the singularity of the sight, and all were conJecturing what it could be, till its questionable shape assumed the true and obvious form of a canoe; but by what impulse it was moved forward none could determine. Something was seen in the stern, but apparently without life or motion. At length the canoe touched the shore directly in front of the house; a person sprang from the stern to a rock in the edge of the water, threw off a bearskin in which he had been enveloped, and behold John Ledyard, in the presence of his uncle and connections, who were filled with wonder at this sudden apparition, for they had received no intelligence of his intention to leave Dartmouth, but supposed him still there diligently pursuing his studies, and fitting himself to be a missionary among the Indians.

However unimportant this whimsical adventure may have been in its results, or even its objects, it was one of no ordinary peril, and illustrated in a forcible manner the character of the navigator. The voyage was performed in the last part of April or first of May, and of course the river was raised by the recent melting of the snow on the mountains. This circumstance probably rendered the rapids less dangerous, but it may be questioned whether there are many persons at the present day,

who would willingly run the same hazard, even if guided by a pilot skilled in the navigation of the river.

We cannot look back to Ledyard, thus launching himself alone in so frail a bark upon the waters of a river wholly unknown to him, without being reminded of the only similar occurrence, which has been recorded, the voyage down the River Niger by Mungo Park, a name standing at the very head of those most renowned for romantic and lofty enterprise. The melancholy fate, it is true, by which he was soon arrested in his noble career, adds greatly to the interest of his situation when pushing from the shore his little boat Joliba, and causes us to read his last affecting letter to his wife with emotions of sympathy more intense, if possible, than would be felt if the tragical issue were not already known. In many points of character there was a strong resemblance between these two distinguished travellers, and they both perished martyrs in the same cause, attempting to explore the hidden regions of Africa.

CHAPTER II.

Commences the Study of Theology.

Visits ser

eral Clergymen on Long Island. - Returns to Connecticut. Abandons his Purpose of studying Divinity. -Sails from New London on a Voyage to Gibraltar. - Enlists there as a Soldier into the regular Service. - Released. — Returns Home by Way of the Barbary Coast and the West Indies. - Sails from New York to England.-Enlists in the naval Service. Embarks with Captain Cook on his last Voyage round the World.

As Ledyard left Hanover when Dr. Wheelock was absent, this was probably seized upon by him as a fit opportunity for taking his departure. A few days after his arrival in Hartford, his uncle thought proper to show him some of Dr. Wheelock's letters, in which were very just complaints of his conduct, his disregard of discipline, and particularly his thoughtless waste of the small means he possessed, which his friends flattered themselves might, with good economy, be made to pay the expenses of his education. These letters of the president were apparently written not so much by way of accusation, as to vindicate himself

from any charge of neglect that might be made against him, on account of the ill success of his efforts to manage a young man, whom he had no other motive for taking under his particular care, than good will for the grandson of his deceased friend, and regard for his family.

Ledyard was much incensed at these letters, and replied to them under the impulse of feelings not the most kindly or respectful. From his nature he was extremely impatient of reproach, and ever deemed it an unpardonable offence in any one to question his motives, or insinuate that he could act deliberately and intentionally wrong. His foibles he could bear to have touched with a gentle hand, but no one ventured a suspicion of his integrity, or of the kindness of his heart, with impunity. He often lamented the failure of purposes caused by his fondness for change and love of adventure; but at no time did he allow himself to think, that he was not pursuing great and worthy objects, and such as would redound to his honor, and the good of mankind. With this disposition, and this confidence in himself, it was natural that he should sometimes regard the opinions, which others entertained of his conduct, with stronger feelings of disapprobation than the merits of

the case required.

In reading the following extracts from a letter to Dr. Wheelock, these particulars should be kept in mind; and it should, moreover, be remembered that, whether right or wrong, he really fancied himself not well treated at Dartmouth.

"When I sit down to write," says he, "I know not where to begin, or where to end, or what to say, especially since I have the contents of two of your letters concerning my affairs. What do I see? Who is this that assumes the port of compassion, kindness, benevolence, charity, and writes as he writes? You begin, Sir, with a surprise, that my legacy was so much exhausted. Justly might you, Sir, but not more so than my unfortunate self; and if truth has not turned liar, if any protestations, any declarations of honesty, uprightness, or anything else can avail, I now, under the most sacred obligations, bona fide, declare I was not aware of it; and when I saw the letters and account, I was so much ashamed of my inadvertency, and so justly culpable before you, that I could not compose myself to come before you, and answer for my misconduct. But from that moment, with much anxiety and care, I studied to remedy the matter. 'This I declare was the honest purpose of my heart; and to make you rep