Brompton N[ea]r Chatham
Decr 28 1818
Revd & Dear Sir
	I beg leave to detail the circumstances which have taken place concerning us since I left you. I arrived safe at Chatham  on Thursday evening at 8 Ock I slept at Chatham that night; and Friday morning as soon as the fog would permit, I set off for Sheerness, I immediately got my parcels on shore and went to Mr Benthams office to enquire after the Baring. I found she was laying below the Nore Light 5 miles distant. I felt a great anxiety to get on board that night, I therefore procured a small boat as soon as possible as it was getting very dark being very foggy. As I passed along the deep and could scarcely see a yard from me my thoughts began to ruminate, me thought I never saw such a Christmas Day before; and when I thought that as on that day, Christ Jesus was born into the world to save us miserable sinners from everlasting destruction to make us the Children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life; I burst into tears and if ever I felt the preciousness of the promises of God in a peculiar manner, it was at that moment. I reached the Baring between 8 & 9 oc[lock] and had the happiness to find all our beloved brethren as well as could be expected, poor Tooi excepted, he was and is at this time very ill, every means is used for his recovery; and we continually pray to God for him. [f] On Saturday morning we weighed anchor and set sail for Chatham, we reached the Glory, a Ship prepaired [sic] to receive the Convicts on Saturday afternoon 2 oc[loc]k laying 2 miles below below [sic] Chatham. Mr Kemp and myself went immediately in search of Lodgings; after several hours diligent inquiry both in Chatham and Brompton, we at last obtained Lodgings in Brompton, at the house of Mrs Chenoweths No 4 Mansion Row: about 3/4 of mile from the Ship. We were ordered on shore on Sunday morning; and at 8 Oclock we had a boat along side the ship to take us and our baggage on shore, we were up early to get things prepared; the sailors were at work all night; and in the morning as soon as daylight the Convicts began to be removed into the Glory, the soldiers their Captain and other officers also were moving at the same time. Such a scene of confusion now taken place as you can hardly conceive, Baggage & beds and Hammocks, were throwing about the deck in all directions, and every one was obliged to look sharp after his own, our party lost nothing except a large knife which belonged to me, I know [sic] sooner laid it out off my hand than some one taken it— We sent Mrs Butler Mrs Kemp & Tooi on shore in [the] boat by themselves and we followed them in two other boats with our baggage as soon as possible; and then got two Carts to convey it to our Lodgings; we compleated the whole about noon. The expense attending this business was about 2.8s.0d— Mr Kemp Master Butler & Mr Hall and Teteree attended Divine Service in the afternoon Mr Kemp & myself the evening. Lodgings We have four Bedrooms and a Parlor in which we [f] eat and drink, and we have the use of Kitchen for Cooking, the servant in the house assists in Cooking, Cleaning &c. For these accommodations we have agreed to give 47s. per week and this is considered very cheap: there were some Gentlemen coming after these Lodgings, but we happened to have the first chance, and as we were agreeing for them, they knocked at the door; but it was then too late— We go to market for all our things and endeavour to act as economical as possible, and we hope and trust you will be perfectly satisfied with all our proceedings. We found it necessary to procure Medical assistance for poor Tooi as soon as possible, we made inquiry and found out a Mr Gilbert of Brompton, who is reckoned a very fine man; he has been twice to see him, and sent him medicine. I asked him to day to tell me plainly what he thought concerning him, and if he was likely to recover. He replied, Sir, he is very dangerously ill, and every mark of rapid Consumption but I will do what I can for him. He has ordered him a fire in his Room night and day. I am happy to say that his apartment is as comfortable as any one can wish. His Diet is Arrow Root, Tappioca, New Milk, Light Pudding Oysters & a little Fish, now and then, we boiled him some fowl, and made broth of it, but he is to have no more at present. Our dear friend Mr Hall pays every possible attention to him; We all love and pray for him, and every one of us feel pleasure in doing [f] what we can for him. Mr Gilbert is of Opinion that change of Climate is the only thing that will restore him to health. Teteree is pretty well, but he has a bad cold. My little daughter & Mr Hall have colds but not severe, Mrs B & myself, Mr & Mrs Kemp & Samuel Butler are pretty well. Dr Sir, we all feel it mercy that our heavenly Father hath directed us to a House were [sic] we enjoy every Religious freedom. We have our regular Family prayers & reading the Scriptures Morning & Evening; we humbly trust our Lord is in the midst of our little assembly; when we pour out our souls before him, he enables us to rejoice amidst all our sorrows, and we hope he is thus  uniting us together more and more in the bond of Christian love. I once more turn to poor Tooi. It gives me great pleasure to say that altho his outward man decays the Lord is renewing his soul day by day. I asked him yesterday if he was afraid to die, he ca[l]mly replied no I askd him who is Jesus Christ, and what he came into the world for, he replied to save sinners, and if I die he will save me a poor sinner. Brother Hall also says he has no doubt but he will be eternally blessed, if it pleases God to call him away. We pray that Mr Bickersteth will come and see us, and comfort our hearts, and direct us how to proceed. Please to give our love to Mr & Mrs Jesty Mr Barrat & all other friends, both in and out of the C[hurch] M[issionary] H[ouse]. Dr Sir we all join in love to you and your family, Mr & Mrs Bickersteth and I ever remain yours faithfully, Jno Butler