432 APPENDIX. 
to walk aft, but finding that he continued his impudence, I attempted 
to chastise him, and finally hove a small piece of wood at him. He 
caught it, and advanced with it uplifted, to strike me. Seeing this, ] 
said “ What, you dare!” and then seized him by the shirt, and made 
some blows with my fist. He clenched me, and in the struggle that 
followed we both pitched overboard. He dragged me a few feet below 
the surface, but fortunately lost his hold. I rose, and got on board by 
the fore-channels. At the time of his death, 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 be- 
tween 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, 
Grorce W. Harrtson, 
Passed Midshipman 
To Captain Wo. L. Hupson, 
U. 8. Ship Peacock. 
Respectfully referred to Captain Wilkes. 
Wuttam L. Hupson, 
Commanding Peacock 
xy 
June 12th, 1834. 
Captain Frencu Bric. 
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 
