WHALING VOYAGE. 
361 
four guns for the protection of the town. A few days 
before our arrival, this island had been visited by the 
American frigate Potomac ; we were also informed of 
the death of the queen-regent of these islands, which 
occurred since our last visit. 
At seven f.m., Captain Swain paid a visit to the 
shore, but very speedily returned, having found, as he 
said, every thing so restrained by religious tyranny that 
he had made up his mind to weigh anchor, and make 
sail for Oahoo. At daybreak the following morning all 
hands began to <fi heave short,” so that at six a.m. we 
were under weigh, and after being a few hours becalmed 
under the lee of the land, we proceeded between the 
islands of Ranai and Morotoi, with violent winds from 
e.n.e. ; at four p,m. we had Oahoo plainly in sight, and 
at six we were at Diamond-point, which is remarkable 
for its rugged appearance, it being formed of various 
craters of extinct volcanoes. At eight p.m. we cast 
anchor in nineteen fathoms, nearly opposite the town, 
having found our way along the coast in the dark by 
frequently sounding with the lead. Immediately casting 
anchor, I accompanied the captain to the shore, and 
soon placed myself under the hospitable roof of Dr. 
Rooke, who received me as he had done before, with the 
greatest kindness and cordiality, for which I shall ever 
be unable to repay him. 
I had the pleasure of being introduced to several 
English gentlemen who were remaining here on business, 
among whom I must beg leave to mention D. Finlayson, 
esq. the governor of a settlement formed by the Hon. 
