80 dustrious, ingenious people, more than any we have met with; but spears and clubs are found in every house. At three P. M. I attended native service, and addressed the people through the medium of Mr. Calvert. Their number was small, but they were very attentive. I was much pleased during the evening in hearing Mr. Calvert's account of his visit to Ono, an island about one hundred and sixty miles distant; where, under God, the native Teachers have been instrumental of immense good. It was a somewhat hazardous undertaking in a frail canoe; but Mr. Calvert considered the call of duty to be imperative, and he was amply repaid by the refreshing graces of the Holy Spirit experienced in his own mind. 10th. The wind is still unfavourable, and we have had an unfortunate occurrence. Mr. Brooks was coming through the bush, with a native, who proposed to ascend a tree, and get him a cocoa-nut. Mr. Brooks saw that the taboo was on them, that is, they were made sacred; the sign of the taboo being almost everywhere displayed. The nut was, however, taken; and Mr. Brooks drank the delicious milk, never suspecting any unpleasant result. But, to our great grief, the circumstance was made known next morning in the korah, or settlement, which occasioned great excitement. A powerful Chief from Tonga came to communicate to us the feeling of indignation that was expressed towards the native that had transgressed. The poor fellow was present: his former fierce aspect would have struck terror into an European; but he was now seen to quail before the Chief, who said, "If I had not embraced Christianity, I would have killed you immediately! Begone, you worthless man, and leave this land! The man fled, and we saw no more of him. From what I learned, it was well he did, or his life might have been the forfeiture, had he fallen into the hands of the savage Feejeeans. sea 11th. We landed our goods ten miles from the Mission-station on the beach, the wind and breakers preventing our approaching nearer. We took some fire-wood on board, and "strake sail" for Somosomo; and soon got within sight of the korah, but the wind failed. I attempted to land in our pilot-boat, about five miles from the vessel, and ten from the station, and to walk up, accompanied by a heathen native, whom we had engaged as a pilot; but, on reaching the shore, we found it inaccessible, and were under the necessity of returning to the ship, which we reached about half-past ten P. M. 13th. A perfect calm. We are rather farther off than we were last evening; and though our flag was flying yesterday and this morning, yet no signal is returned, nor has any canoe come off. The important question is, "What shall we do?" The last account received was, that thirteen females had been strangled outside the Mission-premises. Under these circumstances, I begged a man or two to take me in a boat, with Titus, a Christian native, whom we had taken from Vavou to nurse Mrs. Brooks's children; then I would (my life being preserved) visit the station, or, if the Missionaries had fled, I would wait on the King, and report, by white calico, if it were safe to come to anchor. As we approached the shore an immense number of natives were assembled; but no European could be seen among them. I told the men to go sufficiently near the shore for me to land, and then put their boat to sea as soon as possible; and if they killed me, they must report it to the Captain. "No," said the sailors, 66 so long as we have limbs and knives, you shall not die by yourself!" No sooner was this matter so far settled than one exclaimed, "I see a straw hat!" I immediately waved mine, and the signal was returned. I soon landed, greeted by Mr. Lyth, who had expected that it was Mr. Hunt returning from Rewa; and this misapprehension had occasioned their taking no notice of the ship on either day. Finding that the ship (with certain precautions) might anchor in safety, I sent the boat back with the information; and hastened to one of the houses belonging to the King, in which the Missionaries for the present reside. There I received, as usual, a most affectionate welcome, with a little yam and pork to satisfy the cravings of nature. I was sorry to find Mrs. Hunt far from being well; and no wonder, considering the wretched place in which the two families live, and the close, damp weather, which made me say, as the true Hibernian said on another occasion, "I should die soon, if I were to live long here." In the evening I waited with Mr. Lyth on the old King; a venerable man, seated in a chair, with a musket on his lap. He received me, as the long-spoken-of visiter, with great cordiality. The Queen shook me heartily by the hand, expressing great delight that I had so many children. A number of his other wives were present; more, however, as servants, for Missionary Notices. one only is acknowledged as Queen. I afterwards took a present for him and the Queen. We then measured our relative height of stature; when he was not a little pleased to find that I was just as tall as he. I expressed my pleasure at the protection which he had afforded to our Missionaries; and, exhorting him to embrace Christianity, we sang a verse, He is appaand parted from him. rently between seventy and eighty years of age, and as erect as the Rev. Richard Reece. I went