^200 cook's second VOYAGE OCT. 



isle above mentioned, where we found a clear channel 

 two miles broad. 



After ranging the S. W. side of the greater isle, to 

 about two-thirds of its length, at the distance of half 

 a mile from the shore, without seeing the least pros- 

 pect of either anchorage or landing-place, we bore 

 away for Amsterdam, which we had in sight. We 

 had scarcely turned our sails before we observed the 

 shores of Middleburg to assume another aspect, 

 seeming to offer both anchorage and landing. Upon 

 this we hauled the wind, and plied in under the 

 island. In the mean time, two canoes, each con- 

 ducted by two or three men, came boldly along-side ; 

 and some of them entered the ship without hesitation. 

 This mark of confidence gave me a good opinion of 

 these islanders, and determined me to visit them lt % 

 possible. After making a few trips, we found good 

 anchorage, and came to in twenty-five fathoms* water, 

 and gravel bottom, at three cables length from the 

 shore, The highest land on the island bore S. E. by E,, 

 the north point N. E. E., and the west S. by W. 1 W. y 

 and the island of Amsterdam extending from N. by W. 

 i W. to N. W. i W. We had scarcely got to an 

 anchor before we were surrounded by a great number 

 of canoes full of people, who had brought with them 

 cloth, and other curiosities, which they exchanged 

 for nails, &c. Several came on board ; among whom 

 was one, who, by the authority he seemed to have 

 over the others, I found was a chief, and accordingly 

 made him a present of a hatchet, spike-nails, and 

 several other articles, with which he was highlv 

 pleased. Thus I obtained the friendship of this 

 chief, whose name was Tioony. 



Soon after, a party of us embarked in two boats, in 

 company with Tioony ; who conducted us to a little 

 creek formed by the rocks, right a-breast of the ships, 

 where landing was extremely easy, and the boats 

 secure against the surf. Here we found an immense 

 crowd of people, who welcomed us on shore with 



