Liverpool, after spending about a month in England, and endearing himself to many friends. He renewed, on this occasion, his intercourse with his beloved associate and companion in travel, Mr. Wolff. A subscription was set on foot by Mr. King, and a sufficient sum raised to procure Founts of Arabic and Armenian Types for the use of the Palestine Mission.

Endia within the Ganges.

Bishop Heber on the Character and State of the Hindoos.

SOME Letters from the late Bishop Heber to a friend have been quoted largely in a recent Number of the Quarterly Review, from which we shall extract a passage, written in the usual vigorous and animated style of the Bishop, relative to the scene of his brief but active labours. The Reviewer introduces the Bishop's remarks on the People of India by the following observations

In a Letter to one of his friends, written at the close of his extensive journey, the Bishop distinctly expresses his satisfaction that he had never, in the whole course of it, turned either to the right hand or to the left for the sake of gratifying curiosity-that he had travelled in his Episcopal capacity, and allowed no other objects to interfere with those which were pressed on him by the character of his functions. But no accomplished Englishman, far less a deeply-read and deeply-thinking Scholar like Heber, could traverse these regions without having his attention called to many objects, which may not, at first sight, appear to have been, in his case, professional. The whole state and condition, however, of the Indian Population, it was, in fact, most strictly and sacredly his duty to study; and how successfully he carried his talents to this object, we have it in our power to shew by some passages from his manuscript correspondence. The Letter from which we are about to quote was addressed to one of his oldest and most intimate friends-a gentleman, not of his own profession, but engaged in the business of the world and the duties of

a high public station. We offer no apology for citing largely from such a Letter, written on such a subject; and are sure our Readers will require none. It is not often that the English Public are permitted to listen to such a witness as Bishop Heber, on the concerns of their Indian Fellow-subjects. Poet as he was by nature, it is nevertheless true, that a highly philosophical cast of mind is apparent in all his writings upon political subjects: he was equally enabled to work out the most serious speculations of what may be termed Political Science; and, at the same time, to combine and compare those varieties of detailed facts, on which Political Science, if sound, will be found to depend.

The Bishop's remarks here follow: the friends of India are much indebted to the Gentlemen who have made them public.

Though the greater part of the Company's Provinces (except Kumaoon) are by no means abundant in objects of natural beauty or curiosity, the prospect affording little else than an uniform plain, of slovenly cultivation; yet, in

the character and manners of the people, there is much which may be studied with interest and amusement: and, in the yet-remaining specimen of oriental luxury and pomp at Lucknow-in the decayed, but most striking and romantic magnificence of Delhi-and in the TajMahal of Agra, doubtless one of the most beautiful buildings in the worldthere is almost enough, even of themselves, to make it worth a man's while to cross the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Since then, I have been in countries of a wilder character-comparatively seldom trodden by Europeans-exempt, during the greater part of their history, from the Mussulman Yoke-and retaining, accordingly, a great deal of the simplicity of early Hindoo Manners, without much of that solemn and pompous uniformity which the conquests of the House of Timur seem to have impressed on all classes of their subjects. Yet, here, there is much which is interesting and curious. The people, who are admirably described (though I think in too favourable colours) by Malcolm, in his "Central India," are certainly a lively, animated, and warlike race of men; though, chiefly from their wretched government and partly from their still more wretched religion, there is

circumstances which led to this unhappy issue has been published at Sydney by the Missionaries, and is here subjoined. It will be seen, from ,from the latter part of the Narrative, that the prospect was improving.

The Wesleyan Mission in New Zealand was commenced in June 1823. It was established in a beautiful and fertile valley, now denominated Wesleydale, and situate about seven miles from the mouth of a river which empties itself into the harbour of Whangarooa, and about twenty west from Kiddeekiddee, the nearest Settlement of the Church Missionary Society, in the Bay of Islands. A substantial and commodious dwelling-house, together with a barn, carpenter's shop, and various other out-buildings, had been erected. An excellent and productive garden had been formed; which, with a plat, cultivated for wheat, comprised about four acres. The whole premises were surrounded by a good fence; and constituted a respectable specimen of English Civilization, in the midst of a barbarous people.

The Natives who resided in the valley amounted to near 200, and were called the Ngatehuru Tribe: they were headed by several Chiefs, of whom the principal was Tepui. At a distance of five miles dwelt another tribe, called the Ngatepo; which contained 600 or 700 souls. To these two tribes the Missionaries directed their labours. Having made some proficiency in the language, they regularly employed the Sabbath, and as much of their time on the other days of the week as could be spared from other occupations, in communicating to them Christian Instruction. A School was also established, which was attended daily by about Twenty Youths: eight of these had learned to read and write their vernacular tongue; and on their minds, as well as on the minds of many of the adult population, the truths of God had been assiduously inculcated, and in some cases received with much apparent interest.

