132 TONGA ISLAND. 



May 1st. At 11 this morning, the " Porpoise " arrived. 

 In the afternoon we sent for the pilot. He came on board, 

 but stated that he could not take us to sea, because he had 

 been ordered by King George not to do so. Captain Wilkes 

 told him that if such was the case he might leave the ship. 

 He then gave orders for the vessels to get under-way, and 

 anchor as near the town as possible. This being done, Lieu- 

 tenant Case was sent to call on his majesty, and demand an 

 explanation for his unfriendly behavior. In a few minutes, 

 Mr. C. returned, and reported that King George was out 

 fighting, but that he had seen King Josiah, who assured him 

 that George had no desire to prevent our going to sea ; that 

 the pilot had told us a falsehood, and if Captain Wilkes 

 wished it, he would have him punished. We are now con- 

 vinced that King George knew nothing of the matter, and 

 that the pilot's story was the result of fear, he having heard 

 another pilot say that if the ship went ashore he would be 

 hung. He therefore did not wish to have anything to do 

 with us, and supposed by pretending to act under the orders 

 of the king, we would not force him to take the vessel to sea. 



May 2d. To-day King Josiah sent on board both his 

 pilots, one of whom is a native of Tahiti and speaks very 

 good English. Towards noon, a fine breeze sprung up from 

 the northward and eastward. At 2 got under-way ; shortly 

 after the u Peacock >? hove in sight beat to windward until 

 we joined company with her, when we stood for the western 

 passage, and at 5.15 we anchored again. 



May 3d. This being Sunday, at 10.30 divine service was 

 performed as usual. At meridian, compared chronometers 

 with the other vessels of the squadron. It is reported that 

 we leave here to-morrow. 



May 4th. During these twenty-four hours the wind has 



