THE PE LEW ISLANDS. 
All thefe arguments were ineffectual to fubdue the general 
apprehenfion, not more than two or three uniting in fenti- 
ment with the Captain; it was therefore concluded, after a 
long confultation on the matter, that every one fhould be 
ftriCtly on his guard; that the fwivels and fix-pounder 
fhould continue to be kept loaded with grape-fliot, the fmall 
arms ready charged with ball, and the cartouch-boxes filled 
with loaded cartridges; but that every one fhould carefully 
avoid all appearance of fufpicion, unlefs any uncommon 
number of canoes fhould pour into the bay, or thofe who 
were in them appear armed with lpears, or approach with 
any hoftile parade, in which cafe every method fhould be 
taken to defend themfelves; and, as their numbers were in¬ 
adequate to refill fuch a multitude as might attack them, 
that they muff then ufe their abilities in fingling out the 
Chiefs, and by fuch a meafure throw confufion and dif- 
may among the reft. 
As the faithful hiftorian of thefe tran factions, it is my 
duty to record every material occurrence; though I muft con- 
fefs that my hand fhrinks from the paper, whilft, impreffed 
with horror and pity, I am compelled to relate, that the lives 
•firft intended to be devoted were, thofe of the humane, li¬ 
beral King, the manly and benevolent General, the facetious 
and inoffeniive Arra Kooker. But, however this refolu- 
tion may fhock the reader, yet he will candidly afcribe 
this daring conception, not to a want of that generofity 
which 
2IS 
1783. 
NOVEMBER. 