We began to be greatly encouraged in our work: a good deal of the most fatiguing and disagreeable part of our undertaking had been accomplished, and we entertained lively hopes of increasing and permanent prosperity. This cheering prospect has, however, by a mysterious dispensation of Providence, been suddenly darkened, and our pleasing anticipations, at least for the present, blighted.

For some time, various rumours were circulated through the valley, as to some project, which the celebrated Chief, Shunghee, had in view. It was stated by some, that he had sent to Tepui, commanding him to remove to some other part of the country, to make room for him, as he intended to take possession of our valley; by others, that he determined to fix his residence among the Ngatepo. Though these vague reports could not be depended upon, it was evident that Shunghee was preparing for some important movement; and, from his well-known character, the more sagacious suspected that his designs were mischievous,

This singular man has been driven almost

to a state of desperation by some recent domestic occurrences. His eldest son, a young man of great promise, and in whom all his hopes centered, was slain in battle. His eldest daughter died of a consumption; and, while she was lying sick, her husband was detected in incestuous intercourse with Shunghee's favourite wife: this woman hung herself; and was assisted in this act by Shunghee's sister, who, for this crime, nearly forfeited her own life, as her enraged brother shot at her twice, but happened to miss her both times. Another of his wives was killed, contrary to his desire, as a satisfaction for the death of the adulteress; and the guilty paramour put an end to his own existence, by shooting himself through the body. These heavy calamities greatly oppressed the heart of Shunghee; and some of the Natives, according to their universal custom, which is TO KEEP A MAN DOWN WHEN HE IS DOWN, took advantage of his distresses, by plundering him of his property.

Under these circumstances, his mind was wound up to a high pitch of exasperation; and he resolved to abandon the spot which had been the scene of so many misfortunes, and where he was perpetually reminded of them. Thus chafed and irritated, however, there was much reason to dread, that wherever he might remove, there war and bloodshed would accompany him. Even the uncertain intimations that had reached us, of his intention to visit our neighbourhood, spread general alarm and consternation.

At length we received intelligence of his being actually on his way to Whangarooa Harbour; but that he had been compelled, by adverse winds, to put in at Rangeehoo, a Settlement of the Church Mission, occupied by Messrs, King and Shepherd. It was also stated, that, while the expedition was lying there, some of the party expressed a design to plunder our premises: our fears were of course somewhat excited; and, though we did not give entire credence to all that we heard, we could not help feeling that our situation was one of painful suspense.

On Thursday Evening, the 4th of January 1827, while engaged in Divine Worship with our native domestics, we were disturbed by the long-expected announcement of Shunghee's arrival in the harbour. The father of a native lad, belonging to the Mission Family, delivered the tidings; and requested his son to join him, as he said he was fleeing for his life. All now was commotion and anxiety, as Shunglee's intentions were yet involved in mystery. The night following, the whole Settlement rung with the cries of the Natives; and Tepui, with his brother and several other principal men, accompanied by their slaves, fled to Shukeangha, a place about 40 miles distant.

On Sunday Morning, the daughter of Shunghee, and the wife of Tarria, one of his chief allies, with several attendants, came up the river, to inform us that he did not intend to visit our village, though he was angry with Tepui for running away; and to request that some of our fighting men would go and assist him in an attack on the Ngatepo; which he intended to make the same day; urging upon them, as an inducement, the duty of taking revenge on that tribe, for having mur

dered some of their friends a few years ago. The men readily complied with this request, and immediately proceeded down the river; rejoicing that the storm, which wore so black an aspect toward them, was about to burst on the heads of their neighbours.

On Monday we were informed that a skirmish had taken place between Shunghee's party and the Ngatepo, in which two or three were killed; that Shunghee had been repulsed from the Pa, or fastness, on the summit of a high and almost inaccessible hill, on which the Ngatepo had taken their position; and that a general and more serious engagement was fixed for the morrow.

Our fighting men returned to-day from the scene of war, to fetch their wives and children; stating, as the reason of their removal, that if any of their enemies should hear of their being left in a defenceless condition, they would come and destroy them; and that they had particular reason to entertain such apprehensions as to the Rarawa Tribe, who would seek hutu" or satisfaction, for their hostility toward the Ngatepo. Accordingly, in the evening, all the Natives embarked in their canoes, taking with them their property; and dropped down the river, to join the fighting party in the harbour. They left us with much apparent kindness, and with seeming concern for our safety; apprising us that we might expect to be robbed, though they hoped we should not lose our lives.

