In prospect of the parting, Patteson writes to his beloved old governess (March 19, 1857):—­

’You will like a report of my pupils, especially as I can give most of them a good ticket, little mark and all, as we used to say of yours (though not as often as we ought to have done) to our dear mother.  You never had such willing pupils, though you turned out some, I hope, eventually as good.  In your hands these lads would be something indeed.  Really they have no faults that I can detect, and when their previous state is considered, it is wonderful; for all this time they have been with us, the greatest fault has been a fit of sulkiness, lasting about half a day, with three of them.  Their affection, gentleness, unselfishness, cheerfulness, willingness to oblige, in some of them a natural gentlemanly way of doing things, and sometimes indications of what we should call high principle—­all these things give one great hopes, not for them only, but for all these nations, that, refined by Christianity, they may be bright examples of manly virtues and Christian graces.’

To some, no doubt, these expressions will seem exaggerated, but not to those who have had any experience of the peculiar suavity and grace that often is found in the highbred men of native races, before they are debased by the corruptions brought in by white men.  Moreover, in every case, the personal influence of the teacher when in immediate contact with a sufficiently small number, is quite enough to infuse good habits and obviate evil ones to an extent quite inconceivable to those who have not watched the unconscious exertion of this power.  Patteson knew that too much reliance must not be placed on present appearance.

’It is dangerous (he says), to have persons clinging to you too much.  I feel that; but then these fellows, I take it, are very impulsive, and no doubt the cocoanuts in their own land will exercise a counter-influence to mine, and so I shall soon be undeceived if I learn to think too much of their personal affection; but I never knew such dear lads, I don’t know how I shall get on without them.

’You must be looking forward to your spring and summer.  How delicious some of those days are in England!  We miss the freshness of a deciduous foliage, our evergreens look dull, and we have no deciduous trees as yet.  A good scamper with Joan on the East Hill, or a drive with Fan in the pony carriage along a lane full of primroses and violets would be pleasant indeed, and so would a stroll with old Jem up the river be happy indeed, and I could almost quit the “Southern Cross” for dear Father’s quarter-deck in the “Hermitage,” but that I am, I believe, sailing in the right vessel, and, as I trust, on the right course to the haven where we may all meet and rest for ever.’

On Good Friday the three Nengone young men who had been baptized were confirmed, and on the Wednesday in Easter Week the ‘Southern Cross’ sailed, this time with a responsible sailing master.  At Nengone Mr. Patteson had a friendly interview with Mr. Craig, the London Society’s missionary, and explained to him the state of things with regard to these individual pupils; then, after being overwhelmed with presents by the Christian population, shaped his course for Bauro.