As no written memorials of the languages of these tribes remain, if it should have happened, that the nation from which the islanders descended has become extinct, together with its language, which is most likely to be the case, the problem must go down to future ages, a theme only for ingenious conjecture and speculation. When the prevalence of the trade wind is considered, always setting towards the west, the probability of a migration from America is much stronger, than of one from Asia. Ledyard considers the emigration to have been comparatively recent, because the islands are volcanic, having been formed by violent eruptions from the earth; and many centuries must have elapsed after such an event, before they could be habitable.

The journal, which has now passed under our notice, can in no respect be regarded as a complete narrative of Cook's Third Voyage. It was written, as heretofore stated, under many disadvantages, in haste, and without the aid of the author's original notes; and to all appearance the manuscript was printed without his correction and supervision. The part prepared by himself breaks off, indeed, more than a year before the end of the voyage, and was probably filled out by the publisher from the brief account before printed in England. Ledyard's

descriptions agree in the main, however, with those contained in the large work, which afterwards appeared under the authority of the Admiralty. Occasional differences will, of course, naturally be expected, when we take into view the different circumstances under which the commanding officer, and a corporal of marines, would observe the objects and events they described. The latter was often in situations to witness and contemplate occurrences, which could not come to the knowledge of the former, and which, to a mind acute and observing like his, would make impressions worthy to be recorded.

Nor is it any disparagement of the other writers to say, that several of Ledyard's descriptions of the manners and peculiarities of the natives are written with a vivacity, discrimination, and force, which they have not equalled. He utters his own sentiments with a boldness, and expresses himself with a confidence, that convince us of his sincerity, honest zeal, and mental vigor, even when we cannot assent to his opinions. He sometimes censures his superiors in office with a freedom not altogether commendable, and imagines them to have been actuated by motives, which could scarcely exist. This may be perceived in the tone which pervades some of the extracts

quoted above. His station was not one in which he could be acquainted with the views and plans of the commander, and yet his inquisitive temper, and high sense of his dignity as a man, prompted him to think for himself, and put much reliance in the conclusions of his own mind. When these were thwarted, as they often would be, it was natural that he should suppose his superiors in an error, especially if ill consequences resulted from their measures.

He was accustomed to speak with high respect of Captain Cook, although he thought his proceedings towards the natives sometimes rash, and even unjustifiable. But this was no more than has been thought by many others. Nobody has ever doubted the purity of Cook's intentions, or his humanity; but he adopted a system of conduct towards the savages, especially in punishing slight offences, the policy and good effects of which were less obvious to others than to himself.

Pilfering was so universal in all the South Sea Islands, that it was hardly recognized in the moral code of the natives as an offence, much less a crime; yet he invariably punished transgressions of this kind with severity. A long course of experience had confirmed the navigator in this system, and he practised it

usually with success. We have seen how he applied it in the case of Feenou, who stole the peacocks at Tongataboo; and many similar instances might be cited. It was his rigid adherence to this course, in fact, which at last

caused his death; for he landed at Kiverua with the express purpose of enticing the old king on board, that he might retain him there as a hostage, till the stolen boat should be given up. The opinions of Ledyard on this head, therefore, though sometimes expressed with earnestness, argue no disrespect or want of esteem for the commander, whom he onored for the high station to which his merits had raised him, and whom he admired for his many great and good qualities.

CHAPTER VI.

Ledyard returns to America. Interview with his Mother. Writes his Journal of Cook's Voyage. Visits New York, Philadelphia,

and Boston. Plans a Voyage to the Northwest Coast. Failure of the Enterprise. Was the first to propose such a Voyage. Sails for Cadiz; thence to L'Orient. - Goes to Paris.

DURING the two years succeeding our traveller's arrival in England from Cook's last expedition, he continued in the navy; but what rank he held, or on what stations he served, cannot now be ascertained. It is only known, that he refused to be attached to any of the squadrons, which came out to America, giving as a reason, that he would not appear in arms against his native country. Growing weary, however, of a mode of life little suited to his disposition, unless on some adventurous enterprise, like that from which he had lately returned, his thoughts began to wander homeward, and to dwell on the scenes of his youthful days. Apparently conquering the scruples, which he had hitherto urged as the motives of his reluctance, he sought the first opportu