I m t
In reality, this voyage to the Tropics is undertaken after the consultation
of very eminent physicians, who have advised me, if the
winter season in Madeira should not agree so well with me as the
summer, to proceed to some country nearer to the Line; Although
the climate is very pleasant for people in good health, yet^the winds
are often too keen for invalids,; and as I have now staid in this
island two years, and always in the winter suffered from the pulmonic
complaint nearly as much as during my travels and residence
in the South of Europe, l am resolved to pursue the medical
reeommendation, though it is certainly very unpleasant to be
obliged to undertake such a distant voyage, in an indifferent state
of health, during a war, which I ,had hoped would have heen terminated
by the mediation of the King of Prussia, who by his :
estimable private character is in the confidence Of the other European
powers.
In this'voyage to the Tropics, the other additional inducements
which determine me in the choice of going to Surinam, I intend
to relaté to you moré fully on some future occasion, and therefore -
shall here only add, that during my stay, in that, country? I may
attain, by the particular attention I am accustomed to pay,\vhere-
ever I am, to the influence of the climate, and the necessary mode
of living, some knowledge that may become useful, to other newcomers,
among whom I expect to have the pleasure of seeing many
of my own countrymen, and even, perhaps, some of my most
ancient acquaintances.
Although there can be no doubt that there are good medical men
at Surinam, yet the presence of a friend can sometimes have a still
better effect in persuading a stranger to avoid evils in an unguarded
moment, particularly in such a climate, where, when once a distemper
is eaught, the most skilful physicians are often unable to stop
its rapid progress, and prevent its becoming fatal.
At Madeira, the months of February and March are particularly
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changeable in the weather, and subject to most piercing winds, it
will therefore be fortunate for me if I can leave this island before
that time; | and I flatter myself that, after this explanation, you will
no longer disapprove of my design in residing for some time at
Surinam. FarewelL