on to see the young King, He was seated about forty years of age. on his mat, surrounded by his principal Chiefs. The barber had been dressing his hair, and he was painting his own face. Such a Goliath I had not seen before. We measured together, and I found him to be the head and neck taller than myself, and nearly three times the bulk, every part indicating the strength of a giant. His Queen, an interesting He seemed young woman, sat by him. pleased with our visit: after recommending him in prayer to our common God and Saviour, we departed; and on the following day we presented my token of love to him and his Queen. This is the King, whose mandate is life or death; who can calmly hear his Chiefs contending with all the warmth of enraged and powerfully eloquent Heathens for two hours together, and then deliver his quiet judgment, on which he acts most determinately. Subsequently he called at the Mission-House. Such a human form (all but uncovered) was enough to frighten Mrs. Brooks, who had seen nothing of the kind in the Friendly Islands; and, more especially so, when he took her child (about seven weeks old) into his arms, and put his great tongue into its mouth! At night, at the instance of Mr. Lyth, our ship fired one of her large guns, the report of which kept all the natives from going near her. A 14th. We heard of many deeds of 15th. We feel greatly perplexed. these stations must excite gratitude to stances. 16th. We passed various islands, with a fair wind, having on board a Tonguese Christian Teacher as pilot, who is thoroughly acquainted with the rocks, reefs, &c. Towards night, the wind being unfavourable, we got under the lee of an island called "Chechia." While the ship was standing on and off, I went ashore in our boat with the pilot, who introduced me in my official character to a few warlike natives, with whom I shook hands and told them my object in visiting these lands; and, moreover, that I wished to buy some fowls. The tidings spread: and, in about half an hour, until a hundred surrounded us, with they came running in every direction, most of whom I shook hands. prudence suggested the propriety of our leaving them; and no sooner was my mind made known than a man, (rather who had half-filled our boat with cocoalarger than the Rev. Robert Newton,) nuts, threw his arm in an instant under my thigh, and, placing me like a child on his shoulders, sprang like a lamplighter to the boat, which was floating at a distance, and placed me safely in it. We all parted good friends. But 17th. At day-dawn we sighted the The main land, near Rewa, and saw a small vessel about to weigh anchor. wind being favourable, we soon reached was "the Currency Lass," with the Rev. her; and, to our great surprise, found it David Cargill and his four motherless children, on their way to Sydney for England. I expressed my deep sympathy with him, and then went to see his accommodations, for which he had paid £140; and, of all the filthy, miserableThere was no looking berths which I could have conceived, it was the worst. tea, sugar, or wine, on board; and how the poor children were to live, I knew not. I asked, "Would you like to sail in He answered, "Above all the Triton?" and as the owner of "the things! was on board, and we the Currency Lass had ample accommodation in "Triton," after considerable negotiation about terms, he agreed at last to return £70, and that Mr. Cargill and his children should all go with the "Triton." I asked were taken on board our vessel. Immediately Mr. Cargill and family Mr. Cargill if it would be safe for our sailors to give the Triton a partial refitting, to enable us to reach Hobart-Town. He said, it was perfectly safe and practicable, as the American squadron had just taken in chains a leading Chief, at whose instance a whole ship's company had been destroyed; and that this circumstance had filled the natives with awe. Mr. Cargill and I then went in our boat about seven miles to the MissionHouse, where we found Mrs. Jaggar, a solitary European female, very ill, who, with her husband, (as was the case everywhere,) gave me a most hearty welcome. After tea, we crossed, in a canoe, from Zoar, the Mission establishment, to the large town of Rewa, and waited on the King, creeping on all fours into his palace, where twenty or thirty were surrounding him. I communicated with him through Mr. Cargill, and gave him a present. To the Queen, with whom I was much pleased, because, though a Heathen, she would not allow any wife but herself, I gave a handsome shawl. We waited then on the King's eldest brother with a present, (the man who, a short time ago, fired into the Mission premises,) and on the third brother in the same day. We found him in an European dress, with a plate and spoon, eating his supper. He can speak a little English, and is now, though a Heathen, very friendly. When he removed his plate, the women in harmony clapped their hands. This, I found, was their uniform custom, when any great Chief had done eating. 