344 A MORE FRIENDLY POSITION. [1845. 



to annoy us, or our marks. As to the act of firing on 

 them, Mr. Richards was aware that upon a former occa- 

 sion of the people destroying our marks, the chiefs de- 

 sired " that we would fire the guns on them, as they had 

 already sufficient warning." Nothing further transpired 

 until we reached the southern side of the island, where, 

 being short of fuel, I intended to complete from one of 

 the small uninhabited islands ; within which a convenient, 

 if not secure, anchorage seemed to offer. A small, flat 

 island within, also presenting a most convenient opportu- 

 nity for completing our water, I determined upon making 

 it one of our principal stations, particularly as I noticed 

 an extensive walled town immediately within us, where 

 numerous banners were displayed. 



We had not occupied our position long, before we 

 received a visit from the chiefs, who professed themselves 

 anxious to be on friendly terms, and brought with them 

 presents of sweetmeats, cakes, sake, fans, writing paper, 

 as well as drawing, envelopes, and the protrait of the Em- 

 peror of Tcheousan (or Korea). Amongst thiip party was 

 another young chief, also a civilian, who very soon con- 

 tracted a friendship, and promised to use his exertions to 

 obtain for me one of their state hats. After a great deal 

 of communication, carried on by the intervention of our 

 Chinese interpreter, in writing, he consented to visit the 

 ship, in the company of one of my officers, the observations 

 at that moment not permitting me to quit my post. On 

 his return, I found that he had been very sea-sick, pro- 

 bably from having taken wine, but had previously been 

 shown every object of interest, and appeared to be highly 

 delighted. He very soon recovered his composure, and 



