The islands to the east bore from N.E. by E. to S.E. by E., latitude observed 16 deg. 17’ south.  As we drew nearer the shore we discovered a creek, which had the appearance of being a good harbour, formed by a low point or peninsula, projecting out to the north.  On this a number of people were assembled, who seemed to invite us ashore; probably with no good intent, as the most of them were armed with bows and arrows.  In order to gain room and time to hoist out and arm our boats, to reconnoitre this place, we tacked and made a trip off, which occasioned the discovery of another port about a league more to the south.  Having sent two armed boats to sound and look for anchorage, on their making the signal for the latter, we sailed in S.S.W., and anchored in eleven fathoms water, not two cables’ length from the S.E. shore, and a mile within the entrance.

We had no sooner anchored than several of the natives came off in canoes.  They were very cautious at first; but, at last, trusted themselves alongside, and exchanged, for pieces of cloth, arrows; some of which were pointed with bone, and dipped in some green gummy substance, which we naturally supposed was poisonous.  Two men having ventured on board, after a short stay, I sent them away with presents.  Others, probably induced by this, came off by moon-light; but I gave orders to permit none to come alongside, by which means we got clear of them for the night.

Next morning early, a good many came round us, some in canoes, and others swimming.  I soon prevailed on one to come on board, which be no sooner did, than he was followed by more than I desired; so that not only our deck, but rigging, was presently filled with them.  I took four into the cabin, and gave them various articles, which they shewed to those in the canoes, and seemed much pleased with their reception.  While I was thus making friends with those in the cabin, an accident happened that threw all into confusion, but in the end, I believe, proved advantageous to us.  A fellow in a canoe having been refused admittance into one of our boats that lay alongside, bent his bow to shoot a poisoned arrow at the boat-keeper.  Some of his countrymen prevented his doing it that instant, and gave time to acquaint me with it.  I ran instantly on deck, and saw another man struggling with him; one of those who had been in the cabin, and had leaped out of the window for this purpose.  The other seemed resolved, shook him off, and directed his bow again to the boat-keeper; but, on my calling to him, pointed it at me.  Having a musquet in my hand loaded with small shot, I gave him the contents.  This staggered him for a moment, but did not prevent him from holding his bow still in the attitude of shooting.  Another discharge of the same nature made him drop it, and the others, who were in the canoe, to paddle off with all speed.  At this time, some began to shoot arrows on the other side.  A musquet discharged in the air had no effect; but a four-pound shot over