n a little
sand patch, the place having been pointed out by Jackey; it was the only
clear landing-place I saw. A dense mangrove swamp extended some distance
beyond high-water mark. We had no sooner landed than the rain fell in
torrents, and continued for three hours, so much so that we could not
load our guns. It was about high-water when we landed, and in the
mangrove scrub through which we had to go, the water was nearly up to our
waists. We had, therefore, no alternative but to remain patiently until
the tide fell, and the rain ceased.

On searching the place where we landed, part of a blanket was found,
marked B (arrow pointing up) O, a part of a tarpaulin, a piece of canvas,
apparently a portion of a tent, and a small tin dish, with a name
scratched on its back. These articles were evidently part of the pillage
from the camp. A little way up the creek we found three canoes, very
rudely made, with outriggers on both sides. We searched and found some
small pieces of iron, which we took, being also pillage from the
exploring party. At ten A.M., less rain, got some of our pieces blown off
with difficulty, they being drenched with rain.

At eleven A.M., having some of our guns in a state to be trusted, we took
to our boats and pulled a short distance up the creek in order to avoid
in some measure the crossing of the mangrove swamp. We started, Jackey
taking the lead, leaving a party to look after the boats. We walked for a
short distance in the mangrove swamp, and came out on an open spot where
we found a native camp, which from appearances had been but recently
abandoned, the ashes of the fire being still warm: we made a strict
search, but found nothing; we proceeded, passed through a small belt of
mangroves, and came on an open plain; here Jackey and Tommy being the
leading men, saw five natives, about fifty yards from us, planted behind
trees, each had a bundle of spears, they were evidently watching us,
Jackey levelled his gun at the nearest, and off they ran and disappeared
immediately; Jackey seemed very desirous to shoot them, but I told him
not to fire, as I wished to speak to them.

From the recent heavy rain the plain was very nearly knee-deep with
water, nearly the whole distance we travelled the water was over our
ankles, making walking very fatiguing. After crossing the plain we came
to a band of trees and bushes, among them I was surprised to find some
very fine banana plants; I observed also a fine spec