The situation of the survivors of the ship's company upon the reef during the night.—A canoe filled with savage natives approaches the reef; intercourse with them; and description of their persons and terrific appearance.—Their pilfering of the articles saved, and plundering of the ship.—Several canoes arrive.—Mr. Nute's resolute conduct towards the natives.—The ship's company pursue their course, in their boat, towards an island, on which they land after severe suffering 29
A canoe, with two natives, approaches the island.—Communication opened with them.—A great number of canoes, filled with armed natives, suddenly arrive; rough treatment of the captain by one of the chiefs.—They all arrive at the harbor of the island, which proved to be one of the Pelew islands.—Description of the island and its inhabitants.—Consultation of the chiefs respecting the ship's company.—Result of the consultation41
An extraordinary and unexpected meeting with a person not a native.—Happy result of the meeting.—Acquisition of the Pelew language.—Dissensions between two portions of the natives.—Three of the ship's company separated and carried to a place remote from the rest.—Attempt to construct a boat, in order to leave the island.—The natives agree to release them all for a compensation.—Solemnities observed by the natives on the occasion.—Tools used in making the boat; transportation of timber, &c.—The plan abandoned, and a canoe substituted for the boat.—Another festival55
The natives become anxious to aid the ship's company in leaving the island.—Terms on which they agreed to release them.—Departure from the Pelew islands.—Necessity of returning the same night.—Detention a month longer; and final departure68
Regret at having undertaken the voyage in boats.—Storm, and damage in consequence of it.—Loss of the canoe and the provisions on board.—Danger of perishing from famine.—On the fifteenth day, when nearly exhausted with fatigue and hunger, they discover a small island.—Approach of eighteen canoes filled with natives, who make prisoners of them all.—Cruelty of the natives; and return with their prisoners to the island.—Reception there.—The prisoners distributed among the captors74