the highest confidence, coincided with him in opinion, he strongly recommended to the Author that it should be published. His reluctance to this public appearance, was only overcome through the influence of a suggestion rising up in his own mind, that the work might not only perhaps afford pleasure and instruction, but that, should any profits arise from the sale, he would be enabled thereby to gratify his feelings, by devoting them to the support of Bible and Missionary Societies, or other pious purposes. The task of the Editor, while the sheets were passing through the press, has been of a very limited kind, being chiefly confined to the correction of a few _glaring_ errors in grammar or style, which the writer's very imperfect education necessarily occasioned. Though the most perfect liberty was conceded to him, the Editor felt no disposition to make any changes affecting that extreme naïveté and simplicity of style which appeared to form at least one peculiar and novel charm in the original narrative. The Editor abstains from any attempt to characterize the volume, as he feels that, from peculiar circumstances, he has become too much enamoured of the Author and his performance, to possess the requisite coolness for doing the work strict justice. He now sends it into the world, humbly trusting that the same kind Providence that watched over the Author, amid manifold perils, temptations, and afflictions, will furnish him with fresh motives of gratitude, by rendering these his humble labours useful for promoting the glory of God, as well as profitable and acceptable to his "dear readers"--objects more precious, the Editor firmly believes, to _his_ soul, "than thousands of gold and silver." EDINBURGH, _April 17, 1823_. CONTENTS. _Page_ CHAPTER I. The Author's Birth and Education--Sent to Edinburgh--Engaged to a Tobacco-Spinner--Hired by Mrs. C.--Her Excellent Character--Death--Goes to Mr. B.--Hardships there from Hunger--Buys a fife, and becomes devoted to Music--Put to the Weaving--Scanty Fare and small Wages--Curious incident--Goes to Peebles--Enlists in the Army of Reserve--Is sent to Ireland. 1 CHAPTER II. Arrival at Belfast, Athlone, Dublin--His Musical Enthusiasm --Alarms of Conscience--Enlists into the Regulars--Visits Scotland--Courtship--Melancholy Result of it--Goes to England --Arrives at Portsmouth--Dismal scene of Drawing Lots for the Wives--Mrs. Allan permitted to accompany her Husband, through the Author's influence with the Colonel. 21 CHAPTER III. Embarks at Portsmouth--Death of William Troup of a Broken Heart--Tremendous Storm--Ceremony at Crossing the Equinoctial --Loses his Watch--Cape of Good Hope--Sufferings from want of Water. 39 CHAPTER IV.