. To this, indeed, we were encouraged, not only by being
told, but by seeing, that there was deeper water between us and the
shore. However, that we might be better informed, the moment we found a
spot where we could drop the anchor, clear of rocks, we came-to, and
sent the masters with the boats to sound.

Soon after we had anchored, which was about noon, several of the
inhabitants of Tongataboo came off in their canoes to the ships. These,
as well as our pilots, assured us that we should find deep water farther
in, and a bottom free from rocks. They were not mistaken; for about four
o'clock the boats made the signal for having found good anchorage. Upon
this we weighed, and stood in till dark, and then anchored in nine
fathoms, having a fine, clear, sandy bottom.

During the night we had some showers of rain, but toward the morning the
wind shifted to the S. and S.E., and brought on fair weather. At
day-break we weighed, and, working in to the shore, met with no
obstructions, but such as were visible and easily avoided.

While we were plying up to the harbour, to which the natives directed
us, the king kept sailing round us in his canoe. There were, at the same
time, a great many small canoes about the ships. Two of these, which
could not get out of the way of his royal vessel, he run quite over,
with as little concern as if they had been bits of wood. Amongst many
others who came on board the Resolution, was Otago, who had been so
useful to me when I visited Tongataboo during my last voyage, and one
Toubou, who, at that time, had attached himself to Captain Furneaux.
Each of them brought a hog and some yams, as a testimony of his
friendship; and I was not wanting, on my part, in making a suitable
return.

At length, about two in the afternoon, we arrived at our intended
station. It was a very snug place, formed by the shore of Tongataboo on
the S.E. and two small islands on the E. and N.E. Here we anchored in
ten fathoms water, over a bottom of oozy sand, distant from the shore
one-third of a mile.

SECTION VII.

_Friendly Reception at Tongataboo.--Manner of distributing a baked Hog
and Kava to Poulaho's Attendants.--The Observatory, &c. erected.--The
Village where the Chiefs reside, and the adjoining Country,
described.--Interviews with Mareewagee, and Toobou, and the King's
Son.--A grand Haiva, or Entertainment of Songs and Dances, given by
Mareewagee.--Exhibition of Fireworks.--Manner of Wrestling and
Bo