APPENDIX. 427 



and appeared much disconcerted at finding their comrade without arms 

 and in his power. 



After some conversation with Lieutenant Underwood on the subject, 

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

 which we were in need, it would be necessary to adopt every pre- 

 caution. 



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 pur- 

 chases, 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 per- 

 ceived 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 thou- 

 sand 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 hostage, whom I immediately took into my 

 boat. With the aid of my glass, I saw Lieutenant Underwood, with 

 several of his crew, apparently in conversation with a party of twelve 

 or fifteen natives. Nothing occurred for the space of an hour, when 

 Robert Furman was sent off by Lieutenant Underwood to inform me 

 that the natives would not trade unless for muskets or powder. I 

 directed Furman to return to the shore and say to Mr. Underwood, 

 that I would not consent to such an exchange while the schooner was 

 within reach ; that we could be supplied by her ; and to hurry off, as 

 I thought he had been quite long enough absent to purchase all we 

 required, if the natives were disposed to trade. About this time Mid- 

 shipman Henry obtained my permission, and left for the shore. A few 



