352 ACCOUNT OF THE ENGLISH COLONY [October, 



early intercourfe with them (and indeed at a much later period, on 

 the EngHfh meeting with families to whom they were unknown) 

 they were always acc'ofted by the perfon who appeared to be the eldeft 

 of the party; while the women, youths, and children, were kept at a 

 diftance. The word which in their language fignifies father was ap- 

 plied to their old men; and when, after fome time, and by clofe ob- 

 fervation, they perceived the authority with whicli Governor Phillip 

 commanded, and the obedience which he exacted, they bellowed on 

 him the diftinguiming appellation of Be~anna, or father. This title 

 being conferred folely on him (although they perceived the authority 

 of matters over their fervants) places the true fenfe of the word 

 beyond a doubt, and proves that to thofe among them who enjoyed 

 that diiiindion belonged the authority of a chief. 



When any of theie went into the town, they were immediately 

 pointed out by their' companions, or thofe natives who refided in it, 

 in a whifper, and with an eagernefs of manner which, while it com- 

 manded the attention of thofe to whom it was directed, impreffed 

 them likewife with an idea that they were looking at perfons re- 

 markable for fome fuperior quality even among the favages of New 

 Holland. Another acceptation of the word Be-anna, however, foon 

 became evident ; for it was obferved to be frequently applied by chil- 

 dren to men who were known to have no children. On inquiry, 

 however, it was underflood, that in cafe a father mould die, the 

 neareft of kin, or fome deputed friend, would take care of his chil- 

 dren ; and were by them ftyled Be-anna. Here, if the reader paufes 

 for a moment, to confider the difference between the general conduct 

 of our baptifmal fponfors (to whofe duties this cuftom bears much re- 

 femblance), and the humane practice of thefe uncivilifed people, 

 will not the comparifon fufFufe his cheek with fomething like fhame, 

 at feeing the enlightened chriftian fo diftanced, in the race of humanity, 

 by the untutored favage, who has hitherto been the object of both 

 his pity and contempt ? But forry is the Hiftorian to recollect, what 

 as a faithful narrator he is compelled to relate, one particular in their 



cufloms 



