1835. 



CONDUCT INTERPRETER. 



5m 



purpose in few words, and in the most orderly, regular way. Not 

 one individual interrupted another ; no one attempted to give 

 his opinions, or introduce a new subject, without asking per- 

 mission ; yet did the matters under discussion alfect them all 

 in a very serious manner. Might not these half-enlightened 

 Otaheitans set an example to numbers whose habits and edu- 

 cation have been, or ought to have been, so superior ? 



It had become customary to shake hands with the queen, as 

 well as with the chiefs. This compliment we were expected to 

 pay ; but it seemed difficult to manage, since Pomare occu- 

 pied a large share of the space between two benches nearest to 

 the wall, and the next space was filled by natives. How- 

 ever, squeezing past her, one after another, shaking hands at 

 the most awkward moment, we countermarched into vacant 

 places on the benches next in front of her. The princi- 

 pal chiefs, Utaame, Taati, Hitote, and others, sat near the 

 queen, whose advisers and speakers appeared to be Taati and 

 her foster-father. It was left for me to break the silence and 

 enter upon the business for which we had assembled. Desirous 

 of explaining the motives of our visit, by means of an inter- 

 preter in whom the natives would place confidence, I told 

 Mitchell the pilot to request that Queen Pomare would choose 

 a person to act in that character. She named Mr. Pritchard. I 

 remarked, that his sacred office ought to raise him above the 

 unpleasant disputes in which he might become involved as inter- 

 preter. The missionaries had approached, and were living in 

 Otaheite, with the sole object of doing good to their fellow- 

 men, but I was sent in a very different capacity. As an officer 

 in the service of my king, I was either to do good or harm, as 

 I might be ordered ; and it was necessary to distinguish be- 

 tween those who were, and ought to be always their friends, 

 and men whose duty might be unfriendly, if events should 

 unfortunately disappoint the hopes of those interested in the 

 welfare of Otaheite. These expressions appeared to perplex 

 the queen, and cause serious discussions among the chiefs. Be- 

 fore any reply was made, I continued : " But if Mr. Pritchard 

 will undertake an office which may prove disagreeable, for the 



VOL. II. 2 M 



