The first voyage which the Messenger of Peace took, after being thoroughly fitted out, was to convey Messrs. Pritchard and Simpson to the Marquesan Islands: the directors having determined to endeavour to re-establish the Mission among the savage inhabitants of that group. This voyage, together with the time consumed in effecting the necessary alterations in the vessel, occupied about twelve months; at the expiration of which, she sailed for the Hervey Islands, and my esteemed brother missionary Mr. Platt undertook to visit them. He found all the Missions in a pleasing state, although our dear friends at Rarotonga had endured some very severe trials. An extract from some of the letters we received, on the return of my colleague, will enable the reader to form a correct estimate of the peculiarly distressing circumstances in which the Mission families were for a time placed. The first is from Mrs. Buzacott to Mrs. Williams.

My dear Mrs. Williams,