From New South Wales we proceeded northward his parent was no longer visible; and then it was he to Batavia and Singapore. The latter, one of the East felt the full agony of grief-grief so intense, so holy, India Company's settlements, is extremely beautiful, that it would have been cruel, almost profane, to have in which are many English merchants, who reside in interrupted it by attempts at consolation: he suffered buildings that would elsewhere be styled 'mansions.' me to lead him away, but neither of us spoke a word. Thence we proceeded to China, where we arrived Time, the great soother of all human woe, in due course during the excessive heat of August-the most wretch-wrought its effect: he became calm, resigned, and meed spot on the globe for Europeans. Canton is the lancholy. Naturally affectionate, he clung to me; and only town foreigners are permitted to penetrate, and the more I knew of his disposition the more worthy of after the first visit possesses no attractions for a second. esteem I found him, he grew upon one's love. The natives hold little intercourse with strangers, and that little is maintained by the Hong merchants only. Foreigners residing there for business are not permitted to take wives, daughters, or even domestics; and the absence of female influence in society causes an insupportable dulness and insipidity. We were, therefore, condemned to vegetate four months on board before the vessel was freighted-during which period, but for some of the young gentlemen who had quitted their homes in the guise of Midshipmen to learn the craft of sailors, we should have fallen a prey to that curse of idleness-ennui. We did not long escape the sickness of this wretched place; fever and dysentery made rapid inroads amongst the crew-eight, ten, and twelve of whom were frequently ill at the same time. The yearly loss of life amongst Europeans in this pestilential harbour is very great. We had already lost two persons, when the malignant fever peculiar to this ill-fated country attacked one of the young gentlemen, which cast a general gloom over the ship. His manners were so amiable, and his bearing so gentle to all, that all loved him. I had a double interest in him-I loved him for himself, and for his parents' sake. He was the son of a physician in the Navy, whose professional assistance had been required at Hawlbowline, at the time the ship was delayed in Cork, during the prevalence of cholera amongst the convicts. I then made this gentleman's acquaintance, and it was then I first saw Melville-eighteen years of age, robust, handsome, and well informed: there he joined the ship, and the father recommended him to my care and friendship during the voyage. The moment he was taken ill he sent for me, and told me that he believed he was 'sick unto death.' I hoped not; but feared otherwise. For a season the fever yielded to the surgeon's care, but ultimately returned with increased vigour, and affected his brain. At first he was awfully alarmed at death; but as his certain approach became more evident, having sought and found consolation in the evidences of the Christian religion, he soon became resigned, and said he hoped he was prepared for the great change that awaited him; charged me with commissions of love and affection to his parents, brothers, and sisters,-regretting only that he should die without bidding them an everlasting farewell. I did not quit him during his illness: from the moment the brain was affected he was almost constantly impressed with an indistinct idea of danger, and regarded me with an imploring look upon those occasions that would pierce one's very soul. After seven or eight days' suffering, he died in my arms; and so easy was his transition from this life, that he had slept the sleep of death many minutes before I could persuade myself that he was really and forever gone. What an unwelcome visiter shall I be to his distressed family when I convey the mournful intelligence that he whom they loved so well is now no more! Methinks I see the afflicted father's grief as I communicate the last sad message from one so dearly and so justly loved-he that suffered so acutely at parting, in the full hope of embracing his boy again at the ship's return, what will not be the bitterness of his anguish when informed that that parting separated them for ever-that his farewell blessing was then an In a few weeks we left Ireland. Never shall I for- eternal one? How little did he think that he to whom get the parting scene: the father's heart was nigh to he confided his son eighteen months before should break' as he placed his boy's hand within mine, and be destined to attend that son in sickness, soothe him affectionately besought me to watch over, to guide, in the hour of death, and afterwards become the mesand reprove him, in his perilous progress amid profli- senger of such heart-breaking