In a visit, likewise, which he received from an aunt, the old lady threw herself at his feet, and plentifully bedewed them with tears of joy.
Captain Cook was informed by the natives, that, since he was last at the island, in 1774, two ships had been twice in Oheitepeha Bay, and had left animals in the country.

These, on farther inquiry, were found to be hogs, dogs, goats, one bull, and a ram.

That the vessels which had visited Otaheite were Spanish, was plain from an inscription that was cut upon a wooden cross, standing at some distance from the front of a house which had been occupied by the strangers.

On the transverse part of the cross was inscribed, _Christus vincit._ And on the perpendicular part, _Carolus III.imperat.

1774._ Our commander took this occasion to preserve the memory of the prior visits of the English, by inscribing, on the other side of the post, _Georgius tertius Rex.
Annis 1767, 1769, 1773, 1774, & 1777._ Whatever might be the intentions of the Spaniards in their visit to the island, it ought to be remembered to their honour, that they behaved so well to the inhabitants, as always to be spoken of in the strongest expressions of esteem and veneration.
Captain Cook had at this time an important affair to settle.