400 
VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC. 
[July 
oif all that night; but the next day, about sundown, she came to' 
anchor in the Bay of Waititi. Previous to coming to, however, 
she was boarded by soine of the American and EngHsh residents ; 
and, at some distance outside the harbour, a boat came along- 
side with a pilot. 
The Potomac finally anchored in twenty-one fathoms of water, 
about one mile from a reef of coral rocks that stretches across 
what is called the inner harbour, leaving but a very narrow pas- 
sage for vessels to enter and depart, and forming a complete 
natural breakwater to the anchorage within. Abreast of her was 
the village of Waititi, consisting of a few huts, and two or three 
cocoanut groves. From this point of view, the island appeared 
handsomely distributed into valley and hill, extending far back, and 
rising into lofty mountains. The low land, near the water, was 
sprinkled with habitations ; but no great beauty was visible — no 
cultivation apparent. The mountains in the back ground relieved 
the eye by a show of verdure ; but in the vicinity of the town of 
Honoruru, and almost everywhere within view of the ship, a 
bleak and barren aspect characterized the picture. 
On the following day, the American and English consuls, being 
the only foreign public characters on the island, paid their respects 
to the commodore on board the frigate ; which also fired a salute 
in honour of the port and government. This customary mark of 
respect was promptly returned by the fort on shore. Several 
canoes came alongside, manned by natives ; some of them par- 
tially clothed with sailors' frocks and trousers ; but mostly either 
in a state of nudity, or with nothing but a piece of tapa, or native 
cloth, thrown over their shoulders. 
Among the numerous visiters of this character, was the brother 
of one of OIK men, who had been taken to the United States 
some years ago, by the Peacock. The meeting of these two 
near and long-separated relatives, was singular indeed. As the 
visiter came up the ship's side, our man waited in the gangway 
to receive hini. He was almost naked, having nothing but the 
maro, or girdle, around his loins. They both stood for some 
time, looking each other full in the face, without uttering a word, 
but appearing to force upon themselves the recollections of each 
other's countenance. After fully satisfying themselves on this 
point, our man extended his hand, caught the other by the arm. 
