APPENDIX. 451 



wood's boat was lying, and with whom he appeared to hold conversa- 

 tion. I immediately hoisted his recall, which was promptly obeyed. 

 After reporting no vessel in sight, he informed me of the following 

 circumstances, which had occurred during his short absence. 



As he ascended the hill, already referred to, he suddenly came 

 upon a native carrying an armful of clubs, who, the moment he 

 perceived Lieutenant Underwood, threw down his burden and at- 

 tempted flight, but was detained and made to follow them towards 

 the boat. When he arrived on the beach, the party of whom I have 

 spoken approached, and appeared much disconcerted at finding their 

 comrade without arms and in his power. 



After some conversation with Lieutenant Underwood on the sub- 

 ject, we mutually agreed that in our endeavours to procure provisions, 

 of which we were in much need, it would be necessary to adopt every 

 precaution. 



Next morning, the 24th, we discovered the schooner at anchor 

 about eight miles to the eastward, and at nine o'clock Lieutenant 

 Emmons joined us with the Peacock's first cutter. Several natives 

 came off with a few yams and small pigs, and in reply to our 

 inquiries, informed us that their town was too distant to bring off 

 provisions in great quantities, and that we must go there if we desired 

 more. I then gave John Sac, our interpreter, permission to visit the 

 town to ascertain if provisions could be obtained ; he soon returned, 

 and informed me that he thought we could get what we wanted. 

 Lieutenant Underwood immediately requested permission to go and 

 make the necessary purchases, which I granted, informing him that 

 I would follow as soon as the tide permitted, when he shoved off for 

 the passage between the islands. About the same time Lieutenant 

 Emmons departed, for the purpose of making observations on the 

 smaller island. I soon perceived that the Leopard grounded in the 

 passage, and that a number of natives, perhaps fifteen or twenty, 

 had collected about her, and joining their song with that of the boat's 

 crew, were assisting to drag her through. As the number of natives 

 appeared increasing, and impelled by apprehensions of some danger, 

 I immediately attempted to follow him, but the cutter being much 

 heavier, I was unable to do so, until after a detention by the tide of 

 perhaps twenty minutes. After getting into the bay, I found the 

 Leopard at anchor about two thousand feet from the shore, in just 

 sufficient water to permit me to get alongside, and was informed by 

 the crew that Lieutenant Underwood had gone ashore, leaving a 



