210 
AN ACCOUNT OF 
9 
1783. fabfion, both to themfelves and their Employers, to have a 
NOVEMBER. 
general account of thefe iflands, on which no European had 
ever been before; as alfo to know whether there was any 
apparent difference in the inhabitants, their manners, or 
cuftoms.—He was liifened to with a great deal of attention; 
but the near profpedt before every man’s eyes, of being 
liberated from a place whence a fhort time before, none had 
any juft hope of ever departing; the fear of its proving a 
much longer bufinefs than apprehended; the uncer ainty 
of what difficulties they might meet with, fhould they have 
hoftilities to encounter, which was more than probable 
might be the cafe, from the inhabitants of fome of the re¬ 
mote iflands; thefe combined confiderations prefented them¬ 
felves to moft of them as rifques not advifeable to be run, 
after the hardfhips they had already fuftained; which, ad¬ 
ded to the natural with of every individual to return to his 
native country whilft opportunity offered, they defired the 
Captain to give up all thoughts of fuch an attempt, and 
not to make any mention thereof to the King, left it might 
be the means of detaining them. And thus was ftifled the 
delire of all further inquiry, more efpecially when Mr. 
Sharp acquainted them, that he was commiftioned by Abba 
Thulle to inform them, that he would in about four days 
pay them a vifit, and ftay with them till their departure, and 
that he would then paint their veffel.—This meflage awak¬ 
ened fufpicions in feveral minds of the King’s defigns, which, 
becaufe 
