Chap. XV. EVIDENCE RELATING TO THE MASSACRE. 391 
retreated, without order, in tlie direction of the hill ; 
Mr. Thompson, Captain Wakefield, Captain England, 
and Mr. Howard, urging them " for God's sake to keep 
*' together," but in vain. On the first brow, the most 
strenuous efforts were made by these gentlemen to 
induce the men to stand and form. Mr. Howard 
called to them to fix their bayonets and come to 
the charge. They, however, kept retreating up the 
hill, firing as they went. Captain Wakefield, there- 
fore, in order to prevent a further sacrifice of life, 
ordered the firing to cease ; and Captain England and 
Mr. Howard advanced towards the natives with a 
white handkerchief, in token of peace. Those in ad- 
vance of the retreating party, however, still kept up a 
running fire as they pushed up the hill ; which was re- 
turned by the natives on the whole party indiscrimi- 
nately. Mr. Thompson was seen about this time by 
Mr. Tuckett, who escaped, stamping on the ground 
and clutching his hair, as he exclaimed, " Oh, men ! 
men !" in bitter regret and disgust at their conduct. 
*' Here," 'says Mr. Barnicoat, " when we were as- 
" sembled on the hill, like so many targets which the 
" natives were shooting at, Mr. Cotterell stood out from 
" the rest, and said (I suppose in allusion to his prin- 
" ciples as a Friend), ' I have nothing to do with busi- 
'* ' ness of this kind. If there are any of my men here, 
•* • they had better follow me.' Captain Wakefield then 
'* turned round, and in the most earnest manner ad- 
" dressed him : * For God's sake, Mr. Cotterell, don't 
" ' attempt to run away ; you are sure to be shot if you 
" ' do.'" The retreating party and the natives continu- 
ing to fire. Captain Wakefield and the gentlemen about 
him were compelled to proceed further up the hill, in 
order, if possible, to put an end to the conflict. Mr. 
Cotterell, after accompanying them a short distance. 
