porter's journal. 



little acquainted. One of the canoes displayed a whit6 

 flag: 1 caused a similar emblem of peace to be exhibited, 

 and after waiting some time, perceiving that they were 

 fearful of coming along side, 1 caused two boats to be 

 manned and armed, and proceeded towards them. 1 soon 

 approached them, and directed the Otaheitan to inform 

 them that we were friendly disposed, and were willing to 

 purchase of them the articles they had to sell, which con- 

 sisted of hogs, plantains, bread-fruit, cocoa-nuts, &:c. &;c. 

 Through the same medium 1 informed them that I should 

 proceed to the shore, and there remain as a hostage for 

 their safety. Some of them went off to the ship, but the 

 greater number followed me to the shore, where they were 

 collected in groups, armed with their spears and war-clubs, 

 to receive me, and collecting in considerable numbers f/o; 

 every quarter. There were no women or children amon<^ 

 them ; and although both my boats were well armed I did 

 not think it adviseable to put it in their power to make an 

 attack on them, which would probably have terminated in 

 the loss of several of their lives. I consequently directed 

 lieutenant M'Knight, who was in the other boat, to keef> 

 out of the surf, which beat with considerable fury on the 

 beach, while I went close in with my boat, where I made 

 an exchange of pieces of iron hoops, and other articles, for 

 their ornaments and fruit. Some of the former were 

 handsome, and consisted of several pieces of wood neatly 

 joined together in the form of a gorget, and covered wiih 

 small red beans, neatly attached to it by means of a rcsinoiib 

 substance. In a few minutes the spears and war-clubs 

 were laid aside, and swarms of natives swam off to me 

 loaded with the produce of the island. All seemed greatly 

 to rejoice that we had so precious an article to offer them 

 as pieces of old iron hoops, which were held in such high 

 estimation that good sized pigs were purchased for a few 

 inches. Some, to express their joy, were seen dancing on 

 the beach with the most extravagant gestures, while others 

 expressed the pleasure they felt by shouting and clapping 

 their hands ; and although 1 invariably paid them in advance 

 for the articles received, I in no case, but one, met with an 

 instance of dishonesty. Three men presented themselves 

 to me, with each a bread-fruit. With a view of diverting 

 myself with their embarrassment, Ifjaveto them two tish- 



