The King's Answer to Rev. Walter Lawry in 1850 regarding Tonga's
Independence

“My mind is, that I will not verily sell any piece of land in this Tonga; for it is small; then, what of it can we sell? and what would be left for ourselves?

“I verily wish to be the friend of Britain; in friendly alliance, with all fellowship, but it is not my mind, nor the mind of my people, that we should be subject to any other people or kingdom in the world. But it is our mind to sit down (that is, remain) an independent nation.”

“I am George Tubou’.”