“I have written this with the wish that whoever may find it will send it to Ralph Brandon, Esq., of Brandon Hall, Devonshire, that he may see that justice is done to Potts, and the rest of the conspirators. Let him also try, if it be not too late, to save Uracao. If this fall into the hands of any one going to England let it be delivered to him as above, but if the finder be going to India let him place it in the hands of the Governor-General; if to China or any other place, let him give it to the authorities, enjoining them, however, after using it, to send it to Ralph Brandon as above. “It will be seen by this that John Potts was in connection with the Thugs, probably for the sake of plundering those whom they murdered: that he conspired against me and tried to kill me; and that he has wrought my death (for I expect to die). An examination of my desk shows that he has taken papers and bank bills to the amount of four thousand pounds with him. It was this, no doubt, that induced him to make this attempt against me. “I desire also hereby to appoint Henry Thornton, Sen., Esq., of Holby Pembroke, Solicitor, my executor and the guardian of my son Courtenay, to whom I bequeath a father’s blessing and all that I possess. Let him try to secure my money in Cape Town for my boy, and, if possible, to regain for him the four thousand pounds which Potts has carried off. “Along with this manuscript I also inclose the strangling cord. “May God have mercy upon my soul! Amen. “LIONEL DESPARD.” “July 28.--Since I wrote this there has been a series of tremendous storms. The weather has cleared up again. I have seen no land and no ship. “July 31.--Land to-day visible at a great distance on the south. I know not what land it may be. I can not tell in what direction I am drifting. “August 2.--Land visible toward the southwest. It seems like the summit of a range of mountains, and is probably fifty miles distant. “August 5.--A sail appeared on the horizon. It was too distant to perceive me. It passed out of sight. “August 10.--A series of severe gales. The sea always rolls over the brig in these storms, and sometimes seems about to carry her down. “August 20.--Storms and calms alternating. When will this end? “August 25.--Land again toward the west. It seems as though I may be drifting among the islands of the Indian Archipelago. “September 2.--I have been sick for a week. Unfortunately I am beginning to recover again. A faint blue streak in the north seems like land. “September 10.--Open water. “September 23.--A series of storms. How the brig can stand it I can not see. I remember Potts telling me that she was built of mahogany and copper-fastened. She does not appear to be much injured. I am exceedingly weak from want and exposure. It is with difficulty that I can move about. “October 2.--Three months adrift. My God have mercy on me, and make haste to deliver me! A storm is rising. Let all Thy waves and billows overwhelm me, O Lord!