Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-08-07
From the Newark Daily Advertiser.
A south Sea story.

There is not little Of romantic interest in an
account which has been given lately, in some OF
the papers, of the visit to this country Of a
daughter OF one Of the native chiefs Of the Mar
quesas Islands. There is small group in the
Pacific, about nine degrees south Of the Equator,
and some four thousand west Of Peru Some
iiiteeon years ago a company Of sailors from
whaling ship put IF in pursuit of whale, and
while engaged III the capture lost sight Of their
vessel, After waiting as long as they dared TO
be picked up, they compelled TO direct their
course 10 the nearest land This was the Mar
qresas Island.
The reputation of the islanders was bad but
at the risk Of being eaten by the savages,
they were compelled by the certainty of death if
they did not, to land, Contrary to their expecta-
ton, they We're kindly received, and for nine
months entertained by the natives, who showed
every disposition to have them remain perma-
nently. They, however, kept continual watch
for passing vessels. One day ship was deserted
IN the oiiing. The man on the lookout on a
neghboring mountain, gave the signal TO his
companions below In paroxysm of Joy they
rushed 10 the beach, and hastily launching their
boat they leaped in. The natives at first, taken
BY surprise, did not interfere, but soon discover
ing their intentions, endeavored to prevent their
leaving. There seemed no alternative but to
push OF on the moment. So, without waiting
tor their shipmate, who was making his way
down from his station, they piled the oar and
were soon far on their way, and were seen no
more.
Mill, for that was the name of the deserted
sailor, seeing all hope of escape taken away,
though at first overwhelmed with disappoint-
ment, soon concluded To make the best of hard
case, and if possible to render what forced
now willing and pleasant home. In the chiefs
family, TO which he had from the first been taken,
he found many opportunities OF being useful to
the islanders, and he soon became favorite.
The chief had an only daughter, sprightly girl
of some twelve or fourteen summers, with whom
Mills became more than a favorite. After five
years residence he became her husband.
Not long after their marriage the chief died,
and Mills, who had now acquired great influence,
became a sort of regent, his wife being, accord
ing 10 hereditary usage, chief. In this capacity,
be did what he could to foster civilization, and
his efforts were largely successful. Cannibalism
was abandoned, polygamy abolished, and the
sohened intercourse Of civilized society gradu-
ually took the place of the old barbarism.
Quite iourishing trade sprung up with the
ships which have been encouraged to stop there.
Mr. Mills became exceedingly anxious that
Christian instruction, such as he could not give,
should be impaired to the natives. For this pur-
pose he wrote 10 the Sandwich Islands for teach
eTs. Getting answer, he resolved to go after
them for himself So, leaving his child, boy
about three years old, who had now become
chief, and taking with him his wife and what
property he had, (some fifteen hundred dollars,)
he went first To Australia, then to Van Dieman's
Land then TO New Zealand seeing some one
who would be willing TO go back with him-but
in vain, as none could be found.
BY an accident he was persuaded to visit Anne
RIGA, and he landed at Salem last October, with
means almost exhausted. The story is long
one, of his subsequent dsappointments and trials.
During the last winter, with sick wife, and an
infant son, (born in New York; he suffered
much, and after many fruitess attempts, was
about to give over in despair the design of pro-
curing man TO return with him. There did
not seem one in all the land who was ready to
20, and none who were willing to send.
Just when bidding farewell to friends who had
assisted him, one of the providences--they can
not be called accidents--threw in his way a
cent graduate of the Union Seminary in New
York. AS soon almost as Mills statement came
20 his ears he offered to go with him. They are
now inst on the eve Of their departure from the
country.
These statements, which we have received
from Mr., Mills himself, are confirmed by most
reliable authority. The whole story, of which
we have given but rapid outline, is one of more
than ordinary interest. We should suppose that
The missionary societies have rarely found SO
favorable opportunity of planting mission
among heather people as this presents.