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

r 1835. POLYNESIAN INTEREST. 595 maiy object, and that influence liiight be at once obtained by the mere presence of a large ship. Compare the manner in which the natives of the ^Marquesas behaved to the Tagus and Briton frigates, with their hos- tility to vessels whose appearance did not overawe them. An outward show of overpowering force would often prevent a struggle, and probably loss of life, which, however justi- fiable, cannot too anxiously be avoided. From what I have seen and heard, I feel authorised to say that one ship of force, well-manned, and judiciously commanded, would effect more real good in the Pacific than half a-dozen small vessels. Frigates have already been seen among some of the islands of Polynesia, and heard of in the greater number. To send a ship of a lower class to establish a general influence over the Polynesians, and our own wandering countrymen, as well as for the purposes I have previously mentioned, would be to treat the business so lightly that, for the credit of our country, it would perhaps be better let alone ; particularly as a frigate does occasionally go from the South American station, and a sloop from Australia, or the East-Indies. No European or American nation has now a duty to perform, or an interest to watch over, in the Pacific Ocean, equal to that of Great Britain. The North Americans are increasing their connec- tions, and consequently their influence, rapidly. Russia has extended her arm over the Northern Pacific. France has sent her inquiring officers, and Roman Catholic missionaries* are sowing the seeds of differences, if not discord, among tlie islanders, in the Gambler Islands and elsewhere. Independent of expense, what are the principal local objec- tions to employing a frigate in such aduty .? In the first place, among the islands there would be risk of getting ashore, in- creasing with the size of the ship :— in the second ; it might be difficult to obtain suppHes, and in the event of losing spars she might be obliged to return ; perhaps to England: — in the third ; to get ashore, in a ship drawing so much water, would • Sent out immediately after the first circulation of Captain Beechey's interesting- work. 2 Q 2