which had been sent us at the Cape of Good Hope.
We passed the night in beating about, and making head against the currents.
29th. Captain Huon waited on the General, early the next morning. He was of opinion, that we should visit the island E.N.E. of that we had coasted. In fact, according to one of the depositions which had been sent to the Commander of the expedition, it was on the most easterly island that the savages had been seen cloathed in the uniform of the French marine. About the middle of the day we were within 2,500 toises of that land, and saw some of the natives coming towards the beach. Some huts were seen among the cocoa-nut trees. Other islanders soon appeared on the south-east point; and their number increased as we approached them. Some canoes lay upon the sand, and we hoped to see the natives launch them, in order to meet us; but they made no dispositions for that purpose. As the General wished to have an interview with them, we went under the lee of the island, where we found but little shelter, it being of small extent. A crowd of natives now appeared. Some ran along the shore; others kept their eyes directed towards our ships, inviting us by signs to come on shore, and expressing their
joy
