comfortable situation on the island, the motives which had induced them to settle there, the humane and gentle disposition of the inhabitants, the supplies their island afforded in the greatest abundance. This information was peculiarly gratifying to them, as they were reduced, by adverse weather and long continuance at sea, to very distressing circumstances, as will appear from the captain's recital of his voyage, and of their adversities from the period of leaving Macao to their arrival at Otaheite. He observed, that, shortly after leaving China they were overtaken by various gales of wind, in one of which they sprung the foremast: they were then obliged to bear away for the nearest port, which was Kamschatka, where the vessel underwent the necessary repairs; which being completed, they again proceeded for the N. W. coast, but had left that place only a few days, when they again encountered severe storms, in which they sustained other damages. They were therefore obliged a second time to put into Kamschatka. When they had refitted their vessel, and procured such supplies as the place afforded, they attempted again to proceed for the N. W. coast, but were ultimately prevented from pursuing the object of their destination by various providential dispensations, particularly in the time being prolonged, and their vessel considerably disabled by the preceding events, the shortness of their provisions, and being intercepted by subsequent gales of wind, which obliged them to bear away for the Sandwich Islands, where they were in expectation of being amply supplied. They arrived at the Island Owhyee, one of that group,

when, on minutely investigating the condition of the vessel, and not being able to procure a sufficient supply of provisions and other necessaries, they were under the unavoidable necessity of running down to Otaheite in order to recruit their stores, and repair the vessel as well as circumstances would permit. Afterwards they intended to proceed to Massafuro on the W. coast of S. America for skins; (having relinquished their former object;) but on their arrival here, the vessel was found to be in a bad state, very leaky, the copper worn off, and otherwise too dangerously conditioned to prolong the voyage without having her careened, and undergoing a thorough repair; which was altogether impracticable at this island. The condition of the vessel, want of provisions, &c. fully confirmed the captain's narrative. The supercargo was sitting on the quarter-deck eating his breakfast of rice out of a wooden dish, and it appeared that this was used by all in the cabin in succession, having in the gales lost or broke all their crockery; of which, when they left China, they had an abundant supply. Their provisions were nearly expended, and water only for a few days; and the crew was almost exhausted with fatigue in constant pumping the vessel; and also suffering the want of the common necessaries of life. The Missionaries inquired of the captain what articles of commerce he had on board, wherewith he could trade with the natives for the supplies he wanted; that they might inform him at how much the people would value them, and that he might regulate his speculations accordingly. The captain informed

them that blue cloth, China boxes, muskets and ammunition, were principally their investment, and was designed for trading on the N. W. coast for skins. When this information respecting the arms was communicated to the Missionaries, it created considerable anxiety in their minds, as such instruments were more highly prized than any other species of property; for such is their dread of fire-arms, that the chief who possesses most is considered the greatest, and most absolute, and is sure to be followed by the largest numbers in the event of war. This article, therefore, the Missionaries wished to prevent being circulated among them, because they have sometimes been productive of war and bloodshed. The human mind is not more or less depraved in Otaheite, than in the contending countries of what is called civilized Europe. It is everywhere common for the strongest power to assume a despotic sway over the weakest; and frequently these acts of tyranny and oppression are varnished over with the title of "just rights, national honour," &c. and, generally, heaven is called upon to witness that they are moved in these acts of aggression by the most honourable motives-to seek a just reparation. The Missionaries entreated the cap tain not to trade with the arms, promising at the same time that if he should not be able to procure a sufficient supply with the other articles, they would make up the deficiency from their own stores, to which the captain agreed. They also enjoined upon him to keep this negotiation secret from the natives, because, should they hear of it, the event would no doubt sub

ject the Missionaries to serious difficulties; as was ultimately the case. Blue cloth, and the other articles of commerce, may be esteemed valuable commodities on the N. W. coast; but not so in Otaheite; had it been scarlet, instead of blue, it would have been purchased with greater avidity, and proved very satisfactory. However, notwithstanding secrecy being enjoined in the preceding arrangement, the natives unfortunately became acquainted therewith, by means of one of the Swedes, or some of the natives of Owhyee, (who had taken passage on board the Nautilus.) The result terminated as was apprehended; for the king immediately prohibited any further commerce with the vessel: neither were provisions of any kind suffered to be sent on board. The Missionaries were therefore under the necessity of supplying them out of their own stores, agreeably to previous engagement. About forty-five large hogs, a sufficiency of water, and other necessaries, were accordingly sent on board; also several important repairs to the vessel were completed: after which the captain was determined, notwithstanding the shattered state of the vessel, to proceed to Massafuro, as noticed before. When the supplies were on board, and the vessel put in the best possible order, they proceeded accordingly on their voyage.

The Missionaries having furnished the vessel from their own stores, found in consequence their stock had grown very small, which obliged them to have recourse to the natives to recruit it again: but on application, they found it impossible to purchase any, though larger prices were offered than heretofore.

They now discovered that the prohibition ordered by the king did not extend merely to the ship, but also to them. Distant behaviour and jealousy were in consequence very apparent in the natives, and those who had been most familiar endeavoured to shun the company of the Missionaries, whereas, before the arrival of this vessel, the greatest confidence was reposed in them. Thus were they reduced to difficulties, and, by the hostile disposition of the islanders, they apprehended still greater. The Missionaries remained in this anxious state of suspense about a week, when information of a ship in sight from the heights was brought to their dwelling, which they shortly after perceived was the Nautilus. The variety of conjectures entertained by the Missionaries on this occasion were great, to ascertain the reason of her return so early after her departure. In order to learn the cause, the Missionary boat was despatched on board, when they were informed that they had experienced a heavy gale of wind, in which, before they could kill and secure the hogs they had received at Otaheite, the whole were washed overboard, by the violence of the gale, and seas continually breaking in upon the deck, and at times they with great difficulty could preserve themselves, and of the stock they had received only one goat was remaining on board. At this information the Missionaries were greatly perplexed, as the difficulties were doubtless greater than any they had heretofore sustained-they were at a loss to know what was the most proper conduct to pursue under these accumulations of distress, for the ship was