FEJEE ISLANDS. 151 



be our launch, which, together with the first cutter in charge 

 of Mr. Knox, left the ship a few days previous on surveying 

 duties. It was expected that the first cutter would make her 

 appearance next, but moment after moment passed away with- 

 out our being able to see anything of her. Some, therefore, 

 believed that she had capsized during the recent storms, others 

 that she had been captured by the natives. At last, the launch 

 reached the ship, when it appeared from Mr. Knox's report, 

 that the latter opinion was correct. He stated that she got 

 on a reef near by Sualib Bay, and while he was endeavoring 

 to get her oif, the natives came out in great numbers, armed 

 with clubs and muskets, and claimed the boat and everything 

 in her as their property.* He ordered his party to repel the 

 robbers, but soon discovered he was completely in their 

 power, as all his ammunition was saturated with salt wa- 

 ter. He was, therefore, compelled to leave the cutter in the 

 possession of the natives and take refuge on board the launch. 

 After Mr. Knox left, the robbers dragged the boat over the 

 reef and stripped her of everything. They then appeared to be 

 anxiously watching the launch, and even fired their muskets 

 at her. Immediately on receiving the report, orders were 

 given for several boats to be fitted out from the " Peacock" 

 and this ship, with all possible dispatch. About sunset the 

 boats were reported to be in readiness, and Captain Wilkes 

 accompanied by Captain Hudson, proceeded on board the 

 " Flying Fish," and in a few minutes after they all made sail, 

 and stood out the harbor. At an early hour next morning 

 they reached Sualib Bay. After coming to an anchor, the 

 pilot was sent on shore to hold a parley with the natives, and 



* Any canoe or vessel when driven on shore is accounted an offering to the gods. 

 AH that it contains is considered as belonging to the people of the district where the 



accident happens. 



