| 96 from latitude 20° 15', longitude 25° 19' west from Greenwich; and on April 25,1844, he wrote to W. W. Phelps, from latitude 25°19', longitude 149°11', still at sea. (See Times and Seasons, volume 5, page 707. ) These letters contain graphic descriptions of a very eventful voyage.
The following letters give information of their arrival and the beginning of their work:-
"FROM THE ISLANDS OF THE SEA.
"TAHITI, June 16, 1844.
". . . But without going into detail, as it would be uninteresting to you, suffice it to say, on the morning of the 14th of May we saw Tahiti, about forty miles distant, and the next day succeeded in getting to an anchor in the bay. But things looked very dark and portentous I assure you. Doubtless you have heard the particulars respecting the French having taken possession of these islands and establishing their laws here. If not, this will inform you of the fact; but the particulars I am not sufficiently acquainted with to give. The natives were and are still unreconciled to these proceedings, and about two weeks before we arrived, after a continual fermenting between them and the French, the natives took up arms against them, and there was a smart engagement took place, the result of which we have never been able correctly to ascertain, but there were many killed on both sides. The natives still remain under arms about ten miles from Papeete, the principal town of the island. What their intentions are is hard to tell, but I do not think there will be any more engagements between them at any rate. What the English may do I know not. There are two large men-of-war cruising off the harbor, and more expected shortly, peradventure they may take the natives' case in hand.
"But notwithstanding all these difficulties, they are no detriment to us as I know of. We are perfectly safe we think from any injury from the natives, as they have great regard for Americans, and we are living right among them. They are very kind and attentive to us, and declare that let what will happen, no harm shall befall us if they can prevent
(page 96) |
