To her sister she writes, “I find Mr. Judson one of the kindest, most faithful and affectionate of husbands.  His conversation frequently dissipates the gloomy clouds of spiritual darkness which hang over my mind and brightens my hope of a happy eternity.  I hope God will make us instrumental of preparing each other for usefulness in this world, and greater happiness in a future world.”

“June 16.—­Day before yesterday, we came in sight of land, after having been out only one hundred and twelve days.  We could distinguish nothing but the lowering mountains of Golconda.  Yesterday we were nearer land ... and the scene was truly delightful, reminding me of the descriptions I have read of the fertile shores of India—­the groves of orange and palm trees.  Yesterday we saw two vessels....  You have no idea how interesting the sight—­a vessel at the side of us, so near we could hear the captain speak—­for he was the first person we have heard speak since we sailed, except what belong to our ship.

“Tuesday.—­Last night was the most dangerous, and to me, by far the most unpleasant we have had....  To-day the scene is truly delightful.  We are sailing up the river Hoogly, a branch of the Ganges, and so near the land that we can distinctly discover objects.  On one side of us are the Sunderbunds, (islands at the mouth of the Ganges.) The smell which proceeds from them is fragrant beyond description.

“Wednesday.—­On each side of the Hoogly are the Hindoo cottages, as thick together as the houses in our seaports.  They are very small, and in the form of hay-stacks, without either chimneys or windows.  They are situated in the midst of trees which hang over them and appear truly romantic.  The grass and fields of rice are perfectly green, and herds of cattle are everywhere feeding on the banks of the river, and the natives are scattered about, ... some fishing, some driving the team, and some sitting indolently on the bank of the river.  The pagodas we have passed are much handsomer and larger than the houses.  There are many English seats near the shore....  Oh, what reason we have to be thankful for so pleasant and prosperous a voyage....

“Well, sister, we are safe in Calcutta harbor, and almost stunned with the noise of the natives.  Mr. Judson has gone on shore to find a place for us to go.  The city is by far the most elegant of any I have ever seen.  Many ships are lying at anchor, and hundreds of natives all around.  They are dressed very curiously—­their white garments hanging loosely over their shoulders.  But I have not time to describe anything at present.

“Thursday.—­Harriet and I are yet on board the vessel, and have not been on land.  Mr. Judson has not yet gained permission for us to live in the country.  He and Mr. Newell are gone again to-day, and what will be their success I know not.  The East India Company are violently opposed to missions, and have barely given permission to their own countrymen to settle here as preachers.  We have nothing to expect from man, and everything from God....  If God has anything for us to do here, he will doubtless open a door for our entrance, if not he will send us to some other place.”