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the different tribes live in constant fear || the natives all the profane words of our of each other. The natives of Taiohae, own language. To the men, women, during our residence there, were in con- and children, the language seemed perstant expectation that the Taipis would fectly familiar. The young chief, Moana, come by night to their bay in search of told us that once he did not drink rum, human victims. So much was this ex- he did not love it; but when he went on pected during the months of September board ships the captains gave it to him and November, that both natives and to drink. He tasted it, he said, but told foreigners were constantly watching the the captain it was not good, he did not beach by night with muskets. It was love it; but the captain replied, “Drink a told us that they intended to set fire to little, and bye and bye you will love it." our houses and get us for victims. We When the first whaleships anchored cannot say that we had no fears; for we at Nuuhiva, in February last, three of the knew that the Taipis were in search of most important chiefs determined to prehuman victims. We knew too that they vent females from going on board. At were accustomed to come to the bay night they guarded the beach with muswhere we were living to get them; and kets, that none might swim off. About from what was told us, we had reason to the middle of the night a boat came on believe that we were particularly sought || shore from one of the ships. The chief, after. at first, decidedly refused to let any person go to the ship. But when a piece of tobacco was offered if he would let them go, he consented and went himself, with all that were around, to the ship. Here the effort and resolution of the chiefs ended.

All the wars throughout this group of islands have their origin in the diabolical practice of offering human sacrifices. Human victims are offered on two occasions, when a taua is sick, and when he dies. When he is sick one victim suffices; when he dies, ten must be offered if they can be obtained; if not, a less number will suffice. But the number must not be less than three. When a victim is obtained, he is carried to a tabu house, where he is kept till the third day, then is cut up and eaten by tabu men. The people among whom we lived would almost invariably deny to us that they eat men. There were those, however, who said it was true. One of the most influential chiefs told us frankly, that he had eaten human flesh, and said it was good. Probably there is not a man in the valley of Taiohae who has not done

the same.

[General Letter.

In addition to the fickle character and the vices of the natives, the missionaries had pe

culiar difficulties to encounter arising from the pernicious influence exercised by foreigners upon the inhabitants; the want of civil authority to enforce law and give security to life and property; the scattered and secluded condition of the population; and the unequal surface of the island, which renders intercourse between the different tribes almost impossible.

We regret to say that the influence of shipping on the natives of the Marquesas Islands has only tended to sink them deeper in depravity and pollution. We had almost daily evidence of the truth of this lamentable fact. Scarcely a day passed but we heard from the mouths of

Rulers-Laws.

[General Letter.

So far as our observation extended, throughout the whole Washington group of islands there is no civil power. There are no men of authority. As resident missionaries, we found a serious inconvenience from such a state of the people. There are those who are called chiefs, and who have, by common consent, a kind of superiority over other natives. But every man who has a little piece of land, or any other small amount of property, is a chief. When visiting the different vallies, we asked who were the chiefs; they replied by saying, I am a chief, and you are a chief, and he is a piece of work done, he must take the chief. If a chief wishes to have any same course to accomplish it as the poorest man on the island; he must prepare a feast, and with this hire his men to work; he can call upon no one to do it for him. In some instances we engaged the chiefs out-house, or making a fence, but it was to do work for us, such as building an always done by the chief himself.

The young prince, Moana, though evidently esteemed and beloved by the natives, has truly no more authority than any lad of his age. Both Moana and Hape have in some instances prevented the contending parties from openly fighting each other. But it has been in this way. When the two parties were going out to make war on each other, they,

(Hape and Moaua,) have put themselves || is completely separated from all the between the two, and said to them, if others; and, by tall ridges, is also shut you kill any body, kill me. In this way out from the sea. There is no place, they have, in several instances, quieted therefore, for a missionary station among contending parties. the Hapas; and under a tropical sun we cannot expect often to climb the tall || ridges and visit them from this bay. [Mr. Alexander.

But the chief inconvenience we felt for want of some civil power was, that in case of injury and insult, we had no where to look for protection. There could be no redress. No matter what or how great the insult or the injury sustained. In case of theft, or robbery, or murder, the aggressor has nothing to fear. In some instances we were certain that the chiefs knew who the individuals were that had stolen our property. We told them what they, as rulers, ought to do in such cases. We told them what was the practice in civilized countries, and what the chiefs at the Sandwich Islands did when the natives stole.

