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HISTORY OF THE INDIAX NAVY. 1S);3
whether there was a harbour capable of affording safety and pro-
vision to any of the Company's ships which might be disabled
through stress of weather in their voyages to or from China.
That such might be the case Avas very desirable, on account of
the friendly disposition of the Natives towards the English, and
the convenient situation of the islands, though the extensive
coral reefs which surround the group, render their approach so
dangerous and difficult as to prevent their being much frequented.
In obedience to the orders of the Court, the Bombay Marine
cruisers 'Panther' and 'Endeavour,' were fitted for the service,
—
and the following officers ware appointed to them: 'Panther,'
Captain McCluer (also in charge of the expedition), Lieu-
tenants Wedgeborough and White, who, from their scientific
attainments and familiarity with the natives of Oroolang,
were admirable selections ; and Mr. Midshipman Delano.
' Endeavour,' Captain Proctor, Lieutenants Thos. Haswell,
Samuel Snook, and Jonathan Mickie.
The ships sailed from Bombay on the 24th of August. 1790,
and, soon after parting company, the 'Panther' touched at
Anjengo and Madras, and, on the 10th of October, rejoined her
consort at Bencoolen, in Sumatra, whence they sailed on the
31st. During the months of November and December they
were employed working up the south coast of Java, and visiting
many islands and places to the eastward of that island, antl
experienced much very severe weather, on one occasion the
'Panther' narrowly escaping destruction by lightning. On the
22nd of January, 1791, the ship anchored off one of the Pelew
Islands, and the joy of the natives was extreme on recognising
Lieutenants Wedgeborough and White. We learn from a
journal of the cruise of the ship that a rupack, who came on
board, " calling out White, cauglit him in his arms, and, giving
him a most affectionate and ardent squeeze, seemed almost
distracted with joy, calling for all his people to come and
embrace their friend." Lieutenant Wedgeborough, who landed,
received an equally warm reception, and was joined by the
King, who came from Oroolang, when, he says, '* I had the un-
speakable pleasure of once more being embraced by the bene-
volent Abba ThuUe." On their proceeding together to the
' Panther ' in the King's canoe, the officer acquainted him of his
son's death, upon which, " his countenance, which before bore
the most evident marks of joy, became composed and thought-
ful ; and, after remaining some time silent, he exclaimed ' W'etl,
weel, weel a tvecoij ' (good, good, very good)." Such confidence
in the good faith of his white friends, and touching resignation
to the decree of Providence, certainly displayed great magnani-
mity of character in this " noble savage." On reaching the
' Panther,' Captain McCluer received the King, who embraced
him, and was astonished on seeing the cattle and great
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