PAUMOTU GROUP. 313 



injury, on account of the surf and coral ; and in order to land, it was 

 necessary to swim a short distance, which could not be done without 

 our being attacked, and suffering injury, before we had established a 

 friendly intercourse. I therefore had recourse to throwing presents to 

 them, — all of which they eagerly took, — assuring them that we were 

 friends ; but they still continued warning us off, and threatening us 

 with their long spears. I am rather inclined now to think our 

 interpreter was partly the cause of my not succeeding in overcoming 

 their fears and scruples. John Sac was truly a savage, although he 

 had imbibed some feelings of discipline, and was generally a well- 

 disposed fellow. He was a petty New Zealand chief at the Bay of 

 Islands, and had resided some time at Tahiti, where he said he was 

 married. At times it was difficult to control John's movements. On 

 this occasion he soon became provoked at the chief's obstinacy ; and 

 the idea of their receiving all our presents so greedily without even 

 thanks in return, excited his native fire ; his eyes shone fiercely, and 

 his whole frame seemed agitated. Half naked as he was, his tattooing 

 conspicuous, he stood in the bow of the boat brandishing his boat-hook 

 like a spear with the dexterity of a savage. It was difficult to re- 

 cognise the sailor in the fierce majestic-looking warrior before us. 

 The chief and John kept passing words until both were becoming 

 vociferous, the one appearing as savage as the other. John's animated 

 attitudes and gestures were the admiration of all As we could not 

 understand him, he may have said many things to irritate the savage 

 chief before he could be silenced, although he afterwards declared his 

 innocence in that respect. I had been engaged for upwards of an 

 hour endeavouring to overcome their fears, when I was joined by 

 several boats from the other vessels. The officers being anxious to 

 have communication with the natives, were desirous of landing, and I 

 readily gave them permission to do so without arms. They passed a 

 short distance from us, hoping to effect their purpose without oppo- 

 sition, but the natives separated, in order to oppose any landing. One 

 or tw r o officers swam through the surf without arms, and were boldly 

 set upon by three of the natives, when they made a hurried retreat. 

 This evidently gave the natives confidence, and their conduct became 

 more violent. Mr. Couthouy requested permission to land with 

 presents, under the protection of the boat, to which I consented. 

 He swam on shore, pausing now and then, for the purpose of showing 

 the trinkets. The chief motioned him away, but he landed on the 

 rocks. The chief, retiring, appeared as if somewhat alarmed, while 

 Mr. Couthouy advanced towards him, holding out the presents. On 

 being joined by another native, the chief stopped, raised his spear, 



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