NATIVE CHABACTIE. 
201 
the same part with their hand. In the construction 
of their canoesj spear*, and watldiesj they evince much 
ingenuity, although the workmanship is rough, from the 
want of tools; they are expert swimmers, and dive like 
ducks. They show no desire whatever for strange orna- 
ments or trinkets ; they are polite enough to accept of 
them without any expression of astonishment or curiosity, 
hut very soon afterwards take an opportunity of slyly 
dropping them, or throwing them away. The only 
articles they seemed to covet were hatchets and other 
cutting tools ; but still, when they could steal, they 
carried off everything they could lay hold of. 
" As long as we occupied the island, the natives were 
extremely shy and cautious in all their communications 
with ns ; they never intrusted themselves in our power ; 
and notwithstanding my utmost efforts by acts of kind- 
ness and forbearance to gain their confidence, and con- 
vince them that we desired to he on friendly terms, I 
found it utterly impossible to accomplish this desirable 
object. Previous to my arrival they bad committed 
murder, various depredations, and daring acts of violence. 
They had at length been, fired upon whilst committing 
acts of outmgej and from all 013' inquiries I believe they 
had been the first aggressors by throwing spears. AVhen 
I assumed the command, I was extremely anxious to 
court their friendship, as without it, with our limited 
numbers and means, we never conld become acquainted 
with all the resources of the island, or make them of 
available use to us; I therefore prevented any of the 
military or prisoners from putting themselves in contact 
w ith the natives without my presence or orders ; I allowed 
K 3 
