APPENDIX, 427 
and appeared much disconcerted at finding their comrade without arms 
and in his power. 
After some conversation with Lieutenant Underwood on the subject, 
we mutually agreed that in our endeavours to procure provisions, of 
which we were in need, it would be necessary to adopt every pre- 
caution. 
Next morning, the 24th, we discovered the schooner at anchor 
about eight miles to the eastward, and at nine o’clock Lieutenant 
Emmons joined us with the Peacock’s first cutter. Several natives 
came off with a few yams and small pigs, and in reply to our inquiries, 
informed us that their town was too distant to bring off provisions in 
great quantities, and that we must go there if we desired more. I then 
gave John Sac, our interpreter, permission to visit the town to ascertain 
if provisions could be obtained; he soon returned, and informed me 
that he thought we could get what we wanted. Lieutenant Underwood 
immediately requested permission to go and make the necessary pur- 
chases, which I granted, informing him that I would follow as soon as 
the tide permitted, when he shoved off for the passage between the 
islands. About the same time, Lieutenant Emmons departed, for the 
purpose of making observations on the smaller island. I soon per- 
ceived that the Leopard grounded in the passage, and that a number 
of natives, perhaps fifteen or twenty, had collected about her, and 
joining their song with that of the boat’s crew, were assisting to drag 
her through. As the number of natives appeared increasing, and 
impelled by apprehensions of some danger, I immediately attempted to 
follow him, but the cutter being much heavier, I was unable to do so, 
until after a detention by the tide of perhaps twenty minutes. After 
getting into the bay, I found the Leopard at anchor about two thou- 
sand feet from the shore, in just sufficient water to permit me to get 
alongside, and was informed by the crew that Lieutenant Underwood 
had gone ashore, leaving a hostage, whom I immediately took into my 
boat. With the aid of my glass, I saw Lieutenant Underwood, with 
several of his crew, apparently in conversation with a party of twelve 
or fifteen natives. Nothing occurred for the space of an hour, when 
Robert Furman was sent off by Lieutenant Underwood to inform me 
that the natives would not trade unless for muskets or powder. I 
directed Furman to return to the shore and say to Mr. Underwood, 
that I would not consent to such an exchange while the schooner was 
within reach; that we could be supplied by her; and to hurry off, as 
I thought he had been quite long enough absent to purchase all we 
required, if the natives were disposed to trade. About this time Mid- 
shipman Henry obtained my permission, and left for the shore. A few 