[General Letter. Population-Difficulties of gaining Access to the People.

In order clearly to comprehend the following census of the inhabitants of Nuuhiva, the reader must bear in mind that the island is divided into districts, each district comprising several vallies. The figures represent the

With such difficulties and dangers to contend against, it is not surprising that the missionaries came to the conclusion described in the following extract.

In view of all the facts which we had gathered, we felt, in March 1834, as if it was time to halt, and seriously consider the whole state of this mission. We therefore agreed to observe Tuesday, April 1st, as a day of fasting and prayer to God for direction in the path of duty. In In the afternoon, when we met together for conference and united prayer, in view of the facts before us, we unanimously agreed that it is our duty to abandon this field, embracing the first good opportunity of returning to the Sandwich Islands. We are aware that in coming to this decision we have taken upon ourselves a weighty responsibility. It is not merely leaving a field on which has already been expended a considerable sum-it is not merely disappointing the high expectations of all christendom, but it is sealing the darkness which envelopes this people; for, when we 157 leave them, we cannot tell how they are to be enlightened during the present generation. The reasons which led us to our decision to quit the Washington islands may be summed up mainly in one; viz. The population in this field, capable of being brought under the influence of missionaries, is too small to 600 justify the Board in sustaining a mission here, when such vast fields in other places are calling for their efforts. [Mr. Alexander.

number of inhabitants of the several vallies as nearly as could be ascertained.

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130

155

100 200

200

50

In order that you may estimate the difficulty of passing from one valley to another by land, you must imagine that the route from one valley to another lies over a precipice from two to three thousand feet high, and in some places almost perpendicular. Excepting the little valley of Hakapaa, the Hapa tribe can be got at in no way but by climbing over the tall ridges. Hakapaa extends back from the sea half a mile, where it ends in perpendicular cliff's one thousand feet high, over which the waters from the upper vallies come tumbling in cas

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THE houses which Mr. Hall speaks of erect,

cades. Tekea, one of the Hapa vallies, || ing for the Indians are small log buildings,

erected with comparatively little expense and labor; but far more comfortable than the common Indians, without tools or any skill to use them, would erect for themselves without encouragement and aid. A small sum has been granted to the mission by the United States government, for the purpose of furnishing the means of assisting the Indians in this

manner.

I have reflected much on Indian character, and the best methods to be used to secure their confidence and favor, and interest them in efforts to improve their condition. To set before them the advantages of civilization, the benefits of educating their children, and the blessings of religion, by argument, produces no effect upon them. All the impression we can make in this way amounts to nothing. These benefits can be presented only as future. They must have something present-something which they can see and feel, to move them. They do not see and feel that our preaching and instructing their children will be a benefit to them. While, therefore, we do nothing but preach and teach, they do not believe us sincere, when we tell them we wish to do them good. They say, "What good will your preaching do us? Our own religion satisfies us, and we do not care if our children are not instructed. When we send them to school, we do you a favor and expect you to repay it." I have thought therefore that some new inducement must be offered before we shall

Our prospects appear at present more flattering than they have been. I told the Indians last fall that I would help such as would send their children to school, in preparing their lands for a crop next spring, and would assist such as would settle down by us in building them some houses. The proposal has seemed to have a favorable effort upon them. They visit us more frequently than they did, and seem to regard us more as having come to do them good. We have built small houses for two families, which they now occupy, and another is covered, which we intend to finish in the spring. Three or four other families have expressed a desire to have houses built in the spring. I design to build as fast as there is a prospect that the house will be occupied, not exceed-lecting and keeping them in school long ing the sum appropriated by government, unless you should otherwise direct. These houses are located near the mission-house. We regard a willingness on the part of any to settle, as being a very encouraging omen. They have heretofore seemed much averse to settle. If we can get only a few families to settle down by us, we hope soon to show the Indians that civilization, even in its rudest state, is preferable to barbarism. We have heretofore failed to convince them of this by argument.

