%V ^oo^^Sxi^^ 6Vs t^'flj^Nt ^6,5VgV^ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/adventuresofbritOOmuFrrich ADVENTURES BRITISH SEAMEN. A NEW ZEALAND CHIEF J-'roni an {/rl(/uiaJJ)r/im7U7 hv GP- Harris. ^ ^^IX^THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS^ ^-^ OF LITERATURE, SCIEXCE,*THE ARTS ABVBKTir&ES OF BRFTISH SEABIEM En^avci n S«k1 i^-WMaAM EDINBFRGH: FJRINTE® IF DH rt])HSTABIL.jE «r € ? 1827 ADVENTURES OF BRITISH SEAMEN IN THE SOUTHERN OCEAN, DISl'LATINO THE STRIKING CONTRASTS WHICH THE HUMAN CHARACTER EXHIBITS in AH UNCIVILIZED STATE. EDINBURGH: PRINTED FOR CONSTABLE AND CO. 1827. ^9o i 7 PREFACE. The vicissitudes of a life at sea are more striking, and calculated to excite a deeper interest, than any other which the circle of real life presents. Tlie continued change of scene, and the extreme peril which every moment impends over the mariner, render his life a scene of perpetual excitement. This is most particularly the case, when his course is through vast and distant oceans, and towards savage shores, where human safety exists in a form wholly different from any to which he has been accustomed. All the voyages through the Pacific are there- fore interesting ; yet those made under pros- perous auspices, and with an united crew «2 VI PREFACE. are neither so, eventful, nor calculated to give such striking views of human nature, as others, where mutiny, disaster, shipwreck and desertion, have thrown the crews en- tirely at the mercy of the elements, or of the savage natives. A selection, therefore, of some remarkable recent instances of this nature appeared to form an appropriate part of a Miscellany, of which the object is to combine instruction with rational amuse- ment. The adventure of Captain Wilson, cast away upon the Pelew Islands, a hitherto unknown group, and received there with a kindness which places the character of un- tutored man in its most amiable light, would, it was conceived, form a peculiarly interest- ing part of the present volume. An excel- lent narrative, which appeared at the time, with some additions, has, it is hoped, en- abled us to condense all that is valuable in this beautiful and eventful story. The violent mutiny which broke out in the Bounty, sent out under Captain Bligh to the South Sea with a patriotic object. PllBFACE. Vll gave rise to a teries of acj^ntures of the most striking description, and in which all the extremes both of civilized and savage life were displayed with peculiar force. The almost miraculous preservation of Captain Bligh, and the remnant of his crew ; — the voyage and shipwreck of the Pandora, sent out to discover and punish the guilty ; — last of all, the establishment of the mutineers on Pitcairn's Island, and thus the formation of an European society upon a solitary island in the heart of the Pacific : — these form a chain of events, which, taken in connexion, surpass in novelty and interest any thing that is almost ever presented in ordinary life. The last part of ^he volume, narrating the catastrophe of a crew on the coast of New Zealand, presents an adventure truly tragical, and places in a strong light the character of a race, in whom many amiable qualities are wildly and strangely imited with the most savage barbarism. H. MURRAY. Edinhurgh, > Februnrtj 1827. \ CONTENTS. SHIPWRECK OF THE ANTELOPK fAGVi Introductioa, 8 CHAPTER L The Antelope Sails from IVIacao — List of the Crew — Distress — Strikes on a Rock — Landing — Appear- ance of Natives — Interview and Transactions with them — Particulars concerning Raa Kook, Arra Kooker, &c. , , 13 CHAPTER IL Tlie King visits them — Reception and Behaviour — Examines every thing, and is pleased — Farther proceedings — At his request, Five Men Qxe sent to assist him against Artingall, S7 CHAPTER III. Return of the People — Account of the Expedltlorv— . Captam Wilson visits Pele^- — Application made for more Men — Fresh Visit of the King — Second Expedition to Aitingiill«-*X)«ub and l^neral of Raa Kook'K Son . I . > 54 X CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV. PAGE Disaster of the Vessel — Account of the Third En- gagement — Captain Wilson's Visit to Rupacks — Abba ThuUe visits the English with his Wife and Daughter, &c 96 CHAPTER V. Expedition to Pelelew — Visit from Abba Thulle — Launching of the Schooner — Presents to the King- Preparations for Departure — Captain Wilson made a Rupack — Blanchard's determination to remain —Proposal for Lee Boo returning with the Eng- lish — Other Proceedings previous to Sailing . 113 CHAPTER VL General Descriptioa of the Islands — -Productions — Natives — Dress — Dispositions — Manners — Reli- gion — Marriages—Customs — General Character- Government — Precedency, Sec H2 CHAPTER VIL Passage to Macao — Proceed to Canton and embark for England — Anecdotes of Lee Boo — His Illi;ie88 and Death 139 CHAPTER VIIL Mission sent to the Pelew Islands under Captain M'CIuer— Rieception — Events since the Departure of the English — Various Proceedings — New Expe- dition to Artingall — Death of Abba Thulle — M*- Cluer remains — His adventures — Subsequent ac- counts from the Islands 187 CONTENTS. XI MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. CHAPTER I. PAGE Motives of sending Captain Bligh to the South Sea —His voyage— Arrival at Otaheite — Transactions in that Island — Completes his mission— Departure 213 CHAPTER II. Mutiny — CapUin Bligh's Situation — Transactions at Tofoa — Voyage to New Holland — To Timor — Reception there — Return Home 239 CHAPTER III. Equipment of the Pandora Frigate — Voyage to Ota- heite — Capture of part of the Mutineers — The Friendly Islands — Voyage Homewards— Ship- wreck — Arrival at Timor — At Batavia .... 278 CHAJPTER IV. Sir Thomas Staines ordered round Cape Horn- Lima — The Sandwich Islands — Arrival at Pit- cairn's Island — Account of the Mutineers — Their Settlement in that Island — Its Present State, . 305 Particlars of the Destruction of a British Vessel on the Coast of New Zealand ; with Anecdotes of some New Zealand Chiefs. ( JFith a Portrait of Tippa- bee.) 32S I. NARRATIVE OF THE SHIPWRECK OF THE ANTELOPE m AUGUST 1783; WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE PELEW ISLANDS TO THE PRESENT TIME, SHIPWRECK OF THE ANTELOPE. INTBODUCTION. Thb following Narrative comprises the adven- tures of a body of British seamen^ who were cast upon an unknown shore of the southern ocean. There, a people scarcely known even by name, and accounted peculiarly savage, received and treated them with a kindness which would have done honour to the most civilized society. This relation unfolds so eventful a story, and presents human nature under so new and pleasing a light, that a condensed and corrected republication of it may form, it is hoped^ an acceptable part of the present volume. Nothing, as Mr Keate observes, can be more interesting to man than the history of man. The manners of civilized nations bear a strong resem- blance to each other; whereas, in countries which science or the arts of refinement have never reached, we observe a wonderful disparity. Some are found in that state of darkness and absolute barbarism, from the view of which 4 SHIPWRECK OF iHimanity gladly turns aside^ while others, by the mere force of natural good sense, have not only emerged from this gloom, but have nearly attained that order, propriety, and good conduct, which constitute the essence of real civilization. Such a people;, who do honour to the name of man, have been brought to the knowledge of Europe by the events which attended the catastrophe which is here to be re- lated. The present narrative is not more marked by novelty than by authenticity. Captain Wilson, indeed, had neither the leisure nor the habits of composition which suited him to the task ; but it was undertaken by Mr Keate, his intimate friend, into whose hands he put all his journals and papers, and gave the most ample oral infor- mation respecting all that had passed at Pelew. Mr Keate also communicated fully with several of the other officers ; and when, from these vari-* ous materials, he had drawn up his narrative, it was revised in the most careful manner by Cap* tain Wilson, whose character and integrity are above all suspicion. Finally, the narrative was published while many of the original eye-wit- nesses were yet alive ; and an expedition, sent to the same islands under other commanders, brought back accounts that were every way in perfect accordance with those of Captain Wilson and his crew. Mr Keate's narrative, which was somewhat bulky and diffuse, has been abridged in a pleas- •ing and judicious manner in a little volume, en-« titled, ^' Narrative of the Shipwreck of the Ant telope. East India Pacquet, on the Pelew Islands, THE ANTELOPE. 5 situated on the western part of the Papific O- cean, in August 1783, (12mo, Morison and Son, Perth, 1788.)" This volume forms the basis of what is now presented to the reader. The style has undergone considerable revision, and a num- ber of passages in Mr Keate's original^ which appeared more full and interesting than in the abridgement, have been incorporated with it; particularly those which relate to the adventures and fate of Lee Boo. A summary has been given from Mr Pearce Hockin's Supplement, * and from other sources, of what has since transpired respecting the history and condition of the Pe- lew islands. Before introducing our readers to the narra- tive, which made known to Europe this new and interesting people, it may not be unaccep- table to collect into one view such slight notices of their existence as had been obtained by for- mer navigators. There is no geographical feature which has more eluded the active search of modem naval discovery, than that long range of islands known by the name of the Carolinas. The Pelew group, which forms the most westerly portion of it, is not quite eight degrees of longitude to the east of the Philippines, an early and exten- sive settlement of the Spaniards. Yet that people had never gained any information at all • A Supplement to the History of the Pelew Islands, com- piled from the Journals of the Panther and Endeavour, two vessels sent by the Honourable East India Company to those islands in the year 1790 ; and from the oral communications of Captain H. Wilson. By the Reverend John Pearce Hockin, of Exeter CoUege, Oxford, M. A. 4to. Loud. 1803. a2 6 SHIPWRECK OF precise or positive on the subject. A general impression prevailed^ that this part of the ocean was shallow;, and encumbered with reefs^ which rendered navigation dangerous. The galleons were;, therefore^ instructed to steer to the north- ward, avoiding even the Ladrones, and not to take any easterly course till they had reached the clear expanse of the Pacific. The first discovery of the Pelew Islands ap- pears to have been made by Sir Francis Drake ; for we agree with Captain Burney in thinking, that the islands which he met with in the lati- tude of eight degrees north could not well be any other than these. We are very sorry to be obliged to add, that the impression received by that great navigator was not at all flattering, or corresponding to that which will be conveyed in the following pages. He even bestowed upon them the appellation of the ^' Islands of Thieves." It must be observed, at the same time, that we liave heard the statement of only one party, founded, too, on very short experience. It is admitted, that at first they behaved extremely well ; but there was soon observed a disposition to receive without giving any thing in return ; $nd on the English refusing, perhaps in some- what of a rough manner, to deal on such terms, the natives let fly a shower of stones. Our countrymen thereupon discharged a great gun over their heads, which caused them speedily to »iake off; but they were succeeded by others, who showed themselves stiU more hostilely in- clined, and the conclusion was, that ^^ they could not be got rid of, till they had been made to feel smart as well as terror/' Drake men- THE ANTELOPE. 7 tions the blacking of their teeth^ and says, that many had their nails very long, and their ears cut round in a peculiar manner. In 1686, Don Francisco Lazeano, in sailing from the Ladrones^ discovered a large island, to which, in honour of the reigning monarch, he gave the name of La Carolina. This appella- tion^ converted into a plural^ was afterwards applied to the whole of this extensive group. Quiroga^ governor of the LadroneSj sent an ex- pedition to search for this new discovery ; but the vessel returned without having been able to find a trace of this or any other island. At the Philippines^ meantime, though no at- tempts were made to explore the islands to the eastward, considerable curiosity is said to have been excited by several circumstances. Among these is particularly mentioned large smokes, seen to the eastward by fishermen from Minda- nao, who had gone farther out to sea than usual, and also from the top of the mountains of Samar. The former case is probable^ but the latter must have been- a complete illusion, since Samar is at least 400 miles distant from Pelew, or any part of the Carolina range. The fi^-st certain information was obtained from a body of seventy- nine natives, who, being driven out to sea by a tempest, succeeded, after a navigation of seventy days, in reaching the port of Guivam. Father Clain, who gives the account, calls them, and the islands from which they came, Palaos, Mr Keate derives this term from the Spanish word Pahs, masts, supposing that this idea was sug- gested by the tall palm trees which were seen growing in great abunda^iee. The derivation 8 SHIPWRECK OF appears to us very fanciful^ especially as there is not the least rumour of any Spaniards having sailed near or seen these islands ; and the know- ledge respecting them is reported as drawn sole- ly from the accounts of the shipwrecked natives. Palaos appears very clearly to be a mere varia- tion or corruption of Pelew. "Nor can we per- ceive upon what grounds Mr Keate concludes, that " whoever peruses these accounts with at- tention, will instantly perceive that they relate solely to the new Carolines." On comparing them with those given of the Pelew islanders in his own book, there appears to us a very striking coincidence. These people, according to Father Clain, were of a very dark colour, and wore scarcely any clothes, but had their bodies tat- tooed all over. There were on their islands neither cows, horses, dogs, or quadrupeds of any description. -They had no domestic fowls ex- cept hens, the eggs of which were not used as food. Their only cutting instruments were made of shells, sharpened upon a species of stone. They were, notwithstanding, cheerful, content- ed with their condition, and very peaceable. They had no idols nor form of religious worship, but paid much respect to the king and the offi- cers under him. They were lively and curious, and showed extreme surprise at the variety of new objects which an European town presented to them. They were astonished by the solem- nities of the church, by the music and dancing of the Spaniards, and, above all, by the effects of gunpowder. They valued iron as if it had been gold ; and when they got a bit of this metal, laid it under their head when they went to sleep. THE ANTELOPE. 9 Their only support on the voyage had been the fish which they could take^ and the water col- lected in cocoa-nut shells. This incident excited a considerable sensation in the Philippines^ and the governor sent a vessel under Don Francis Padilla^ with a crew of eighty-six men, to gain every possible infor- mation respecting these islands. He was also accompanied by two Jesuit missionaries^, Dube- ron, and Cortil, who were to be left for the con- version of the natives. They touched first at a small island^, which they call Sonsorol, where they were well received, and where the two missionaries, with several of the natives, went ashore. After beating about for some time, they came to the largest island, called Panloque, probably a corruption of Pelew. Six boats came off, having eighty men on board, when several leaped into the sea, and swam towards the ves- sel. They then began to lay hold of bits of iron, a hammock, and other things which hung from its sides, with intent, as was, perhaps, too harshly supposed, to steal them. Under this impression, the captain ordered his men to stand to their arms. Hereupon the natives promptly regained their boats, and began rowing towards land ; but, in parting, let fly a shower of arrows. This, by direction of the captain, was returned with a general charge of fire-arms, at which the Indians were so affrighted, that they leaped into the sea, and began swimming to land ; but, on seeing that the firing ceased, they came again on board the boats, and rowed ashore with all expedition. Stress of weather afterwards oblig- ed the Spaniards to return to Sonsorol, and ' StilPWRECK OF also to leave the coast of that island, and return to Manilla, without being able to take on board the two missionaries, who were never afterwards heard of. Another event, similar to the former, brought the Caroline Islands again under notice of the Spaniards. In 1721, two strange barks, with about thirty persons on board, were driveh upon the coast of Guam, one of the Ladrones. They came from the Carolines, but a different part of the range than the natives thrown ashore at the Philippines. They described the Palaos, or Panliew Islands, as the most westerly of five provinces, into which the Carolines ia general were divided. They drew the most gloomy picture of its inhabitants, representing them as stark naked, eating human flesh, and viewed by the rest of the islanders with horror,^ as the common enemies of mankind. The missionary, Cantova, who transmits this dreadful account, says he has other reasons for believing it true. Such was the impression which remained in Europe regarding the Pelew islanders, strange- ly different from that which will be hereafter conveyed. The picture was certainly drawn by an enemy, and making allowance for this, and the exaggeration it prompted, we may remem- ber, that the natives of Pelew, like other sava- ges, did display towards their hostile neigh- bours, a ferocity of temper very different from that which prevailed in their domestic inter- course. The Carolina natives spent about four months at Guam, during which time they busily em- ployed themselves in collecting all the old nails. THE A53TELOPE. 11 and littk bits of iron that could be found. They then expressed an anxious wish to return home without delay j, declaring that otherwise life would be intolerable to them. In 1731 J a vessel was sent to the Caroline Islands, having c«i board the missionaries Can- tova and Walter. They remained there, with the consent of the natives, for three months, at the end of which time, Walter returned to ob- tain some supplies which were found to be want- ing. It happened to be two years before he was able to return. The vessel, on approach- ing the shore, was alarmed by seeing no trace of the house built, and of the cross set up on their first arrival. At length, four boats came out ; but when the natives were aaked respecting Cantova, their countenances became marked by the deepest terror, and, with loud cries, .they leaped into the sea and swam ashore. The Spaniards succeeded in seizing one, from whom they learned the fatal tidings, which there was already no room to doubt. Cantova, having gone to baptize an Indian on a neighbouring island, was surrounded by the natives in great numbers, and with loud cries, which evidently announced the most bloody intent. He asked them why they should murder one who had never done them any injury. They replied, that he came to change their ancient customs and institu- tions, and that they would have nothing to do with the religion which he sought to intro- duce. They then run him through the body with three lances, massacred his three attendants^ and then set out in their boats for the Spanish house, determined at once to root out the 12 SHIPWRECK OF settlement. It was defended by four men^ who, hy their fire-arms, made the assailants pay dear for the gratification of this furious animo- sity ; but, at length, overpowered by numbers, they all shared the fate of their leader. There perished, on this occasion, eight Spaniards, four Indians, and one slave. After this tragical issue, the whole of the Carolines were allowed to relapse into that ob- livion from which they had temporarily emerg- ed. Although they lay in the most direct line across the Pacific, yet Cook and the other great navigators who paved a route, as it were, through this vast ocean, were led, by peculiar circum- stances, to go considerably either to the south or north of that line ; either to the Australasian regions, or to the northern coasts of Asia and America. The Palaos, or Pelew Islands, there- fore, wlien the narrative of Captain Wilson's shipwreck appeared^ formed a region, of which, generally speaking, even the name was unknown to the people of Europe. THE ANTELOPE. l3 CHAPTER I. THE ANTELOPE SAILS FROM MACAO-— LIST OF THE CREW DISTRESS STRIKES ON A ROCK LANDING APPEARANCE OF NATIVES IN- TERVIEW AND TRANSACTIONS WITH THEM PARTICULARS CONCERNING RAA COOK, AR*4 KOOKER, &C. Captain Henry Wilson, of the Antelope Packet, in the service of the British East In- dia Company, about 300 tons burden, sailed from IMacao, in China, on her passage home- ward, on Sunday the 20th July 1783. As in the sequel of this narrative, there will be some^ times occasion to mention the names of the ship's company, the following list of them may be use- ful. Names. Stations, Henry Wilson, Commander. Philip Benger, since dead^ Chief Mate. Peter Barker, Second Mate. John Cummin, Third Mate. John Sharp, . Surgeon. Arthur William Devis, Passenger. John Blanch, Gunner. William Harvey, Boatswain. John Polkinghom, Carpenter. John Mealc, Cooper and Steward. Richard Jenkins, Carpenter's Mate. James Swift, Cook. Richard Sharp, Midshipman. 14 SHIPWEECK OF Henry Wilson Jiinr. Midslupman, son lo the Captahi, John Weclgebrough, Midshipman. Robert White, Midshipman. Albert Pierson, Quarter Master. Godfrey Minks, since dead-, Quarter Master. Thomas Button, Captain's Steward. . Thomas Rose, a Portuguese, Linguist And^ Matthias Wilson, the Captain's brother, Thomas Wil- son, (since dead) Dedrick Windier, Zachariah Allen, John Cooper, James Bluitt, Thomas Castles, William Roberts, Nicholas Tyacke, William Steward, Madan Blanchard, Thomas Whitfield, William Cobbledick, and James Dun- can, Seamen. Besides these. Captain Wilson was allowed sixteen Chinese, to keep the ship's complement of hands complete. On Monday the 21st, they got clear out to sea, when they dischargied the pilot, and took leave of several gentlemen who had accompanied them for a few leagues. From the 23d July to the 8th of August, they had very stormy un- settled weather, insomuch that their fore top-mast sprung, and aU their live cattle died. On the 9th the weather became more moderate ; and having opened their ports they dried the ship, exam- ined their stores and provisions, and proceeded cheerfully on their voyage, flattering themselves that distress and danger were now fairly past ; little foreseeing the heavy misfortunes which were so quickly to overtake them. Early on Sunday morning, 10th October, a strong breeze sprung up, attended with much rain, thunder, and lightning. Captain Wilson had gone to bed about twelve, leaving Mr Ben- ger, the chief mat^, to command on deck. While the seamen were busied in reefing the sails, the man on watch exclaimed. Breakers, Scarcely had THE ANTELOPE. lO he pronounced the word^ when the ship struck. It is not easy to express the consternation which ensued; allAvho were in bed below, came imme- diately on deckj inquiring the cause of this sud- den shock and confusion : too soon tney learned their dismal situation ; the breakers appeared alongside, with the rocks through them ; in less tlian an hour the ship bulged, and filled with water up to the lower deck hatchways. Dur- ing this tremendous interval, the seamen eager- ly thronged round the captain, and besought liim to direct them what to do, and his orders would be implicitly obeyed. Captain Wilson's first orders were, to secure the gunpowder and small arms, and to get on deck the bread, and such other provisions as were liable to be spoiled by the water, covering them with tarpaulins, &c. to protect them from the rain. The ship threatened to overset ; to pre- vent which, they cut away the mizen-mast, the main and fore top-masts, and lowered the fore and main-yards, to ease and preserve her as long as possible. The boats were then hoisted out, and filled with provisions ; two men, with a com- pass, some small arms, and ammunition, being put into each, with directions to keep them un- der the lee of the ship, and to be ready to re- ceive their ship-mates, in case the vessel should part by the violence of the wind and waves. Every thing being now done that prudence could dictate in so awful a situation, the officers and people assembled on the quarter-deck, that part being highest out of the water, and best sheltered from the rain and sea by the quarter- boards ; here they waited for day-light, in hopes 16 dHIPWllECK OF of seeing land, which as yet they had not been able to discern. During this interval, the anx- iety and horror of which may more easily be ima- gined than described. Captain Wilson endeavour- ed to revive the drooping spirits of his crew, by reminding them, that ship\vreck was a misfor- tune to which navigators were always liable ; and that although theirs was rendered more difficult and distressing by its happening in an unknown and unfrequented sea, yet this consi- deration should only rouse them to greater acti- vity, in endeavouring to extricate themselves : and, above all, he sought to impress on their minds, that misfortunes, such as theirs, had ge- nerally been rendered much more dreadful by the despair of the crew, and by their want of agreement among themselves. To prevent which, he most earnestly besought each of them, sepa- rately, on no account whatever, to taste any spirituous liquor. He had the satisfaction to find a ready consent given to tliis most important ad-> vice. We have been the more circumstantial in our account of this part of their transactions, because we think a most valuable example is afforded by the presence of mind which was preserved, and the prudence that was exerted, by Captain Wil- son in one of the most trying situations to which human nature can be exposed. It shows also, in the most favourable light, the temper and disposition of his officers, and of the whole crew. As they were almost worn out by the exces- sive labour they had undergone, two glasses of wine and some biscuit were given to every one, and they waited £oi day-break witli no little THE ANTELOPE. 17 anxiety, iii hope of discovering land, Mean- tiinG;, they endeavoured to support each other's spirits as much as possible, and by the captain's direction, put on as many clothes as it was pos- sible to caiTy with them, in the event of getting safe from the wreck ; and let it not be forgotten, to the honour of this crew, that the utmost cor- diality prevailed among them ; none attempted, in the hour of confusion, to touch his neighbour's property, nor to taste Xh^ forbidden spirits. The dawn discovered to their view a small island, at the distance of about three or four leagues to the southward ; and as the day-light increased, they saw more islands to the east- ward. Their apprehensions w'ere now on ac- count of the natives, to whose dispositions they were perfect strangers : however, after manning the boats and loading them in the best manner they were able for the. general good, they dis- patched the crews to the small island, under the direction of INIr Benger, the chief mate, who was earnestly requested to establish, if possible, a friendly intercourse with the natives, if any were found, and carefully to avoid all disagreement with them, unless caused by the most urgent ne- cessity. As soon as the boats w^ere gone, those who were left in the ship began to get the booms over board, and to make a raft for their security, in case the Antelope should go to pieces, which was hourly expected : at the same time they were under the most painful apprehensions for the safety of the boats, on which all depended ; not only on account of the natives, but of the weather, as it continued to blow very hard. But in the afternoon they hailed with inexpressible joy the b2 18 SHIPWRECK aF return of tlie boats, with the welcome news, that there was no appearance of inhabitants on the island : that they had found a secure harbour, well sheltered from the weather, and also some fresh water. They had landed the stores, and left them under charge of five of the men. This good account revived the crew, and they pro- ceeded in completing their raft with fresh vigour, having got another glass of wine with biscuit. A very distressing accident, however, happened this day ; the mizen-mast being found near the ship's stern, and part of the rigging entangled with the mizen chains, Godfrey Minks was em- ployed to clear ij, whilst doing which, he unlucki- ly slipped over board: the boats were imme- diately sent to his assistance, but without effect. Having finished the raft, they loaded it, as well as the jolly-boat and pinnace, with as many stores and provisions as they could contain, con- sistently with the safety of the people who were to be in them. As the day was advancing, the fcaptain ordered the boatswain to wind his call, to summon all the people out of the ship ; for, so busily were they employed in bringing as much as possible with them, that there was ap- prehension lest the main-mast might fall before they could be collected. Their feelings on quit- ting the Antelope, going they knew not whether,, were of the most gloomy and anxious nature. The stoutest of the hands were put on board the pinnace, which took the raft in tow and moved slowly on, till they had cleared the reef; while the jolly-boat, which was of little service to the raft, proceeded alone to the shore, and conveyed them to their companions that had been left in THE AXTELOPE. 19 the morning. They ft)und a tent ready £(Tr tlieir reception^ and a spot of ground cleared for the Btores^ Sec. The situation of those aboard the pinnace and the raft^ till they cleared the reef, was terrible indeed. The swell of the waves was such, that they repeatedly lost sight of each other, and those on the raft were obliged to tie themselves to the planks with ropes to prevent their being washed TofF; whilst the horror of the scene was increased »by the screams of the Chinese, Avho were not ac- customed to the perils of the element with which they v/ere now contending. When they had fairly cleared the reef, they got into deep smooth water, in the channel run- ning between the reef and the islands ; but, on approaching the land, they found a very strong current which drove them considerably to lee- ward. They soon found they could not resist its impetuosity, and, therefore, having brought the raft to a grapnel, all the hands got on board the pinnace, to relieve the rowers. Meanwhile, the cargo of the jolly-boat being unladen. Captain Wilson was returning in her, to assist those on board the pinnace. The night was by this time dark, and the captain overhearing them at a dis- tance, hailed them. Those on board the pin- nace, overjoyed at the near prospect of relief, re- turned the halloo, in so shrill and unusual a man- ner, that Captain Wilson immediately concluded they were natives. He formed this idea the more readily, from having just learned from those on shore, that various circumstances had led them to conclude, that there had been natives on thai spot v^ry lately ; he, therefore^ retreated to 20 SHIPWRECK OF the shore with the utmost precipitation. Hap- pily^ however, the crew were soon relieved by the arrival of the pinnace, when all the company shook hands together (need it be added) with great cordiality. They supped on cheese, biscuit and water, and having lighted a match by tiie discharge of a pistol, they kindled a fire in the cove, by which they dried their clothes and warmed themselves. The night proved very un- comfortable as the weather was exceedingly tempestuous, while the fear of the ship going to pieces before they could save such things as they needed, not a little heightened their distress. Lest they should be surprised by the natives, they set a watch, and slept on the ground by turns. Next forenoon, (Monday the 11th,) proved very stormy ; they in vain attempted to bring off the raft, and were obliged to leave it, bringing with them the sails and remainder of the provi- sions. In the afternoon the weather was more mo- derate and the boats were dispatched to the sliip to bring off what they could ; while those on shore were employed in brushing up the small arms. The evening set in very squally, and as the boats did not return from the ship till about ten o'clock, those on shore were not a little alarmed about them ; nor were they much easier, when the chief mate and crew, who returned with the pinnace, brought the melancholy intelligence, that they did not conceive, from the badness of the weather, that the ship could hold together till morning, as she was beginning to part, the herids or wales being started out of their places. THE ANTELOPE. 21 The ideQ6 which had been fondly nnr^> that when a calm succeeded there was a possibility she might be floated and repaired, so as to re- turn to MacaO;, or some part of China, were, by this account, totally extinguished. The prospect now darkened round them, fear pictured strong- ly every danger, and hope could hardly find an opening through which one r^y of consolation might shoot. They knew nothing of the inhabi-« tants of that countr}^ where fate had thrown them; ignorant of their manners and dispositions, as well as of the hostile scenes they might have to encounter for their safety, they found them- selves, by this sudden accident, cut oft' at once ' from the rest of the world, with little probability of ever escaping. Each individual threw back his remembrance to some dear object that affec- tion had rivetted to his heart, who might be in vain looking out anxiously for the return of the father, the husband, or the friend, whom there was scarcely the most distant chance of their ever seeing any more. These reflections did not con- tribute to make the night comfortable ; the wea- ther was far more tempestuous than in the pre- ceding one; but the clothes which the people had procured from the ^vreck proved a great comfort to them all, who were thereby enabled to have a change. In the morning it blew exceedingly strong, so that the boats could not go oft' to the wreck ; the men therefore employed themselves in drying their provisions, and forming better tents, from the materials which they had brought from the ship the day before. About eight o'clock in the moraiiig, the people beiug employed as 3» SHIPWRECK OF ■ above, and in clearing the ground from the wood which was behind the tents. Captain 'Wilson, with Tom Rose, a Malay, whom they had taken on board at Macao, being on the beach, collect- ing the fresh water which dropped from the rocks, saw two canoes, with men in ^euiy com- ing round the point into the bay. This gave such alarm, that the people all ran to their arms ; however, as there were but few of the natives. Captain Wilson desired them to keep out of sight, until they should perceive what reception he met with, but to be prepared for the worst. They soon perceived that the natives had seen the captain and Tom Rose, for they conversed together, and kept their eyes steadfastly fixed on that part of the shore where the English were. The natives advanced very cautiously to- ward the captain, and when they came near enough to be heard, he directed Rose to speak to them in the Malay language ; which they at first did not seem to understand ; but they stop- ped their canoes, and soon after one of them asked, in the Malay tongue, who our people were, and whether they were friends or enemies ? Rose was directed to reply, that they were un- fortunate Englishmen, who had lost their ship on the reef, but had saved their lives, and that they were friends. On this they seemed to con- fer together for a short time, and then stepped out of the canoes into the water, and went to- ward the shore. Captain Wilson instantly wad- ed into the water to meet them, and embracing them in the most friendly manner, led them to the shore, and presented them to his officers, and unfortunate companions. They were eight THE ANTELOPE. 29 in number, two of wliom, it was afterwards known were brothers to the Rupack^ or King, of the neighbouring islands, and one was a ]\Ialay, who had been shipwrecked in a vessel belonging to a Chinese, resident on the island of Tei nate, one of the same group of islands ; he hud been kindly treated by the king, who, he said; was a good man, and that his people aW were courteous. He told them farther, that a canpe having been out fishing, had seen the ship's mast ; and that the king, "being informed of it, had sent off these two canoes at four o'clock that morning, to see what was become of the people who belonged to her ; and they knowing of the'^ harbour which the Englishmen were in, had come directly thither. It being about the hour of breakfast. Captain Wilson, Tom Rose, and only a few others break- fasted vrith tliem ; and in the course of a short conversation, they hinted a wish to be informed, by what means the Malay they had brought with them, had reached their islands. The Malay, who could indistinctly hammer out a few sentences both of Dutch and English, informed them, that he had formerly commanded a Chi- nese trading vessel, and about ten months since, on a voyage to Amboyna, had been cast away on a neighbouring island, from whence he had come to Pelew ; this account they afterwards found reason to believe was not just. The Ma- lay also mentioned, that one of the Pelew fish- ing canoes had observed the wreck, and, in con- sequence, these two canoes had been dispatched to succour the mariners if found. They dislik- ed tea, but relished the sweet biscuits very ¥ '-^n. 24 SHIPWRECK OF mudi ; and in a short time grew very ftimilkir and happy with the English. It often pleases Providence^ in the most try- ing hours of difficulty and distress, to throw open some unlooked-for source of consolation to the spirits of the unfortunate ! — It was a singu- lar accident, that Captain Rees of the Northum- berland should, at Macao, have recommended to Captain Wilson, Tom Rose as a servant, who spoke the Malay language perfectly well. It was still a more singular circumstance, that a tempest should have thrown a Malay on this spot, who had, as a stranger, been noticed and favoured by the king, and having been near a year on the island previous to the loss of the Antelope, was become acquainted with the language of the country ; by this extraordinary event, both the English and the inhabitants of Pelew had each an interpreter who could converse freely together in the Malay tongue. After breakfast Captain Wilson introduced the natives to several of his officers, and acquainted them with our mode of welcoming, by shaking hands, a custom whicli they never afterwards omitted on meeting any of the' English. The natives were of a moderate size, but ad- mirably proportioned, and very muscular ; their hair was long and black, rolled up in a peculiar- ly neat manner close to their heads ; except the younger of the king's two sons, none of them had beards ; they, in general, plucked out the hairs by the roots ; and when they afterwards examined the persons of the Englishmen, they ^discovered not a little surprise that they could suffer hair to grow on their breasts. They were THB ANTELQJ^E, 25 perfecdy naked, and their skin of a deep copper colour ; only their thighs appeared much dark-, er^, from being tattooed very closely. They used cocoa-oil^ rubbing it on their skins, which gave them a shining appearance, and great softness. The chief carried in his hand a basket of betel- nut, and a very neat bamboo, which contained what they called their chinam ; this is coral burnt to a lime, with which they sprinkle the leaf of the betel-nut, and then chew it ; this makes their saliva red, which, appearing betwixt their jet black teeth, occasions a very disagreea- ble contrast. They were conducted round the cove, and to the great surprise of the English, walked, though barefooted, on broken rock, shells, and thorny plants with the greatest ease, as if it had been the smoothest ground. They were now enabled to support a mutual conversa- tion, by means of the Malay-man, on the part of the natives, and Tom Rose on that of the English, and thus had an opportunity of exam- ining one another aa to the different appearances which occasioned mutual surprise- From this first interval, as well as what happened after- wards, it was evident, the natives had never be- fore seen a white man, and were ignorant of the existence of any such ; the natural surprise at seeing them may therefore be conceived. The appearance of clothes was quite new ; they be- gan stroking the waistcoats and coat sleeves, at a loss to determine, whether the man and his dress were not of the same substance. One of their ideas was exceedingly natural ; on observ- ing the white skin intermixed with the blue veins^ tliay supposed the latter to be the effects 26 SHIPWRECK OF of tattooing. But nothing afforded themgreater surprise than the sight of two dogs belonging to the ship, which, immediately on their approach^ set up a loud bark, to the great delight of the natives, who answered them in a shout almost as violent ; the cause of this joy and surprise was explained to be^ that, except a few grey rats, there are no quadrupeds on the island. Captain Wilson was exceedingly anxious to keep them ignorant of the nature and use of fire-a'?ms ; but one of thenij accidentally picking up a small leaden bullet, was surprised at its weighty and examined the Malay about it, who requested one of our muskets, to explain it to him. They seemed very desirous that one of the English should go with them in their canoes to. their king, that he might see what sort of beings white men were. Every one agreed that it would be right for some person to go ; but as dif- ficulties arose concerning who the person should be, the captain requested his brother^ Mr Mat- thias Wilson, who readily consented ; and about noon one of the canoes left the harbour with Mr Wilson ; the other canoe, with four persons, among whom was Raa Kook^ the elder of the king's brothers, and also general of his armies, remained with our people, of their own accord, until the canoe returned with Mr Wilson. The captain directed his brother to acquaint the king who they were ; to relate to him, as well as he could, the nature of their misfortune ; to solicit his friendship and protection, and permis- sion to build a vessel to carry them back to their own country. He also sent a present to the king, consisting of a small remnant of blue THE ANTELOPE. 