch I wouldn’t buy until I can afford a gold one: I wear a very neat silk one of my own weaving. Perhaps I will require a small key or seal but I will think of it.Mr. Murray has got no time to assist me in the purchase of any thing he appears to be like most people for taking care of himself, he is however very civil. I think a great deal of George but have got little time for company.I sent you a paper on Friday the news are really glorious. I think we will soon have a general peace.

It is dangerous to write on newspapers. Get ½d worth bruised Galls put it to nine oz. strong whiskey and when you get a paper from me wet a soft feather in the above and sparingly moisten the clean paper at the bottom of the last page if there is any thing written it will appear when dry.Mr Smith is a Caledonian from about Aberdeen where he studied; he has been in England from 25 to 30 years; his wife is an english woman I am told of a most turbulent and capritious temper. About 3 years ago he had a fever which disabled him entirely for almost a year, in this time two surgeons stept into his practice and the most of his patients remain with them. but he has been unfortunate in other respects he became security for false friends who deceived him; he has the base of a house and shop in Smith street which I mentioned in my last that is now useless to him the rent is almost £100 yearly and it won’t let; this house is nearly as much besides 7 of themselves and me to maintain. I am afraid the income will be inadequate and I must therefore settle what I am to have soon. I will only engage for half a year until I see, if the practice increase I will continue.I visit any or all the patients we have they are principally of the middle class, I have the pleasure to say that I am much liked among them. I will soon be an adept at Bleeding, Drawing teeth &c.As to the lasses don’t be in the least afraid of them: I don’t like English ladies at all and we have not many scotch here. however I have got little time to spend and what I have depend upon it will not be devoted to them.As this letter goes by the Iuno I need not trouble you with news as you will have them by post long before its arrival. I think I will give it to my old friend Andw Bruce who I am sure will take care of it and bring up a long one from you, if you have leisure to write.It is with real pleasure I hear of your schools increase and hope it will continue. I am likewise happy to hear that Grandmother is better. I presume Jack is with you before this arrives, I hope you will write me often, I am anxious to hear of George. Mention what George Mathison is doing or ask his parents to tell him to write me himself. Give me always all the scotch news. I continue exactly the same as in my last. Mr Murray and George were well when I last saw them and desired to be remembered to you and their own friends.Give my kindest compliments to Grandmother, Aunts & Cousins, James & John to George when you write to him Mr & Mrs and Miss Mathison, Mr Cowie and family in short to all friends and accept of them yourselves from My Dear Parents your very affectionate and dutiful Son. ASPage 19

Letter 5th To Mr. Joseph Whyte Surgeon BanffDear Sir, Chelsea Jany 17th 1814I have to thank you for your obliging letter of the 5th Ult. I feel very grateful for the excellent advice it contains, but as to settling here I don’t think I ever will. The surgeons here are not respected as in Scotland, and London is quite over stocked with them almost all starving or little

better. The M.D.’s or physicians engross all the genteel practice and the hospitals and dispensaries which abound here, the lower classes these curtail the surgeons practice dreadfully and the chemists entirely engross the retail which with us and indeed other surgeon– apothecaries is scarcely worth naming. Perhaps you have seen Sloan street - it contains about 200 houses and there are no less than 6 Surgeons, 2 Chemists and 2 M.D’s in it – 5 of whom are Scotchmen! I think I may average the Apothecaries Practice and retail from 15 to 25 £ monthly - few excepting the favorites with the public exceed the latter, ours is about the former. A decent house with us rents about £60 besides taxes / in the City they are £100 pounds & upwards. The expence of medicines I can yet form no idea of. Phials are very dear and none of them returned – a new phial is given with every mixture although in the same house.Mr. Smith is a Scotchmen and studied at Aberdeen. He has been in England 25 or 30 years. He settled in Smith Street Chelsea where he had a pretty good practice until three years since when he had a long Typhus fever, and two were surgeons stept into the same small street; he lost most of his patients & about a year since removed here, his practice is not considerable and the people here will scarcely pay at all he has an expensive wife and five children. From all this you made justly infer he is not rich. I live with him in an entirely friendly manner & visit any or all of his patients. Bleeding and Drawing Teeth are the only operations these I have done often with success. You have got Brands with you again I understand; he made many applications here both before and after his passing for a situation but could not get one to his liking he certainly had no great temptation to stay in London. 20 or 30£ yearly is the most that even the Chemists give (the Surgeons generally get apprentices with £100 for 3 years, so that they seldom want Assistants) this could not do long with him and cannot do long with me.Mr. Thos Wright desires his most respectful compliments to you he has got very comfortably settled indeed.I had last night the pleasure of seeing Mr. George Wilson; he was well, I am sorry to say he is still at liberty but I hope he will soon get a situation.I applied to Alex Elder (Adam’s Son) about the types he made several enquiries but could get no list of the prices, they are sold by the weight the smallest types are dearest as they increase in size the price diminishes. Mr. Elder has sent to Banff per Resolution directed to his brother a book with specimens of the different types which you may see.I applied with the assistance of Mr George Wilson to Fry a quaker Type Sheet more fields he told me the same as the above and that an octavo printing press might be had for 10 Guineas.Of the directions and stamps I can gain no information but if you will send me the address of the printers I will with pleasure enquire.This or any other command which you may honor me with I shall endeavour to execute to the utmost of my power.

*Most sincerely wishing you & Mrs. W the Dr & lady Louisa and John all the compliments of the season I am dear Sir

Your very obliged Servant AS

[Ed. Note: No title, but Letter #6]Page 24To my Father and Mother on leaving my first situation at Chelsea January 1814.Dear Parents,If you received the News* that I sent last week you will not now be surprised to hear that I have left Mr Smith, nor will you blame me when you know all.Mr Smith kept no servant I had therefor to light the kitchen and parlour fires and clean house very morning, to assist in cooking and cleaning dishes &c this I bore patiently for 3 months without even telling you. I had one clean sheet put on my bed during my stay and doubled my blankets every night to keep me warm. but I have notwithstanding caught a very severe cold, which has almost confined me for these four days, I am now recovering I had two Guineas & a half for my salary for 3 months.But I cannot altogether blame Mr Smith for he really is at the lowest ebb. On the 25th Nov. he requested my advice concerning his becoming security for a patients friend a man he never saw before. I of course firmly dissuade him from it: He however signed a warrant of attorney binding himself in the sum of £100 payable by monthly instalments! Still, he thought himself secure, about a fortnight since the creditor came and told him he must pay the whole sum immediately, this was impossible, in two or three days they drew up an execution and on the 15 inst put it in execution force by sending a sherrifs officer to take possession of the house and its contents, he lived in it eight days, during which time nothing whatever durst be removed of the premises; the lodgers furniture and my trunk were all in his grasp – these with Mr Smiths trifling business and consequent small salary made me determine.He has now £97 due for rent besides druggists bills and his income is from 5/ to 7/ a day. He was a Bankrupt in 1812 and what furniture he has belongs to the assignees. I cannot guess the consequences but he tells me he has friends. howeverOn the 19th ult being in town I went to Apothecaries hall he told me there were a great many young men and few situations, he gave me two addresses one of them was engaged and the other was a druggists.Mr Smith did not yet know but I was confined with a cold until Saturday when he told me that he was doing me great injustice by keeping me with him, he really thought I should apply at Apothecaries hall and make his house my home until I got a comfortable situation for there I was only throwing away time. We had not the day before taken half a crown in the shop and he had just three patients: the people upon hearing of the execution entirely deserted him. he intended to keep a little errand boy and that only.

** A newspaper of that name.

Well I went to the hall that day received two addresses and engaged with the very first I called upon, conditionally if he did not take an active partner whom he was in treaty with. He wrote me three letters between that time and Tuesday morning when I finally engaged with him at 5 Guineas for the first month, he said he was upon the eve of making some improvements in his house when he would either receive me entirely into it and give me two guineas monthly, or increase my salary I proposed to 6 Guineas a month. he has engaged a most genteel young man as another assistant. We are to be entirely equal.Mr Watson appears to be a learned and pleasant man he has had a practice of from £600 to 1100 a year he has an errand boy which I am very glad of. We have the house practice when he is out and visit occasionally and serve in the shop.I think he is an englishman; he has got a wife and family in the house; they are a very genteel family.Now I have taken a decent bedroom on the second floor at 4/ a week. The people are Scotch from Turriff, the man is a carpenter, the woman says she will get my washing done with her own.I eat at their table only afford my own provisions and she has promised to cook every thing I like. From 12/ to 15/ will maintain me weekly including rent.My lodging is at 8 Henford Place but if you still think me worth writing to you will please direct to your most Affectionate Son,

A.Smithat J Watsons Esqr Surgeon 6 Newcastle Street Thane

LondonPage 29

Letter 7th

To My father & mother on the impairment of my healthMy Dear Parents, London, April 1814I sent you a Courier of the 5 inst, which I trust you received in course. You polititians of the North must have been highly gratified by the contents. I hope your joy was not damped by my postscript; no, no, private concerns should always give way to public joy on an occasion of this kind. an individual is in a manner nothing compared to the honor the repose and the happiness of thousands nay even of Europe. Every heart must rejoice at the downfall of a Tyrant who has so often imbued his hands in the blood of Christians. This glorious success it is here believed will soon put an end to the calamities of war.I continue much in the same state as when I wrote you my complaint has evidently a consumptive tendency: I have employed very vigorous measures to check it in embrio and have in part succeeded but still I am far from well.I have been making constant application both for a country situation and to get to sea for these eight days past but without effect, not a vacancy – not a ship that I can hear of that is in want of a Surgeon.

I might a month since have got to Greenland but it would have been madness with this affliction upon me. The season is now over for going to sea. I would have liked a south country voyage well, it would most probably have removed the disease which affects me, however it is now to take to repine, but if Dr Joseph Whyte or any other of your acquaintances knew any means by which I could yet get a voyage / I mean the proper place to apply / I would feel eternally obliged by you not losing a moment in letting me know.In the mean time believe me I am arduous in my enquiries.If you write before you hear from me let it be to the care of Al. Elder 158 Fenchurch Street at Mr. Sharpes. I shall lose no opportunity of getting a least a situation in the country. On Wednesday at 2 oclock I received and adress to go almost 10 miles from Town. I was there in an hour and back before 6 oclock; they had engaged the night before.I am in daily expectation of the arrival of a pacquet of Banff and McDuff news & Juno which will raise my spirits but them I never lose.Has James got up his time if it is so I am happy; he must not come here.Is John sailed? with whom? to where?Who has got the McDuff practice now? Is the town flourishing under your new Lord.Concerning that schooling business; I mentioned to you on a paper it would not do. I am sorry for it. Mr. W. is like the majority, nay I may say like all the profession here dreadfully poor. His practice is £500 a year, and we cannot collect above a third of it. This place is in a shocking state of Poverty & Extravagance, of Opression and Deception.If I get a country situation I will write you with particulars immediately. If not I will mention it also. I will not continue here long. Was ever any of our Family afflicted with Scrofula?Remember me to Grandmother (&c ut antea) Al. Elder and all Friends here are well –Mr Murray & George desire to be mentioned.

Believe me AS

Page 33To My Father and Mother on engaging with Mr Gutch

Letter 8th London May 1st 1814My D.P.What language can paint the sensations I experienced on reading your kind, your most affectionate letter! “Come home and recover your health my house and what I can afford are at your service.” O. my dear parents ten thousand thanks for this more than parental tenderness. I only regret that I can express my thanks in no other manner. Suffice it then to say that some day hence I hope to have the happiness of meeting you at your dear fireside, but I hope not in sickness.At present I think I will not trouble you; in other words I am Mr Smith at Mr Gutch’s Surgeon Wylop near Andover Hampshire. I have just engaged with the above Gentleman as visiting

assistant and to attend the practice of midwifery; there is no shop our farthest round is 7 miles and I have a horse at call there are no other surgeons in the village which they say is retired and beautiful. The salary is £30 yearly, it was formerly £25. I have been in Mr Watsons house lately at £25 and indeed this is the most that is given.This is all I know of the situation at present (Monday.) I leave London on Wednesday morning the distance is 80 miles You’ll se it in the map in Hants or Hampshire up the country from Spithead. I would have defered writing until I had seen how I liked it but your anxiety is so kind and great that I could not debar myself the pleasure of sending you the earliest information.Now by Mr Gibbs interest the person whom Mr Laird recommended me to and whom I had utterly neglected, I was promised the first ship in the south-sea fishery expected to sail in about 6 weeks hence The wages I believe are tempting: however when I see how I like Wylop for eight days I will write the owners for particulars. But I now write for your advice upon the subject which I expect at full length soon after my arrival at WylopShould George come to Spithead I will see him it being no great distance apparently. Bye the Bye how does his commission goI had 8 different “irons in the fire” at once for getting a situation when this new one by a strangers liking my manner gently stept in and put an end to all my hopes and fearsA month had I dangled attendance, occasionally, at apothecaries hall with 40 or 50 more sons of Asculapius, we were a whole week with only one address My health would never mend here I trust in God it will in the country. I continue as when I wrote you last.But your papers, until I receive your 1st letter Mr Elder will send you a courier weekly upon my account, they my dear father are but a poor return for your unexampled goodness.Should I have time at Wylop I will send you the particulars of my different applications for situations, which would very much devert you. You lament my leaving what you term a good situation; it would soon have left me. Mr Watson is among the poorest of the poor. He I am afraid will soon go he is deeply involved indeed.I am sorry fore George Mathison I am much afraid he is going the way of all living.Report me favourably to all Relations and Friends I beg my dear Mother will accept of my kindest thanks for her acceptable present pr Juno, it arrived in safety; they will be very useful in the country where I must wear bootsEver you Affectionate Son

A. SmithPage 37

Letter 9th

To my Father from Wallop June 1814My D.P.Yours of the 6th ult I have now before me received on the 14th. I thank you for the very wholesome advice it contains wrote in a manner which would have done honor to a Cicero. I think you are much improved in your writing since I left you (I think I hear you say I am sorry I cannot return you the compliment) it is really beautiful; however you are repaid for your trouble 82 Scholars? Have you enlarged your school? If not take care of your

lungs for the air must be so crowded I am now an advocate for free breathing which I may certainly enjoy here.My situation answers the expectations I formed of it or perhaps exceeds them. I shall endeavour to describe it to you as I have taken your advice in giving up the sea at present which I must confess I would have embraced.Wallop is a country village such as Rothiemay situated in a gentle valley and containing about 300 inhabitants; the houses are built in general of mud and small flints / there being no other kind of stone here / and thatched with straw.There are 6 or 8 brick houses which contain as many farmers. Our house is one of the best in the place; it belongs to Mr Gutch and is situated in the middle of a Garden about the size of yours on the north side of the valley, sheltered by a gentle rising from the North and open to all the other airts. The Surgery is in the house and opens to the South east. My room is on the first floorWallop is 7 miles from Andover a town rather larger than Fosyloan and 11 from Salisbury a City which I have not seen; about 20 from the sea and between 20 & 30 from Spithead and Portsmouth.Mr Gutch is about 50 years of age, pleasant but not so learned as Mr Watson, with whom I correspond by his desire. Mr Gutchs family consists of a Wife with a good mind but spoiled by volatility of conversation and rather a trifling manner; A Son at present studying at the London Hospital, when his studies are complete he takes his fathers business; he is consumptive. A daughter about 21 the picture of health a stout blooming country lass of very accomplished agreeable manners; A man and maid servant; your unworthy son; two capital horses; a goldfinch and a grey cat.This I think is a faithful account of our family.I am very fortunate in meeting with kind employers: at this time I was engaged by Mrs Gutch & Mr G. junr. Mrs G. is I suppose on this account more attentive to me. Mr Gutch seems to be always pleased with my endeavours. I should rather he would tell me of any fault I committed that I might correct it afterwardsMy predecessor was about 40 years of age; his salary was £25 a year. When I engaged I was careless as I had the boy age in view and upon that account would not accept of less than £30. And indeed I will require the most of it. Boots I must wear constantly and my other dress in proportion as we live in the first stile of elegance, and I am not considered as a servant being present – at all their parties I assure you I require all my manners.Now my patients: I have had rather upwards of 40 who are all in the land of the living. Some of the cases have been very several others trifling Upon an average I have rode 10 miles a day, some days 20 miles without being at all fatigued, but I do not now ride the old white horse I darsay I am as well riding on horseback as at anchor. I am treated in every respect as one of the family, except my washing which I give out to the same woman who washes for them and pay for it myself.

