Friday 21.

This forenoon I received a message from Teppahoo to acquaint me the heifer was brought to Matavai.  I immediately went on shore and found that he had been as good as his word.  The purchase money was paid, which consisted of a shirt, a hatchet, a spike nail, a knife, a pair of scissors, a gimlet, and file; to which was added a small quantity of loaf-sugar.  Teppahoo appeared well pleased with his bargain; and I sent the heifer to Poeeno’s residence near which was plenty of grass.

In the afternoon I was invited to a heiva, the most extraordinary part of which was an oration, with some ceremonies in compliment to us.  Twelve men were divided into four ranks, with two women in the front; behind them all stood a priest who made a speech which lasted ten minutes and which was listened to with some attention.  During this the picture of Captain Cook, which had been brought for that purpose, was placed by my side.  When the priest left off speaking a piece of white cloth was wrapped round the picture and another piece round me.  The priest then spoke again for a short time, and an old man placed a piece of plaited coconut leaf at my feet; the same was done to Tinah, and one piece was put under the picture.  After this the dancing began, which was in the same style that we had already seen.

The head of the ship was the figure of a woman, and not ill carved.  As we were painting the ship’s upper works I directed this figure to be painted in colours, with which the islanders were much pleased.  Not only the men but the women desired me to bring English women when I came again.  Today Oedidde, thinking I was not convinced of the truth of what he had told me about Iddeah, mentioned the affair to the lady herself in my hearing, at which she laughed, but said he did ill to tell me of it.  However it was evident she was not much offended for they were both very much diverted in discoursing upon the subject.

I find it is not at all uncommon for brothers to have connection with the wives of each other, particularly elder brothers with the wives of their younger brothers, which is generally allowed and no offence taken:  but if any person not belonging to the family endeavours at the same intimacy it is resented as an injury.  Inclination seems to be the only binding law of marriage at Otaheite.

As I purposed to get instruments on shore at Point Venus to make observations I desired Tinah to order a house to be brought there for me, which was done and fixed in half an hour, being only a light shed supported by posts.

Monday 24.

Today I bought a turtle that was caught on the reefs.  As Tinah was going to leave me for a few days I had it dressed for his dinner.  He told me that his mother, Oberreeroah, was arrived from the island Tethuroa, and begged that I would send for her in the morning and take care of her till he returned, which I willingly promised.

Tuesday 25.