FL14425362

[MS 266]

I should be glad if we could some way or other procure some
Coffee plants, or seeds fit for planting. I think with Care and
planting them in proper ground that they would succeed well
in these Islands, and might turn to a good account in Some
future time. Those that the brethren brought form Norfolk
Island in 1811 were dead before my arrival here, I think by
being planted in an improper place, and we have not had
the opportunity of making another trial.
You will no doubt hear from various quarters
something of the state of things here with us. The late Com
motions and persecutions have terminated favourably, a
decisive Battle was fought in Novr last, when the Idolatrous
party on the Sabbath Day, at the time allotted for prayer
attacked the King and his people, most furiously, but were
themselves completely overthrown, notwithstanding their boastful
Confidence and cruel threatening against us and our people.
It is reported that previous to the battle, they had actually
prepared two or three ovens to bake such of the Chiefs
of the Bure Atua as might fall into their hands, and their
Prophet assured them of success, however on the Commen
cement of the battle, when the Bura Atua party appeared
the poor Prophet declared that he was Seized with fear
and trembling and that the god had left him as soon as he saw
the Bure atua people, he then fled to the bush, and that
night Seized a Canoe and paddled over to us at Eimeo, and
so his life was spared, otherwise his ? people would have ?

[MS 267]

In consequence of the overthrow of the hostile, idolatrous party
at Tahiti, the Government has been entirely restored to
Pomare, who has been at Tahiti ever since, settling various
"affairs. " Idolatry is entirely overthrown, and both Tahiti
and Aimeo are now in proffession, Christian Islands.
The gods are every where destroyed, I have got six of
them in my house. Mr.s Nott and Hayward have ?
several, some of these we may perhaps send to England.
Idolatry is also in a great measure abolished in the Islands
below, and the Chiefs are often sending messages earnestly
requesting some of us to come down and teach them.
We are anxiosuly looking for the arrival of brother Crook
and others from England, and lament that we have
not received any satisfactory intelligence concerning them.
The School prospers much, and the desire of learning is almost
universal thru the Islands. I shall be in great want of Books
shortly. Out of a 1000 Spelling Books received from the Colony
I have already expended more than 800, and shall quickly want
a new Edition of the Scripture history and Catechism. I wish
very much to have the Gospel of Luke printed. I should
like to know whether your Father has seen a certain letter
printed in the Methodist Magazine for July 1814. It thas surprized
and vexed me a little, and I have written to one of our friends
at Sydney [Mr H] on the subject, I spoke freely my mind, but
shall be sorry to learn that it has given offence.