104 
PREPARATIONS FOR CONFLICT. 
It was with considerable apprehension that I observed the 
river to be shoaling fast, more especially as a huge sand- 
bank, a little below us, and on the same side on which the 
natives had gathered, projected nearly a third-way across 
the channel. To this sand-bank they ran with tumultuous 
uproar, and covered it over in a dense mass. Some of the 
chiefs advanced to the water to be nearer their victims, and 
turned from time to time to direct their followers. With 
every pacific disposition, and an extreme reluctance to take 
away life, I foresaw that it would be impossible any longer 
to avoid an engagement, yet with such fearful numbers 
against us, I was doubtful of the result. The spectacle we 
had witnessed bad been one of the most appalling kind, 
and sufficient to shake the firmness of most men ; but 
at that trying moment my little band preserved their temper 
coolness, and if anything could be gleaned from their coun- 
tenances, it was that they had determined on an obstinate 
resistance. I now explained to them that their only chance 
of escape depended, or would depend, on their firmness. I 
desired that after the first volley had been fired, M'Leay 
and three of the men, would attend to the defence of the 
boat with bayonets only, while I, Hopkinson, and Harris, 
would keep up the fire as being more used to it. I ordered, 
however, that no shot was to be fired until after I had dis- 
charged both my barrels. I then delivered their arms to the 
men, which had as yet been kept in the place appropriated 
for them, and at the same time some rounds of loose car- 
tridge. The men assured me they would follow my instruc- 