18th. I visited several houses, and saw the smoke of the Potteries at a distance. I was greatly pleased with the ingenuity, industry, and apparent domestic comfort, of this heathen race. Their land is cultivated; the beautiful river bears its industrious parties in the canoes to and from their plantations; and other interesting circumstances are connected with this richlyluxuriant land, and immensely-populous district. But there is an awfully dark shade: The Feejeeans are swift to shed blood their houses are habitations of cruelty. The Queen wants a nurse; the King goes to a poor woman just confined, throws the poor woman's child into the river, and sends the mother to be his wife's nurse. Parts of human bodies have occasionally, after the murder, been thrown into the Mission premises. This day, the King and his two brothers are met in council, to determine on killing eleven Chiefs ! The two eldest are roused to indignation against the youngest, who will not consent to this wholesale murder; and without his concurrence it cannot be done. They threaten to kill him for refusing a compliance with their bloody wishes. From all I have learnt, the affecting statements of the paper, entitled, "Pity Feejee," are fully confirmed. The King, however, has not been known to eat any human flesh since the arrival of the Missionaries. The American squadrons have done much good in these islands. There are several pious persons among them; and the Commander tells the King, that the Missionaries are his friends. Through the influence of the Americans, the house in which I now write was built. Sunday, July 19th.-At nine A. M. I attended the native service, and addressed them through Mr. Jaggar. At eleven A. M. I preached to five persons in English. In the afternoon we went in a canoe up the river a short distance; and then walked into the interior, through beautiful plantations, in which was growing abundance of fine suli, a valuable root, like bread. At length, we took our station under a large bread-fruit tree among the houses. Mr. Jaggar preached; and I added a few words, urging them to repent of their sins, and to embrace the religion of Christ. I met with nothing but respect from the Feejeeans. A native Teacher prayed; and Mr. Jaggar said, he prayed for me as "the great light," alluding to my office. They seem all of opinion, that my visit will, by the blessing of God, do great good; which is not a little gratifying, as, under other circumstances, nothing could induce me to leave my beloved family, and to expose myself to the manifold dangers of this immense group of islands; dangers which none can know, unless they be providentially brought into similar difficulties and perils. But the sight of such a noble band of Christian men and women, who, for Christ's sake, are enduring with cheerfulness what would almost break the heart of any spectator, causes me to rejoice with exceeding great joy, that I have the privilege of ministering in the least to their comfort. 20th. I was employed in visiting Mrs. Brooks, who is ill on board the Triton. We afterwards visited several native houses. Mr. Cross has come from Viwa; and I had much conversation with the brethren on matters belonging to this important Mission. 21st. I went, with Mr. Cross and Mrs. Jaggar, in a large canoe, (lent by the King of Rewa,) to Viwa, Mr. Cross's station, a beautiful island, about twenty miles from Rewa, and near Bau. The river is wide, and beautifully skirted by rich land and verdant trees, until at length it opens into a wide bay. I was not a little pleased to learn, that the river, for three quarters of a mile, had been cut by the natives, in order to connect the two waters. It is about double the width of the Duke of Bridgewater's canal near Manchester. Our voyage was retarded by the unfavourable state of the wind. During our excursion, we shot a wild duck, which was grilled on the fire, and afforded a partial refreshment, of which we all partook; and, after grinding coral in the skirts of the bay with the bottom of our huge canoe, and finding it impossible to reach the shore in her till high water, two or three of our men went off to fetch a small one. It was quite dark, and they had about a mile to pass through the water, either swimming or walking. At length we saw a fire on the shore, lighted to direct us; and soon the small canoe came, and took us safely to land about ten o'clock P. M.; where, to my surprise, I found a couple of fowls cooked, with pork and yams on the table. The secret was soon out. Mr. Cross had, at the dawn of day, sent a native to inform Mrs. Cross of our going. Immediately a venerable Chief (Namosimalua) came with his wife; and, with all the benignity of a saint, welcomed us, saying to Mr. Cross, "I have prepared a pig and yams: is it your mind to have them ? " As we had about twenty men with us, they were gratefully accepted for them; and the Chief was invited to stay with us. He sat in a chair, with his hands clasped, and his countenance beaming with delight, while I conversed with him about our common Saviour. At length we put into requisition knives and forks, which he handled well; and, he being the first Feejeean I had seen eating at a table, the sight pleased me not a little. We sang a hymn in the native language. I then read and prayed. In the whole of these exercises, the Chief seemed very devout. My wonder and delight were not lessened, on hearing the depth of wretchedness from which the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ had raised him. He had been one of their greatest warriors, carrying terror wherever he went; and not