It was now the 4th of July, which was celebrated on board our brig by firing big guns and small arms, to the great amusement of the king and natives. They were perfectly astonished at the distance the shot went from the big guns, but did not at all like the noise they made. One day the king, seeing some paint about decks, requested me to ask the captain to give him enough to paint his canoe. He said it would make her look like a vessel. I told the captain if he would give him the paint I would go on shore and put it on for him, which I did, much to his satisfaction. When finished I told him to have a fence built around her to keep the hogs and natives from her, and not to touch her for a week by which time she would be fit to use, all which instructions he strictly followed, and was extremely proud of her, saying there was not another canoe among the islands so handsome. This old chief was very anxious to buy my fowling piece, but as there was no trading allowed except for the brig I put him off from time to time, but he wouldn't give it up. I finally told him he should have it for the shell of three large tortoises. He went off in pursuit of the shells, which he brought in the evening and took the gun highly pleased with his bargain. The gun having four barrels he thought he should be superior to the other chiefs if he had such an uncommon piece of property. We lay here a long time, but getting ahead very slowly with our cargo, the Captain concluded to get to Myambooa, as the beche de mer had become very scarce at Ambow. About the middle of October we got under way for Myambooa Bay, where we found the ship Glide, of Salem, Capt. Henry Archer. He informed us that in coming in to the bay he had struck a sunken rock and his ship leaked so badly they had all they could do to keep her free with both pumps. He had heard of a vessel being at Ambow and had sent his second mate in pursuit of her and now began to feel anxious for his safety. Mr. Driver was immediately dispatched in pursuit of the missing officer, and next day both returned. Preparation was now made for heaving down the Glide. Her guns and stores were taken on board the Quill and some of her cargo was taken on shore at the beche de mer house in care of Mr. Driver who had commenced the beche de mer trade. Having discharged the Glide, a raft was constructed from her spare spars and coconut trees, to which she was hove down, her leak stopped and she was righted again and took in her cargo and stores. We continued our business till December when, having procured a sufficient cargo, we got ready to leave for Manila. When we were about ready for sea Capt. Archer wanted I should join his ship, to which I agreed at thirty dollars per month, and after having settled with Capt. Kinsman, joined the Glide. In a day or two the Quill sailed for Manila.