r 



1835. POLYNESIAN INTEREST. 595 



maiy object, and that influence liiight be at once obtained by 

 the mere presence of a large ship. 



Compare the manner in which the natives of the ^Marquesas 

 behaved to the Tagus and Briton frigates, with their hos- 

 tility to vessels whose appearance did not overawe them. An 

 outward show of overpowering force would often prevent 

 a struggle, and probably loss of life, which, however justi- 

 fiable, cannot too anxiously be avoided. From what I have 

 seen and heard, I feel authorised to say that one ship of force, 

 well-manned, and judiciously commanded, would effect more 

 real good in the Pacific than half a-dozen small vessels. 



Frigates have already been seen among some of the islands 

 of Polynesia, and heard of in the greater number. To send a 

 ship of a lower class to establish a general influence over the 

 Polynesians, and our own wandering countrymen, as well as 

 for the purposes I have previously mentioned, would be to 

 treat the business so lightly that, for the credit of our country, 

 it would perhaps be better let alone ; particularly as a frigate 

 does occasionally go from the South American station, and a 

 sloop from Australia, or the East-Indies. No European or 

 American nation has now a duty to perform, or an interest 

 to watch over, in the Pacific Ocean, equal to that of Great 

 Britain. The North Americans are increasing their connec- 

 tions, and consequently their influence, rapidly. Russia has 

 extended her arm over the Northern Pacific. France has 

 sent her inquiring officers, and Roman Catholic missionaries* 

 are sowing the seeds of differences, if not discord, among tlie 

 islanders, in the Gambler Islands and elsewhere. 



Independent of expense, what are the principal local objec- 

 tions to employing a frigate in such aduty .? In the first place, 

 among the islands there would be risk of getting ashore, in- 

 creasing with the size of the ship :— in the second ; it might 

 be difficult to obtain suppHes, and in the event of losing spars 

 she might be obliged to return ; perhaps to England: — in the 

 third ; to get ashore, in a ship drawing so much water, would 



• Sent out immediately after the first circulation of Captain Beechey's 

 interesting- work. 



2 Q 2 