2J broad ck^th, a canister of tea, another of sugar- candy, and a jar of rusk ; the last article was added at the particular request of the king's two brothers. The natives who remained, observing th^t our people had much trouble to procure the fresh water which they had occasion for, conducted them across a narrow part of the island, where it was more plentiful ; and the road to it being rugged and difficult, they carried, in their arms, Mr Sharp, a youth of about fifteen years of age, who was sent on this duty, over the most diffi- cult parts ; they also carefully assisted the men, who brought two jars of water from the well. The weather remained as bad as ever all the next night, but grew better in the morning, and about ten o'clock one of the boats went to the wreck. When they got there, they found that some of the natives had been on board ; that they had carried off some iron-work, and other things ; and, in particular, that they had rum- maged the medicine-chest, and tasted several of the medicines, which being probably not very palatable, they had tlirown out the contents, and carried off the bottles. This circumstance was made known to Raa Kook by the captain, not so much by way of complaint, as to express uneasiness for the consequences which might arise to the natives from their having tavSted, or perhaps drunk, such a variety of medicines. Raa Kook's countenance fully expressed the in- dignation he felt at the treacherous behaviour of his countrymen. He desired, if they caught any of them attempting again to plunder the vessel, that they would kill them, and he would 38 SHIPWRECK OF ju^ify the English to his brother for having done so : and he begged that Captain Wilson would entertain no uneasiness whatever on ac- count of what the plunderers might suffer, be- cause it would be entirely owing to their own misconduct. The same evening. Captain Wilson made a proposition to his officers, the boldness and ^vis- dom of wliich, the resolution manifested in its execution, with the unanimity and cheerfulness displayed by the crew in acceding to it, reflect the highest honour on all the parties concerned. Every one who knows any thing of seamen, knows that their grog '^ is the solace and joy of their lives ;" grog softens all their hardships, and causes even the horrors of war to pass by tmfelt ; nor is there any undertaking so dange- rous, or so desperate, that they will not most readily attempt for this reward, and scarcely a comfort in life that they will not forego rather than relinquish it. Yet Captain Wilson finding them rather noisy when they returned from the wreck, (owing to a little strong liquor which the officer who was then on duty had given them, and which, coming after long toil, and on an empty stomach, had operated powerfully, rather from these circumstances than from the quantity which they had drank^) it alarmed him so much, that he submitted to his oiffcers the propriety of staving (with the consent of the people) every cask of liquor which was in the ship. He knew this was too bold a step to be taken without their consent, and was fully aware of the diffi- culty of obtaining it ; but he trusted to the re- gard, which they nad far him, and his influence THE ANTELOPE. 29 over them ; and he intended to make the people themselves the executors of his purpose, while they were yet warm with the project. He had the satisfaction to iind that his officers imme- diately acquiesced ; and the next morning he called all the crew together, and told them he had something to propose, in which their future welfare, nay, perhaps, their preservation, was most materially involved. He then submitted to their judgment the measure on which he and his officers had deliberated the evening before ; urged the propriety of it in the most forcible terms, as a step which would best promote the hope of deliverance from their present situation, and of seeing once more their own country, and those who were dear to them ; and he added, that however reluctantly they might yield to the proposition, yet the understanding of every in- dividual amongst them must, on reflection, per- ceive that it was a measure absolutely necessary to be adopted. The moment he concluded, all the sailors, with the utmost unanimity, and to their lasting honour as men, replied, that how- ever they might suffer from being deprived of their accustomed ratio of liquor, yet being sen- sible that, with easy access to it, they might not at all times use it with discretion, they gave their full assent to the captain's proposal ; and added, that they were ready to go directly to the ship, and stave every cask of liquor on board. This they most conscientiously performed ; and so scrupulously did they fulfil their pledge, that there was not a single man among them who would take even a farewell glass of his beloved cordial. c2 W SHIi>WliECir OF During ^ absence of Matthias Wilson, tbey had an opportunity of getting more intimately acquainted ^vith Raa Kook, whom they found a most amiable character indeed. Observing a piece of polished bone around his wrist, they took occasion to inquire the meaning of it. He informed them, it was a mark of great distinc- tion^, conferred only on the Blood Royal, and principal officers of state ; and that he enjoyed it as being the king's brother, and commander- in-chief of the forces both by sea and land. Raa Kook's friendship was therefore cultivated with all imaginable assiduity, and he in return show- ed himself attached to them by a most atten- tive politeness ; he imitated them in all their actions, and on every occasion showed them how high an opinion he had formed of them. The Malay, on his first arrival, had request- ed the use of some clothing, which was readi- ly granted, and an uniform coat with trowsers were at the same time given to Raa Kook, who put them on with great joy, often looking at himself, and saying, ^' Raa Kook Englees," but soon wearied of them, as he found them cumbersome, and deposited them among his cu- riosities. He examined into the causes and principles of whatever he saw, imitated the most minute action, and sought to give his aid in every thing, even to the cook in the task of blowing up the fire. In the morning of the 24th, two canoes arriv- ed, in which were Arra Kooker, the king's other brother, and one of the king's sons. They informed Captain Wilson that his brother was on his wttf back ; but that the canoe in whidi THE ANTELOPE. 31 lio wa^ coid;^ not imike so much speed against the wind as theirs, which occasioned the dehiy. The king, by their means, offered them a hear- ty welcome to his territories, and assured them of his friendship and protection ; he also desir- ed them to build a vessel in any part of the island they inclined, and he and his subjects would willingly afford them every assistance in their power. Kaa Kook then took his nephew and introduced hira particularly to the captain and his officers ; after which he conducted him round the cove, explained every thing according to the information he himself had just received, and seemed mightily pleased with his friend's astonishment. This young man was very well made, but had a slit in his nose, probably the consequence of a wound in battle. In the forenoon, two boats were dispatched to the wreck. They found a number of the na- tives, in about twenty canoes, busied in examin- ing the vessel : these Raa Kook soon dispatch- ed, and on this, as well as every occasion, did every thing in his power to convince the English of his protection and friendship. Meantime, the people were highly entertain- ed with Arra Kooker, who proved to be a most facetious and entertaining person, possessing uncommon talents for mimickry and humour ; he described, by many diverting signs, the ter- ror of IMattliias Wilson while at Pelew ,* indeed, he had been under very great apprehension; but they were all revived with his appearance, and the account he gave them of his embassy, in nearly the following words : "On the approach of the canoe inwhichi wenfc 3^ SHIPWRECK oy to the island where the king lives, a vast con- course of the natives ran out of their houses to see me come on shore. The king's brother took me by the hand, and led me up to the town, -vrhere a mat was spread for me, on a square pavement, and I was directed to sit down on it. In a little time the king appeared, and being pointed out to me by his brother, I rose and made my obeisance after the manner of Eastern nations, by lifting my hands to my head, and bending my body forward ; but he did not seem to pay any attention to it. I then offered him the presents which my brother had sent by me, and he received them in a very gracious man- ner. His brother now talked a great deal to him, the purport of which, as I conceived, was to acquaint him with our disaster and our number : after which, the king ate som.e of the sugar-can- dy, seemed to relish it, distributed a little of it to several of his cliiefs, and then directed all the things to be carried to his own house. This be- ing done, he ordered refreshments to be brought for me : the first consisted of a cocoa-nut shell of warm water, sweetened with molasses : after tasting which, he directed a little boy, who was near him, to climb a cocoa-nut tree, and gather some fresh nuts ; he cleared one of them from the husk, and after tasting the milk of it, bade the boy present it to me, making signs for me to drink the milk, and then return the nut to him ; and when I had done so, he broke the shell in two, ate a little of the meat, and then ■"returned it to me to eat the rest. A great crowd of the natives had by this time surrounded me, who were curious and eager to examine my THE ANTELOPE. 53 dathes and person. Taking off my hat by acci- dent^ all who were present seemed struck with astonishment, which I perceiving, unbuttoned my waistcoat, and took my shoes from my feet, in order that they might see they were no part of my body ; being of opinion, that at first sight of me, they entertained a notion that my clothes constituted a part of my person ; for, when un- deceived in this, they came nearer to me, strok- ed me, and put their hands into my bosom to feel my skin. ''^As it began to be dark, the king, his brother, myself, and several others, retired into a large house, where supper was brought in, consisting of yams boiled whole, and others boiled and beaten together, as we sometimes do potatoes ; there were likewise some shell-fish, but I could not determine what they were. After supper I was conducted to another house, at some distance from the first, by a female. Here I found at least forty or fifty men and women ; and signs were made for me to sit or lie down on a mat, which seemed spread on purpose for me to sleep on : and after all the company had satisfied their Curiosity by viewing me very accurately, they went to sleep, and I laid myself down on the mat, and rested my head on a log, which these people use as a pillow, and drew another mat, whicli also seemed laid for the purpose, over me- I was unable even to slumber, but lay perfectly still ; and some considerable time af- ter, when all was quiet, about eight men rose, and made two great fires at each end of the house, which was not divided by partitions, but formed one large habitation. This operation. 34 SHIPWRECK OP I confess^ alarmed me very much indeed ! I thought of nothing less, than that they were going to roast me, and that they had only laid themselves down, that I might drop asleep, when they might dispatch me in that situation. How- ever, as there was no possibility of escaping, I collected all my fortitude, and recommended myself to the Supreme Disposer of all events. I lay still, expecting every moment to meet my fate ; but, to my great surprise, after sitting a while to warm themselves, they all retired again to their mats, and stirred no more till day-light. I then got up, and walked about, surrounded by great numbers of men, women, and children ; and, in a little time, was joined by the king's brother, who took me to several houses, in eve- ry one of which I was entertained with yams, cocoa-nuts, and sweetmeats. I was afterwards conducted to the king, to whom I signified, by signs, that I wished much' to return to my bro- ther : he understood me perfectly, and explain- ed to me, by signs also, that the canoes could not go out, on account of the great wind. I spent the remainder of the day in walking about the island, and observing its produce, which con- sisted chiefly of yams and cocoa-nuts : the for- mer they cultivate with great care, in large plan- tations, which are all in swampy watere»l ground, like the rice in India. The cocoa-nuts grow chiefly about their houses, as does also the betel- nut, which they chew like tobacco.'* The favourable account which Mr Wilson brought, joined to the message the king had sent to the captain by his brother and son, put all our people into great spirits ; so that they ap- THE ANTELOPE. 55 plied to their several avocations with redoubled vigour^ and particularly to getting every thing they could from the wreck. The number of the visitants increasing very fast, Captain Wilson judged it prudent to set a watch, their guests being previously apprised, lest the turning out suddenly under arms should occasion an alarm. Captain Wilson had kept all his crew under a regular course of exercise, so that they were very expert in handling their muskets^ to the no small surprise of the natives. Arra Kooker having lent a most steady attention to the explanation that had been given of the use of these military weapons, (about which he had probably been talking with his brother the general,) seemed as if some sudden thought had at the moment started in his mind, calling out eagerly to Raa Kook, in these words, Englees mora (or go) Arti7igall Pel'le, leiv, pointing to the northward and south^vard ; then cried PoOj imi- tating the sound which our guns had been repre- sented to him to make when fired. Arra Kooker, as has been already hinted, was a most extraordinary character ; he possessed ex- pressive features, that clearly conveyed his meaning to those who were totally ignorant of his expressions. He was a man apparently about forty years of age ; quite plump or rather round ; he attempted at one time to wear trow- sers, but found them very disagreeable ; but was remarkably fond of a white linen shirt. One of the dogs was his great favourite, and whenever he approached him, the animal leaped and frisk- ed about with every demonstration of joy. His talents for mijoiickry were great^ and he soon dis-* 06 SHIPWRECK OF covered and imitated many singularities about tlie strangers, by which they were distinguished from each other ; in shorty his lively saUies kept them all in spirits. Thus, by the kindness of Providence, were these unhappy men brought from a state of the greatest distress, to a situation at least tolerable ; indeed, had it not been for the dread of not ac- complishing the building of another vessel to carry them to China, and thus being for ever de- prived, in all human probability, of seeing their friends, their families, and country, they might have spent their time very comfortably. THE ANTELOPE. 37 CHAPTER 11. THE KING VISITS THEM — RECEPTION AND BE- HAVIOUR EXAMINES EVERY THING, AND IS PLEASED FARTHER PROCEEDINGS — AT HIS REQUEST, FIVE MES ARE SENT TO ASSIST HIM AGAINST ARTINGALL. At day-break the king's son, accompanied by one of his uncles, launched their canoe, and went off to the ship ; a number of canoes were seen ap- proaching the harbour, and our people were in- formed that the king was coming. The king's ca- noe came forward between four others, two on each side of it, the rowers of which splashed the water about with their paddles, and flourished them over their heads in a very dexterous man- ner ; and, as the king passed, the other canoes, that had lain to, closed his train, and foUoAved him into the cove, sounding their conch shells* When they had come in as far as the tide would permit, it was signified to Captain Wilson that he should go out and meet the king ; on which two of his own men took him up in their arms and carried him through the shallow water to the canoe, where the king was sitting on a stage built in the middle of it. He desired Captain Wilson to come into the canoe, which he did, and embraced him, in- forming him, through the interpreters, that he and D . 2 38 SHIPWRECK OF his friends were Englishmen, who had unfortunate- ly lost their ship ; but having saved their lives by landing on his territory, supplicated his permission to build a vefssel to convey themselves back to their own country. After a little pause, and speaking with a chief in a canoe next to him, (who they afterwards learnt was the chief minister), the king replied in the most courteous manner, that he was welcome to build, either at the place where he then was, or at his own island ; told Captain Wilson, that the island he was then on was thought to be unhealthy ; that he feared his people might be sickly if they staid on it before another wind set in, which he said would be in two moons ; and that he might possi- bly be molested by the inhabitants of some of the neighbouring islands, who were at that time at war with him. Captain Wilson expressed his acknowledgments for the condescension and goodness, which the king had testified toward him and his people ; in- forming him at the same time, that as the island he was then on was far nearer to the wreck, from whence he had already got some stores on shore, and hoped still to get more, it would be attended with much inconvenience should he remove far- ther ; therefore he would, with his permission, pre- fer remaining where he was, as his people could fear no enemies whilst they enjoyed his protection and friendship : — that he had a person with him very skilful in curing siclmess, which made him perfectly easy on that account ; but in case any of his people, during their stay there, should happen to fall ill, he would then avail himself of his good- ness, and convey them for recovery to the better THE ANTELOPE. 39 air of his own island. With this answer the king seemed to be pleased and satisfied. Captain Wil- son then made him a present of a scarlet coat ; and, after some discom-se, he made signs to go on shore : the men again took the captain up, as before ; wliilst the king stepped into the water, and waded to land. The king was perfectly naked, nor had he any bone on his wrist, or any ornament of distinction. He bore a hatchet on his shoulder, the head of which was made of iron, a circumstance which much sui-prised our people, as all the other liat- chets they had seen were of shell ; the handle be« ing formed in a shai*p angle, stuck close to the shoulder, lying before and behind, and wanted no tying to keep it steady in walking. ^ The king, on landing, looked about with the same kind of cau- tion as his brothers, and those who came with them, had before done, on their fiist visit. Raa Kook met him on the shore, and, as he declined going into the tents, the English spread a sail for him to sit on, which he did, and clearly took and understood it as a mark of respect ; the chief mi- nister placing himself opposite to him, at the ex- tremity of the canvass, whilst his two brothers, Raa Kook and Arra Kooker, sat on each side, at the extent also of the sail, forming, when thus ar- ranged, a square. The principal chiefs and offi- cers of state who accompanied him, seated them- selves near ; and behind these chiefs the large re- tinue of his own people, which filled his train, be- ing about three hundred, formed a circle, not stand- ing but squatting, in a position ready to rise up in an instant. Some tea was made, and oifered him ; he drank one cup, but did not seem to relish it. 40 SHIPWRECK OF Aft«r sitting a little while, he was presented with a, remnant of scarlet cloth, and half a piece of long- cloth ; and also had some ribands of different co- lom's given to him, to distribute among his attend- ants ; which he did immediately, and they, on re- ceiving them, rolled them up very handily, for they had all been unrolled before to dry. During the time that they were rolling up the ribands, om' people observed, by the gestm-es and looks of the natives, that each chief fixed his attention upon some pai'ticular person : this at the time alarmed them, apprehending that the individual each chief had particularly noticed, was singled out as his de^ voted prisoner ; but they soon afterwards found the meaning to be quite contrary, and that the indivi- dual so selected was to be that chief's particular friend or guest. Captain Wilson then introduced his chief mate to the king, as the first ofHcer un- der him, whom Abba Thulle styled the Kicharay \ jRupacJty conceiving at that time that Captain Wil- son was himself a prince of some country; but being afterwards informed by the Malay, that he served under a far greater power at home, and was no sovereign, but a captain, I:^ seized the distinct tion instantly, and ever after addressed him by the appellation of captain, and his chief mate by that of Kicharay captain, as second in command. The rest of the officers were next introduced, and Mr Sharp, the surgeon, was pointed out as the gentle- man of whom he had spoken when in the king s canoe, who cured the diseases which any of his people were afflicted with, at which the king seem- ed wonderfully surprised, and kept his eyes fixed f Kickaray means littls. THE ANTELOPE. 41 on hira. Lastly, all the private men were intro- duced in their turns. After presenting the officers &c. the king inquired for the mark of Captain Wilson's rank or dignity as chief, who was at a loss how to answer ; but recollecting that a ring was an ornamental mark of distinction, told him so, and Mr Benger, the first mate, having saved his, gave it to Captain Wilson, who put it on. They appeared pleased with the idea, as it was a kind of ornament wliich had a similaiity of mean- ing to their own. Diu*ing the time that this business was transact- ing, Raa Kook was conversing with the king upon every thing he had seen and observed dming his stay with our people ; this his countenance and gestures fully demonstrated, and they plainly no- ticed . his description of their fire-aims and exer- cise, which the king seemed eagerly to attend to, and therf expressed a wish to see them himself; which Captain Wilson said should be done imme- diately. He ordered every man to be under arms, and drawn up on the beach (the tide then being low) before the king, who was placed with all his reti- nue just above the flow of the water, and that they should he exercised by the chief mate, that he might not absent himself from the king; they, without loss of time, prepared themselves, march- ed on the shore in the king's presence, and fired three volleys in different positions. The surprise of the natives, their hooting, hallooing, jumping, and chattering, produced a noise almost equal to the report of the muskets. Though this exhibi- tion was made at some expense of theii* powder, d2 42 SHIPWRECK OF yet our people having fortunately saved all they had on board, it was judged prudent on this occa- sion to let the natives witness some display of the effect of their arms, that they might be impressed at the first sight of them with an enlarged idea of the power and strength of the English ; and the more so, as they had perceived, the preceding night, how much higher they had risen in the estimation of the king's brothers, by the mere exhibition of their musketry, and giving an explanation of their use. After this, one of the fowls that had been saved among the little hve stock from the Antelope, was purposely driven across the cove, where Mr Ben- ger was prepared with a fowling-piece, loaded with shot, which he fired at the bird, to let the king see the effect of their muskets ; the bird instantly drop- ped, having its wing and leg broken ; some of the natives ran to it, took it up, and cai-ried it to the king, who examined it with great attention, unable to comprehend how it could be wounded, not ha- ving seen any thing pass out of the gun. This created a vast murmur and surprise amongst them, Raa Kook expressed much impatience to show the king whatever'had impressed his own mind, and, taking his brother by the hand, led him to a grindstone, which was placed behind one of the tents, and fixed on a block. He put it in motion, which (having been shown the method) he had fre- quently done before ; the king remained fixed in astonishment at the rapidity of its motion, and at the explanation of the general, that it w^ould im- mediately sharpen and polish iron. Captain Wil- son ordered a hatchet to be brought, and ground, tiifit they might more readily perceive its opera- THE ANTELOPE. 43 tion. Raa Kook eagerly laid hold of the handle of the stone, and began turning it, appearing highly delighted himself to let his brother see how well he understood it ; he having the preceding day a- mused himself for some houi*s with this novelty, and having sharpened several pieces of iron, which he had picked up about the tents. The circum- stances which most in this sight bewildered all theii* ideas were, how the sparks of fire could come, and how a stone, so well wetted, became so soon dry. As the king was going toward our tents, of which there were three, with a sentry stationed at each, the day being fine, and the sun in full power, he noticed the bright glitter of the bayonet ; it of course astonished him, who had never seen any polished body, or the action of light on it. He stepped hastily to the centinel, and wished to feel it, offering to take it out of the man's hand, who thereupon drew back; Captain Wilson then ex- plained to him, that no English sentinel would, or dared suffer any one to touch his arms. Upon this the king seemed satisfied, and went on to view other things in and about the cove. Raa Kook would now show his brother the kitchen, which was in the hollow of a rock, a little above the cove. It was the time when the cook was preparing dinner ; the implements which fumished the kitchen were scanty indeed, and could in no other place but this have attracted any one's atten- tion ; but here an iron pot, a tea-kettle, a tin saucepan, with a poker, a pair of tongs, and frying- pan, became, from their peculiar situation, of suffi- cient consequence to excite admiration ; nor were the bellows now forgotten by the general, (of which 44 SHIPWRECK OF some mention has before been made), who, taking them up, as he explained their use to the king, seemed ambitious to let his brother see what an adept he was, and began to blow the fire. The bald cook, who was always close shaved, and ne- ver wore any thing on his head, and was beside a little meagi'e fellow, was also pointed out by him for the king's notice ; for the general's vein of hu- mour, as well as his wish of information, made him attentive even to the most trivial circumstances. He was also taken to see the two dogs, winch he was struck and delighted with in full as great a degree as his brother Arra Kooker had been be- fore. But these animals, whose novelty equally impressed all the natives, excited them to take so much pleasure in making them bark, that our peo- ple were, after some time, compelled to confine them out of sight. Near to the kitchen was another hollow rock, where were suspended the hams which had been saved from the ship, under which fires had been made, in order to smoke-dry them for future sea- store. Raa Kook was now so familiarized to our people's methods, that he informed the king this was some of their provision. He wished that one of them should be offered his brother, which was immediately presented, and accepted, as was also a live goose ; four or five (the remains of the live stock) just at that moment waddling in sight. The Idng being now returned to his former seat, informed Captain Wilson that he intended to go and sleep at the back of the island ; and presently a loud shriek was given by one of the king's offi- cers, who wore a thin naiTow bone on his wrist, which was aftei'wards known to be an order much THE ANTELOPE. 45 inferior to what we have spoken of before. This, at the moment it was heard, threw our people into some alarm, but the cause of it was immediately evident, for all the king's attendants, who it was conceived amounted at least to thi*ee Inmdred, though all differently dispersed, and engaged in looking about at every thing that attracted them, as if instantaneously moved by the shriek, might be said to have rather darted than to have run to their canoes. It was a signal obeyed more sud- denly than could have been conceived, and no word of command was ever executed witli greater promptitude. The king departed, in appearance well pleased with his visit, and satisfied with what he had seen. The king's son and Raa Koolc staid with the English, having five canoes and about twenty peo- ple remaining with them. They slept in two tents by themselves, our people lying in the tent where their arms and stores were, two tents having been erected for the accommodation of the king and liis retinue. One was prepared for the king before he came, and the other raised close to it for his at- tendants, after his alTival, when they saw the num- ber of them. In the tent intended for the king, was Raa Kook, the king's son, and several chiefs. Captain Wilson remained with them after the guard was set, and sentinels placed, to show them re- spect, as well as to testify the confidence he placed in them. Soon after which the following circum-f stance happened, which occasioned much alarm. After the guard was set, and the sentinels placed, our people were going to rest, when, on a sudden, the natives began a song, the shiillness and man- ner of wliich made them thinli it was their war 46 SHIPWRECK OF hoop, or the signal for the king and his party from the back of the island to come upon them. TJie English instantly . took to their arms, and Messrs Barker and Sharp ran to the tent where Captain Wilson was, to see if he was safe ; judging, that if any harm was intended, the natives ^vi^ould se- cure liim, who was alone with them. Seeing him safe and quiet, they informed him of the appre- hensions of our people, who were all under arms. He requested Mr Barker to return immediately to them, and desire them to make no show of being alarmed, but to keep upon their guard until they should find what the meaning of this mig-ht be, adding, that he would come to them as soon as he could do it without being noticed. He requested Mr Sharp to sit down by the king's son, and enter into some conversation with him, by signs, wliilst he went himself to their tent, where he found the people under arms. After a little deliberation on what this noise might mean, it was thought best to discover no appearance of uneasiness, but to re- main quiet in the tent, with arms ready by them, and that he would return to the natives, and wait the event. He was soon relieved from every an- xiety, by finding that they were only tuning their voices, in order to begin a song ; which, as soon as they had in their manner properly pitched, Raa Kook gave out a line or stave, which was taken up by another rupack, seated at a little distance, who sang a verse, accompanied by the rest of the natives present, except himself and the prince. The last line they sung twice over, which was taken up by the natives in the next tent, in cho- rus. Raa Kook then gave out another line, which was sung in the same manner ; and this continued THE ANTELOPE. " 47 fbrjfen or twelve verses. They talked at times JjjUf^een the verses, '^' if setting some of the sirig- v'fe'ts right who had not been properly in tune. Their - song ended, they requested 'to hear some English^ . songs, which was readily complied with ; * anc} several songs were sung by one of oui- people, with 'which they were exceedingly pleased. This put aif-*a^ei6able end to every apprehension, as the English were now convinced their sole intent was to amuse them. The natives, soon after this, went ^ietly to sMJ^p^but there were few of the English ^^ble to do so ; the alarm had awakened too many suspicious ideas, to allow their minds to be speedi- ly composed. In the afternoon of the following day, the Malay informed Captain Wilson, that the king was come round into the bay, being on his return to Pelew, and if he wanted to take leave of him, he must go off to his canoe. The Captain accordingly went in the jolly-boat, having with him Tom Rose his linguist, and four other men. The meeting was, to his gi'eat surprise, veiy cool on the king's part, of course resei*\'ed on his own : far unlike, indeed, that undisguised openness which marked the in- terview of the preceding day. And I doubt not but by this time the reader will have slTared a portion of that concern, for his unfortunate coun- trymen, which was awakened in their bosoms by this unexpected alteration in the behaviour of the natives. What will he think of the hearts of these * Our songs were sea-songs, and of battles ; and the king was so pleased at the account he afterwards heard of them, that whenever he met the young lad Coblcdick, who sang them, he would stop him, and make him sing one or two SOH'^S. 48 ' SHIPWRECK OF yet unknown inhabitants of Pelew ? He' will liavel already loaded them with reproach, and judged, too hardly judged, them to be an inconsistent, faitliless people, on whom no reliance could be placed, whom no profession could bind. His ima- gination may have started a multitude of conjec- tm-es, yet at last will probably suppose any thing sooner than the real cause which spread this visi- ble dejection over their true character. Never perhaps was exhibited a nobler stniggle of native delicacy ; their hearts burnt within them to ask a favour, which the generosity of their feelings would not allow them to mention. The English had been and still were in their power ; they had sought their protection as unfortunate strangers. The na- tives had already shown them, and still meant to show them, every mark of hospitality which their naked, unproductive country could afford. They conceived that what they wished to ask, as it might prove a temporary inconvenience, would look ungenerous ; and that which most checked their speaking was, that, circumstanced as the Eng- lish were with respect to them, a request would have the appearance of a command ; an idea which shocked their sensibility. The matter they laboured with was, in their opinions, of the highest imaginable consequence to them. The king had probably talked it over with his brothers the pre- ceding day, had deliberated on it in the evening at the back of the island, and came to the x^ove this day determined to propose it, but when there, wanted resolution to make it known ; yet the ob- ject being so important, he felt unwilling to leave it in silence, and perhaps conceived that he could better disclose it from his canoe, than when sur- THE ANTELOPE. 49 rounded' by so inany English. After much appa- rent struggle in the king's mind, the request with great difficulty was at last made, and proved to be this: — that the king being in a few days going to battle against an island that had done him an in- jury, he wished Captain Wilson would permit four or five of his men to accompany bim to war with their muskets. Captain Wilson instantly replied, that the English were as his own people, and that the enemies of the king were their enemies. The interpreter certainly very well translated this de- claration, for in an instant every countenance, which was before overshadowed, became brightened and gay. The king said he should want the nien in five days, by which time his own people would be prepared for battle, and that he would take them down to Pelew witli him the next day. Thus was harmony restored between our people and the na- tives ; inten-upted only for a few hours, from no other cause than that extreme delicacy of senti- ment which no one would have expected to liave found in regions so disjoined from the rest of the world. The king came in the forenoon of the following day for the men he had been promised. Captain Wil- son, on offering to make one of the number, was prevented by his own people, who declared that he must not expose himself, as all their safeties de- pended on liim. Every one of the English ex- pressed a readiness to go, but the five following being young men, and requesting their comrades with pai'ticular earnestness to be the first upon the list, were those who were appointed, viz. Mr Cummin, the third mate, Nicholas Tyacke, James 50 SHIPWRECK OF Bluett, Madan Blanchard, and Thomas Dulton; they also took with them Tom Rose as thek in- terpreter ; the king and the chiefs taking each one of them in their canoes, our men heing dressed in blue jackets, cocked hats, with light blue cockades, and properly prepared with arms and ammunition. The king made hut a short stay ; he said he should leave four of his own men with our people, that they were such as might be trusted, that the ex- pedition would be over in four days, and that all imaginable care should be taken of themen who were to attend him. He went away in great friendship, shaking all the English by the hand. Our people accompanied their companions, when they departed, to the water edge, and as they moved from the shore in the cove, gave them three clieers, the first of which was only returned by the English ; but the linguist giving Abba ThuUe to understand that this acclamation was used by the English as a farewell, and wish of success, the king made all his men stand up in their canoes, and return the second and third. As soon as the natives were gone, the boats were sent to the wreck, but our people did not think it safe to go on board, as they perceived two canoes there of a larger construction, and several smaller ones in sight, which they supposed to come from the island which was then at war with the king ; om* boats were therefore obliged, veiy re- luctantly, to return empty. During this day our people felled several trees for a stem, the one they before had proving rotten in the middle ; and their present leisure, added to the little prospect of be- ing inten-upted by the natives for some days, in- duced them to embrace tliis opportuiaity to fonn THE ANTELOPE. ^ 51 the plan of their intended vessel. Mr Barker, the second officer, who had, in the earlier part of life, been conversant in the business of a dock-yard, assisted Captain Wilson and the carpenters in de- signing the vessel, which it was now detemiined should be a schooner, as easier worked. The plan was shown to every body, and approved by all. The petty officers and common men considering, that to pursue this interesting business, every indi- vidual must do his part, and all concur in becom- ing obedient to the command of one superior, who should conduct and regulate the whole operation, the aifection each had borne to their captain, and still bore him, though misfortune had severed the tie between them, made them unanimously request Captain Wilson to be that one superior, and that he would take the command upon him, faithfully promising that they would, in all things, implicitly obey his orders, equally as when the Antelope was on float ; * that she now being a wieck, they would fonn themselves as a people of a dock-yard, and would consider Captain Wilson (whose former conduct they said they should ever remember with the warmest affection) as the master or manager of the yard, and submit to such laws and regula- tions as usually govern places of that kind. No- thing could more affect the sensibility of such a character as Captain Wilson's, than to see all those who had served under him voluntarily again seek him as their commander, to share still far severer toils. * As every reader may not be acquainted with mari- time proceedings, to such it will not be improper to re- mark, that when a merchant ship is wrecked, all autho- rity immediately ceases, and every individual is at full liberty to shift for himself. 52 SHIPWRECK OP All arrangements being now settled, each went to his new department, and worked till dai'k, at which time all were summoned to the great tent, where Captain Wilson read prayers ; it being the request of every one to join in paying unitedly theii' thanksgivings to that Supreme Being who had not only so providentially preserved them, but whose goodness now relieved their drooping spirits, by spreading before them a hope of their being once more restored to their coimtry and families. Each bringing with him a mind impressed with these reflections, never were prayers more devout- ly or ardently oifered up. And after they were over, it was ordered, that public prayers should on no Sunday evening be omitted. During the following week, our people went almost every day to the wreck, and recovered a variety of provisions and stores. It was judged expedient to form a bamcade in front of the tents towai'ds the sea, which was assisted by a double row of strong posts, interlaced with branches of trees, and filled up with logs of wood, stones and sand, on which they mounted a six pounder and two lai'ge swivels. Notwithstanding the heat of the weather also, they continued to make progress in building the vessel. On the 25th August, as the boats were going off to the sliip, they saw four canoes, full of men, coming towards the harbour from the southward ; and as our people understood those islands were at variance with the king of Pelew, the boats re- turned, and soon after these canoes came ashore. Those who were in them landed with great marks of timidity and caution. They seemed (as far as we could inteq)ret their signs) to intimsite a de- THE ANTELOPE. 53 sire to look round the cove, and were probably in- duced to take a view of the new- arrived creatures, whom accident and misfortune had thrown upon this island. There was among them a nipack, who was judged, by the kind of bone on his arm, to be of an inferior order ; but the linguist being absent, it was impossible to discover who they were. Captain Wilson conducted them round the cove, and showed them the works which were be- gun. They remained on shore little more than an hour, and appeared greatly satisfied ; departing full of acknowledgments for the ci\dlities which had been shown them, neither they or their attendants pilfering, or asking for any thing. E 2 54 SHlPWREpK OF CHAPTER III. RETURN OF THE PEOPLE — ACCOUNT OF THE EX- PEDITION CAPTAIN WILSON VISITS PELEW APPLICATION MADE FOR MORE MEN FRESH VISIT OF THE KING SECOND EXPEDI- TION TO ARTINGALL DEATH AND FUNERAL OF RAA KOOK's SON. Our people now opened a communication from one tent to the other, through which they might retreat, or join, in case of an attack : and they also settled the plan of defence within the harricade, and each man had liis post assigned liim. The reason of making these preparations was, the long stay the people made who were gone with the Idng to battle ; they understood that they would be back in four or five days, and this was the nintli nigming tliey had been absent. In the afternoon four other canoes were perceived making into the harbom* : by the boatmen splashing and flourishing their paddles, our people conceived the king was on board one of them, but to their great satisfac- tion they soon saw they were their countrymen returned. They were welcomed with every testi- mony of joy ; and it was no small pleasure to those left on the island, to see tl;em all come back in hcaltli and spirits. Tlicy reported they had been THE ANTELOPE. 