CRUISE OF II.M.S. "RATTLESNAKE." [From the S. M. Herald, Feb. 6.]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VI, Issue 482, 16 March 1850, Page 3

CRUISE OF 11. M.5. "RATTLESNAKE." [From the S. M. Herald, Feb. 6.]

The Rattlesnake has been absent from Sydney since the Bth May last, and in conjunction with the Bramble, has been making some very important and valuable surveys about the vicinity of New Guinea. From this she proceeded to Moreion Bay, and after remaining there a few days, resumed the voyage until reaching the easternmost end of the Louisiade Archipelago, near which it was supposed that no certain passage existed; but, after a minute survey, it was found that a channel of forty miles breadth, from the land to seaward, exteuded to Cape Possession, on the South-east coast of New Guinea, and at which point Captain Blackwood's survey terminated. There was also a good and clear passage inside Sud Est Island, at which was found a spacious harbour, with good anchorage, which was named by Capt. Stanley the Coral Haven, id which they anchored on the 14th June. The inner part of the reef was- then surveyed, and intercourse was had frequently with the uatives of the group, both on board and on shore, who were of a superior description, being well proportioned and of an amicable disposition, bringing off in their canoes (which were of large dimensions, some measuring 55 feet in length,) flax, arrowroot, yams in abundance,

tortoise-shells, and all varieties of tropical fruits, which they eagerly sought to barter with ; tomahawks, red cloth, &•., were offered, but the only article they seemed to prize was hoop iron, and that which was rusiy pleased them best. The canoes were well built, and elaborately carved and colored. Upon landing, the inhabitants were found residing in well constructed houses, iv a most comfortable manner, and in a cleanly state. From thence they proceeded to Bruiuie Island, where they remained a fortnight, the natives behaving most friendly. Ranges of mountains were seen on the coast of New Guinea, from the Cul de sac del Orangerie to Cape Possession* ranging in many parts to ihe height of Teneriffe. Having completed the survey, the expedition left the coust of New Guinea the lat{ef end of September, for Cape York, and arrived there the Ist October, at which placd the brig Sir John Byng arrived the following day from Sydney with provisions, which having discharged, she left on the 17th of Oc ober, for Port Essington and Manila. Cape York is described as being & very eligible place for a military post, the surlounding country being well wooded and watered, and the natives most friendly. Whilst lying there the watering party of the Rattlesnake brought off a white woman, and some of a native tribe who. had come over from Prince of Wales Island to the main land. Upon coming on board she could scarcely mak<? it understood that she would wi*h to be retained from the natives, as she had almost forgotten the English language, but has been brought up iv the vessel, and having again acquired her native tongue, states that her maiden name was Barbara Crawford, the daughter of a tinman, a Scotchman, residing in Sydney, who arrived in the John Barry \ as an immigrant ; that she was married to a man named Thompson at Moreton Bay, which place she left with him and some other men, in a small cutter called the American, for Port Essington, at which place they intended settling, but were unfortunately cast away on Prince of Wales Island, when all but herself was drowned ; that the natives behaved very humanely to her during the five years she was amongst them, but refused until the present occasion to allow her to have any communication with the several vessels passing. At length, seeing the Rattlesnake anchored at Cape York she induced them to take her on board, saying she wished to shake hands with her countrymen. Captain Stanley rewarded the natives liberally with axes, knives, &c, as an inducement for them to behave similarly should another wreck happen. From her, great information has been received relative to the manners and customs of inhabitants of the islands of Torres Straits. The discovery of these channels through the Louisiade Archipelago will considerably shorten the voyage from this to India, and from the description given of the fertility of the islands and of the coast of New Guinea, also the strong inclination of the natives to trade, it will likely tend to send some of our colonial vessels among them to traffic ; but they should go well armed, as hostile intentions were often shown towards the Bramble when in shore among the reefs. The Bramble may be expected in a few days. A great number o! curiosities were obtained.