1845.] ISLAND OF MARATUA. 247 



On tbe 20th we quitted our reef-bound nook, and 

 beat to the eastward, intending to examine the Island of 

 Maratua, which had been painted in very glowing colours 

 by Tuan Hadji. We found the currents pressing so 

 strong to the southward that we were unable to hold our 

 own, and it was not until the 22nd, and then by dint of 

 very close attention, that we effected our object, and ran 

 down its eastern side ; but no sufficient opening in the 

 reef warranted my pushing the ship in, although I could 

 clearly perceive by the deep blue tint of the sea that 

 there was sufficient water within. I had alsp despatched 

 a boat round the western and southern end of the Island, 

 which on rejoining, did not, from the report furnished 

 by her, afford hope of a harbour, and consequently no 

 plea for further detention. Severe illness had also 

 deprived me of power for further exertion, and giving 

 orders for hoisting in all our boats, we shaped a course 

 to seaward, expecting to be well clear of the land 

 before midnight. Before that hour the breeze failed, 

 and at daylight, I was informed not only that it was 

 nearly calm, but also that the ship was drifting rapidly 

 upon an extensive reef. We had little time for reflec- 

 tion, the boats were hoisted out, and all efforts made 

 to tow her clear. Directions were issued to attach four 

 four-inch whale lines to one of the kedges, and to 

 unite the hemp and chain stream cables, and bend them 

 to the stream anchor. Shortly after I reached the deck, 

 we obtained soundings in 146 fathoms, and orders were 

 given to let go the kedge. This fouled, and the stream 

 was then ordered to be let go ; it held, leaving us with 

 114 fathoms under the stern, and within thirty fathoms 