sorrow! A few short gate seamen. He loved his parent, and they were weeks since Melville was in perfect health; none then worthy each other. Tears checked utterance as they imagined him fated for an early grave! He had exactmutually embraced and took a long farewell. The ed a promise from me that I would perform the last vessel was under way, and the father was summoned sad office by reading the burial-service over his body; to quit his son: tears of sorrow ran fast down his and never have I had so painful a duty to perform; it cheeks as he descended the ladder, waving his hand was, indeed, one of no ordinary difficulty. I would in silent token of enduring affection. Melville linger- not again endure the pangs I then felt for all the ed at the gangway until the boat which conveyed away | world. Amidst infidels and scoffers in a far foreign land re- ment respecting the Hill Cooly traffic. It is a circupose his ashes. He was buried upon Dane's Island, lar letter, dated the 8th January 1838, from Henley, a place appropriated for the interment of Europeans-Dowson, and Bethel, of Calcutta, the agents most exwhere, to the eternal disgrace of Christians, be it re-tensively engaged in the shipment of labourers from corded, they will rest in peace, unmolested by zealous India to the Mauritius and British Guiana. These bigotry! the dead of all countries, sects, and reli- gentlemen thus state their claims to preference over gions, are held sacred by the Chinese! other houses in the same business from this vast country.' We quitted China with a sick crew; three were bu- 'We have within the last two years procured and ried there, and five others died on the passage thence. shipped upwards of 5,000 free agricultural labourers Disease and death wear a peculiarly frightful aspect of nearly 500 out of the number being employed on esfor our friends at Mauritius; and from the circumstance at sea, and there is not a more affecting duty than that tates in which we possess a direct interest, we can of committing the bodies of fellow-shipmates to the assure you that a happier and more contented labourdeep. A funeral is always a melancholy and impres-ing population is seldom to be met with in any part of sive ceremony, , but is invested with singular solemnity the world, than the Dhargas or mountain tribes, sent at sea. The tolling of the bell of death excites a thrilling sensation; and the commencement of that sublime Five thousand within two years to the Mauritius service, 'I am the resurrection and the life,'-then the alone! This is pretty well, considering that the trade pause which precedes the words, 'We therefore com- is in its infancy. As to the statement of the happiness mit his body to the deep,'-the succeeding plunge and and contentment of the labourers, rather more impartial splash as the lifeless clay is launched into the ocean-evidence than the good word of the exporters of the are scenes of affecting interest which the stoutest heart commodity advertised, would be desirable. If Engcannot witness without emotion, and create an inten-lishmen could fancy themselves Hill Coolies for an sity of feeling little known at ordinary interments. among the happiest of mankind. instant-landed in Berbice, in the proportion of 280 We called and remained four-and-twenty hours at men to 8 of the gentler sex, 'speaking a different lanSt. Helena. Well might Napoleon exclaim-This is, guage,' and shunned by the very Negroes-we are indeed, a prison!' for a more inhospitable rock cannot inclined to think they would not, even in that imaginapresent itself in any part of the world. I have noth-ry and momentary view, conceit themselves to be ing to add to the much that has already been written about it, but to remark that I left it without regret, and in seven weeks was rejoiced to find the 'Convictship' had reached the port of London in safety; and if any of the 'incidents' relating to her shall but have served to beguile a leisure hour, the writer's labour will be abundantly repaid. From the Spectator. We proceed with the Calcutta circular The labourers hitherto procured by us have cost their employers, landed at the Mauritius, about one hundred rupees (or 107. sterling) per man; which sum comprises six months' advance of wages, provisions and water for the voyage, clothing, commission, passage, insurance, and all incidental charges.' 