From the Islands of the Sea

Tahita, June 16th, 1844.

• • • • But without going into detail, as it would be uninteresting to you, suffice it to say, on the morning of the 14th of May, we saw Tahita about forty miles distant; and the next day succeeded in getting to an anchor in the bay. But things looked very dark and portentious [portentous] I assure you. Doubtless you have heard the particulars respecting the French having taken possession of these islands and establishing their laws here, if not, this will inform you of the fact, but the particulars I am not sufficiently acquainted with to give.-The natives were, and are still unreconciled to these proceedings, and about two weeks before we arrived, after a continual fermenting between them and the French, the natives took up arms against them, and there was a smart engagement took place, the result of which we have never been able correctly to ascertain, but there were many killed on both sides. The

natives still remain under arms about 10 miles from Papata the principal town of the island.-What their intentions are is hard to tell, but I do not think there will be another engagement between them at any rate. What the English may do I know not. There is two large men-of-war cruising off the harbor, and more expected shortly peradventure they may take the natives' case in hand.

But notwithstanding all these difficulties, they are no detriment to us as I know of. We are perfectly safe we think from any injury from the natives, as they have great regard for Americans, and we are living right among them. They are very kind and attentive to us, and declare that let what will happen, no harm shall befal [befall] us if they can prevent it. But there is not the slightest danger, the English and French will do all that is to be done. Brother Pratt is on a small island called Tooboni about 300 miles from here. He is the only missionary there, and consequently will get along much better than we shall, who have eight or ten to work against us.

The progress we have made in the language has been very rapid indeed. It is only twenty five days since we came on shore, and we are able to hold quite a conversation, and read without difficulty. In fact the natives tell me I can read better than Mr. Moore, a missionary who has been here eighteen months. We shall soon be able to appoint meetings and preach; what success will attend it time alone can determine, but we think it will be good.-The Lord grant it. Pray for our success Brother ***** and request the church to do the same, for we feel in need of all the help we can get.

We have heard nothing from the church since we left, with the exception of a few words by some missionaries, bound to the Sandwich Islands, who left America two months after us. They said they did not think the church had been driven; at any rate they had not heard so. God grant it may be so, but still such news is but little better than no news at all.

We feel very anxious, and shall wait very impatiently until we get letters. Do write to us Brother *****, and give us every particular that you think will interest us, for news is precious from the church here, I assure you.

I am your Brother in the

bonds of the covenant,

BENJAMIN F. GROUARD.

[The foregoing is an extract only, of a letter directed to Elder P. B. Lewis, of this city.-We hope Elder Pratt of New York, will forward files of papers, and also write, by a ship leaving that port, or any eastern one, for the Society Islands. News will be precious to those elders.] Ed.