84 NEST OF PIRATES. [1846. 



that about the manner and restless eyes of the leaders 

 which implied, we know that you are too strong for us, 

 and your ship would not suffer you to be wronged with 

 impunity; otherwise, had the gig been alone, I suspect 

 that they would not have hesitated on taking us to a better 

 market than the Apo Islands afforded. Their number, if 

 we saw the whole of them, might be reckoned at tlurty, 

 but I suspect that many were concealed in the chambers, as 

 well as others, allies, on the great island, where they had, 

 doubtless, left their women protected. As due notice of 

 this important nest was given to the Spanish authorities, 

 it is to be presumed that long ere this, their vocation has 

 been made a matter of stricter investigation than I was 

 entitled to undertake. I am perfectly satisfied that any 

 merchant vessel becalmed near the greater Apo Island 

 would easily be captured by these people, and her absence, 

 probably assigned to foundering. 



The position of the inner Apo Island, or rock, was 

 determined to be in Lat. 1 2 40' 4" N., Long. 1 20 24' E., 

 distant a mile and a half from the greater island, which is 

 covered with trees. A reef extends off the western point 

 of this latter island. The passage between the two islands 

 is deep, and all the dangers are visible in clear weather ; 

 we did not obtain soundings with sixty fathoms in the 

 channel. The light airs during the night having pre- 

 vented our progress towards Mindoro, a landing was 

 effected on one of the nearest Calamianes, and Obser- 

 vations obtained for correcting a partial survey made 

 in our progress, to Manila in December last. From 

 thence we stood across towards Mindoro, and shortly 

 before daylight found ourselves in the vicinity of land 

 which the Charts did not indicate. In the morning we 