55 very kiiidly treated ever since their departuie, the natives behaving to them in the most friendly un- reserved manner. The king's brother, Raa Kook, came back with them. The canoes brought gieat quantities of yams and cocoa-nuts, and the king had given to each of the men who went on this expedition a basket of sweetmeats, and also sent some baskets to the captam : this sweetmeat they distributed very liberally amongst their country- men, but it was not much relished, bemg found dry and hard, insomuch that the sailors gave it the name of Choak-Dog. But of this I shall have oc^ casion to speak again, when I come to describe the customs and manners of the natives. Tlie following was the account our people gave of their expedition, which was confirmed by Mr Cummin 8 journal, who went with them. Having departed the 17th, they went to one of tlie king's islands, about six leagues to the eastward of the cove, where they were received with great kindness, and treated with much hospitality ; after remaining there all night, they set off the next morning for Pelew, the place of the king's resi- dence, which was in an island about three or four miles distant ; here they remained till the 2l8t, the king not being till then able to get together all his canoes ; however, by day-light on the 2l8t, they mustered before the king's house with their arms, which consisted of bamboo daits from five to eight feet long, pointed with the wood of the beetle-nut tree, and bearded ; these they use for close quarters, but they have short ones for dis- tance, which they thiow with a short stick of about two feet long, having a notcli cut in it to receive the point of the dart^ aad place their hand at th^ 56 SHIPWRECK OF Other extremity of the dart, which, being made of bamboo, is elastic and compressed into a curve, proportioned to the distance they aim at; and be- ing then suffered to spring, in general it comes down perpendicular on the object to which it is directed. The English embarked in five different canoes, and went away to the eastward about ten or twelve leagues, calling as they went along at several of the king's villages to refresh and reinforce ; at half an hour past two in the afternoon, they got in sight of the enemy. The king had with him now a fleet of one hundred and fifty canoes, on board of wliich were considerably above one thousand men^ Of the enemy's force our people could form no certainty. Before the action, Raa Kook went in his canoe close to the town, and spoke to the ene- my for some time, having Thomai^ Dulton in the boat with him, who had directions not to fire till such time as the signal agreed on should be given him. What the general said being received by the enemy with great indifference, Raa Kook tlu*ew a spear at them, which they almost immediately re- turned : this being the signal for firing, was instantly obeyed ; a man was seen to fall directly, and this threw tlie enemy into gi'eat confusion. Such as were on shore ran away, and the gi'eater pait of those in the canoes jumped into the water and made for land ; a few more muskets were fired, which dispersed the enemy entirely ; and our friends seemed perfectly satisfied with their ^ putting them to flight, and resting in this mai'k of victory, made no other use of it than to land, strip some cocoa-nut trees of their fruit, and cany off some yams and other provision. After this fight, or more pro- THE ANTELOPE. 57 perly this attack, the fleet returned homeward, the king being highly pleased with his triumph. They stopped at several places in their way, where tJie women brought out sweet liquor for the peo- ple to drink ; and it being too far to get home tliat night, the fleet dispersed up several small creeks, about eight o'clock in the evening, where they slept. The next morning feasts were prepared in all the neighbouring houses, and at three in the afternoon the people re-embarked, and set off for Pelew, where they aiTived safe about seven the same evening. Here also they found the women ready to receive them, with cocoa-nut shells filled with sweet liquor. On landing,- the English fired a volley, and gave three cheers, with which tlie king appeared gieatly pleased. Here our people slept, and were told that they must stay and rest themselves the next day, and set oft' for their island the day succeeding. There was nothing but rejoicing and festivity in the town the next morning, and the rest of the day was passed with hilarity, and celebrated with songs and dances made on the occasion. Before our people embarked, the king took them to his house, treated them with some stewed turtle, expressed great satisfaction in their beha- yiour, and promised to send to their island supplies of yams ; asking them if they thought Captain Wilson would again spare him ten men to go against tlie same people, intimating also a design he had against another island. Mr Gumming declined giving an answer to this question, saying he could undertake nothing without the captain's orders. After breakfast the king went down to the water- side with the English, where he parted with them 58 SHIPWRECK OF in a very kind manner, sendino^ two large canoes laden with yams for the rest of their countrymen. They tlien passed over to the small island where they had first landed, and walked across it with the general, who accompanied tliem, and who ordered the canoes to go round to the other side : they were now conducted to their first night's habitation, wJiere their old friends received them (if possible) more hospitably than before ; both sexes flocking about them, and making signs to express their knowledge of the defeat of the king's enemies. Here they staid the night, and after a passage this morning of five hours, rejoined their shipmates, to the mutual satisfaction of all. The arrack having been found during the time our countrymen had been absent, at their return they were served the liquor due to them, in the proportion that it had been used at the tents in their absence, which they invited their comrades to partake of in the evening ; and this, with the yams and cocoa-nuts they brought, made a feast. Those who had been absent were exceedingly re- joiced to see the harbour and tents put in a state of defence ; but, above all, at the progress in the vessel, wherein all the futm*e hopes of every indi- vidual were already in imagination embarked. At day-break the boatswain, as usual, piped all' out to their separate departments ; and those who had been at the war, having deposited with the gunner their military weapons, most willingly joined in the convention which had been made in their absence, aiwl entered on their different tasks, Raa Kook having informed Captain Wilson the preceding night, that his brother, Abba Thulle, had given to him, for the English, the island he was THE ANTELOPE. 59 then on, the name of which he had not heard be- fore, but now learnt it was called Oroolong ; after breakfast, Captain Wilson, in testimony of the king's donation, hoisted the British pendant, and fired three volleys of small arms, in token of their taking possession of it for the English. Our people saying, as they retimed in the canoes from PeleW, that the natives were constantly pointing aiiions. Abba TImlle publicly ac- linowlodged his valour, by putting a string of beads in his ear, and afterwards creating him an inferior nipack. The English were frequently in consi- derable danger from the spears of the enemy, which were showered upon them in gi'eat numbers ; but they were soon dispersed by a round of musketry, by which many of them lost thfeir lives. Arm Kooker and Thomas Wilson made a veiy narrow escape. Arra had ascended the hill in pursuit of the enemy by much too far, when noticing one of the Artingall people coming down, he skulked a- mong some bushes till he was past ; then running after him, fetched him such a blow with a wooden sword as immediately stumied him ; but as he was dragging his prisoner to a canoe, Wilson luckily observed three or four of the enemy in pursuit, who would in all probability have killed him in a few minutes. He t)ierefore immediately levelled his musket at them, which they perceivmg, in- stantly turned about and fled. This w^as a very fortunate circumstance, as, although Wilson had presented his musket, he could do no execution with it, his ammunition having been previously ex- pended. " Five canoes were burnt in this engagement, and the causeway or landing-place demolished. The only trophy of victory which the conquerors carried with them, was the large stone on which the king sat in council ; a cu'cumstance which na- turally reminds a Briton, of the coronation-stone which Edw^ard I. carried to London from Scone. Great rejoicings took place on their return to Pe- lew : though the untimely end of llaa Kook's son, with another hloomiug youth, who lost his THE AN 1 ELOPE. 99 life in the engagement, served to thi*ow a damp on many of their spiiits. " . About this time Mr Baiker had a very severe fall, which confined him some days. But not- withstanding the delays occasioned by siclmess and accidents, the schooner advanced pretty quickly, 80 that by the middle of October her beams were all laid, and many of them secured. Matters being in an agreeable train at Oroolong, Captain Wilson now resolved to pay a visit, with Abba Thule, to some of the neighbouring islands, his allies. He was attended by his son Henry Wil- son, Tom Rose, and Thomas Button. They left Oroolong in the morning of the 8th of October, along with their good friend Raa Kook. They reached Pelew by ten at night, where they were kindly received by Abba Thulle's eldest son, Qur Bill ; the king having set off only a little before for an island called Emungs. Raa Kook proposed to Captain Wilson to follow him immediately ; but as he found himself a good deal indisposed, he ra- ther wished to spend the night at Pelew. They embarked next morning, having in their party two wives of Raa Kook's and Qui Bill. They steered about twelve leagues to the northward, and about noon were off the mouth of a rivulet which runs up into the island of Emungs. Raa Kook the:\ sounded conch shells to notify their an-ival. This rivulet they found very difficult to navigate, being both shallow and narrow, besides a number of shaip coral stones on the sides, so tliat the boat- men had frequently to get out and haul them up. They advanced upwards of a mile before they saw any houses or inhabitants, when, upon the concli- shell being again sounded, four ywing men ap- 100 SHIPWR]eCK OF peared, who soon retii-ed precipitately as if ten-i- fied. In a little time, however, a great number of the natives came to the water side, when Cap- tain Wilson and Raa Kook landed, and were con- ducted to a large house, where great multitudes suiTounded them, gazing with much astonishment on the strangers, whose colour and dress were so new to them ; besides, their curiosity had been raised by accounts of their valiant deeds in battle. They remained here about half an hour, and then proceeded to a large house or public building, a- bout a quarter of a mile distant, where Abba Thulle and a number of rupacks were waiting their aiTival. After spending about two hours there, they went to visit the rupack of the town, an infirm old man. Here they remained about half an hour, and were treated with some boiled yams, fish, and sweet drink : they tasted them, and then returned to the great house, whero a great entertainment was waiting them. The company were divided into two parties : in the one were Abba Thulle, Captain Wilson and his attendants, and in the other Kaa Kook, Qui Bill, &nd another large company. Captain Wilson here remarked, that nobody ventured to taste the meat till the king had given the word, and in like manner none ventured to lie down for sleep, till he was covered with his mat. After eating, the natives began a dance in their usual maimer, which continued the whole night : they sung also a good deal ; and as both men and women joined, they produced together a terrible noise. The English spent but a very .uncomfort- able night here : they had only rough uneven boanls to lie on ; and had they boen more agree* THE ANTELOrE. 101 My laid, the noise of the singing made it impos- sible to get any rest. These amusements conti- nued part of next day ; and in the afternoon, they were entertained with a mock fight betwixt two of the natives, and who afterwai'ds joined in a kind of dance with spears in their hands, which conti- nued about an hour. ^ During this dance, the chief presented Captain Wilson with four different spears, and a cuiious wooden sword, inlaid with shell. Next day they had new dances, which however were soon stopped by a terrible storm of thunder,^, and lightning. The weather clearing up in the^^ afternoon, the old rupack was brought out to the large pavement, earned on a board slung with ropes on two poles, which were supported by four men. A piece of etiquette now took place, wliich the English did not understand. All the nipacks seated themselves with much respect on the pave- ment, where the old rupack sat ; but Abba Thulle ' went to a little distance, and sat at the foot of a • tree making the handle of a hatchet. His place was supplied among the nipacks by Raa Kook, who personated and spoke for him. Having con- versed together for some time, the old rupack dis- tributed presents of beads among the rest. These beads are in general a kind of coloured eaith, which they bake by a particular process which the English could not find an opportunity of seeing. Some of the Pelew people, however, had made a parcel out of some bottles they had got from the Antelope, having turned them very neatly. Tlie method of distributing these beads was as follows : The old rupack gave some of them to one of kis attendants, who went into the middle of tlie square, ^i 2 ■^ 102 SHIPWRECK OF tlien mentioned the person for whom they were designed, pronounced an eulogimn upon him, and running up to liim, delivered them to him. After the rupacks had got their share, Tom Rose was sent for Captain Wilson, who was in the house observing the ceremony from a window. To him the old rupack gave a strmg of red beads, and two tortoise-shell spoons. After this ceremony, they spent another hour in conversation together, when the old rupack was canied back again on his board, and refreshments set before the ru- packs. Captain Wilson took an opportunity of inquir- ing the reason of a number of human skulls being placed upon the outside of the doors, windows, and ends of the gi*eat house ; and was informed, that not many months before, while the principal people of Emungs were absent on a visit to a neiglibouring island, the inhabitants of Artingall landed and attacked the town, putting to death such as could not make their escape, setting the houses on fire, and destroying the country where- ever they came. Notice of this having reached Pelew, Abba Thulle quicklyjassembled his canoes, and beset them unexpectedly. At the same time, the people of Emungs returning from their visit, they so completely surrounded the Artingall peo- ple, that very few of them escaped ; and those were the heads of some of the cliiefs. Captain W^ilson having signified a wish to de- part, next morning the conch-shell was sounded, and the canoes assembled by day-break. About eight o'clock they embarked in company with one Maath^ a rupack of consequence in a northern island, who had eight or niiife canoes in his reti- THE ANTEtOPE. 1^03 nue. They pai-ted wdth him at the moudi of tite livulet. He earned with him the scarlet coat and epaniel dog which Captain Wilson had given Abba Thulle, in order to show them to his coimtrymen, but they were afterwards returned to Pelew. Be- fore his departure, he anxiously entreated Captain Wilson and his company to go with him, which they declined, as it would have detained them too long from Oroolong. They continued their route homewards very agreeably, till about ten o'clock, when a very violent storm of thunder and light- ning, accompanied with a deluge of rain, overtook them. The high wind soon dispersed the canoes ; and the boatmen of that in which Captain Wilson was, having in vain endeavoured to steer on their way, agreed to make for the shore, which was done. They then kindled a fire, by rubbing two sticks together. Raa Kook covered himself with liis mat, and his two wives sheltered themselves under his boat-cloak, while at every flash of light- ning they ejaculated what the English supposed to be a prayer. Captain Wilson observed on this and other occasions, that the natives of these is- lands had a peculiar dislike to their skins being wetted by rain, finding probably the pattering of a shower disagreeable, for it could not proceed from any aversion to water, as they bathed every day. The weather cleared up about noon, when the companies of the different canoes met togethei* and dined. They then walked up the country, to a to^vn named Aramalorgoo, where they were kindly entertained. Before they embai'ked, Raa Kook expressed a desire to fire a musket, which he had never done, and Captain Wilson humeured him ; but holding it loosely, it stmck his shoulder 104" SHIPV/RECK OF 80 forcibly, that it fell from his hands and lie tumbled backwards. It astonished him to see the English fire it so easily, while he could neither hold it nor stand when filing it. They touched at a place called Emelligree, which appeared to be a distinct government. The ru- pack, a lusty, good-looking old man, sent them a formal invitation to visit him, which they accepted. Abba Thulle desired that all his company should attend this nipack, but he himself remained in his canoe, probably from the same etiquette which re- gulated his conduct at Enmngs. At this place they were treated with all possible hospitality, not only in public, but at several private houses ; and were detained so late, that the inhabitants were obliged to conduct them to their canoes with torches. It was ten o'clock before the canoe in which Captain Wilson and his party were, arrived at Pe- lew ; and as the Idng was not yet come, none of the natives would land. The English, though un- der no restraint, chose to show their politeness on this occasion, by waiting for him also. He soon aiTived, and spent this night with the Englisli in the house by the water side. Next morning at breakfast, Abba Thulle informed Captain Wilson that he was directed by a council, to request yet once again the assistance of his men in battle. The captain replied, that nothing could give him gi-eater satisfaction than to be of any service to the Pelew people that lay in his power, but when he left Oroolong, so many of the men lay sick, tliat till he saw how they were, and conversed with his officers, he could not give a positive answer. With this they appeared very -well satisfied; and THB AI^TELOPE. K)5 ?d>out eleven o'clock in the forenoon, Oaptahi Wfl»- 8on and his party, with Raa Kook, set sail for Oroolong, where tliey arrived safe, about four o'clock. Among the first emplo^iiients after Captain Wilson's return, was a matter of discipline. Dur- ing his absence, the cook had misbehaved exceed- ingly, spoiling the rice, and appropriating to him- self a great part of the small portion of the meat allowed along with it. As it was necessary, in their present situation, that the strictest discipline should be exercised, Captain Wilson, by a court- martial, ordered him a cobbing. The native ten- derness of Raa Kook's disposition appeared emi- nently on this occasion. When he saw the man stripped to the waist, aud his hands tied against a tree to keep him extended, he entreated Captain Wilson to let him off. The punishment of cobbing is inflicted by a thin flat piece of wood, like a battle- door ; which Raa no sooner saw exercised, and the man bearing it patiently, than he admitted its pro- priety, and stood by all the time. A Chinese was also punished in the same manner, for wounding one of his countrymen with a stone ; but he set up so lamentable a cry, that Raa Kook was greatly en- tertained w^ith his pusillanimity. The canoes now frequently touched at Oroo- long with fish, so that the English had in general plenty of fresh provisions. On the 15th of Octo- ber, three canoes landed, in one of which was a woman, the first they had yet seen at the cove. She went through the diilerent works, and surv'ey- ed every thing with great attention, but with great Caution. The men that acxjompanied her did not lani nor co^ld Captain Wikoa cooojive feam 106 SHIPWRECK OF whence they came. It was conjectured they were from Emilligi'ee, as none of the Enghsh could re- collect of any of their countenances. Abba Thulle arrived about ten o'clock on the 17th, with the agreeable news, that the chief mi- nister of Artingall had been at Pelew with offers of peace, which had been concluded upon, to the gi-eatjoy of Raa Kook and the other natives. Abba Thulle brought with him his youngest daugh- ter, named Erre Bess, of whom he appeared to be exceedingly fond. He conducted her through all the cove, and explained the use of every thing with much attention. Besides her, he also brought with him on this visit Ludee, one of his wives, a very beautiful woman, young, and greatly superior to any of the females they had hitherto seen. Her genteel deportment and graceful step drew the at- tention of every beholder. She had with her eight or ten females, who were all escorted by Raa Kook, and shown the forge, vessel, guns, tents and other cuiiosities, with which they were gi'eatly sui-pri.sed. The king had also brought some of his artificers with him (or Tacklebys, as he called them), to observe the progress of the vessel, &c. He seemed peculiai'ly anxious that they should pay at- tention to the schooner, which all ranks agreed in considering as the ne plus ultra of human work- manship. After their curiosity had been fully sa- tisfied, the captain prepared an entertainment for them in the tent, consisting principally of fish and boiled rice, sweetened with molasses, of which they appeared very fond. A good d<^al of conversation took place on this visit between the kiiig and Captahi Wilson, on va- rious siubjec4;s. AU>a Thulle aclaunvk^l^d that THE ANTELOPE. 107 the En^ish muskets had now procui'ed him peace with almost all his neiglibom*s. He at the same time requested that the captain would leave ten muskets with him when he left the island. This Captain Wilson told him would not be in his power, as Britain was at present engaged in war with several different nations, with whose vessels they might fall in on their return homewai'd, and so requir- ed defensive weapons ; but he promised him five, which greatly pleased him. Abba Thulle then inquired what quantity of powder they had ; but observing that Captain Wilson was not disposed to answer him readily, he very politely changed the subject. The captain then desired he would as- sure liis neighbouring islanders, that the English, deeply sensible of the kind usage they had receiv- ed from the inhabitants of Pelew, were determined to return very soon, in a much larger ship, and with a gieater number of men, and fully avenge any insult that might be offered to the Pelewites, either by the people of Artingall, or any other isl- and. <- Agreeable to a former promise of Captain Wil- son's, Abba Thulle then informed him, he had come at this time to get the guns from the wi'eck, which should either be placed at Oroolong or Pelew, as the English pleased. Captain Wilson having pre- viously consulted his officers, desired him to take them all to Pelew, except one, which they might perhaps need in the schooner. Accordingly, next day, the king ordered some of his peo- ple to go to the wreck, in order to remove them. Having no tackle, they found it a very difficult task, and wei;e forced to send for ten of our peo- ple to assist them. The Englishmen speedily 1^08 SHIPWRECK OP lodged them In the canoes, to the surprise of ths natives, who could not conceive it possible to handle these heavy pieces with such apparent ease. The king lodged at the back of the island, car- rying with him all his attendants, that the English might be as little interrupted by them as possible. He had not been long there, when he sent for Captain Wilson to give him his ten large fish, part of a quantity his people had taken. Of these he would only receive four, which would afford a plentiful supper to all his people ; and such is the natm*e of the climate there, that no fish will keep fresh * above five or six hours. The king then or- dered the remaining six to be dressed for keeping, and sent to the cove in the morning. Their me- thod of cleaning and dressing them is as follows. The fish is first well cleaned, washed, and all the scales taken off, then two sticks are placed length- ways along the fish, in order to keep it straight, in the same manner as sticks are placed along sal- mon in this countiy when kippering. It is then bound ' round with broad plaintain leaves, and smoked over a slow fire. In this state it will be eatable for at least two days, though not very pleasant. In the morning, the ears of the English were sa- luted with the noise of singing in the woods, which proved to be Baa Kook and his attendants coming across the country, with the six dried fish, which were very acceptable. This morning the king went to the wreck, returned to the cove, and break- fasted on tea with Captain Wilson, three Artingall people being also of the party. After I>reakfast, the stiangers were led tlirough the works, and THE ANTELOPE- 109 their snrprise was not at all inferior to any that had yet been expressed. The guns particularly interested them, as the means by which so many of their countrymen died, in a manner then incom- prehensible. In a few days they had a farther op- portunity of seeing the effects of the muskets, by Mr Benger's killing some pigeons while on the wing. They ran to the cai'cases, examined them very attentively, and upon noticing the wounds, observed, it was with such holes as these their countrymen died. On this occasion the Pelewites seemed to exult a little over their neighbom's, on the ignorance which the latter show- ed of the use of fire-arms. The people of Artin- gall, however, showed no animosity on this ac- count, but seemed quite happy and at ease. Captain Wilson had now occasion to complain to Abba ThuUe of a theft which had been com- mitted by some of his people, consisting in a cooper's adze and a caulking-iron. The latter he recovered immediately, but the adze he found had been canied to Pelew. On Monday the 20th, the king went again to the wreck, and, in his absence, a message was sent by Raa Kook to Captain Wilson, informing him that he was very much indisposed, and washed much to see the captain and Mr Shai-p. They went immediately to see their good friend, whom they found much distressed with a large boil on his arm, attended with a considerable degree of fever. Mr Sharp di'essed it with care, and found him much better on his return in the evening, when the king ^^^as present, and expressed great tliank- fulness for the attention paid to his brother. Abba K 4 110 , SHIPWRECK OF Thulle appeai'ed very much interested for his reco- very, and on every occasion manifested the highest concern about all his relations and friends. Cap- tain Wilson observed, when there in the forenoon, that Raa Kook was attended by his wives, who ap- peared greatly agitated ; their breasts were scratch- ed and bleeding, by means of a prickly leaf, which they appUed very smaitly, in order to testify their concern. During Abba Thulle's residence on Oroolong, the English were regularly supplied with fresh and dried fish, which were very acceptable ; among the rest were some Kima cockles, so famous through- out Europe for their beautiful shells. Another un- known animal was observed about this time, some- what similar to our bat, but four times its size. It runs along the ground, climbs trees, and leaps from branch to branch with gieat alertness ; besides which, it has wide extended wings, and flies rapid- ly. It is esteemed a delicacy at Pelew, and, like the pigeon, sacred to chiefs only. On the 21st, Abba Thulle came round to the cove on his way to Pelew. He asked Captain Wilson if the Eng- lish would assist him in battle once more, to which Captain Wilson readily agreed. He then told him, that there would be a grand council held at Pelew on the subject next day, the result of which he would communicate. On this account Raa Kook would not remain behind, though far from well, his presence being necessary in council. The king then informed the captain, that he would send liim a quantity of paint for the vessel, and desired the jolly-boat might be sent for it. This was done, and a quantity sent, much more than sufficient for the purpose. It consisted of red and yellow ochre, THE ANTELOPE. Ill being all the natural paints of the cotmtry. The king Bent a strict chai'ge to preserve the baskets, in which the coloui's were packed, from wet ; and informed them, that men would be sent proper for painting the vessel, on their return from the pro- posed expedition. Mr Devis, Tom Rose, and an- other of the EngUsh seamen went with the king to Pelew, and remained there till the 24th, in wliich time Abba Thulle had made still farther inquiries at them as to various particulars, particularly as to the nations with whom Captain Wilson had men- tioned the English were at war. By the 26th of October, the vessel was bream- ed, and the outside caulking completed. The same (lay, a number of strangers touched at the cove, in ten canoes ; they proved to be friends to Abba Thulle, on their way to join his fleet. It appeared that they had previously heard of the English, and by that means were not so much surprised at seeing them ; yet they were greatly entertained with the various works through which they were conducted. Their chief was an elderly man, and spent the greater part of the time they were on shore in Cap- tain Wilson*s tent. Finding a book on his table, he was much pleased with the appearance of it, and entertained himself by reckoning the number of leaves in it, a task which he could not accomphsh, having frequently proceeded the Jength of fifty, but being unable to go further. Mr Shaip now paid a visit to Raa Kook, to in- quire after his health, and was happy to find him much better. One of the surgeons at Pelew had cut the core of the boil, and the surrounding flesh, with one of their knives. When we consider the nature of the instmment with which aU their sur- 1 1^ SHIPWRECK OF gical operations are performed, and that all thefr knowledge consists in cutting out the pai't affected, one cannot avoid feeling for the pain, or rather tor- tui'e, which those must endure, who are so unhap- py as to need their assistance. Perhaps they may now be enabled to execute their operations with somewhat less pain, as the English distributed a few twopenny knives among them, Mx* Shai-p re- dressed Raa Kook's sore, and left several dressings, with proper directions for application. His visit to the general was considered as veiy flattering, and secured his favour not with the friends of his patient only, but with all the island, who were par- ticularly attached to Raa Kook. In the afternoon of Monday, the 27th of October, Abba Thulle anived at Oroolong, with a great num- ' ber of canoes in liis train : they formed the thud grand division of the fleet, which altogether con- sisted of upwards of 300 canoes. They sailed in good order, and made a very foraiidablo appear- ance. The following ten men prepared to go on this expedition: — Mr Matthias Wilson, ^fliomas Wilson, William Roberts, Thomas Button, Nicholas Tyacke, Madan Blanchai«l, Thomas Whitfield, John Duncan, James Swift, and William Steward. Immediately on the king's landing, he was inform- ed the men were ready ; upon which they all em- barked, the English on shore giving them three cheers, wliich they, in concert with the natives, re- turned very warmly. THE ANTELOPE. 3 13 CHAPTER V. EXPEDITION TO PELELEW VISIT FROM ABBA THULLE LAUNCHING OF THE SCHOONER PRESENTS TO THE KING PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE CAPTAIN WILSON MADE A RU- PACK BLANCHARd's DETERMINATION TO REMAIN PROPOSAL FOR LEE BOO RETURN- ING WITH THE ENGLISH OTHER PROCEED- INGS PREVIOUS TO SAILING, The armament were scarcely out of sight, when a very furious storm arose at Oroolong, which dis- tressed them all exceedingly, not only on account of the danger of the vessel and tents, but the ap- prehensions they reasonably entertained for the safety of their absent friends. They were, how- ever, soon relieved. On Thursday the 30th Octo- ber, about midnight, after their companions had been gone only about three days, a canoe was ob- served coming towai'ds the haibour, and the crew calling out Englees, they were permitted to land. In this canoe came AiTa Kook and the surgeon's sitcalic, or friend, the news of whose arrival soon raised the English from their beds, to hear some account of their friends. The original cause of the contest with the natives of Pelelew it seems had been, their refusing to deliver up two people K 2 114 SHIPWRECK OF tliat had been saved from the Malay wi-eck. Im- mediately, therefore, on Abba Thulle's appearing on their coast, the enemy laid down their weapons, offered presents, and delivered up the two Malay" men. Next day, these agreeable tidings were con- finned by the return of the party, who gave the following account of the expedition : — " They met with very bad weather the first night, and were obliged to land on an unmhabited island, about four leagues distant from Pelelew, where they erected temporary huts. Next day, two diiFerent parties went on an oxrursion to a neighboming island, where they terrified the na- tives, and pillaged a little. Abba Thidle then called a council, in consequence of which AiTa Kooker set off next morning to Pelelew, and con- cluded the peace. On his return in the afternoon, the English were informed, that, in the present si- tuation of affairs, it would be derogatory to his dignity to approach Pelelew ; but if they had any wish to see the island, Arra Kooker would attend them. This offer was accepted, having previously entered into a bargain, to keep close together, in case of treachery on the part of the Pelelewans They were attended by a great nimiber of the Pe » lew people, and highly entertained with the ap- pearance of the island. They found the countiy pleasant and fertile ; the land appeared nearly le- vel, and the houses were large and better con- Btructed than those at Pelew. The natives seem- ed to be friendly and humane, and they showed a very marked respect to our countrymen, although the object of their visit had been to spread devas- tation. Indeed, the natives of Pelew discovered a degree of rancour against these Pelelewans ra- THE ANTELOPE. 115 dier inconsistent either with their character or prac- tice. The English were ready ta- think they had been stimulated to it by the Malay, in order to get his two friends out of their hands. Abba Thulle made a very short stay at Oroo- long, as did even Raa Kook. They returned to Pelew, accompanied by the king of Pelelew. This nipack was an elderly man, and of a stem rough appearance ; his hair was grey, and his beard ta- pered to a narrow point. The only other particu- lai' in which he differed from the people of Pelew was, his being tatooed quite up to the navel, while their tatooing did not exceed the middle of their thighs. Mr Sharp, with four of the men, set off the day following for Pelew, in order to bring over some molasses promised them by Raa Kook. He mentioned that the usual rejoicings had taken place at Pelew on the happy termination of this expedi- tion ; and songs were composed on the occasion in which these words could be distinguished, " Eng- lees, — ^Weel a Trecoy " (very good) ; and in a par- ticular manner Tom Rose was celebrated in them. This young man acted as an interpreter on all oc- casions, and, possessing a Idnd of pleasantry, had made liimself a favomite among the natives. About this time Captain Wilson intimated a wish to his officers and crew, that they would agree to a/ew days being spent in navigating round the shores of tliis cluster of islands, where they had spent so many weeks with a degree of comfort and satisfaction, far surpassing their most sanguine expectations. He told them they were the fii'st Europeans who had hitherto visited these islands, a general view of wliich, and of the man- ners and customs of the iiJiabitants, could not but 116 SHIPWRJECK OF 6e acceptable to their employers, and a service to mankind. He proposed, therefore, to spend some little time in visiting the parts of the group at which they had not yet touched; Abba Thulle would cheerfully give them all the assistance in his power, and it was a task \/hich could easily be overtaken. But, however plausible the scheme, it was approved by none — the fear of being engaged in hostilities with some of those islands to which they were strangers ; the danger of encountering sea storms in small canoes ; and, above all, the protracting the anxiously expected hour when they should again set sail for their native country, de- termined them all to entreat the captain to lay aside the scheme, which he accordingly did. Meanwhile the vessel advanced apace, and a consultation was held respecting the safest method of launching her, which was agi'eed to be by lay- ing ways, rather than by lai'ge rollers as proposed by some. They had neither pitch nor rosin to pay her with ; this want, necessity, the mother of in- vention, taught them to supply, by burning coral stone into a lime ; then, sifting it thoroughly, they mixed it up with grease, and found it in an excel- lent succedaneum. The reader will not have followed his country- men thus far, and seen ProVidence rescuing them from the jaws of death, and protecting them in these hitherto unknown regions, without feeling his heart warmed in no common degree to the friendly islanders, by whom they were protected ; yet it is now necessary to unfold a scene on the part of the English, which, without well weighing the accompanying cuxum stances, he will be ready to censui'e as ujigiateful, ungeneroujs, and cruel. THE A55TELOPE, 117 Instances of such noble liberality, uncontrolled by art or interest, and continued so long, are so very rare even in civilized nations, that the minds of several of the English were ready to take alarm at the smallest accident, lest all this overflowing kindness should have been shown to lull them into security, till their own ends should be first served, and they could then more effectually cut them off. A message from the king at this time, informing them that he proposed paying them a visit in a few days, and remaining with them till their departure, gave the first alarm ; but on Tuesday November the 4th, two canoes being observed off the harbour towards night, and neither of them coming in, it was concluded that they were spies, and that the natives, conscious of the value of their aid in bat- tle, intended to prevent their departure. Every precaution was therefore made for a vigorous de- fence, in spite of the eloquence of Captain Wilson, who insisted that it was a degree of injustice to entertain even a suspicion of a people so hospitable, and a prince so generous and humane. He ridi- culed the idea of defence, supposing the natives really meant to detain* them, as the ammunition was nearly ex|Dended, and the natives could so easily cut off their fresh water. These, and many other arguments equally forcible, availed nothing ; it was determined that every one should be on his guard ; that the swivels and six pounder should be loaded with grape-shot, the small arms charged with ball, and the cartouch-boxes loaded with car- tridges, and lest they should be overpowered vidth numbers, it was agreed to single out-the chiefs for the bayonet or musket, with a view to dismay and dispersQ the multitude. There is not one circum- 118 SHIPWRECK OF Stance in all this narrative more painful to relate, than that which truth now requires us to mention ; that the amiable and noble Abba Thulle, the hu- mane, benevolent Raa Kook, and the cheerful, cordial, and warm-hearted Arra Kooker, were to have been the first victims of this frenzy ; not that the English were dead to eveiy sense of honour, gratitude, and generosity ; but when the precious cup of liberty was now almost at their lips, the dread of its being yet wrenched from them, how- ever groundless, wrought so powerfully as to ab- sorb, for a moment, every principle of honour. Happy are we to say, it was but for a little time, that these* ungenerous sentiments prevailed : the retiection of a night greatly moderated them, and, by the morning, there were none of the company who did not feel, in some degree, the force of the arguments urged by Captain Wilson on the pre- ceding night ; nay, many among them blushed at the appearance they had made to one another, and discovered the weakness of human nature, when stiTiggling between the hopes of returning to their native country, and the dread of perpetual deten- tion. Agreeably to a previous promise he had made to the king, Captain Wilson despatched the jolly- boat to Pelew, on the morning of the 6th of No- vember, under the du'ection of Mr Slurp and Mr Matthias Wilson, who canied along with them all the iron and tools they could spare. They were desired to inform Abba Thulle, that, until the ves- sel was completely finished, they could not spare him the muskets, nor any more tools, but, in the meantime, they hoped to have the pleasure of a visit from him, as they expecte^but description is unequal to this task. Let not however the behaviour of their Pelew friends be forgotten. Their joy, which was also unbounded, proved them to be animated by a epuit of real philanthropy. They^aw those friends whom they valued about to leave them ; those friends by whom they had been so much benefit- ed, and from whom they had learned so much — but they saw them happy — they knew their whole comfort depended upon the success of this event, and therefore their benevolent hearts participated in the general joy. After breakfast, the happiest meal they had made since the loss of the Antelope, the English proceeded to carry every thing on board with all possible expedition, and in the afternoon, the flood tide coming in, the ship was hauled into the basin, where they had four or five fathoms of water; and in the course of the day, they got on board all the provisions, stores, k-c, except such only as were to THE AN-TELOPE. 