8 AFFAIR OF THE * PHAETON.' [1845. 



lay with their Emperor. But they affirmed that he was 

 always well-disposed towards the English, and preferred 

 their friendship until the departure of the 'Phaeton'. 

 Upon this subject they appeared disposed to enter into 

 some explanation, as they immediately referred to papers 

 which they had with them, stating, as it appeared, 

 minutely, the occurrences of that period, but which our 

 interpreter either did not, or would not, understand. The 

 termination of this affair of the ' Phaeton ' appeared to 

 be, that Bullocks were demanded for the ship, but were 

 not produced ; that men landed and took them by force, 

 and attacked the village near the anchorage, and that she 

 sailed, and had never returned, " which made the Em- 

 peror's heart very sore." The Chief in command was 

 speared for his neglect. 



At this interview they begged very hard that I would 

 desist from my intention of remaining on shore to ob- 

 serve the stars during the night ; but as I weh 1 knew 

 that any withdrawal from my original agreement, would 

 leave me open to a charge of weakness of purpose, I 

 contended firmly on its necessity, in public, but gave the 

 secretary to understand, that provided the night was 

 clear, I might possibly get all I required before midnight. 

 They very good humouredly assured me, that they were 

 satisfied I would only do what was proper. 



After the departure of our visitors, I returned to iny 

 Observations, on the island, but found the guard-boats' 

 crews rather troublesome. This, continuing to increase 

 towards sun-set, I deemed it prudent to have our armed 

 boats in attendance. Shortly after commencing my Star 

 Observations, much confusion, and violent altercation 