Being now left alone, and entirely at the mercy of any marauding party that might be disposed to take advantage of our situation, we determined, on Tuesday Morning, to acquaint our friends at the Bay of Islands with our affairs, and to solicit their help. But, about noon, while employed in writing a Letter to them, ten or twelve armed men, of the Ngapui, that is Shunghee's Tribe, landed from a canoe, in which they had come up from the harbour; and, having got over our fence, proceeded toward the house. We went out to meet them, and inquired what they wanted: they replied, "We are come to take away your things, and burn down your premises; for your place is deserted, and you are a broken people." Happily for us, several of the party were known to Miss Davis, a young lady of the Church Mission, who was then on a visit with us: when they saw her, they were evidently intimidated, fearing that if they were to commit any violence, some of the Chiefs would take up our cause, and punish them for it, especially as their leader was but a captive, and therefore had no right to engage in an enterprise of this kind: they were, however, very troublesome, and robbed us of several pigs. Finding that they could not elude our vigilance, they went to the native plantations, where they found a quantity of sweet-potatoes, which they took away. On their return, they again visited us, and were more annoying than before they broke into one of the out-houses, and attempted to pilfer every thing that lay in their way. Before they departed, they intimated to us, that we might expect a general plunder tomorrow; and a native lad, who had continued with us, overheard them saying, that the party was too small to rob us, as, if they

were to do so, they should become conspicuous, and run the risk of being killed; but that if they were more numerous, so that many might share in the blame as well as in the spoil, they would strip us of every thing without delay.

At ten o'clock P. M. Mr. Stack started for Kiddeekiddee, bearing a Letter to our Brethren of the Church Establishment, in which we informed them of these occurrences, and requested their assistance. About eleven

o'clock, as we were on the eve of retiring to rest, two of our female domestics, who had been taken away by their parents on the preceding day, came to the door: they had just arrived from the harbour; and informed us that the Ngatepo had abandoned the Pa, and that a division of Shunghee's party had gone in pursuit of the fugitives; that, in the Pa, two old women were found, who were instantly despatched; and that the body of a young female slave, who was killed at the same time, was roasted and eaten.

At day-break, on Wednesday Morning, the 10th of January, Luke Wade, our European Servant, descried a few Natives coming in a direction toward us. He immediately apprised us of it; and, by the time that we had put on our clothes and come out, about twenty savages, armed with muskets, spears, hatchets, &c. had entered the Mission Ground, and were hastening toward the house. We demanded their business: they said, "We are come to make a fight." "But why do you wish to do this?" we asked. They replied, "Your Chief has fled, and all your people have left the place, and you will be stripped of all your property before noon; therefore instantly begone." Oro, the Chief, who made this declaration, and whose resi> dence is at Wyemattee, gave orders in the same moment to the rest, to break open a small house that was occupied by Luke Wade. This mandate was promptly obeyed; and, in a quarter of an hour, they had broken not only into that building, but also into the potatoe- and tool-house, into the outer kitchen, the upper store, and the carpenter's shop, carrying away every thing that they found. As soon as this work of spoliation was commenced, several guns were fired: which appears to have been a signal to others at a distance; for, in a few minutes, a considerable number joined this lawless band.

Convinced of the impossibility of arresting their violent proceedings, we locked ourselves up in the dwelling-house; and determined to prepare for quitting the place, expecting that this step would become necessary. At this juncture, several Boys, who had been under our care, came and expressed their grief at witnessing our circumstances, and offered to go with us: we very gladly accepted this proposal; considering that their assistance in carrying the children would be very serviceable. We hastily partook of a little refreshment, and got a few things ready for our journey; still resolved, however, not to leave, until driven to the last extremity.

While in this very distressing state of suspense, the robbers, having emptied all the out-buildings, began to break through the windows and doors of the dwelling-house;

flocking into every room, and carrying off every thing that we possessed. The Native Youths, who were to accompany us, evinced great alarm; and urged us to be gone, assuring us that if we remained a little longer we should escape with "our skins only," by which they meant that we should be divested of the very clothes that we wore. But, though our situation was exceedingly perilous, we still lingered, feeling the strongest reluctance to abandon the spot, on which we had bestowed so much care and labour, and which had become endeared to us by many interesting associations. At length, however, the last shadow of hope disappeared; and we were fully satisfied that the awful crisis had arrived, in which it was our imperious duty to flee for our lives. About six o'clock, therefore, when the work of pillage and devastation had been proceeding with uninterrupted and resistless fury for upward of an hour, we took our departure; and, with heavy hearts, directed our course toward Kiddeekiddee, the nearest Station belonging to the Church Mission.

