124 
VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC. 
[February, 
had now been consummated in the punishment of the guilty, who 
had committed their piracies on the Friendship ; that they must 
now be cautious of the misconceptions they had formed of the 
naval power of his country, and how reckless and inconsiderate they 
must be ever again to provoke that power. Though he had taken 
their town, it was instantly restored to them ; as it formed no part 
of the policy of his government to make conquest, and form estab- 
lishments in foreign ports. That his countrymen would still con- 
tinue to visit their ports, and trade with them, as they had done 
before ; and that, while they Conducted themselves with justice 
and humanity, they need be under no apprehension of future 
attacks from the big ships of his country ; but in case they 
should, either here, or .at any other port on the coast, be guilty of 
cutting off another of the merchant ships of his country, they 
might rest perfectly assured that punishment, though for a. time 
delayed, would fall upon them at a moment perhaps when they 
least expected it. 
Po Adam was the interpreter during this interview, which was 
conducted with the greatest solemnity, and seemed to sink deeply 
into the minds of these ambassadors of peace. It is hoped the 
effect may be for good. Their astonishment on getting a view of 
the ship's batteries, masts, and rigging, seemed very great ; and 
no doubt, the account they bore to their companions on shore of 
the wonderful engines of destruction they had seen, will have a 
salutary influence in preventing outbreakings among them ; as 
fear is the only restraint to a people who acknowledge no moral 
obligations. 
By way of a peace-offering, they had brought off a number of 
cocoanuts, a quantity of sugarcane, and fruits of various kinds ; 
which, being received by the commodore, they were dismissed to 
return on shore. . 
At six A.M., on the morning of the eighth, the Potomac was 
under way from the place where she had come to anchor on the 
evening before, and stood for Soo-soo, with a light wind from the 
northward and eastward. This distance, like other portions of 
the coast, was run entirely by the guidance of the lead ; the 
numerous and dangerous coral reefs making this precaution ne- 
cessary for a vessel drawing so great a depth of water. At eight 
A.M., the anchor was let go in twenty-seven fathoms, Quallah- 
