At this period I did not go often to town. I had no occasion for a counting-house, but used, when necessary, that of Messrs. Bottle Samples, and Co. my brokers in Mincinglane. Being however desirous to serve my old curator in the business which had brought him with his relation to London, I resolved to take lodgings for a week, and at Westminster, as more convenient than in the city. Accordingly they stayed with me for the night at Oakhill, and I accompanied them on the morning.

Mr. Mashlim had brought letters to several Members of Parliament, requesting their assistance in promoting his views; but not being determined with respect to the exact direction of his intended emigration, they were premature, and a cause of unnecessary trouble. Had he been fixed in his plans, no doubt the gentlemen would have been useful, and have given him weight with the Government; but he conceiving that they were wise in their generations, and acquainted with all things, made use of the letters to solicit their advice as to where he should go; and for aught I know to the contrary, they talked to him of Ophir, whence Solomon brought gold and peacocks; and the island of Serendib, with which they were as well acquainted as with any of our own colonies. At last, one of his letters, “more lucky than the rest,” introduced him to the celebrated Mr. Bletherington, one of the most constant orators at that time in the House of Commons.