4 October 1871

On the night of the 4^th we pass the Navigator Islands, - ^{described as} a garden on earth – and on which, it is said cotton can be grown of the best sea island description, and Coffee beans shewing that some day the land will become valuable. The inhabitants are not at present under any government, but as soon as one of the Great Powers place the flag there, the European may begin his work of cultivation. The natives are a peaceable people and would offer no obstruction, - thus differing from the Fijians.