50 VOYAGE TO THE 



tricating the boats, their attacks were not so effectual 

 as before, nor sufficient to prevent the embarkation 

 1825. of the crew, all of whom were got on board. 



Several dangerous contusions were received in 

 the affair, but fortunately no lives were lost on 

 our part ; and it was the opinion of the officer com- 

 manding the party, that the treacherous chief was 

 the only victim on that of the islanders, though 

 some of the officers thought thev observed another 

 man fall. Considering the manner in which the 

 party were surrounded, and the imminent risk to 

 which they were exposed, it is extraordinary that so 

 few of the natives suffered ; and the greatest credit 

 is due to the officers and crews of both boats for 

 their forbearance on the occasion. 



After this unfortunate and unexpected termina- 

 tion to our interview, I determined upon quitting 

 the island, as nothing of importance was to be gain- 

 ed by remaining, which could be put in competition 

 with the probable loss of lives that might attend an 

 attempt at reconciliation. The disappointment it 

 occasioned was great to us, who had promised our- 

 selves much novelty and enjoyment; but the loss to 

 the public is trifling, as the island has been very 

 well described by Roggewein, Cook, Perouse, Kot- 

 zebue, and others, and the people appeared, in all 

 material points, the same now as these authors have 

 painted them. With regard to supplies, nothing 

 was to be gained by staying ; for after Cook had 

 traversed the island, he came to the conclusion that 

 few places afford less convenience for shipping. 

 " As every thing must be raised by dint of labour, 

 it cannot be supposed the inhabitants plant much 

 more than is sufficient for themselves; and as they 



