LETTER TO CAPTAIN HOPE. 187 
so long a space of time unceasingly, untiringly, 
and worthily filled on this island. That he is 
deserving such a mark of ecclesiastical appro- 
bation and favour, is justly and cheerfully ac- 
knowledged by the whole community ; and of the 
great benefit which will accrue to us therefrom, 
no one can be more competent to judge than 
yourself." 
* 
The islanders also addressed a letter to Cap- 
tain Charles Hope, who commanded the Thalia 
in the Pacific in 1844, but who was prevented, 
much to his regret, from paying them a visit. 
He, however, sent them some useful presents. 
These did not reach them till February, 1847. 
In their letter of acknowledgment to Captain 
Hope, dated July 1847, is the following pas- 
sage : " Our number now amounts to one hun- 
dred and thirty-eight, and is rapidly increasing. 
Our teacher, who is a worthy man, and whose 
services are of great value to us, has never 
received the sanction or licence of the proper 
authorities in the Church, to qualify him for the 
very important and prominent situation he fills. 
He is most anxious, and we are no less so, that 
"he should be more formally inducted into the 
office of pastor ; and for this purpose our humble 
request to you is, that you will (if it can be 
done with propriety) make our case known to 
the Bishop of London, or some other competent 
dignitary, who would send a pastoral letter to 
cur teacher, sanctioning and confirming liim in 
the sacred office he for nineteen years has held 
among us." 
