progress in forming settlements along its shores; and if so, you will
take especial care not to come into collision with any of their
authorities.

Throughout the whole of this extensive region, you will bear in mind the
mischievous disposition of the natives; and while you strictly practice
that dignified forbearance and benevolence which tend to impress far
higher respect for our power than the exercise of mere force, you will
also be sedulously on your guard against every surprise; and though your
boats should always be completely armed, you will carefully avoid any
conflict where the ignorant or misguided natives may presume on your
pacific appearance, or on the disparity of your numbers.

You will then turn to the westward, and pursue this part of the survey,
so as to determine the breadth of the foul ground off the coast of New
Guinea, and the continuity or interrupted form of that coast; and you
will establish certain positions on the mainland (if the adjacent sea be
navigable, and if not on the several advancing islands) which may serve
as useful land-falls for vessels coming from the Indian Seas, or for
points of departure for those who have passed through any of these
straits. You will thus continue a general examination of this hitherto
unexplored coast as far as Cape Valsche, which is now said to be only the
terminating point of a chain of large islands, and then across to the
Arrou Islands, which are supposed to be remarkably fertile, to abound
with resources and refreshments, and to be peopled by a harmless and
industrious race, but which do not appear to have been visited by any of
His Majesty's ships.

The length of time which may be required for the due execution of all the
foregoing objects cannot be foreseen. It may exceed that for which your