The school has considerably increased since it was removed to our new location. It now numbers daily about thirty scholars, and as many as forty different scholars have attended. The increase is wholly from the lodges. It is more interesting and encouraging than I have ever seen it before. I think the prejudices in the minds of many of the Indians to instruction are growing weaker. There seems to be an impression, to some extent, that the time is not far distant, when they will give up their present mode of life and religion, and embrace those of the white man. Our meetings on the Sabbath are pretty well attended at present. Most of those who attend are women and children. Very few of the men can be induced to

come,

prosper greatly in our school. I feel discouraged and almost despair of col

enough to do them much good, unless some new and more efficient motive can be presented. If they could see and feel that they derive some real profit from attending school, I think they would soon be induced to attend pretty generally. Is it not best to appropriate a small sum annually to this object, to be expended principally in clothing, perhaps a small portion in food to such children as will attend school under certain regulations. A few dollars only need be given to each individual. It seems to me that this would be a greater inducement for them to attend school, than any thing else which we could place before them, and would succeed.

Mackinaw.

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR.
GAREY, THE SUPERINTENDENT OF
SECULAR AFFAIRS AT THE STATION.

Revival at the Station.

OWING to the circumstances of his family and his own impaired health, Mr. Ferry, the former missionary at Mackinaw, deemed it his duty to ask a release from further missionary services, which was reluctantly granted; and he removed from the station last fall. Since

No. 20.

that time there has been no missionary obtain- || Spirit of the Lord was evidently operated to supply his place. A brief history of ing upon the hearts of the youth and this mission was given in Quarterly Paper children of the mission-school. Some were weeping in secret places, while others were crying aloud for mercy. In a few days the aspect of the mission was greatly changed. Instead of the voice of mirth and hilarity, was heard the sound of prayer and supplication, from almost every apartment. And God, who is rich in mercy to all who call upon him, hath visited many with his pardoning love. I think I never saw manifested a deeper sense of abused privileges, or deeper sorrow for sin, than among these youth. In almost every instance, previous to conversion, the weight of guilt seemed to be that they had refused so many offers of mercy, been taught the will of God but had done it not. Ten girls in the school, and eight of the boys, are hopeful subjects of this blessed work. Three of these boys are to become disconnected from the mission in the spring, and we hope will feel it their duty to go into the interior. One of these has the blacksmith's trade, which will be useful in that region. Those that are younger bid fair for future usefulness. One at the age of sixteen and another seventeen are possessed of mind and talent considerably above the generality of boys at their age; and with the benefit of an education, I think would make useful men.

Amidst a multitude of pressing cares I seize a few moments to inform you what the Lord is doing at Mackinaw. When the Rev. Mr. Ferry, pastor of this church, was removed from us in November last, we were left as sheep without a shepherd. For a while our prospects seemed dark and discouraging. The catholics pretended to entertain hopes of triumphing. It was rumored among them that, as our minister had left us, the mission would be no longer sustained, and that the buildings were for sale. Accordingly the priest sent one of his coadjutors to inquire if he could obtain them, saying at the same time that they were about to erect a similar establishment upon the island, and if he could procure these, it would save them the trouble of building. But God, who is jealous of his honor, and who has promised the heathen to his Son for an inheritance, would not give his heritage to reproach. He has shown himself in the midst of darkness and distress, a God mighty and able to save. The church, under a sense of their destitute condition, began to awake to duty and flee to the strong hold for help. A day of fasting was observed, which was greatly blessed. An unusual spirit of prayer was poured upon the church, which increased from week to week, until many of the impenitent began to be alarmed and some to cry for mercy.

I do not know the exact number of converts on the island, but think it to be from forty to forty-five, including those of the mission. How many of these will remain faithful until death, is known only to him who searcheth the heart.

About this time Mr. J. D. Stevens came to pass the winter with us, by whom we have been supplied with the ministrations of the word. During the month of December there were some few hopeful conversions in the town and garrison. About the first of January the || sixty.

A letter from Mackinaw, dated April 1st, states that the number of those, respecting whom the hope is entertained that they have been savingly converted to God, is above

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labor.

With deep interest, our Christian friends will peruse the following letter. It was written by our christian brother, on board ship, just before his departure for Singapore.

