206 
A VOYAGE TO 
1803. 
February. 
Friday 4. 
[North Coast. 
twelve middle-aged and young men, all of whom expressed much 
joy, especially at seeing Bongaree, our good-natured Indian from 
Port Jackson. On the arrival of two other boats, the natives re- 
treated into the wood, except two, who assisted in hauling the seine; 
and the others came back by degrees, without arms as before, and 
received a portion of the fish. A situation was chosen for the tents, 
and confidence seeming to be established, I went into the wood,, 
towards some sand hills, for the purpose of taking bearings ; but 
whilst making the circuit of a salt swamp which lay in the way, the 
natives were heard running in the wood, and calling to each other. 
This happened twice, and at length a musket was fired; upon which, 
I returned to the tents with all expedition. 
When the botanical gentlemen had entered the wood with their 
attendants, the greater part of the natives followed them ; and one took 
an opportunity of snatching a hatchet from the hand of a servant. The 
Indians then ran off; but seeing no pursuit, nor much notice taken, soon 
returned, and became more friendly than ever. Each of our party had 
a native with him, walking arm in arm, and Mr. Brown’s servant had 
two, who paid him particular attention ; so much so, that whilst one 
held him by the arm, the other snatched the musket off his shoulder, 
and they all again ran off; that is, all who remained, for several had 
previously withdrawn themselves. A musket was fired after the thief ; 
but he had already got some distance, and it produced no other visible 
effect than that of making him run faster. The botanists then judged 
it imprudent to follow their pursuit, and returned to the tents. 
Two hours passed before any thing more was heard of the 
natives ; some were then seen in the wood, and an interview was 
obtained with two, who being made to understand that a hatchet 
would be given on the musket being returned, they went off to fetch 
it. In a little time it was actually brought, with the stock broken 
and ram-rod gone, and the hatchet was paid ; after which the natives 
came to the tents with confidence, and some would have remained 
all night, had they been permitted. 
This afternoon and the following morning, I took bearings from 
Saturday 5. 
