Yours, ever sincerely,
George Mortimer.
TO THE REV. JOHN COOPER.
Hutton, June 6, 1832.
My endeared Friend,
I leave Hutton to day for Bristol, and expect to go on board the brig Active for New York, to-morrow; and, as my only remaining means of communication, I take up my pen to bid you adieu. Had I sailed from Liverpool, as I was once intending, I should certainly have endeavoured to have spent a few hours with yourself and family; but the expenses of travelling and of conveying luggage so far across the country, together with the higher charges in the Liverpool vessels, obliged me to consult my purse rather than my feelings; and I am persuaded that my endeared friend will not be the first to censure me.
We are now proceeding to Upper Canada by the way of the United States; and though the climate is somewhat colder in winter, and hotter in summer, than our own, it is considered as very fine and healthy. To myself also it has this no small recommendation, that it is under British Government, and is principally inhabited by British settlers.
I have used all endeavours to procure ministerial employment there, but as yet in vain. Our present leading men are too liberal to give support to any religious object; and the Canada company prefer the recommendations which arise from local knowledge and representations. But on this latter account, I still hope, that when I arrive there, I shall not be long before I hear of some situation or other in which I may be usefully employed. Some desirable introductions to residents have been kindly afforded me.
The want of religious instruction is almost the only drawback from the Canadas. In many instances persons are thirty or forty miles from a place of worship. This, however, is no small call on the superabundant labourers among ourselves; and I do expect, that ere long this call will be fully regarded.
And now my endeared friend, what shall I say as to all the comfort—the unmixed satisfaction—which, for so many years, I have been permitted to enjoy in our occasional intercourse? To our gracious and faithful Redeemer let us give all the praise! And may we ever be looking forward to the time, when the friendship of earth shall be followed by the blissful and never terminating enjoyments of heaven.
Mrs. G. M. begs to be united with me in kindest remembrances to yourself, Mrs. C., and family, and I remain, my endeared Friend,