THIS day week, I forwarded to you by the ship _Science_, Greenock, three letters, written at different times during our voyage. After reading my third it seemed so vapid and uninteresting that I determined to discontinue my journal, and, of course, my extracts from it; for, though many things seem interesting to us in our isolated and pent-up situation, yet, when soberly reviewed, they amount to a mere nothing. As, however, we are now approaching the shore, I am desirous of having a letter nearly finished that I may forward it as soon as possible after our arrival, should it please God to permit us to reach the much longed-for shore. The last week has been one of much anxiety and perplexity to most of the passengers. The ship we spoke with told us we were out in our reckoning, and this communication proved but too true. We thought we were within 200 miles of land, but it then appeared we were distant between 500 and 600. Our provisions and our water had already begun to fail, and many on board had been reduced to very short allowance. Judge, then, of the feelings which prevailed when our actual distance was ascertained. The _Science_, indeed, spared us half a barrel of flour, but what was this for our increasing necessities? The privations, therefore, have daily become greater, and, to such a degree has murmuring and dissatisfaction prevailed, that a mutiny by many is daily expected. The Lord, however, is in this, as in everything else, the all-sufficient God, and he will still continue to protect and to bless us. And, indeed, since I last wrote to you, we have had many and most striking instances of his watchful and paternal care. On one occasion we were exposed to the most terrific storm of thunder and lightning, which we had ever witnessed, and its nearness was so great, that we appeared in immediate danger of being shattered to pieces. Upon the most accurate calculation, it was at one time only a quarter of a mile distant, and if it had actually passed over our vessel, loaded so extensively with iron, the consequences would, in all probability, have been fatal to us all. During the last week we fell in with the fog, and one of the West India Island hurricanes, terrific and awful beyond previous conception: it must be witnessed to be fully understood. Towards its close I ventured upon deck, and truly thankful was I to learn that no damage had been sustained, no mast shattered, not a single leak sprung. Some, indeed, attributed this to the tightness and excellence of our fine little vessel, overlooking the goodness and faithfulness of our God. Ah, how it grieves me to the heart to see the loving-kindness of our God so generally lavished upon us in vain! But the confinement of a ship calls into exercise almost every latent quality of the mind; the secrets of hearts are indeed most fully revealed, though the exhibition is by no means gratifying. In many respects, however, it is useful, and I feel very thankful for it as it regards our little party. Habits and dispositions have unfolded of which I had scarcely the least idea, but which discovery will materially influence me as to the steps which should be taken in reference to my future movements and the eventual disposal of my children. We are now, I believe, about 100 miles from land, and it is well that we are no more; for most of our comforts have failed us in the cabin, and we are brought under allowance as to water, and they speak of this as to other provisions; so that we manage, as you may suppose, but badly; and were we to continue much longer in our present state, I fear that our health would materially and even permanently suffer. But we make the most of what remains, and keep cheering ourselves with the hope that it will not be for long: the wind, however, is far from favourable, and we proceed with great slowness. Nine weeks to-day have we been out at sea—I should rather say, since we set sail—and few calculated upon a longer time than five or six weeks; so that it is not surprising many among us are beginning to suffer. But, as I mentioned, hope sustains us, and the God of love and mercy will, in his own good time, extricate us out of all our troubles.