learned, that the governor resided at a
place called Coupang, which was some distance to the N E. I made signs
for one of them to go in the boat, and show me Coupang, intimating that
I would pay him for his trouble; the man readily complied, and came into
the boat.

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 14.]

These people were of a dark tawny colour, and had long black hair; they
chewed a great deal of beetle, and wore a square piece of cloth round
their hips, in the folds of which was stuck a large knife. They had a
handkerchief wrapped round their heads, and at their shoulders hung
another tied by the four corners, which served as a bag for their beetle
equipage.

They brought us a few pieces of dried turtle, and some ears of Indian
corn. This last was most welcome to us; for the turtle was so hard, that
it could not be eaten without being first soaked in hot water. Had I
staid they would have brought us something more; but, as the pilot was
willing, I was determined to push on. It was about half an hour past
four when we sailed.

By direction of the pilot we kept close to the east shore under all our
sail; but as night came on, the wind died away, and we were obliged to
try at the oars, which I was surprised to see we could use with some
effect. However, at ten o'clock, as I found we got but little ahead, I
came to a grapnel, and for the first time I issued double allowance of
bread and a little wine to each person.

At one o'clock in the morning, after the most happy and sweet sleep that
ever men had, we weighed, and continued to keep the east shore on board,
in very smooth water; when at last I found we were again open to the
sea, the whole of the land to the westward, that we had passed, being an
island, which the pilot called Pulo Samow. The northern entrance of this
channel is about a mile and a half or two miles wide, and I had no
ground at ten fathoms.

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 14.]

Hearing the report of two cannon that were fired, gave new life to every
one; and soon after we discovered two square-rigged vessels and a cutter
at anchor to the eastward. I endeavoured to work to windward, but we
were obliged to take to our oars again, having lost ground on each tack.
We kept close to the shore, and continued rowing till four o'clock, when
I brought to a grapnel, and gave another allowance of bread and wine to
all hands. As soon as we had rested a little, we weighed again, and
rowed till near day-light, when I came to a g