308 PAUMOTU GROUP. 



other symptoms occurred that left any doubt of the entire extinction 

 of the contagion. I was, therefore, greatly relieved, as day after day 

 elapsed, to be assured that we had not only escaped so dreadful a 

 scourge ourselves, but that there was no danger of its being communi- 

 cated to the islanders. 



Being now about to enter upon a new field of observation, in which 

 we should necessarily come much in contact with the natives, I issued 

 the following General Order, to guard against any misdemeanours, and 

 insure a correct deportment in both officers and men, during our inter- 

 course with the islanders. 



GENERAL ORDER. 



The undersigned, commanding the Exploring Expedition, informs 

 the officers and crews under his command, that as they are now about 

 to visit the Islands of the Pacific, and to have intercourse with their 

 inhabitants, he wishes to inculcate on all in the squadron, that courtesy 

 and kindness towards the natives, which are well understood and felt 

 by all classes of mankind ; and trusts that neither contempt of, nor 

 interference with, their customs, habits, manners, and prejudices, nor 

 arrogance over them will be shown by any one belonging to the 

 squadron ; bearing always in mind, that savage nations have but 

 vague ideas of the rights of property, and that theft committed by 

 them has been the great cause of collision between them and civilized 

 nations. 



He would therefore enjoin upon all great moderation in every thing 

 respecting their intercourse with them, that no act of hostility will be 

 committed, and that an appeal will be made rather to their good-will 

 than to their fears. 



That the manner of trading with them which will be established in 

 the squadron, will be most strictly adhered to by all, and that in the 

 event of difficulties or collision, all acts of force will be avoided, unless 

 for self-protection; in short, our aim shall be peace, good-will, and 

 proper decorum to every class, bearing constantly in mind, that the 

 future intercourse of our countrymen with the natives of the islands 

 we may visit, will very much depend on the impression made on their 

 minds by us, and recollecting, that it is in the nature of the savage 

 long to remember benefits, and never to forget injuries. 



It therefore behooves us, wherever we go, to leave behind us, whether 

 among civilized or savage nations, favourable impressions, not only as 

 respects this national Expedition, but of our flag and countrymen. 

 The Commander-in-chief feels a confidence in relying on the officers 

 and crews to carry out these views, from their good and exemplary 



