As a general remark to all sorts and conditions of settlers, she would observe, that the struggle up the hill of Independence is often a severe one, and it ought not to be made alone.  It must be aided and encouraged by the example and assistance of an active and cheerful partner.  Children should be taught to appreciate the devoted love that has induced their parents to overcome the natural reluctance felt by all persons to quit for ever the land of their forefathers, the scenes of their earliest and happiest days, and to become aliens and wanderers in a distant country,—­to form new ties and new friends, and begin, as it were, life’s toilsome march anew, that their children may be placed in a situation in which, by industry and activity, the substantial comforts of life may be permanently obtained, and a landed property handed down to them, and their children after them.

Young men soon become reconciled to this country, which offers to them that chief attraction to youth,—­great personal liberty.  Their employments are of a cheerful and healthy nature; and their amusements, such as hunting, shooting, fishing, and boating, are peculiarly fascinating.  But in none of these can their sisters share.  The hardships and difficulties of the settler’s life, therefore, are felt peculiarly by the female part of the family.  It is with a view of ameliorating these privations that the following pages have been written, to show how some difficulties may be best borne and others avoided.  The simple truth, founded entirely on personal knowledge of the facts related, is the basis of the work; to have had recourse to fiction might have rendered it more acceptable to many readers, but would have made it less useful to that class for whom it is especially intended.  For those who, without intending to share in the privations and dangers of an emigrant’s life, have a rational curiosity to become acquainted with scenes and manners so different from those of a long-civilized county, it is hoped that this little work will afford some amusement, and inculcate some lessons not devoid of moral instruction.

LETTER I.

Departure from Greenock in the Brig. Laurel.—­Fitting-up of the Vessel.—­Boy Passenger.—­Sea Prospect.—­Want of Occupation and Amusement.—­Captain’s Goldfinch.

Brig. Laurel, July 18, 1832

I received your last kind letter, my dearest mother, only a few hours before we set sail from Greenock.  As you express a wish that I should give you a minute detail of our voyage, I shall take up my subject from the time of our embarkation, and write as inclination prompts me.  Instead of having reason to complain of short letters, you will, I fear, find mine only too prolix.

After many delays and disappointments, we succeeded at last in obtaining a passage in a fast-sailing brig, the Laurel, of Greenock; and favourable winds are now rapidly carrying us across the Atlantic.