ELLICE’S AND KINGSMILL GROUP. 
65 
wide. A survey was made of this island, and its anchorages exa¬ 
mined. The boats when ashore communicated with the natives, who 
resemble those of the adjacent islands. It has a large population, but 
yields little more than will supply their wants. A small quantity of 
fresh water may be had by digging on the beaches: wood and re¬ 
freshments are not procurable for shipping. 
This island is situated in latitude 00° 27' 21" N., and longitude 
173° 57' 30" E.: it has heretofore been represented as two islands on 
the charts, called on one Simpson’s, and the other Hopper and Har- 
bottle; but there is only one, joined by the same reef. 
They next returned to Kuria or Woodle’s Island. 
On the 16th, while engaged in the survey, some canoes came off 
to the ship, when the natives came on board without hesitation,— 
an evidence of their having had communication with ships, and 
their confidence of good treatment. It was soon reported, that a 
white man was coming off; and, as in all such cases, he was 
looked for and watched with great interest, and various surmises 
were made relative to his origin and history. They were not 
long left in doubt, for before he reached the deck, his voice be¬ 
spoke him an Irishman. He was dressed in a pair of duck trousers 
and red flannel shirt, and announced himself as “John Kirby, a 
deserter from the English whale-ship Admiral Cockburn.” He said 
he had been on the island for three years ; that he was living with 
the daughter of the principal chief; and solicited a passage to some 
civilized place. 
The principal chief of the island, with his daughter, whom Kirby 
had for a wife, came on board with him. They both seemed deeply 
affected, when they learned that he had received permission to remain 
on board, and was about to leave them; and both endeavoured to dis¬ 
suade him from going. 
His wife showed much concern, and wished to accompany him: the 
old chief, her father, endeavoured to persuade him to take her. Find¬ 
ing she could not prevail, she requested as a parting gift, an old jack¬ 
knife, the only property he had left to give. Several presents were 
made to her by the officers and men, which reconciled her somewhat 
to her lot. The natives all left the ship much gratified, excepting 
Kirby’s wife, who continued to be somewhat downhearted. 
Kirby proved an intelligent man : he understood the language, and 
was well acquainted with the character, manners, and customs of the 
islanders, among whom he had lived from the 11th of February, 1838, 
to the 15th of April, 1841. His presence in the ship afforded Captain 
Hudson an opportunity, not only of communicating with the natives 
VOL. V. F2 9 
