208 
VOYAGE TO THE 
CHAP. 
IX. 
' — 
March, 
1826. 
touching at those islands for refreshment; but on the contrary that all 
necessary aid and assistance should be afforded to them ; and that in 
the event of any dispute, the matter should be referred to the authorities 
at Otaheite. 
This concession destroyed the complacency of the queen for some 
time, but she recovered her spirits in the course of the afternoon, and 
amused herself much by listening to the drum, which she begged 
might be permitted to play on the upper deck. As this species ot 
music, however, was not very agreeable in the confined space of a ship? 
it was proposed that the instrument should be removed to the shade of 
some tall trees on the shore, whither the whole party repaired ; the 
drummer continuing his performance, and marching to and fro, until 
he became heartily tired, to the infinite delight of the assembled popu- 
lace, who crowded round, and even scaled the loftiest trees, to obtain 
a glimpse of him. 
A few days after this visit the queens came again to Toanoa, and 
I invited them into the tent we had pitched on shore, with the view of 
making a present to each of them, and of confiding to their care the 
presents intended for Pomarree Aboo-rai, Aimatta, and Utamme, who 
were absent. The present for the king, which consisted of a handsome 
double-barrelled gun inlaid with silver, with some broad-cloth and 
other valuables, I reserved until I should have an opportunity of seeing 
him. The other parcels were apportioned according to what I con- 
sidered to be the rank of the parties, and the name of each person was 
placed on his destined share. The regent, however, opened them alf 
and very unceremoniously transferred a portion of each to her own, 
and huddling the whole together, she sent them off to her canoe. 
Then finishing half a bottle of brandy between them, the regent and 
her sister despatched the remainder of the spirits after the presents, 
and took their leave. 
In the course of the day we received an invitation to pass the 
evening at the regent’s house at Papiete, a very romantic spot about a 
mile from the place where the ship was anchored. After a delightful 
walk along the shore in the refreshing coolness which succeeds a tro- 
jncal day, we arrived at the royal residence, which was in one of those 
