922 Wreck of the Transport '^ Indian Oak,'' [No. 105. 



dependant on these good people, who have up to the present time sup- 

 plied us abundantly. 



For all further particulars, I refer you to the bearer, Mr. Field, first 

 officer of the late ship " Indian Oak," whose conduct throughout this 

 trying occasion has been most meritorious ; and in nothing more so, than 

 at present, in volunteering to proceed in the launch to Chusan, as the 

 bearer of intelligence most unfortunate, and I fear of serious disap- 

 pointment and loss to the expedition generally, which no one can 

 feel more than myself I can give you no description of the place, 

 as we are not allowed to go beyond the limits of our dwelling, except to 

 the wreck. 



From altitudes taken in a false horizon for the Chronometer, and 

 several altitudes of the Pole Star, I make the geographical position of 

 our dwelling, about two miles east of the wreck, as follows : — 

 By a meridian altitude of the sun from the! q^o ii/ oah -s^ 



wreck, about 1|^ miles horizon, J 



By several altitudes of the Pole Star taken! g/»o yy nnn 

 in an artificial horizon, i 



Long, by Chronometer, 127* 12' 45" E. 



from which I conclude we are on one of the small Islands to the west- 

 ward of the Great Loochoo ; but the natives whenever questioned, say 

 we are on the larger Island, but jealous of our gaining any know- 

 ledge of their Island, invariably evade the question ; they however have 

 promised to build a vessel to take us to Singapore, of the following 

 dimensions, which they say shall be ready in two months, viz. 

 66 feet long, 23 ditto broad, 7| ditto hold. 



I trust however Mr. Field will succeed in reaching Chusan in safety, 

 from whence I feel assured speedy relief will be sent, with this hope, 

 and full confidence in a good God, 



I am, &c. 

 Loochoo Islands, "4 (Signed) J. J. R. Bowman, 



2^th August, 1840. j Agent for Transports, Eeastern Expedition- 



P.S. — Since writing the above, I have been assured by one of the 

 principal men, that we are on the Great Loochoo ; this from what I 

 can see of the land from the wreck, is my opinion, also ; judging from 

 Captain Hall's description of Napaking Harbour, the wreck lays a little 

 to the southward of Abbey Point, in the above place. If I am right, 



