To the Committee for African Instruction, and other Friends concerned in promoting its objects.

Although gratefully sensible of the obligations under which I am placed toward Friends, who have kindly favoured my desire to visit the Coast of Africa, I yet feel so deeply impressed with the conviction that the cause itself only, is worthy of notice in this Report, that most gladly would I lose sight of my own individual engagement in it, only to acknowledge that Infinite Mercy, by which an unworthy servant has been protected and sustained: preserved and restored from sickness by land, and delivered from the dangers of an awful storm at sea, when the waves seemed ready to overwhelm, and ourselves as at the very gate of death. And thankfully would I acknowledge also, the deep sense with which my mind has been impressed, of the little moment of all transitory sufferings or enjoyments, in comparison of the concerns which we shall feel to be of everlasting interest, in that swiftly approaching hour when we shall each have to stand as alone before our Judge.

We were favoured, after a rapid passage to Sierra Leone, with a safe and pleasant landing, on First day morning, the 9th of 12th month, 1827.