'On making ample allowance for these charges, we do not apprehend that a labourer, sent direct from this country to Demerara, and engaged to work on your estates for a period of five consecutive years, would cost, landed there, above two hundred and ten rupees, or 217. sterling.' The expense attending the shipment of Indian labourers to the West India Colonies, would be necessarily augmented-firstly, by the higher rate of passagemoney, and the increased quantity of provisions and water; and, secondly, from the necessity of making THE NEW SLAVE-TRADE IN THE EAST. arrangements, indispensable to the health and comfort of native passengers, on a voyage of so long a duration, Under Lord Glenelg's patronage, the Eastern slave-in the course of which they would be exposed to great trade prospers exceedingly. The traffic in Hill Coolies vicissitude of climate. promises to become one of the most extensive under the British flag. A cargo arrived in Berbice about the beginning of May, in prime condition: and the Berbice Advertiser, one of the most respectable of the West India journals, states, that out of 289, conveyed in the Whitby, only eight died on the passage, and very few were ill. Only one circumstance was wanting to make them the happiest of human (?) beings-only eight women were sent as companions for the 280 men; and the deficiency of females was the more to be regretted because it was 'probable they would be shunned by the Negroes from jealousy and speaking a different language.' This sum of 210 rupees includes six month's wagesat what rate does the reader suppose? Why, five rupees, or ten shillings sterling a month-half-a-crown a week-in Demerara! The passage is 10., and the insurance 12s.; for they are insured at so much a head, like pigs or sheep. It is manifest that after their arrival in Demarara, the Indians will not, unless on compulsion, work for The same newspaper contains a very curious docu-five years at the rate of 10s. a month, while the Negroes receive much higher wages. They are there- | more acutely, all that made the lot of the Negro a fore placed under strict control, and are just as much theme for eloquence and a field for Christian philanslaves as the Redemptioners, whom the virtuous thropy. Quakers inveigled into Pennsylvania a century or more ago. The Indians bind themselves to work in town or country, wherever their consignee or master may choose to employ them. One of the articles of their agreement is this 'In order that the undersigned natives of India may be fully aware of the engagement they undertake, it is hereby notified, that they will be required to do all such work as the object for which they are engaged necessitates; and that, as labourers attached to an estate, they will be required to clear forest and extract timber, carry manure, dig and prepare land for planting, also to take charge of horses, mules and cattle of every description; in short, to do all such work as an estate for the cultivation of sugar-cane and the manufacture of sugar demands, or any branch of agriculture to which they may be destined.' In case of disobedience or misconduct—that is, at the caprice of the master-they may be 'degraded,' and sent back at their own charge to Calcutta. They are to receive no wages during illness; and a rupee a month is to be deducted from their wages-thereby reducing them to 2s. a week-as an indemnity-fund for the cost of sending them back. What security there is for the kind treatment of the labourers does not appear: there is nothing in the contract but a promise to act equitably. Now, in what respect do these men differ in condition from Negro slaves, except very much for the worse? They must be more helpless than the Negroes, —if for no other reason, because of their ignorance of the language their masters use. They will not, for a long period certainly, be formidable from their numbers. How easily may even the miserable terms of the contract with their employers be evaded! Suppose the Indian works steadily for four years, it may suit his master to describe him as refractory and idle during the fifth, and then he will be sent back at his own cost; and the whole of his earnings may be expended in paying for his passage to Calcutta,-where, after all, he is a long way from home. It is impossible to contemplate without pain the inevitable lot of these helpless beings: but the conduct of the Government, which could sanction the infamous commerce of which the Hill Coolies will be the victims, while professing all the while such a holy horror of dealing in Negroes, should rouse general indignation. Is it only a certain shade of black, and a peculiar physical conformation, which excites the compassion of the Anti-Slavery people? If it is cruelty, oppression, and fraud, which they abhor and desire to prevent, then let them renew their agitation in behalf of the kidnapped natives of India, now suffering, probably From the Metropolitan. SECOND SIGHT. BY MRS. ABDY. They tell me, thou pale and thoughtful sage, When the infant smiles on its mother's knee, Thou canst tell the hour when the world shall win The maiden sits in her summer bower, The bride goes forth from the home of youth, But I would not wish on those days to look, POETRY. From the same. BY CALDER CAMPBELL. "Where find ye Poetry?"