125 be given in presents to the king ; and in the morn- ing they took on board their anchors, cables, and other necessaiies, making bitts, and fitting a rail across the stern of the vessel. Abba Thulle being now at tlie watering-plgce, sent for Captain Wilson to attend him ; on whose aiTival it was intimated to him, that the rupacks had determined to invest him with the Order of the Bone, and to create him a rupack of the first rank ; an honour which Captain Wilson said he considered ver)^ flattering, and would receive with much joy. We shall mention this ceremony of investing with the Bone ^vHth some minuteness, as it is a distinction never obtained without the most unequivocal proofs of merit in the field, in the council, or in domestic life ; and it is esteemed a supreme felicity by the distingaiished candidate. Some may be ready to smile, and ridicule the im- portance wliich these children of nature attach to this simple ceremony; but it were happy for Eu- ropean nations, if then* marks of honour were as cai'efully conferred, and as surely indicated true merit in the possessor. The glaring ceremony with which the Order of the Star and Garter, "^or the dignity of a Peerage, is conferred in Britain, does not convey more honourable sentiments of the distingnished object to the beholders, than this simple unadorned badge of honour does at Pelew. ^rhe kmg and rupacks having rethed to the shads of some trees, they inquired at Captain Wil- son of which arm he made most general use, wliich having found to be the right, they took a circular bone, prepared for the purpose, through v/hich, with a good deal of trouble, they compressed his L 2 1^ SHIPWRECK (XF hand. After it bad been fairly passed over thfe joints of tbe hand, and fixed on the wrist, the king addressed him nearly as follows. " You are now invested with our highest mark of honour, and this JBone, the signal of it, you will carefully keep as hrlyht as possible, ruhhing it every day. This high mark of dignity must always he valiantly defended, nonr suffered to he ivrestedfrom you but with your life. " He was then compHmented by his brother chiefs, on being admitted into their order; and the inferior natives, flocking romid, shouted aloud to the Englees Rupack. Monday the 10th, the old dwellings at the cove were cleared, and all tbe necessaries carried on board. The wondering natives so thronged the vessel, that the English were obliged to complain to Raa Kook, who received orders from the king, that none but rupacks should go on board ; but that the multitude might observe her at some lit- tle distance in their canoes. As soon as the sails were bent, they took her to the west side of the island, and moored her in six fathoms water. An immense concourse of natives followed in their canoes, hallooing and shouting in a most joyous manner. The king's two brothers accompanied them, and repeatedly called to their people to be minute in observing the management of the ship ; as if, at some period, they expected to have one of their own. The captain then went on shore to the king, who was waiting for him at Oroolong. Abba Thulle now resumed the subject of sending two of his people to England. He told the cap- tain, by means of the intei-preter, that he had the hrq)piness of being much respected by aJl his sub^ jccts, as being stiperior not only in rauik, but xm- THE AJJTIEI.01^ 127 (krstandmg. Yet, oftor living with the English, he had often felt liis own insignificance, in seeing the meanest among them display an ingenuity, and exercise talents of which he had no concep- tion. He had therefore resolved to pait with his youngest son, Lee Boo, who should, in company with one of the Malays, be intrusted to captain Wilson's care, that he might be instructed in such sciences os would tend, on his return, to advance the prosperity of the people, and reflect honour on the royal family. He described the youth as sen- sible, of a mild, pliable disposition, and a stranger to every kind of vice. He was under the care of an old man who lived at some distance, but had orders to be at Oroolong in the morning. Captain Wilson replied, that this mark of his regard and esteem affected him deeply, and he should ever tliiak of his confidence Avith pride. He assured Abba Thulle, that any person belonging to Pelew would meet with attention from him ; but the son of the man to whom he had been so much indebt- ed, he held himself engaged by every tie, to treat with the same tenderness as his own son. Nor were these the only persons who wished to accompany the English. For some time an un- common gloom had obscured Raa Kook*s cliecrful countenance, which seemed to increase as the hour approached when he was to part with his beloved Englees, It was aiteru-ards discovered, that so great wtis his attachment to the English, that ho had asked permission of his brother, the king, to accompany them home. Tliis, however, could not be gTanted, as Abba Thulle reminded him, he WiiB next to liim in command, and, in case of death, his «iccxjesor, therefore it ^"oiild be exceedin^y 128 SHIPWRECK Off impinident in liim to take such a step. A nephew of the king's at the same time made application to the same puq^ose. He was son to the brother who was slain at Artingall, as before mentioned. This young man urged his suit to Captain Wilson with great importunity ; but tlie Captain declined aiiy answer, till he had obtained permission from his uncle. Captain Wilson conversed on the sub- ject with Abba Thulle, wlio declared that the young man was imworthy of his protection, being of an idle and rambling disposition, and inattentive to liis family. At the same time, the young man appearing to plead his own cause, the king sternly addressed him nearly to the following purport. " ^You are undutiful to your aged mother, atid though you liave deservi^ig wives, you use them ill. Your vile conduct has been publicly exposed^ and now you are ashamed, and would jiy from your family ! Hemain where you are, and let yoiir se7ise of shame amend your life. " Abba Thulle now modestly hinted a request to Captain Wilson, that before he set sail, he would sail round in his new vessel to Pelew. He particularly mentioned, that many aged people there had never yet seen their vessel, and were veiy anxious to do so ; it would not detain them long, and would be very agreeable to all his people. Tlie Captain at once conceived that this proposal would be very dis- agreeable to his men, and perhaps revive then- for- mer suspicions ; he therefore suggested such ob- jections as satisfied the king that the step would be improper. Tlie weather and wind appearing favourable, the captain informed Abba Thulle, that they intended sailing the next day. This very much distressed THE AKTELOPE. 129 the kmg. We have formerly meirtioned the em- bassy which had been sent him at PethouU ; in aii- 8wer to which he had sent word, that tho day fol- iowing that now mentioned by the captain, was the day the English meant to sail, in consequence of which, all the neighbouring nxpacks would repair to Oroolong the next night, to fmnish them with provisions, and bid them farewell. This informa- tion determined the captain still more to set sail in tJie forenoon, as the number of canoes to be ex- pected, would greatly incommode them. He there- fore apologized in the best manner he could to the king, who appeared greatly disappointed. He then begged that the captain and officers would dine with him and his brothers on shore. With this they cheerfully complied ; and after dinner Arra Kooker so pathetically begged for the favomito dog, of which he had become excessively fond, that they could not resist his solicitations, though it would be a subject of particular regret among the sailors. But the general's thoughts were far otherwise employed; ho was already building a ship In imagination ; and to realize his design, wished them to leave their launching frames, say- ing he would go to work on the same place. The king had laughed at the insignificance of Arra Kooker '« request of the dog ; but the subject of ship-building caught his most serious attention. It was of national importance, and, of course, de- manded the patronage of a good prince. In the midst of their discourse, a fight on board the ship betv/een two sailors, called for the presence of the XTaptain. Tlie damage proved no greater than a bloody nose ; which being settled, Mr Wilson a- gain retftmcd. Wlien tlie circumstance was ex- 130 SHIPWRECK OF plained to the king, he observed that there were no doubt bad men in all countnes. Tlie English asked, and obtained permission to hoist a pendant on a tree near the cove, with an inscription in the following terms, on copper, t« be placed on an- other tree adjacent. The Honourable English East India Company s Ship THE Antelope, Henry Wilson, Commander, Was lost upon the Reef north of this Island, In the night between the 9th and 10th of August ; Who here built a vessel. And sailed from hence The 12th day of November 1783. Captain Wilson explained the purport of this inscription to Abba Thulle, who was greatly pleased with it : and having explained it to his people, he assm-ed the English that it should carefully stand there in remembrance of their visitors. The conversation this day was principally con- fined to the approaching separation. " When you are gone, " said the king, " I much dread that the Artingalls will redouble their attempts against me ; and, deprived of youj aid, I shall probably feel the effects of that animosity they have always felt towai'ds my people ; and having no more the English to support me, I will not be a match for them unless you leave the few muskets you pro- mised me. " The captain w^as quite ready to comply wdth the request immediately ; but most of the officers, still beset with apprehensions, w^ere THE ANTELOPE. 131 ' unwiiling to give up the arms till the last moment. Tliat unlucky suspicion which had so ungenerous- ly taken possession of them, had been so rivetted in their minds, that it was not easily dislodged. Abba Thulle was too quicksighted not to ob- serve their distrust ; and, willing to show he had noticed it, he asked them, in his usual calm re- flecting manner, " W/iat is there can make you harbour dovhts of me ? I never testified any fear of you, but endeavoured to convince you that I wislied your friendship. Had I been disposed to have harmed you, I might have done it long ago, I have at all times had you in my power, but have wily exercised that power in making it useful to you, and can you not confide in me at the last 9 " ^Vllen the foregoing pages are attentively con- sidered, the hospitality with which our people had been treated, both by Abba Thulle and the na- tives, from the first friendly interview to the pre- sent moment — who had spread before them what- ever they had to give, or their country produced ; and when, added to this, the king, as an unequi- vocal proof of the high opinion he entertained of the English, was about to consign his own son to their care — is there a reader who, recalling all these circumstances, can wonder they affected the sensibility of Abba Thulle ? Or rather, is there a reader who Avill not be ready with myself to ask, If it was possible to make a more cutting reproof than this of the king's ? Every individiial felt its force and its truth ; every individual also felt how much his mind had injured this excellent man. Nor was the wound of tliis reproach rendered less acute by the consciousness each man had, of hav- ing been so lately induced, by xuijust fears, to join 132 saiifWRKCi?: of in such destructive cotmsel against liim ai>:l his family. But the eye of philosophy will candidly discri- minate between the two parties. The people of Pelew, tutored in the school of Nature, acted from her impulse alone, were open and undisguised ; un- conscious of deceit themselves, they neither feared nor looked for it in others. Our countrymen, bom and brought up in a civilized nation, where art aasimies every form and colouring of life, and is even perfected into a science, were fasliioned by education to suspicion and distrust, and awake to all their busy suggestions. Such is the fatal know- ledge the world teaches mankind, shutting too often the human heart against the sources of its own happiness, by weakening confidence, tlie most valuable bond of society ! The king's rebulce was too powerful for our people to resist. They instantly desired the cap- tain to assure him, that whatever had been pro- mised should be faithfully fulfilled ; and to con- vince him they had no suspicions, the anns should be immediately given to him. They accordingly sent on board for the quantity of arms they could with conveniency spare, and on the boat's return presented him with five muskets, five cutlasses, nearly a barrel of gunpowder, with gun-flints and ball in proportion. Captain Wilson also made him a present of his own fowling-piece, with which he seemed to be particularly pleased, having often seen its effect on the fowls and other birds at Pelew. And now the gentle spiiit of the king appeared to forget every trace of what had happened. But the soene pre8enteined only to return by himself to China, leaving Captain Proctor, of the Endeavour, to make a general survey of them, to instruct the na- tives in the culture, arts, and trades of England, ~ and, if necessary, to protect them against their neighbours, though every means was to be used to prevent them from engaging in war. He him- self, after communicating with the company from China, proposed to return. The king, on being informed of this arrangement, could not credit it, but said they pucka gogely " were in jest. " On being assured, however, that such was really their determination, he showed himself happy beyond expression, and ordered an ample provision of fish and yams to be prepared. It was also arranged, that several of the Pelew natives should accom- pany the captain, who left with the king a boy, whom he treated as his son. During the interval of preparation, two chiefs came from the neighboming island of Emmeleigue, and on being taken into the cabin, went over the same round of wonder and rapture which had been so often repeated. On receiving a few knives and beads, they ran up to the deck, and exposed them in triumph to the view of their countrymen in the THE ANTELOPE. 197 cfiTioes. Abba Thulle, however, in a private <;on- versation, complained that these were but sunshine allies, who had never made their appearance while he was hard pressed by the war with Aitino^all, and who paid their present court only in consider- ation of his powerful friends, the English. Two canoes, also, actuated by the same motive, ar- rived from Artingall to sue for peace. Abba Thulle treated them very haughtily, not allowing them to visit the strangers, but only requesting that 'they might be entertained with the exhibition of two great guns fired with shot, in order to heighten their impression of English power. Before Captain M'Cluer sailed^ it was necessaiy that he should be invested with the Order of the Bo7ie ; but the one first brought was so small, tliat it could not be got on, and even the second not without difficulty ; however, the matter was at length accomplished. Thursday the 10th February being fixed for the day of sailing, the natives who were to accompany the captain came on board. They had with them many relations, who appeared so overwhelmed by the parting, that Captain M'CIuer said they Ijad better remain ; but they answered. No I no ! to let them cry for only half an hour, and they would go away contented. This term of pai'ental and filial tenderness being expired, the mother cut three locks of hair from her daughter's head, and they went away composed and tranquil. A day or two before going, Captain M'Cluer had inserted in his Journal, " I found my situation quite a paradise, and could with pleasm-e have spent the remainder of my days here. " He only complains, that the R 2 198 SHIPWRECK OF people are light-fingered, from the higiiest to tiie lowest ; but for this he makes great allowances ; and there is evidently nothing of the kind among themselves, since their houses are left open, and , sheir spears and utensils unprotected, in the most solitary situations, without the least apprehension. Some time after the departure of Captain M'- Cluer, Captain Proctor and his officers were sur- prised when Abba Thulle and his chief rupacks paid them a visit ; but, instead of beginning con- versation in their usual gay and familiar manner, seated themselves in regular order, and remained for some time fixed in solemn silence. The cap- tain inquired whp.t was the cause of this unusual gloom, and whether the English had done any thing to offend the king ; whereupon, says he, lie looked at me with a smile so kind and good, that my fears were entirely at an end. He then pre- ferred a request in the most modest manner, and hoped that we would assist him in an expedition against Artingall. To this I was obliged to make the following answer : that it was not in my power to comply with his request, as my orders from captain M'Cluer were to the contrary. The good old king said, it was well that I must obey my su- peiior rupack ; but he gave me a look so veiy impressive of disappointment, yet so free from anger, that I confess it quite overpowered me. After remaining for some time silent, he said. Only permit your people to go in some of the canoes, and stay at a distance to notice the battle ; and, in order to obey my superior rupack, the men should be directed not to fire, but merely show themselves to the enemy. He added, that should the Artin- gall men get the advantage^ he trusted to the steady y THE ANTELOPE. 199 friendship of the English, and the superiority of tlieir muykets, for securing his retreat. So much delicacy could not be withstood ; the terms were agreed on, and I had the satisfaction, at the re- turn of our men, to hear that the friends of the English were idctorious. Captain Proctor was most strictly justified in re- fusing to interfere in a war which seems to have been offensive on the part of the king. He only agreed, that the English boats should place them^ Reives in the rear, to cover the retreat of their friends, in case of their being worsted ; but they J )roved victorious, and no exertion of British prowess became necessary on this occasion. During this residence, some additional particu- lars respecting the natives came to the knowledge of the English. Each little town or village has its rupack, who governs under Abba Thulle, and pays a kind of rent or tribute in yams, betel nuts, cocoa-nut leaves, &c. Besides which, he is bound, when called upon, to bring all his canoes and men to the aid of his sovereign, in any militaiy expe- dition. The king can punish the offence of an in- ferior rupack, by taking from him his bone ; but those of higher rank are considered as having a liereditaiy right to their districts, and cannot be displaced without danger of exciting a revolt. Every man may have as many wives as he pleases, so long as he can provide a house for each ; but this faculty is confined to nipaclvs, and does not extend far, unless in the case of those of high rank. Marriage is attended with no ceremony, except that of the wife going home to the house prepared for her. It is indeed an indispensable ]>re-reqiiisitep that, at Bome period of her previous 200 SHIPWRECK OF life, she should have been thoroughly rr,elgothc(h that is, tatooed on the hands, arms, feet and le^^s, with punctured linos, representing various birds, beasts, fishes and plants. This operation, is not only painful but costly, as it requires a skilled artist to perfonn it. Though the females of rank, therefore, are usually melgothed at the age of six or seven, the inferior classes must often delay till they can muster in yam, cocoa-nut, or other pro- duce, funds sufficient for paying the performer. Although there was no external form of worship, a class of persons were found to exist called Uck- aleeths, or prophets, who were held so sacred over all the islands, that even the most hostile natives left their possessions untouched. The king, by an able stroke of policy, had assigned his frontier territory to one of these uckaleeths, by which means it served as a bander to the rest of the kingdom. It is remarkable that policy exactly similar has been adopted by the emperor of China, in regard to that part of Thibet called the Undes, which, by being bestowed in gaihire upon the La- mas, is guai'ded from the incursion of the border- ing Tai-tai's. On the 10th June 1791, the Panther an-ived from Macao, and was immediately visited and welcomed by the king and a crowd of the natives. The Pelew passengers had much to do in unfold- ing to their countrymen the mighty wonders they had seen in their absence. Above all things, they had been amazed by the view of an English line of battle ship, which happened to be in the harbour of Canton. They expressed theii* exaggerated idea of its hugeness, by pointing to an island about two THE ANTELOPE. 201 miles in cirtmmference, and declaring that the ship was as large. A few days after, the king renewed to Captain M^Cluer, in person, his solicitation for the aid of the Englisli in the war against Artingall ; and that officer, who seems now to have become more and more Pelewized, gave his consent at once, thus without any apparent reason contravening his own instructions. The long-boat was therefore imme- diately equipped with a six-pounder, two swivels, and a crew of ten musketeers. Twenty seapoys were dispelled through different canoes, and Lieu- tenant Wedgeborough, accompanied the king in his oun. Being saluted on their departure with three cheers from Captain M'Cluer, which were joyfully reechoed from the canoes, they proceeded to Cooroora, where they were regaled with a handsome supper of fish, yams, and sweet drink. A. pye or public hall had been cleared for their sleeping accxjmmodation. They started betimes in the morning, expecting an early departure ; but the expedition did not, in fact, move till five in the afternoon. On their passage, they disturbed an 'inhabitant of the seas, which seems strongly to re- semble the famous or fabulous merman of Norvi^ay. It was not caught, and consequently not closely examined ; but, according to the natives, it is some* times sixteen feet long, and twelve in circumfer- ence, being as much as two men can encompass with their arms extended ; its head resembles that of a seal, /with arms or fins ; and the female haa breasts with four nipples, just below the arms, where it suckles its young. From its head are taken three • bones, which are singularly prized in Pelew, being 202' SIIIPWTvECPC OF those which, placed round the wrist, confer the title and dignity of nipack. The expedition proceeded first to the pior of Try, rendered secure, as before mentioned, by tlie abode of the great Uckaleeth. At this general rendezvous, two hundred canoes, the vassals, or allies of Abba Thulle, were found to have assembled. Thence they made, with all speed, towai'ds the pier of Malligoyoke, the grand stronghold and capi- tal of Artingall. On approaching within two miles of it, anchor was cast for the night ; and, at day- break, the king sent a herald with terms, the refusal of which would infer immediate hostility. In the view of biassing the deliberations in the Artingall cabinet, all the muskets of the fleet were fired singly in succession, till the series amounted nearly to forty ; a course which failed not apparently to make a salutary impression. In less thr.n an hour a canoe was seen hastily pulling off from the pier. It pushed through the fleet, the rowers flourishing their paddles, till it was placed alongside of the canoe of Abba Thulle. Four rupacks, who had come in this canoe, sat for some time in perfect silence, till at length one of them asked the other, why he did not speak to the king. A conference then ensued, in the course of which the Artingall deputies were seen presenting beads as an instru- ment of pacification ; while Abba Thulle, in en- forcing his claims, emphatically pointed to the long- boat and to the seapoys — objects which were be- held with mingled dismay and astonishment by the Artingalls. The deputies then departed, to re- port the issue of this conference ; and the van di- vision of the fleet, including all the English auxili- THE ANTELOPE. 203 aries, was advanced to within a mile of Malligo- yoke. Soon after, the four Aitingall rnpacks came out, and announced the consent of their govern- ment, that tlie Coorooras, with their allies, might come to the pier, where they could more easily and expeditiously discuss the terms of accommo- dation. About nccn, accordingly, they took their station at the outer end of this pier, which was found to be really an astonishing fabric. It was c-om posed entirely of coral rocks, piled ingeniously upon each otlier, and was twelve feet high, fifteen feet broad at the top, and extended about a mile into the sea, so as to leave an open passage be- tween its' termination and a range of exterior reefs. Another conference here took place, accompanied with a fi-esh exliibition ^f the performa:ice upon the brass gun, and of the round and gi-ape shot. At the close of the interview, there seemed a ge- neral understanding, that peace would be the re- sult. Several of the natives came down to gratify their curiosity by a view of the new people, and then- singular appendages. The English being then invited on shore, went, accompanied by a train of five hundred Coorooras. Being formed in line, they were asked first to fire in two divi- sions, and then a general volley, which they exe- cuted with the accompaniment of shouts of triumph on the part of their friends, and, on that of the Artingalls, with new signs of wonder and dismay. The officers were even about accepting an invita- tion from tlie An-a Kooker or general, when Cap- tain Proctor's succalic, or friend, took him aside, and urged the extreme rashness of going to the liouse of a man who would probably seize this op- poittiiiity to take reveiige for the injuries his peo.. 204" SHIPWriECK OP pie had suffered from the English. They were relieved from their emban-assment by a message from tlie king, ordering the immediate return of the whole party, whose prolonged absence had given him some uneasiness. During the night, they remained on board the fleet, torches and lights being kept continually burning, for fear of sui-prise. At eight in the morning, a new deputation came out, and held a short audience with Abba Thulle. At its conclu- sion, that Prince, with a smiling countenance, told the English officers that there would be no fight- ing, as the Artingalls had agreed to all his de- mands. The king then, in compliance with a fresli deputation, went on shore in full pomp, and every symptom of hostile feeling ceased on both sides. They marched immediately to the place of council, where they found assembled all the ru- packs of Artingall. One side of the hall was cleared for Abba Thulle and his attendants, while the other was occupied by the native chiefs. The audience began with many ceremonies, on the completion of which an easy and friendly conver- sation took place. Lieutenant Wedgeborough, hav- ing an opportunity of talldng with one of their principal rupacks, took occasion to assure him, that the English entertained no hostile feelings a- gainst Artingall, and their only wish was to see peace established throughout the islands. They had only felt themselves bound to espouse the cause of Abba Thulle, in consequence of his great hospitality to their countrymen, who had suffered shipwreck on his coast. Should a similar acci- dent happen on the poast of Artingall, and a like humane conduct be observed, it would call forth THE ANTELOPE. 206 the same return of gratitude and reward ; and in exchange for their cocoa-nuts, yams, and fish, they would receive iron, cloth, and beads. The Lieute- nant does not record any other reply, besides an eager inquiry, whether they would obtain powder also. A general silence now ensued in the hall, and one of the Artingall rupacks was seen ad- vancing to the king, and presenting him with a bead, which was acknowledged by the return of one of inferior value. The pai*ties now took leave, and proceeded to a pye about a quaiter of a mile distant, where they were regaled with tubs of sweet drink, after which they re-embarked. Lieute- nant Wedgeborough took an early opportunity of asking Abba Thulle what the gi-and concession was, which had put an end to all the animosities between the two people, and united them in the bonds of cordiality und amity. The king told him that he was ready to exhibit to him this mighty fruit of his triumph, only beseeching him not to let it fall and break it. He then put into his hands a little yellow stone, about two inches long, shaped like a wedge, and with a hole thi'ough it for the insertion of a string. After satisfying his curiosity, and gazing with the respect which was due, the lieutenant hastened to retm-n into the royal hands so momentous a deposit. The allied powers soon returned to Cooroora, where they were welcomed by the natives, biinging down in profusion baskets of provisions, and tubs of sweet drink. Eveiy kindness was lavished on the Eng- lish in the festival that followed, commemorative of the triumph obtained through their means, and which had constituted Abba Thulle owner of the 206 SHIPWRECK OF great bead, and chief rupack of all the islands at Pelew. On the 27th June, the vessels, conformably to orders which they had received, set sail to make a survey of the coast of New Guinea. The good old king being assured that they would pay him another visit on their way to China, requested that they would take with them a few of his subjects, and leave one or two English with him, that the people of Pelew might be made " as like English- men as possible. " Two English boys were ac- cordingly left, and three of the natives went on board the Panther. They carried on this survey from July to December, with an interval of ten days spent at Ambo}'na, where the Dutch gave them a very hospitable reception. Their inter- jL-ourse with the natives was in general friendly ; tliough on one occasion, Mr Nicholson the sur- geon allowed himself to be inveigled into a canoe, where he was killed and thrown overboard, at the same time some of the crew being wounded by a shower of arrows. The English obtained refresh- ment at Timor, and met with that hospitable re- ception so often experienced there by British ma- riners. They then sailed for Bencoolen, where they spent some months, and, on the 17th August, again set out for the Pelew islands. On their way they touched at the Sooloo islands, where they took on board as much seed, grain, and cattle, as their ships could hold ; and, on the 20th January 1793, arrived at Pelew. Two of the natives had died in the course of the voyage. They were not long of receiving intelligence of the death of their A V or til y and beneficent friend Abba Thulle, which hud taken place tlnee i|jonths after their departure. THE ANTELOPE. '^'07 He was succeeded by his brotlier, the Clow Arrn Kooker. Soon after, Captain M'Cluer despatclied tlie Endeavour to China, where Captain Proctor was ordered to join the embassy under Lord Macart- ney, and had no farther connection with the Pe- lew islands. Not long after, the people of tlie Panther having landed the stores and every thing which could be useful to the natives, began, with some heaviness of heart, to make preparations for their final departure. Of the attachment inspired by the amiable and friendly conduct of these islanders, a much more remarkable proof than ever was now to be given. Captain M'Cluer announced the in- tention which he had for some time secretly che- rished, of resigning his command, and fixing his future abode at Pelew. On the 2d February 1793, he wrote a letter to Lieutenant Wedge- borough, desiring him to take charge of the Pan- ther, with all her stores and provisions. Mr W and his brother officers, he said, had used every argument in their power to dissuade him from this uncommon and unprecedented step. It was one which might be taken for an act of insanity; but it was, on the contrary, the result of mature delibera- tion, adopted with a view to benefit his country and the world in general, by enlightening the minds of these noble islanders. He requested that there should be left with him twenty muskets, twelve pistols, and a quantity of ammunition. These ar- ticles the officers agreed to deliver, under the pro- viso, that his attorney should be responsible for them, in case the Company should disapprove of their having been thus disposed of. These stores, and a boat, having been delivered to Captain M*- 208 SHIPWRECK OF Cluer on the 3d, he came on board, and in pre- sence of the whole ship's company, summoned for that purpose, formally resigned his command to Lieutenant Wedgeborough. After ten days spent in preparation, the Pan- ther unmoored and set sail for China. Although none of the crew felt any temptation to imitate the conduct of their commander, they yet confess, that it required a more than ordinary resolution to meet the moment of parting with such long tried and intimate friends, with almost a certainty of its being the last adieu. They arrived at Macao on the 7th March, and liaving refitted, proceeded to Bombay, which they reached on the 17th August, 1793. Captain M^ Cluer, who seems in this step to have been considerably under the influence of a fickle disposition, soon tired of his residence on these islands, at a distance from all European society. So potent did this ennui become, that it drove him to the perilous extreme of setting sail in the little boat that had been left with him, accompanied by five men, of whom three were Malays. His first intention was to go to Temate, one of the Moluccas, " to hear the news ; " but lie afterwards resolved to steer for China. The voyage proved very rough ; he had no instniments for his guidance, and only one chart ; and his only food was cocoa-nuts and water. Yet he arrived safely at Macao, to the great sui-prise of the Eng- lish factory ; and finding seemingly a more cordial reception from M. Van Braam and the other Dutch residents, he took up his abode with them. Ac- cording to the account now given by Captain M^Ckier, the ca<)de, sheep and goats put upon these THE ANTELOPE. 209 islands had thriven amazingly, their only dangi^- being from the excessive luxuriance of the her- bage, and several had died by overfeeding. A son had been bom to him, to the great satisfaction of the natives, who said they should now have an English Abba Thulle. After a short residence at Macao, Captain M^Cluer sailed again for Pelew, with the view of removing thence his family and property. Ac- cordingly, he again left those islands, with bis child and several of the natives of both sexes. At Ben- coolen, he met the Bombay frigate, in which he sent part of his Pelew attendants to Bombay, and sailed with the rest to Bengal. Tlience, after a short stay, he again set sail ; but neither himself, nor the vessel in which he embarked, was ever again heard of, and must have perished on the voy- age. In July 1797, when Captain Wilson came to Bombay in the Warley, he was informed by Mr Wedgeborough that there were now living in the neighbourhood three Pelew females, of those who had been sent forward by Captain M^Cluer from Bencoolen. After hopes were lost of that gentle- man's retura. Lieutenant Snook and Dr Helenus Scott had humanely taken them under their charge, and procured a small allowance from government for their support. They were now veiy desirous of finding a conveyance back to their native coun- try. To this benefit they seemed to have a just claim ; and some Chinese whom Captain C. had caiTied to Pelew, for the purpose cf instructing the natives, had equally a right to the means of re- turning to their native country. On a represen- s 2 510 SHIPWRECK OF tujtion being inade of the above ciixumetances, the Bombay government authorized Lieutenant Snook to perform tliese two charitable offices, placing at his disposal the necessaiy means. Captain Wilson gave them a passage in the Warley to Canton, where a small vessel was purchased and equipped for the voyage ; and in March 1798, the English again anchored on the hospitable shore of Pelew. The natives were particularly pleased by the return of their countrywomen, and immediate- ly renewed their friendly and cordial intercourse with the English. Since the last visit, two vessels had touched at their island, one of which appear- ed, by the description, to have been a Spaniard. The other was described as having a gi'eat many guns and men, who talked a great deal, and in- quired much after the English, whose vessels, they said, if they met with, they would blow out of the water into the clouds — a description and senti- ments which, considering the period, seems to sug^ gest the probability of the vessel being French. Lieutenant Snook, after refitting his vessel, took on board the Chinese left on the island, and com- pleted his voyage back to Canton and Bombay. In 1802, Captain Tucker, on his way from Bombay to China, touched at the Pelew islands, but w^ithout being able to land. Four canoes, however, came off, in one of which was an English- man, who stated, that he, with three others, had been now left for the fourth time, to collect breech de mer, shark's fins, and other articles suited to the Chinese market. They had always been on the most cordial terms with the inhabitants, and met with kind and hospitable treatraeut. 11. MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY. WITH CONSEQUENCES ARISING FROM IT; BLIGH'S VOYAGE THROUGH THE PACIFIC IN AN OPEN BOAT VOYAGE AND SHIPWRECK OF THE PANDORA; SETTLEMENT AND PRESENT STATE OF PITCAIRN'S ISLAND. MUTINY OF THE BOUNTY CHAPTER I. MOTIVES OF SENDING CAPTAIN BLIGH TO THE SOUTH SEA HIS VOYAGE ARRIVAL AT OTAHEITE TRANSACTIONS IN THAT ISLAND COMPLETES HIS MISSION — DEPARTURE. The reign of George III. was illustrated be- yond every formei era of English history, by mighty and successful efforts in the career of maritime dis- covery. Under the personal auspices of his Ma- jesty, and with means furnished by his govern- ment, voyages were made to quarters of the globe, and regions, the very existence of which had been unknown to former ages. Under this influence arose Cook, who raised a name above that of eveiy past and future navigator. Between the Equator and the Polar circle, his flag continued to fly, till scarcely a comer of the gieat ocean, which coversr the opposite side of the eoFtli, was left unexplored. 214 VOYAGE OF It was glorious to Britain, that these expeditions were not destined, like too many of those first un- dertaken by Europeans, to establish iniquitous and chimerical claims of dominion, to drag into bond- age the unhappy natives, and to glut the thirst for those glittering treasures, which a blind avarice supposed alone to constitute wealth. Even the humbly laudable object of finding new chaimels of lucrative trade was, in this instance, accounted se- condary. The pure interests of science, the dif- fusion among civilized nations of a knowledge of the globe which they inhabited, were the objects held mainly in view, and brilliantly fulfilled. Although, however, discovery and knowledge had been the moving principles in this great ca- reer, yet, when new seas and new worlds were brought to the knowledge of Europe, nothing could be more laudable than to endeavour to draw from them the means of augmenting the subsist- ence and accommodations of mankind. The newly discovered islands of the gi-eat ocean presented many peculiar forms, both of animal and vegetable existence. Among the latter, the most remarkable and promising was a tree producing food for man, in such easy abundance, as seemed almost to ex- empt him from the original doom of earning his bread by the sweat of his brow. In the Ladrone or Marianne Islands was discovered the bread-fruit tree, first noticed, we believe, by Dampier, and of which that intelligent and accurate navigator gives the following description. " The bread-fruit (as we call it) grows on a large tree, as big and high as our largest apple- trees. It hath a spreading head full of branches and dark leaves. The fruit grows on the boughs CAPTAIN BLIGH. 215 like apples : it is as big as a penny loaf when wheat is at five shillings the bushel ; it is of a round shape, and hath a thick t^ugh rind. When the fi-uit is ripe, it is yellow and soft, and the taste is sweet and pleasant. The natives of Guam use it for bread. They gather it when full grown, while it is green and hard : then they bake it in an oven, which scorcheth the rind, and makes it black; but they scrape off the outside black crust, and there remains a tender thin crust ; and the inside is soft, tender and white, like the crumb of a penny loaf. There is neither seed nor stone in the inside, but all is of a pure substance like bread. It must be eaten new ; for, if it is kept above twenty-four hours, it grows harsh and choaky ; but it is very pleasant before it is too stale. This fruit lasts in season eight months in the year, during which the natives eat 7io other sort of food of bread kind. I did never see of this fruit any where but here. The natives told us, that there is plenty of this fruit growing on the rest of the Ladrone islands ; and / did never hear of it any where else, " In the narrative of Lord Anson's voyage, this tree is described also as growing in Tinian, a£i constantly eaten by the crew instead of bread, and universally preferred. It is said to be fittest for use when full grown, yet still green ; and, when roasted, " its taste has some distant resemblance to that of an aitichoke's bottom, and its texture is not very different, for it is soft and spungy. This tree had hitherto been observed only in the Ladrones ; but Captain Cook found it equally •ibuiidant in the Society Islands. He describes the ait as " about the size and shape of a child's Uoadj and the &urface reticulated not nuicji unjike 216 VOYAGE OF a truffle. The taste Is insipid, with a slight sweet- ness, somewhat resembling that of the crumb of wheaten bread, mixed ^vith a Jerusalem artichoke." In the first voyage, he says, that it does not grow spontaneously ; but that, if a man plants ten trees in his lifetime, which he may do in about an hour, he will completely fulfil his duty to his own and future generations. In his third voyage, how- ever, he observes, that, to liis most careful in- quiries, the answer always was, that the natives never planted it; that the young trees spring from the roots of the old, which nm along neai* the surface of the ground ; and that this tree, therefore, would speedily cover the whole island, if it were not checked with the view of raising- other plants, to afford some variety of foodr In the course of this voyage, the same tree was found also in the Sandwich Islands, not as in Otaheite, in fertile plains, but upon the perpen- dicular sides and deep chasms of mountains, which rose almost pei-pendicularly, and threw up peaks of varied form. In this situation the trees were not so abundant ; but tliey produced double the quantity of frait. The climates in which this valuable and remark- able production had thus been traced, although jiot favourable to any hope of its transplanta- tion into Europe, suggested its aptitude for some valuable possessions of Britain within the torrid zone. The West Indies possessed a climate not so directly under the line as Otaheite and the La- drones, but somewhat nearer than the Sandwich Islands. They yielded, however, only the iiide {md scarcely wholesome roots of manioc and cas- sada for the food of the negroes, and contained CAPTAIN BLIGH. 