’I must write more when at sea.  I have very little time here.

’I hope by God’s blessing to make a long round among my many islands this winter; some, I know, must be approached with great caution.  Your prayers will be offered for me and those with me, I know, and am greatly comforted by the knowledge of it.

’Fanny tells me what you have said to her about supplying any deficit in the money required for our vessel.  I feel as if this ought not in one sense to come upon you, but how can I venture to speak to you on such matters?  You know all that I think and feel about it.  Send me more your blessing.  I feel cares and anxieties now.  My kind love to Mrs. Keble.

‘J.  C. Patteson, Missionary Bishop.’

Two more notes followed in quick succession to Hursley Vicarage, almost entirely upon the matter of the new ‘Southern Cross,’ which was being built under Mr. Tilly’s eye.  The two Bishops were scrupulous about letting Mr. Keble give more than a fair proportion towards the vessel, which was not to cost more than £3,000, though more roomy than her lamented predecessor.  Meantime the ‘Sea Breeze’ was ’again to serve for the winter voyage:—­

’St. Barnabas Day, Auckland:  1862.

’My dear Sisters,—­Think of my being ashore, and in a Christian land on this day.  So it is.  We sail (D.V.) in six days, as it may be this day week.  The Melanesians are very good and pretty well in health, but we are all anxious to be in warm climates.  I think that most matters are settled.  Primate and I have finished our accounts.  Think of his wise stewardship!  The endowment in land and money, and no debts contracted!  I hope that I leave nothing behind me to cause difficulty, should anything happen.  The Primate and Sir William Martin are my executors; Melanesia, as you would expect, my heir.  I may have forgotten many items, personal reminiscences.  Ask for anything, should anything happen.  I see no reason to anticipate it, humanly speaking, but it is always well to think of such things.  I am just going to the little Taurarua chapel to our Melanesian Commemoration service with Holy Communion.

’Oh! if it should please God to grant us a meeting here!

’Great blessings have been given me this summer in seeing the progress made by the scholars, so great as to make me feel sober-minded and almost fearful, but that is wrong and faithless perhaps, and yet surely the trials must come some day.

’God bless you all, and keep you all safe from all harm.

’Your loving Brother,

‘J.  C. Patteson, Bishop.’

’Friday, June 27th, 2 P.M.—­How you are thinking of all that took place that last night on earth.  He was taking his departure for a long voyage, rather he was entering into the haven where he would be!  May God give us grace to follow his holy example, his patient endurance of his many trials, the greatest his constant trial of deafness.