It was on the 5th of December 1850 that the Ocean Queen cast anchor in Banner Roads; and, resuming Mr Williams's Journal, we shall now trace the first proceedings of the missionary pilgrims.

"December 5.-At noon we proceeded in the ship's gig to a small island called Dothan, lying betwixt Garden and Picton Islands. Captain Gardiner had fixed on it as the site of our intended dwelling-house, thinking it capable of being made peculiarly secure from its position and shape. Here we read an appropriate psalm, and offered prayer, and sang the doxology. The natives had followed us, and they stood gazing with wonder whilst we were so engaged. One passed into the centre of our circle, and now and then made an observation; and when we sang they all joined heartily with us. We then took possession of the island, and cut away the trees for a place where to fix our tent; but afterwards, in the course of the day, upon more consideration given, we abandoned Dothan, and chose our site in Garden Island. Here accordingly the axe was industriously used, and some large timber was cleared away. In the course of the afternoon, I shot a goose and a duck. In the course of the evening, what from being very tired and cold, and the rush of impressions being very great and forcible upon my mind, my whole body seemed to shrink from the hardships that were palpably before me; and my flesh, with a cowardly tremor,

seemed to protest against the difficulties, the trials, and the dangers. Whilst I felt this, I knew it was but the weakness of the flesh, and although I could not, under its present weariness, quiet its alarms, yet I felt a firm and quiet resolution, if need be, to sacrifice the flesh to the cause of God and humanity. It was a trial and a war between the two; but the spirit within, strengthened by grace, offered the flesh upon the altar of sacrifice. Praise God, never did I feel more sensibly how God provides grace against the day of trial than in this instance.

"Tuesday, December 10.-To-day the first opportunity presents, of recording the events which have marked our career. On Friday last, early in the day, having selected a spot on Garden Island admirably adapted for our purposes, we conveyed to it bedding, apparel, provisions, and cooking utensils, and engaged ourselves most actively in clearing away a spot sufficiently large for our tents. These we erected, and by nightfall had everything pretty comfortable. We had two tents-one for the men, another for ourselves-and between the two a cooking-house or kitchen, made of poles we had cut down and covered with oiled canvas. The floor of our tent was covered with cork; over this, oiled canvas, which thus made a dry place for our beds. We had also begun a fence around our tents, which, on the following day, by the assistance of some of our ship's company, we enlarged and completed, so as to be surrounded on all sides except an opening

from the beach. It was amusing to see us all at work, each one plying the woodman's handicraft; right and left, blows were being dealt, and the entangled forest resounded to our hatchets. We piled up a huge fire, and regaled ourselves with provisions kindly sent us from the ship by our excellent captain. We are indeed greatly indebted to him for unexampled kindness, he having constantly manifested the most generous disposition and an affectionate interest in all that concerned us; ever ready to assist us, and most hospitably and abundantly entertaining us during our whole voyage. The name of Captain Cooper, of the Ocean Queen, deserves to be remembered by us with respect and affectionate gratitude.

"We were undisturbed by the natives the whole of the day, and congratulated ourselves on this fortunate circumstance, as we hoped, by their not seeing our possessions, they would not be so excited to molest and pilfer from us. By eleven at night we were all so far straight as to be able to retire to rest, which all of us did, excepting the Captain and myself. We had agreed that each should keep a two hours' watch the night through, and this the Captain proposed should be commenced by himself taking the first watch, commencing at ten o'clock every night. The Captain accordingly rigged himself in his sou'-wester and india-rubber overcoat and overalls; and thus armed against the rain, for it was pouring with Fuegian earnest, he sallied

forth; and about half-past twelve, I succeeded him.

I

"I had not lain down, on account of the shortness of time before commencing my watch; and now that I was alone in the dead hours of night, surrounded by the dark masses of wood on the one hand, and the rippling waters on the other, with the rain pouring in heavy showers, and after a fatiguing day, I could not overcome the weakness of my frail heart, and I felt oppressed. The time of my watch hung heavily upon me; and I almost counted the minutes as they passed. Strange cries broke upon my ear; the penguin's harsh croak, with the shrill whistle of some sea-bird, and many sounds that I could scarce account for, all tending to give an extraordinary character to the scene. felt no fear, neither did I wish to be differently circumstanced; but I was weary, and I wished heartily for rest. Two o'clock came, and then was poor Mr Maidment's turn. He had thrown himself down on his bed with his clothes on, and now he engaged with alacrity in the duty which fell to him. Selfish nature was glad of the opportunity to exchange positions even thus with a friend and a brother, and to comfort itself in the warmth and repose of bed. I slept soundly, and awoke the next morning ready to resume the labor of the day. We persevered all Saturday in completing our fence, and arranging matters to our satisfaction, and still we continued unmolested by any of the natives,-a

matter somewhat surprising, had we not hence conjectured that they were going to give the intelligence of our arrival to others of their acquaintance.

"Toward the evening, however, we had intimation of their approach; and three of them, whom we had before seen alongside the vessel, came up to us. They appeared no way surprised at what they beheld, but greeted us with apparent goodnature, yammer-schoonering after everything they saw, and moving in a sidelong manner towards the enclosure of our tents, anxious to look in; but we intimated our disapproval of this, and they were very tractable. These three were very peaceable and quiet, imitating every word we spoke, catching at any oddity they observed in our manner or doings, and laughing, and seeming altogether so well disposed, that we had good hope of maintaining a friendly footing with them, and have no reason to fear their molesting us. As the evening grew late, Captain Gardiner made signs to them to leave us, intimating that it was time to go to sleep, by laying his head on his hand, and then gently directing them to the entrance. They readily perceived our wish, and without hesitation departed.

"We had not provided meat for our food this day. For this purpose I went out with my gun (for we have first to shoot or fish, before we can dine); and having brought back a goose and a duck, a stew was made of these, with the addition of some wild