A Lady's Cruise in a French Man-Of-War Beginning in 1877, this collection of letters to Lady Gordon, Elisa, and her sister, Nell, C.F. Gordon-Cumming writes about her experiences in the South Pacific in a French man-of-war, the Seignelay. Gordon-Cumming joins the mission of Samoa's Roman Catholic Bishop to visit parts of his diocese located in more than half of the South Seas. Along their cruise, she and the rest of the party visit Tonga, Vavau, Samoa, and Tahiti. In Tonga, she becomes acquainted with convent life and also learns the history and current state of the Wesleyan Mission. Vavau brings on a different journey as she experiences their culture by eating oranges, sketching the beautiful scenery, riding side-saddle, and visiting a cave. In Samoa, she witnesses the clashing of opinions in the council of war, but also partakes in a picnic in honor of the visitors. She meets with Dr. Turner to learn about his beginnings in missionary work and the history of the college he founded. Gordon-Cumming's cruise ends with her most enjoyed expedition of all, a ten-day ceremonial trip with the admiral, king, and queen to visit the districts on the main isles so the people can honor their new king and queen. |