Exciting to discover today various sources new to me, on the amazing digital collection of CMS records on the National Library Australia website (https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1350490952/findingaid?digitised=y) – only recently digitized.

One record I definitely hadn’t seen before was Henry Williams offering himself for missionary service, in January 1820. This is about five years after he was discharged on half-pay from the Royal Navy (after the close of the Napoleonic Wars).

His spirituality is very evident in this letter. He closes it: “All I desire is [to] advance the Glory of God and the welfare of my fellow creatures”. Digital copies below.