370 
CRITICAL POSITION. 
possible ill this most insalubrious portion of the 
river. 
A second message was sent to Obi, informing him 
that they were friends, and begging him to renew his 
visit, which his sable majesty promised to do, if the 
Captain would come for him in person. 
Lieutenant Webb, in compliance with the King-’s 
request, accordingly went on shore in the galley, 
accompanied by Mr. Hensman, intending to disembark 
at the landing-place, where there were many canoes. 
On the way thither, it was necessary to go near several 
war-canoes, which were secured close to the banks, on 
each side of the creek. After passing some of the 
first, the attention of the persons in the galley was 
attracted to the movement among some of the armed 
canoes astern, apparently endeavouring to close upon 
them, while their crews, by taking up fire-arms, no 
longer concealed their intention of cutting olF the 
retreat of our countrymen. The galley was immediately 
turned and pulled up alongside the nearest war-canoe, 
and Lieutenant Webb pointed his pistols, (the only 
arms in the boats,) at the leader, who instantly dropped 
his musket, supplicating by sundry gestures for mercy, 
and calling aloud, “ King Obi ! King Obi !” The 
other canoes at once paddled away for the shore, but 
the right bank was simultaneously crowded with 
armed men, who, until that moment, had not shown 
themselves. Some of them directed their muskets 
at the galley, but the appearance of the pistols in 
