During these transactions, a friendly old man in a small canoe made several trips between us and the shore, bringing off each time a few cocoa-nuts, or a yam, and taking in exchange whatever we gave him.  Another was on the gangway when the great gun was fired, but I could not prevail on him to stay there long.  Towards the evening, after the ship was moored, I landed at the head of the harbour, in the S.E. corner, with a strong party of men, without any opposition being made by a great number of the natives who were assembled in two parties, the one on our right and the other on the left, armed with clubs, darts, spears, slings, and stones, bows, and arrows, etc.  After distributing to the old people (for we could distinguish no chief), and some others, presents of cloth, medals, etc.  I ordered two casks to be filled with water out of a pond about twenty paces behind the landing-place; giving the natives to understand, that this was one of the articles we wanted.  Besides water, we got from them a few cocoa-nuts, which seemed to be in plenty on the trees; but they could not be prevailed upon to part with any of their weapons.  These they held in constant readiness, and in the proper attitudes of offence and defence; so that little was wanting to make them attack us; at least we thought so, by their pressing so much upon us, and in spite of our endeavours to keep them off.  Our early re-embarking probably disconcerted their scheme; and after that, they all retired.  The friendly old man before mentioned, was in one of these parties; and we judged, from his conduct, that his temper was pacific.

CHAPTER V.

An Intercourse established with the Natives; some Account of the Island, and a Variety of Incidents that happened during our Stay at it.

August 1774

As we wanted to take in a large quantity both of wood and water, and as, when I was on shore, I had found it practicable to lay the ship much nearer the landing-place than she now was, which would greatly facilitate that work, as well as overawe the natives, and enable us better to cover and protect the working party on shore; with this view, on the 6th, we went to work to transport the ship to the place I designed to moor her in.  While we were about this, we observed the natives assembling from all parts, and forming themselves into two parties, as they did the preceding evening, one on each side the landing-place, to the amount of some thousands, armed as before.  A canoe, sometimes conducted by one, and at other times by two or three men, now and then came off, bringing a few cocoa-nuts or plantains.  These they gave us without asking for any return; but I took care they should always have something.  Their chief design seemed to invite us on shore.  One of those who came off was the old man, who had already ingratiated himself into our favour.  I made him understand, by signs, that they were to lay aside their weapons, took those