MALOLO. 327 



a few miles of Mutlruata, called Nucumbati, which is remarkable in 

 shape, as well as picturesque in appearance. On this is a deserted 

 town of about sixty houses, situated in a beautiful grove of cocoa-nut 

 trees. The account obtained of it from our interpreter was, that its 

 chief and most of its people had been killed, and that the rest had 

 left it. It appeared to have been a long time deserted. According 

 to Mr. Budd, who was occupied in its survey, the site of the town 

 is easily distinguished, by a large spirit-house that stands on the 

 beach in front of it. 



The Feejee tomato (Solanum) in its green state, was first seen at 

 Tavea. 



It was from this town (Tavea) that the natives belonged, who came 

 off to the Peacock eating human flesh, and it was not surprising that 

 ranges of pots for cooking the unnatural food were seen beside the 

 mbures. 



A short time before noon, the Vincennes got under way, and before 

 night anchored off the town of Muthuata, near the Peacock. 



On the 31st July, the boats from Malolo reached the ship, and also 

 Lieutenant Case, from Somu-somu, by the south side of the island, 

 having been engaged in surveying some small harbours that I was 

 desirous should be more particularly examined than had been done 

 previously. 



Captain Hudson now began a very particular survey of the har- 

 bour of Muthuata, continuing it as far as Mali, the boats of both 

 ships being engaged in this duty. The shore was frequently visited 

 by the officers and naturalists, and the botanical specimens much 

 increased. The tomato, already spoken of, was found here in its 

 ripe state. It is believed to be a perennial plant. The fruit is the size 

 of an orange, and of an agreeable flavour ; it has been grown and 

 ripened in Philadelphia, and I am in hopes will in a short time be 

 acclimated in the United States, where it will be a great acquisition. 



The return of the boats from Malolo, brought the melancholy news 

 of the death of Lieutenant Underwood and Midshipman Henry. 



Immediately on the receipt of this information, Captain Hudson 

 ordered the flags of both ships to be lowered halfmast, and issued the 

 following order, which was read to the crews of both ships. 



ORDER. 



Information having been received, from the commander of the 

 Expedition, of the death of Lieutenant Joseph A. Underwood and 