Do not let James come to London assure him from me that I made enquiries and learned that it is a bad business there: his indenture must be discharged at the end of 7 years or he will not be allowed to workWrite George if he take a place in any of the London Coaches that pass thro’ Andover from Spithead he will be set down at our garden door for about half a Guinea.Is it not time that John were getting into a Brig or Ship? I really think in a year or two there would be a prospect for a Surgeon in McDuff. I think as soon after I see 21 as possible I shall return to Scotland if my health is pretty good, but I had almost forgot that subject: since I came here I have got very con-[Ed. Note: Letter ends mid-sentence at this juncture.]Page 42

Letter 10thTo Mr George Smith2 London in answer to one offering me the perusal of some BooksMy Dear Sir Wallop October 1818Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upwards, believe me it is with heartfelt sorrow I learn that you have had your share of it. That infernal disease has really tormented you dreadfully, but I sincerely hope you are now well. I am sorry for the failure of your hade speculation but I think the disappointment may turn out to your advantage.Would you not rather settle in Caledonia? I should much fear an impairment of your health were you permanently to remain in the City. I feel sorry for your loss of Gold and think had I been near you it might have been lessened, but do not suppose yourself the only cheated mortal for remember Apothecaries are like woodcocks. nor deceive yourself with the idea of your being the only object of disappointment for know that I too have felt the rod of late: The morning that brought me your acceptable letter also gave me one from a friend in London with the offer of a Southsea Surgeonship; with rapture would I have again mounted the coach and bid adieu to Wallop and all its beauties. I accepted it with the proviso of 14 days to rig out, otherwise I desired him to decline it, and the return of post brought me the vexatious tidings that the Ranger was to sail in 3 days, and he had consequently declined it.I shall expect another appointment in the spring when I shall have the happiness of meeting you otherwise expect to see me the 1st of May as Mr Wm Gutch then settles in Wallop. Bye the by have you been paid for Mr Gutchs paper.You can form no idea of my life by your fagging think upon my sitting constantly / when at home / with the family every day and fore night in company with the lovely loving and beloved Eliza, quarrelling and receiving pardon from one of the sweetest mouths, O send me a receipt for lip salve and the method of applying it! But you “will send me the reading of any book” for heavens sake do! I’ll give you a thousand thanks and twopence if I ever I am worth as much.If you have not repented your rank promise let me have Dr Syntax & Thinks I to myself; those and /or/ any other which you are pleased to trust me with, shall be taken the utmost care of

2 George Smith & Alexander Elder started a bookstore at 158 Fenchurch St London in 1816, which eventually became the publishing company of Smith, Elder & Co. Other references to Alex Elder in Letters 3, 5, 7, 8, 51, etc.

and returned at the very time you are pleased to appoint; by sending half a dozen together the carriage will be no higher than one.The heavenly Eliza fervently wishes for a Father as he should be & I for the Post Captain, but we leave to your decision whether such beggars should be gratified mention the time you would wish them returned and depend upon my punctuality.To Mr Watson & Family give my utmost respectful compliments. To the kind Anna my very fervent thanks and professions of esteem. To the Lioness my food wishes + tell me if Charles is recovered, and to the Elder of the Drakes my narrow brim’d wishes for his growth in grace.Accept thou of the sincere regard of your &c AS

Page 45Letter 11th

To Mr Gibb, London, on receipt of a letter from him with an offer of the situation of Surgeon in the Southsea Fishery.My dear Sir, Wallop, Oct. 15th 1814Your most obliging letter of the 13th inst I have this moment received. My Gratitude is inexpressible.I beg leave to know when the ship sails, and as I am well treated here I should likewise be glad to hear the terms, and the last minute allowed me to fit out; if there is above ten days from this date I empower you to accept of the situation of Surgeon of the Ranger for one voyage to the Southseas.Were I to come to London to day I would inevitably lose this situation and perhaps the Ranger might be sailed before my arrival.If that vessel will go without me is there any other sails soon?A letter requires two days before it can be received here from London but I can be with you in 12 hours from this place as the coaches pass the door. Should there be sufficient time allowed for my acceptance I will require Jackets Trowsers &c. but I daresay you cannot make have then made until my arrival in Town.I trust you will not lose a minute my dear Sir in writing me as you will easily conceive my anxiety to learn my fate.With most since thanks I ever &c. – AS

Letter 12th

To my Father & Mother October 5 1814 WallopOn this day last year my dear Parents I left you with many anxious hopes & fears By casting a retrospective glance upon those 365 days I think I have just cause to be grateful for my present happiness; this is a precarious life, the more narrowly I pry into it the more incidents I find to support the assertion that “Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upwards! How have you passed this lapse of time? I hope in a mild serene way. I have been sometimes gay and sometimes thoughtful for,

Tho’ troubles every where abound And oe’r our pleasures roam Sure never yet a grief was found Like suff’ring far from home. I think these lines are correct yet I don’t know that they are altogether applicable to me for I presume I will live but short time if I do not meet with more uneasiness than I have hither too known.Time flies I believe I shall l soon see the completion of my 18 year it is therefor time I were becoming free from Ambiguity and assuming the stern sedate wrinkled brow; I can assure you this place is admirably adapted for reforming the unsettled. Between the Summer house and Surgery I have sat reading; Anatomising, Medicating and Chemifying my Brain, so that I suppose you will now be applying the epithet crack brained to that son whom 18 months since you had cause to consider a foolish idle unruly boy Whether the change is for the better or worse I shall leave you to determine and merely say that there is a time for all things.I shall now collect my scattered senses in order to answer your kind and most acceptable letter of the 24 August ult; the contents were read with eagerness.I felt particularly pleased by your assurance that all friends were in good health; at Georges continuing in HM Service and James remaining in Scotland. Excuse my mentioning (presuming it may have escaped your political eye) that 1000 tars who have passed for Lieutenants are to be immediately comissioned. If this is correct I should hope George has a chance of being the 999 at farthest. But where the deuce is the Chevily got to? The irish channel has much need of her prowess.I am very grateful for your permission to go to sea; I was anxious for it because I have a correspondent in London who had just wrote me that I was again promised the first vacancy in the south sea service, and I positively would not have accepted it without your consent.I agree with you in thinking that the voyage is rather hazardous at present but I think the Yankees will soon be drubbed Was not there Capital city nobly defended? Our countrymen Cochrane, Ross & Cockburn I am told did their duty.Should any offer of an appointment take place be assured of my immediately comunicating to you the particulars I am an advocate for variety but have no immediate intentions of leaving Wallop. My practice will be tried during the dreary winter nights, but I was never formed for standing behind a counter and must cover myself the better when necessity requires my exposure. Your Banff Doctors are pretty fellows I must confess when you are pleased to accept of my services professional exertions I shall tread in John Whytes steps I make but an unpromising beginning you will think when you read that I have been 12 months from home and have sunk £10 sterling!If you wish it I can transmit an account of every item until the 3d of April ult. when bad health made me drop my cash book and want of time has presented my resuming it.I am &c ---

Letter 13th

To Mr George Smith, London on returning his BooksMy dear George, Wallop, Jany 1815

The pleasure of addressing you is much diminished by the recollection of the many obligations I owe you. Believe me I shall ever be grateful but at present I can say no more on the subject.Accompanying this you will find some of your books but I fear not in the state you sent them. That red haired angel I mentioned has spoiled Enui considerably, however, any that are not saleable please retain for me and when I have the pleasure of meeting you I will pay for them. I shall retain Germany, the Cottages of Glenburnie & the Paragraph until the 1st of May.Miss Gutch has felt much entertained by the perusal of them, she has read the greater number She is a most accomplished creature but sick, sick, tired of Wallop – no wonder it is a dull place for a young girl of her sense and manners.I have enclosed a letter for Sandy which I trust he will peruse directly.News my dear George you need not expect from this quarter. Sir H Mildmay has reduced his rents 25 p ct. Sir C. Mallet is dead, he had a beautiful estate here and requested to be buried on the top of a high hill on it.The Farmers are rendered almost desperate.We are very busy indeed I am therefor under the necessity of concluding. &c –

Letter 14th

To my Father with prescription for my MotherMy D F Wallop April 1st 1815I am ashamed of my inattention to my dear mother in delaying to answer your last letter received in course and can only offer the usual futile excuse excess of business and consequent want of time.Forgive me for remarking that your detail of the symptoms of my mother’s disease does not entirely satisfy me: Appetite, Bowels, Fever, Pulse, Tongue &c are all overlooked is it possible my dear Father by your account of the local affliction to form a correct opinion of the disease? indeed it is not but from a recollection of my Mothers constitution and habits of life, I am included to believe that the affliction of the head is to be attributed to a diseased state of the constitution in general and of the digestive organs in particular – upon this presumption I sugest the subjoined prescription as worthy of an impartial trial. The night pills ought to be continued for some time, the other medicines may be left off when the strength and appetite are restored.Conjointly with the medicines it will be necessary to attend to the diet and regimen. Two cups of Coffee with an egg and bread or toast with butter for breakfast – Mutton, Fowls, Bread Pudding & light fresh fish may be eat freely but salt fish to be abstained from Tea, broths, and all warm liquids to be used very sparingly Gentle exercise, and warm and dry feet; bathing the feet with warm salt water I have found extremely useful but my mother is aware that I must not recommend it except more minutely acquainted with her present state.The existing affliction is I hope not alarming but recollect she had an attack last year which was only paliated, and if you allow the system to be relaxed & debilitated by repeated sickness, is it not natural to suppose that each succeeding attack will be productive of more serious mischief.

If the medicines prescribed should disagree, the dose may be diminished or any alteration made; they ought not to cost you above 2/So George is returned to auld Scotia again; I am very happy of it in some respects, but do not depend implicitly upon Mr K & R – Mr K. repeatedly promised that he would strain every nerve to get me a situation last year & I have every reason to believe that he never made any enquiry!I sincerely wish my Brother every success convinced that he deserves it.I suppose James is gone when? by what ship? I am truly pleased to enumerate Hellens Choice among my cousins I shall feel obliged by your telling me his christian name and that of his Farm.The recovery of my old instructor and his amiable wife gives me great pleasure.And now what do you think of your friend Boney? We pay him the tribute for admirably duping and outwiting them all; and consider a new war inevitable.I fear it will give a check to my South sea project. I daresay I could get into the Navy but I might as well consent to be buried alive.I hope you have received your quills; I have not yet heard from Alr Elder since there were sent offI feel concerned for your pecuniary embarrasments but let us hope for better times, your struggle is surely almost over.How and where is George Mathison?Is Pirie still alive?I have no letter from Dr Joseph.Did you put two wafers in your last letter? it had evidently been opened and sealed again.I have a letter from sweet little Jack London he tells me they were taken &c; but you no doubt have the particulars from his own pen. I have by his request written to day as I intend being in London by the end of next week in all probability I shall have the pleasure of seeing him.Mr Gutch Junr has been returned some time.I am just come from White Parish Wilts, having been there for some days taking care of a Surgeons Practice (a friend of Mr Gutches) who was in town, and am happy to say I acquited myself with eclat. The business is about £700 p annum consequently I was pretty much engaged, having no assistance as the Surgeon went to London with his apprentice to make him a member of Apothecaries hall.I am &c –Night PillsTake of, Blue Pill 48 Grains

Ipecacuanha 12 GrainsTo be mixed and divided into 12 equal pills.One to be taken every other night.Tonic PillsTake of Compound Pills of Iron 32 ½ divided into 36 equal pills.Tonic MixtureTake of, Gentian Root 32

Orange Peel 3Bruised Cloves 3 ½Put these into a pint of boiling water and allow them to remain for four hours, then strain and take a small wine glassful with 2 of the Pills 3 times a day.

Letter 15th

To my Brother John on his arrival in the Britannia after being captured by the Macedonian American PrivateerMy dear Jack, Wallop, April 7th 1815Your affectionate letter gave me great pleasure. I join with you in thanking the wise disposer of events for your happy return and escape from durance vile even though it would have been of short duration. I think the Macedonians acted honourably in allowing you to retain your cloathes and hope the Doctor will not be a loser by the capture. I intended leaving this place for London tomorrow morning but Mr Gutch begs me to remain with him another week, which I shall do, and at the expiration of that time shall have the happiness of embracing my dear Jack who may believe me his affectionate brother. AS

Letter 16th

To Messrs Jacobson and Biddome London requesting their PatronageGentlemen / Wallop April 7th / 15Your kindness in obtaining for me the situation which Mr Gutchs return obliges me to quit, and a consciousness of having done my duty while here embolden me to beg your protection and interest once more.I apprehend I am presuming too far but your kind assurances at the period of my engagement with Mr Gutch and the generous treatment which through you I have received here will I flatter myself be accepted as an extenuation Mr G. begs his compliments and requests me to say that you will oblige him by endeavouring to procure me an eligible visiting situation and further that any enquiries into my conduct and abilities since I have been with him he will answer immediately. If among your extensive professional conexions a desirable place should obtrude upon your notice may I beg the favour of your interest?Mr Gutch requests me to add that want of time prevents him from addressing you I intend remaining at Wallop for 8 or 10 days longer, where any applications addressed to Mr G or me will meet with immediate attention I am Gentlemen your much obliged and very &c

Letter 17th

To my Father on my Brother James’ marrying without his consent.My d F. London April 25th 30th / 15My mind has been goaded by the most lively emotions of sorrow since I received our last letter, partly on account of James inconsiderate folly, but more from the disastrous effect it has had upon you and my dear Mother, and upon your pecuniary affairs. But my father must make

allowance for the passions and thoughtlessness of youth; yet more; you who have braved the cannons mouth and dangers of the deep who have been soaring in prosperity and plunged into adversity in short whos whole life has been a verification of the proverb that man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward, that you are so sensibly affected by this far from novel proof of mans ingratitude and blindness to his own interest both astonishes and afflicts me.I trust ere this time your abhorrence has given way to cool reflection & reason, if not I entreat your forgiveness for my poor misguided brother and that you will get deign to bless him and his choice however unworthy she may be – but she is far from unworthy, I knew her by sight, in Banff and ever observed her strictly decent industrious and clean; and have been creditably informed by my friends here, that she is in every respect a meritorious young woman. If you consider these circumstances with the impartiality I have done, I think you will agree with me, that poverty is likely to be the only unfortunate result of this thoughtless alliance my brother was fond of company he will now have it at home, he is gone to a country where domestic economy is rare and lodging expensive his home will now / I am bold enough to infer, be economical, comfortable and engagingBelieve me I am far from approving of early marriages among the poorer classes of the community they generally entail upon their victims lasting embarrassments. My reasoning is the effusion of inexperienced and of anxiety for the peace of a family to whom I am so nearly and dearly attached.But I shall change the subject to my eldest brother, and forgive me for expressing my doubts of these peoples sincerity in promising him a ship, and for advising him to make other applications with discrimination and secrecy; I shall be happy to find myself mistaken on the subject by a letter in course.I hope you have Jack with you by this time I found him encircled by health tar and rays! I feel sincerely pleased at my mothers recovery, but would advise a continuance of the night pills prescribed in my last.Your quills &c were sent p Juno sailed April 23d I am sorry for the newspapers being charged, there were two or three words wrote on each but do not tell Fraser so. I will thank you for Hellen Riddochs address.Did James make any Trunk at McDuff? if so what dimensions are they?Now to myself, last and least: The company who appointed me to the Ranger last year have again favored me with an assurance of the first ship expected to sail in 6 weeks, but perhaps it will be more; she will be nearly 2 years out.The wages are about £100 a year. In the interim I shall endeavour to procure a situation in London and if I cannot effect my purpose I will rather live upon bread and water than lose the chance of the voyage. but I expect your advice upon the subject. I have strained every nerve for the last fortnight to get immediately to sea but all my efforts have been unavailing, and onshore the prospects are truly discouragingI have attended change, Loyds, Robt Wilson has exerted himself for me, every East india and Southsea owner have been tried, but all to no purpose This south sea voyage is by far the best prospect that I can have, until I have attended the London Hospitals for 1 year and passed the

hall I wrote you fully in the beginning of this month to it you owe me an answer which I shall expect in course at full length, and when any fresh change occurs to me I will immediately inform you. Believe me My DF. Increasingly devoted to you ASAddress toMr Smith care of Mr Elder 158 Fenchurch street London

