We began to be in want on the 30th, and I would have stood in near the shore, but was prevented by a calm; but a breeze springing up at midnight from S. and S.W., we were enabled to stand in for the land at day-break.  At ten o’clock in the morning, we were met by the islanders with fruit and roots; but, in all the canoes, were only three small pigs.  Our not having bought those which had been lately brought off, may be supposed to be the reason of this very scanty supply.  We brought-to for the purposes of trade; but, soon after, our marketing was interrupted by a very hard rain, and, besides, we were rather too far from the shore.  Nor durst I go nearer; for I could not depend upon the wind’s remaining where it was for a moment; the swell also being high, and setting obliquely upon the shore, against which it broke in a frightful surf.  In the evening the weather mended; the night was clear, and it was spent in making short boards.

Before day-break, the atmosphere was again loaded with heavy clouds, and the new year was ushered in with very hard rain, which continued, at intervals, till past ten o’clock.  The wind was southerly; a light breeze with some calms, when the rain ceased and the sky cleared, and the breeze freshened.  Being, at this time, about five miles from the land, several canoes arrived with fruit and roots, and, at last, some hogs were brought off.  We lay to, trading with, them till three o’clock in the afternoon, when, having a tolerable supply, we made sail, with a view of proceeding to the N.W., or lee-side of the island, to look for the Discovery.  It was necessary, however, the wind being at S., to stretch first to the eastward, till midnight, when the wind came more favourable, and we went upon the other tack.  For several days past, both wind and weather had been exceedingly unsettled, and there fell a great deal of rain.

The three following days were spent in running down the S.E. side of the island.  For, during the nights, we stood off and on; and part of each day was employed in lying-to, in order to furnish an opportunity to the natives of trading with us.  They sometimes came on board, while we were five leagues from the shore.  But, whether from a fear of losing their goods in the sea, or from the uncertainty of a market, they never brought much with them.  The principal article procured was salt, which was extremely good.

On the 5th in the morning, we passed the south point of the island, which lies in the latitude of 18 deg. 54’, and beyond it we found the coast to trend N. 60 deg.  W. On this point stands a pretty large village, the inhabitants of which thronged off to the ship with hogs and women.  It was not possible to keep the latter from coming on board, and no women I ever met with were less reserved.  Indeed it appeared to me, that they visited us with no other view, than to make a surrender of their persons.  As I had now got a quantity of salt, I purchased no hogs but such as were fit for salting, refusing all