THE author of the following pages has attempted to narrate (in the best and shortest way he can) the occurrences of a voyage rendered remarkable by a combination of extraordinary events, and the circumstance of a communication with an interesting people, with whom, for the first time, Europeans have had any intercourse; and he has ventured a few occasional remarks, precisely as they arose in his mind on the spot, and which more mature reflection has not induced him to alter. He is aware that his thoughts, as well as his mode of expressing them, may be liable to comment; but he hopes that those who are mighty in criticism will be merciful in censure, and not visit with asperity that which is humble in pretension.