Among the persons of various ranks who visited the ship, or the fort, were several females; but it was not till the 28tli of April, that Mr. Mollineux recognised as a new visitor the celebrated Oberea, who holds so conspicuous a place in the narrative of Capt. Wallis, by whom she was considered as the queen of the island. She was nearly related to the young king Otoo; her husband, Oamo, being his uncle, and brother to Tootahah. She paid many visits to the fort and the ship, but disgraced herself by several petty thefts. Her son, Terridiri, was brought one day to the fort by his father, Oamo, in royal state, borne on a person's shoulders, accompanied by his sister, who was his intended wife. The natives uncovered the upper part of their bodies in their presence; a mark of respect paid to royalty: and would not allow their sacred persons to be in the tent.
The most daring and serious theft committed by the natives, occurred on the 1st. of May, or early on the 2nd. The fort had been completed, and six swivel guns mounted on it, a few days before; and on monday. May 1st, the observatory was set up, and the astronomical quadrant, with other instruments, taken on shore. Next morning, when the Commander and Mr. Green were proceeding to fix the quadrant, they were much surprised and grieved to find that it was missing; and although a diligent search was made, both in the ship and at the fort, it was no where to be seen. Upon this, Mr. Banks, who had great influence with the natives, set out to inquire for it in the woods, accompanied by Mr. Green and a midshipman. They soon met Toubourai Tamaide, who by making the figure of a triangle, with three bits of straw on his hand,
