1839.] OTHER ISLANDS OF THE GROUP. 15? 



Disappointment Islands, (Wytoohee and Otooho,) so named 

 by Commodore Byron, who discovered them in 1765. The 

 natives of these two islands appeared far more friendly than 

 those seen at Clermont de Tonnerre ; yet they did not seem 

 over anxious to cultivate an acquaintance with their visitors ; 

 they were shy and timid, and manifested great fear lest their 

 women, whom they had concealed, would be taken from them 

 by violence. These islands having been surveyed, the squad- 

 ron bore away for Raraka, one of the principal islands be- 

 longing to the group. 



On the 29th instant, a small island, named King's Island, 

 after the man at the mast-head, who first saw it, was dis- 

 covered in latitude 15° 42' 25" S., and longitude 144° 38' 

 45" W. This is a small island, — being only about four or 

 five miles in circumference, and averaging one mile in width. 

 The highest point on the island is not over twenty feet above 

 the level of the sea. Springs of fresh water were found here ; 

 cocoa-nuts were abundant ; and the soil appeared to be highly 

 productive. No natives were seen, but there were indications 

 that the island had been recently visited by persons engaged 

 in the pearl-fishery. 



Early in the morning of the 30th of August, they came 

 up with Raraka Island, the inhabitants of which, though few 

 in number, exhibited every feeling of kindness and friendship. 

 The influence of the missionaries at the Society Islands has 

 been extended hither, and a native missionary from Tahiti 

 was found among them. Every opportunity was afforded to 

 the commander of the American Expedition and his officers, 

 to obtain the information they desired ; a few presents dis- 

 tributed among the natives permanently secured their good 

 will ; and a couple of sheep given to them by the purser, 

 Mr. Waldron, elicited the warmest expressions of gratitude. 



Leaving Raraka towards sunset on the 31st of August, 

 the squadron proceeded to Vincennes Island, called by the 

 natives Kawahe, and from thence to Aratica, or Carlshoff 

 Island, where they arrived in the morning of the 3rd of Sep- 

 tember. Hogs and fowls were found on Aratica. There 



