10 PEEFACE 



end of April 1768, when I arrived at Spit Head, 

 where the Guernsey Man of War was then lying, 

 under sailing orders for Newfoundland. Finding 

 that I could not live on shore, I obtained leave 

 from Lord Granby and made a second voyage to 

 Newfoundland in that ship. By these means my 

 health was perfectly restored. 



During the Guernsey's stay at St. John's, I went 

 upon an expedition against the Wild Indians ; and 

 it was that which first gave rise to the voyages 

 which I afterwards made to Labrador. My design 

 being laid before the King, his Majesty was gra- 

 ciously pleased to permit me to retire on half -pay, 

 early in the year 1770, in order that I might put 

 it in execution, and I soon after sailed for that 

 country. 



The reader may naturally conclude, from the 

 life I have led since my leaving the Academy at 

 Woolwich, that it was not probable that I should 

 have improved the slight education which I re- 

 ceived in my youth ; and indeed such a conclusion 

 is very just, as I had seldom, during that time, 

 attempted to read anything but a newspaper. On 

 my arrival in Labrador, ])eing secluded from so- 

 ciety, I had time to gain acquaintance with myself: 

 and I could not help blushing when I perceived, 

 how shamefully I had misemployed my time. The 

 little improvement I have since made, has been 

 entirely owing to writing my Journal, and to 

 reading a small collection of books which I took 

 out with me ; but it was too late in life, for me to 

 receive much benefit from those helps. 



