162 Letter XT. 
clusions regarding them. Cook, when he visited this island, 
showed great liberality of sentiment towards the people in his 
remarks, whith, are so sensible and so much to the point, that 
I will quote them. i 
“Thus we found these people hospitable, civil and good- 
natured, when not prompted to a contrary spirit by jealousy— 
a conduct I cannot tell how to blame them for, especially wher 
I consider the light in which they must view us. It was im- 
possible for them to know our real design ; we enter their ports 
without their daring to oppose ; we endeavour to land in their 
country as friends, and it is well if this succeeds—we land 
nevertheless, and maintain the footing we have got by the 
superiority of our firearms. - Under such circumstances what 
opinion can they form of us? Is it not as reasonable for them 
to think that we have come to invade their country, as to pay 
them a friendly visit? These and some acquaintance with us 
can only convince them of the latter.” 
If the intercourse which the natives have had with strangers 
had been only with men of the spirit of Captain Cook, I am 
very sure that we would have had but little to complain of with 
regard to them now. 
They are very much like children, and require to be treated 
often as you treat children. They are easily offended, but are 
easily reconciled, and, if they get attached to anyone, show 
much affection. 
They are as different in character among themselves as we 
are. Many, no doubt, are naturally treacherous and cruel; 
but some again are naturally frank and good-natured. Some 
are naturally vicious savages, while others are naturally gentle- 
manly savages. 
The Tanamen have a great name as warriors—sometimes it 
is said that they are the most warlike people in the South 
