Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.2): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

1835. CONDUCT IN'TERPRETKR. 529 purpose in few words, and in the most orderly, regular way. Not one individual interrupted another ; no one attempted to give his opinions, or introduce a new subject, without asking per- mission ; yet did the matters under discussion affect them ail in a very serious manner. Might not these half-enlightened Otaheitans set an example to nvimbers whose habits and edu- cation have been, or ought to have been, so superior ? It had become customary to shake hands with the queen, as well as with the chiefs. This compliment we were expected to pay ; but it seemed difficult to manage, since Pomare occu- pied a large share of the space between two benches nearest to the wall, and the next space was filled by natives. How- ever, squeezing past her, one after another, shaking hands at the most awkward moment, we countermarched into vacant places on the benches next in front of her. The princi- pal chiefs, Utaame, Taati, Hitote, and others, sat near the queen, whose advisers and speakers appeared to be Taali and her foster-father. It was left for me to break the silence and enter upon the business for which we had assembled. Desirous of explaining the motives of our visit, by means of an inter- preter in whom the natives would place confidence, I told Mitchell the pilot to request that Queen Pomare would choose a person to act in that character. She named Mr. Pritchard. I remarked, that his sacred office ought to raise him above the unpleasant disputes in which he might become involved as inter- preter. The missionaries had approached, and were living in Otaheite, with the sole object of doing good to their fellow- men, but I was sent in a very different capacity. As an officer in the service of my king, I was either to do good or harm, as I might be ordered ; and it was necessary to distinguish be- tween those who were, and ought to be always their friends, and men whose duty might be unfriendly, if events should unfortunately disappoint the hopes of those interested in the welfare of Otaheite. These expressions appeared to perplex the queen, and cause serious discussions among the chiefs. Be- fore any reply was made, I continued : " But if Mr. Pritchard will undertake an office which may prove disagreeable, for the VOL. II. 2 M