Our party consisted of two Missionaries, Messrs. Turner and Hobbs- Mrs. Turner, who had been confined only five weeks, and was still very weak-three small children- Miss Davis-Luke Wade, an English servant; and his Wife, who had been for several weeks extremely ill, and hardly able to move at allfive Native Boys and two Native Girls: in all, sixteen persons. We had before us a journey of twenty miles, over a most rugged and mountainous country; of which some of the hills are so steep, that, but for the roots of the trees, which form a sort of steps, they would be almost inaccessible.

With much painful solicitude as to the possibility of our travelling so far, we set forward; the strong supporting the weak, and all depending on the aid of Divine Providence. The road at first leads up a valley, through which a river pursues its winding course, which it is necessary frequently to cross over this stream we had to bear the females upon our arms. After having proceeded about a mile, we were met by three of the men, who left the valley in which we had resided, on the preceding Friday: they informed us that a large company, consisting of a thousand fighting men, were on their march from Shukeangha, and close at handthat they were accompanied by Tepui and several of his people-and that their object was to rescue Tepui's wife and children, from the danger apprehended from Shunghee, and to take them to a place of safety they also strongly urged us to turn out of the road and conceal ourselves; declaring, that if this party met us, they would most certainly kill us: we had no reason to doubt the information which they gave us ; but we had much reason to suspect their advice, as we knew them to be bad characters: one of them had attempted, about two years before, to take away Mr. Turner's life; and another was known to be the man who treacherously conducted two individuals, belonging to the crew of the Boyd, to a place were they were killed and eaten. We were perplexed as to what we should do; but, as no time was to be lost, we turned aside for the purpose of hiding our

selves. We had not gone far, when the men requested us to sit down this revived our suspicions, as in that place we could be clearly seen from the road; and these suspicions being heightened by the singular behaviour of these men in other respects, we were led to believe that their intentions were mischievous: we therefore determined to return to the road; and, at all hazards, to pursue our journey. Before we reached the path, we were glad to meet two other Natives, in whom we could more safely confide: they confirmed the statement as to the approach of the Shukeangha Party, and recommended us to stay till they had passed: however, we resolved to proceed; and prevailed on one of them, Warreenui, a friendly Chief from the Bay of Islands, to accompany us. We now went forward with less hesitation, though our minds were still agitated by distressing fears. In a short time, as we were turning a sharp corner of the road, we found ourselves close upon the war-party of which we had been apprised: though not so numerous as they had been represented, they had a most formidable appearance: they amounted to several hundreds; and were coming down in one dense mase, with the utmost silence and order, and armed with muskets, bayonets, and long-handled hatchets. This was to us a solemn moment: as we were doubtful whether they would prove friends or foes: Warreenui cried out to them to stop, which they instantly did: he then informed the Chiefs, who marched at the head of the body, of our circumstances; on which they spoke to us with kindness, and requested us to place ourselves close together, near the edge of the water, and to sit or kneel down: we did so; expecting, we must confess, that they intended to slaughter us there: however, to our inexpressible joy, they formed themselves into a circular line around us, and commanded their followers to pass on, thus protecting us from those who were disposed to injure us; and, fearing that we should be exposed to dangers from some stragglers who were at a distance behind, one of these friendly Chiefs joined our party, and accompanied us till we had passed them. When about seven miles from Wesleydale, we were met by Mr. Stack and Mr. Clarke; who, with about twelve Natives, were hastening to our assistance: Mr. Stack had arrived at Kiddeekiddee between four and five o'clock in the morning: Messrs. Kemp and Clarke, having perused our Letter, evinced the kindest sympathy for us, and prepared to render us immediate succour they lost no time in despatching a messenger to Pyhea, another Church Missionary Station, fifteen miles from Kiddeekiddee; to apprise the Brethren there of what had transpired, and to solicit their assistance: in the mean time, the party which we had now the pleasure of meeting, set off without delay toward Whangarooa. The narrative of our losses and dangers filled the minds of our friends with the greatest concern; and our meeting them was to us a source of great consolation, as we thus obtained that aid of which we greatly felt the necessity. Before we arrived at Kiddeekiddee, the Pyhea friends came up, consisting of the Rev. Henry