PACIFIC AND BEERING'S STRAIT. 43 



apprehending the boat would be damaged, waved chap. 

 their cloaks to caution her against making the at- ^!^~ 

 tempt to land : while others, eager to reach her, Nov - 

 plunged into the sea, and so surrounded her that she 

 was obliged to put about to get rid of them. They 

 all showed a friendly disposition, and we began 

 to hope that they had forgotten the unpardonable 

 conduct of the American master, who carried seve- 

 ral of the islanders away by force to colonize Masa- 

 fuera. 



Immediately the noon observation was obtained, 

 we ran along the western side of the island, towards 

 the bay in which Cook and Perouse had both an- 

 chored. The natives, as before, followed along the 

 coast, and lighted fires in different directions, the 

 largest of which was opposite the landing-place. 

 With a view to ascertain the feeling of the inhabit- 

 ants, and, if possible, to establish an amicable inter- 

 course with them, I desired Lieutenant Peard to 

 proceed with two boats to the shore, and by presents 

 and kindness to endeavour to conciliate the people 

 and to bring off what fruit and vegetables he could. 

 Lieutenant Wainwright was directed to accompany 

 him ; and though I did not apprehend any hostility, 

 yet, as a precautionary measure, I armed the boats, 

 and placed two marines in each. Their strength 

 was further increased by several of the officers, and 

 the naturalist. Thus equipped, they rowed for the 

 landing-place in Cook's Bay, while the ship remained 

 at a short distance. The islanders were collected in 

 great numbers, and were seen running to and fro, 

 exhibiting symptoms of expectation and delight. 

 Some few, however, were observed throwing large 

 stones at a mark behind a bank erected near the beach. 



