o Leeward by the Easterly
Winds and Current. Pass the Island of Tahoorowha. Description
of the South-West Side of Mowee. Run along the Coasts of Ranai
and Morotoi to Woahoo. Description of the North-East Coast
of Woahoo. Unsuccessful Attempt to Water. Passage to Atooi.
Anchor in Wymoa Bay. Dangerous Situation of the Watering Party
on Shore. Civil Dissensions in the Islands. Visit from the
contending Chiefs. Anchor off Oneeheow. Final Departure from
the Sandwich Islands, 492

A

GENERAL HISTORY,

AND

COLLECTION

OF

VOYAGES AND TRAVELS.

* * * * *

PART III. BOOK III. (CONTINUED.)

* * * * *

CHAPTER III.

TRANSACTIONS AT OTAHEITE, AND THE SOCIETY ISLANDS; AND PROSECUTION OF
THE VOYAGE TO THE COAST OF NORTH AMERICA.

SECTION I.

_An Eclipse of the Moon observed.--The Island Toobouai
discovered.--Its Situation, Extent, and Appearance.--Intercourse
with its Inhabitants.--Their Persons, Dresses, and Canoes
described.--Arrival at Oheitepeha Bay, at Otaheite.--Omai's Reception
and imprudent Conduct.--Account of Spanish Ships twice visiting the
Island.--Interview with the Chief of this District.--The Olla, or God,
of Bolabola.--A mad Prophet.--Arrival in Matavai Bay._

Having, as before related,[1] taken our final leave of the Friendly
Islands, I now resume my narrative of the voyage. In the evening of
the 17th of July, at eight o'clock, the body of Eaoo bore N.E. by
N., distant three or four leagues. The wind was now at E., and blew
a fresh gale. With it I stood to the S., till half an hour past
six o'clock the next morning, when a sudden squall, from the same
direction, took our ship aback; and, before the sails could be trimmed
on the other tack, the main-sail and the top-gallant sails were much
torn.

[Footnote 1: See the conclusion of Sect. IX. Chap. II.]

The wind kept between the S.W. and S.E., on the 19th and 20th,
afterward, it veered to the E., N.E., and N. The night between the
20th and 21st, an eclipse of the moon was observed as follows, being
then in the latitude of 22 deg. 57-1/2' S.:

Apparent time, A.M.
H.M.S.

Beginning, by Mr King, at 0 32 50 |
Mr Bligh, at 0 33 25 > Mean long. 186 deg. 57-1/2'.
Myself, at 0 33 35 |

End, by Mr King at 1 44 56 | Mean long.