Letter 18th

To my Father on my arrival at High WycombMy d.F. High Wycomb, Buck’s May 30.15I wrote to you from London on the April to which I beg leave to refer in it I requested an immediate answer and it is with the utmost anxiety and surprise that I remain without any accounts from youYour last letter is now before me, I find it dated 3d April; this is a long interval and circumstances as you then were, naturally occasioned the most heartfelt anxiety such indeed as I have never before known, it is in your power, by an answer in course to unveil the mystery, and until the arrival of it I shall suffer on the rack of impatience.I believe I exhausted my consolatory sentiments in my last letter, and would willingly hope that you have now no need of commiseration: In whatever state you are, your undeserving but highly favoured 3d son had never such cause for triumph and never had less inclination to enjoy it; but I flatter myself that you will ease my fears by a speedy and explanatory letter.I now drink wine with the right worshipful the Mayor of Wycomb! but I do not drink only with him – I enjoy his friendship confidence and company and likewise that of the Mayoress & visitors including clergymen &c.But to solve the enigma I have acted as assistant to Wm Rose Esqr. Surgeon Mayor of Wycomb for the past week and am now treated as his friend.I shall give you a Journal of my proceedings since my last wherein I mentioned that the prospects on shore were truly discouraging, they were so, however on the 3d May there was an assistant wanted at apothecaries hall for Mr Rose. The Rev Mr Cambell came to the hall where were about 25 or 30 of us waiting, my triumph was complete. I wrote to Mr Rose and received an answer that from the opinion of his friend and the tenor of my letter he had every reason to believe that I would suit him, he regreted much not having it in his power to come to town that week but he would appoint a place to meet me in the ensuing week; this did not satisfy me entirely; next day I went to the hall and found another address for Mr Jukes vauxhall, I found I had been preceded by a great many (almost 40) one of whom he had prefered but not entirely engaged: to cut short the last was first and the first last, he engaged me proved himself a most amiable man but no Surgeon and I found that the whole duties of Chemist, Druggist, Pharmacopilist, Dispenser, Physician, Surgeon, Apothecary and Man Midwife devolved upon me!Upon engagement I had written to Mr Rose saying that from; from the uncertainty of his being pleased with me upon an interview &c I had declined the honor he intended me.

Three days after Mr Cambell took the trouble to come to town on purpose and described the situation in such glowing colours, offered me 5 Guineas more than Jukes and invited me to breakfast next morning “to discuss the subject” of course my reasoning was futile with such an opponent; he overcame as every parson ought to do.I lived long enough with Jukes to gain his affections completely and he assured me if I at any time would return to him he would discharge an angel to make room for me!My objections were: to drudgery, confinement, want of real practice, his want of knowledge and the low society which his poverty obliged him to keep.This town is one of the most delightful in the west of England, the society superior, and the duties of my situation pleasure; but I expect to be appointed to a South sea Ship in a month when I must leave this much loved shore,Never perhaps to see auld Britain more!I am M D P &c AS

Letter 19th

To W. Bennett Esqr. Rotterhithe, on his appointing me Surgeon to the South Sea Ship Sir Chs, Price.Sir / High Wycomb, Bucks, June /15I am favoured with yours of yesterday, and beg leave to offer you my sincere thanks for the honor you have confered upon me; it now remains for me to prove myself deserving of your partiality.I intend being in Town on Thursday next when I shall wait upon you and swear fidelity in person I am SirYour most obliged & very faithful Servt

W. Bennett Esqr

[Ed. Note: Pages 67-70 in journal are missing, comprising all of Letter 20 & part of Letter 21]. . . of Dr John your worthy brother and his amiable spouse believe me Sir it gave me unfeyned pleasure to hear that the whole family are healthful and happy.The ship Sir Charles Price to which I am appointed is destined for the south sea islands, the object of the voyage I am happy to say is Spermaceti & Sperm Oil The climate is warm; constant intercourse with the natives; and fresh provisions while on the fishing station. The monthly pay exceeds £7 besides perquisites.The Captn is part owner, intelligent, polite and agreeable. The ship is 400 Tons, coppered and armed; The crew 25 to 30 men.The length of the voyage about 2 years.The owners find whatever medicines Instruments &c I consider necessary.These are particulars which I think may amuse you and if any material alteration take place and an opportunity occur you shall hear from me.

The voyage to the south sea ice or train oil fishery is only superior to the Greenland in its longer duration I consequently am fortunate in getting into a trade so very superior in involvement and pleasure. It would have increased my happiness to have heard from you previous to my departure, but I apprehend we shall be off before your letter could reach London.It will be nearly 3 weeks before the Sir Charles sails.With sincerely respectful compliments to Dr & Mrs & Miss Whyte Mr John Smith, in short my Banff friends in general if you will take the trouble. I am My dear Sir, yours very sincerely, AS

Letter 22d To my Father on my departure from BritainMy d.F. Off Gravesend Kent, July 13. 1815We had a pleasant passage to this place from London yesterday morning; we shall remain here till tomorrow morning. The Sir Charles Price will then leave the Thames and our next landing place will be Deal, after discharging the supernumerarys as Pilot rigger &c we shall proceed to the great south sea and if possible fill our frigate of Spermaceti and Sperm oil and then return to old Albion most likely after two years absence but perhaps we may appear soon after the expiration of 18 months.The duration of the voyage is immaterial to me for I am perfectly comfortable in every respect.Imperious necessity obliges me to beg that you will request George to pay Mr Gibb 188 Ratcliff high way the sum of £2.11 in about 2 or 3 months hence; believe me your poverty affects me much and I assure you I am sorry to think I should have created the least uneasiness by my last letter. I would not have required the execution of my brothers benevolence had it not been for the interposition of unforeseen expences towards the last day of my outfit. He will find owing my bill for bed and bedding only /£2.11/ which, thank God is the full amount of my debts.Mr. Bennett handsomely advanced me £10 sterling £6.8 of which was previously owing for a suit of cloathes which I was obliged to have in May last. the remainder was barely sufficient to provide me with cheap necessaries.The pay of a South sea surgeon is £5.5 per month that of ships steward a guinea the latter is merely nominal in this small ship.The voyage is considered free from danger; the weather being always good.Our ship is beautiful and very fast.I entered upon pay on the 10th ult.The Captn and the 1st officer are very intelligent and agreeable. The 2nd officer is apparently a good steady sailor, and my accommodations are ellgable and healthy.I do not recollect and farther particulars worth reciting and shall therefor conclude by subscribing myself affectionately, dutifully, and eternally yours. ASPresent my sincerest love to George and all Relations.

Letter 23d To my Father and Mother after my arrival in the North Pacific Ocean

My D.F. & M. Ship Sir Charles Price of Moratay3

December 15 1815 Lat. 2d N Long 130 EastThe ship Fredric of London Captn Allen being about to depart for London, I willingly avail myself of the opportunity, to inform you that I am still in the world, tho’ I am at a loss to find whether it be the same terraqueous sphere you live in.We have been cruising these 6 weeks on whaling ground and have not yet had any success; in whaling language we are a clean shipThe weather is not exactly so hot here as to set the ships on fire, but the skin rises into blisters whenever the surface is exposed to the solar rays, add to this the nocturnal effluvia off these infernal cannibalian islands and the terrifically tremendous thunder and lightning which daily threatens the very existence of nature, and you will agree with me in saying we are in a hell upon earth and will no doubt be surprised to learn that I am well; I will not say in the highest health and spirits for that would be false, but I eat hearty sleep well and get fat.Our outward passage was favourable, we touched at the cape de verd islands for fresh provisions, and arrived at New Holland on the 7th Nov. after having been as far south as 41° where the cold is almost as intense as in 82 North.The fishery has been very unsuccessful during the past year and sickness, deaths, desertions and quarrels have been numerous among the ships companies, several of whom have been put on shore, where in all probability death will soon end their sorrows for on some of these islands no Europeans will live for any length of time.Our crew are admired for their healthy appearance and it gives me pleasure to have it my power to say that we have lost none.In all probability we shall have a long voyage most likely in the summer of 1817 you may expect us till then my dear Parents my health happiness and prosperity be your inmates and compensate you for the absence of your sincerely affectionate and dutiful son. AS

Letter 24th

To my Father and Mother from the Fishing Station My H.P. Ship Sir C Price Strait of Timor

July 14 1816I had the satisfaction of addressing you in December 1815 by the ship Fredric, but as I cannot assure myself that you received that letter, I again avail my self of an opportunity which the departure of the ship Inspector now offers to repeat the most essential parts of that epistle, that I continue in perfect health to love and honor you, and to pray that health hand in hand with prosperity may long attend you, and that the rays of happiness may shade their full influence upon your declining years.

As for me more I see of this world the more convinced I am of the futility of all ideas of sublunary happiness; there are several stages in it between misery and felicity & surely in one 3 Moratay is mentioned in several 19th century whaling texts. It is part of the Spice Islands and present-day Indonesia.

of the lowest of these stands a young man who is separated from all he holds dear in the world without even the pleasure of their correspondence or that of any scientific being. in this description you will easily have your sons situation nor do I far overstep the bounds of truth by acknowledging myself to be the object.My Creator and my books however prevent me from despair, and these are now the principal objects of my attention, I am far from unhappy and were it not for the anxiety which is perceptible in ever one about me occasioned by the unsuccessful state of the fishery I might perhaps be in spirits.Never was there such a deficiency of whales here, and even the few we do see are so restless and cunning that after whole days pursuit under the most unsufferable sultry heat, the poor fellows return fainting with fatigue hunger and thirst; their skins perhaps in one continued surface of inflammation their hands torn by the oar and sit down to their scanty meal of salt pork and biskuit and this with a glass of rum is their sole reward for days of unexampled toil!

Perhaps their meals half finished when we are assailed by a squall; all again are obliged to exert themselves to save the ship from destruction; the sails are all taken in; the wind blows a hurricane and the rain decends in cataracts upon their lacerated bodies!this continues perhaps for half an hour and then the sails are to be replaced in their proper stations; this done one half retires to rest, whilst the other must watch till midnight, and then only 4 hours sleep are allowed them to prepared for the fatigues of the ensuing day! Many of them have been sick but the robust constitutions of men inured to hardship have triumphed over disease.We have been in Port since I wrote you. Kema in the island of Celebes was the place where I enjoyed one week of reasonable society under the roof of I.N.L. Ayres Esqr Governor.I there met the Governor of Monado, Celebes W.G. Mackenzie Esqr & J. Cursham Esqr cheif magistrate of Celebes both leaned and clever men very rich whose friendship at a future period may be of use to me. From this extreme corner of the world you need expect no news our voyage is likely to be long God knows how long! /that sequel is wanting/.

Letter 25th

To my Father and Mother from TimorShip Sir C Price Timor Straits Sept. 29 1817

My D P.By this time I suppose you have given up all thoughts of me, nor indeed can I blame you considering the length of time since I last wrote.However to convince you that I am still alive as well as to reassure you of my unceasing duty I have taken the advantage of the only opportunity that has occurred since July last year / the date of my last letter / when I represented the unsuccessful state of the voyage and predicted but too certainly its great length: deceived by the confident assurances of the whaless at our departure I expected to be home in 18 months, experience has taught me to double that period and I now have reason to think that we shall not reach England before May 1818.

As you probably will not receive this much before that time I shall not enter into particulars of the voyage it has been unfavourable owing cheifly to the incompetency of our boatsteerers.We have now on board 195 tons the produce of 78 Spermaceti whales, 50 tons more are wanted to fill the ship however we cannot remain here above two months longer for want of provisions.Our crew have been very unhealthy; none have died; at present we are all tolerably well.I am truly anxious to hear of you, not having the last account of any of the family since I left London I beg you will not be uneasy on my account; rest assured the preservation of my health shall be my cheif care knowing the value of that blessing.That you my dear Father and Mother may be enjoying that and every other comfort is the sincere prayer of your very dutiful son. AS

Letter 26th

To Mr Barber Surgeon, Ship InspectorMy dear Sir, Timor Straits May 1816I am glad to find that the Inspector has once more given me the opportunity of addressing you for I must confess your late manoeuvres gave me very little reason to expect the condecension.What the deuce has made you so saucy of late? when ever the Sir Charles has directed its prow towards you, you have decamped with as much expedition as if you were afraid of our superior prowess. However since we have once more met I trust you will avail yourself of the occasion to inform me, whether your health is yet perfect? when you expect to leave this part of the world? and what advances your Portuguese patient has made towards recovery?I have nothing to communicate worthy of your attention excepting the Quack Doctors effusionBelieve me my dear Sir yours very truly ASI am sorry to hear that you have lost a patientWas there any peculiarity in the case?

