[ 49» ] 



mufkets ; but as our (hot did not reach the Indians, nor coirld 

 they know what damage we might do them at a lefs diftance, 

 they did not move at all, or defift from their treacherous attacks 

 On this, not being able to fuccour our comrades, we hoifted a- 

 {ignal of diftrefs, which the frigate being fo far off could not 

 diftinguifti. The Indians however at eleven returned to their 

 villages, whilft we neither could fee our feamen or their 

 boats. 



By twelve at noon it was full fea, and we endeavoured to reach 

 the frigate, every one exerting themfelves to the utmoft ; our 

 whole crew, indeed, now confifted of but five men and a boy, 

 who were in health, with four that were rick. 



As foon as we had fet fail, nine canoes of Indians, with an 

 mcreafed number of men ©n« board, placed themfelves at a fixed 

 diftance from us, whilft one of them, with only nine chieftains* 

 on board, rowed pretty near to the fide of our vefTel, offering us r 

 whilft : their bows were unbent, fome handfome jackets,, and prac- 

 tiding their former arts of deceit, by tempting us with the provi'- 

 fions they had before fupplied. , 



But we were now upon our guard, and preparing for our de- 

 fence, though we ft ill thought it right on our part to entice them* 

 nearer, by fhewing bugles and other trifles,. which? had as little; 

 efFecl: upon our enemies, who contrived however to make figns 

 that we mould go on fhore. At laft they were tired of thefe 

 overtures, and knowing the fmall number of our crew, they 

 made a fhew of furrounding our vefleL; holding their bows bent 

 againft us.. 



On the other hand, though we had but three on board able 

 to handle a mufquet (viz. our Captain, his fervant, and myfelf) 



a So the original ; and I conclude the meaning to be, that in this canos 



there were none but chieftains, 



yet- 