Letter from Leang Afa.

idolatrous nations, is one of the most pleasing the chief magistrate of the district of Nanhae; signs of the times. Those who enjoy the who, when he had examined the books, bid manifold blessings of the gospel are manifest- the officer not to interfere with a matter of so ing such a degree of interest for the conversion small importance. The police officer, thereof the whole world, as has not been witnessed fore, dropped the business, and Woo Achang since the days of the apostles. A voice of returned. On the fourth day, perceiving that anxious inquiry is heard in the churches, and the magistrate did not interfere with the disthousands and tens of thousands are beginning tribution of the Scripture Lessons and tracts, to do to others as they would have others do we proceeded with our work. But when a to them. This greatly encourages the hearts || few hundred had been scattered, the police of those who have gone among the gentiles; officer came with attendants, and seized ten and at the same time it increases their obli- sets of the Scripture Lessons with Afuh, one gations to be faithful, both in preaching the of the distributors, and was taking them gospel to the heathen, and in making known away, when Afuh broke from the officer and to their fellow Christians at home the wants returned. "The next day, August 25th, I and the woes of those among whom they heard that the police officer took the books and went and reported the case to the chefoo (the chief magistrate of the department of Kwangchow foo); and supposing that he would send men to seize us, we put all the books that remained into boxes, and removed them to another place. The following day I returned to my house in the country. On the 31st, the chefoo sent officers to my residence (in the city), and seized Chow Asan and his partner Akae, and brought them before him for trial. Akae, being interrogated, declared that he knew nothing of our arrangements commanded his attendants to drag him away, concerning the books. Upon this, the chefoo and give him forty blows on the face. This beating was so severe, that it rendered Akae unable to speak. But when Chow Asan was examined, he disclosed every thing, both concerning the Scripture Lessons and our tracts. The next day, the chefoo sent in pursuit of me a great number of his men; who, being unsuc cessful in their search, went on the 2d of September, conducted by Chow Asan, and seized Woo Yingtae, one of the printers. September 4th, Chow Asan went with the men to a neighboring village, where they seized Atseih, another of the printers, and brought him with four hundred copies of the Scripture Lessons and the blocks to the office of the chefoo. On the 6th of September, they took Achang, one of the men who had been employed in cutting the blocks.

"Leang Afa respectfully writes to all the pastors, and teachers, and whoever else ardently loves, and reverently believes in, Jesus the Savior of the world, wishing them happiness and repose.

"Having obtained of our Lord and Savior the aid of the Holy Spirit, for several years I have been enabled to persevere in the promulgation of the gospel; and holding forth the principles of happiness, have urged my countrymen to cast away their idols, and serve only the great Lord and Ruler, the Creator of all things. By the abundant grace of the Savior, the Holy Spirit has been sent down to renew the hearts of more than ten persons. These have all received the rite of baptism; and believing in Jesus for the remission of their sins, serve the Lord God with one heart, and walk according to the precepts of the gospel. Their names are Le She, Leang Atih, Leang Achin, Leang Asun, Leang Ataou, Le Asin, Chow Asan, Woo Achang, Ashun, Afuh, Lew Chechang, and Keuh Agang.

"For three or four years, I have been constantly in the habit of circulating the Scripture Lessons, both in the city of Canton and in the neighboring villages; and everywhere many received them joyfully, while those who would not were few. This year, the triennial examination of the literary candidates from all parts of the province was held in the provincial city (Canton); and it was my desire quickly to distribute the books among them all. Therefore, on the 20th of August, with Woo Achang; Chow Asan, and Leang Asun, I commenced and distributed more than 1,000 sets (5,000 volumes) of the Scripture Lessons, which were received with gladness by all the students, and without the least disturbance. This rejoiced our hearts; and the next day we distributed another thousand sets in the same manner, and without any trouble. On the third day, when several hundred sets were circulated, a police officer seized Woo Achang, with a set of the books, and took him before

"On the 8th, I heard of all these proceedings, and immediately took my wife and daughter and fled to Keangmun. The next day, the chefoo sent two government boats with about a hundred men to my native village to seize my ing any of us, they seized three of my kindred whole family, male and female. But not findand every thing in my house, the doors of which mestic animals from my kindred. And they they sealed up. They took away all the docontinued going from place to place seeking the 16th, they returned to Canton, and there for my family; but they sought in vain. On seized one of my relatives, Wangae. Another

of

that had transpired. Immediately I took my my kindred came secretly, and told me all wife and child and fled to Chihkan, where I remained several days.*

*Keangmun is a large town west from Macao, and Chihkan, a more secluded seaport, further in the same direction.

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