138 APPROACH OF FIVE PRAHUS. [1844. 



very identical boat, with the Dutch flag, that had pre- 

 viously visited us. Both vessels were towed to sea and 

 burned. About this time, nearly sunset, we were rejoined 

 by Mr. Hooper, in the gig, and considering it unsafe to 

 remain in the neighbourhood of this nest of pirates during 

 the night, we made the best of our way, under canvas as 

 well as oars, until midnight, when having reached a snug 

 and lonely bay, distant about twenty miles from the scene 

 of action, we anchored, as we thought, free from further 

 molestation. 



Our awnings were spread, and all but the watch had 

 retired to rest, when about 2 o'clock, A.M., we were 

 awakened by the sound of gongs and other instruments 

 proceeding from the southward. Supposing this appa- 

 rent merry-making to proceed from the shore, where 

 the natives might be carousing, no notice was taken of it 

 beyond warning the look-out-men ; we soon discovered, 

 however, that the sounds were rapidly approaching, and 

 we had barely time to furl awnings and clear for action, 

 before five large vessels were observed coming directly 

 down upon us. The moon was just rising behind the hill 

 in-shore of us, and by this fortuitous advantage we obtained 

 a clear view of our enemy, without his being able to dis- 

 cern us ; and as we had not time to weigh the anchor, 

 and the cable might incommode the gun, I directed the 

 latter to be given to the gig, by which we were prepared 

 to meet the advancing force with more security. As the 

 leader drew near, we could perceive that they were very 

 large prahus, about ninety feet in length, with high stem 

 and stern posts, prettily decorated with what, then, ap- 

 peared to be long tufts of white feathers, but eventually 