2L7 nothing out of which could be made bread fitted for the palate of European settlers. It occurred, therefore, to a number of respectable individvab connected with these islands, that the transplanta* tion thither of the bread-fruit would be a mdst imr portant acquisition. A memorial drawn up under this impression met with immediate attention from a Government always disposed to promote sudh improvements. The Bounty, a vessel of 215 ton^> with 44 men, was placed under the command of Lieutenant Bligh, an enterprising and experienced officer, who had served as master under Captain Cook. He was instructed to proceed to Otaheit^ and there to procure and lodge on board of hisj vessel, which had been fitted with proper accom-f modations for that purpose, as many of the tree* as it could conveniently receive. In case, on hi^ arrival at Java, any of these trees should have per rished, or suffered injury, they were to be replaced with mangosteens, duriens, and other fine fruits of that quarter, as well as with some plants of the species of rice, which grows on dry ground* On liis way home he was to proceed to the West In-p dies, deposit one half of these supplies at St Vin^- cent, for the benefit of the Windward Islands, and proceed with the other half to Jamaica. Two gardeners skilled in Botany, Mr Nelson and Mr Brown, accompanied him, to select and take care of this valuable cargo* Every thing being aiTanged with a view to the objects of the voyage, the great cabin was appropriated for the preservation of the plants. It had two large sky-lights, and on each side three scuttles for air, and was fitted with ,^ false floor cut full of holes to contain the gardra^ X 7 liyui 218 VOYAGE OF pots, in which the plants were to be brought home. The commander had a small adjoining cabin to eleep in, and a place in the middle of the ship for eating. His instructions were to endeavour, in the first instance, to pass round Cape Horn, as obvi- ously much the nearest route ; but it being the end of December, there was reason to apprehend that the season might not admit of his effecting that dangerous passage ; in which event, permission was given to take the circuit by the Cape of Good Hope. Mr Bligh set sail from Spithead on the 23d December 1787. On the 26th he encountered a severe storm, which broke into the ship, and wash- ed overboard some casks of beer that had been lashed to the deck. The boats had nearly shared the same fate ; and a great quantity of the bread was rendered useless by the cabin being filled with water. Next day the gale abated, and they had moderate and favourable winds as far as Teneriffe, where they arrived on the 4th January. Here they laid in good wine at ten pounds a pipe, and some almost equal to the best London Madeira at fifteen pounds. Provisions and vegetables, how- ever, were very scarce and dear, and fruits not to be had. This was owing to the season ; for, from March to November the supplies are plentiful and cheap. After leaving Teneriffe the crew were made ac- quainted with the purpose of the voyage, and as- surance of promotion was given to those who should merit it by their services. In the view of being able to proceed to Otaheite without stop- ping, they were put upon two thirds allowance of bread ; but that they might enjoy unbroken rest, CAPTAIN BLIGH. 219 the two watches were divided into three, the third being intrusted to Fletcher Christian, master's mate, and a man of talents, who afterwards made himself but too conspicuous. The voyage down the Atlantic was favourable. They suffered only from the alternation of violent rains and extreme heat, which were trying to the health of the sailors ; but by great attention to drying and ventilation, the line was passed, and the temperate regions again reached, without the health of the crew being at all affected. On the 23d March, the vessel reached Terra del Fuego, which did not here present the same terrible aspect of snowy precipices as within the Sti-aits. From the state of the wind, it was thought preferable to go round to the eastward of Staten Land, rather than through the Straits Le Marie, New- Year's Harbour offered a safe and easy ap- t proach, which almost tempted Mr Bligh to enter ; v^and he suggests it as a convenient place of refresh- ^)nent ; but the lateness of the season induced him 'to give up all thoughts of pausing till he reached Otaheite. Having passed by the eastern side of Staten Land, they soon lost sight of land, and saw the expanse of the Pacific before them. Here, however, began a series of heavy and tempestuous gales from the westward, in which they beat about for a month, without being able to make any ma- terial progress. In this dreary and inhospitable scene, their only amusement consisted in catching the sea-birds peculiar to it ; albatrosses, of which »'-«ome that they took measured seven feet from wing ' .to wing, and two beautiful smaller species, the blue petterel and the pintada. Both, when first caught, were lean, and had a fishy taste ; but when cou- 220 VOYAGE OF fined, and fed with com for a short time, they became equal, the pintada to the best duck, and the albatross to an equally excellent goose. How- ever, the winds and waves continued to roll with- out intermission, their conflict against which be- gan at length to be unequal. The ship began to Complain, and required to be pumped every hour ; the decks became so leaky, that it was necessary to allot the great cabin as a place for sleeping in to those sailors who had their hammocks hung in ex- posed situations. Such was the violent rolling of the sea, that the cook one day fell, and broke one bf his ribs ; another man, from a similar cause, had his shoulder dislocated. After thoroughly clearing Cape Horn, and reaching the latitude of 76°, they were driven back six degrees, and found, to their severe mortification, that they were now losing gi'ound every day. There remained, then, no al- ternative but to use the Admiralty permission, and take the route, circuitous though it was, by the Cape of Good Hope ; a route in which, from the prevalence of westerly winds at this season, they had every reason to look for a favourable run. • On the 22d April, the commander, to the ge- neral joy, ordered the helm to be put " a- weather ; " fend on the same day of the following month, they ^ame in sight of the Table mountain. The place was found considerably increased, both in strength fend the respectability of its population, since it ^as visited by himself eight years before ; and care 4vas taken to procure some seeds and plants that would be useful at Otaheite and elsewhere. Anxi- ous inquiries were here made about the recent ca- tastrophe of the Grosvenor, which had excited deep sympathy in England. Coloftel Gordon expressed CAPTAIN BLTGH. 221 much regret for having said any thing that had ex- cited at home a vain hope that any of the unfor- tunate sufferers might be got ahve. During his travels in the Caffre country, a native had told him that there was, among his countrymen, a white woman with a child, which she frequently em- braced, crying most bitterly. AH that Colonel (jordon could then do was to engage the native, by presents and promises, to take a letter to this woman ; but though that person most cheerfully undertook the commission, he never returned, and nothing more was ever heard on the subject. On leaving the Cape, Mr Bligh steered direct across the ocean for the southern point of Van Die- men's land ; after doubling which, and passing through the channel between New Holland and New Zealand, he would find himself at once in the middle of the South Sea. On the lOtli July he came in sight of the Mewstone, a high bold rock, five leagues from the south-west Cape of Van Diemen, and which he advises all vessels this way bound to endeavour to make. This rapid passage was produced by strong and often tempestuous gales from the south-west, accompanied by flocks of albatrosses, petterels, and other birds of the ocean, which disappeared whenever the wind be- gan to blow from the north. None of the natives were seen, nor did there appear any trace, as if European vessels had visited the coast since the Resolution and Discovery had been there in 1777. From some of the trees which were then cut down, shoots twenty-five feet high were observed to have sprung up. The vessel having reached Adventure Vrdv, found an abundant supply both of sea and T 2 1222 VOYAGE OF shell-fish ; and if of the last some were thought to 'disagree with the sailors, Mr Bligh was disposed ito impute the blame chiefly to the too great quan- Itity eaten by them. In this bay they planted three fine young apple-trees, vines, plantains, orange, lemon, cherry, and other fruits, with two sorts of ^ ,' Indian com. The gi'ound appeared of a rich loamy nature, well adapted for these productions ; and the chief danger apprehended was, from the iires which the natives are apt to apply in the 1 summer to the dried grass and underwood, and which spread so as to be very formidable to levery thing that cannot beai* a severe scorching. After about a week spent in the bay, a sound was heard like the cackling of geese, and presently i about twenty of the natives came down, making la prodigious clattering, and holding their arms over \their heads. Although the vessel was only twenty {yards from the shore, the surf was so great as to /render landing impossible ; but the presents in- A tended for them were tied in a paper, and thrown fon shore. They showed considerable scruple in ^untying the parcels, but at length took out the ar- f tides, and placed them on their heads. One man ^was remarked, who had been seen in Captain Cook's last voyage, where he is particulaiized for his humour and deformity. Landing being impos- sible, although the natives invited it by signs, the Boimty steered to another part of the bay, where it was expected that so friendly and profitable an interview on their part would have led to a repe- tition of the visit ; but nothing more was seen of -them during the continuance of the Adventure twpou this coast. Having laid in a supply of wood and water, Mr CAPTAIN BLIGH. 223 Biigh put the ship in motion towards Otaheite. He entertained at first the intention of passing to the south of New Zealand, expecting in that route to meet with constant westerly winds ; but finding tliem variable, and often blowing strong from the eastward, he altered his intention, and proceeded up the sea between New Holland and NeAV Zea- land. They effected then* run to Otaheite in fifty- two days, without any sight of land, except the small island of Maitea, called Osnaburg by Captain Wallis, to which they passed quite close. About twenty of the natives followed them along shore, waving and showing large pieces of cloth ; but the surf rendered it impossible to hold any communi- cation with them. The entire run from Britain to Otaheite had been, by the log, twenty-seven thou- sand and eighty-six miles, performed between the 16th August 1787, and the 16th October 1788, making an average rate of 108 miles every twenty- four hours. On Sunday the 26th October, at four in the morning, the Bounty anchored near Point Venus, in Ivlatavai bay. Native canoes soon appeared ; and when they received satisfactory answers to the questions if they were Tyos (friends), and if they came from Pretanie, such crowds flocked on board, that before nine o'clock, the commander could not see his own people. They learned with much re- gi'et that Omai, with whom'^so much friendly in- tercourse had been held, was dead, as well as the two New Zealand boys that had been left with him. Otoo, the chief of Matavai, when Captain Cook was there, was now absent at another part of the island, but immediate notice would be given liim, and it was not doubted that, he would viisit 224f Voyage of them with all speed. Tlie natives showed the most friendly disposition, and during the day no instance of dishonesty occurred ; but the ship was so thoroughly filled with them, that it was impos- sible to move her to a more proper station, with- out clearing them away by measures which Avould have been felt as harsh and disobliging. The sea- men therefore took occasion early next morning, before the great influx began, to work her farther into the bay, and moor her at about a quarter of a mile fi'om the shore. Mr Bligh went first on shore, to visit the chief, Poeeno, whose wife and daughter he found at work staining a piece of cloth red. They receiv- ed him with great kindness, and, after offering re- freshments, put on him, after the Otaheite fashion, a piece of their finest manufacture, and each tak- ing one of his hands, accompanied him to the water side. On the morning of Tuesday, a re- quest came, to send a boat for their old acquaint- ance Otoo, who, on learning their arrival, had made all haste to visit them. It was with some surprise, however, that he was found to present himself imder the appellation of Tinak, liaving de- volved on his son the original name of Otoo. Yet, amid the wonder and perplexity which these trans- formations occasioned to the English, they might have considered that very nearly the same tiling happens to the titled and promoted classes in their own country. The Otaheiteans certainly caiiy it very far, since they are said sometimes to bear six several names in the com'se of thirty years. Tinah brought with him a young queen called Iddeah, of very large size, and with an animated and intelli- gent countenance, which was not belied by her CAPTAIN BLIGH. 225 speech aiid conduct; she was m6reover the best wi'Bstler in the island. The fii'st ceremonial con- sisted in taking off a lai'ge quantity of cloth which had been hooped round a female attendant, and presenting it to the captain, to which was added bread-fruit and a hog. This was the well under- stood prelude to a corresponding present in return. Mr Bligh drew forth an assortment of hatchets, saws, gimlets, and similar articles ; while, to suit the supposed taste of Iddeah, eanings, necklaces, &c. were put into her hands ; but that lofty-mind- ed dame viewed them with evident contempt, com- pared with the iron implements which she saw in her husband's possession ; and her satisfaction re- mained imperfect, till she had received a portion of the same. It became then necessary to show them eveiy part of the vessel, including the cap- tain's sleeping cabin ; a sm*vey which afforded a fair opportunity for gentle hints relative to sundry little ai'ticles which would complete their satisfac- tion. As, however, his Otaheitean majesty did not possess any locked place to secure these pre- cious gifts from the pilfering disposition of his du- tiful subjects, he solicited and obtained a locker in the captain's cabin for this special purpose. As the system of presents continued without inter- mission, his visits to it were frequent ; yet it sur- prised Mr Bligh, in the glimpses which he obtain- ed into this treasuiy, to observe, that its dimen- sions did not magnify in any proportion to the de- posits lodged ; and at length, amid constant acces- sions, remained neai'ly stationary. It was traced out, that Iddeah had secured in the gunner's cabin a more ample depositaiy, into which Tinah's sur- plus was withdi-awn, as sooa 8s the latter thieaten- 226 VOYAGE OF ed to attain a size which would have made further contributions appear unnecessary. The first ceremonies being over, Tinah was in- vited to dinner, along with his attendant chiefs, of whom Wliydooah, his brother, was reckoned the gi-eatest waiTior and drunkard in the island. The king, according to the custom of some of the prin- cipal chiefs, was fed by one of his attendants, whose office he took care should be far from a sinecure. As the women in Otaheite are not allowed to eat in presence of the men, Iddeah and some of her companions dined by themselves about an hour af- ter, when Tinah, despising common rules on so important an occasion, favom-ed them with his pre- sence, and performed his pai-t in a manner which could have afforded no suspicion of his having al- ready dined, far less so heartily. As the captain next morning returned Tinah's visit on shore, he was followed by a crowd so immense, as to render the heat almost intolerable ; but it was impossible to make any complaint, as every thing was done in perfect good humour, and they did all in their power to avoid pressing on the English. As the captain sought occasion to gratify them by pre- sents, particularly of beads to the little children, much good hiynoured drollery was carried on in the endeavour to benefit by the occasion. Boys of ten or twelve years old were caught in arms, and presented for the purpose ; and the captain return- ed to the ship, without one of the articles, suited to a traffic of this nature, which he had carried with him. Although Tinah and the other chiefs were so diligent, in a regular way, to get all that they possibly could, yet as to any unlawful means, they not only strictly abstained themselves, but se- CAPTAIN BLIGH. 227 verely chastised every attempt which was prompt- ed by the eager thieving propensity of theii* fol- lowers. Indeed, they never rested till they had recovered and restored every article thus taken a- way. One of the first particulars which disap- peared was the buoy of the best bower anchor, for the sake, it was supposed, of some iron hoops on it. Of this Tinali was so much ashamed, that he would not come on board till he had received from the captain assurances of being welcome. Another very serious theft was, that of a butcher's cleaver, an article so precious in the eye of an Otaheitean, that, notwithstanding Tinah's solemn professions, Mr Bligh felt unable to cherish any hopes of ever seeing it again. In two days, however, Tinah came on board with it, declaring, what was believed to be true, that very extraordinary exertions had been necessary to induce the thief to render it up. So delicate on this occasion was Tinah, that on a pre- sent being offered immediately after, he refused taking a single article, lest it should be considered as a return for the restoration of the cleaver. Still more important was the loss of a water-cask, an azimuth compass, and the bedding of an officer, which were carried off from the post on shore. In three hours, however, Tinah appeared with the two former articles and the offenders, expressing his wish that the latter should be killed, which, how- ever, Captain Bligh declined doing. Mr Bligh was particularly diligent in inquiries respecting the plants and domestic animals, which had been left by Captain Cook, in the view of theii' breeding and affording a valuable addition to the resources of these islanders. The report was unsatisfactory. About five yeai's after the depar- 228 VOYAGE OF ture of Cook, a descent had been made by the peo* ple of EimeOj who had driven Tinah to the moun- tains, and obtained temporary possession of the island ; in the course of which, they had killed and eaten a great proportion of these supplies, and carried off most of the remainder. This devasta- tion, however, bore a less ominous aspect than the profound apathy with which these benefits were viewed by those for whom they had been introdu- ced. On obsei'ving, indeed, the \dsible delight of Tinah at the deep concern shown by Captain Bligh for the destruction caused by the Eimeos, good hopes were entertained as to his own disposition ; but, alas ! this emotion was soon found to arise solely from the chimerical hope, that the English would be thus induced to aid him in taking vengeance on the Eimeos. As to the mere loss of the cattle, it proved that he felt no concern whatever. No- thing could more clearly show this than that, though they had still very fine specimens, both of a bull and a cow, those were kept, each by itself, at opposite extremities of the island. Mr Bligh in vain reproached them with a separation so ab- surd, and so fatal to every object for which these animals had been instnisted to them. It was only by a long treaty, and by repurchasing one of the parties, that they could be brought into the requi- site proximity ; and even then, the rooted indiffer- enc ewhich still prevailed, gave a very poor pro- spect of future well-doing. Ducks and geese, however, had contrived to multiply ; and the Eu^ ropean breed of hogs was found to have entirely supplanted the short and thick-necked Chinese species. Several of the plants also, though ne- glected and trodden imder foot, had made their CAPTAIK BLIGM. 229 way, particularly the shaddock, a juicy and refi*esh- ing fruit, well suited to the climate. Duiing the whole visit, the greatest cordiality and mirth prevailed between the ship's crew and the natives. As a specimen of the jokes mutually played off, the following maybe given. "The ship's barber had brought with him from London, ar painted head, such as the hair-dressers have in their shops, to show the different fashions of dressing hair ; and it being made with regular fea- tures, and well coloured, I desired him to di-ess it, which he did with much neatness, and with a stick, and a quantity of cloth, he formed a body. It was then reported to the natives that we had an English woman on board, and the quarter-deck was cleared of the ^rowd, that she might make her appearance. Being handed up the ladder, and carried to the after part of the deck, there was a general shout of " Huaheine no JBrittanne TnytyT Huaheine signifies woman, and myty, good. Many of them thought it was living, and asked if it was my wife. One old woman ran with pre- sents of cloth and bread-fruit, and laid them at her feet. At last they found out the cheat, but con- tinued all delighted with it, except the old lady, who feh herself mortified, and took back her pre- sents, for which she was laughed at exceedingly. Tinah and all the chiefs enjoyed the joke, and, af- ter making many inquiries about the British wo- men, they strictly enjoined me, when I came again, to bring a ship full of them. " The residence became the more agreeable, as the intense and harassing curiosity excited in the natives, by the first amval, gradually subsided. u 230 VOYAGE OF When the English landed, they had no longer a crowd at then- heels, and when they entered a house, they found a cordial welcome to whatever was in it, without officious inquiiy. In the same manner, when they wished to take leave, they had full liberty to go, without any ceremony, but that of a farewell expression. The Otaheiteans appear to have a graceful and courteous ease of mannfr^ equally free from reserve and forwardness. In conversation, however, they are rather too much addicted to that coarse sort of wit called humbug^ telling each other the most palpable lies, with a view to the amusement of their being believed ; and this is accompanied by a remarkable degi'ee of credulity, which renders any such imposition almost sure of success. They used frequently to ask the English if they had ever been at the sun or the moon ; thinking their powers of self-mo- tion such, that they might be adequate even to an expedition of this nature. In the course of theu* frequent visits, they became fond of wine, and sometimes thought that the glass circulated too slowly ; but observing that a bumper was al- ways taken to his Majesty's health, they used to -call out in the middle of dinner, " King George Earee, no Brittanie. " On these occasions, how- ever, etiquette required that Tinah should always have the glass lifted to his mouth by another ; and if none of his attendants happened to be present, it was requisite for Mr Bligh himself to perform this office. The following dialogue with an Otaheitean priest, may illustrate the cmde ideas enteitained by these islanders on the subject of religion. " He said their gieat God was called Oro ; and that CAPTAIN BLIGH. 231 they had many others of less consequence. He asked me if I had a God ? — if he had a son I and who was his wife ? I told them he had a son, hut no wife. Who was his father and mother ? was the next question. I said he never had father or mother : at this they laughed exceedingly. Yott have a God then who never had a father or mother, and has a child without a wife ! Many other questions were asked, which my little knowledge of the language did not enable me to answer. Wrestling appeared to be, as much as before, a favourite amusement. It is made more a display of strength than of skill. They strike each other with the hollow of the hand so forcibly, as often to break the skin and cause severe bruises ; and while thus engaged, a sound arises like that of a number of people felling trees. The women also sometimes wrestle with each other in the same manner, but with less of either strength or skill ; in lieu of which they display, we are sorry to find, a- vehe- mence of passion, and eager animosity, by no means accordant with the amiable character of the sex. We regret to find full confirmation of all that has been reported of the unbounded license of the Otaheitean women. Several heivas or dances, consisting of indecent attitudes, were exliibited to the crew. Tinah's brother communicated the scandalous anecdote, already rumom-ed from o- ther quarters, that the towtow, or servant who fed that chief, was also the favoured lover of Iddeah, and that this connexion was earned on under the full sanction of Tinah. He mentioned it afterwards in presence of Iddeali herself and some of her friends, who blamed him indeed for telling it, but did not attempt any denial, and 232 VOYAGE OF seemed to consider the affair only as a matter of mirth. Mr Bligh was introduced to several of the Arreoys. They appeared to be men of great weight, and deported themselves with familiar ^•avity. Long speeches were made to them, ac- companied with other marks of respect, approach- ing almost to religious veneration. Such of the natives as the captain conversed with respecting this horrid society, attempted an excuse, by re- presenting it necessary to prevent an excess of population. " We have too many children and loo many men, " said they. It is remarkable, how- ever, if such be the motive, that the institution should be so carefully shut against the body of the people, and stiictly confined to the higher ranks, who are fewest in number, and have no scarcity to apprehend of the few and simple wants of Otahei- tean life. With all deference, therefore, to Mr Malthus, we should strongly surmise, that this is an ex post facto argument, found out in defence of a practice, the real and original motive of which consisted in a wish for the unobstructed gratifica- tion of their iiTegular propensities. Dming all this period Mr Bligh had never been unmindful of the main object of his voyage. To obtain a large stock of bread-fruit trees in fine con- dition, it was necessary that the king should con- sent, and forward the supply. An opportunity of introducing the subject was watched for, and a favourable one offered, when Tinah was en- deavouring to persuade the captain against visit- ing any of the other islands. " Here, " said he, " you shall be supplied plentifully with every thing you want. All here are youa* friends, and friends of King George. If you go to the otlier islands, you CAPTAIN BLIGH. 233 will have every thing stolen from you. " I rpplied, that, on account of their good-will, and from a de- sire to sei*ve him and his countiy. King George had sent out those valuable presents to him ; " and will not you, Tinah, send something to King George in retm-n ? " — ** Yes, " he said, " I will send him any thing I have ; " an'd then began to enumerate the different articles in his power, among which he mentioned the bread-fruit. This w^as the exact point to which I wished to bring the conversation ; and, seizing an opportunity, which had every ap- pearance of being undesigned and accidental, I told him the bread-fruit trees were what King George would like ; upon which he promised me a great many should be put on board, and seem- ed much delighted to find it so easily in his power to send any thing that would be well received by King George. In consequence of this dialogue, the collection ot the plants began without delay ; and the na- tives, who showed great skill in cu icing and prun- ing them, gave eager assistance. It appeared that they were to be propagated, not from seed, but from the root only. The best time for transplan- tation was after wet weather, when the earth ball- ed round the roots, and they were not liable to suffer by being moved. They were first placed in pots on the shore, and carefully sheltered from the spray of the sea. In the course of six" weeks, the English had collected 774 picked plants, having thrown out 302, which appeared to be assuming a less healthy appearance, and supplied their places with others. The main object of the. voyage being thus ful- u2 1234 VOYAGE OF filled, Mr Bligh was preparing to leave Otaheite, when the earnest entreaties of the natives, and their bitter lamentations over his departure, so far prevailed with him, that he agreed to remain an- other month. In the end of January 1789, there remained no longer room for delay, and prepara- tions began to be made for sailing. The regrets of Tinah continued unabated. One day after dinner, he made a serious and urgent proposal to go with the ship to England. Only Iddeah and two ser- vants would accompany him. He much wished to see King George, who, he was sure, would be happy to see him. Mr Bligh at last could get rid of his importunity only by promising, that, in case of return, he would solicit King George's permis- sion to bring them to England ; in that case he would provide a larger ship, and better accommo- dation. The continuance of westerly winds and other obsti-uctions delayed the intended departure till the beginning of April. On the 31st March, all the plants were on board to the number of 1015, con- tained in the above mentioned number of pots. They had also CQllected some other plants, among which was the avee and the o/ygah, the former one of the finest flavoured fruits in the world ; the rattah, resembling a chestnut ; the araiah, a veiy superior kind of plaintain ; the ellow and matte, beautiful red tlyes; and a root called eeat, which made an excel- lent pudding. As the hour of departure, approach- ed, the concern of the natives became more visible. The tyos, or sworn friends, of whom almost every sailor had one, crowded on board with their pre- sents, and. the deck was loaded with cocoa-nuts, plantains, bread-fruit, iiogs, and goats. Nothing CAPTAtN BtlGH. 235 was heard that evening of the dancing and gayety with which the coast was wont at that hour to be enlivened; on the contrary, a profound silence reigned. On Saturday the 4th April, the Bounty made sail from Malaoni Bay, after a residence of twen- ty-three weeks, during which there had reigned between the crew and the natives a degree of har- mony always increasing, and which subsequent e- vents proved to have been but too cordial. In sailing from Otaheite, Mr Bligh touched at the island of Huaheine, near the entrance of O- wharre harbour, though without any intention of coming to anchor. His attention was immediate- ly fixed on the spot where Omai's bouse had stood, but no part of it was now visible. Among the people, however, who in a few hours came on board, one recollected the commander, and called him by his name, adding that he had lived with Omai, and had often rode about with him. After Omai's death, the house had been broken to pie- ces, and the materials stolen. All the animals that had been left with him had perished, except one ma^-e ; and of the seeds and plants there remained only a single tree, of what kind it was impossible to discover. A few days after passing Huaheine, a body of thick black clouds was collected in the east, be- tween which and the ship there was seen a water- spout. The seamen were struck with its brilliant appeai*ance, rendered conspicuous by the dark back ground on which it was visible. Admiration, how- ever, was tinctm-ed with other feelings, when it began moving towaids them at the rate of ten miles an hour^ They immediately shifted their course, 236 VOYAGE OF and took in all the sails, except the fore-sail ; and soon after it passed by with a rustling noise, with- in ten yards of the stern. They did not feel the least effect from it, nor did they apprehend, though it had passed dii-ectly over them, that it could have endangered the loss of the ship, though it might have carried away one of the masts. On the 11th and 12th of April, the vessel passed a number of low islands, the flat shores of which were covered with innumerable cocoa-nut and other trees, and the higher gi'ounds beautifully intersper- sed with lawns. The natives spoke the same lan- guage as at Otaheite ; at least four words out of ' the twenty-four did not differ. The intercourse was very amicable, and two of them could with great difficulty be prevented from staying all night, though warned of the chance that the ship might be driven away in the course of it. A young boar and sow were left with them, as they said they had none of those animals, though they were acquaint- ed with their names. On the 23d May, the Bounty fetched Anna- mooka, one of the Friendly Islands, and anchored about half a league from the shore. It was the following day, however, before some large sailing canoes came^ out ; and an old lame man, called Te- pa, was recollected as known in 1777. He in- formed them, that Poolaho, Feenow, and Tubow, were alive, and at Tongataboo, whence they would no doubt come to see the English, as soon as no- tice could be sent of their arrival. The animals and plants left here had been much better cared for than at Otaheite. The old ones were all alive, and had, moreover, multiplied their number con- siderably. Mr Bligh ha/1 also the satisfaction of CAPTAIN BLIGII. 237 seeing, in a bordering plantation, about twenty-five pine-apple plants, the fruit of which, when in sea- eon, was said to have been very fine. Some bread- fruit plants were taken on board in room of others that were rather sickly. The English purchased also some hogs and fowls, and procured yams par- ticularly large and fine, one of them weighing a- bove forty-five pounds. The natives crowded on board, in numbers nearly as gi'eat as at Otaheite ; but the intercourse, though by no means hostile, was not on the whole 80 satisfactory or agreeable as on the island. The present consisted only of some bundles of cocoa- nuts, with which Mr Bligh could only put on the appearance of satisfaction. No chief was present of an authority to overawe the people, and keep down their thieving propensities ; and the promise of sending notice to the chiefs of Tongataboo did not appear to be in any train of execution. A spade was taken from one of the people, and a boat's grapnel was likewise taken from the water- ing party. The spade was recovered, but the grapnel not being like to appear, Mr BHgh took advantage of a time when several chiefs were on board, and acquainted them, that unless the grapnel were restored, they must remain in the ship. At this declaration they showed no small alarm, as, though canoes were instantly despatch- ed in search of the gi-apnel, it was observed to be impossible that it could be brought back till next day, as the thieves had immediately made oflf to another island. Although the commander had no reason to doubt this, or to imagine that the chiefs present were at all concerned in the theft, Jie yet detained them till the evening, a measure 23d VOYAGE OF which really seems somewhat ultra, and which at last affected them so deeply, that they hegan to cry bitterly, and beat themselves in the face and eyes. Mr Bligh, now feeling that he had gone ra- ther too far, dismissed them with a handsome pre- sent, which caused an instant transition from dead- ly apprehension to the extreme of joy ; and they departed with the most profuse acknowledgments. CAPTAIN BLIGir. 239 CHAPTER II. MUTINY — CAPTAIN BLIGIl's SITUATION — TRANS- ACTIONS AT TOFOA VOYAGE TO NEW HOL- LAND — TO TIMOR-^RECEPTION THERE RE- TURN HOME. On the 26th, the Bounty set sail, and next clay were off Tofoa, the most westerly of the Friendly Islands. The fau-est prospects seemed now to be before them. They had completely fulfilled all the objects of their voyage; without any of the misfortunes, or even of the dangers, wliich had be- set former adventurers in these distant seas. They had every security of return, and of an easy and prosperous course to their final destination. But Oh ccecae hominum mentes, oh pectora caeca \ A fatal train was laid, and the explosion was about to burst, which rendered all their efforts abortive, and involved them in a train of calamity unparal- leled even in the disastrous annals of Southern na- vigation. So secretly had matters been conducted, that Mr Bligh, down to this moment, had never enter- tained a suspicion that there existed in his crew a spirit of discontent, far less of mutiny, and less still of one which was about to proceed to the last extremities. One unequivocal symptom had how- 240 VOYAGE OF ever appeared, dui-ing his stay at Otaheite, in the desertion of three seamen, who were missing one morning with a cutter, and with eight stand of ai'ms and ammunition. They left the cutter on shore, and made off in a sailing canoe for the island of Tethuroa. The captain instantly called upon Tinah to produce these runaways, declaring that he could not leave Otaheite without them. The Otaheitan chiefs, though pretty seriously alarmed at the idea of the fire-arms which the fugitives held, seem to have spared no pains in finding and securing them. At day-break next morning, two of them sail- ed for Tethuroa. The weather, however, became suddenly so boisterous, that Mi" Bligh was happy to see them return, and get safe into the harbour. For a week after, the wind continued blowing so violently, that it was impossible to expect them to make the attempt ; but as soon as the gale was at all abated, they failed not to set forth in fulfilment of their promise. It appeal's that they actually seized and bound the deserters, but were prevail- ed upon, by the latter solemnly promising to re- turn peaceably to the ship, to allow them to go. The seamen, with their fii-e-arms, then again set the natives at defiance ; but they were at last so harassed and hunted down, that they determined upon a voluntary surrender. Mr Bligh being in- formed that they were at Tettaha, five miles dis- tant, repaired thither in the cutter ; and having entered the house of Teppahoo, one of the chiefs, was informed that they were in another close by. They soon came up unarmed, and delivered them- selves up ; and no mention is made what punish- ment was consequently inflicted. Another inci- dent occulted, the bearing of which was not sus- CAPTAIN BttGH. 2^1 pected at the moment. One morning after a fresh gale, the cable by which the ship rode, was found cut neai- the water's edge, so that only one strand remained whole. Although Mr Bligh could not in his own mind but entirely acquit Tinah and the chiefs, and his suspicions lighted only upon some strangers from the other islands, he thought it ne-^ cessaiy, or was induced by agitation, to speak in a peremptory and angry tone, which caused the great- er number to make directly for the shore. Tinah and Iddeah remained, and expostulated with him on the unreasonableness of this wi'ath, appealing to him whether he could possibly suspect either them or any of the natives of Matavai Bay. Though Mr Bligh could not deny the truth of this remon- strance, he continued to behave with great coldness till the following day, when Iddeah at length burst- ing into a flood of teai's, the captain's heart at length relented, and he resumed his former cordiality, on- ly stipulating for the strictest inquiry respecting the offenders. Nothing ever transpired which could throw the smallest light upon this mysterious af- fair, till after subsequent events, which led Mr Bligh to suspect that it must have been done by his own people, who, if the ship had thus been driven on shore, might, without danger or violence, have effected their purpose of remaining at Otaheite. On the night of Monday 27th, Mr Bligh had arranged the watches, so that the morning watch fell to Fletcher Christian, master's mate, a young man of a respectable family in the north of Eng- land. Christian was now making his third voyage with Mr Bligh, who had always treated him with peculiar kinchiess ; he had even asked him to sup- 242 VOYAGE OF per the evening before, from which Christian ex- cused himself, on pretext of iUness. In the morn- ing, before day-brealc, while Mr Bligh was yet in bed, he felt himself seized by several men, who forcibly bound his hands very tight with a cord behind the back. It soon appeared that this was done by Christian and three of the seamen, who immediately dragged him out of bed, and hauled him up on deck in his shiit. They tlireatened him with instant death, if he spoke or made the least noise ; notwithstanding which, Mr Bligh call- ed with all his might for assistance ; but he soon perceived that his own cabin was guarded by three men besides the four who had entered, and that sentinels were stationed at the doors of each of the officers, except those who took an active part in the mutiny. He was placed behind the mizen mast, with his hands still tied, and several seamen, with Christian at their head, kept guai-d over him. The boatswain and carpenter, and Mr Samuel the clerk, were allowed to come on deck ; and the first of these was ordered to hoist out the launch, being told, if he did not do it instantly, " to take care of himself. " As soon as the boat was out, the mutineei*s be- gan ordering down into it those officers who had taken no share with them. The commander now perceiving their aim, entreated and adjured them i;o desist from so atrocious a deed. While he re- peated this, the mutineers were constantly crying out to him, " Hold yom* tongue. Sir, or you are dead this instant. " At length, as he persevered, Christian caught him with a strong giipe by the cord that tied his hands, and with many oaths threatened to kill him immediately ; his accorn- CAPTAIN BLIGH. 24S plicea round him had their pieces cocked, and their bayonets fixed. Meantime the officers, with the faithful part of the crew, were, one after ano- ther, forced down into the boat. They were al- lowed, however, though not without entreaty, to cany away such articles as were necessary to save them fi-om immediate destruction. The boatswain and seamen found means to collect twine, canvas, lines, sails, cordage, a/id an eight-and-twenty gal- lon cask of water. Mr Samuel, the clerk, pro- cured 150 pounds of bread, with a small quantity of rum and wine. That active person likewise got off the captain's journals, with some material ship-papers, also a quadrant and compass ; but when he was making interest for the astronomical instruments, surveys and drawings, he was hurried away, being told, with an oath, he was well off to get what he had. Four cutlasses, some clothes and a few pieces of pork, were thrown after them into the boat. The intention seems to have been, to afford them means of preserving themselves from immediate destruction, but to admit no pos- sibility of their effecting their return to Em-ope. Some of the more violent, however, swore that Bligh would find his way home, if he got any thing with him ; and when the carpenter was al- lowed to take his tool-chest, they exclaimed with oaths, " He will have a vessel built in a month. " They hesitated for some time between the carpen- ter himself and his two mates, but at length pre- ferred the latter, who were kept contrary to their inclination. This was also the case with Joseph Coleman the armourer, and with two seamen, Isaac Martin and Micliael Byrne. The boat being now filled with all that pait of "244 VOYAGE OF the crew whom the mutineers wished to get rid of Chiistian said, " Come, Captain Bligh, your offi- cers and men are now in the boat, and you must go with them ; if you attempt to make the least resistance, you will instantly be put to death.'* They then forced him over the side of the ship, without farther ceremony, at the same time unty- ing his hands. The whole behaviour of Christian was like that of a distracted person, yet not with- out showing some signs of remorse. When Cap- tain Bligh reproachfully reminded him of the many instances of kindness he had experienced from liimself, he answered, with much emotion, " That, Captain Bligh, is the thing ; I am in hell — I am in hell. " The carpenters, Mcintosh and Worman, called out, after Mr Bligh was in the boat, that they were detained against their inclination. The boat was now veered astern by a rope, and the Bounty began steering westward, as if for home ; but this was justly considered as a feint ; since the words, " Huzza for Otaheite ! " had been repeat- edly heard in the course of the late operations. There were now in the boat with the com- mander, only eighteen out of the forty-three of which the crew were composed ; and of these not one ranked as a regular seaman. There were in- deed two out of the five midshipmen, Hayward and Hallet, the other three, Haywood, Young, and Stewart, being, with Christian, the ringleaders of the mutiny. Haywood and Stewart were both of respectable parents, the one in the south of Eng- land, and the other in the Orkneys, both hav- . ing hitherto borne respectable characters. A great proportion of the boat's crew consisted of officers and servants taken on board for purposes not con- CAPTAIN BLIGH. 