Nearly all that is known of this group is derived from the labours of D'Entrecasteaux and bougainville: the latter has represented one continuous reef ninety miles long, parallel to the shore, and in places as much as ten miles from it; coloured pale blue.
"Coral-Reefs"
Darwin, Charles
Being compelled to touch at the Ile de France for repairs to his ship, he was there seized and detained as a spy by General Decaen, until the chivalrous intercession of the French explorer, bougainville, finally availed to procure his release in the year 1810. The conduct of Decaen was the more odious, as the French crews during their stay at Sydney in the autumn of 1802, when the news of the Peace of Amiens was as yet unknown, had received not only much help in the repair of their ships, but most generous personal attentions, officials and private persons at Sydney agreeing to put themselves on short rations in that season of dearth in order that the explorers might have food.
"The Life of Napoleon I (Volumes, 1 and 2)"
John Holland Rose
The chief, if not sole object I had in view by visiting that island was, to procure from its monarch, Opoony, one of the anchors which Monsieur de bougainville had lost at Otaheite.
"A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Volume 16"
Robert Kerr