24 BOWDITCH ISLAND. 



has been the means of giving it a fresh impetus. Mr. Heath, who 

 has become the successor to Mr. Williams, has made a cruise with a 

 number of native missionaries, and succeeded in placing missionaries 

 in the very island which was the scene of the massacre, with every 

 prospect of success. 



The Camden was fitting out for another cruise, under the Rev. 

 Mr. Murray, of Tutuila. Captain Hudson pressed upon them the 

 expediency of a visit to the island that he had just discovered, 

 Fakaafo, or Bowditch ; and it is to be hoped that ere long their enter- 

 prise may lead them among this as yet uncontaminated people, who 

 will then receive, coeval with their discovery, and prior to any con- 

 taminating influence, the truths of the gospel. 



The plan adopted, of using native pioneers, seems to be one well 

 calculated to succeed ; and I am satisfied, from the view I have had 

 of missionary operations, that it is the only one likely to give a founda- 

 tion on which to raise any permanent superstructure. 



The white missionaries have a vast many difficulties to contend 

 with, and are very likely to-be deceived in some respects, in conse- 

 quence of their general want of knowledge of the world. These 

 difficulties are principally the hypocrisy and deceit of the natives, 

 who are adepts in the art, giving a false impression relative to their 

 feelings and designs, particularly when they think their personal 

 interest may be promoted by their dissimulation. This trait of 

 character is not confined to individuals, but frequently extends to 

 whole districts. 



Influential natives, brought up as teachers, are well calculated for 

 the duties of missionaries, and take pride in the performance of them, 

 and being fully aware of the native character, understand well where 

 to place their confidence. I have had occasion to speak of the 

 enthusiastic manner in which they enter upon their duties. 



I would not be understood as throwing any doubt over the expe- 

 diency of the missionary operations in these islands, but my intention 

 is to express my preference of the mode they are now adopting to 

 spread the gospel into the other islands, a mode which I am well 

 satisfied will be of infinite advantage in facilitating the desired effect, 

 and at a much less cost, both of time and money. 



No political change had taken place in the government. Malietoa 

 and the Manono party still have the power in their hands, but reports 

 were rife that the chief had been a backslider from his professions of 

 Christianity, by attending some of the feasts of the devil's party. 