245 nected with navigation ; Mr Wilson, the botanist, the surgeon, two cooks, the butcher, and a boy- Even the boatswain, carpenter, and saihnaker, could not be supposed to have much skill as sea- men. All the able hands, those to which the steering of the vessel had as yet been solely in- trusted, were with the mutineers. Thus was Mr Bligh thrown from the most flourishing and prosperous state, and from the fairest hope of the successful and honourable ful- filment of his mission, into a condition in which even the hope of preserving life, and of retmning to his native country, could be seen only across an abyss of peril. He was supported, however, even by the doubtful hope that, notwithstanding such a heavy calamity, he might one day return and satisfy his king and country of the rectitude of his conduct. He was not yet aware of all the hoiTors of his destiny. Placed in the midst of a group of islands, to which Captain Cook, perhaps on a somewhat superficial experiment, had given the epithet of Friendly, he might expect that, from Poulaho, and other old intimates of that great na- vigator, a supply of food might be obtained, and even their slender skiff put in such a state, as might give it a fair chance of measuring the awful breadth of ocean which lay before them. In pursuance of these views, the vessel was im- mediately steered for Tofoa, which was in the im- mediate vicinity. They could not reach it, how- ever, before dark ; and, not venturing to land on the steep and rocky shore, they were obliged to keep the boat all night under lee of the island without anchorage. It was ten next moniing be- x2 246 VOYAGE OF fore they discovered a cove with a stony beach. The sea ran high; but Mr Samuel, and some others, were landed to search for supplies. They ascended some steep cliffs, which afforded the only access into the country, but returned at noon with only a few quarts of water, collected in holes ; neither food, nor any sufficient supply of this element, was to be found. The crew now rowed along the shore to see if any thing could be got ; at last they saw some cocoa-nut trees on the top of high precipices, which, after landing with difficulty, they laboriously mounted. All that' could be got, however, was twenty cocoa- nuts, which, being slung by ropes, were hauled through the surf into the boat, and, after dealing out a scanty supper, they were obliged again to sleep at sea. Next day, another party, headed by ^ the commander himself, attempted to penetrate into the country. They were obliged to drag themselves up the precipices by long vines fasten- ed there for that pm-pose. On the plain, at the top, they found only a few deserted huts, and a neglected walk of plantains, from which only three small bunches could be collected. They now en- tered a deep gully, evidently perforated in the rainy season by great torrents of water ; yet they were only able to collect nine gallons. At the termination of this gully, they found themselves at the foot of the highest mountain in the island, at the top of which is a volcano almost constantly burning. The country round, covered with lava, exhibited the most dreary aspect, and presented nothing that could alleviate their distress. They returned exhausted and faint ; and the captain him- self was seized with a dizziness, which made him CAPTAIN BLIGH. 247 almost unable to descend the precipice. The people were desu'ed to search the rocks for some shell-fish, but could find none ; so that this ap- peared, on the whole, as miserable a spot of land as could well be imagined, Noth withstanding such unfavourable experiments, Mr Bligh determined to investigate the island a little closer. If it should be found to contain only a few inhabitants, who could afford them any tole- rable supplies, they might be safer than by ven- turing among crowds of natives, whose honesty was dubious, and by whom they might be stripped of every thing. Having found a cave in which part of the crew could pass the night safely, they set out by break of day on a different route. Af- ter suffering greatly for want of Avater, they came at last among some neat plantations, where they found two men, a woman, and a child. The men accompanied them back to the boat, and the intel- ligence spreading, others followed, till about noon, the crew found themselves surrounded by about thirty. Of these Mr Bligh endeavoured to make fi-iends, and they maintained an honest and tract- able deportment. It was a great difficulty to ac- count to them for the absence of the ship, and it was thought most advisable to say, that it had overset and sunk, and that the boat's crew only were saved. The natives, as was expected, made eager inquiry, and appeared surprised, though it was impossible to distinguish in their faces any symptoms, either of son'ow or joy. The main ob- ject was, to procure from them as much as possible of bread-fniit, plantains, cocoa-nuts, and water; but their supply of these articles was so scanty, that there appeared little prospect of the crew be- 248 VOYAGE OF ing here provided for the long voyage before them. At sunset, all the natives departed, which appeared to indicate the absence of any hostile intention. Hopes were entertained that they would return next day with a more copious supply of the arti- cles wanted, and the spirits of the men began to revive. On the following morning, the natives, accord- ing to expectation, again appeared ; and their numbers soon became much more considerable. Two canoes came round from the opposite side of the island, bringing with them an elderly chief, called Macca-ackavow. Soon after, there appeared a handsome chief, called Eefow, who had heai'd of their being at Annamooka, and made inquiiies about Captain Cook and Captain Gierke. Ano- ther, of the name of Nageite, had been recently seen at Annamooka. These persons made veiy close inquuies as to the manner in which the ship had been lost ; but their behaviour was altogether friendly. Eefow informed them that their old ac- quaintances, Poulaho and Feenow, were at Tonga- taboo, and offered to accompany them thither, if they vrould wait till the weather moderated. By these communications, the minds of the English were gi'eatly tranquillized ; and they began to cherish favourable hopes, when symptoms gra- dually began to indicate, that this assemblage of chiefs and people had been made with purposes very little akin to these amicable professions. At length the natives made an attempt to drag the boat on shore. Mr Bligh, by brandishing his cut- lass, and, by an urgent appeal to Eefow, induced them to desist. They continued, however, closely to line the beach : and nothing was heaid but the CAPTAIN BLIGH. 249 knocking of stones against each other, an experi- enced precursor of speedy attack. Tlie command- er, however, seeing he must fight his way tiirough, determined to wait till sunset, as a time more fa- vourable for that manoeuvre. Meantime, he busied himself in purchasing as many provisions as possible, and getting them gradually carried out into the boat. An appearance of cordiality was still maintained with the chiefs, who frequently importuned Mr Bligh to sit down; but, being afraid that they would take the opportunity of seizing him when in that posture, he kept constantly on foot, and on his guai'd. The natives continued to increase in numbers ; and, as evening approached, instead of showing any intention to go away, they lighted fires, and made arrangements for staying through the night. These aiTangements, with the close consul- tations held among them, and the whole of tlieir deportment, gave continued assurance of a hostile determination. About sunset Captain Bligh, upon preconcerted arrangements, gave the word, when each of his officers and men took up the articles allotted to them, and carried them hastily towards the boat. The chiefs asked him if he would not stay all night ; to which, thinking some dissimulation justifiable in such a case, he answered, that he never slept out of his boat, but would return next day to trade, and would remain with them till the weather be- came favourable for going to Tongatp.boo. Here- upon the chief, Macca-ackavow said, " You will not sleep on shore ; then Mattie, " (we will kill you). The knocking of stones was now heard louder than ever, and Eefow, the chief, went off, and w^ soon seen cheeiing on the people to the 250 VOYAGE OF attack. Mr Bligli still held Nageete by the hand, not without some project of killing him ; but he too contrived to make oflP. The English, however, proceeded with such promptitude, that before the natives could open their volley, Mr Bligh had seen all his people mto the boat, and was in himself. Only one man, disregarding the entreaties of the master and his associates, ran up to the beach to cast the stemfast off. This zeal proved fatal to him ; he was knocked down by the natives, who were soon seen beating him on the head with stones till he died. The savages, to the number of about twa hundred, now began pouring in showers of stones, which fell thick as hail on the unfortu- nate crew. Destitute of fire-arms, their appro- priate weapon, the latter could maintain the con- flict only by returning the stones lodged in the boat ; but, unused to such a mode of contest, they could by no means throw them with the same force and exactness as the islanders, who, in this respect, surpassed every thing of which Mr Bligh could form an idea. A number of them got hold of the stem-rope, and were neai-ly hauling the boat on shore ; but the commander having happily a knife in his pocket, cut the rope, whereupon those on board made off, and pulled to sea. The natives filled their canoes with stones, and pushed after them, continuing their voUies with such effect, that there was scarcely a man on board who was not disabled. The boat was so lumbered that it was impossible for them to attempt boarding the enemy, and the only expedient they could adopt was to throw overboai-d some clothes, which the natives stopped to pick up, and were thus delayed till it CAPTAIN BLIGH. 251 became almost dark. They then gave up tlie at- tack, and returned to the shore. Ajfter such a specimen, there appeared very little encouragement to attempt any of the other islands, even those whose former intercourse with the Bri- tish had procm-ed for them the epithet of Friendly. This friendship, it appeared, had been essentially cemented by the dread of fire-arms ; and when this was withdrawn, had been succeeded by behaviour of the most opposite description. There appeai'ed loo much reason to fear, that if they should pre- sent themselves in their present defenceless atti- tude, they would either be attacked and massacred, or at least be stripped of every thing they had, and thereby deprived of all resom-ce for finding their way to England. At the same time, all hands on board earnestly entreated to have their faces turned homeward. Under the influence of these different motives, Mr Bligh turned the prow of his boat westward, and bore away into the heart of the Pacific. The undertaking on which they now entered, was of a character the most terrible, perhaps, of any recorded in the annals of navigation. In this little boat, calculated only for communicating be- tween the vessel and the shore, or for navigating rivers and narrow seas, they were to plunge into the abyss of that mighty ocean which had swallow- ed up vessels the largest and best appointed, and guided by the most eminent of modem navigators. They had no prospect of any coast at which they could land with safety, till they came to the Dutch settlement of Timor, at a distance of two thou- sand four hundred miles. Tlie boat was only twen- ty-tlu>^e feet from stem to stern, within wliich li- 252 VOYAGE OF mits were squeezed together eighteen men, with^ out power to stretch themselves out, or make the least movement. It was an open boat, without any thing to prevent the waves of the Pacific from dashing continually over them, and at the same time from filling the already overladen boat to a degi'ee which rendered the baling out of the water a con- stant and most laborious operation. If tempest was succeeded by fine weather, they were exposed without shelter to the fiercest blaze of an equato- rial sun, whose influence was terrible even to a strong European constitution. At the same time, the supply of provision and refreshment was such, that instead of promising to afford strength to meet such accumulated toils and evils, it could scarcely be made sufficient to keep alive the faintest spark of life during so long and fearful a voyage. Even under circumstances so awful, the strong mind of the commander, and the characteristic hardi- hood of British seamen, did not sink. Mr Bligh coolly laid before his crew the measures by which alone they could hope to achieve such a naviga- tion. They had only 150 pounds of bread, 20 pounds of pork, 3 bottles of wine, and 3 quarts of rum ; and there was no certainty, or even proba- bility, of obtaining more at any of the savage shores which they might pass on their route. He repre- sented, that there could be no assurance of this stock lasting, unless they would confine themselves to an oimce of bread, and a quai*ter of a pint of water, in the day ; and he exacted their solemn pro- mise that they would remain satisfied with this scanty portion. The pork was to be dealt out in small occasional lots, at the commander's discre* CAPTAIN CLIGH. 253 tion ; while the rum and wine we?e to be kept in reserve, for extraordinary emergencies. About eight o'clock in the night of Saturday the 2d of May, the boat began its course to the v/est- ward. As soon as they had got it into a little order, and divided the people into watches, they returned thanks to God for theii* miraculous pre- servation ; and fully confident of his gracious sup- port, Mr Bligh found his mind more at ease than it had been for some time past. The evils to be apprehended were not long of aniving. The sun rose fiery and red, a sure in- dication of high wind. Accordingly, at eight, it blew a violent storm. The sea ran so high, that between the waves they were becalmed, while on the top they w^ere found to be carrying too much sail. They were obliged to keep baling with all their might, to prevent the boat from being filled with water. At the same time, their bread being in bags, was in danger of being spoiled. TcTbe stai'ved to death was inevitable, if this could not be prevented. Happily the caipenter had a good chest, in which a great part of it was secured at the first favourable moment ; and his tools being placed in the bottom of the boat, the tool-chest became disposable for the same pT.rpose. The clothes were at the same time examined, and, re- taining only two suits for each person, the rest Tvere thrown overboard, along with what ropes and sails could be spared, by which the boat was considerably lightened. Some bread-fruit which had been almost trampled to pieces in the late confusion, was collected, and, though scarcely eat- able, w^as made to serve the first dinner. In the Y 8 254 VOYAGE OF afternoon, the sea ran higher than ever, and the fatigue of baling became excessive. They could only move directly before the waves, as any at- tempt to oppose thera would have caused the boat to fill immediately. Not the least of their hard- ships was the being constantly drenched with brine ; and by daylight next morning, their limbs were almost completely benumbed. ' Great bene- fit was, however, found from a teaspbonful of mm administered to each person. On Monday, just before noon, as they pursued a W. NW. course, a small flat island was dis- covered, and before three o'clock, tliere were eight islands in sight. These, which were now for the first time surveyed by Em'opeans, appear to be the Feejee islands, described by the inhabitants of Annamooka as lying in this direction. In the course of the following day, new islands were con- tinually discovered, some of them not less than eighteen leagues in circuit. Their aspect was hilly, in some places rocky, and iji others wood- ed, but generally very fertile ; and perhaps, had they landed, they might have experienced that generous hospitality, which mariners in distress have so often found, even on savage shores. But the impressions of di'ead and distrust were still re- cent ; and the character di*awn at Otaheite of the Feejee islands, tinted perhaps with the hues of natural antipathy, had been of the most gloomy description. It appeared therefore too deep a hazard, to throw themselves, in their utterly de- fenceless state, upon the mercy of such a race. After having been driven for two days before so fearful a tempest, the weather, on the night of Monday, became more favourable. Tliey en- CAPTAIN BLIGU. 255 joyed tolerable rest during the nigLt, and in the morning a considerable revival of spirits appeared to have taken place.. They now applied them- selves to make such arrangements for personal comfort, and for the prosecution of the voyage, as their miserable circumstances admitted. They had hitherto been unable to k^ep any account of their course ; but now they got a long Hne mark- ed, and being practised at counting seconds, they generally could do it with some degiee of exact- ness. As their dreadfully crowded state was al- most incompatible with any measure of sleep, they divided themselves into two equal companies, one of whom sat up, while the other found such sleep- ing place as they could, on the benches, or in the bottom of the boat, with nothing to cover them but the heavens. Two or three days made an end of theii* fragments of damaged bread-fruit and cocoa-nuts ; and it then behoved them to come upon their final allowance. The distribution was at first made in some degree at random ; but as they found in the bottom of the boat some pistol balk, twenty-five of which weighed a pound, it was fixed that the weight of one of these balls should be given three times a dav, for breakfast, dinner and supper, which, after all, exceeded the original stipulation. The commander, at the same time, amused liis people by descriptions of the coEist of Guinea and New Holland, and by giving them such directions as might enable them, in case of his not surviving, to steer their own course. On Thm-sday, at noon, as they passed along an island distinguihhed by peculiai'ly high and rocky shores, they observed two large sailing canoes fol- lowing with all tlie speed of which they were ca- 256 VOYAGB OF pable, and one of them even gaining upon the boatt They rowed with all their might, and with con- siderable anxiety, on reflecting upon their weak and helpless state. The chase continued till about three, when the foremost canoe, after approaching withhi two miles of them, gave up. These canoes, from their sails, appeared to be of the same con- struction as those at the Friendly Islands. At four next morning, a heavy rain came on, which was so far auspicious, that it enabled them, for the first time since being at sea, thoroughly to quench their thirst ; but on the other hand, being drench- ed, and having nothing dry to shift with, they suffered severe cold and shiverings during the rest of the night. Happily, the next morning proved fair, when they shifted and dried their clothes, and having received a tea-spoonful of i*um each, they got into tolerable wai'mth. On Thursday, they passed fourteen or sixteen islands, a continuation of the former group. Some of them were very large, having thirty or forty leagues of sea-coast. Notwithstanding the severity of the gales, their direction had been on the whole favourable ; so that on Saturday, a week after their departure, they had cleared neai'ly nine degrees of longitude, or seven hundred miles, west from Tofoa. That night they had a prodigious fall of rain, accom- panied with severe thunder and lightning. A teaspoonful of rum was served round, but did not prevent them from passing a miserable night, it being impossible to sleep while exposed to the con- tinual battering of the wind and rain. The day brought no relief but its light. About noon the rain abated, but it ct)ntinued still very squally, with a high brealoDg sea. Their sltuatiop became CAPTAIN BLIGH. 257 dangerous, from the waves bursting with such force over the stem, that the most constant baling could scarcely keep the boat fi'om being filled. At noon, on Monday, they were delighted with a view of the sun ; but it again rained hard, and they had another dreadful night. The morning showed a miserable set of beings, full of wants, with- out any thing to relieve them. Almost every one complained of having lost the use of his limbs, and some had severe pains in the bowels. At dawn, a spoonful of rum somewhat revived them. The day, however, continuing wet, they had no resource but to strip their clothes, and wruig them through the salt water ; after which, they by no means caused the same chilling cold as when wet with rain. Wednesday and Thursday the same gloomy scene continued. On Thursday, at six in the moming, they saw land, wliich soon proved to be four islands, all high and conspicuous, and one much larger than the others. About noon two more were discovered. The largest was judged to be about twenty leagues in circuit, the othera five or six. It was at first supposed they might have been part of the New Hebrides ; but it was afterwards ascertained that they were a new dis- covery, to which Mr Bligh was entitled to afiix his name. The view, on these islands, of fertile fields, and smoke rising at different points, aug- mented, by contrast, the misery of their situation, when, with such plenty in sight, they were little better than perishing. The weather continued as dreadful as ever ; the nights dark, without a star to steer by, and the sea breaking continually over them. The duection of the wind, however, cou- Y 2 258 VOYAGB OF tinued generally favourable ; and, at the end of the second week, they made 19° 27', or about 1300 miles longitude from Tofoa. As the winds, however, whose career they were generally obliged to obey, bore them some what towards the north-west, every remission of their violence was employed in working the boat as far south as possible. The object of this was to avoid coming upon the coast of New Guinea, which would have been a bar to their further pro- gress, and to reach that of New Holland. On Sunday, the 17th, every one was complain- ing bitterly, and soliciting extra allowance, which yet prudence dictated the necessity of withholding. Only, when the nights were particularly dark and distressing, a tea-spoonful or two of i-um was served round to each person. Sunday night was particu- larly dismal ; the sea constantly breaking over them, and nothing but the winds and waves to direct their stCBrage. On Monday morning the rain abated ; and, by wringing their clothes through the sea water, they obtained some refreshment. Though all the crew complained of violent pain in their bones, none of them were yet laid up. In the night they had again very bad weather, with constant and heavy rain, which continued on Tues- day and Wednesday without intermission. The little sleep they got was in the midst of water ; and they constantly awoke with severe cramps and pains in the bones. At dawn, on Wednesday, ap- pearances were homble ; some of the people seem- ed half dead ; and it was impossible for the cap- tain to turn his eye in any direction, without meet- ing an object in distress. In this extremity, two tea-spoonfuls of rum were served round, which, CAPTAIN BLIGH. 269 with the sun appearing at noon, made their spirits somewhat revive. In the afternoon, however, all their evils returned ; and they were so covered with rain and salt water, that they could scarcely see. They viewed with dread the approach of night, which accordingly fulfilled their gloomiest anticipations. Ahout two o'clock they were over- whelmed with such a deluge of rain, that they were afraid it would sink the boat, and were ob- liged to keep baling it out with all their might. In their utmost distress, the captain came forward with a larger allowance of rum. Amid all this rain, they could make no addition to tlieir stock of water, on account of the salt spray being con- stantly mixed with it. On Friday, the 22d, their situation was as cala- mitous as ever, a high gale blowing from the E. S. E. and the foam running over their deck and quarters. They were obliged to keep right before the course of the sea, watching it with the utmost care, as the least deviation might have been their de^ Btruction. Tlio misery of next night exceeded that of all which had preceded it. The sea broke furiously over them, and, overwhelmed with hoiTor and anxiety, they were obliged, even in their ex-. hausted state, to bale incessantly. At dawn their situation was such, as made Mr Bligh seriously ap- prehend that gi*eat part of the crew would not outlive such another. Providentially, in this ut^ most pitch of calamity, a sudden light broke in. About noon the rain ceased ; the wind then con- tinued equally high ; but in the evening it also moderated, and the general aspect of the weather became much more favourable. Joy filled the heaits of the crew at this sudden change from the 260 VOYAGE Off deepest distress, though it were only to a more moderate degree of suffering ; for they were obliged to spend the night in their wet clothes. In the morning, however, they felt the reviving warmth of the sun, in whose benignant rays they hung up their clothes to (hy, and were thus restored to a tolerable state of personal comfort. At the end of this week, the longitude made was found \p be 31° 32' about 2000 miles west from Tofoa*- Mr Bligh took advantage of the present interval of tranquillity, to consider generally and seriously the situation and prospects of the voyage. By the present cHstribution, he had food for twenty- , nine days, which, according to fair expection, might suffice for their reaching Timor. But as it was impossible to foresee aU the vicissitudes which might retard their progress, and as they might fail even of a reception at Timor, and be obliged to go on to Batavia, he judged it necessary to lengthen the time, by cutting'off one third from their pre- sent miserable pittance of daily bread. He di'ead- ed a violent resistance on the part of the crew, and that some would consider it as robbing them of life ; but he represented so forcibly the neces- sity of guarding against delays, the dreadful al- ternative of running out, promising at the same time to enlarge agahi ajs they got on well, that he ob- tained from them at last a cheerful ac(|uiescence. Other favourable circumstances now attended the voyage. In the vicinity of the boat were seen £ights of boobies and noddies, birds whose appear- ance always denotes the existehce of land at no very great distance. They possessed another hap- py attribute, that of atta^^hing themselves to the masts and yards of ships where they could be easi- CAPTAII^ BLIGH. !^1 ly caught, even by the hand. On Monday the 25th they caught "a noddy. This piize, which is about the bulk of a small pigeon, was cut into eighteen lots by the maritime usage of " Who shall have this ? " One man tiu*ning his back, another points to the portion, and puts the question aforesaid, wlien the man with his back turned names succes- sively the different members of the crew, of wliom each has an equal chance of getting the best. In tlie evening they caught a booby, which is about the size of a duck, and, being similarly divided, made what was accounted an excellent suppier. Next m.oming, they caught another booby, so that Providence seemed to be 6uppl)dng then* wants in an extraordinary manner. They now saw passing several pieces of drift wood, among which were branches of trees, which did not appeal* to have been long in the water. These were sjTnptoms that the boat was approaching to a line of coast, which Mr Bligh did not hesitate to pronounce to be the reefs of New Holland, the airival at which would form a gi*and and auspicious era in their voyage. On Wednesday the 27th they had caught two boobies, with fishes in their stomach ; which, being divided for dinner, every one thought he had feasted. In the evening a gannet was seen, and fresh symptoms continuing to indicate land, the thoughts and conversations of the sailors were entirely occupied in conjectures, as to what they would find. At one in the morning, the person at the helm heard the sound of bleakers ; and the captain being awake, saw them close under tlie boat's lee, at the distance of not more than a quar- ter of a mile, A direction was immediately given to the boat, by which it cleared the-bxealiers, and 262 VOYAGE OF a general joy prevailed, not only at having reach- ed so important a point in the voyage* but at the prospect of getting into smooth water, and it might be hoped of obtaining refi'eshments. Next morning no coast was to be seen till nine o'clock, when a long line of reefs appeared, with the sea breaking furiously over every point. Within, how- ever, they eajoyed the long unwonted spectacle of smooth waters. This object did not a little cheer them ; but as yet, the wind being at east, they could only lie alqng the line of breakers, without being able to discover any opening by which they could ^nter. Theii' situation was not very agreeable ; the sea set in heavy towards the reef, and they had scarcely strength to pull the oars. There began to appear no alternative but the hazardous one of pusliing across the breakers, when at about a mile's distance an opening was discovered. Tliey soon reached it, and entered the passage, with a strong stream running to the westward, and in a short time were in smooth water, and on the coast of New Holland. The object was now to find a convenient land- ing place, and a spot where tliey might not be ex- posed to molestation from the natives, whoever they might be. In this last view, a small island appeared to be the most secure, and two such ap- peai'ed at the distance of about four miles. The neai'est proved only a heap of stones ; but the other was about a league in circuit, and the rocks and stones which composed it were covered with small trees. Having found, therefore, a bay, with a fine sandy point, about a quarter of a mile distant from the main land, they immediately landed. The grand question was, whether there was any food ; it • CAPTAIN BLIGH. 263 was a question almost of life or death. Happily they were not long of discovering on the rocks oysters, which were well sized and good ; but as it was near- ly dark, few^ could be gathered that night. Al- though there were old fire-places, nothing led them to apprehend an immediate visit from the natives. They divided the company into two, one of which slept on shore, an arraugement attended with im- mense relief, as they could now stretch themselves at ease, \vithout beuig cramped and confined in the former naiTow space. Next day, being Friday the 29th, the party arose at dawn, and, though very weak, found their cou- rage and spirits greatly revived. None of the na- tives appearing, parties were sent out in search of supplies. To their great joy, they foimd plenty of oysters, fixed indeed so hard to the rock, that tliey could scarcely be separated ; but this difficulty they got over by opening them on the spot. Finding a place where the growth of some wire grass indicat- ed moisture, tltey thrust in a stick about three feet deep, when good water came out, and without much trouble a well was dug, which yielded as much as their occasions required. Another for- tunate incident was, that among the things tlirown into the boat they found a tinder-box, which se- cured fire, while some one liad been so provident as to bring off a copper pot ; so that now tliey had all the means as well as materials of cooking. That they might liave a thorough good meal for once, Mr Bligli gave up part of tlie little remaining pork, and, with the addition of a little bread, they mad© a stew, capable of gratifying tlie palates of those whose food was not seasoned by so dreadful a bun- , ger. Of this mess, a full pint wjls distributed to 264} VOYAGE OF ~ • each man- Mr Bligh had warned the company . against touching any fruit or berry, lest any of them should be poisonous. In spite of this warning, having found one which resembled a gooseberry, another like an elderberry, and a thnd black, like a large sloe, they all began to pluck ; and some who indulged more lai'gely than the rest, found them- eelves soon after seriously disordered ; a circum- Btance which struck a mortal panic into the whole party. It luckily proved that these sinister effects had arisen merely from eating too largely, lliose who observed due moderation, and the others af- ter their indigestion had gone off, found themselves, quite sound, and after Mr Bligh had observed that these berries were eaten by the birds, he ceased to regard them with any apprehension. In continuing to traverse the island, they found additional proofs of its being frequented by the natives — two i-ude huts or wigwams, and a pointed stick for slinging stones. The track of a kangaroo was also noticed ; some palm-trees were found, the soft exterior part of which proved very palatable, and made a welcome addition to their stew. They had this night a hearty supper, a full pint and half being allowed to each. In consequence of these two good meals, there appeared next morning a visible alteration for the better ; but, after allowing an equally hearty dinner, and causing as large a stock as possible of oysters to be collected, Mr Bligh determined to set sail in the afternoon. Just as they were ready for sea, there appeared on the opposite shore about twenty natives, armed with spears or lances. They ran, hallooed, and, by signs, invited the English to come on shore. Behind the hills, in the back ground, were seen the * CAPTAIN BLIGH. 265 lieads of many more; but whether women and children, or companions lying in ambush, could not be exactly discerned. Be this as it might, the English paused not in making the best of their way off; fearful not only of hostile proceedings on land, but of being pursued by canoes, in case ( and the contrary was not certain) of the natives hav- ing any fit for that purpose. Next day, the Slst, they passed along a low sandy coast, with very little verdure, and appear- ing scarcely habitable. On their right was a chain of small islands, some of which were very pretty spots covered with wood, and their coasts fre- quented by large shoals of fish, none of which, however, they w«re able to catch. In this passage, they saw another party of seven Indians, who came down with similar shouts and invitations, and wav- ing green branches of the bushes in token of friendship ; but as some of their movements wore a suspicious aspect, and a larger body appeared behind, it was detennined not to expose themselves to hazard for the sake of any benefit or satisfaction which might have been derived fi-om then* friendly intercourse. Like those formerly seen, they were black, with short busby hair or wool, and staik naked. In the course of the day, having found a some- what high island, with good landing, they went on shore to search for supplies. Here, however, ac- cording to the too common law of our nature, that orderly and submissive conduct which had been adhered to while adversity pressed hard upon them, was interrupted by the present gleam of prosperity. Several of the people declared they would rather 236 VOYAGE OF want their dinner, than be at so much trouble in searching for it ; and one of them went to such a pitch of mutiny as to tell the captain, " he was as good a man as himself." Mr Bligh, conceiving this precedent so evil, that it must be put down at all hazards, and perhaps inflamed by passion, drew a cutlass, ordering the man to take another, and^ defend himself. The man, seeing matters at this extremity, immediately made his submission, and a pardon being vouchsafed, tranquillity and subordination were at once restored. At noon ^ the parties returned with some fine oysters, clams, and a few small dog-fish ; but, as the island was not found to produce more than was sufficient for daily use, there appeared no ad- vantage in remaining upon it. Besides, some alarm was given by the view of an old canoe, lying bot- tom upwards, thirty- three feet long, and three broad, having its prow rudely carved like the head of a fish, and capable, apparently, of containing twenty men. Pursuit, by vessels of such a description, might have been very serious ; and it was deter- mined to retreat to the most remote of the small islands or keys^ which were now in sight. After dining, therefore, on a full pint and a half each of stewed oysters and clams, thickened with small beans, described by the botanist as a species of dolichos, they made for the above spot. They did not an-ive till neai'ly dark, when they found the coast so bordered with a reef of rocks, as made it impossible to land without risk of staving the boat ; and they were obliged to spend the night on board. Next morning, June 1st, the boat was brought to the shore ; but tlie \vind being fresh, and the CAFTAFN BLIGH. 267 bottom too rocky for a grapnel, they were obliged to*track it aground, to prevent the hazard of its being blown out to sea. lliis island seemed to afford a fairer prospect of supplies than any yet visited ; since, besides the chances of shell-fish, recent tracks of turtle were espied, and fliglits of noddies, filling the aii', seemed to have made this their resting place. Notwithstanding this pro- mise, the result was, that all they caught in the course of the day, amounted to twelve noddies and a few clams. Mr Bligh imputes this failure to much intliscretion on the part of his people. He h^d given strict orders to kindle only small fires, and in covert positions, so as to avoid advising the natives of strangers being on the spot. A man, however, belonging to one of the parties, insisted on ha^ang a fii'e to himself, and managed it so cai-e- lessly, that it was communicated to the grass, and the ^hole island appeared soon in a blaze. The noise and confusion occasioned by this fire, and the efforts to extinguish it, caused all the turtles to ' retire to theii* caves. Another man separated from his companions, and ran about in so indiscreet a manner, that he frightened the noddies ; an impru- dence which so provoked the captain, that he gave him a sound beating. Meantime, a serious alarm ai'ose on the subject of the dolichos ; many of the people who had eaten of it being affected with un- usual and painfid symptoms, which they ascribed to poisonous qualities in the vegetable. The sequel soon showed that these evils were solely imputable to the enormous quantities which some of them had eaten raw ; but they were thus deterred from mixing it in their stew, to which it had foimed a savoury addition. 288 VOYAQE OF On Tuesday the Sd, they set sail from this island, with a few clams and their dozen of nod- dies, which they had half di*essed, that they might keep the longer. Soon after setting out, they felt a heavy swell coming in upon them, which Mr Bligh concluded to be the waves of the great ocean, in which their frail bark must speedily a- gain be launched. They had still in their sight a succession of keys or small islands, and on their left a hilly coast, like downs, sloping towards the sea. Six birds were divided for dinner ; but un- fortunately the gunner*s watch, which had hitherto been their guide as to the succession of time, stopped, and they had henceforth only the posi- tion of the sun to calculate by. At five o'clock, they passed a large and fair inlet, and soon after came to an island, which afforded a good sandy point; for landing. A party which went to see if any thing could be got, saw the ground strewed with a number of turtle bones and shells, on the con- tents of which the natives had recently feasted; but they failed entirely in the attempt to procure a single turtle. On Wednesday the 3d, they again set sail, and, after proceeding some leagues, came to an exten- sive opening in the mainland, in which w^ere a number of high islands. The most distant was of some magnitude, and mountainous, having a veiy elevated round hill in the centre. The coast here is high and woody, with a broken appearance, and apparently fine bays and harbours. It was now seen stretching west and south-west, tending more and more to confirm their approach to the ocean ; and Mr Bllgh began to anticipate that, before evening, they would bid adieu to the coasts of CAPTAIN BLIGH. 269 New HollaBd. AccordingiV, after passing some large sand-banks that ran out from the sea-shore, and to the most southern of which they gave the name of Shoal Cape, they found they had left to the eastwai'd all the islands through which they had be(m sailing, and that the coast was stretching av.'ay from them to the south-east ; while in front only a small solitary island hroke the immense ex- .panse of the ocean which lay before them. Tlie six days wliich the crew had sailed along this coast, had undoubtedly been the means of saving then* lives. During that period, they had enjoyed rest, smooth sailing, and a tolerable allow- ance of food. The situation, however, in which tliey again plunged into the ocean, was sufficiently miserable. The recent relief had rather suspend- ed the rapid decline of their health and vigour, tJian furnished them out vnth. a new stock. Not only their strength was reduced, but diseases, the result of long fasting and hardship, began to be felt. Headach, sickness, pain in the stomach or bowels, and tenesmus, occasioned by the w^ant of the usual evacuations, gave rise, in all of them, to severe complaint. However, their spirits were recruited by rest, and buoyed up by the sanguine hope that, in eight or ten days, they would again reach the confines of the civilized world, and find a period to theii* suffering's. They set out, there- fore, with tolerable vigour and briskness on this new branch of their voyage. They had still a remnant of oysters and clams, wliich were spai'ing- ly served out to dinner for two or three days ; and they caught occasionally a booby, and once a small dolphin. Mr Bligh, in hope of a not distant termi- z 2 270 VOYAGE OF nation of t^e voyage, renewed the allowance of th« 25th. Notwithstanding this promising outset, this part of the Toyage began soon to wear a gloomy as- pect. In a few days, the continued pressure of evils that were too mnqh for human endurance, began to tell heavily upon them. The sea ran high, and the waves continually breaking over the boat, kept them miserably wet and cold, while the labour of baling was too much for their present weak condition. On Sunday the 7th, a general sinking was observed in the crew. Mr Ledward, the surgeon, and Lam-ence Lebogue, sailmaker, an old hardy seaman, appeared to be giving way very fast, and were only kept up by an occasional tea-spoonful or two of wine, which Mr Bligh had kept in reserve. Monday and Tuesday, water continued to be shipped, and there was much com- plaining, the truth of which was too well confirm- ed by the captain's own feelings. On Wednesday morning, there was a visible and alarming altera- tion for the worse. Extreme weakness, swelled legs, unusual inclination to sleep, with an apparent debility of understanding, seemed in many the melancholy precm-sors of approaching dissolution. Mr Bligh himself was told, that he looked worse than any one in the boat. One hope alone sup- ported them. From the course which they had run, it appeared impossible that they could be very distant from the point, fondly anticipated as the termination of so many miseries. In the after- noon, bii-ds and wooden branches gave signs of land ; but Mr Bligh dm'st not allow himself to be too sanguine, as there were some islands between New Guinea and Timor. They served^ however, t^ CAPTAIN BLIGH. 