THIRD VOYAGE 401 



out of reach, and this multitude being a fine large mark, I fired 

 several of the four-pounders at them, when they dispersed in a great 

 hurry. In the evening two arees came off, and begged we would 

 fire at them no more, and expressed their wishes for peace. I found 

 the great shot had frightened them confoundedly, some having fallen 

 among the crowd and wounded a nephew of Terre'aboo's, whose 

 name was Ky' mare 'mare (an old friend of mine), and three or four 

 others, by scattering the splinters of stones among them. We now 

 learnt there were four arees with thirteen men killed, and many others 

 badly wounded in the fray with Captain Cook. In the morning, 

 as I wanted some water, I ordered the Discovery as near as con- 

 venient to the shore to cover the watering party, and sent the 

 boats of the two ships properly equipped upon that duty, under the 

 commands of the Lieutenants Bickman and Harvey, with orders not 

 to let any of the natives come near them, but by no means to molest 

 them if they did not first give provocation by acting offensively. 

 Very soon after their landing, such was the strange infatuation of 

 these people, notwithstanding they saw everything was clearly 

 against them, they began to throw stones at the party. They, how- 

 ever, had the discretion in general to get behind some houses of a 

 town that was built all along the head of the beach, or upon a high 

 hill under which the well was situate, and from thence roll them 

 down. Some were daring enough to come upon the open beach 

 for the greater convenience of discharging their stones, but five or six 

 of these being killed, put an end to this beach fighting, and they all 

 retired behind the houses, from whence they continued to throw 

 without ceasing, but to very little effect, for there was such a distance 

 that, by a good look-out, they were easily avoided. At noon the 



" Thursday, ISth February 1779. 



" In the afternoon the boats returned to the watering business 

 and, as the natives continued troublesome, we burnt down the 

 town that was at the head of the beach, which deprived them of 

 their principal shelter. The rogues upon the hill continued to 

 roll down stones, and their situation was so elevated we could not 

 possibly annoy them. However, they did us no other harm than 

 somewhat to retard the business, as the people were under a 

 necessity of keeping some look out to avoid the stones. In the 

 evening they were tired of the business ; many of them came 

 to the watering party with green boughs and white flags (emblems 

 of peace), and begged we would be friends, promising to give us 

 no farther molestation. They were socially received, and assured 

 of our good offices, if they would conduct themselves properly. 

 In the morning the parties returned to the watering duty, the 

 natives were civil and attentive, supplying them with fruits, etc." 



"Friday, IQth February, 1779. 



" Our good friends the priests still continue their extraordinary 

 attention and benevolence. They send us many presents of 

 hogs, fruits, etc. By the assistance of these good people, and 

 some poor fellows who came off in the dark and traded, being, 

 as they say, afraid to be seen to hold connection with us, we have 

 all along, except one day, boon able to collect roots enough for 

 our own necessary consumption. As to pork, we have abundance." 



