Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/108

Rh I went to see your navvy at the hospital on Saturday afternoon, before I received your letter. I read a chapter, and had a pleasant chat with him for more than half an hour. He is, I think, rather weaker and thinner than when you saw him; but I believe his soul is prospering, thank God! He spoke most gratefully of you. I shall go and see him again soon.

"I also had a long conversation with another poor fellow. I found that he had been a boatswain in the navy for many years. He thanked me most heartily for having spoken to him as I wished him good-bye.

"I had intended talking to some of the other men, but an old woman came up in a threatening attitude, and told me; time was up;' so I was obliged to retire.

"I have just returned from Simm's, where I had my likeness taken. I think there are two for you to choose from, both as plain as life. I brought my great Halifax Bible to have its portrait taken, as you desired.

"Dr. Cay came to my room again yesterday, and we read together 2 Cor. v. I find it a great comfort to see and talk with such a dear child of God; and yet Jesus has often been more precious when, for days and weeks, I have not had one to speak to who could feel with me on the subject of religion, than when I have been thus blessed."

On the 6th of May he went down to Terling, to stand godfather to his sister's infant son. The impression left on the minds of all his family by this visit, which he knew to be his last before leaving England, was that of increased earnestness, amounting to solemnity. Twice, at Lord Rayleigh's request, he led the devotions at family prayers; and those who heard him bore away a conviction of his meetness for that state of which he spoke with holy