416 LFTTERS OF A CITIZEN. 



group. The frigate would be the headquarters, from whence all 

 subsidiary expeditions would depart, and to which all returns 

 would be made. On board of her the charts would be prepared 

 from the notes and observations of surveying parties; and from 

 her the smaller vessels would receive protection, and every facility 

 in the execution of the duties allotted to them. Upon her decks, 

 or by her officers on shore, conferences might be held with the 

 native chiefs ; and if by a mild, conciliatory deportment their con- 

 fidence could not be won, the formidable aspect of such a vessel 

 would overawe and restrain them. If one of the smaller craft, 

 while engaged in surveys among the islands or while in a high 

 latitude during the few months of the southern summer when it 

 would be proper to trust her there, should sustain any damage, she 

 could fall back upon the frigate, as upon a friendly haven, for suc- 

 cour and repairs. Shipwrecked mariners now in captivity might 

 be rescued, and their deliverance would, probably, be accomplished 

 by the mere exhibition of a force adequate to compel their libera- 

 tion. The sick from the store-ship, brigs, or schooner, might be 

 made more comfortable on board the frigate, while from her crew 

 their places could be supplied with fresh hands. 



The two largest islands in the Fiji cluster are Navihictevoo to 

 the south, and Fikanova to the north, both of which contain fine 

 harbours. These would form at different times, according to 

 their proximity to the scene of action, the rendezvous of the ex- 

 pedition, while the hydrographical and scientific labours were go- 

 ing on, by means of the frigate's boats and the smaller vessels, in 

 the various portions of the group. This archipelago of islands is 

 not a mere collection of barren reefs and sandbanks, but it is inhab- 

 ited by, it is supposed, one hundred and fifty thousand natives, of 

 whom, as well as of the varied produce of their country, we pos- 

 sess no authentic information. And yet, from a single port in the 

 United States, we have had near a dozen vessels engaged, as al- 

 ready stated, in procuring from the members of this cluster such 

 articles as were suitable to the China market. In exchange for 

 these, rich returns have been made to this country, the duties on 

 which have for years added to our national revenue. But these 

 are matters you have studiously kept out of sight in all your re- 

 ports. If you were ignorant of the facts, which, in charity, I have 

 sometimes been tempted to believe, that you are not disposed 



