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, I 

 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, 



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 



