—.—W_Ww.mwuu_ , .

New London had no parsonage for the new missionary and his wife, but lodgings were procured some four miles from the church, probably with the family of John Millman. Just as they were about to take up residence Mrs. Roberts died, aged 33, April 4, 1842. The bereaved clergyman decided to leave the Island, but he hesitated so long that Bishop Inglis wrote to the S.P.G. in July, 1843:

I do not despair of retaining Mr. Roberts of New London who is a very able and excellent clergyman, but his health and

spirits have sustained a most severe shock. He has also a diseased arm.

Apparently Roberts stayed in New London until the autumn of 1843, but he helped at St. Paul’s during the winter and returned to England in the autumn of 1844. A small mahogany table which had once belonged to him remained in the possession of the family of a Burlington parishioner until recent years. Both Roche and Panter resigned as well, so that the fair promise of 1841 was not immediately fulfilled. The Bishop did not go to New London on his 1842 visit, but an account of the 1843 visitation follows:

Tuesday, June 20. Dr. Jenkins drove me nine miles to Mr. Lloyd’s. Mr. Lloyd drove me eight miles, where we met Rev. F. Roberts, who drove on the New London road for some distance when he was obliged to leave me, and I proceeded eight miles to a place where the best accommodation in the neighbourhood was secured for me, on the right bank of the New London River, where l lodged.

Wednesday, June 21. The mercury was at eighty-four. I crossed a short ferry, and found the Governor and Mr. Panter on the opposite side. His Excellency drove me about a mile to the Church of New London, which had been consecrated in one of my former visits. The burial ground was now consecrated, and thirty-two persons were confirmed. I preached and addressed the confirmed; and also encouraged the little flock here to renewed exertions for the repair of their Church and the support of their pastor, who they well know

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