’July 16th.—­The captain of the “Iris” frigate passing Lifu dropped me a line which satisfied me that the French will meet with no impediment from the English Government in the prosecution of their plans out here.  Well, this makes one’s own path just as easy, because all these things, great and small, are ordered for us; but yet I grieve to think that we might be occupying these groups with missionaries.  Even ten good men would do for a few years; and is it unreasonable to think that ten men might be found willing to engage in such a happy work in such a beautiful part of the world—­no yellow fever, no snakes, &c.  I think of the Banks Islands, Vanua Lava, with its harbour and streams, and abundance of food, and with eight or nine small islands round it, speaking the same language, few dialectic differences of consequence, as I believe.

’Even one good man might introduce religion here as we have received it, pure and undefiled.  Oh! that there were men who could believe this, and come out unconditionally, placing themselves in the Bishop’s hands unreservedly.  He must know the wants and circumstances of the islands far better than they can, and therefore no man ought to stipulate as to his location, &c.  Did the early teachers do so?  Did Titus ever think of saying to St. Paul, “Mind I must be an elder, or bishop, or whatever he was, of Crete?’ Just as if that frame of mind was compatible with a real desire to do what little one can by God’s help to bring the heathen to a knowledge of Christ.

’At this moment, one man for the Banks group and another for Mai and the neighbouring islands would be invaluable.  If anything occurs to make me leave these Loyalty Islands as my residence during a part of the year, I am off to Banks, or Mai, or Solomon Isles.  But what am I?  In many respects not so well qualified for the work as many men who yet, perhaps, have had a less complete education.  I know nothing of mechanics, and can’t teach common things; I am not apt to teach anything, I fear, having so long deferred to learn the art of teaching, but of course exposing one’s own shortcomings is easy enough.  How to get the right sort of men?  First qualification is common-sense, guided, of course, by religious principle.  Some aptitude for languages, but that is of so little consequence that I would almost say no one was sufficient by itself as a qualification.  Of course the mission work tends immensely to improve all earnest men; the eccentricities and superfluities disappear by degrees as the necessary work approves itself to the affection and intellect.’

The French question resulted in a reply in Angadhohua’s name, that the people should be permitted to sell ground where the mission required it; and that in the one place specified about which there was contention, the land should be ceded as a gift from the chiefs.  ‘This,’ observes Mr. Patteson, ’is the first negotiation which has been thrust upon me.  I more than suspect I have made considerable blunders.’