271 eniiven their drooping spirits ; and next day, at noon, they could make an observation of the lon- gitude, which appeared to indicate their having now passed the meridian of the eastern part of Timor. This discovery filled every heart with joy and expectation ; and they continued ail with their eyes intensely fixed on the quarter in wliich the land ought to be situated. Evening fell with- out their seeing any thing except the expanse of the waves; but next morning, by the earliest dawn, a cultivated coast, finely diversified with Jiill and dale, appeared stretching in wide extent Ibefore them. This was Timor. At this blessed jsight, all the feelings with which their minds had l>een racked, gave way to those of intense and in- expressible delight. In this tumult of joy, their thoughts rapidly reverted to the varied events of their fearful passage ; and it appeared to them- selves incredible, that, in this little bark, and un- der circumstances every way so calamitous, they shfl'uld have traversed nearly four thousand miles of -ocean, without the loss of a single man. The crew, who considered their safety as now beyond the reach of every vicissitude, were eager to land without delay at tlie nearest shore. But Mr Bligh wisely considered, that the Dutch were in poi^session of only a comer of this large island ; and til at, by landing too hastily, they might fall a- mong people as perilous to deal with as any of the eaviige tribes from whom they had escaped. The shore presented a pleasing and beautiful aspect, with many cultivated spots, flat near the sea, but rising in the interior into weeded hills. He di- rected his course to the south-west part of the isl- and, ill which, acooi-ding to a somewha/fc \'Bgue re- 272 VOYAGE OF collection, he understood the Dutch settlement to be situated. They passed along a coast covered- with palm trees, of that species called the fan- palm, from the leaf spreading like a fan. They afterwards came to a more open district, where smoke was rising in different places, and the inha- s bitants were seen clearing and cultivating their grounds. Night fell, however, without their dis- covering any appeai-ance of a settlement, or any point at which a landing appeared eligible. Next morning, Saturday Sd, they continued their voyage, still with the sstme result. The master and carpenter importuned Mr Bligh to allow them to go on shore, and search for supplies ; but wheu they at last obtained leave to do so, their own coui-age failed, and they remained on board. A- bout two o'clock, after lamning through a very dan- gerous breaking sea, they came to a spacious bay or sound, with a fair entrance, which appeared to afford so eligible a station for shipping, that hopes were conceived the European settlement might be found within it; At the same time, a hut, a dog, and some cattle being seen in a sandy bay, whicli afforded convenient landing, the boatswain and gunner ventured on shore. They were not long gone when they were seen returning, accompanied by five of the natives, apparently on the most a- micable footing. The men had met with a kind and hospitable reception, particularly from the fe- male members of two families who resided there. These people, informed tliem, that tlie residence of the governor was at a place called Coupang, at some distance to the north-east ; and one of them undertook to go into the boat, and show theim the way. They n *w pressed on with full sail, and, as CAPTAIN BLIGH. 273 the wind died away, took to the oax-s, at which, be- yond expectation, they were able to do something. They were not so near as they had imagined ; for the supposed bay proved to be a mere strait be- tween an island and the main. At ten o'clock they came to a gi'apnel, and, for the first time, double allowarice of bread and a little wine was issued to each person. Next morning, " after the most happy and sweet sleep that ever men enjoyed, " they found them- selves clear of the island, and with an open sea to the west, but no symptom yet appeared of the place for which they were in search. Soon after, however, the report of two caimons came rolling along the water ; and this first sound, indicative of European existence, electrified them with joy. Shortly, two square-rigged vessels and a cutter ap- peared at anchor. All their spirits were now up, and they eagerly hastened to the point, which could no longer be at any great distance. In this propi- tious moment, they were crossed by an adverse gab, and, having in vain attempted to use their sails, and losing ground at every tack, they were obliged to summon all their remaining strength to reach the place by rowing. At four o'clock they rested, and had an allowance of bread and wine Berved out to them ; after which they resumed their oars, and were obliged to ply at them during the whole of that night. In the morning, by the first dawn, they descried, immediately opposite, on the shore, the small fort and town of Coupang. Although confident of now meeting with shelter and humane treatment, the captain did not judge it expedient to attempt landing, unless according to the requisite fornmlities. Two or three small 274 VOYAGE OF flags, which happened to be in the boat, were patched together, and hoisted up £is a signal of dis- tress. It was not long before a soldier hailed them to land. Mr Bligh immediately obeyed the signal, and was agreeably surprised to find an English sail- or, who told him that he belonged to a Dutch ves- sel in the road, the commander of which, Captain Spikerman, was the second person in the town. Mr Bligh, being immediately conducted to that officer, informed him of the disasters which had befallen his crew, and their distressed state. Spi- kerman received him with the gi-eatest humanity, ajid, while he himself went to inform the governor, desired that they should be conducted to his own house, where a comfortable brealtfast would be prepared for them. After these satisfactory arraTigemsnts, Mr Bligh hastened to the boat, and desired his people to land ; which, notwithstanding the joyful elevation of tlieir spiiits, many of them were unable to do without help. " The abilities, " says Mr Bligh, " of a painter, perhaps, could seldom have been displayed to more advantage, than in the delinea- tion of the two groups of figures, which at this time presented themselves to each other. An in- different spectator would have been at a loss which most to admire ; the eyes of famine sparkling at immediate rehef, or the horror of their preservers at the sight of so many spectres, whose ghastly countenances, if the cause had been unknown, would rather have excited terror than pity. Our bodies were nothing but skin and bones ; om* limbs were full of sores, and we were clothed in rags : in this condition, with the tears of joy and grati- tude flowing down our cheelcs, the people of Ti- CAPTAIN BLIGH. 275 mor beheld us with a mixture of hoiTor, suii)iise, and pity. " Mr Bligh was not long of seeing the govenior, who showed himself animated by every humane and sympathizing feeling. He declared, that how- ever sorry for the calamity which had befallen them, he considered it the greatest blessing of his life, that an opportunity should be given him to afford them shelter and protection. Unfortunate- ly, his ill health was so extreme, that he could not perform in person the services he desired, but he devolved them, in full confidence of their being faithfully perfonned, on Mr Wanjon his son-in-law, and the second in command. The latter accord- ingly spared no pains for this purpose. The place was small and filled, so that it was difficult to find accommodation; but the only empty house was assigned to Mr Bligh, and for his people he was offered either the hospital, or Captain Spikerman's vessel. Mr Bligh, however, on examining his own premises, found, that by taking only one apartment to himself, he could find room for the whole paity. A plentiful dinner was then set before them, of which he thinks few in such a situation could have partalien with greater moderation. For himself, he felt greater want of rest than of food ; and yet, when he retired to bed, he was unable to close his eyes. His mind was involuntarily held in a state of pleasing agitation, as he revolved the awful train of adventure through which he had passed ; his happiness, in having been the means of saving from death eighteen of his fellow-creatures ; and, above ail, the thanks due to Almighty God, who had given them power to support such heavy calami^ ties. 276 VOYAGE OF " When I reflect, " says he, " how providential- ly our lives were saved at Tofoa, by the Indians delaying theii* attack ; and that, with scarce any thing to support life, we crossed a sea of morei than 1 200 leagues, without shelter from the incle- mency of the weather ; when I reflect that, in an open boat, with so much stormy weather, we es- caped foundering; that not any of us were taken, off by disease ; that we had the great good fortune to pass the unfriendly natives of other countries with- out accident, and at last happily to meet with the most friendly and best of people to relieve our dis- tresses ; I say, when I reflect on all these wonder- ful escapes, the remembrance of such great mercies enables me to bear, with resignation and cheerful- ness, the failure of an expedition, the success of which I had so much at heart, and which was frus- trated at a time when I was congratulating myself on the fairest prospect of being able to complete it in a manner that would ftdly have answered the intention of his Majesty, and the humane pro- moters of so benevolent a plan. " The English remained at Coupang from the middle of June to the 20th of August, and met with continued care and attention, till their health was tolerably recruited. Being then supplied by the governor with money to purchase a vessel, they set sail for Batavia. There was nothing particu- larly hospitable in their reception there ; and as the vessels going to Europe were full, or nearly so, they were reduced, after some delay, to go home in small detachments. Mr Bligh, for want of the means of conveyance to Europe, was forced, with much regret, to sell the little bark in which he had crossed the Pacific. It would have been CAPTAIN BLIGIT. 277 with particular pleasure that we should have closed this relation by statiog, that every one of these un- fortunate sufferers reached in safety their native country. It is painful to add, that diseases, of which the foundation had been laid during the voyage, were so aggravated by the pestilential cli- mate of Batavia, as to render its abode fatal to se- veral. Nelson, the gardener, a person of great merit, and who had already made the circuit of the world with Captain Cook, had died of an inflam- matory fever at Coupang, Tlu*ee died at Batavia ; one on the voyage home, and Mr Ledward the surgeon had not been heard of when the narrative was wi'itten. Twelve, however, by different con- veyances, reached in safety theii' native country. 278 VOYAGE OF CHAPTER III. EQUIPMENT OF THE PANDORA FRIGATE VOY- AGE TO OTAHEITE CAPTURE OF PART OF THE MUTINEERS THE FRIENDLY ISLANDS VOYAGE HOMEWARDS SHIPWRECK AR- RIVAL AT TIMOR — AT BATAVIA. The relation of the sufferings of Captain Bligh and his crew filled all England with the deepest sympathy, as well as horror of the crime hy which they had been plunged into so dreadful a situation. The Admiralty, in particular, judged that all naval discipline was at an end, if its perpetrators were allowed to escape with impunity. It was deter- mined, with all convenient expedition, to equip the Pandora fi'igate, and send it out, for the pur- pose of apprehending the mutineer. This ship, mounting twenty-four guns, and having on board a hundred and sixty men, was put under the com- mand of Captain Edward Edwards, and appointed to sail on the iOth August 1790. Captain Ed- wards was also instructed to survey the ' Straits of Endeavour, with a view -^o facilitate the passage to Botany Bay. George Hamilton, the surgeon, has written an account of the voyage, which proved eventful, in a strange, droll, rhodomontade, nnH- censed style, but not without some feeling and some humour. THE PANDORA. 279^ The voyage began rather gloomily ; for the crew having been hastily put together, an infectious fever existed among them, which soon spread, and thir- ty-five men were at one time confined to bed. Great inconvenience was now found, from the care which had been taken to cram them with provi- sions and stores ; so that " they had to eat a hole in their bread before they could find room to lie down." In this sickly and lumbered state they got the alarm of a Spanish fiigate bearing down upon them, and had to clear the vessel for action. It proved to be " his Majesty's good ship Shark ;" but these useless preparations to fight much de- ranged their interior economy. The ship touched first at Santa Cruz, and then at Rio Janeiro. Captain Edwards was here in- vited to land and wait on the governor, which he agreed to do, on assurance that his boat should not be boarded. The palace of the viceroy was much admired, and its decorations seem really to have been very interesting. On the ceiling of one apart- ment were represented all the quadrupeds peculiar to South America ; in another, all the fishes ; and in a third, the birds, \^dth all theu* elegant variety of plumage : shell-work interspersed showed the conchology ; so tliat there was here introduced a display of the whole natural history of the conti- nent. On the pannels were also represented the vaiied forms of its industry, the production of rice, sugar, indigo, and what the author calls the " dia- mond fishery, '* but of course nmst mean the work- ing of the diamond mines. Intrigue at Rio Jane- iro was easy, but dangerous, on account of the fa- milial* use of the stiletto. Trade was greatly cramp- ed ; and notwithstandmg the liberality of Nature, 280 VOYAGE OF the people were generally poor, and Inclined to re- volution. Indeed, during their stay a conspiracy was discovered, having that for its ohject, and a number of the principal people were thrown into prison. Their voyage round America wa^ diversified by few incidents, as they happily weathered Cape Horn without experiencing the tempests by which it is so frequently envu'oned. Mr Hamilton here takes oc- casion to make some remarks on the diet of sea- men in long voyages. Sour crout he accounts the grand antiscorbutic. A cask of it was kept open for the sailors to eat as much as they pleased, and it was preferred by them as a sallad to recent ve- getables. Essence of malt afforded a delightful beverage, and needed only a little hops to make excellent strong beer. Cccoa was also of the great- est benefit, as a nourishing article of diet ; indeed, he considers it ultimately as standing alone in this respect; " for, what can in reason be expected from beef or pork, after it has been salted a year or two ? '* He recommends also wheat ground in a mill, and mixed with brown sugar, in preference to peas ; also soft bread for the sick and conva- lescent, rather than biscuit ; and the grain can be kept better, and in less room, in the shape of flour, than in any other. Tlie voyage proceeding thus prosperously, 6n the 23d March they came to anchor in Matavai Bay. As soon as dawn exhibited them to the na- tives on shore, the latter came paddling out, em- braced and saluted them with expressions of a joy approaching to madness. Prompt inquiry being made after the mutineers, it was stated, that Chris- tian witii nine companions had, a coaisideKable time THE PANDORA. 281 a^, {lepai*tey Richard Skinner. They were not long of receiving a visit from their Otalieitean majesties, wlio behaved with more dignity tlian formerly, as at tliis first visit •they refused all presents, though tlieir attendants made ample amends. Iddeah being now about thii'ty, and somewhat coarse, Otoo had appended to her a pretty young wife of sixteen, with whom Iddeah lived in the most perfect harmony. In two days Corner and Hayward returned, stat- ing that they had compelled the mutineers to quit the coast, and abandon their boat. They had taken refuge, however, among the mountains xix the inte- 2 A 2 282 VOYAGE OF rid', where they were received and protected by Tamarrah, the king of that district, who had even formed the project, by their assistance, of invading Otoo's temtory, and annexing it to his own. It was not apprehended, however, that the mutineers and natives united could make head against such a force as the ship could muster. Hayward, with one de- tachment, was sent to land, and advance dh-ect upon their position ; while Comer, who had bom a com- mission in the land service, marched with anotlier into the interior, to cut off their retreat. This last detachment had several of the principal chiefs with them as guides, among whom, however, Oedidee, notwithstanding his attachment to the English, ex- pressed gi'eat reluctance to serve in this capacity, he being tyo or sworn friend to one of the muti- neers. The service was liard, their route- being crossed by a rapid mountnin toiTent, winding in such a manner tliat they had to ford it sixteen times during their march. WJiether from strength or custom, the natives dashed through with ease, while the English could scarcely prevent themselves from being carried down by the rapidity of the stream. Some of the heights also were so rugged and inaccessible, that they were obliged to send back for ropes and tackle to assist in mounting them. They were once also in danger of wanting victuals, till one of the natives ran to a temple, and brought out a roasted pig, ready dressed for the dinner of tlie god. On being taunted with the impiety of this act, he replied, with tmth, that there was still more left than there was any chance of his divinity eating. By the time the English arrived at the district in which the mutineers had sought refuge, all THE PANDORA. 283 hazard of remstance on the part of the native powers was found to be at an end. So selfish and precarious is the boasted kindness of those islandei's, that Tamanah, finding notliing more to expect from his foreign refugees, allowed himself to be gained over by presents from Captain Ed- wards, so far as even to assist in hunting them down. The unhappy offenders, thus hemmed in on every side, and betrayed by those in whom they liad tnisted, still sought safety by flying from place to place, amid unfrequented woods and liiilH. But the pursuit was too close. They were su'.'ound- ed, in the middle of the night, in a remote hut, where they had taken shelter. At dawn, Mr HayT\-ard was preparing to attack, but they then c^me out in despair and gi-ounded theu* aims, Vhen their hands being tied behind their backs, they were marched oflP, under a strong guard, to the boat. Two natives were killed in the course of the pursuit, one by each of the hostile parties. The guilty, but now unfortunate captives, being brought to the ship, were treated with every ten- derness consistent with their being securely guard- ed. A prison was erected on the quarter deck, where they were both sheliered, and Iiad a free circulation of air. Instead of the two thirds al- lowance to which prisoners are legally limited, they received the same as the other seamen, including even all the extra indulgencies at present gi-anted. Their families also were allowed to visit them ; a permission which gave rise to the most affecting scenes. Every day the wives came down with their infants in their amis ; and the fathers weep- ing over their babes, -^ho were soon to l)e orphans, and husband and wife mingling cries and tears at 284 VOYAGE OF the prospect of so calamitous a sej>ai'atioii, nieltod the heart of every one on hoard. The utmost affection and tenderness appears to have heen shown by these Otaheitean spouses on this trying occasion. On the day after this successful fulfilment of their mission, the English were visited in full cere- mony by the king, the two queens, and some of the principal chiefs. The ladies brought as a pre- sent, sixty or seventy yards of Otaheitean cloth, all of which, according to usage, w^as wrapped round tlieir persons, thereby rendered so bulky and unwieldy, that " that they were obliged to be hoisted on board like hom cattle. " They were then debarassees by tlie captain, who, as custom demanded, took the cloth and wrapped it round liimself. One of the ladies being observed to cast a -longing eye on the captain's laced coat, he took it off, and put it on her, to her extreme delight. They were invited next day on shore, to witness a grand heiva lield expressly for their behoof. The entertainment here, as is well known, con- sists in exhibiting a series of frightful distortions and indecent attitudes. It is considered here, however, as the highest of female accomplishments; and girls, it is said, come down from tlie interior to improve themselves in it, as country gentlemen send their daughters to London boarding schools. The author gets into extreme raptures at the generosity of the Otaheiteans, pai'ticulary towards their tyos or friends, insomuch, that the English, who are accounted a generous people, were by them held 2i^fieefry or stingy. To represent dis- interestedness, however, as their general character, appears very inconsistent with many facts akeady THE PANDORA. 285 narrated, and parti culaily with the univei*sally es- tablished system of prostitution and thieving. The latter practice appeared to be somewhat abated ; yet this is admitted to be mainly owing to extra- ordinary exertion on the part of the chiefs. One yomig lady, who had stolen the linen of a faithful lover, was punished, by having the hair shaved from one side of the head, and from one eyebrow. No sooner did she see in the glass the grotesque figure she then cut, than she ran away to hide Jierself in the interior. Attracted indeed by European so- ciety, she evet and anon retm*ned, and asked an- other view of herself, but no sooner obtained it, than raising a loud shriek, she fled back into the w^oods. The experienced efficacy of this chastise- ment caused it to be adopted in several other in- stances. The multiplication of European plants and ani- m^ils, left by Captain Cook, was found to be in a still more impromising state than dming Mr BHgh's visit. Tlie natives, on being reproached ns to their supineness in this particular, argued with some reason, that their soil already yielded in abundance every thing they wanted or cared for ; and what motive could they then have, to spend labour and waste theu* gi'ound, in objects for which they had no taste or need? They had therefore carefully rooted up all the plants Avhich had been lodged in the soil by Captain Cook, for this bene- volent puipose, but were much concerned on the subject of tobacco and cotton, which had taken such deep root, that they could not be wholly ex- tirpated. Yet their standing food, the bread-fruit, Iiad in so far a serious disadvantage, as it did not bear till four or five yeajis after being planted ; 2S6 VOYAGE OF and in the wars which were carried on with the usual animosity of savage tribes, it was customaiy to cut down all the trees of a district, and reduce it for years almost to a state of famine. If we may trust the author, the Otaheiteana have found- ed on this circumstance a singulai' mano&uvre to supply themselves with fish, which they are too indolent to catch themselves. They have destroy- ed all the fruit trees on a small neighbouring island, thus obliging the natives to betake them- selves to fishery, and bring its products to Ota- heite, to get bread- fruit in exchange. The cattle had not fared better. No progeny seems to have arisen ft'om the two parties of the vaccine species, whom Mr Bligh had been at such pains to bring together. As nothing indeed could induce the natives to receive within their lips milk, which they accounted as excrement, their motive for rearing them was veiy faint, especially as the only one which they had killed for the sake of eating happened to be an old horse, whose tough and disagreeable flesh gave them a general disgust at this class of animals. All the objects of their expedition being thus fulfilled, and an ample sea-store laid in, the Eng- lish fixed to depart on the 8th of May, after a stay of about six weeks. On this occasion, the most atFecting demonstrations of grief were made on both sides. The natives, surrounding them in thei^ canoes, bared their bodies, raised dismal cries, cut their heads with shells, and smeaied their breasts and shoulders with the wai'm blood as it flowed from the wounds — savage tokens of mourn- ing,^ such as were usual on the death of a near re- lation. On the other hand, the narrator believes THE PANDORA. 287 this was the first time that an Englishman got up his anchor, at the remotest part of the globe, with a heavy heart to return to his native country. It might be unusual ; but the cause of the voyage might have reminded him that this was not tlie very first time. The Pandora touched at Huaheine and Bola- bola ; but when they came to Whytootackee, they made particular inquiiies, as Christian had made the Otalieiteans suppose that he had gone there on leaving their island. The natives, however, declar- ed that they bad never till now seen a wliite man. The people appeared much ruder than at Otaheite ; " the silken bands of love gave way to the rustic gar- niture of war. *' They had no covering except a gir- dle of stained leaves, yet they adorned themselves with necklaces, framed with considerable skill from the shell of the pearl oyster. They even produced ed a speai' of most exquisite workmanship, in the form of a Gothic spire, and with ornaments in alto relievo, to execute which witli stone tools must have been the labour of a lifetime. Without pausing any longer at a station which promised nothing important, they made sail, and on the 22d May reached Palmerston's Islands. Here no sooner had Lieutenant Comer and a party landed, tlian they made the important discovery of a yai*d and some spars having on them the mark Bounty, The Bounty then had been here, and every search was to be made in case the remaining mutineers should still be found within its circuit. Lieutenants Comer and Hayward set out on a round from island to island, landing with the great- f St difiaculty across the heavy smf by which they were almost all surrounded, and having usually 288 VOYAGE OF to swim asfiore and back in cork-jackets. They were kept moreover iu momentary apprehension of an attack from the mutineers, and expected nmskets to be fired upon them out of every bush. Evening overtook them at a distance from the ship, exhausted with fatigue, want of food, and swimming through so many reefs. They saw no alternative but to sleep here, after collecting what they could for supper, which was only a few cocoa-nuts, and some cockles of that gigantic species, some of whicli, he says, are larger than three men can carry. They then betook themselves to sleep, out of which the were not long of being alarmingly roused. A cocoa-nut having by mistake been left on the fire, bm'st suddenly with some noise, wlien the whole party spmng up and stood to their arms, imagin- ing themselves surprised by their mutinous country- men. It took some time to undeceive them, and still more to make them resume that tranquil re- pof^e which they had previously enjoyed. The boats returned without fmding the least trace of those whom they sought; and what was worse , they returned reduced in number by the jolly boat, which had disappeared, without any one being able to give account of it. The cutter was despatched to make the tour of the isles, while the ship was run down in the direction the wind had blown the preceedmg day, and worked up again by traverses, but all without success. They gave up therefore all hopes of seeing it, without being able to surmise what might be its fate. The au- thor finally consoles him,self by thinking, that " by these accidents it has pleased the divine author of the universe to people the southern hemisphere. " Continuing their voyage, they came to an island THE PANDORA. 289 forty miles long, called by the natives Otuleselii, and of which they claim the disco veiy. The na- tives had never seen an European ship before, and were perfectly ignorant of fu-e-arms. They brought on board birds and fowls of the most splendid plum- age, and very fine aromatic puddings. They were remarkably handsome, and had neither attire nor ornament, except a girdle of coloured leaves round the middle, chaplets of flowers in their hair and round the neck, and a yellow dye with which some had injudiciously tinted the whole of their skins. They were struck with sui-prise and won- der at every thing, and made the most submissive gestures, wliicli did not however prevent them, in the course of the day, from maldng ofl:' with the third Lieutenant's new coat, and every particle of u'on they could lay their hands on. So eager were they in theft and traffic, that they did not observe when the ship sailed, and were obliged to jump in- to the sea like a flock of wild geese ; and one fel- low hung for a mile or two by the rudder, fancy- ing he could thus pull the ship back, like a Uttlo canoe. In this run they met a fresh disaster, in the disappearance of then- tender, which was the more distressing, as water and provisions were on deck for her, to be put on board in the morning. They cruised for her two days, discharging great and small guns, and bmiiing false fires, but all without success, and they were obliged to leave her to her fate. The Pandora now proceeded, and on the 29tli aiTived at Annamooka, the principal of the Friendly Isles ; but this last title our author, with all defer- ence to Cook, brands as a thorough misiiomer, 2 b 9 290 VOYAGE Oe appealing not only to Captain Bligh's ti-anquil ad* venttue at Murderers Cove, but to hk own experi- ence. The people of Annamooka he reckons the most daring set of robbers in the South Sea, A poor Irishman, seiTant to the captain, being found by them out of sight of the other men, was robbed of every thing he had, including all his clothes, except one shoe. In this state the poor man ran about naked and half distracted, till he was rescued by Lieutenant Hayward, who Iiowever failed in his attempt to trace out the robbers, or recover any of the clothes. Yet they are in some respects more industrious and improved than the Otaheiteans. Each man's property is precisely ascertained and fen- ced in with an elegant Chinese railing. Tlieir houses were approached by a gi-avel walk, with shi-ubbery planted with some taste on each side. They seemed thankful for, and adopted with promptitude, cvery hint for the improvement of their fruits, particu- larly for the transportation of pine-apples, and they reared shaddocks superior to those of the West indies. The females were extremely beautiful ; their want of the feminine softness of manners, which characterizes those of Otaheite, is compen- sated by their animated coimtenances and extreme vivacity. They lost no time in commencing that shameful traffic, which has always been opened in these islands on the anival of Europeans. It was i^ndered still more shaiyieful by the open manner in which the mothers treated for the disposal of their daughters. They drove a very hard bar- gain, endeavouring at first to I'ate the virtue of their offspring, at the value of a broad axe ; but, as this estimate appeared to the sailors exorbitant, they stood out, and, in two or three days, the TllE PANDOUA. 291 inarket came down to an old razor, or a ku'ge nail. The natives continued their outrages whenever occasion offered. One of them got behind Lieu- tenant Corner, and sti-uck liim a blow with a club on the back of the neck ; but, Comer quickly re- covering, shot him dead. They met some of the natives of Tofoa, who had been concerned in the transaction at Murderer's Cove. Captain Edwai'ds was at great pains to expose to them the enormity of their conduct upon that occasion. It is not said what impression his discourses made, and he was afraid of pushing them too far, in case he should share the fate of Captain Bligh, and come within their sphere. On the 8th August, the Pandora set sail from Annamooka, following nearly the track of Carteret and Bligh. They passed several islands, particu- larly one on the 8th, which they called Grenville Island. The natives, who had never before seen an European, came off in a fleet of canoes, armed with clubs, and raising the war-whoop at stated intervals, with an evident intention to attack the English. As *oon, however, as they heard the report of a musket, they did not wait for that of a great gun, but di'opped their hostile intentions, came on board, and begun thieving with all their might. In this exercise they were so skilful and vigorous, that one fellow, who was laid hold of by five of the stoutest men in the ship, overcame them all, and jumped overboard with his booty. Their persons were tatooed all over, and in the most elaborate manner, with the figures of men, dogs, birds, and fishes, " bo that every man was a. mov- ing landscape. " The vessel got soon into the track of Bougain- 292 VOYAGE OE ville, whose naiTative had warned them that it was a dangerous route. For some time they lay-to dm*- ing tlie night ; but afterwards, conceiving that this was not consistent with the despatch now neces- sary, imprudently, as it should seem, dropped that precaution. On the 25th, in the morning, they eaw breakers, and more towards noon, extending in such a direction as to bar their progress south- ward. They then stood to the westward, but soon discovered another reef, which appeared entirely to close all progress. The boat was sent to treat for a passage ; and about five o'clock the signal was made that one had been found. They then made signals for the boat to return, till which time they made no movement, from the di*ead of losing her, like the tender and jolly-boat. Night bad just closed, the boat was on board, and the sails were trimmed ; but scarcely had the Pandora begun to move, when the alai'm was given that she had stmck on a reef. The sails were im- mediately furled, and the boats hoisted out, with a view of casting anchor ; but the carpenter im- mediately reported that she was making eighteen inches water ; and in a quarter of an hour it was nine feet deep in the hold. In this dreadful crisis all hands were tmned to the pumps, and a num- ber of prisoners were released from irons, and put to this work. The night was daik and stormy, and they were everywhere encompassed by rocks, shoals, and breakers. The water gained fast upon them ; eveiy soul fell to baling and pumping, ex- cept a few employed to throw overboard the guns. They continued the whole night " baling between life and death, " but without being able to prevent the continual progiess of the water. At length the THE PANDORA. 293 ship began to heel ; one man was killed by a gun ninning to leeward, and another by the fall of a 8pare top-roast. The people became faint at the pumps, but were supported by rations of excellent strong beer, Vv'hich served the purpose much bet- ter than sphits ; and they continued to the last in- trepid and obedient. The ship, however, was settling fast down into the sea ; and about half an lioUi* before daybreak, a council of officers was held, when it was unanimously decided, " that nothing more could be done for the preservation of his Majesty's ship.*' Tlie crew were there- fore instructed to save their lives if possible, and in any manner they could. All the prisoners were let out of irons, that, in a crisis which levelled every distinction, they might seek their common eafcty. Spars, booms, hencoops, every thing buoyant, were cut off, as means of safety which might be clung to in the last extremity. The ship took now a very heavy heel, and lay quite down on one side. Immediately, one of the offi- cers called out, that the anchor on their bow was under water, then leaped out, calling on every one to seek safety, like him, amid the waters. The captain, and all who could, followed his example, which they had scarcely done, when the ship took her last heel, and was under the waves. Those of the crew who were striving for hfe on the face of the deep, heard beneath the cries of the others, who had gone down with the ship, growing gra- dually fainter and fainter, till they sunk into si- lence. Unfortunately, the boats had been drifted to some distance by the tide ; but when they came up, they took on board ail who liad been able to keep themselves afloat. 2 B 2 294 VOYAGE OF Morning now dawned on tins scene of calamity ; and its rays presented to them at last some hope of deliverance. At the distance of four miles, they descried one of those small islands called keys, which, though only thirty paces long, afford- ed a resting-place. They mustered their numbers, and found the loss to amount to thirty-nine, of whom four were prisoners. They now hauled up the boats, and examined the stock of provisions with which they were to find their way fi'om the eastern extremity of New Guinea to the settlement ' on Timor. The distance was smaller than Cap- tain Bligh's, yet their provision was somewhat more completely inadequate. It was only provi- dentially that a small barrel of water, a keg of wine, some biscuit, and a few muskets, had been thrown into tlie boat. Their chief dread was on the subject of water, as the northern coast of New Holland had been reported deficient of that ne- cessary ; and to make their present portion last for sixteen days, only two small wine-glasses could be allowed daily to each man. None Avas allow- ed the first day, and they could eat nothing from the extreme thirst. In the evening, a wine-glass was allowed, and the officers joined together to make it into tea, of whicb they passed a salt-cellar Bpoonful from one to another, by which their lips were moistened, and they found great refresh- ment. A day was passed in putting the boats into the best order they could, and distributing the crew among them. They had four ; the Launch, the Pinnace, the Red and the Blue Yauls, into the three last of winch they put twenty-four, and thiity-one into the Launch. The ten prisoners THE PANDORA. 295 were divided by thi-ees and twos. Tliey sailed at twelve. They soon found themselves on the coast of New Holland; and the Red Yaul made the agi'eeable discovery of a fine bay, where there was a spring of veiy excellent water at the very edge of the beach. They filled their bellies, a tea- kettle, and two quart bottles ; but the other boats were unfortunately too fai- a-head of them to be called back. The necessity of keeping together was very urgent, as the piincipal subsistence was in the Launch ; they therefore towed each other during tlie night ; but this was attended with much inconvenience. At midnight, they were alarmed by the dreadful cry of " breakers a-liead." They were on a reef of rocks, and knew not well how to steer, so that they could not well say how tliey got out of tliem. Next day, coming to an inliabited island, they flattered themselves with obtaining a supply of water. The natives came down to the shore in crowds, without girdle or covering, and, on the English presenting some knives and buttons, and maldng signals of extreme thirst, they brought a keg of good water, which was drained in an instant. On receiving it to be again filled, they put it down, and made signs to come and get it ; but when the crew saw the wo- men and children nmning and supplying the men "udth bows and aiTows, they kept back, and stood on their guard. Instantly a shower of arrows fell among them, which luckily wounded none of the party, though several stuck in the boats. They then let fly a volley of muskets, which put their savage enemies to flight ; but they made no far- ther attempt to procure relief here. Tlie next inland they came to was searched in vain for wa- 296 VOYAGE 01? ter ; and in the evening they reached one whic'i they called Laforey's Island ; and being the last land at which they hoped to touch, it was a deep- ly eventful question, whether water would be found in it. As it was night before they landed, they went to sleep, " to refresh their wo-wom spirits. " The morning was ushered in by the howling of wolves, attracted by their scent, and which made but a gloomy presage. However, water must be seaiThed for ; and on their advance, the monsters retired, " and filled the woods with their hideous growlings. " They now traced a foot-path down into a hollow, where, on digging four or five feet, they had the ecstatic pleasm*e to see a spring nish out. They began with drinking, till they were " perfectly water-logged ; " then filled to the brim every article on board that was capable of con- taining liquid, including the carpenter's boots, which, however, were first emptied, on account of the perils of leakage. Tliis termination of theii* sufferings from thirst, however, formed the com- mencement of those from hunger, which had been unfelt amid the gi*eater intensity of the formet" want. A harsh astringent fruit, resembling a plum, which they found here, formed but an im- perfect palliative. After leaving Laforey's Island, two or three o- thers were still descried, before they entered the great abyss of the Indian ocean, of which they had a thousand miles to cross. They soon encounter- ed so heavy a swell, as threatened destruction to their little fleet. Their greatest apprehension was that of being separated, as they had not the means of dividing their water. Their fii'st resource was to take each other in tow ; but the swell ran so THE PANDORA. 