Letter 27th To J. Gertner Esqr H.I.C. Resident at Booro one of the Mollucca Islands on the ship leaving the Port.Dear Sir Ship Sir C Price, Booro Bay, Feby, 1817Having now a little more leisure and an opportunity of offering I cannot leave this place without again returning thanks for your generous attention to me during the time I had the honor of being your guest; believe me Sir I shall ever gratifully remember your kindness and should it be in my power to make an adequate return it will give me much pleasure.I send a little test for bad gold; if I have failed in performing any other promise believe me it has been from defective memory.Present my respectful compliments to Miss Charlotte Gertner and believe me Dear Sir yours &c AS

Letter 28th

To Mr Barber Surgeon South Sea ship Timor on a patient of his whom I had visited.My dear Friend, S.C Price off Moratay Decr 1816I have to acknowledge receipt of yours of last night, and to congratulate you on the amendment of your patient, Taylor.I am glad you have begun with the Hydrayyrus in the ease of the Ralph; There is evident derangement in the Hepatic Organs and I am of opinion that the stimulus of a course of Mercury will prove the most beneficial remedy, and Calomel from its aperient power appears to be the most eligible preparation.I have found the following formula prove a powerful alterative and deobstruent: Ry Hydraz. Lubmuriatis Pulvis Antimonialis ā ā gr ÿ Copibee g.s. fiat pilulan onni nocte hora somne sumendus.This has been continued for 3 or 4 weeks and should it produce more than 2 evacuations per anum in 24 hours a little opium may be added.A Bitter infusion with a proportion of Carbon Ammon. poves a better auxiliary than Cinchona.I shall feel obliged by your informing me by every opportunity what progress he makes towards recovery.I really am much indebted to Stacy for his attention, the Seasons was always a favorite work with me, and it is doubly acceptable at this time from the scarcity of rational books.I think I shall be able to finish your Timor in the midst of a shoal of whales before Christmas, but these trifles are far from being worthy of the encomiums you pass.I felicitate myself with the hope of your company on Christmas day.I sent 4 books yesterday, of which you do not acknowledge receipt.I now send 4 bouyies being all I can spare; a gentleman at Monado had 6 of them.Captn Whitens will not part with the Ships Probes, however I am happy in being able to accommodate you with one of my own.If you can purchase for me some stationary as Paper, Pens &c I shall be greatly obliged to you but at the same time I will not deprive Stacy of any of his excepting he will allow of an adequate recompense.I am My dear Friend sincerely yours AS

Letter 29th

To Edwd P. Stacey a youth of fallen fortune on board the Ship Timor, on returning a letter of advice from his brother which I had perused.Dear Stacey Ship Sir C Price off Wether May 1817A virtuous mind like yours tutored by the maxims of such a brother, must one day become as he elegantly expressed it “an infinite satisfaction to your friends and a bright example to others. Few young men have had the advantage of such instructions and still fewer have had the good sense to receive them with the candour and attention which your conversations with me prove you have done; continue to pursue the tract painted out by so able a navigator, and fear not your arrival at the havens of respect and esteem from every good man

You have more consciousness of the beauties of virtue I am convinced, than to be deterred from her pursuit by the sneers of ignorance and envy by which you are surrounded, and I flatter myself bad example has long since lost its power over you ---

The remainder lost - -

Letter 30th

To Mr I. H. Westbrook Surgeon S.S.S. Ranger on a variance between him and the CaptainMy dear Westbrook, Ship Sir C Price off Timor Sept. 1817I do not know whether I am most surprised or afflicted by your last letter; so far from suspecting such an unpleasant occurrence, I had supposed you to be all harmony. It surely will not last! let me by your will conciliate as much as possible your feelings will permit (forgive my freedom) for they are so much used to obedience that the least indication of asserting virtue mortally exasperates them.I hope and trust your next favour will assure me of a complete reconciliation.I have not time to say much of the birds especially as I can so little justify our conduct in the affairYour obliging acknowledgements are grateful to me but I am wholly undeserving of any, for was I not the cause of all the uneasiness I had about the creaturesI thank you for introducing your brother I shall be proud of his acquaintance, but I fear my stat in London will be very short.Your generous and delicate offers especially of the trowsers claim my warmest thanks; believe me my dear Sir I would not fail to avail myself of them, were I in want, but I have abundance for the voyage having lately purchased of Captain Whitens some pieces of nankeenYou have a proud heart Westbrook, you will cowper reiterated favors without deigning acceptance of the least return.I believe you intend to flatter my poetical vanity by your praises of the Charless departure; Writing is to me a luxury, and if my thoughts are intent on any particular object, they flow unrestrained from my pen erga gratia the following trifle. *Surely we shall be allowed to take leave of each other, but I fear I have not power to bring it about.Should we not see each other again I have to reassure you that the pacquet entrusted to my care shall meet with every attention, and to add that I am My D.S. most faithfully yours - AS

* Dear Westbrook I part with regretAlthough I have home in my viewFor our friendship tho short in its dateIs reciprocal ardent and true.

I leave with you wishes sincereFor your health every comfort and blissMay you none of the inquietudes share

That attend on a voyage like this

May your Ranger be crowned with successMay pleasure enliven the whileBe you loved and esteemed in your messAnd friendship the interim beguile

Ere long may you steer for that home Where conjugal affection does reignAnd may sickness neer compel you to roamFrom your charming Eliza again

When ere I reach Albions shoreOn the wings of impatience I’ll flyTo inform the dear one you adoreThat for her you live languish & sigh

Heaven bless you dear Westbrook! Adieu!With sorrow I leave you behindMay the months of your absence be fewFrom your truly affectionate friend. AS

Letter 31st

To Mr C Barber Surgeon, Ship Timor, sent by Mr Westbrook Surgeon Ship RangerShip Sir C Price off Pantar

My dear Sir/ September __ 1817I have much pleasure in addressing you by Mr Westbrook, not only because he affords me an opportunity of reassuring you of my undiminished friendship, but also as I know you will be happy to enjoy the society of your old friend, who certainly appears deserving of the encomiums which you passed on him.I believe he is thoroughly acquainted with our motions it would therefor be superfluous for me to detail our various manoeuvres, but a few circumstances which may have escaped him you shall have:Whilst we lay in Batagude 2 of our portuguese deserted, inticed by the Commandant, in order that he might get the reward for their apprehension / it fell out accordingly, on offering 40 dollars for their recapture they were immediately produced.We have had no disturbance on board since that time which perhaps may be attributed to our success.The Aldermans’ Paunch contains 1560 Barrels of Sperm oil and head matter.We have got the greater part of our whales between Point mobaw and Ombay.

Sept. 23d. Spoke the ship Augusta of Boston N.A. / Captn Peurson / 46 days from Canton bound to Gibralter. The Chinese have murdered the mates of a country ship at Canton and plundered her of opium and 10000 Spanish dollars.Christie has lost his 2d mate, Philips, he slipt off the gunnel one day, in sight of the whole ships company who I am apt to believe assisted him only with their prayers. The seducing Siren has lost her power over her slaves for they desert her service by 4 at a time I have had the honor of treating 5 or 6 of them in various diseases, but Captn Peepa takes great care to send them always on board here, no doubt that his Sanctum Sanctorum may not be poluted by my unhallowed presence. We hailed 1170 barrels on 17 August. Our people have been very sickly since you left us,Ah! you left us! next morn I awoke but ne’re a friend was nigh to bless my longing eyes. To use the expression of a friend of yours we were as dull as be d___dTheres an indescribable enjoying something in Captn S’s manners as well as your own, that endeared you to us and left a void which new scenes leave but imperfectly filled.You know I disclaim all personal reflections, I have therefor none to make; I pass my days in silence my nights in sleep. Anticipating the happy period when I shall retread the banks of Thames, and sigh for the society of my friend and – But d___ sentiment – what have I to do with it!By Captn Parkers acceptance of my most respectful compliments.Let me be remembered in christian sincerity by your esteemed self, your fellow officers and Stacey.Et finio with a fervent wish that The Timor with speediest success crownedMay follow our Bark to air Britannias groundWhen plenty peace and pretty girls aboundI am my dear Sir, most truly yours – AS

Letter 32d

To Mynheer J Hazaart Governor of Coopang 4on receipt of a Diamond Brotch.Sir/ Ship Sir C Price Coopang Roads Octr. 9th.I have to return my most grateful thanks for the very handsome present you have sent me, and to assure you that I shall long keep it as a remembrance of the polite attention of Mr & Mrs Hazaart. I am Sir your very obdt servt. AS

Letter 33d

To my Father and Mother on our Arrival from the South SeaMy Dear Parents Ship Sir C Price off the Lizard Feby 10th 1818I am eager to announce our safe arrival after a boisterous passage.

4 Jacobus Arnoldus Hazaart was the “Resident” of Dutch Timor, 1814-1818. Kupang was the capital of West Timor.

My joy in again seeing my native country is much allayed by the uncertainty I am in concerning you, not having the least knowledge of any of the family since I left London.Time will not permit me to enter into the particulars of the voyage; we are 4 months from New Holland and 7 weeks from St Helena where we left Bonaparte in a very sulky humor, and complaining of ill health, he is employed in writing his own life.In whaling we have been rather unsuccessful and have brot home only 200 tons of Spermaceti and Oil. Have the goodness to write me by return of post and heaven grant that your letter may inform me that all my relations are well and especially my dear Father and Mother. Believe me yours &c AS

Letter 34th

To Mr. S. Westbrook, Surgeon 92 Broad Street, Ratcliff London, advising him of his Brothers welfare

Ship Sir C Price, off the LizardSir/ Feby 10 1818Time will but just allow me to inform you that my friend Mr. J H Westbrook was well /perfectly recovered / and very happily situated on board the Ranger on the 29th Septr. last.The Ranger was then in Wester Straits Timor bound to the Northward all well. 200 BarrelsI shall take the earliest opportunity of waiting on Mrs Westbrook and youBelieve me Yours &tc AS

Letter 35th

To my father and mother on my arrival in London17 Great Hermitage Street London

My d f & m/ Feby 25th 1818Last night brought me your most acceptable letter; I rejoice sincerely that you and all my relations are well. Your and their anxiety for my welfare do me much honor and I trust I shall never prove myself unworthy of all your lovesMy health is and has been very good with the exception of a small hard swelling on the bone behind the right ear which causes frequent head achs.Deep study and overreacting5 (?) the tumor / generally bring the head achs on, but at other times I am strong, healthy, and active.It grieves me to be under the necessity of disappointing your expectations of seeing me at this time I have often told you that 12 months study at some hospital was indispensably necessary before they will admit one to examination, whether Aberdeen or Dublin is it seems immaterial now, but the fact is unquestionable.But allowing me to settle at home, how should I succeed? I am young my appearance is even younger than my years, and my address and manners neither index deep learning nor a polite

5 Original text has been overwritten making the word very difficult to read!

education. so much for one side of the question; now, allowing me to get a tolerable practice, I lay / I toil night and day / I bow and thank a weaver for a halfpenny. in short I am that selfish being a frugal tradesman and all my reward at the years end is to find my travelers are upon me, while my own bills are either paid with muttering and unwillingness, or perhaps a person whose life I have under the almighty preserved, disputes my accompt and publises to the Scotish world that I am an ignorant extortioner.I know you too well, the country is poor and parts with a penny for pills with more reluctance than Mr Bennett parts with 6 guineas a month to his South Sea Surgeons.All these things thoroughly considered I have determined to make one more voyage, by which I shall gain years, much knowledge of the world and a little money.I have seen Mr Toovy, he has entered on trial as an apothecaries in Piccadilly, his manners are morose coarse and forbidding.I am vexed to hear that Mr Joseph Whyte has insulted you I hope you are independent of him and will treat him as he deserves with silent contemptI am glad to find that you have been able to get a share of the Resolution for George, but I wish it had been of a more worthy vessel. A vessel without copper is totally unfit for the tropic oceans. I rejoice at James’s success.I shall settle with Mr Elder and also send you down a little more paper and pens for which you will have the goodness to get made for me 3 pairs of pantaloons, 1 of them fine white handing, the others stout blue dyed in the worsted. At sea they are unequalled. Also half a dozn pairs of stockings strong handing – These are all I will trouble you for a present my dear mother.Mr Bennett & Captn Whitens both wish me to go another voyage but the time is uncertain for the ship we have come home in will sail in 5 weeks but a large new vessel which is just bought at plymouth will not be ready these 3 months.I think Captn W will take the latter and in that case I believe I shall attend a course of Lectures. You will have the goodness to get these things sent about as soon as possible for the Banff vessels are not worthy of the least dependence.You will now have the leisure to write me a full account of all events since my departure.My voyage is nearly £200. Advance £20 and 35pct interest on it – say 30 clothes on the voyage only - £5/165 as much as possible of which I shall place in the Bank of England in order to enable me to complete my studies on my return. I am my DP yours very dutifully AS

Letter 36th

To Mr J. Guthrie writer Edinburgh who I afterwards heard died about the time of its arrival there. My dear Guthrie, Feby 1818No sooner had I touched the shores of old England than I began to make enquiries after you my dearest my earliest friend, and believe me it gave me real joy to hear that you was still alive and well.

I have been to the South Sea since I wrote you and have seen many wonders, many countries, but never has the unsophisticated happiness which your company among the glens and woods of Deveron6 blessed me with been equaled, and in no place have I found the charms of nature, tho’ decked in all the luxuriance of tropical splendour convey to the soul the calm unsullied pleasure which the bleak hills of Caledonia did.We were absent nearly 3 years 2 of which were passed among the islands situated to the southeastward of India between New Holland and China.We have brought home about 200 tons of spermaceti and oil.The ship is named the Sir Charles Price a fine vessel of 300 tons burthen.We left St Helena on the 19 Dec ult when Bonaparte complained of sickness was very sullen, and busily engaged in writing his own life.If you have no entirely forgot me convince me of your friendship by writing me early, as I intend to leave England again for the South Seas.Believe me My Dear Guthrie unalterably yours. AS

Letter 37th

To my father on reengaging as Surgeon of the Ship Sir Charles PriceMy d.f./ 17 Great Hermitage St. March 7th/18I have delayed writing in order to be enabled to give you at once the account of my last fortnights proceedings. This day has however saved me the trouble by settling me again as Surgeon to the Sir C Price now Captn GardnerWe are bound to the Mollucca and adjacent Islands laying NE of New Holland; and will sail most probably in a fortnight.I have prefered this speedy departure on several accounts: Summer is not a fit time for study in London, I am not in a fit state for study and my studies will be more beneficial when I can take them uninterruptedly.I am astonished to find you so determined respecting Surgeons Hall; surely I who am on the spot, who pass evenings with members, and with young men, studying passing and passed, ought to know what knowledge is requisite, and I know also that it would be the height of presumtion in me to offer myself, without ever having studied Anatomy, without ever having attended a public hospital and in short without an education Academical or Surgical which give me any claim to a diploma.I know my abilities, I know them sufficient for the practice of all the Branches of the profession, but I know also that I am miserably deficient in theoretic and philosophical knowledge this can only be learned by long and laborious study in erudite classes; however I can only say that I am more anxious for the honor than any other person can be, and when I think I can conscientiously apply for it I will.Ten pounds 8sh shall be paid into the hands of Smith and Kemble, and the receipt sent to you immediately when I know my pay from Messrs Bennetts hands.

6 The River Deveron flows into the sea between Banff and Macduff.

My spare cash shall be placed in the Bank of Scotland and a will and power left in favor of you and my mother.Lord Fife would have been the very last person I would have pitched on at this period his behaviour Is not calculated to inspire either esteem or confidenceI have been confined with a Dysentery & Cold for 5 or 6 days, but am now recovering, I therefor have not seen Murray but shall certainly wait on him early.I am sorry you could have supposed that I wished my mother to make either pantaloons or stockings for me, I never dreamt of it. No I thought some of your poor neighbours, might have been glad of the employment and they certainly should have been well paid.Time will not all it now and I can only take the greater stock of London manufacture.I rejoice that you devote your time to your flower garden in much may be learned from every work of nature, and that in particular is well calculated to sooth the passions into morality.

(the conclusion wanting)

Letter 37th

To J. Prince Esqr Surgeon Tunbridge wells.Sir/ 17 Great Hermitage St March 1818I address you by desire of my friend Mr Beddonie who has informed me that you are in want of a professional assistant.As you must undoubtedly have applications from young men far superior to me in theoretic medicine and perhaps from several members of the College, I think it best just to inform you that I am not a member, that I have not attended the London Hospitals, and that during 6 years which have elapsed since the expiration of my apprentiship I have been unceasingly engaged in the most active duties of the profession in all its branches, at Greenland, in London, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, and lastly in a voyage to the south seas from which I have returned but a few days.I served an Apprentiship to two Brothers a Physician and Surgeon in the north of Scotland.If such an assistant possessed of steadiness and good moral character will suit you. I shall be proud to make trial of the situation; I would however mention that in my last situation in Buckinghamshire I had £35 p annum.I am Sir your most Obdt Servt AS

Letter 38th

To George Alexander Esqr Banff with a receipt £10 from me for Smith & Kemble LondonSir/ 17 Great Hermitage StIn transmitting to you the accompanying receipt, I have an opportunity of offering my sincere thanks for your generous attention to my Mother and Father.Allow me to beg that your friendship for the family may continue and I trust we shall never prove ourselves unworthy of your support.Have the goodness to advise my Father of this receipt.I am Sir, your very obdt servt –

Letter 39th

To the Governor and Coy7 of the Bank of Scotland on placing some cash in that BankGentlemen London 28th March 1818I have this day paid into the hands of Messrs Coutts and coy your agents here the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds; which sum I wish to place under your charge at the usual interest for 2 or 3 years, and in case of my death the said sum may be drawn by my Father, Mr Alexander Smith Schoolmaster in McDuff county of Banff according to my will left in his hands.As I sail in a few days for the South sea any acknowledgement with mention of the allowed interest you will please give me by return of post, addressed to Mr Smith, Surgeon 158 Fenchurch Street LondonI am gentlemen your very obdt servt.

