t. Mrs. Judson being at length
convinced that the petty officers of government were acting in this
matter without authority, and for the purpose of extorting money from
Mr. Hough, with the intrepidity that always marked her character,
"taking her life in her hand", went boldly to the palace with a petition
for his release. The Viceroy immediately granted it, and commanded that
Mr. Hough should receive no further molestation.

To add to the distresses of the missionaries, the cholera now raged
around them with fearful violence and there were rumors of war between
England and Burmah. Six months had passed, and still the fate of Mr.
Judson was a fearful mystery. The English vessels were hastening their
departure from the harbor and soon they would have no means of leaving
the country, whatever might occur. Mrs. Judson writes: "Mr. Hough has
been for some time past desirous to have Mrs. Hough, his children and
myself go to Bengal. But I have ever felt resolved not to make any
movement till I hear from Mr. Judson. Within a few days, however, some
circumstances have occurred which have induced me to make preparations
for a voyage. There is but one remaining ship in the river; and if an
embargo is laid on English ships it will be impossible for Mr. Judson
(if he is yet alive) to return to this place. But the uncertainty of
meeting him in Bengal, and the possibility of his arriving in my
absence, cause me to make preparations with a heavy heart. Sometimes I
feel inclined to remain here, alone, and hazard the consequences. I
should certainly conclude on this step, if any probability existed of
Mr. Judson's return. This mission has never appeared in so low a state
as at the present time. It seems now entirely destroyed, as we all
expect to embark for Bengal in a day or two. Alas! how changed are our
prospects since Mr. Judson left us! How dark, how intricate the
providence that now surrounds us! Yet it becomes us to be still, and
know that he is God who has thus ordered our circumstances."

A fortnight later, she writes: "Alone, my dear friends, in this great
house, ... I take my pen to record the strange vicissitudes through
which I have passed within a few days."

On the 5th of this month, I embarked with Mr. Hough and family for
Bengal, having previously disposed of what I could not take with me....
My disinclination to proceed had increased to such a degree that I was
on the point of giving up the voyage; but my passage was