320 PAUMOTU GROUP. 
other symptoms occurred that left any doubt of the entire extinction 
of the contagion. I was, therefore, greatly relieved, as day after 
day elapsed, to be assured that we had not only escaped so dreadful 
a scourge ourselves, but that there was no danger of its being com- 
municated to the islanders. 
Being now about to enter upon a new field of observation, in which 
we should necessarily come much in contact with the natives, I 
issued the following General Order, to guard against any misde- 
meanours, and to insure a correct deportment in both officers and 
men, during our intercourse with the islanders. 
GENERAL ORDER. 
The undersigned, commanding the Exploring Expedition, informs 
the officers and crews under his command, that as they are now 
about to visit the islands of the Pacific, and to have intercourse with 
their inhabitants, he wishes to inculcate on all in the squadron, that 
courtesy and kindness towards the natives, which are well understood 
and felt by all classes of mankind ; and trusts that neither contempt 
of, nor interference with, their customs, habits, manners, and preju- 
dices, nor arrogance over them, will be shown by any one belonging 
to the squadron ; bearing always in mind, that savage nations have 
but vague ideas of the rights of property, and that theft committed by 
them has been the great cause of collision between them and civilized 
nations. 
He would therefore enjoin upon all great moderation in every thing 
respecting their intercourse with them, that no act of hostility will be 
committed, and that an appeal will be made rather to their good-will 
than to their fears. 
That the manner of trading with them which will be established 
in the squadron, will be most strictly adhered to by all, and that in 
the event of difficulties or collision, all acts of force will be avoided, 
unless for self-protection ; in short, our aim shall be peace, good-will, 
and proper decorum to every class, bearing constantly in mind, that 
the future intercourse of our countrymen with the natives of the 
islands we may visit, will very much depend on the impression made 
on their minds by us, and recollecting, that it is the nature of the 
savage long to remember benefits, and never to forget injuries. 
It therefore behooves us, wherever we go, to leave behind us, whe- 
ther among civilized or savage nations, favourable impressions, not 
only as respects this national expedition, but of our flag and country- 