Letter 40th

To Mr Beverly, Surgeon H M Ship Isabella8 one of the North Pole discovery ships, on his having called upon me to enquire the most successful treatment of Scurvy &c in the Arctic RegionSir/ 17 Great Hermitage St. March 1818I have to express my regret for the trouble you had in twice calling in my absence.The business consequent to a three years voyage has occupied my whole time since my arrival, so that excepting before ten in the morning I have seldom been an hour in the day at home.I called at 1 Duke Street on Tuesday last and found that Captn Ross had left his lodgings; I had therefor only this means left to say that all I know relative to the very interesting voyage on which you are about to embark, will be communicated with the greatest pleasure by letter, or should you again favor me with a visit I shall, at your appointment, most certainly be at homeI am Sir your very obdt Servt ASTo Mr Beverly

Letter 41.To Mr George Smith, London, an acknowledgement of receipt of a watch.Sir/ 17 Great Hermitage Street March 28th 1818I have just received the old watch and on my return from the South Seas will pay you three pounds ten shillings for it, should I not return at the expected time you will please inclose this note to my Father who will settle the ammount without further adviceI am my dear Sir Yours very truly AS

Letter 42.To my Father inclosing my willMy D.F./ 17 Great Hermitage Street March 1818

7 Appears to be an abbreviation for “company”8 The Isabella left London in April 1818, commanded by Capt. John Ross, on a voyage to explore Baffin Island.

I have the pleasure of your affectionate letter of the 23d ult and also of a pacel as per invoice, for which I beg my mother to accept of my most sincere thanks, as I did not ask for the shirts they are doubly acceptable, and most forcibly assure me of your kind attention.I beg you will take no more notice of the cash remitted, the sum should have been more worthy of your acceptance had my studies been completed.I enclose you a very necessary instrument in which I have appointed you my executor, and as we are all mortal, I have to beg that should death seize on the friend of Guthrie you will not lament him unnecessarily but remember that what the Almighty has given he can in his infinite wisdom resume, of course you will not open the will till that period.I have paid into the hands of Coutts and coy Bankers here £120 to be placed in the Bank of Scotland, and have wrote to the directors the method of its extraction in case of my death, so that you will have only to write to them and receive principal and interest. I however expect an answer from the directors and of the tenor I shall advise you.You are also empowered to draw from Bennetts whatever pay may be owing to me at my death and all my goods will be either sent down on the arrival of the ship, or will be forthcoming by applying to the CaptainThese little settlements do not in the least depress my spirits and I beg they will not draw a sigh from you. But it may be as well not to read them to my dear mother.I have engaged on the same terms as before £6.6sh pr month, but wages are so low that if I had not been wanted by another Captain I would not have got it.I offered to procure this other ship for Torry but he was afraid of the danger and could not leave his friends.I have got a very excellent young gentleman into the situation, and one whose grateful thanks amply repay me.I have taken some toys &c as trade; and hope to be able to make a few pounds by the venture.I shall certainly look out for seeds and flowers but do not remember any very beautiful flowers there.The present pay of an East india Surgeon is 5 to 6 £ pr month.If George Mathison wished to hear from me why did he not write me first?However you Scotch are so far out of the world that you scarcely know even the common forms of civility. Give my sincerest respects to his mother and assure her that I will write George if I have a moments leisure.I shall write you again before sailing which will be about this day week, but remember that you send up a letter every 6 months addressed to Mr Smith Ship Sir Chs Price, care of Mr Hartree Kings Mills Rotherhithe.With best love to whom due I am my d.f. your very dutiful son AS

Letter 43d.To my f. on sailing for the South Seas Dd VoyageMy D.F./ Gravesend April 11th 1818We arrived here this morning outward bound to the oriental Islands

I am tolerable well, and have high expectations of a pleasant voyage, from the amiable manners of our officers.I expected another letter from you, however I have to repeat my request that you will write me a letter every 6 months address to Mr Smith Surgeon Sir C Price, care of Mr Hartree Kings Mills Rotherhithe.I informed you in my last that I had paid £120 into the Bank of Scotland, before this you will have their receipt.I also enclosed my will, which I should have been glad to hear you had received.I have wrote my brother George to Mr Brodies care I have also written to George Mathison.I have taken a gold watch of Mr Smith 158 Fenchurch street to whom I have given a bill on my return £3.10sh or should that event not have taken place at the end of 3 years you will please pay the said sum.Off Mr Gibb 188 Ratcliff high way I have 4 dozn Cotton Handkerchiefs value £3.1.6. and altho he did not require a bill / they are on sale or return / I would not wish any one to lose by me. You will therefor write him if any accident should happen to me. My motive for this method of dealing is to receive the money for the goods before I pay for them and it also allows a larger sum to remain in the Bank.I have left no other debt; but I neglected to mention that I owe George for my last voyages bedding this you will please settle with him and charge the ammount to me.I shall write every opportunity; Bye the bye, I wrote by the Ship Sir Andw Hammond in Sept last, she is not yet arrived; so that should the letter reach you bearing an expensive postage you need not take it.I shall bid you Farewell! in the ardent hope of seeing you all in prosperity ere 2 ½ years have elapsed I am my d p. yours most dutifully ASLet me be kindly remembered to every old Friend.

Letter 44th

To Mr G. Sandy, Secty to the Bank of Scotland Edinburgh in answer to his.Sir. Ship Sir Chas Pric, Blackwell, 8 April 18I have yours (pr Mr Bennett) of the 31 March and approve of the receipt being transmitted to my Father as therein mentioned.I have called on Messrs Coutts, and find they advised you two days after the cash was paid.It may be proper to say that my name is Alexander Smith, my usual signature is AS: which letters you have divided by a full stop.I am Sir yours &c AS

Letter 45th To Mr George Mathison Surgeon, near HuntlyMy dear Sir/ Ship Sir Chas Price Blackwall April 1818My father in his last letter said you wished to hear from me; and altho’ this method of correspondence is rather uncommon I have determined to grant your request, both as it gives

me an opportunity of expressing my sincere joy at your success in life and in hopes it may induce you to favour me with a letter on my return.Without entering into a detail of our late voyage I have nothing interesting to communicate.I have seen Mr Torry, he has got a very good dispensing situation. I offered to get him a South seaman but he feared the danger, and also said his friends would not permit his leaving Britain so long I have since got a young English Surgeon into the ship and from my knowledge of the Captain and officers regret, that I had no Caledonian Friend that would have wished to pass 2 year in the Pacific Ocean.My health is rather impaired since my return the consequence of vicissitudes of weather, of change of diet, and fatigue in preparing for another trip.We are now ready for sea and will leave the Canal at 3 tomorrow morning.A mind not insensible to the beauties of nature may find many objects of scientific research in these voyages: the unexplored countries; the savage inhabitants; the Spermaceti Fishery; and Astronomical Navigation, are objects of perpetual amusement and of interest to one who wishes to glean knowledge of the world from the feild itself.You know I am no Philosopher I therefor will not expose myself to your criticism, but had I been blessed with the mind of Newton, and Education of Gregory, they should have been devoted to the pursuit of knowledge among the restless natives of the Oriental Islands. It gives me sincere pleasure to be able to say that your amiable manners have endeared you to your London friends, the Brodies, by whom you will be long remembered with real regard; they are well.May I beg to be mentioned to your Parents, your Sisters, particularly to my earliest and most esteemed female friend Mary, and your brothers with the affection which so close an intimacy may well produce, and 2 years hence may I have the genuine joy of seeing you all in health and prosperity.Believe me My dear Mathison very truly yours, AS

Letter 46th To Mr Brodie9, 17 Great Hermitage Street London with a letter for my Brother George.My dear Sir/ Ship Sir C Price Gravesend April 18.18I have again done myself the pleasure of addressing you. We have got a new Captain, named Foord, a Scotchman who bears a most respectable character; He is now here with his wife, and seems to be a rough honest Scotchman.He is certainly much superior to Gardner who I understand is now going about London cursing his follyI have enclosed a letter for my brother to be either sent or kept for him as you please.With warmest compliments to all your family and friends of my acquaintance I amMy dear Sir very truly yours. AS9 Various references indicate that the houses at 16 & 17 Great Hermitage Street were owned by the Broad-Street Ward School and the trustees assigned a 21-year lease to an Alexander Brodie as of Christmas 1812.

Letter 47th To Captn Smith, Smack ResolutionMy dear Brother, Ship Sir C Price Gravesend April, 1818I am truly rejoiced at your success the more so as I have seen your safe arrival at Grenada.I trust you will be able to make the Resolution pay while she lasts for I much fear as she is not coppered that will not be long.You will hear what I have done, I hope it will meet your satisfaction.I have taken another voyage because nothing can be done to more advantage.My health is but indifferent, my constitution being weak, but with care I flatter myself will wear another voyage.I beg you will be very careful of yourself. Night air; excessive sweats; and new Rum are certain destroyers of health.If you have John with you beg his acceptance of my affectionate good wishes. and I beg to refer you both to our Father for every information concerning me.I am my dear Brother most affectionately yours.

Letter 48th

To my Father and Mother on my departing from England 2d south sea voyage.My d.P. Ship Sir C Price Downs May 1st 1818You will be surprised to see me in writing again before you, and still more so when I tell you that we lay nearly 3 weeks at Gravesend, expecting to sail every day. Our destination has been occasioned by the misconduct of our Captn/Gardner/ who conducting himself improperly has been discharged, and another has recived his commission, a Captn Foord whose character is most respectable; he is a scotchman and has sailed with Captn Whitens, my old Commander, I have therefor every expectation of making a pleasant voyage with him. The first officer is a young man of liberal education and most respectable connexions. our second a man of very quiet agreeable manners, and we have no third in the cabin this voyage, so that I shall have a very select society, which with a tolerable library, plenty of stationary and a sincere inclination for reading and writing, will agreeably fill up my leisure hours, I wrote you from Gravesend on the 10th inst. to which I refer. I regret that I had not known how long we were to lay there because I might have had another letter from you.We sailed from Gravesend on Tuesday evening, and fine weather has attended us thus far.We have an excellent crew and I before told you that the ship beats every thing we meet with and has not leaked a pint of water in 24 hours for these 3 years.I do not intend to make any more voyages in the South sea fishery and if the almighty spares me this one I shall certainly see you on return, but whether to remain with you or go again abroad depends on the encouragement I receive.In your first letter you will please tell me how the Bank of Scotland sent you the receipt, and also the allowed interest.

I have nothing further to write to you but the wishes of a heart secure (?) in its professions of duty and respect to My dear Parents. I am yours AS

Letter 49th

To Mr Chartres. Coopang Timor. With a letter from his mother in England.My dear Sir, Sip Sir Ch Price Off Olussy Sept 12.I received the very acceptable news of your present good health from a Chinese at Olussy with real pleasure; the more so as I left you ill in October last.Accompanying this you will receive a letter from you mother brought by Captain Foord of this ship.I have also sent a newspaper for the perusal of Mr Hazaart and yourself and the only news I can give in addition to what you will find there is that on the 1st of May last when we left the Downs, the utmost Harmony prevailed throughout Europe, but a threatening war had broke out in Hindostan, between the native tribes and British, and Soldiers were daily embarking from England for that quarter.The war continues between the Old Spaniards and patriots in south America.A dutch 7410 I think the Amsterdam was wrecked at the Cape of Good Hope homeward bound.Your friend Stephens is gone out to the Bays & mate of Allen who has got a new Ship the Marianne.Have the goodness to wait upon Governor and Mrs Hazaart with my most respectful compliments Present them also to Mrs Chartres and Mr Lambers and believe me yours &c AS

Letter 50th

To my Father and Mother from the South sea by a ship bound to BengalShip Sir C Price Straits of Timor

My d f & m Sept 24th 1818I had the pleasure of addressing you last from the Downs when I informed you that we had got a new commanderWe left England on the 5th may and arrived at the island of Chindana or Sandalwood in Latd 9 South and Longitude 120 East on the 14th August – 100 days from England being one of the quickest and most pleasant passages ever made to the Sunda Islands11. The Sir Charles sailed the immense distance of 1600 miles in 8 days!!We touched at the island of Brava one of the Cape de verds for refreshments, where I spent a very pleasant day with the Governor.We have not yet been sufficient length of time here to ascertain the status of the country and fishery; but from the accounts which I have received, the former is in a very unsettled state. The introduction of fire arms among the savages has been productive of insurrection against the Portuguese and Dutch colonies.

10 The “seventy-four” was a type of two-decked sailing ship which nominally carried 74 guns.11 These coordinates are just south of present-day East Nusa Tenggara, a province of Indonesia.

European policy however prevails, and the mountain tribes are in general more peaceably disposed than when I left this country 12 months since.The reports of the fishery are unfavourable I already anticipate a 2 years voyage.We have taken one large Whale which has produced 9 tons of Spermaceti and oil.Captain Foord our commander treats me with the utmost respect and attention. He is a man of strong mental and bodily powers eminently liked for the situation he fills.Messrs Younger and Davis our officers are amiable young men; we three are as brethren, the Captain is our mutual friend. My situation is enviable indeed I would not at present exchange with the Surgeon of the best extra Indian man in the River. But as I know the effect which want of success in the fishery has upon the tempers of those whose entire fortune may be said to center in the spout of a whale I will not allow myself to be over sanguine in my expectations of these blessings being continued to me. I have already begun to collect seeds for you and other curiosities also shall this time please God find their way to McDuff. The few trifles I had last voyage were distributed among my London friends, for well I know that the generality of friendships are apt to expire without occasional fuel, and not being afraid of your regard being either increased or diminished by a few shells and Bows and arrows, I determined to bring to safe mooring the barks which were in danger of foundring whilst you being more sea worthy might keep under sail for 2 years more.I trust you do not omit writing to me; should I not receive a pacquet by the first ship I shall be very anxious.Remember me in your letters to my Brothers, and let my most sincere good wishes be presented to all my old friends.I enjoy very good health with the exception of occasional pains in the head, proceeding from this little swelling of mine on which I am obliged to wear a plaster.I am very thin perhaps the effect of activity and this scorching climate, where all we wear, is a straw hat, shirt, thin trousers ad shoes, and these we would not wear if the sun did not act the part of a good blistering plaster on every part of the skin which he gets a sight of. I have a patient almost past hopes of recovery who left England in Consumption.We have had much sickness on board but health prevails at present.I am my d P. Your very dutiful son. AS

Letter 51st

To Messrs. Smith and Elder 158 Fenchurch Street London by a ship to Bengal & LondonShip Sir C Price Straits of Timor

My dear Sirs, Sept. 24. 1818Your friend is well and happy. We had a very fine passage from England and have now been 1 month here, where one whale has taken our hook, and made us 9 tons of Spermaceti and oilThe Mollucca Islands I am informed are more settled, the Dutch having regained the revolted nations I am truly comfortable; treated with affection and respect by the Captain and officers I

have no want unsupplied, and would not exchange situations with the Surgeon of the best extra india-man in the RiverI have been several times on shore with the boats but dollars are not very plentiful I however pocket as many as I can. The Dutch are introducing paper money into their settlements.It would give me much pleasure to hear that you and all my friends are well; by a little enquiries at Lloyds you will be able to learn when a ship will sail for Timor.Have the goodness to give my very since compliments to all my old friends and accept Gentlemen of the best wishes of your very faithful friend ASCapt Easton Ship Nimrod bears this and a letter to my Father.

Letter 52d

To Mr Westbrook Surgeon Ship Ranger advising him of the welfare of his FamilyShip Sir C Price Batugade Roads

My dear Westbrook, Septr 26th 1818I have thought that the Ranger may possibly touch at Batugade previous to meeting with the Sir Charles PriceThis has induced me to leave a few lines for you to assure you that your Mother, Sister, Brother and amiable wife were well on the 29th of April last.You are now represented by a little female cherub who was also in excellent health, and the only unpleasant sensation in the whole Family was occasioned by your absence.I do not recollect your Daughters name, but I have a large pacquet of letters for you accompanied by a basket of stores which I am anxious to deliver.Your brother has an apprentice, and increasing business will oblige him to enlarge his shop.Mr Brown and Family are well.The Sir Charles Price is now commanded by Captn Foord late cheif mate of the Echo and Favorite; cheif mate Mr Thos Younger; 2d Mr Thos Davis.We are truly comfortable.Give my respectful compliments to Captain Garbut and inform him that Mrs G was well on the 1st of April when I last saw her. All the other branches of that family were also well.To Messrs May, Spittle and Chambers, my best compliments, and accept for yourself m.D.S. of the truest professions of esteem and friendship from AS.

