Page:Memoirs of Mrs. Harriet Newell.pdf/17

 until we get to Calcutta. We hope to see the pergoda, which contains the Idol Juggernaut, before sun-set. The view of the Orissa coast, though at a distance, excites within me a variety of sensations unknown before. For it is the land of Pagan darkness, which Buchanan so feelingly describes.

June 17.— After a tedious voyage, we have my dear mother, arrived at Calcutta. We reached here yesterday, at three o'clock in the afternoon. Mr N. went on shore immediately and returned in the evening.— Oh, my mother, my heart is pained within me at what I have already seen of these wretched Pagans. Here we are, surrounded by hundreds of them, whose only object is to get their get their rice, eat, drink, and sleep. One of the writer cast, who can talk English, has just left the cabin. Your pious heart, my dear mother, would melt with compassion, to hear him talk. Oh the superstition that prevails through this country!

June 18.— Yesterday afternoon we left the vessel, and were conveyed in a palanquin through crowds of Hindoos to Dr Carey's.— No English lady is here seen walking the streets. This I do not now wonder at. The natives are so numerous and noisy, that a walk would be extremely unpleasant.

June 20. At Serampore,- We came here last evening by water. The dear Missionaries received us with the same cordiality, as they would, if we had been their own brothers and sisters. This is the most delightful place I ever saw. Here the Missionaries enjoy all the comforts of life, and are actively engaged in the Redeemer's service. After a tedious voyage of four months at sea, think, my dear mother, how grateful to us is this retired and delightful spot. The mission-house consists of four large commodious stone buildings.