APPENDIX. 457 



Smith had on a pea-jacket and tarpaulin trousers, and could not, I 

 understand, swim. The pilot was awake below, and probably heard 

 some of the conversation between us. At the time I was coming out 

 of the water, he was on deck, and saw me. The next day I tried to 

 get some natives to dive for the body, but they refused, giving as a 

 reason their fear of sharks. 



I am, sir, 



Very respectfully, 



Your obedient servant, 



George W. Harrison, 



Passed Midshipman. 



To Captain Wm. L. Hudson, 



U. S. Ship Peacock. 



Respectfully referred to Captain Wilkes. 



William L. Hudson, 



Commanding Peacock. 



XVII. 



June 12th, 1834. 



Captain French Brig. 



Dear sir, — I address you as a stranger, and I hope you will not 

 think hard of me for writing you a few lines to put you on your 

 guard. This being my third voyage to these islands, will show you 

 that I understand the roguishness of the natives. They are a trea- 

 cherous set of devils, and you can place no dependence on them. 

 They will lead you on with fine stories, that they will fill your ship 

 with shell and biche de mar ; and after they get all out of you that 

 they can, they will give you nothing ; and from what I hear I fear 

 they will finally take your ship. I hear you have but a few men, and 

 as a friend I wish you to be on your guard. Do not let many of the 

 natives come on board, for I know they are up to no good. Do not 

 let this lead you to think I wish to get you from this place, for I 

 assure you this is not the case; and if I could see you, I would 

 explain things more clearly. 



Your obedient servant, 



J. H. Eagleston. 



P. S. I sent this by his first officer. 



VOL. III. 115 



