136 SAMOAN GROUP. 



with the first principles of our religion, and I could not refrain 

 from expressing an opinion that the tract was calculated to do much 

 harm. 



The labours of the English missionaries have been much aided by 

 native assistants, who have been both industrious and successful ; and 

 among them, those of Raratonga have the merit of having led the 

 way. They have acted under the direction of Mr. Williams, and he 

 was loud in praise of their exertions. I witnessed a most interesting 

 meeting of these native missionaries, for the purpose of selecting nine 

 from their number to accompany Mr. Williams to the New Hebrides, 

 which has perhaps left a more deep impression on my mind from the 

 melancholy result of that attempted mission. 



Great anxiety was exhibited by the candidates ; and I have never 

 seen a more proper state of feeling, or listened to more correct 

 sentiments than were expressed on this occasion. All appeared 

 devoted to their calling, and some of them were quite eloquent. 

 After the choice was announced, those upon whom it had fallen 

 manifested a cheerful but not unbecoming triumph, while the re- 

 jected candidates were evidently grieved and disappointed. The 

 former were now invested with new apparel, which, although no 

 more than a striped cotton shirt,* gave them an air of consequence 

 among their brethren, which was amusing to us who could draw 

 comparisons between this simple garment and prouder kinds of 

 canonicals. 



Each of the resident missionaries now delivered a long harangue, 

 which was replied to by one of the selected. The subjects of these 

 discourses were, on the one hand, advice in reference to the duties 

 about to be entered upon, and on the other a recognition of the weight 

 of the responsibility incurred by the successful candidates. 



Most, if not all, of those selected for the new mission were fine- 

 looking men, and they were chosen out of many applicants, for their 

 steady habits and strict moral conduct. The term of their engage- 

 ment on the new duty was three years, after which they were to 



* This garment is the only remuneration that they receive during each year from the 

 missionary funds, and with it they feel themselves well requited. 



I have to acknowledge the obligation under which I feel myself to the missionaries, 

 both individually and collectively, for their kindness and attention. They did all in their 

 power to further the objects of the Expedition, and to them the squadron is mainly 

 indebted for a great part of the facilities we enjoyed of becoming acquainted with the 

 manners, habits, and customs of the Samoans. 



