miums on England; in which he mentioned also the various districts of the island, the chiefs, the gods, &c. After which he formally ceded the whole district of Matavai to the Missionaries, and honoured them by making them chiefs; by which they were possessed of power to command the natives of that district, and to order provisions, &c. to be brought them. When this ceremony was over, the king still holding the captain by the hand, led him to the house, thence to the beach, and so on till tired, when the captain requested to go on board. Having arrived at the boat, Otoo desired to hear the musquets fired, and to gratify him, the four they had were discharged twice; with which compliment he appeared highly pleased.

After dinner, Otoo and his wife came off, each in a small canoe, with only one man paddling: whilst they went several times round the ship, the queen was frequently bailing her canoe with a cocoa-nut shell. This may help to form an idea of what a queen is in Otaheite. They would not venture on board, because wheresoever they come is deemed sacred, none daring to enter there, except their proper domestics.

The king appears thoughtful, speaks little, but surveys things with attention; but I think it mostly arises from a sullen and stupid disposition, rather than capacity.

On the 10th, the captain landed, to present some showy dresses to the king and his wife: they met him on the beach as usual. Peter informed him of the captain's intention, and, shewing the box which contained the treasure, requested Otoo to walk towards

his house, a temporary shed they had erected for the purpose of being near our people. He complied, and when they came near, the captain, stopping under a tree, ordered the people to form a ring, and placing the box in the midst, Otoo was requested to alight, that he might be dressed; he replied, by and by, and gazed sullenly for a considerable time, till the captain's patience was nearly exhausted: frequently repeating the request, but receiving no answer, they opened the box, and on taking out the dress for the queen, she instantly alighted from the man's shoulder, and Otoo followed her example. The fancy cap fitted her exceedingly well, and she seemed very proud of it; but it was only by unripping that the other articles could be put on her or Otoo. The captain told him that the earees (chiefs) of Pretane thought he was not yet so stout a man. Dressed complete in this gaudy attire, the surrounding crowd gazed upon them with admiration. She, true to the foibles of her sex, appeared delighted; but Otoo thought little of them, saying, an axe, a musquet, a knife, or a pair of scissors were more valuable; which was saying more for himself than we expected, or that he had even sense to do.

In the dusk of the evening they all retired; and having been informed that the next day (Sunday) would be set apart for religious purposes, and that on that account no work would be done, nor any thing received from them: they had brought a vast quantity of provisions both to the ship and the house, and when they went away, asked if the following day

would be more devoted to prayer than other days, which question was answered in the affirmative; and on Sunday all was quiet: not a canoe was seen near the ship.

After consulting upon the propriety of commencing their religious instructions, it was agreed that brother Cover should address them through the medium of Andrew the Swede as interpreter. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon the Missionaries met for this purpose; many of the natives being present, both within and without the house; and as soon as Andrew interpreted the first sentence, finding the discourse directed to them, they placed themselves in attentive postures. When they understood a little of what was said, they put very pertinent questions. They asked whether the message of the British God was to the toutous (servants) as well as to the king and chiefs? they were answered in the affirmative; and further, Mr. Cover pointing to his brethren, told them that they were the messengers of the only true God; and though all men had offended him, he was, notwithstanding, a merciful God; conferring great blessings on those who believed his word, and that after death he took them to a state of eternal happiness. Otoo was present, but appeared of a very unteachable disposition.

On the following day Otoo and his queen sent to beg leave of the captain to send him their presents; to which ceremonial an answer was sent in the affirmative; and they were presently alongside the king's consisted of thirteen live hogs, and three ready dressed; the queen's was one dressed, six alive, and

:

a bale of cloth; they followed in a large double canoe, accompanied by Otoo's younger brother, now prince of Tiaraboo. They expressed a wish for one of the great guns to be fired; and, to gratify them, two were cast loose. Manne Manne took the match, and, though almost blind with age, he boldly fired them off; with which act of his own courage he was highly transported.

In the afternoon, Pomarre and Iddeah, (Otoo's father and mother) paid their first visit to the ship: besides his usual attendants, a number of others had put themselves in his train. When alongside, he refused to come further till he saw the captain, upon whose appearance he ascended the side, and coming on the quarter-deck, wrapped four pieces of cloth round the captain, as his own present; then taking that off, repeated the like operation in the name of Iddeah.

When this ceremony was over, he promised to send provisions, and whatever they had occasion for while they staid at Otaheite. He is very affable, and the picture of good nature, and supposed to be the largest man in the island. Soon after, they visited the Missionary settlement, and were no less gratified than surprised to view the improvements. They took tea with the Missionaries: one of his attendants poured the tea from the cup to the saucer, and then held it to his mouth: this is the custom at every meal, as his dignity will not let him feed himself. When he had finished, he requested the saucer might

D

be kept for his future use, and that no woman might be permitted to touch it.

On the 17th the young king and Pomarre paid a visit at the house, which afforded an occasion to speak to him concerning the education of his children; and represented it as a matter of the greatest importance, both to them and the people of Otaheite; and that he would be highly blamable to neglect so favourable an opportunity. The chief's mind seemed impressed with the truth of what was said, and he immediately spoke to Otoo, who returned a very unfavourable answer :-he did not want to learn English. Appearances are certainly against him; however, it may reasonably be hoped, that example, and the exhibition of arts which must appear wonderful in their eyes, may in time excite in his mind a thirst after knowledge.

19th. It being signified to the natives that an address would be delivered to them, great numbers accordingly assembled under cover of some shady trees near the house; and a long form being placed, Pomarre was requested to seat himself on it with the Missionaries; the rest of the natives standing or sitting in a circle around us. Mr. Cover then addressed them from the words of St. John, "God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The Swede interpreting by sentences as he spoke. The Otaheiteans were silent and very attentive. After the discourse, Pomarre took Mr. C. by the hand, and expressed his approba