It was in the autumn of 1833 when he was nearly ready to start, that he
fell in with my father, told him his adventures and his future plans,
and asked him to accompany him. My father, who was tired and disgusted
with everything, _blasé au fond_, met the Prince more than half-way.

Our property in France had all been disposed of at a great sacrifice at
the time of the Revolution. All my father possessed was in money and
jewels. He resolved to risk all, and to settle with the Prince in this
far-distant land. Several additions were consequently made to the cargo
and to the members composing the expedition.

Two priests had already engaged to act as missionaries. Anxious for my
education, my father provided an extensive library, and paid a large sum
to the Prior of a Dominican convent to permit the departure with us of
another worthy man, who was well able to superintend my education. Two
of the three religious men who had thus formed our expedition had been
great travellers, and had already carried the standard of the cross east
of the Ganges in the Thibetian and Burman empires.

In order to avoid any difficulties from the government, the Prince
Seravalle had taken the precaution to clear the vessel out for
Guatemala, and the people at Leghorn fully believed that such was his
object. But Guatemala and Acapulco were left a long way south of us
before we arrived at our destination.

At last everything was prepared. I was sent for from the Propaganda--the
stock of wines, &c., were the last articles which were shipped, and the
_Esmeralda_ started on her tedious; and by no means certain voyage.