LONDON, Nov. 27, 1791

My dear Madam,

The Directors have acted so honourable and handsome it was not possible for me to hold out in refusing to return to Sierra Leone; besides increasing Falconbridge's salary near three times what it was, they have voted us a sum of money as an equivalent for the extraordinary services they consider he has rendered them, and as a compensation for our private losses of clothes, &c.

But surely mortal never was more harassed than I have been by their importunities.

They used every flattering and enticing argument the ingenious brain of man is capable of to no purpose – however, though all their rhetoric could not persuade me to revisit Africa, their noble, generous actions have effected it.

Mr Thornton is a good creature, one of the worthiest men I ever met, he has assured me, should any action happen to Falconbridge, I shall be well provided for by the Company; he has also, as well as many others of the Directors, made me a profusion of friendly promises and professions, so extravagant that if they came from any other set of men I should look upon them either as chicanery or without meaning.

The Court has granted £50 to be laid out in presents for King Naimbana and his old Queen, and have particularly desired, I shall purchase those for the latter, and present them as from myself, by way of enhancing my consequence.

They have likewise granted another sum for me to lay out in such private stores as I may choose to take with me for our use after we get to Africa, besides ordering a very handsome supply for the voyage.

A few days ago I only hinted an inclination to visit my friends at Bristol, before we left England, and Mr Thornton said I should have a Chaise when I liked, and the expense should be defrayed by the Company. Do you not think these are pretty marks of attention?

We have thoughts of setting out for Bristol in the course of next week, where I figure to myself much of that undescriptionable pleasure which lively affectionate minds involuntarily feel upon meeting the bosom friends and sportive companions of their youthful days, grown to maturity with hearts and countenances neither altered by absence, or rusted by corroding time.