1779. THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 77 



As we had now every thing ready for sea, Captain 

 Clerke imagining that if the news of our proceedings 

 should reach the islands to leeward before us, it 

 might have a bad effect, gave orders to unmoor. 

 About eight in the evening we dismissed all the na- 

 tives ; and Eappo, and the friendly Kaireekeea, took an 

 affectionate leave of us. We immediately weighed, 

 and stood out of the bay. The natives were collected 

 on the shore in great numbers ; and, as we passed 

 along, received our last farewells with every mark of 

 affection and good-will. 



