1845.] INVITATION FROM THE EXAMINER. 337 



about five miles in advance, and apparently beyond the 

 limits of his district, we found that he had followed us 

 in one of their unwieldly boats, and mounting to our 

 station, set all the people at ease about our penetrating 

 so far into the interior. My friend now acquainted me 

 that the Examiner had sent me a present of Bullocks, 

 which were on their passage from the city, and intimated 

 a wish that I would go there with all convenient despatch 

 to visit that personage, and that he would be there to 

 receive me. Returning him his canteen and vessels, and 

 exacting a promise that he would visit the ship on her an- 

 choring, we parted, and, about 4 o'clock that evening, 

 met the boats containing the Bullocks, which had been 

 sent off to the ship to be embarked. Th eship anchored 

 about a mile from the landing-place, and early the ensuing 

 morning, a special invitation was forwarded to a ceremonial 

 breakfast, and introduction to the Examiner in the city, 

 which was accepted ; and as the chiefs thought the ship 

 too far off to visit, she was moved as close to the shore as 

 safety admitted, her fore-foot having at one time touched 

 a rock, which ought not to have been under us. Selecting a 

 party, including marines and blue jackets, of thirty men, 

 under arms, as a guard, and accompanied by about six 

 officers, we landed at the beach, in front of the city, where 

 several thousand people, including troops, with their ban- 

 ners, were drawn up to receive us. My friend was not 

 amongst the officials, and considerable shuffling and 

 evasion appeared to mark the conduct of the military 

 chiefs. At length mats were brought, and the chiefs and 

 myself being seated, some little communication took 

 place about horses, the number of attendants, &c., all of 



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