They were expelled; and after several visits of French men-of-war, who came to obtain redress for this act, and an assurance of free entrance for French subjects, the island was taken possession of by a French squadron in 1843, and Queen Pomare, daughter of Pomare II, was de facto deposed.

The island has been ever since under the dominion of France.

Tahiti is now in a flourishing condition, and exports a considerable quantity of cotton, cocoanuts, and vanilla.
The majority of the natives still profess the Protestant religion.
Papiete, a little westward of Matavai, is now the principal port and town of the island, the harbour possessing some advantages over the latter.
The Tahitians are marvellously fond of singing and dancing, and still retain their primitive and exceedingly free manners, and the custom of decorating themselves with flowers.
The beauty of the island, with its neighbouring western group, is probably unsurpassed, and, considering all the circumstances, it says much for the discipline of the Endeavour that only two of her crew attempted to remain in what seemed a Paradise.
Cook's efforts to make his men deal properly with the natives are well illustrated by the following extract from Mr.Molineux's Log, of the 29th April.

The incident is not mentioned by Cook.
"Punished Hy.

Jeffs, Seaman, with a dozen lashes for ill-behaviour on shore.