iii. 27 April 1830

Handt to Woodruffe and Coates, 27 April 1831, p.1.
Class Mark: C N/O 51/
MS page no: 1-009
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[note] Rec’d [?] 1/31

Cape of good hope Simon’s Bay,
April 27, the day of our arrival 1830
Noticed in [?] [?]

My dear Sirs

I received your letter dated the 15th of Feb. on board the Eleanor, [7] the following day. The contents of this letter relieved greatly my mind on that subject. Although the Captain behaved well towards me from the beginning; yet after having received a letter from you with respect to the same cause, he rather improved, for some time at least. He gave it to me to read, and called it laughing a very severe one. He has, since the time I am on board, been frequently ill humoured, as Mr Northover also saw him, when on board; but the reason of this may chiefly be ascribed to his sickly person. Once he assaulted his first mate, a stout-hearted and proud fellow, and would surely have beaten him had he been strong enough. He turned him, however, immediately out of his office. This degrading event will, I apprehend, lead to serious consequences here on shore, the Passengers will, probably, be called in witness, and thus, a painful business will be afforded to me.
The Bibles, New Testaments and Prayer books you gave me I distributed, according to your direction among the Convicts. Some however I gave with the Captain’s allowance to the Sailors, and some, with permission of the Officer, Mr Stuard, to the soldiers. I intended to give nearly all to the Convicts, but the reason that I did not, was because they had already from government received for [?] [?] one Bible and one Prayer-book, and the Doctor’s opinion was, therefore, that these together with those, which they had already received from me, would be sufficient for them. And I had then indeed only a few left,

People in WellPro Directory: Coates, Dandeson

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Handt to Woodruffe and Coates, 27 April 1831, p.2.
Class Mark: C N/O 51/
MS page no: 1-010
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which, as before mentioned, I gave to the Sailors and Soldiers. There was, notwithstanding, a great desire for books among the Convicts afterwards, especially for Prayer books; these however they had fortunately got all of me before-hand. By the kindness of Mr Stephenson (The Doctor who is charged from Government with the superintendence of the Convicts) [8] an opportunity of reading the Holy Scriptures with the Convicts was daily afforded to me; and I did read with them every day, except when I was prevented by the weather, or by sea sickness. My general method, which I pursue when I read with them, is, that I make one of them read one verse, and make some edifying remarks on it, asking them every now and then some useful question. When I have gone through one verse in this manner, I proceed to the next, and those that follow. As I read with them in the hold, where I am alone with them, I begin and finish with prayer, all devoutly kneeling. I asked them several times, whether they also understood me, and they replied always in the affirmative. There is no constraint upon them that they should come to read with me, especially as they may be on deck all the day; nevertheless, I have always a pretty number who attend. Many of them, I dare say, attend to the truth, of which their conduct is a witness. The generality of the Convicts have till now proved to behave better than the Soldiers. The sailors also behave well, at least better than before. I heard them no more curse for a long time. One of them complained to me of the bad behaviour of the Soldiers. These, with few exceptions, do not behave well, indeed.
With permission of Doctor Stephenson and the Captain, I performed divine service every alternate Sunday, except when the weather would not allow it. Mt Sermons I had corrected by the Officer, Mr Steward, which he did in return of my teaching him German. I see here clearly the kind and preventing

People in WellPro Directory: Coates, Dandeson

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Handt to Woodruffe and Coates, 27 April 1831, p.3.
Class Mark: C N/O 51/
MS page no: 1-011
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providence of our Lord, which in this respect so strikingly is demonstrated. For I was very troubled in my mind on account of my insufficiency in preaching in a foreign language, before so mixed an assembly as on board generally is, and having none to correct me. But as soon as the officer, Mr Stuard, came on board, he asked me, whether I would teach him German; and I thought : This is the man whom the Lord has provided to assist thee in English.
On the 23 th [sic] of March early in the morning, we crossed the Line and today arrived here in the Harbour of Simon’s Town, called Simon’s Bay. [9] We have, to this present moment, been always favoured with good wind, some hours only expected. Hence the short time we were on sea, 67 days only. [10]
As for the state of my heart, the Holy Spirit has more convinced me of my inward sins, but never left me without his peace – though sometimes without his joy.
My departure from England affected me very much, and frequently reminded me of my kind and benevolent friends there. The solemnity which filled [?] mind when you prayed with me before I left London, makes me frequent[?] to think of you with tender regard and affection: and this, together with the [?]quent supplications, which you will offer up on my behalf, will, I hope, bring a blessing as well upon myself, as upon my labours.
My respectful regards to all the honourable Members of the Committee, to whom, I know, you will submit this letter.
When you write to Basel, be so kind as to send my affectionate respects to dear Mr Blumhardt.
Remember me kindly to my dear Brother Watson and his wife; and tell them to take out with them a box of Seidlitz Powders, which are necessary on board for opening the bowels, having at the same time an agreeable taste. Sods Powders are also to be recommended, as they are very cooling, though they have

Corporate Bodies in WellPro Directory: Basel Missionary Institute
People in WellPro Directory: Blumhardt, Reverend Theopilus | Coates, Dandeson | Watson, Mrs

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Handt to Woodruffe and Coates, 27 April 1831, p.4.
Class Mark: C N/O 51/
MS page no: 1-012
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no effect upon the bowels. Of the latter I told them myself.
My hearty love to my dear Brother Matthews, if he should be still in England, which however I do not suppose. He arrives perhaps before me in Sidney [sic]. [11] The purpose for which we landed here is to take in fresh provisions. We shall probably leave this Coast in some few days, and then proceed to New South Wales.
My [sic] the Lord, with his abounding grace be with you all.

I remain my dear Sirs
Your humble Servant
J.C.S. Handt

[addressed to]
Revd T. Woodrooffe
or
D. Coates Esq.
Church Missionary House
Salisbury Square
Fleet Street
London

People in WellPro Directory: Coates, Dandeson | Matthews, Reverend