ELLICE'S AND KINGSMILL GROUP. G5 



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 



