TUTUILA. 41 



The missionary told us that, only five weeks before, there had 

 been a tolerably bloody fray in the island on account of a 

 woman about whom two chiefs had quarrelled. In refer- 

 ence to this matter he observed, that since the introduction 

 of fire-arms among the natives their contests had been 

 much less murderous than before. He informed us also 

 that they were exceedingly anxious to place themselves 

 under British protection, that neither France nor any other 

 nation might take possession of the isle ; and he preferred 

 a request to the Commodore, in their name, to authorize 

 them to hoist the English flag, to wliich Sir William replied, 

 the thing was not possible. It appears from what he told 

 us, that, two years before, the Governor of New Caledonia 

 had compelled the Protestant missionaries to abandon the 

 Loyalty Islands, where they had settled ; and that, in con- 

 sequence, a deputation had been sent from London to the 

 Emperor of the French, who immediately gave orders that 

 the Protestant missions were not to be interfered with. He 

 added that, in consequence. Bishop Patteson was then on 

 his way to ascertain if the imperial instructions had been 

 carried out. 



While the missionary was talking to us about all these 

 matters, the pilot had remained on boaixl, and got so very 

 drunk that he could not stand, which did not prevent his 

 proposing to the officers a fishing-party. The Commodore, 

 displeased, but not wishing to be uncivil, asked him re- 

 peatedly why he did not leave the ship ; but all in vain ; he 

 either did not comprehend or would not go, and caused all 



