The Shasta courier., 1855-09-08


rnmantIc interest III an account which has been
given lately, in some of the papers, OF visit to
This country of daughter of one OF the native
chiefs of the Maruuesas Islands. There is
small group in The Pacific, about nine degrees
south of the Equator. and some four thousand
west of Peru. Some fifteen years ago COM
pauy of sailors from whaling ship put Oft in
pursuit of whale, and while engaged IN the
capture lost light of their vessel. After waiting
., long as they dared. to be picked up they
were compelled TO direct their course for the
nearest land This was the Marquesas Islands.
The reputation of the islanders was bad, but
even at the risk of being eaten by The savagcs,
they were compelled by the certainty OF death
If they did not, to land. Contrary TO their ex-
pectation, they were kindly received, and tor
nine months entertained by the natives, who
showed every disposition to have them remain
permanently. They, however, kept continual
watch for passing vessels. One day ship was
deserted in the offiing. The man on the look
cut on a neighborng mountain, gave the signal
10 his companions below. In paroxysm OF
5oy they rushed to the beach, and hastily launch
ing their boat they leaped in. The natives at
first, taken by surprise, did not interfere, but
soon discovering their intentions, endeavored to
prevent their leaving. There seemed no alter
native but TO push off on the moment So, with
ont waiting for 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.
Mills, for that was the name of the deserted
sailor, seeing all hope of escape taken away
though at first overwhelmed with dlsappolnt-
men!, soon concluded to make the best oil a hard
case and if possible to render what was forced
now a willing and pleasant home. In the chiefs
family TO which he had from the hrSt been ta-
KEN he found many opportunities OF being use
full to the islanders, and he soon became fa-
vorite. The chief had mn only daughter, q
SpriShuy girl of some twelve OF fourteen sum-
mers, with whom Mills became more than Ia
worite. After five years residence he became
her husband.
Not long after their marriage the chief died,
and Mills. who had now acquired great nfu-
ence, became sort of regent his wife being.
according to hereditary usage. chief. In this
capacity he did what he could to foster civiliza-
ton, and his efforts were largely successful.
Cannibalism was abandoned. polygamy abolish
ed, and the softened intercourse of civilized So
ciety gradually took the place of the old barbar-
ism. Quite fourishng trade sprung up with
the ships which have been encouraged to sop
there.
Mr.. Mills became exceedingly anxious that
Christian instruction. such as he could not give,
should be impaired 10 the natives For this pur-
pose he wrote TO the Sandwich Islands for teach
ers. Getting no answer he resolved to 60 after
ibein himself DO leaving lrS enid, a boy ABOUT
three years DID, who had now become chief, and
taking with him his wife and what property he
had, (some fifteen hundred doliars,1 he went
frat 10 Australia. then to Van Deman's Land,
then TO New Zealand. seeking some one who
would be willing to 60 back with him-but in
vain. none could be fonnd.
By an accident he was persuaded TO visit
America, and he landed at Salem last October
with means almost exhausted. The story is
long one. OF his subsequent disappontmenis and
trials. During the last winter with sick wife,
and an infant son (born in New York, } he suf-
fered much. and after many fruitless attempts
was about 10 give over in despair the design of
procuring man TO return with him. There
did not seem one in all the land who was ready
10 GO, and none who were willing to send.
Just when bidding farewell to friends who
had insisted him, one of The providences-they
cannot be called accidents-threw in his way q
recent graduate of the Union Seminary, in New
York. As soon almost as Mills abatement came
TO his ears, he offered TO 20 with him. They are
BOW jus. on the eve of their departure from the
country.
These statements, which we have received
from Mr.. Mills himself, are confirmed by most
Fe!lable authority. The whole story. of which
we lsve given but rapid outline, is one of
more than ordinary interest. We should sup
pose that the missionary societies have rarely
fonnd SO favorable opportunity Of planting a
mission among a heaihen people as this pre-
sents-Nercdrk Advertiser.