CHAPTER VI.
Native Dance—Natives visit H.M.S. Satellite and the Ship Reliance—Arrival of the Schooner Admiral Gifford—Affray at Hammond's Island—Disgraceful conduct of the Crews of small Vessels—Anecdotes concerning the Natives.
Expecting to meet several old shipmates in the Satellite, I was not long in paying her a visit; and the cordial reception I met with, recalled to my memory the days of "Auld lang syne." I dined on board with Captain Laws, from whom I received much information respecting the inner route through Torres' Straits. He told me he had seen the wreck of the Swiftsure, within less than half a mile of the shore at Cape Sidmouth;—that he had sent on board, but nothing was observed excepting a few empty casks floating in the hold.
In the evening of the 30th, Wellington, the native chief, with a number of his tribe, visited the. settlement, and brought back the canoe. I was much pleased at this occurrence, as it established the posi-
