242 MBUA BAY AND MUTHUATA. 



Tui Muthuata has from eighty to one hundred towns under his 

 control ; and his territory extends from Unda Point to the island of 

 Tavea, in Naloa Bay. Many of these towns are of small extent, and 

 contain but few inhabitants, and I found that to estimate the popula- 

 tion by the report of the chiefs themselves, would give erroneous 

 results. Feejee men lie with great plausibility, and particularly if it 

 is to swell their own importance. 



After receiving the king's present, Captain Hudson, understanding 

 that they were still under alarm on shore, sent word again to the king 

 that he had nothing to fear, that they were friends, and again invited 

 him to come on board. This message had a good effect, although he 

 refused to come, on account of his sickness from his leg. Whether 

 this sickness was brought on by his fears, was not determined ; but 

 he despatched his son, Ko-Mbiti, and several chiefs; an officer — 

 Passed Midshipman Davis — remaining on shore to satisfy them that 

 no advantage was intended to be taken of so many being in our power. 

 Ko-Mbiti is a very good-looking, well-made man, but appeared near- 

 sighted. He had a large retinue with him. It was amusing to see 

 the effect produced on him by placing a pair of concave spectacles on 

 his nose, and his wonder and astonishment at the change they pro- 

 duced in his sight. 



The chiefs stayed several hours on board, visited every part of the 

 ship, partook of refreshments, and received presents, every thing being 

 done on the part of Captain Hudson to give confidence, produce good- 

 will, and create a good understanding. 



It was known that the chief Gingi was in town to-day, but as there 

 was no positive evidence of his having been concerned in the murder, 

 it was deemed more prudent to make no attempt for his capture, par- 

 ticularly as it would at once destroy the prospect of the good under- 

 standing which was being brought about, and which was necessary 

 for the prosecution of our duties, as well as for the safety of future 

 visiters. 



The invitation to visit the ship being extended to the royal ladies, 

 the queen, her daughter (the betrothed wife of old Tanoa of Ambau), 

 and three lesser wives, with two of the king's sons, came on board, on 

 the 23d. When her majesty arrived on board, she presented Captain 

 Hudson with a black pig. These ladies were so much pleased with 

 the attention shown them, that they remained six hours. They ate, 

 drank whiskey and water, and smoked cigars, of which they are ex- 



