426 APPENDIX. 
_P.S. If you require it, I will without delay furnish a more minute 
detail of my proceedings. 
Respectfully, 
C. Rinegotp. 
COPY OF THE REPORT OF LIEUTENANT ALDEN. 
U.S. Ship Vincennes, 
Feejee Islands, August Ist, 1840. 
Sir,— 
In compliance with your instructions, I have the honour to submit 
to you the following report of transactions which fell under my ob- 
servation, between the 21st and 24th ultimo. At daylight on the 
morning of the 22d, the Flying-Fish stood to sea from the anchorage 
near the south end of Naviti Island. Soon after, I followed with the 
boats, and made the best of my way towards my destination. At 
sunset, the wind failing, anchored under one of the small islands to 
the northward of Malolo. Next morning got under way, and at 5 
p. m. anchored in the harbour on the east side of that island. Sup- 
posing it possible that the Porpoise had anchored on the opposite 
side, where you had directed me to join her, I despatched Lieutenant 
Underwood with directions to land near the opening between the 
islands, where, by ascending a slight eminence, he would have a 
view of her anchorage; communicating to him my doubts of the good 
feeling of the natives, with which I had been impressed in the short 
time I had had of observing their conduct on my previous cruise, also 
that we had held no intercourse with them ; directing him at the same 
time to be well armed, and return before sunset. A few minutes after 
he had landed, I saw him return to his boat, with one of his crew, 
who had landed with him, and a native; at the same time I observed 
certain movements among a party of natives, who at the moment 
appeared around the point near which Lieutenant Underwood’s boat 
was lying, and with whom he appeared to hold conversation. I im- 
mediately hoisted his recall, which was promptly obeyed. After 
reporting no vessel in sight, he informed me of the following circum- 
stances, which had occurred during his short absence. 
As he ascended the hill, already referred to, he suddenly came upon 
a native carrying an armful of clubs, who, the moment he perceived 
Lieutenant Underwood, threw down his burden and attempted flight, 
but was detained and made to follow them towards the boat. When 
he arrived on the beach, the party of whom I have spoken approached, 
