to rescue them. To Great Britain their hopes are directed; why, I cannot learn, but I am much inclined to think that it is rather from a pusillanimous fear, and want of energy to stand by each other and expel their common enemies, than from any friendly feeling to Great Britain.
Besides this, they look with some apprehension upon a power daily increasing in importance—an organised independent band of deserters from American and English whalers, who prefer a roving careless life on horseback, and certainty of food without labour, to the customary hardships of their vocation. These men, headed by one or two noted daring characters now amongst them, will, whenever it suits their purpose, dictate their own terms and set all law at defiance. It is distressing to witness the downfall of this splendid port, all the forts in ruins, not even a signal-gun mounted! Such are the blessings of revolution!
During my absence, the serjeant and corporal of marines, carpenter's mate, and several men and boys, had deserted; seduced, it is supposed, by promises of independence, high pay, promotion, &c. All our efforts to trace them were unavailing. We had strong suspicions that they were concealed by a person heading the mountain gang, (a discharged midshipman,) particularly as the serjeant had been his shipmate before, and he had visited the ship about that period.
Nothing further detaining us here, we embarked
