78 DETENTION AT Bt ANIL A. [1845. 



met with, it was at length determined to remedy the 

 defective one, by adding hard wood head and cheeks. 

 This was effected about the 2nd of January, 1846, and 

 on the 4th, the ' Royalist ' rejoined us, ready for sea. 

 By the kindness of the authorities we were permitted to 

 make our term-day Magnetic Observations at the end of 

 the Commandant's garden, in the Arsenal of Cavite ; the 

 entire ground about Manila being charged with old guns, 

 &c., which vitiated the results. After which, having 

 completed our stores at Manila, we took our final leave 

 of Manila Bay on the 1 Oth. During the greater part of 

 our detention, the ' Samarang ' had anchored immediately 

 off the Arsenal at Cavite, in order to afford the aid of 

 our carpenters and armourers, in the refit of the 

 ' Royalist.' During the whole of this period, both Lieut, 

 Ogle and myself received the most marked hospitality 

 and kindness from Capt. Villavicentio, as well as every 

 assistance in his public capacity as Commandant of the 

 Arsenal. To him I am also indebted for most important 

 information relative to the Illaiion pirates about the 

 region of Mindanao, as well as directions for many of the 

 harbours visited by the gun-boats, and which were almost 

 unknown or entirely omitted upon the Charts supplied 

 to us. 



I cannot take leave of Manila without repeating my 

 expressions of gratitude for the kindness experienced 

 from my friend Mr. Otadui, particularly in my commu- 

 nications with His Excellency, General Claveria, and I feel 

 persuaded, that to his manner of interpreting my wishes, I 

 am indebted for the very marked favours which were con- 

 ceded. Manila was, indeed, throughout our rambles in 