Letter 53d

To my Father and Mother from the North Pacific Ocean by the Ship Ranger Ship Sir C Price off Moraty

My d F.&M. Jany 10th 1819I had the satisfaction of writing to hou in September last; in that letter I mentioned that the Sir Charles made one of the speediest and most pleasant passages to the Molucca Islands; That my situation was very agreeable;That I had begun to collected seeds for you; andI requested you to write me often and to remember me affectionately to every old friend.

I now avail myself of the opportunity afforded by the Rangers departure, to acquaint you that I am in tollerably good health, and that my affection for you continues unabated.I am anxious to hear of your welfare and shall be much disappointed if I do not receive a letter from you at our return to the South wardThe whalers have been pretty successful of late We have now on board 70 tons of Spermaceti and oil.We cruise in the same seas as last voyage; from Celebes to New Guinea and from the Sunda to the Philippine Islands.The Molucca Islands are all in possession of the Dutch who have put exhorbitant port charges on foreign vessels entering their harbours, to avoid which we visit only savage and Portuguese posts where little can be done in the way of trade.The country continues very fatal to the human race as an instance the Cheif mate, Surgeon and Carpenter of the Nimrod left her at Timor, and in the space of two months, fell victims to its insalubrity.I have lost one man: a malay, who caught the seeds of consumption, during his residence in England; after a heavy squall here, which suppressed the perspiration from the skin and threw it upon the lungs he was taken ill and died on the 10th Novr ult.Several others are sick; one man past hope of recovery.I am very comfortably situated in perfect amity with the captain and other officers, This friendship the source of many pleasures which last voyage owing to the divided state of the officers I did not enjoy.My time is never a burthen to me, Reading, Writing, making observations on what I see, and conversation with my brother officers occupy my leisure hours, to which I may add teaching the apprentices Navigation, which not only amuses but improves me.Retired as I am here from the world you perhaps will suppose that I long to rejoin the Citys Sons and enjoy the pleasures of town life; but this is far from my wish.I have already, from the variety of my situations, been been enabled to judge which is most conducive to happiness, and I hesitate not to say that a retired spot in the country with the society of a few select friends, the study of the best books, and the enjoyment of nature in its most simple state, are the most probable means of attaining, as far as the almighty has permitted, happiness on earth.I have observed that the more one engages in the pursuits of the world, however great his success, the more anxiety he feels and the less happiness.I am blessed with a moderate share of health; a constitution which was never robust, is not much fitted for the vicissitudes of heat and cold to which a voyage of this nature exposes it, I am therefor less healthy than I was last voyage, and have determined not to visit this debilitating climate any more.I hope the Resolution is with you by this time and that my brother has experienced that success of which he is very deserving.There are very few ships in this remote part of the globe you will therefor seldom hear from me, but let not that circumstance make you uneasy, for assure yourselves my dear father and

mother that neither distance nor time can diminish my duty and affection to my dear relations and especially to you.Believe me your most obdt Son

Letter 54th

To Mr Chism New Hall Street Birmingham with information of his Son an apprentice on board.Ship Sir C Price off Moraty

Sir,Having made you a promise at Gravesend that I would write you if William did not, I have thought that a few lines from me along with his, may not be unacceptable.William has enjoyed perfect heath since he has been here.He is generally in good spirits, and seems to have conquered the dislike of the sea which he at first felt. He in time would be a good sailor, and if he follows the sea, and could be persuaded to pay attention to his education, might make a handsome fortune in the tradeHe is not cabin boy at present as he requested the Captain to allow him to leave that situationHe is in want of nothing to render him comfortable and being asked to day whether he would go home in the Ranger / the ship which bears this letter / he said “No I will stay it out as I am here.”As it is probable that the Ranger will sail again in a month after you receive this letter, I think you should write us by her.I am Sir yours &c AS

Letter 55th

To Mrs Halford wife of A Halford StewardShip Sir C Price off Mortay

Mrs Halford Decr 1818I inform you by desire of your husband that he is in good health and continues to love you and his child as much as ever.He hopes you are well and comfortable, and bids you make yourself happy, for although the voyage is long yet the meeting when it does come will be more pleasant.He desires you to remember him in duty to his Father and Mother.The Ship has got 160 Barrels of Oil on board. Your husband is Steward.You ought to enquire when the Ranger is to sail again and write to your husband who will be very glad to hear that you are well.I am yours truly - AS

Letter 56th

To Messrs Smith & Elder 158 Fenchurch Street London by the Ranger Ship Sir C Price off Mortay

My dear Friends, North Pacific Ocean Jany 10th.19

The departure of a sincere friend whose society is very dear to me naturally excites melancholy ideas, and the mind brooding on the blessings flowing from the intercourse of congenial souls, becomes deeply intent upon the subject, thus every friend and every one from whom I have received disinterestedly generous treatment starts into recollection, nay almost overleaping the thousands of leagues which devide us appears in view.Engaged as you are in the bustle of the world the loss of even an esteemed friend is scarcely felt; whereas to a Sea Surgeon who is leaving his friends bids adieu to scientific virtuous and enlightened society and embarking on a three years voyage passes his days in silence, his night in sleep the loss is irreparable.In this instance however as in many others / for few young men have enjoyed more respect in their sphere of life than myself / I am favoured beyond the generallity of Naval Surgeons, for I have friends here, who although they can neither enjoy with me the beauties of Airgil nor Publimit of Milton, can yet feel for my happiness, and treat me with that respectful attention which from superiors in the world is truly dear as is is truly rare.I have too few books, my days are passed with those few, Indeed had I good library I would be in a classical retirement, where nature delighting in transition soars from the calm unruffled surface of a summer sea to terrors the most sublime. Where a month will give us twenty days unsullied peace, and eight of danger of expectation, of toil, or success, and thence of joy.To a mind not callous to the finest scenes in nature the Spermaceti whale fishery is fraught with subject for reflection – but the consideration would lead me too far.My health is but indifferent; I begin to think seriously of retirement; A cottage in a country village if the Almighty spares shall receive me and there it shall be my cheif study, my best enjoyment to acquire a knowledge of those principles which acted upon give human nature, before its annihilation, a heavenly lusture.And now Observe:That I wrote to you three months since from Timor.That we have got 70 Tons of Spermaceti and Oil.That my friend Mr Westbrook Surgeon of the Ship Ranger a very amiable young man, deserving of your acquaintance bears this letter.That I expect by the Ranger delivered to Mr W. a pacquet of letters from you all; together with a few newspapers.That the fishery being pretty successful I expect to arrive in England in the summer of 1820. When emerging from the purlieus of Wapping12 I shall meet my best friends.That my best wishes and respects be presented to Mrs Murray, to Mr George Elder with the assurance that I pick up Spanish Dollars on every beach where I set foot and be accepted by yourselves from My friendsYours most unprofessionallyAS

12 “Purlieus of Wapping” was a common 19th century reference to an unsavory region of London.

Letter 57th

To Mynheer van Martheze 13Resident de Monado / Island of Celebes /Kema 20th Feby 1819

Sir,I have the honor of acknowledging receipt of your polite card of the 18th Inst.Had I known that you was so well acquainted with our language I would have written to you on our arrival here and saved you the trouble of repeated letters by sending the goods you wanted immediately.I regret that Captain Foord has done so little business here, and attribute the failure to our not being able to converse with the Overseer, who I believe does not even now understand the just principle on which the Captain acted, I have sent all the newspapers we have, and the only news on our leaving England May 1st 1818 was,Bonaparte well but sullen on St. Helena Island.A war just broke out between the English and natives in HindastanWar between the Patriots and old Spaniards in PeruFerdinand was fitting out an expedition in Russian ships for South America.A quarrel had I believe taken place between his majesty the Sovereign of the Netherlands and the Prince of Orange, proceeding from the minister of WarAmong the monarchs of Europe the utmost harmony prevailed.Not having the honor of being known to you I have only to regret the trouble you had hadI am Sir, Your very obedient Servt ASMynr. T.P.A. Martheze

Letter 58th

To Mr Megrick, Surgeon, Ship Daniel.My dear Sir,I have extracted from my Journals notice of the two eclipses I have witnessed, but fear they are too incomplete for your purposes.I have also returned the St Helena manuscript and by your acceptance of my thanks for the perusal of it.I am glad we have remet the Daniel, and trust you will avail yourself of the opportunity to favour us with your company on board our old shipSince parting company I have had a trip to Ombray where the wonders observed were savages without theft and women without peticoats. You have no doubt heard that we had some trouble with our drunken crew at Batagude, this was only remarkable on account of my being one of the objects of their attack, and in the extent to which that attack was carried.

13 T.P.A. Martheze was Resident of Monado, 1817-1824. Presently part of North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Blessed as I am with the friendship and support of my Captain and brother officers, I have only to regret that such scenes should disgrace the quarter deck of a British ship, and to continue to act in that ingenous and honorable way which secures the applause of my Commander and of my own conscience.I shall expect you early this afternoon in order that we have a little teté a teté before your extraordinary vocal powers are called put in requisition.Excuse the familiarity my dear Meyrick, the South seas admit not of unmeasring how dy’a do’s but at once demand mutual esteemI am &c – Sip Sir C PriceBanda Sea – June / 19

Letter 59th

To Mr Joseph Meyrick, Surgeon, DanielMy dear Sir,Copies of the receipts marked by you I have the pleasure of transmitting, I would have transcribed many more of them were it not for the pure regard I bear the good people of England.The dangerous declaration made by you the other day / “that if you knew of a nostrum which would take with the publick, you would immediately turn quack, / cannot be too seriously considered, and I do not know whether I am not incuring the penalty of the statue of art and part 14 in your avowed dishonour by thus puting it in your power to cheat the pretty girls with Lip salve, Woovuns (?) Milk, and Goulands Water.Should you ever enter the firm of Cooper and co, which heaven avert, have pity I charge you on the poor girls and remember that they are constantly suffering anxiety pain and grievous travail by trusting to Professions which alas! are mere quack puffs, for very seldom do they fulfil all that they promised, and hence

Scarce safe our maids ‘tho close their chamber doors,And full’s our kind of broken hearts and whores.

Nothing new has occured since I had the pleasure of seeing you; I am still busy writing; my time never hangs heavy but seldom is it so happily occupied as in the company of Meyrick ASSir C Price off Gebu30th June 19

Letter 60th

To Mr Meyrick Surgeon Ship Daniel.My dear Sir,Perfectly tired of this tantalizing passage I have heard with satisfaction that we intend to leave it and that pleasure will be materially increased if you are to accompany us. When I saw the 14 “Art and part” is a term used in Scots law to denote the aiding or abetting in the perpetration of a crime.

distance between the ships this morning I feared that we would be parted without having settled where again to meet; fortunately that is not the case. I have the pleasure of acknowledging receipt of your very polite letter of the 30th ult and of thanking you for the compliments contained in it. Your intention of intrusting me with our letters for England does me honor; need I repeat that they shall meet with every care both in carriage and delivery.Although proud of your confidence, I by no means wish to intrude on the concerns of you family, but if I can be useful either to servicable either to you or them that confidence shall not be misplaced nor I unworthy of it.With my name and connexions you are no doubt already acquainted by Captain Whitens; I have therefor only to inform you that I may be heard of either at 158 Fenchurch street London; or at my fathers Mr Smith Schoolmaster McDuff, county of Banff Scotland.I have returned Burns and Frontfair and have derived much melancholy pleasure from the perusal of the former.I am, M.D.S. your very faithful friend.Ship Sir C PriceGillolo15 Passage July 5th/19

Letter 61st

To my Father and Mother on my second return from the Oriental IslandsMy dear F. Downs March 27th 1820We are here all well a full ship. Left Timor the 11th November and the Cape of Good Hope 9th January.I am truly anxious about you and my dear mother brothers and other relations and therefor beg that you will not lose a moment in writing me at length an account of your healths and prosperityYou will also inform me of my concerns with the bank of Scotland, give your advice relative to my next proceeding and an account of your healths and my brothers I hope success.My heart is too full of home to say much at present, but I shall write you from London immediately on receipt of your answer to this for which I shall wait with impatienceI am &c

Letter 62d

To Mr Hartree Chief Clerk to Mess Bennet on finding that my servant had been cheated by a JewSir, 17 Great Hermitage Street 8 April/20I have just been to Pesman and find that he has inveigled Brava into a bill of assignment in his /Pesmans/ favour which Brava had not the least intention of doing.

15 Gilolo, now known as Halmahera, is the largest island in the Maluku Islands (or Moluccas), and part of the Indonesian archipelago.

Pesman has however promised to resign the assignment on being paid his present accomps – which I believe amounts to about £15 stgNow as Brava has been a most faithful servant to Mr Bennett, as he wishes to continue in the house and leave his money in its hands, would it be presuming too far to beg that Pesman might be settled with and the assignment received into your hands, where the poor fellows money would be safe and whence he could be properly fitted out for the first ship,I am &c

Letter 63d

To Captain William Parker in answer to his offering my the surgeonship of his vesselSir,Captain Foord having accepted the Sir Charles Price and continued me his surgeon I have best to return thanks for your kind offer, and to assure you that I shall be happy to assist you in finding a young surgeon who may be worthy of your confidenceI am Sir &c

Letter 64th

To Captain Younger Ship Ocean, he having requested me to engage a surgeon for him.My dear Sir,Mr Beddome says the time will not enable him to send you a choice of Surgeons; do not depend entirely on him, but call at apothecaries hall Bridge street Blackfriars, where I think you will meet with one to suit you.Wishing you a prosperous voyage I am17 Great Hermitage Street my dear Sir yours &cSaturday

Letter 65th

To my Father informing him of my intention to visit MacduffMy d.F., 17 Great Hermitage Street

14 April 1820The Cato of Aberdeen leaves London on Sunday morning at 3 oclock and I - please God will be a passenger.I continue surgeon of the Sir Charles Price which ship will sail in the end of May; a month may consequently be devoted to my parents and I surely cannot better employ it.My anxiety to lose no time makes me sail before the receipt of your letter, but this I trust is of little consequenceI find my business here prosperous, having met with a polite reception from Mr Bennet, and disposed of my little trade to advantage; money is scarce my fortune is therefor increasing but slowly.I come to you in one suit only – I cut no dash, and therefor request that no public buletins may be issued of my arrival.

My cold is not yet removed by I feel no severe effect from it.My pay remained in Bennets hands till my return to London amt. £135Two or three curiosities are sent for Dutchess; Captn Wilson will no doubt deliver them safely.I am busy settling my little affairs and shall therefor conclude with assurance of duty and affection. &c

Letter 66th

To Misses Riddoch – MarnochMy dear friends, Macduff 1st May 1820I came to Macduff on tuesday last, and was happy to find all my relations both here and at Hazel brae were well; my stay will be very short, but I intend spending a few hours with you about thursday next, when I hope to find you well and happy. I am sory that Mary has been so ill but trust that she is now perfectly healthy. Present my kindest compliments to Helen and Gwinhill(?) and my friends at Culvie.All my Macduff relations join in good wishesI am my dear Friends AS

Letter 67th

To Mr G. Mathison Surgeon Muir of RhynieMy dear Mathieson Macduff 2d May 1820I intend being at Hazel Brae Marnoch bridge on friday morning next, when I shall expect a visit from you – now making every allowance for your multiplicity of business and so forth I cannot see why you might not allow let the highland men take care of themselves for a day or two and meet one who / whatever he may have formerly thought / has seen enough of the world to convince him that the internecines (?) of youth often grow with manhood into esteem and friendship –I purpose taking you with me on a visit to your father and mother, who have not received even a line from you for some months – I come not to steal your practice of which I wish you much good, but to take your orders for London and the pacific ocean. I leave Macduff for the former place on the 8th instant.My parents &c desire best respectsI am My d M

Letter 68th

To ___Marquis Esqr BirkenbySir Macduff 2d May 1820The weather has been so boisterous since I came here that I have not been able to avail myself of your kind invitation, nor can I now as my time is so short.Allow me however to offer my best services to you either at Aberdeen or London; any orders you may have for these places must be sent to me here before monday morning.

