ray:MY. CHAPTER VI I I .
Report of an Inland Expl. .ration of Great Lew Obew, by a P arty from the Squadron, under the Command
of Commodore Perry.
ONDAY, the 30th of May, says the report,
was the day fixed upon by Commodore Perry for
our departure. We were ordered to cross the
island to the eastern shore, follow the line of
coast northward, and return through the interior, pushing our course as far
as practicable, under our instructions to return within six days. All the
stores having been procured, and packed in convenient parcels, together with
portfolios and drawing materials, implements for preparing birds, &c., we
landed about 10 o’clock, and proceeded to the house of the missionary, Dr.
Bettelheim, which had been chosen as the rendezvous. The authorities had
not been previously informed of our intention; and, as it was evident that
we should not be allowed to advance far without an escort, or espionage of
some kind, Dr. Bettelheim sent to request that a proper officer should accompany
us as guide. After waiting about an hour, and no person appearing, we
decided to set out, believing that our guide would be forthcoming before
we left the city. In fact, we had no sooner reached the main street, com