Whilst preparing for the voyage, he undertook to manufacture an optical contrivance for a gentleman, and was well paid for it.
Then he bought a pair of gloves and abundance of clothes, as clothes he learned were very dear in the West Indies.
"At length the time of the ship's sailing being near at hand, I settled my affairs, took my leave of my friends, and went on board the ship on the 25th April, 1747.
"After having experienced various vicissitudes of fortune, I am once more going into a strange land: for, though there is nothing new under the sun, yet the eye is never satisfied with seeing."
Wyatt had committed his adventures to paper before starting, and had disposed of the MS. to a publisher. The book sold well, and the sixth edition was called for in 1755, but in it no further particulars are given of Wyatt, so that it must be assumed either that he was then dead or that he was still abroad.
What strikes one in reading his Memoirs is the indefatigable energy and the resourcefulness of the man. He could turn his hand to anything. He kept his eyes open, and was ever eager to acquire information.
His Life and Surprising Adventures has his portrait in copper plate prefixed to it. He wears a wig, and a laced and embroidered waistcoat, open at the breast to display his fine frilled shirt.
