518 
DHALAC. 
We sailed at day -break. Our pilot took us without Pilot's Island, 
through a new and a good channel, but no soundings. We had 
baffling winds as we approached Dhalac, and did not get to an 
anchor till dark. We were nearly in the old spot. Our friend the 
\DoIa came off on his catamaran, and was rejoiced to see us. We 
told him we came for waier. He said we should have it, and every 
thing else we wished for. He received a present of tobacco and rice ; 
the people all wanted some of the latter. There has been no rain 
since I was here, and the island is nearly burnt up. Many of their 
cattle and goats have died in consequence. It was determined that 
Captain Court should go on shore to settle every thing to-morrow. 
During the night we had a fresh gale from south. 
January 13. — On the 5th I had a most severe attack of fever, 
which went off at night. I took James's powder, which I thought 
relieved it. On the 7 th I was unwell in the rnorhing, but the 
James's powder prevented a regular fit. 1 took two grains of calomel 
night and morning, which gradually recovered me, though till to- 
day I could hardly call myself well. Captain Court, Mr. Salt, and 
Captain Rudland went on shore on the 5th, and arranged every 
thing with the Dola for surveying the island : he himself con- 
sented for forty dollars to accompany them. They had a camel for 
their baggage, and asses for themselves, two Europeans as servants, 
and Mr. Criddle, the youngest midshipman, as assistant observer. 
They took with them a week's provisions ; on the 6th they went on 
shore and departed The Dola left a request that our people would 
not wander about the island, nor fire off guns in the interior, as 
it would alarm the inhabitants: this I faithfully promised to 
prevent. 
