TAHITI AND EIMEO. 55 



Captain Hudson, who was much troubled with the illicit supply of 

 spirits to his men, and was aware of the fact that the practice of 

 vending it was contrary to law, endeavoured to discover the parties 

 engaged in this traffic. He did this not only for the sake of his own 

 crew, who, when questioned, stated that their intoxication was pro- 

 duced by gin, bought at the rate of three dollars a bottle, but to aid the 

 natives in their exertions to prevent the infraction of their laws by the 

 white residents. In pursuance of these objects, he called a meeting of 

 the chiefs, and stated his complaint. They forthwith ordered search to 

 be made for the offenders by the police, by which some of them w r ere 

 discovered and immediately fined. At the examination, however, the 

 chiefs stated to Captain Hudson, with what truth I do not pretend to 

 say, that seventy cases of gin had been landed by our own consul, from 

 whom they believed that the retailers had obtained it, while the main 

 stock being upon his premises, under the United States flag, was pro- 

 tected from search. 



The repairs of the Flying-Fish were not completed before the 10th 

 October, up to which time the Peacock was detained, not only in order 

 that they might sail in company, but because her officers were still 

 engaged in the survey of the harbours. In the interval of leisure which 

 was thus afforded them, the crew of the Peacock asked and obtained 

 permission to get up a theatrical entertainment, for the amusement of 

 the natives and themselves. The council-house was placed at their 

 disposal for the purpose by the native authorities. The play chosen 

 was Schiller's " Robbers," the parts of which had been rehearsed at 

 sea, in the afternoons — a task which had been the source of much 

 amusement. An opportunity was now presented of getting it up well : 

 the dresses having been prepared, the day was appointed, and when it 

 arrived the piece w T as performed.; the acting was thought by the 

 officers very tolerable, and finally gave great delight to the natives. 

 The latter, however, were somewhat disappointed in the early parts 

 of the performance, for they had expected an exhibition of juggling, 

 such as had been given for their entertainment on board of a French 

 frigate. While under this feeling, they were heard to say there was 

 too much " parau" (talk). After they began to enter into the spirit of the 

 performance, the murders took their fancy ; and they were diverted with 

 the male representatives of the female characters. 



A number of comic songs, which formed the relief of the more 

 serious play, were exceedingly applauded ; among others they laughed 

 heartily at " Jim Crow" sung in character, and could not be persuaded 

 that it w T as a fictitious character. 



