BLIGH. 41 
parties of the natives came down, waving 
green boughs as a token of peace and friend- 
ship; but Mr. Bligh thought it wise not to land. 
On the 31st, the voyagers landed on a 
small island, in order to get a distinct view of 
the coast, as well as to obtain food. Some of 
the men were sent for supplies, the others 
were ordered to remain in the boat. One of 
the former party, unwilling to work, said he 
would rather go without his dinner than have 
to search for it. The scene which followed 
was so remarkable that it must be told in 
Bligh's own words. " One person, in parti- 
cular, went so far as to tell me, with a muti- 
nous look, that he was as good a man as 
myself. It was not possible for me to judge 
where this might have an end, if not stopped 
in time: therefore, to prevent disputes in 
future, I determined either to preserve my 
command, or die in the attempt. Seizing a 
cutlass, I ordered him to take hold of another, 
and defend himself; on which he called out, 
that I was going to kill him, and immediately 
made concessions. I did not allow this to in- 
terfere with the harmony of the boat's crew, 
and everything soon became quiet." 
D 