-Go look abroad From the Sunbeam. THE INVITATION. Doth thy spirit long to be Where the flow'rs are springing free, Of a thousand dyes? In the forest wouldst thou stray, Wouldst thou be afar, afar, Wouldst thou be by the murm'ring springs Where the violet perfume flings From its mossy cell? Come hither! come hither at early dawn, When the air is calm and the earth is still. Come hither! in gladness and joy we'll go, From the same. OH! TOUCH FOR ME THY HARP AGAIN. BY MRS. LATHAM. Oh! touch for me thy harp again, Oh! let me hear that plaintive strain, Then touch for me thy harp once more, O'er ills of life a balm to pour, Those soft melodious notes of thine, And each tumultuous thought of mine, Then touch for me, &c. Methinks I hear a seraph's voice, From the same. THE ANGEL'S WELCOME. A spirit soar'd away To the portals of the blest! And there burst from the lips of an angel choir, Its welcome into rest! Welcome, thou good and faithful one, thy earthly race is o'er, Welcome to thy eternal rest, where death shall be no more! Its pow'r for aye has pass'd away, thou hast lost the sting of sin, There's a heavenly crown prepar'd for thee, thou ransom'd one come in! Welcome, young spirit! thou art free'd from things that fade and die, Now wilt thou share the deathless light of immortality; Enter and join the dwellers here, the holy and the blest! Thou'lt find no tears in this bright home, come in and be at rest. A FRAGMENT OF THE PESTILENCE. "Bring forth the Dead!"-and the words came fast From the haggard lips of these men aghast;— "Bring forth the Dead! We wait not now For priestly prayer or virgin's vow!" -The crimson cross of the Pest was o'er The sculptured arch of that lofty door, But no menial hand unbarred the gateNo sound was heard from these halls of state, Save, aye and anon, the howl of a hound That moaned, as if struck with a mortal wound; And it was the only living thing 'Neath the roof that had wont with joy to ring! But the cry passed on,-"Bring out your Dead!”- "Bring out your Dead!"-and the Buryers stand Under the porch of a hostel grand; And strange wild sounds from that gorgeous hall And the jests and the oaths of a drunken crowd; Whose badge is the boil and the plague-spot blue! From the same. Moments pass slowly on, Whether we smile or weep- Whether we laugh or groan, Oh! what hath ever flown Swift as the Past? What though we chafe and chide, Hastening, still hastening on, Time, while we chide thy pace, Oft doth thy shadowy face From the Court Journal. THE AMERICAN IN PARIS.-Colburn. This is an exceedingly agreeable work; one of those light, chatty books, that afford us ample amusement, and help to relieve the mental lassitude and ennui with which most people are afflicted by the warmth of the weather. The author's style of writing is very lively and cannot fail to amuse. There are also several chapters devoted to the literature and literary men A line of packet-ships between Liverpool and South Australia has been laid on; the first ship to sail hence on the first of August. We understand, that the emigrants from London to this new and flourishing colony are so numerous, that, though ships are despatched at stated periods, there are always parties who cannot be accommodated with passages in them. Mr. Waddell, the proprietor of the line, in order to prevent disappointment to persons intending to emigrate to South Australia, as well as to accommodate those who reside in the North of England, and particularly in Scotland and Ireland, has formed the Liverpool line of packets; and we have no doubt, from his well-known character, that the vessels will be firstrate and their despatch punctual. It is an unprecedented circumstance, that a line of packet-ships should be despatched to a colony so recently formed as South Australia, when many old colonies have no such mode of communication with the mother country.-Liverpool Paper. From the Sunbeam. THE WRONG LETTER-BOX. Amusing incidents often occur by persons mistaking the letter-box of stores and offices in this vicinity, for that of the post-office. We sometimes find three or four letters in our own letter-box, intended for the mails. These we, of course, put on their way. Standing once at our front window, we observed a young woman, whose face was not visible to us, drop a letter into our box, and on taking it out, we found that she had mistaken our establishment for that of the post-office. It was directed to Thomas in Ireland, and the inland postage accompanied it. The letter we caused to be sent with some others to the post-office, and gave the circumstance no further thought. Busied some months afterward in examining the contents of our exchange papers, and inditing such paragraphs as they suggested to us, we did not pay much attention to a gentle tap at the door of our private room, until it was repeated. We then, too anxious to conclude our labours to open to the applicant, bade the one that knocked 'come in,' and continued our |