Offer my most respectful compliments to our fellow traveller Mrs Marquis and the congratulations of my parents and self to Mr RiddochI am Sir AS

Letter 69th

To George Huie Esqr Grange Estate Trelawny Jamaica16

My honord Uncle, Macduff May 3d / 20After having been several years abroad I have returned to my native country for a few days to see my parents and friends, and have heard with joy both of your health and prosperity, and also of your generous attention to your Mother and sisters; permit me to offer my thanks for my mother in particular who is well and whose comforts have been materially increased by your assistance.You have often enquired about our family, you will therefor be pleased to hear that my brothers and self are well and actively engaged in professions which although not producing affluence yet enable us to support that character among men which is usually accounted respectable in our professions and honourable to ourselves.My eldest and younger brothers are abroad in the Prince of Saxe Coburg of which vessel George is part owner James is in America; we have late accounts of their health.I continue Surgeon in the south sea spermaceti Fishery an advantageous situation, increasing my knowledge yet affording a prospect of a sufficiency a few years hence to enable me to practice reputably imagine(?) on shore when my desire of travelling shall have ceased. When I look around me and see my Grandmother, Parents and Aunts in health and comfort I think of you with respect, and regret that I could not meet you whom I have been so long taught to honor Permit me to hope that this happiness may yet be in store for your relations for let me mention that within the tropics premature age makes rapid progress after the middle period of life, and that the invigorating atmosphere of Britain is in no instance so beneficial as in restoring a system relaxed and debilitated by long residence in the torrid zone.My Grand Mr continues cheerful and enjoys a larger portion of health than her younger sistersMy mother begs your acceptance of her grateful love. My Grand Mr Aunts and fathers also are offered for yourI intend seeing my marnoch friends tomorrow and on the 8th inst I proceed to join the South sea Ship Sir Charles Price at London, whence we sail for the Moluccas and adjacent islands and will probably be absent 2 yearsI would be proud of a few lines from you; if addressed to Mr Smith Surgeon Ship Sir C. Price 17 Great Hermitage Street London they would wait my arrivalI am Honord SirYour affectionate Nephew

Letter 70th

16 More about George Huie may be found at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/lbs/person/view/-924177181

To my father and mother in answer &cMy d.p. 17 Great Hermitage Street

April 717 - 1820I sincerely rejoice in your health and happiness, and wish that both may be long continued to you and to all my dear relations, I also return my very grateful thanks for your affection and hope I shall never cease to deserve it.I have seen Mr Pirie who used my received me well and shewed my brothers letters, whence I learn that a long quarantine will reduce the profits of his present voyage. George bears an excellent character and I exult in belonging to a family so much respected: long may it be so!I was anxious to hear whether you had the receipts from the Bank of Scotland for no news from home reached me during the voyage, and I knew not whether my money was even paid into the bank I thank you for the care you have taken of those papers and beg you to copy them off on your next letter, but should they be too long describe them and pray inform me what character the bank bears.I long to see you but have not yet been able to determine how I shall act. I have the offer of a large south sea ship to sail in the beginning of June but the Captain is a stranger to me, however by the receipt of your next letter I shall be able to ascertain the most beneficial method of proceedingThe Sir Charles Price will sail in five weeks and I love and respect my friend Foord. No other foreign trade is so well adapted to me as the south sea for the expences are few, and the little trade we make turns to good account. Setting at home seems little else than spending time in fatigue and obscurity, but this subject can be discussed when we meetMr Pirie desired me to inform you that he received your letter and I think he said no farther steps had been taken in the business.Mr Lovie has received a wife whom he cannot too much value and love, and who I hope will enjoy that happiness of which he is very deservingI have got a severe cold but as the fine weather is rapidly advancing I anticipate a speedy recovery. Oblige me with a long letter by return of post and inform me particularly of the situation of all my relations and friendsThe letters written to me had been forwarded by ships which our speedy voyage prevented us from meeting.Desire Mr George Mathison to write me, present my best wishes to that family, to my dear relations and friends but do you accept of the gratitude and affection of your dutiful son

Letter 71st

To Mr Chism New Basinghall street BirminghamSir/ 17 Great Hermitage Street April/20

17 This letter is out of sequence in the journal, its date falling between Letters 62 & 63.

The situation which I have held on board the Sir Charles Price and promise to you at Gravened of doing your son any service in my power, compels me to take a step of all others the most unnatural, that of grating the feelings of a father by an account of his sons misconduct.Although I had determined to do this twelve months since yet I have delayed in order to see how William would act after his arrival in his native country and it is with sorrow I find that no reformation has taken place.An unfortunate propensity to drinking has taken such entire possession of him that neither the fear of death / for twice he has been at its very gates from debauchery / the generous behaviour of Captain Foord or his own sense of the dishonest means by which he obtained the spirits, have been able to check that propensity, and it now remains with you to obviate by timely severity and want of money his destruction.In a case like this indulgence would be fatal and I trust that Mrs Chism will agree with you in keeping him short of money, and endeavouring to convince him of the improper course he is pursuing.The boy will never attain any honorable situation at sea, because he will not exert the abilities of which he is possessed, and besides he neither has nor ever will have, as he has behaved this voyage, sufficient learning.Having thus performed this ungrateful task, I shall conclude by conjuring you to save your son from the destruction which hangs over him by placing him where his faults may be corrected and a habit of industry honesty and temperance enforced and encouragedI am Sir yours AS

Letter 72d

To Mr G. Sandy secretary Bank of Scotland Edinbh

Macduff April 26.1820Sir, Two years since I deposited £120 in the Bank of Scotland and agreeable to my request I find their receipt in my fathers hands but no mention of the interest allowed by you, of this I wish to be informed and also whether provided it remains in the bank, any additional receipt is necessaryBy giving his and any other information concerning the bank by return of post you will oblige meI am Sir yours AS

Letter 73d

To Mr J. Gibb, Union Terrace AberdeenMy dear Sir / Lemon Tree TuesdayIf you are not engaged tomorrow will you take dinner with me here at 2 oclock and then fulfil your promise of pointing out to me the beauties of your cityBelieve me AS

Letter 74th

To Mr J. Smith schooner Prince of Saxe Coborg PortsmouthMy dear Jack, 17 Gt Hmtge St 19 May / 20I have been to Macduff and met all our friends well, you will believe I was glad of this but my happiness was increased to day when I met George and found that you were well – Relations were very anxious for not a syllable have they heard about you since the Highlander sailed. I wish much I could have seen you but as I continue surgeon of the Sir Charles Price and that ships sails on the first of June I will require the interval to fit out however let us hope that we may soon meet for I think this will be the last voyage I shall goI have no news from Macduff for you, I was there nearly a fortnight, saw all my friends even aunts and met with the most welcome reception both in Banff and Macduff.The towns are much improved and the harbours going on well.George unfortunately forgot the stamp receipts and account of peoples wages which you made out, make them all up into a parcel convey it to J.B. Stenhofts Esqr. and desire them to forward it by the very first stage coach to George at Mr Brodies.As I have to write our Father this evening I must conclude by requesting a letter from you in course.Believe me my dear Brother yours AS

Letter 75To My Father 17 Great Hmtge Street 19 May 20My d F,George and I have met this morning and he is well and looking hearty.I came to London at 5 last night and he arrived at 8 this morning; it would apprear that a tryst had been set between us.George has seen Mr Pirie who is pleased with what he has done.I have seen Captn Foord and owners and find that they wrote to me ten days since, you may open the letter copy the contents for me and keep the original.The Sir Charles Price has undergone a complete repair and appears now a new ship _ The large ship I mentioned to you will sail soon after us _I should not have written to you for some days but George wished me to give his love to you and say that he will give an account of his proceedings when his time will allow it. I have written John at full length and wish I could have seen him. The Coburg will not remain long in England but will probably sail in a few days for the Canaries.I shall have occasion to write you again soon but in the mean time expect a letter from you by return of Post.Present to every enquiring friend my best thanks and compliments.I am my dear Parents __AS

Letter 76To My Father 17 Gt Hmtg St. 24 May 20

My d F,I wrote to you on the 19 inst and since then nothing material has occured to usGeorge wishes me to say that Mr Pirie has settled all the accounts and is satisfied. He has advanced my brother the necessary cash for his Canary orders which are considerable. George leaves London for Portsmouth on the 25th currt_ I have a few lines from John he is well.I am busy fitting out for the Oriental Islands again _ Mr Bennett is extremely civil to me: My pay is advanced to 7 guineas per month and my wish for new medicine chests and instruments are immediately granted.About the 26th currt I intend placing £120 in the funds where the interest will be about 5 p cent – I have not yet seen my Broker ___I expect a letter from you dated about the 30th which will reach me on the eve of sailing and let it contain every thing.If my cash holds out I shall send mother some sugar by the Dutchess if not she will readily place it to account of the expensive visit. It is probable you will hear of my extravagance today, I shall tell you: This a fair time here and I go to no fairs to no plays but I must remember that young men and particularly young surgeons are much indebted to their female friends – with two of these then I have passed the day among the best company in some of the exhibitions of the west end of the town – you see how little I have got to say to you accept then of some complementary matter: The Brodie family present their best respects to you My honest friend William intends visiting Scotland this summer he will call on you and our accounts meet with a welcome reception I doubt not – Remember he is a plain Batchelor and drinks nothing stronger than BeerPresent to all my Macduff and Banff friends my best respects I never think on your kindness to me without feeling proud and grateful, proud that I was considered worthy of your regard and grateful that it was so liberally bestowedBelieve me M.D.F.

Letter 77th

To. G. Sandy Esqr. Sect Bank of ScotlandSir, 17 Gt Hermitage Street 23d May/20I have to acknowledge receipt of yours of the 2d currt; the explanation is satisfactory but 3 p cent interest is no inducement for me to deposit more of my spare cash in the bank of Scotland, nor is the interest worth entering anewThe sum may therefor remain at the usual interest till further orders adviceI am AS

Letter 78th

To Captn John Parker Ship Elizabeth, he having applied to me for a surgeonDear Sir, 17 Gt Hmtge St. May 20/

I enclose two cards for your choice of a surgeon and to recommend a carpenter who has been a year with my brother in the west indies and received from him an excellent character, of the two surgeons I think Steel will suit you best.I am Dr Sir AS

Letter 79th

To Mr Macintosh a young gentleman going to IndiaMy dear Sir, 17 Gt Hmtge St. TuesdayI have not leisure to copy the thistle but the original will I doubt not be equally acceptable to youI regret that we must part so early, but when I consider that our prospects in life are different and that our connexions must be so too, I console myself with the reflection that I have merited the esteem of one who will ever be recollected with respect by his most sincere friend ASThe Sir Charles Price sails on Saturday morning.

Letter 80th

To My Brother Mr John Smith, PortsmouthMy dear Jack, 17 Gt Hmtge St. 25 May 20And first I have the pleasure of presenting to you the compliments and good wishes of Mrs and Miss Brodie, so that tho’ absent you are not forgot by the ladies.I have next to offer you a good watch I would have sent you a gold key but George says you have got one.Your watch when I shewed it was valued at 15/ and a good stop and second one would have cost you 7 or 8 guineas – I therefore thought as times were bad we might have yours completely repaired, and wait till you come to London yourself for a new one. Your watch is now also in a saleable state.George will inform you of any particulars concerning me, we shall sail about the fourth June.Wishing you every happiness and success I amMy dear John yours Ar

Letter 81st

To Captn Smith, Prince of Saxe Coburg, PortsmouthMy dear Brother, 17 Gt Hmtge St. 29 May 20On saturday I entered your goods at Friday street and was told that the waggon would sail this morning, to day I called there and found that they will not go before two tomorrow morning when the waggon will most certainly leave town.You will please call at the Globe (I think it is) in Oyster street on Thursday morning where you will find the box It contains3 peices Linen, 4 pr Boots, 3 Coats, 2 doz Stockings, 2 pr shoes and a peice of Calico. I would have sent it by the coach but your orders were per waggon and this is the very first of the kind that has left London since I received the Coats from Bisset.

I have a letter to day from Macduff they are well –On the other side you have a copy of Bissets account - I paid De le hunt 21/ to day but have not yet seen Bisset, the stamp receipt will remain in Mr Brodies hands.I am busy fitting out but have some idea of taking a larger ship if I can get a surgeon in time for the Sir Charles. I am Ar__

Letter 82d

To Mrs Huie Macduff18

My Kind(?) Grandmother, 17 Gt Hmtge Street 28 May 20When we parted I promised to write you from London and although I have other of moment to say yet I willingly fulfil that promiseI have enjoyed good health since I left Macduff and have often reflected with gratitude on my kind reception there, I hope I shall never prove unworthy of your kindness and trust that I may yet return and render my best duty in soothing your latter days; Believe me I would wish to settle among my relations, but not until I can support an independent and respectable station among them.Another voyage will increase my knowledge and my funds and if the almighty grants me a successful return, new prospects may perhaps be opened.I have written to my uncle who is indeed a blessing to the family.My Brother George has been here, and is returned to his ship, he is well and in good sprits.Mr Brodie offers you his best compliments – Accept my honor’d GMother & Aunt of my warmest wishes for your health and happiness and believe meMost dutifully yours ___The Sir Charles Price sails on the 3d June

Letter 83d

To Mr A Wilson, East india serviceMy dear Wilson, London 28th May 1820When at Macduff I had the pleasure of seeing your mother, who seemed to regret your having left the medical profession, and said you still wished to follow it if you could get a comfortable situation; she desired me to leave a few lines of advice for you which might be useful should you wish to go to sea as surgeon especially in the south sea trade.The first requisite to this situation is a competent knowledge of medicine surgery and pharmacy; the second is a sincere disposition to render ones self agreeable and avoid discontent, and the last tho first required is acctivity, patience, and address in your application for a shipThe house of Messrs Bennets Kings mills Rotherhithe to which I belong is the best, you should therefore endeavour to get a good letter of introduction to it from of the layer brokers or men

18 “Mrs. Huie” is Margaret Riddoch, who married John Huie at Rothiemay, Banff, 4 Feb 1762.

of business in London, but were we to meet together in London I would with much pleasure introduce you.As there is little probability of you again entering into the profession I need not say more than that I wish you in all your undertakings the best successI am My D. W.I expect to return to London in the summer of 1822.

