business it is to carry a little square box, in which there are
several small drawers, divided into compartments, filled
with rice, sliced eggs, small squares of smoked pork, cakes,
and fish; and in one .corner a small metal pot of sackee,
besides cups and chopsticks. By having this always with
them, they can dine when and where they choose. They
frequently invite us to dine with .them, and if we agree to
the proposal, they generally ask any other of the chiefs
whom they meet to be of the party and join dinners. The
place selected for these pic nics is commonly under the
trees, in a cool spot, where a mat is spread on the grass.;
and ^ e r y thing being laid out in great order, the party,
lies down in a circle, and seldom breaks up till the sackee
pot is empty.
An artist of the island brought a drawing of the Alceste
on board to-day for Captain Maxwell: it is about two feet
by one and a half, and is altogether a most extraordinary
production, in which perspective and proportion are cu,
riously disregarded. The captain and officers are introduced
m full uniform, and a number of the sailors on the rigging
and masts. With all its extravagance,. however, it has
considerable merit; there is nothing slovenly about it, and
there is enough of truth in it to shew that it was sketched
on the spot.
A dispute has arisen between John the interpreter an d
the chiefs, who it seems had positively promised to get a
horse for Captain Maxwell to ride; as they have not kept
their word, John declares that he will have nothing to say
to people who do not speak truth. They have again promised,
however, that a horse will be got ready, and in the
mean time, a fresh stock of beef and vegetables has. been
sent to both ships, which has pacified John a little.. We
have had much occasion to lament not having been accompanied
by one of the gentlemen of the factory acquainted
with the Chinese language, for although to have John is much
better than to be without any interpreter, it is probable that
he is not very delicate in his requests, and makes use of
expressions and arguments unsuited to our character, and
contrary to our wishes and instructions.
19th of October.—In the morning, before breakfast,
Captain Maxwell was informed by one of the chiefs, that a
horse was ready for him on the beach he landed accordingly,
and found a little pony saddled, and two of the
chiefs mounted. They objected to his riding in the country,
where the roads were uneven, so that for the present his
ride was confined to the beach. The saddle is made of
wood, and so uneven as to be very unpleasant : it is proposed
to have one made of a blanket and mats in future.
Y