To add to the distresses of the missionaries, the cholera now raged around them with fearful violence and there were rumors of war between England and Burmah.  Six months had passed, and still the fate of Mr. Judson was a fearful mystery.  The English vessels were hastening their departure from the harbor and soon they would have no means of leaving the country, whatever might occur.  Mrs. Judson writes:  “Mr. Hough has been for some time past desirous to have Mrs. Hough, his children and myself go to Bengal.  But I have ever felt resolved not to make any movement till I hear from Mr. Judson.  Within a few days, however, some circumstances have occurred which have induced me to make preparations for a voyage.  There is but one remaining ship in the river; and if an embargo is laid on English ships it will be impossible for Mr. Judson (if he is yet alive) to return to this place.  But the uncertainty of meeting him in Bengal, and the possibility of his arriving in my absence, cause me to make preparations with a heavy heart.  Sometimes I feel inclined to remain here, alone, and hazard the consequences.  I should certainly conclude on this step, if any probability existed of Mr. Judson’s return.  This mission has never appeared in so low a state as at the present time.  It seems now entirely destroyed, as we all expect to embark for Bengal in a day or two.  Alas! how changed are our prospects since Mr. Judson left us!  How dark, how intricate the providence that now surrounds us!  Yet it becomes us to be still, and know that he is God who has thus ordered our circumstances.”

A fortnight later, she writes:  “Alone, my dear friends, in this great house, ...  I take my pen to record the strange vicissitudes through which I have passed within a few days.”

On the 5th of this month, I embarked with Mr. Hough and family for Bengal, having previously disposed of what I could not take with me....  My disinclination to proceed had increased to such a degree that I was on the point of giving up the voyage; but my passage was paid, my baggage on board, and I knew not how to separate myself from the rest of the mission family.  The vessel however was several days in going down the river; and “before putting out to sea was to be detained a day or two longer at its mouth.”  “I immediately resolved on giving up the voyage and returning to town.  Accordingly the captain sent up a boat with me, and agreed to forward my baggage the next day.  I reached town in the evening,—­spent the night at the house of the only remaining Englishman in the place, and to-day have come out to the mission-house, to the great joy of all the Burmans left on our premises.  Mr. Hough and his family will proceed, and they kindly and affectionately urge my return.  I know I am surrounded by dangers on every hand, and expect to see much anxiety and distress:  but at present I am tranquil, and intend to make an effort to pursue my studies as formerly, and leave the event with God.”