Letter 84th

To Mr Gibb 188 Ratcliff highway, by Captn SpenceMy dear Sir, Gravesend June 7th or 8th. 1820Enclosed you will receive the sum of ten pounds sterling and I regret that Mr Bennets absence from London rendered such an expedient unavoidable.The obligations I owe to you would be but ill repaid by thanks or compliments, I shall therefore offer none, but I think it but justice to acknowledge that I have goods of you to the amount of £10 which sum in the event of my non return will be paid by my father Mr A. Smith schoolmaster Macduff N.B. who is advised accordinglyI am my dear Sir Ar___

Letter 85th

To Mr J. Smith Schooner Prince of Saxe CoburgMy dear Jack, Gravesend, June 8th. 1820I have yours of the fourth currt which removed my anxiety about Georges goods, but how he did not immediately acknowledge reciept of time I cannot think.I regret that you have sunk so much money to no purpose, but hope that your situation and comforts will make you amends.Your box is consigned to your old friend Horns care who will no doubt take every care of it.I am favored by a letter from Macduff this day they are wellTomorrow we sail and perhaps may touch at Portsmouth but this I am not able to determine – I purchased about £120 long annuities on Monday which is all I have been able to save last voyage expences have been so great this time; however my increase of pay will enable me to make a more considerable sum on the ensuing voyage if we are blessed with a safe returnPresent my best love to George, surely he might have spared a few minutes to write to his Parents.That heaven may bless you both with every comfort and success, and return us prosperous to our native country is the sincere wish of your affectionate brother

AS

Letter 86th

To My Father & Mother on leaving Britain for the oriental islands third timeMy D.P. S.S.S. Sir Chas Price Off Beachy head June 12/20

I had the pleasure of receiving your most affectionate letter on the 5th currt and the following morning I left London and joined the ship at Gravesend where she had lain three days.The Sir Chas seems to be in excellent order and well appointed - Chief officer Mr Davis, & Mr Foord, a brother of the Captains, as to the remainder of the crew each seems well fitted for the station he is in.On the 5 currt I purchased £6 10/ per annum in the long annuities amount 116_11_11_ which sum principal and interest may be drawn by me or my heir after me on application to Mr Caston stock broker Bank of England, who would give the proper instructions for administering_ I have the receipt but it is of no consequence.I have found my money run very short & have just cleared London with a few shillings in my pocketOf Mr Gibb 188 Ratcliff highway I have goods to the amount of £10 on sale or return, and should any accident happen to me he must be paid by my executor. Of Smith and Elder I have books lent to read, valued at £5 for which if I fail to return them I am of course liable, and in the event of my death and the loss of my books that sum must be paid by my executorThese are my debts, and I really hope that I shall have the trouble of settling them myself this time two yearsThe post which brought your last letter brought me one from John, he was well, so also was George. I have since written to John.You may send a letter in November this year and one in February next directed to Mr Smith, ship Sir Chas Price care of Messrs Bennets Rotherhithe and in return I will write you by every opportunity.I do not think that I have forgot any material business and shall therefore conclude by desiring you to present to all my relations and friends my best compliments, and to accept my dear ParentsOf my dutiful and affectionate love

AS

Letter 87th

To Mr Bennett Esqr. Kings Mills RotherhitheSir, Ship Sir Charles Price at sea June 1820As my letter to Chisms father contains the opinion of Captns Foord & Younger & of Mr Davis as well as my own, a copy of it may be useful to you in case any altercation should take place afer our departure.Grateful for your attention to me since I have been in your serviceI am Sir your very obd Servant_AS

Letter 88To my father and mother from the fishing station.

S.S.S. Sir C Price Strait of TimorMy dear parents, March 20.1821

I embrace the earliest means of conveying to you the assurances of my continued affection and wishes for your happiness.My present situation affords but little interesting but you will be pleased to hear that I am in no respect less comfortable that before; my professional duties have engaged much of my attention but seldom has a day elapsed without home and all its comforts presenting itself to my imagination.The crew have been very sickly as consumptions, fluxes and agues have prevailed among them but no deaths have happened. My own constitution has escaped these severe ills and continues nearly as when I sat by your fireside.I regret much the want of your correspondence which has ever been a material addition to my happiness, yet flatter myself with hopes of a period when I shall be again benefited by your advice, and cheered by a certainty of your continued comfort, in the mean time I know you to be in the protection of one able and willing to save and console myself with the idea that your lives pass on in the same calm and praiseworthy routine of duty and amusement to the virtue of which I was a happy witness.My grandmother and aunts are, I hope, are blest with health and comfort present my sincere wishes for their happiness.I am anxious about my brothers particularly George and John but trust in the almighty and in their own care to obviate by temperance the effects of a climate so destructive to the health of europeans_I sometimes think my fate hard in bieng thus separated from my friends and native country merely for the sake of money, but the thought is checked by the recollection of my poverty when I entered the south sea service, and is changed to thankfulness when I reflect that many more deserving men are the victims of want and oppression.We are very successful in the fishery and have already nearly 100 tons of spermaceti oil on board.I would now give you a detail of the horrid murder of a captain and three of his officers by a savage malay, and of the poisoning of the Governor of Delhi and others by some of the same savages, but this is of but little importance to you although my knowledge of the men makes me regret their deaths.I have now nothing more to offer but the wishes of a heart which however narrow in the ideas of generosity can feel for others woe and overflow with affection towards my dear father and mother

ASNeed I remind you to present to every old friend my best compliments_

Letter 89To Mr Clarke surgeon Ship Ranger.My dear Sir, Sir C Price Timor straits 14 Apr/21

From the time of your departure till last night nothing remarkable occured among us, we then unmoored and took leave of our friends, of these Fell and Everhard desire their best compliments to you.At 7 oclock Mr Davis came on shore for me and some fruit which remained there, at 8 we left the beach when contrary to my remonstrances Mr D enticed one of the governors boys into the boat scarcely had we left when a gun was fired from the fort and a praw19 despatched to demand the boy; thus circumstanced Mr Davis denied, to Captain Foord, that the having known that the boy was in the boat and I being appealed to told the truth, this produced an immediate assault from Davis which proceeded nearly Bellingsgate20 style to extremity of abuse. Thus attacked before two strange boats crews my character and temper incited me to retaliate and the consequence was a complete denouey(?)21 of the mean and consummate falsehood which Mr Davis had told the captain and of some other circumstances by no means honorable to him.Truth flashing conviction drove Mr D. from the deck, and soon after we heard the cries of the poor boy under the lash receiving an infernal punishment of which he was certainly undeserving.As your crew will no doubt hear a variety of reports concerning this disgraceful occurrence I have troubled you with a correct detail And am &cAS

Letter 90th

To Mr Fell Surgeon SSS MercuryMy dear Sir, Batigade April I regret that Captn Younger has most of my interesting books, the accompanying few will perhaps be unworthy of your attention, but without injuring my select library I cannot part with more. Believe me AS

Letter 91To Mr Davis Cheif officer of the ship Sr C PriceMr Davis, Your behaviour on Friday evening closes for ever that friendship which has existed between us.I return the articles which I had kept for you and expect you will restore mine.I shall never by your enemy but I cannot be half a friend, that respect which belongs to the cheif mate of this ship I shall always pay whilst he treats me as surgeon.If your feelings are not dead to honor and gratitude you will judge what I must have suffered and be severely punished by your conscience conscience.I am &c

19 Probably a “prau”, an open Indonesian boat propelled by sails or oars.20 “Billingsgate”, named after a fish market, refers to foul abusive language.21 Possibly an abbreviation for “denouement”, the climax of a chain of events.

April 15th/21

Letter 92d

To Mr Gibb 188 Ratcliffe HighwayMr dear Sir, Ship Sir C Price Timor April 15/21I embrace the opportunity of informing you that I sent ten pounds by Captain Spence in June last, which sum he promised to pay you immediately on his arrival in London.The goods which I had of you are sold and will enable me to pay about £10_10.We have about twenty five ships on this confined station these have entirely overstocked the natives with british manufactures, and had we not gone into a port where I was well known my goods must have remained on hand.We are very prosperous in the fishery, having already 100 tons of spermaceti oil on board and anticipate a short voyage.Present to your family my respectful compliments and believe me very gratefully yours.

Letter 93d

To my Father and Mother p Ship Amilia WilsonMy dear parents S.S.S. Sir Chas Price

Banda sea June 10/21It is a great relief to me in this my exile to have the power of conveying letters to you more frequently than on former voyages, and yet this very circumstance tends to depress my spirits because it renews the reflection that I am far away from you and uncertain of your welfare.Success attends us and I anticipate with almighty permission an arrival in my native country in the beginning of next year. In the interval my warmest prayers shall be offered to the throne of grace for your happiness and that of all my dear relations and I trust that I am not forgotten in yours.This remote corner of the universe produces no events worthy of your attention; the fishery is in general successful and our goods produce a fair profit.In a state of utmost total seclusions this voyage from literate society my chief delight is in my books and pen but and these never fail of at least lessening the dullness of a sea life; yet I look foreward with anxiety to a period when I ought to become more useful in my calling, while the serenity of a country life and the correspondence of my friends shall compensate me for the sacrifices of my youth.In my letter of March the 20th I said no deaths had happened among us, but two days afterwards it pleased God to take a seaman in a very sudden manner, while exerting himself at the oar in a chanke(?) complained of faintness and died in a few minutes It only remained for me on the return of the boat an hour after to attempt resuscitation and conjecture that a blood vessel had burst within the breast.With the exception of one young scotchman threatening consumption we are all as well as the nature of the climate will allow, and from the strict discipline observed with the crew no diseases have been introduced among them. but do not imagine that I am without practice for I

have been Surgeon to 6 ships since we came on the station; Experience and respect are however the only advantages I reap from this practice.With warmest wishes for the happiness of my dear parents and all our friends to whom remember me I am &cAS

Letter 94th

To Mrs Brown Wife of the Ships CooperMrs Brown Ship Sir Chas Price Off Timor

June 17th 1821Your husband desires me to inform you that he is in good health and as comfortable as he can be when absent from you and all his relations.He offers his best love to you, his dear boy, father mother and sisters and his respectful compliments to Mr & Mrs Rhabby.We are very successful and expect to arrive in England about Christmas; this will therefore be the last letter you are likely to receive from us.The ship has now 150 tons of spermaceti oil on boardI am &c

Letter 95th

To Mr Elder 158 Fenchurch Street London My dear Sir S.S.S. Sir C Price Banda

Sea 17 June 1821I believe you as well as Mr Smith have been wronged by my opinion of the past year, for during that time I have thought that your conduct when I was last in London was so void of friendship that you were both wishing to drop acquaintance with me.It has but lately occurred to me that my own behaviour towards you was not only deficient in the gratitude which your early kindness merited, but that I was much to blame in the intemperate argument and subsequently; this I have often regreted as the effect of that want of politeness and intercourse with the world which my secluded life had produced. My conduct was inconsistent, for which I was intent brining ideas to you and S. Smith, I at the same time was soliciting a favour in the loan of books from you, and perhaps the amusement those books have afforded me, gave rise to this confession.Let me here offer my respectful thanks to Mrs Elder for that part of them which hear her initriots.I am sick Elder, heartily sick of this boorish life, and think my fate hard because years of my existence in the society of such companions; yet the situation is perhaps above my deserts(?), and certainly was eligible when I entered into the service.The success attending us gives me a prospect of arriving in England about Christmas, when I shall bid adiew to roaming, and if my health which is much impaired by this infernal climate will

permit, I shall study a short time in London and then retire to a country practice, where I trust your correspondence will increase that regard which I have long felt for you.Mr Smith being a fellow sufferer with yourself will I hope accept of this atonement.There is so much egotism in this letter than any other subject would suffer desgrace by appearing in it Let me therefore be__Your sincere friend.AS

Letter 96th

To Mr H Fell Surgeon SSS MercuryMy dear Sir,I return the pamphlets which you had the goodness to lend me and have been amused by them.I retain the Flute and music book scarcely knowing how to part with them during this dreary voyage.You will I trust either favour me either with a visit or long letter descriptive of your success and of all the news which you have lately heard. Send me one or two newspapers if you have any late ones. I have little interesting to tell you. The Amelia Wilson is gone home /1900/ and our aldermans paunch contains nearly 1200 Barrels. Return none of the books which I lent you except you are in immediate want of the flute – shall we not meet in London?Offer to Captn Garbut, & to Messrs Gray & Nesbit my respectful compliments and believe meMy dear Sir your obliged friendS C PriceMonday

Letter 97th

To Mr B Gibb 188 Ratcliff highway pr Captn Younger ship Ocean 36 Princes Street RotherhitheS.S. Ship Sir Charles Price

My dear Sir, Timor Novr 12th 1821I have the pleasure of enclosing you a bill upon Sam Endeby Esqr South sea owner22 for twenty five pounds sterling, for which I wish you to recive cash on my account.The Sir Charles Price will probably arrive soon after you receive this when I trust I shall the satisfaction of personally setting with you.Should I fail to return you are hereby authorised to deduct ten pounds ten shillings stg and remit the remainder to Mr Smith Schoolmaster McDuff Banff N.B.I am My dear Sir Yours &cThis is not a literal copy / AS

22 “Samuel Enderby & Sons” was a London-based whaling & fishing company founded in 1775.

Letter 98th

To Mr Steele Surgeon SS Ship ElizabethMy dear Sir,We are proof(?) about to separate, I have therefore embraced the last opportunity of wishing you health and happiness in all your undertakings.Under the existing circumstances I have to advise a study and manly conduct with a resistance of oppression, yet a desire of sacrificing your nicer feelings for the benefit of the partners of your voyage. Be a mediator and soother of the unhappy differences which exist between those whom fortune have placed in situations where honor and superiority of judgement should predominate.I regret leaving you so unfortunately situated in the fishery but trust that you have men on board who are capable of fulfilling their engagements.Want of rest last night has rather confused my mind else I had much to say to youAdieu Steele trust not to the fallacious appearances of today, let your profession be your chief study, for ability and exertion are by no means earnests of success in eh whale fisheryI am My dear SirYours faithfullyAS

Letter 99th

To the Captains of South sea ships frequenting Sable Bay Cape of Good HopeCape Town 28th March 1822.

Gentlemen,Give me leave to inform you that in two visits to Sable bay I have received the greatest attention from Mr John Murray No 45 Shand Street who has supplied the Sir Charles Price with every thing wanted on reasonable terms.Therefore recommend him to you as the best agent for South sea menI am GentlemenYour most Obdt ServtA.Smith Surgeon S.S.S. Sir C Price

Letter 100th

To Mr Skey(?) Surgeon Wickware GloucestershireSir, Ship Sir Chas PriceYour son is returned and sends his duty and love to his Parents, brothers and sisters.At 3 in the morning of the 23d May last while at duty on deck, a cask of water rolled over him and produced a fracture of the left femur without injuring any other part of the body, and I have pleasure in assuring you that he is perfectly free from pain bears his misfortune with great patience, and being laid in Captn Foords Cabin passes his time agreeably in reading

The fracture is situated about three inches below the great-trochanter, it is simple but of the oblique kind with displacement, its reduction was easily accomplished & gentle extension and the half bent position in which it remains. The boy being of a regular healthy habit little medicine has been requisite and I expect a favourable union__The weather was boisterous at the time and for several days subsequent to the accident, the rolling of the ship occasioned pain in the part and derangement of the splints This circumstance with the liability of these cases to deformity induced me to examine the limb on Sunday last when the bone felt even and the swelling had subsided.I shall insist on his remaining on board and continue my attendance until we here from you and should your practice render a visit inconvenient you will give directions for his future management and say whether the advice of opinion of an experienced surgeon may not be desirable__From Mr Bennets known humanity Henery will be amply supplied with every comfort, let me therefore intreat that you and family may be free from anxiety on his account.I am ASOff PlymouthJune 5th 1822The winds are at present unfavourable but I think our arrival in London will not be much longer delayedAddress to me at 17 Great Hermitage Street LondonAS

Letter 101To my Father and Mother on arrival from the Southern Fishery 3d timeMy d.p. SSS Sir C PriceI am once more blessed with the sight of the land that I love and this heightens the anxiety which I have so long felt for the welfare of the dear friends that I left on itLet me be favoured with a full account of your healths and the state of all my relations by return of post and tell me whether I can be useful to any of youI received two of your old letters dates Jany & July 1819. none besides have reached meI feel unequal at present to entering minutely into my worldly affairs, suffice it that my health has been moderately good and the voyage prosperous.I have an intention of my affairs in London answer expectation of going immediately to Edinburgh tor 6 months for my head will by no means bear the confinement of the London Hospitals – I wish no one but yourselves to know his intentionI shall not fail to write you at full length after my arrival in LondonGive my dutiful and affectionate love to my Gm, aunts & cousins and say to all m y friends that I gratefully remember their kindnessMay you my dearest father & mother receive this in health and happiness and believe meMost ____________AS