a few human beings had been eaten by him. In this instance, the lion has indeed become a lamb. 22d. We repaired to the chapel; a beautiful place on the mount, surrounded by enchanting scenery. both wonderful and gratifying to think It is that in little more than a year such a work as this has been accomplished: and when I heard the Queen read most 437 delightfully from Mr. Cross's manuscript me I had intended visiting Bau; but, 23d. I took my leave of our kind No. They said, Then a little child must be there." While I could not but smile at these things, I found them remarkably clever: there are elements of no ordinary kind, which, when controlled by Christianity, will make them superior to any class of men I have seen in these seas. 24th. The wind being unfavourable, and seeing several small uninhabited islands around us, we went on shore, bathed, and perambulated the bush. We met some natives, who had come to anchor with their canoe. One venerable Chief approached; the usual salutation passed between us; and on calling Mr. Cargill to interpret, we found that he was one from another island who had embraced Christianity. 25th. In the morning we went in a boat to examine the channel, and found several dangerous places. In the evening, finding the wind still to be unfavourable, and having determined not to weigh anchor on the Sunday, I went to the Mission-House, a distance of about seven miles. Sunday, 26th. I attended native service twice, and addressed them as on the former Sunday. I preached in English to seven persons; and visited the King's brother, who was very ill. our 27th. We parted again with esteemed friends, and reached the vessel in a canoe, just as the wind became favourable. We are now on the wide ocean. The British Conference will open its sittings in about an hour. We shall have a prayer-meeting on the occasion. 28th. At nine A. M. we found ourselves abreast Kandara, the last island of the Feejee group. It is large, with high mountains, and has varied, but beautiful, scenery. As the circumstances of this island were somewhat peculiar, I requested the Rev. David Cargill to go with me and visit the people. They were reported to have cut off two boats' crews lately; and the American squadron had taken a great Chief, of commanding influence in that land, and made him their prisoner, for sacrificing so many of their countrymen. The brother of the King of Rewa had also said, that they were determined to seize on the first ship that touched on their coast. All this suggested the propriety of our moving with caution. Accordingly, we lowered the boat, and Mr. Cargill and myself set out, with two seamen and a Feejeean, whom Mr. Cargill had brought to take care of his children, and the Tonguese before named. When we approached the shore, about five miles from the ship, we saw two or three natives, each with a spear in one hand, and a club in the other. Immediately on our approach to the coral reef, their number multiplied with great rapidity, all armed with muskets, spears, clubs, bows, arrows, &c. Mr. Cargill told them who I was, and they handed us from the boat on the coral. We directed our seamen to pull off immediately, to prevent their obtaining possession of the boat; and they took Mr. Cargill in one direction, and myself in another, two men holding me by the hand, while I stepped now on coral, then up to the middle in water; and having travelled in this style five or six hundred yards, until there was a sandy bottom, one of them took me on his back, and soon landed me on the dry shore; when two boys rose out of the grass, each having a musket, and native powder-belt; they gave one to the man who had carried me, who girded his native powder-bag about him, and having the gun in one hand, and my hand in the other, we went to Mr. Cargill. The Chief was now made known to us, and requested us to accompany him. After conversing a little in English, we thought it best to show confidence, and follow him. He led us half a mile through the bush, accompanied by about a hundred men, with all kinds of weapons to defend themselves. Feeling a little tired, I thought we had bet ter rest, and immediately we squatted in a circle. Mr. Cargill then told the Chief who I was, named the islands and Kings that I had visited, and stated the reason of our touching at Kandara to be, our love to him and to his people. He said, that it was very good for a great Chief from another land to come in love to see him; and that it would be very good to have a Missionary there. I then tendered to him several little presents; and he immediately ordered some cocoa-nuts to be gathered for us. He pressed us, moreover, to go to his korah: we accordingly set out again, now ascending a mountain, and panting for breath, then down a declivity, steep and tiring, until we reached an uninhabited house, which the Chief entered, and we followed. It was soon filled, and we again talked about our great business, to which they listened with evident interest. In the course of conversation, a tall man entered with a musket, walked through the circle, and sat at my back,-a position which I should not have chosen for him. The Chief had ordered yams to be boiled for us, but we could not stay; and, after purchasing a few baskets, that I might show my family their workmanship, we |
