io6 
AN ACCOUNT OF 
1783. 
AUGUST. 
long as they remained at Pelew, and that there they were 
to deep. After which he rofe up, and withdrew, previoufly 
apologizing to Captain Wilson for retiring, faying he was 
going to bathe. Soon after a meffage came to Raa Kook, 
from the Queen, to requeft die might fee the Englijh 
at her dwelling ; they attended the General thither, 
through a pathway from the back of the houfe where they 
were, which led into a grove of cocoa-nut trees; having 
eroded the grove, they came to a fmall retired habitation, 
in the front of which was a fquare, formed with paved 
Rone, furrounded alfo with cocoa-nut trees. Immediately 
before this houfe was a rail, on which were fome tame 
pigeons, tied by the leg. This is a bird held in fuch 
eftimation in thefe idands, that none but the Rupacks , 
and their families, are allowed to eat of them. As they ap¬ 
proached, the Queen opened her window, and fpoke to Raa 
Kook, to dedre the Engli/b would dt down on the pave¬ 
ment before her ; which being complied with, a number of 
attendants brought out yams, cocoa-nuts, and fweet drink ; 
and whild they were partaking of thefe the Queen afked 
.Raa Kook many queftions about our people, and then 
fent them one broiled pigeon (which they drefs without 
drawing) that every one might have a bit to tafte; giving 
them to underftand, that this was the greateft rarity that 
the country produced. She took very great notice of the 
EngUJb , and widied fome of them would come clofe to the 
2 window^ 
