A few days after sailing from this island, the weather became squally, and a thick body of black clouds collected in the east.

A water-spout was in a short time seen at no great distance from the ship, which appeared to great advantage from the darkness of the clouds behind it.

The upper part is described as being about two feet in diameter; and the lower about eight inches.

It advanced rapidly towards the ship, when it was deemed expedient to alter the course, and to take in all the sails, except the foresail; soon after which it passed within ten yards of the stern, making a rustling noise, but without their feeling the least effect from its being so near.

The rate at which it travelled was judged to be about ten miles per hour, going towards the west, in the direction of the wind; and in a quarter of an hour after passing the ship, it dispersed.
As they passed several low islands, the natives of one of them came out in their canoes, and it was observed that they all spoke the language of Otaheite.