In order to gain as much information as possible about the inhabitants of the group which we were intending to visit, we determined, instead of steering direct for the Navigators Islands, to proceed first to Tongatabu; for, while we endeavoured to repose implicit confidence on the promised protection of a faithful God, we did not deem it to be less our duty, to take every precaution for our own safety which prudence might suggest, and therefore resolved to proceed to that island, as there had been, from time immemorial, frequent intercourse between the inhabitants of the Navigators and Friendly Groups. The Wesleyan Missionaries also were labouring at Tongatabu, with great success, whom we were anxious to visit.

Having to pass an island discovered by Captain Cook, which, in consequence of the ferocious character of its inhabitants, he called Savage Island, we determined to touch there, and leave with them the two Aitutakian teachers, to impart the knowledge of that Gospel, by which, savage as they are, they will ultimately be civilized and blessed.

After a pleasant sail of five or six days, we reached the island in question, which we found to be of the second class, the altitude of its most elevated land not exceeding a hundred feet. It is neither beautiful nor romantic. The shores were iron-bound, and the rocks in most places perpendicular, with here and there a recess, by which the natives had intercourse with the sea.