402 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
leaving the shore, when a messenger arrived with intelli¬ 
gence that a vessel was approaching Matavai, so that 
instead of putting out to sea, our course was instantly 
directed thither. A brig of considerable size was 
advancing towards the harbour. We hailed her approach 
with joyful hopes that she would bring us 
-News of human kind, 
Of friends and kindred, whom, perhaps, she held 
As visitors, that she might be the link 
Connecting the fond fancy of far friendship.” 
Meeting the vessel at the entrance of the bay, we 
found it was the Hope, of London, having Mr. and Mrs. 
Hayward from England, and Mr. and Mrs. Wilson from 
New South Wales, on board. As the vessel was under 
full sail, we could only greet their arrival by signal, and 
follow them to the harbour. They had, however, scarcely 
anchored, when we found ourselves alongside, and, as¬ 
cending the deck, were happy to exchange our mutual 
congratulations. A number of cattle, some belonging to 
the passengers, others sent as presents by Mr. Birnie to 
the chiefs, having suffered much during the voyage, were 
speedily landed. After this, we accompanied our friends 
to the shore, elated with the anticipated pleasure of 
intelligence from home. In this respect we were not 
disappointed. A few letters which were at hand we 
received on board, and the rest as soon as the boxes 
containing them were opened. We broke the seals, 
skimmed the contents, and glanced at the signatures 
with no common feelings, reserving a more careful 
perusal for a season of greater leisure. 
No opportunity equally favourable for receiving intel¬ 
ligence from England, had occurred since our arrival. 
Mr. Hayward had proceeded from the islands to Eng- 
