ka for refreshments, in returning to the north next spring. During the stay of the ships, several of the British officers visited their Russian friends at their settlement, at Egoochshac, and were kindly welcomed. They had a dwelling-house, two storehouses, and a small sloop; and had a number of servants and dependants.
On monday, Oct. 26th, the Resolution and Discovery sailed from Oonalashka, Capt. Cook proposing to revisit the Sandwich Islands; and, after spending the winter months there, to return northward in the spring, by way of Kamtschatka. Next day, they encountered heavy squalls and contrary winds; and the weather continuing boisterous for several days, they were driven hither and thither, and were in danger of being wrecked among the rocks and isles near Oonalashka. During these gales, a disaster happened on board the Discovery: the main-tack gave way, killed one man, and wounded the boatswain, with two or three more. The sails and rigging were also much damaged. At length, on thursday, Nov. 26th, Mowee, one of the Sandwich Islands, came in sight; and, upon reaching it, our navigators soon after observed Owhyhee, the largest of all the group; and were surprised to see the summits of its lofty mountains, which are above 15,000 feet high, covered with snow. These two islands being new discoveries, Captain Cook resolved to sail round them, and to survey their extent and position, and see what harbours and accommodations they afforded, before taking up his station at either. This service occupied several weeks, owing particularly to squally weather and contrary winds, which made it an arduous task to get round the south end of Owhyhee, where evi-
