j,76 A V O Y A G E T O 



1777' faft, nor received any damage. We could not get back with- 



f unc. 



s_ -.— ' out increafing the danger, as we had come in almoft before 

 the ^vind. Nor could we call anchor, but with the certainty 

 of having our cables inftantly cut in twa by the rocks. We 

 had no other refource but to proceed. To this, indeed, we 

 were encouraged, not only by being told, but by feeing, 

 that there was deeper water between us and the fliore- 

 However, that we might be better informed, the moment 

 we found a fpot where we could drop the anchor, clear of 

 rocks, we came to; and fent the Mailers, with the boats, to 

 found. 



Soon after we had anchored, which was abcut noon, fe- 

 veral of the inhabitants of Tongataboo came off in their 

 canoes to the (hips. Thefe, as well as our pilots, afTured 

 us, that we fliould find deep water farther in, and a bottom 

 free from rocks. They were not miflaken ; for, about four 

 o'clock, the boats made the fignal for having found good 

 anchorage. Upon this we weighed, and Hood in till dark, 

 and then anchored in nine fathoms, having a fine, clear, 

 fandy bottom. 



During the night we had fome fliowers of rain ; but to- 

 ward the morning, the wind fliifted to the South, and South 

 Tucfday lo. Eaft, and brought on fair weather. At day- break v/e weigh- 

 ed, and, working in to the fhore, met with no obftrudions, 

 but fuch as were vifibie, and eafily avoided. 



While we were plying up to the harbour, to which the 

 natives dire(5ted us, the king kept failing round us in 

 his canoe. There were, at the fame time, a great many 

 fmall canoes about the fliips. Two of thefe, which could 

 not get out of the way of his royal veflel, he run quite 

 over, v/ith as little concern, as if they had been bits of 



woody 



