Lfistory of the “ Dayspring.” 49 
slonaries were seeking to spread the gospel by the aid of 
powder and shot ! 
It was during this year also that Captain Fraser was sent, 
for the first time, to Eastern Polynesia, to give such. aid 
as he could to the missionaries of the London Missionary 
Society, while they were without a vessel of their own. 
The ‘“ Dayspring” spent three months on this Eastern trip, 
calling at Samoa, Raratonga, and the Ellice group. The in- 
habitants of the Ellice group speak the language of Samoa, 
and it is said that the visit of the “ Dayspring,” with teachers 
‘and books from Samoa, is still noted as a great era in their 
history. 
In 1866, Captain Fraser made a voyage to the Loyalty 
islands and round the New Hebrides group ; and besides, made 
three trips to Sydney and back to Aneityum. ‘The ‘first of 
these three trips was the usual one, for stores for the mission ; 
but there was a special history connected with the other two. 
Dr. Geddie, who had gone with his family to Nova Scotia on 
furlough, was expected back to these colonies about the middle 
of the year. Other missionaries were expected with him. 
Mr. Paton was in Australia, making permanent arrangements 
for the support of the “ Dayspring.” Mr. Copeland was also 
similarly engaged, chiefly in New Zealand. And so the ‘“ Day- 
spring was sent up in June, to bring all these brethren and 
their families to the Islands. In August she returned to Aneit- 
yum with Messrs. Paton, Copeland, Cosh, and McNair, and 
their wives, Dr. and Mrs. Geddie, with Mr. and Mrs. Neilson 
following in the new “ John Williams.” . 
The second “ John Williams” was a splendid vessel of her 
size; but she was ill-fated from the first. In coming to at 
Aneityum harbour, she grounded on a coral reef, and hung 
there for three days. She was so injured that it was judged 
necessary to send her back to Sydney for repairs; and it was 
at the same time resolved that the “‘ Dayspring” should convoy 
E 
