CHAPTER XIII.

Preparations to leave the Island.  Another Naval Review, and various other Incidents; with some Account of the Island, its Naval Force, and Number of Inhabitants.

1774 May

In the morning of the 11th, a very large supply of fruit was brought us from all parts.  Some of it came from Towha, the admiral, sent as usual by his servants, with orders to receive nothing in return.  But he desired I would go and see him at Attahourou, as he was ill and could not come to me.  As I could not well undertake this journey, I sent Oedidee along with Towha’s servants, with a present suitable to that which I had in so genteel a manner received from him.  As the most essential repairs of the ship were nearly finished, I resolved to leave Otaheite in a few days; and accordingly ordered every thing to be got off from the shore, that the natives might see we were about to depart.

On the 12th, old Oberea, the woman who, when the Dolphin was here in 1767, was thought to be queen of the island, and whom I had not seen since 1769, paid us a visit, and brought a present of hogs and fruit.  Soon after came Otoo, with a great retinue, and a large quantity of provisions.  I was pretty liberal in my returns, thinking it might be the last time I should see these good people, who had so liberally relieved our wants; and in the evening entertained them with fire-works.

On the 13th, wind easterly, fair weather.  Nevertheless we were not ready to sail, as Otoo had made me promise to see him again; and I had a present to make him, which I reserved to the last.  Oedidee was not yet come back from Attahourou; various reports arose concerning him:  Some said he had returned to Matavai; others, that he would not return; and some would have it, that he was at Oparree.  In order to know more of the truth, a party of us in the evening went down to Oparee; where we found him, and likewise Towha, who, notwithstanding his illness, had resolved to see me before I sailed; and had got thus far on his journey.  He was afflicted with a swelling in his feet and legs, which had entirely taken away the use of them.  As the day was far spent, we were obliged to shorten our stay; and after seeing Otoo, we returned with Oedidee on board.

This youth, I found, was desirous of remaining at this isle, having before told him, as likewise many others, that we should not return.  I now mentioned to him, that he was at liberty to remain here; or to quit us at Ulietea; or to go with us to England; frankly owning that if he chose the latter, it was very probable he would never return to his country; in which case I would take care of him, and he must afterwards look upon me as his father.  He threw his arms about me, and wept much, saying many people persuaded him to remain at Otaheite.  I told him to go ashore and speak to his friends, and then come to me in the morning.  He was well beloved in the ship; so