297 liin^li, that, in the middle of the night, a new tow- line broke, which put all into confusion, and they were afraid of being dashed against each other. They made it again fast, but it broke a second time ; and, after several trials, they were obliged to give up the tovvdng system, finding that it would have torn the boats to pieces. Notwithstanding the supply of water which they had procured, their allowance was still excessively short, and their thirst so severe, that they did not care to eat even the scanty portion of food allotted to them. Se- veral, in desperation, drank salt water, and even their own urine, but in both cases with fatal re- sults. As the Sim beat intensely upon their heads, all then* hats having been lost in the wi-eck, they endeavoured to procure coolness by applying wet clotlis dipped in the salt water ; but after a few days, so gieat an absoi-ption took place, through heat and fever, that the very fluids were tainted with the bittern of the sea-water, and the saliva became intolerable in the mouth. This cruel state of things endured for eleven days, from the 2d to the 13th of September, on which last day land was discovered; but they were now tantalized by a dead calm, in conse- quence of which they could not near the coast till the following day. Even then, there was such a prodigious surf, that landing could not be attempt- ed. Two men swung a bottle round their necks, and swam across the breakers ; but after running for some miles along the shore, they came on board without finding any supply. At length, about twelve, the other boats saw the Red Yaul run into a creek. Hereupon they immediately shared the remainder of their water, amounting to 298 VOYAGE OF about lialf a bottle to each, which was swallowed in an instant. Animated with fresh spirits, they (iaslied manfully across a somewhat formidable reef which was interposed, and found a fine spring of water, which afforded immediate relief. In the afternoon, a venerable old chief came down the creek in a canoe, with several attendants. The crew addressed him in French and English, neither of which languages he understood a Word of ; but the miseiy painted on their countenances told their tale beyond the power of words. He showed all the sympathy of a benevolent heart, and offered, by signs, to conduct them on horseback to Cou- pang, which was seventy miles distant. This the nature of their service did not allow them to ac- cept, but they were ready to treat with the na- tives for provisions. The latter came down, ac- cordingly, with lai'ge supplies ; and though guineas were held by them as of no account, they gave as much pork and fowls as was wanted for a few buttons. The English sat down and made a very hearty dinner ; but as they were regaling them- selves, a wild beast gave a roar among the bushes. Some endeavom-ed to tuni this into jest, " but o- thers were rather troubled with the dismaloes. " In consequence of the weak state of their minds and bodies, this last party prevailed ; a general gloom stole upon them ; and this fii'st night of theii* deliverance was spent in a succession of ground- less panics. The natives of a little village near them began at nightfall a general song, according to the usual custom between the tropics, where the refreshing coolness makes this the gay season. The seamen, however, in the fuhjess of their pre- sent fears, took it into their heads to interpret this THS PANDORA. 299 song 8S a wai'-whoop, preparatoiy to b general at- tack; and they reproached themselves with for- getting Captain Bhgh's j)re caution, of not landing till they came to the Em-opean settlement. As hours elapsed, however, v/ithout the least symp- tom of approach or attack, natui'e v/as overpower- ed, and they sunk into sleep. At dawn of day, the master awaked them hy giving the huntsman halloo, at which sound all staited up, and imagin- ing that the Indians were at last upon them, ran down to the sea, and never looked hack till they were knee-deep in the water. At last they dis- covered that there was not a native pursuing, or even in sight ; when the relief of their fears, and shame of their cowardice, determined them to shake off henceforth such chimerical apprehen^ sions. The English set sail at one o'clock this day, and, at five in the following afternoon, landed at Coupang. The former governor was dead, and was succeeded by his son-in-law Vanion, (the same called Wanjon by BHgh.) He received them with tlie same hospitality and generous kindness so fully expenenced by their unfortunate predecessors, Mr Hamilton declares, he could dwell with plea- sure on the praise of this honest Dutchman, who not only supplied all their wants, but did every th'mg in his power to regale them, and make them spend theii* time agreeably. There happened to be another party here, who had been the objects of his kindness. They consisted of eight men, a woman, and two children, who had lately anived in a boat, reporting themselves as escaped fi'om an English brig, that had been wTecked in these seas. On the landing of the English, some one imme-? 300 VOYAGE OF diately ran and told them, as joyful tidings, that tlieir captain was arrived, when one of them, start- ing up in surprise and agitation, cried, " Captain ! we have no Captain! " and several attempted to run away. On such suspicious symptoms, orders were immediately given to apprehend the whole, when they at hist confessed that they were convicts escaped from Botany Bay. They had worked themselves along the coast of New South Wales, sleeping on shore when they durst, and meeting with a numher of cm*ious adventures. Hamilton considers Coupang as the Montpelier of the East. So salubrious is its climate, that it is resorted to by invalids from Batavia, and other neighbouring settlements. Notwithstanding the monopoly of sandal wood, it does not defray its own expense ; but is worth keeping up as a naval station. The policy of the Dutch towards the native powers, savours little of that humanity which they display towards our shipwrecked mariners. Their primary aim is to keep them in a state of perpetual war with each other, so as to prevent them (which yet they cannot always do) from uniting against themselves. These wars serve also the purpose of filling the market with a regular supply of slaves. Indeed, nothing seems to be less scrupulous than the manner in which this traffic is carried on. They saw an instance, dur- ing their stay, of a petty prince, who, in settling his account with a Dutch merchant, found a small balance against him ; to clear off which, he ran out and laid hold of a respectable old man, one of his subject*, dragged him in, and delivered him as a slave ; by which item the account was fitted. The native king of Coupang having died during THE PANDORA. 301 their stay, the English officers, and the members of the Dutch government, were asked both to the funeral and subsequent installation of the successor. At a sumptuous dinner, given on the occasion, Mr Hamilton was surprised to heai* given as one of the toasts, " My Lord Company. " On asking the import of this title, he was informed that the native piinces would have paid no regard to the Dutch, if they had supposed them the mere agents of a mercantile body. It was necessary, therefore, to instil into them, that Company was a powerful European prin(ie, to whom the governor acted as viceroy. On the 6th of October, the party embarked in the Rombang, Dutch East Indiaman, and sailed through the Straits of Alias, which are recom- mended as safer than those of Sapy, though so intricate, that a Dutch ship, after beating about among them for a twelvemonth, found itself at the very spot fi'om which it had departed. At the island of Flores, they encountered a most dreadful tempest, with thunder and lightning, such as they had never experienced ; the pumps were choaked, and the ship was driving impetuously on a bax- barous shore that lay on their lee. The Dutch mariners were affrighted, and went below ; and the vessel wae saved by the British taj-s. Yet Mr Hamilton inclines to acquit the former nation of that gross pusillanimity which such conduct would infer, and is of opinion, that " they would fight the devil, if he did not appear in the shape of thunder aaid lightning. " On the 30th, the English arrived at Samarang, the second Dutch settlement in Java. Here they 2 c 302 VOYAGE OF had the delightful surprise of meeting theli* Tender, so long given up for lost. All the Bympathetic feelings of our nature, in their utmost warmth, were called forth on both sides ; and, with eyes streaming with tears of joy, they recounted to each other the mutual tale of shipwreck, famine, peril, and disaster. The crew of the Tender, on the un- fortunate night when they parted with their com- panions, were attacked by the natives collected for that pm-pose, in a numerous and powerful body. The contest was the more serious, that the enemy was wholly unacquainted with fire- arms ; and, when they saw then* companions dropping, considered it as merely an accidental tumble. Next day the ship was missing, and was sought for in vain. It was evident how very cri- tical their situation now was. The distress for want of water was so excessive, that one young man went deranged in consequence, and did not recover for several months. In endeavouring to make for Annamooka, they stumbled upon Tofoa, the fatal scene of Captain Bligh's disaster. They experienced a similar treacherous attempt, but, be- ing possessed of fire-arms, were easily enabled to baffle it ; and, with that precaution, could after- wards can-y on a trade with the natives for neces- sary supplies. They had now to enter on the same career as Captain Bligh, with the important ad- vantage, however, that, being provided with fire« arms, they could venture to land at the different islands on their route, and procure what was most urgently wanted. They neglected, howeyer, his precaution of steering southwards, in order to cJeai* Nqw Guinea. The consequence was, that they encountered the same reef upon which the THE PANDORA. 303 Paiidora had perished, and traversed long from shore to shore, without finding a passage. Placed, at length, between the dreadful alteniative of ship- wreck and famine, they boldly pushed forward, and beat over the reef. After passing Endeavour Straits, they were picked up by a small Dutch vessel, received a-board, and treated with great humanity; but, as no officer under the rank of lieutenant bears a commission, they had no docu- ment to show, and fell imder the suspicion of be- ing the Bounty mutineers. They were kept, therefore, under short, though humane surveillaiwey till the appearance of their fellow-sean^*ea dispelled all suspicion. In a ^Qw days, they sirrived at Batavk. The first object that presented itself, consisted of some dead bodies floating down the canal, — rather a doleful reception to a sickly crew, " on their pre- miere entree into this painted sepulchre, tliis gol- gotha of Europe." Hamilton, however, acquits Nature of the pestilence which desolates this fatal spot. It appears to him wholly imputable to " the diabolical taste of the Dutch, who, from ha- bits contracted at home, cannot exist, even under a burning sun, without snuffing the putrid exhala- tions from stagnant water." From the canals which they must conduct, even through their pleasure grounds, he professionally declares, that all the mortality of the place originates. This would have appeared the less to be regretted, had Dutch- men been the only sufferers ; but the situation of Batavia renders it a necessaiy thorouglifare to the ships of all European nations ; and that their finest crews should perish, in consequence of a Dutch- man's itch for stagnant mud, is a most deplorable 304 VOYAGE, &C. circumstance. Nay, to such a length, he says, does this " canalling murder" cany them, that they have contrived to form water communications to the top of a neighbouiing hill. The English officers, during their stay, were much disgusted with the lofty airs assumed by the edileers, or members of the supreme council of Batavia. These " vile hawkers of spice and nut- megs," exacted a submission more profound than the most tyrannical monarch that ever swayed a sceptre. When a gentleman in his carnage met one of them, he was obliged to alight, and make, not a respectful bow, but one indicative of the most slavish homage ; that sort of bow "which every vertebra in an English back is anchylosed against." ACCOUNT OF riTCATRN's ISLAND. 305 CHAPTER IV. SIR THOMAS STAINES ORDERED ROUND CAPE HORN LIMA — THE SANDWICH ISLANDS ARRIVAL AT PITCAIRN's ISLAND ACCOUNT OF THE MUTINEERS THEIR SETTLEMENT IN THAT ISLAND ITS PRESENT STATE. No farther steps being taken in pursuit of the remaining mutineers, their fate continued to be involved in mystery, and only some vague ru- mours reached Europe, till the full light unex- pectedly thrown upon it by the following voyage. On the 31st December 1813, Sir Thomas Staines, captain of his Majesty's frigate the Briton, was ordered to sail with a fleet for the East Indies. In twenty-five days, they arrived off Madeira, and on the 28th INIarch entered the harbour of Rio de Ja- neiro. During their stay at this place, the Briton re- ceived a new destination. Intelligence was received that the Essex, a frigate belonging to the United States of America, with whom we were then at war, after committing gi-eat depredations on our Southern whale fisheiy, was then refitting in the port of Valparaiso, and Sir Thomas was ordered round Cape Horn to endeavour to capture this vessel. The crew, inspired with the true spirit of Biitish sailors, 2 c 2 306 ACCOUNT OF joyfully hailed the prospects of glory and adven- ture which this destination opened ; yet they an- ticipated and experienced at this advanced season a boisterous passage round Cape Horn. Besides the tempests, the cold also was very severe, espe- cially to persons who were provided only with the thin clothing requii'ed in a tropical voyage. How- ever, on the 21st May, they reached the port of Valparaiso, where they found the Phoebe and Cherub, his Majesty's ships, in possession of the object of their pursuit, which they were caiTying a prize to England. The purpose of their voyage was therefore accomplished without their inter- position ; but as the crew were considerably hai-as- sed Tvith their stormy passage, and a good deal of sickness prevailed, the captain determined, by way of a little relaxation, to give them a visit to Lima. He sailed for that city in company with the Tagus. They touched at Payta, where the name of Anson was still found to be well remembered ; but the town presented a miserable appearance, being si- tuated under a baiTen cliff, and the houses either without roofs, or only covered with a thin matting. However, this is the part of Pern in which it never was known to rain. Lima answerej most com- pletely the puqDoses of relaxation.. The inhabi- tants were particulai'ly fond of the Englsh sailors, and led them a continual round of feasting and gayety. The ladies, being especially pleased with aquatic excmsions, paid them frequent visits, and, by their lively and agreeable manners, made the time pass delightfully. It was a subject of no lit- tle surprise to see these gentle and good natured ladies the loudest in their shouts at the bloody spectacles fexhibited by them at the great national pitcairn's island. 307 spectacle of the bull-fights. It Kcems to be inti- mated that, notwithstanding the gi'eat outward profession of religion, and that there are in Lima fifty churches or chapels, and upwards* of 18,000 c]ergy, secular and regular, the pleasures of the Limanians are not lield under any very strict re- Btraints of virtue and decorum. On the contrary, the members of the church themselves do not often think it necessaiy to assume even the appearance of decency. Amid the amusements of Lima, the ten days" allotted for their stay passed veiy rapidly. Being then obliged to bid adieu to these gay quarters, they touched at several points on the coast, and then proceeded to examine the gi'oup of the Gal- lapagos. These islands were found dark, gloomy, and mountainous, almost covered with the traces of volcanic eniption. On one only there was a single stream of water. Yet on Albemarle Island, numerous and beautifid plants and shrubs were seen growing out of the masses of dark lava. This gloomy scene v/as soon gladly exchanged for the more cheerful aspect of the Marquesas, where the crew met with that somewhat too cordial welcome, which always awaits European naviga- tors. These islands have been too frequently ob- served to render it necessary to dwell on the par- ticulars here given. An exception may however be made in favour of an expedition into the interior of Nooaheevah, to investigate respecting a race of reported cannibals, inhabiting the mountains of the interior, whom the American Captain Porter boast- ed of having invaded and subdued. The party was at first intended to consist of twelve, but from causes which it is said caimot be explained, it was 308 ACCOUNT OF reduced to tliree oflicers, ShilHber, Morg7\n, and Blackmore. The approach was by steep rock;^, rendered slippery by recent rain, so that it was noon ere they reached the highland settlement, of which they were in search. No sooner did the natives descry the party, than they ran to meet them with eveiy testimony of the most extrava- gant joy ; danced, sung, knelt down, embraced them, and laid at their feet cocoa-nuts, slings, spears, and every thing by themselves accounted most valuable. Astonished beyond measure at the whiteness of their skins, they began laying bai*e the breasts, arms, and legs, to ascertain if it were the same all over ; and one of them fell to washing Mr Shillibor's hand, on suspicion of its being painted. As this minute inspection by five hundred armed savages was like to become rather annoying, Mr Morgan thought it best to vary the scene by letting otf a pistol. The effect was electrical ; the whole as- semblage fell prostrate on their faces, and for some time durst not venture to look up. They spoke in the most bitter terms, and seemingly with tnith, of the conduct of Captain Porter, calling out with one voice, " Wicked and brutal Porter murdered the Typees. " On being told that he was a pri- soner, they gave signs of the most extravagant joy ; and one of them, to make the matter better under- stood, tied his leg with liijs sling ; on which exhi- bition, delight was conspicuous in every face. Porter had erected a small village suiTOunded by a wall, at which he obliged the English captives to work. The English now demolished the wall, and lield in derision both the name and the title which it implied — though, on grounds which do not appear much more legitimate, they took pos- pttcairn's island. 309 w^ssion of it themselves in tlie name of King George. On the 2d September, the Briton sailed from the Marquesas, and steered to tlie southward to regain the port of Valparaiso. In the second watch of the night, land was miexpectedly discovered. Daylight discovered to them a fertile shore, varied with huts, cultivation, and people. Among the lat- ter there appeared an alacrity still greater than usual, to come out and hail tlie Europeans. The people were making signs, launching their little canoes through the surf, and as soon as they were afloat, pulling towards the ship with the most eager derpatch. The captain was mus- tering the few words of the Marquesan tongue which he had picked up, to hail them with, when, to the utter amazement of himself aiul all present, a voice came from the nearest canoe, ask- ing in good English, " WTiat is the ship's name ?" On receivhig an answer, it added, " Who is the commander ?** A regular intercomse was now commenced, and they were requested to come on board. They were ready to do so, but had no boat-hook to hold on by. They were offered a rope, but had nothing to make it fast to. How- ever, their zeal mastered every diihculty, and in a few minutes they were in the ship. They seemed perfectly at ease, and under no apprehension, but the crew were still lost in wonder, when one of tlieir new visitors said, " Do you know William Bligh in England?" The veil immediately fell from their eyes, and they saw themselves about to fathom the depths of that mystery, which had hitherto involved the fate of Christian and his un- happy comrades. The question was put instantly. 310 ACCOUNT O? " Do you know one Chi-istian ? "— " Oli ! yo«, there is his son coming up in the next boat ; liis name is Friday Fletcher October Cliristian ; his father is dead now. " Anxiety was now raised to the highest pitch to leani every thing relating to this mysterious transaction ; question was put upon question ; the answers were given readily, and drunk in with the utmost avidity. From them, and from the notices collected in Otaheite durmg the missionary voyage, we may trace the connected glory of Chiistian and his adherents, down from the fatal moment when they betrayed their duty to their commander and to their country. As the mutineers were steering away from the boat into which they had thrust Captain Bligb, they were heard exclaiming, Huzza ft)r Otaheite ! To Otaheite accordingly they went, and again anchored in Matavai Bay. As the natives, though overjoyed, were evidently a good deal surprised at so prompt a return, they amused them by saying, that Captain Bligh and his officers had remained with Captain Cook, who, as they made the Ota- heiteans believe, had settled at Whytutakee, an island to the westward. Under faith of this re- port they received the most cordial reception, and the usual round of dissolute gayety immediately commenced. As soon however as Christian had time for reflection, he could not but perceive the danger with which he remained on an island which was the rendezvous of every ship that came from Europe, and to which, even if Captain Bligh never reached England, a vessel would probably be des- patched to inquire into his fate. The only course affording a promise of safety, appeared to be that of forming a settlement upon some detached island PITCAIRN*S ISLAND. 311 out of tlie usual route of navigators, but which might yet afford them the means of Hviiig in ease and plenty. With this view he cast his eyes upon Toubouai, a solitary island discovered by Captain Cook in 1777, and which has since received the name of Pitcairn's Island. To the natives they had a plausible tale to tell. They were going to rejoin Cook and Bligh, who waited for them at Wliytu- takee, and to whom they were anxious to carry as large a stock of provisions and supplies as pos- sible. Under this belief, the Otaheiteans vied with each other in pouring in supplies of every thing which could be useful to them and to these old friends. Several of their male tyos, and, above all, of their female favourites, accepted with de- light the permission given to sail along witli them. Chiistian found no difficulty, in the fii*st instance, in forming a settlement at Pitcairn's Island. They built a fort, and began multiply- ing their live stock. Those animosities, how- ever, which in the case of these savage tiibes are seldom long of succeeding to that first cordia^ lity with which they receive Europeans, were not long of being manifested. The irregular conduct of the colonists themselves is charged, appai-ently with reason, as the main cause of this alienation. They endeavom'ed to carry off their women by violence, and they imprudently involved themselves in the private quarrels of the different chiefs. There then arose am.ong the natives a general spirit of hosti- lity ; and as, though no match for Europeans, they are brave and determined, it proved very haj-ass-^ ing. I'bo settlers, instead of that voluptuous in* dolence, tlie Lope of wl-ich had impelled them to this guilty courbe, found notliing but hard woric 312 ACCOUNT OF and hard fighting. A party was thus formed, which loudly called for a return to the enjoyment of the pleasures of Otalieite ; which project being warm- ly seconded by the natives of that island, soon car- ried with it the majority of tlie colony. Christian's contrary ad^dce was overmled, and it was deter- mined to set sail again for their favouiite island. It was not with satisfaction, however, that the na- tives saw them collecting and canying away the domestic animals, of which they themselves had begun to recognise the value. A quarrel arose, while the Otaheiteans were employed in this task. The dispute soon spread, and ended in a pitched battle. The English, attacked by the whole po- pulation of the island, were somewhat hard press- ed, and obliged to concentrate themselves on a neighbouring height. The possession of fire-arm8 at length secured to them a complete victory, with only two wounded on then* side, and a great slaugh- ter on that of the enemy. Such a hard conflict had only the effect of fixing them faster in their first resolution, and they immediately set sail for Matavai Bay. On their voyage, Christian betrayed the deepest sense of the shame and misery in which he had involved himself by the fatal and guilty step he had taken, shut himself in his cabin, scarcely ever appeared, and, when he did, seemed sunk in the deepest melancholy. On the 2 2d September 1789, the Bounty anchored a third time on the coast of Otaheite. Sixteen of the mutineers im- mediately landed, with the proportion of the goods which fell to theii* share. They were received by the natives with their usual fond cordiality ; but the issue narrated above sufficiently shows the rasliness and extreme imprudence of their return. PITCAIRN^S ISLAND. ' 313 Cliristian, justly apprehensive of the consequences of remainmg in Otaheite, slipped cable in the night, and made off with all who were on board, amount- ing to nine English, six Otaheitean men, and ele- ven women. He again steered for Pitcau-n's Island, and rejoined the establishment there, which the natives, overawed by the late disaster, seem to have made no farther attempts to oppose. A more deadly evil ailiicted the rising colony. A mortal jealousy arose between the English and tlie Ota- heiteans, for which, on the part of the latter, there seems to have been but too good gi'ound. Chris- tian's wife having died in cliildbed soon after the birth of their eldest son, he seized forcibly in her stead on the wife of one of the Otaheiteaiis. The injured and justly incensed husband, giving way to the fuiy of resentment characteristic of savages, determined on a bloody revenge. Taking advan-s tage of the moment when Christian was busy in his yam plantation, he shot him in the back. The wound was mortal, and the unhappy Christian at once expiated his crimes with his hfe. This was the signal for a general rising of the Otaheiteans, who, from the specimen now given, may, it is to be feai'ed, have had too just grounds of enmity. The English were sui-prised and overcome, two were killed, and Adams, wounded, fled into the woods. This dreadful scene was followed by an- other still more tragical, and which seems almost to realize the dark traditions of ancient fable. The Otaheitean females, like those of most savage races, had always felt a strong partiality in favour of the Europeans ; and tliifr. preference, certainly very cruel and mortifying to their countr)'men, had 2 D 314 ACCOUNT OP been one main cause of the deadly enmity between tlie two races. Spectators of the late fatal con- test, their whole hearts had been on the side of the strangers. The issue inspired feelings of re- gret and indignation, worked up to such a pitch as prompted to a dreadful deed, beljdng all that gentleness which is proper to the female character, and has been supposed peculiarly characteristic of Otaheitean manners. They rose in the depth of night, and, like too celebrated daughters of Da- naus, murdered in their sleep their unsuspecting Imsbands and countrymen. In this dreadful manner Adams and the few sur- viving English were saved. Yet out of this abyss of horror there has, by a happy providence, arisen a society, bearing no stamp of the guilty origin from which it spiling. Christian, who had been well educated, betrayed, as already observed, deep big-ns of remorse at the guilty course in which he had involved himself ; and he endeavom-ed to make some amends, by instilling better religious and moral principles into the minds of his people. The mode of instruction is communicated in the following dialogue with the crew of the Bounty, Q. Have you been taught any religion ? A. Yes, a veiy good religion. Q, In what do you believe ? A. I believe in God the Father Almighty, &c. (Here he went through the whole of the Creed.) Q. Who first taught you this Creed ? A. John Adams says it was first by F. Chris- tian's order, and that he likewise caused a prayer to be said every day at 'ioon. Q. And what is the prayer ? A. It is — " I will arise and go to my Father, pitcairn's island. 815 and say unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy of being called thy son. " Q. Do you continue to say this every day ? A. Yes, we never neglect it. This was, perhaps, somewhat a mechanical for- mula of repentance ; and the last violent act of Christian scarcely indicated any very deep and sincere amendment. However, a new race arose, removed from the scenes of violence in which they had received their birth, and cai'efully instnicted, so far as their teachers could, in the duties of re- ligion, and the ties of social life. The only sur- vivor of the original body, at the time of the Bri- ton's ai'rival, was John Adams, a man of a mild and amiable disposition, aged about sixty, and who denied any intentional participation in the crime of the mutineers. He was reverenced as the fa- ther of the colony, and ruled with a sort of pa- ternal sway over this little community. Their numbers had now increased to forty-eight, of whom six were the Otaheitean females who accompanied the Europeans in the first establishment of the co- lony. A great proportion were still in a state of childhood ; but there were eleven fine young men grown up, and about as many of the other sex. They married about nineteen or twenty, and had only one wife, telling the English it was' wicked to have more. The close intermaiTiages among so small a lody, had produced among them a sort of general relationship, and the reigning spirit was such as became relations — a spirit of peace, friend- ship, order, and harmony. Disputes were of rare occurrence, and were then, according to their own expression, only " a word of mouth quai-reh " 316 ACCOUNT OF which, being referred to Adams'a arbitration, were speedily adjusted. The natives have entirely disappeared from the island ; but by what means, or at what particular era, we nowhere find precisely recorded. It seems very probable, that after the disastrous issue of their contest with the mutineers, they may have given up their native island as untenable, and mi- gi'ated at once to other settlements. At all events, the present tenants appear to be guiltless of any iniquity which may have attended their expul- sion. They are at present the sole possessors of the island which is described to be everywhere fertile, and capable of culture. They have built their village on a picturesque little eminence, in and round which plantations of the cocoa-nut and the bread-fruit are pleasingly interspersed. Each family has its separate allotment of land, and a friendly emulation prevails in cultivating it with diligence and success. The principal object of their industry was the yam, which had' actually been brought to a perfection which the Briton's crew never saw equalled elsewhere. The bread-fruit and cocoa-nut trees were not natives, but a supply had been brought by the Bounty, and had been planted with success. By the same conveyance they liad brought pigs, goats, and poultry. The former had specially multiplied, and many of them were running wild in the woods. On their return from Otaheite, after having taken out of the Boun- ty every thing that promised to be of use, they had burnt the vessel, in order, we suppose, that it might never testify against them. The hoops and other fragments of iron that they had saved from it were tmned to excellent account, being manufactured pitcairn's island. 317 into needles and into hooks for their fishing tackle. The latter was employed to great advantage in taking a great abundance and vaiiety of fish, which the coast of Pitcairn Island afforded. The men appeared to be a fine race, about five feet ten inches high, with manly features, long and black hair. Their only attire was a mantle, which went over the shoulders, and hung down to the knee, being tied round the waist by a girdle, both produced from the bark of trees growing on the island. On the head they wore a straw hat, with a few feathers stuck into it by way of ornament. The young women have invariably beautiful teeth, fine eyes, and open expression of countenance, with an engaging air of simple innocence and sweet sen- sibility. It is gratifying to add, that this aspect is a faithful mirror of their mind, and that they dis- played none of those loose and forward maimers and libertine habits, which are too common among the natives of the South Sea. The islanders spoke always English, though they imderstood the Otaheitean. Being asked what countrymen they accounted themselves, their reply was, " Half English, half Otaheite. " Wlio was their king. " King George, to be sure. " They had seen four ships pass the island, but only one stopped, which was commanded by an American captain of the name of Mayhew Folgier, who had in fact spread a rumour of the settlement, but it reached Europe only faintly, and was scaicely be- lieved. As soon as the first burst of curiosity on both sides had been giatified, the islanders were invited down to share the breald'ast, which had now been 2 D 2 318 ACCOUNT OF served up in the cabin. They ai^reed with Uttle ceremony, and on going down, offered to the crew a new subject of sui-prise and admiration. Before sitting down to table, they fell on their knees, and with uplifted hands implored the blessing of hea- ven on the meal which they were now to partake. In the same manner, at the close of the meal, they resumed the same attitude, and breathed a fervent prayer of thanksgiving for the bounty which they had just experienced. They did not fail to mark the omission of this observance on the part of the visi- tors ; and Mr Shillibeer acknowledges that he felt not a little confusion and embarrassment, wlien Christian pointed this out to him, and asked tlie reason — a question which he was fain to evade, by drawhig his attention to some of the novelties which the ship presented. In fact, then* curiosity and wonder were all alive ; and the scene before them presented a number of new objects, of which they eagerly inquired the names and uses. Among these were several of the most common European domestic animals. Mackay, their first acquaintance, on entering the cabin, and discovering a little black terrier, was at fii'st frightened, and ran behind one of the officers. He soon began, however, to peep over his shoulder, and said, pointing to the dog, " I Imow what that is ; it is a dog ; I never saw a dog before — will it bite ?" He was soon reassured ; and turning to Christain said, " It is a pretty thing to look at, is it not ? " The view also of the cow looking down the hatchway afforded nearly an equal subject of sur|>rise and amusement. Upon the whole the Briton's crew were highly gratified by their intercourse with these simple na- tives, whose whole deportment displayed an active PITCAIRN S ISLAND. 319 intelligence and liberal cmiosity, and at tlie same time very amiable dispositions. These were put to a somewhat hard trial, by the order which the captain thought it necessary to issue, that one should remain in each canoe, to prevent it from drifting. This was a severe privation to several who were thereby disappointed their eager wish of entering the ship. As this gave rise to a little discussion, which threatened to become warm, Macloiy started the proposal, that they should de- cide it by the simple method of casting lots. This was at once acceded to, quickly executed, and those to whom the issue was unfavourable, depait- ed without a murmur and went into the boats. In consequence of the short supply of provisions, the Briton was able to remain only two days off the island. The captains went ashore to visit Adams. The first person whom they descried was his daughter, stationed on the top of a hill, evidently witJi the view of reconnoitering whether there was any tiling in their aspect that could be alarming in respect to her father. As they came, however, quite in pacific anay, without attendants, or even arms, she stood still to receive them. She is described as " aiTayed in nature's simple garb and wholly unadorned;" when it is added, that "she was beauty's self, " this proposition must probably be understood in a somewhat poetical sense. She received them with an amiable timidity, not un- mingled with surprise, and led them through groves of cocoa-nut and bread-fruit trees, to a beautiful picturesque little village. The houses wgre small, arranged in an oblong square, wdth trees inter- spersed ; they were regular, convenient, and exces- sively clean. The captains were immediately in- 320 ACCOUNT OF troduced to Adams, where they found a fine look- ing old man approaching to sixty. They had a long private interview with him, in which they con- versed fully on every thing relating to the mutiny of the Bounty. He solemnly disavowed all pre- vious knowledge of, or consent to the conspiracy formed by Christian ; at the same time he fully admitted, that by following the fortunes of that un- happy man, he had lost every right to his countiy, and that his life even was forfeited to its laws. Yet Sir Thomas, having asked him if he had any desire to revisit his native country, was astonished to hear him declare, that this desire was so strong and so deeply rooted, that he was ready to brave every danger in order to behold once more the country which gave him birth. These feelings were expressed with such wai'mth and earnestness, as left no room to doubt their sincerity. Sir Thomas was so much affected, that he offered him a conveyance to Britain, along with any of his fa- mily who chose to accompany him. Adams showed the strongest disposition to accept the pro- posal ; but it was fii'st necessary to communicate with his family, and the rest of the little commu- nity to which he belonged. They were all stand- ing at the door, which Adams opened, and stating his intentions, solicited their acquiescence. A most affecting scene immediately followed. His amia- ble daughter burst into an agony of tears, and, ad- dressing herself to Sir Thomas, said, " Oh do not, Sir, take from me my father ! Do not take away my best, my dearest friend." Her voice then failed her. Hilr Otaheitean wife burst into similar ex- pressions of sorrow ; and all the inhabitants of the village united in the most earnest and pathetic en- pitcairn's island. 321 treaty, that Adams would relinquish so ciiiel a de- sign. The tears streamed down the faces of all the women, and even among the men not an eye was dry. Sir Thomas never witnessed a scene so replete with interest. Adams's resolution was soon shaken ; and it appeared out of the question to be at all accessory in removing him from the head of a little community by whom he was adored, and whom he so carefully instructed in the duties of religion, industry, and friendship. It was there- fore fixed that Adams should not go, upon which smiles instantly burst fi'om amid the tears which bedewed the face of his lovely daughter, and the serenity of the whole party was speedily restored. The gi'eatest want of this little family was that of the means of reading and writing, and it might be rendering them an easy and important service in some of the South Sea missions to supply this want. Adams, * though very little skilled in writing, liad been at great pains to preserve the chronology of the period dming which he resided at Pitcaira Island. After having exhausted his little stock of pa- per and ink, he had betaken himself to a slate and stone pencil, and had kept such a careful record of each day, with the week, month, and year, to whii h it belonged, that there was only one day's difference between his calculation and that of the Briton, which difference was accounted for by theii* having each half cii*cumna\'igated the globe fi*om an opposite direction. Sii* Thomas accommodated * Adams, it is believed, was a native of London, and ha' a I rother a respectable waterman on the Thames, near Liiiu'house, who has, within the last few years, had sundry cpmnninications with Pitcairn's Island, and possesses spe- cimens of eloth manufactured there. — Eo. 322 ACCOUNT OF pitcairn's island. him with all the paper he could spare. They got from Adams a copy of Captain Cook's first voy- age which had belonged to Captain Bligh, and con- tained a number of marginal notes of his writing. PARTICULARS OP THE DESTRUCTION OF A BRITISH VESSEL cm THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND; WITH ANECDOTES OF SOME NEW ZEALAND CHIEFS. With a Portrait of Tippahe€,from an Original Drawing in the possession of George Brown Esq, Certain philosophers have asserted, that man in savage life presents an image of genuine inno- cence and simplicity, and that all his powers and feelings are then most happily unfolded. Such theories have heen confuted in the most decisive manner, by modem observation. Savage man has been found not only stained with all the crimes to which the most highly civilized society is incident, but abandoned to a ftiry and fi-enzy of passion, of which even its most depraved members are never guilty. Of this a dreadful instance is now to be recorded. An English vessel, the Boyd, Captain Thompson (George Brown, Esq. owner), having sailed from the River Thames on the 10th March 1809, anived at Port Jackson on the 14th August, \^dth convicts to New South Wales, and proceeded 324* CATASTROPHE OF THE SHIP BOYD to New Zealand for a cargo of timber. The events which followed are detailed in the following letter from Captain Beriy of the City of Edinburgh; before proceeding to give whichy however, we shall premise a very short sketch of the singnlar country and nation, among whom this dreadful adventure took place. New Zealand was discovered, in 1642, by Abel Tasman, an eminent Dutch navigator, and its coasts were afterwards visited by Quiros, Roggewein, and several others, who all supposed it to form a portion of the gi'eat imaginaiy southern continent, or Terra Australis, Captain Cook, however, in his fii*8t voyage, sailed completely round it, and discovered that it consisted of two large islands, called by the uncouth names of Poenamoo and Eaheinomauwee. A great part of both is com- posed of lofty and barren mountains ; but many tracts are level and capable of cultivation, though at present they are left entirely to nature. The inhabitants subsist by fishing, or upon fem roots and other spontaneous productions of the earth. They are, perhaps the most savage race known in the world. The small tribes into which the ter- ritory is divided, caiTy on war with a ferocity which has no parallel. They reside in small hip- pahs, or fortified villages on the tops of hills, wliere they remain in a continual state of watchfulness and alai-m. In their combats, the victorious party proceed invariably to that most dreadful consum- mation, the tearing to pieces and devouring the flesh of their unfortunate Captives. In almost every cove where Captain Cook touched, he found hu- man bones lying neai- large fires, which had been the scene of thesq execrable festivities. Yet the ON THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND. 325 BRme wi-iter describes their domestic conduct, and that of the members of the tribe towards each otJier, in terms of the highest admiration^ He even re- presents their deportment as peculiarly mild, pla- cid, and gentle, and says that they treat each other with the tenderest affection. The death of their friends and relations is bewailed with the most doleful cries, and they then hiflict deep wounds on their faces, till the blood flows down and mixes- with their tears. These mournings leave numer- ous scars, which, with vaiious ornaments of bone or wood, serve, for life, as memorials of thos& wliom they held dear. In their intercourse witli Europeans, hostility seems the sentiment first ex- cited, as they can with difficulty conceive any but a hostile motive for coming upon their shores. So soon, however, as thpy are satisfied that these strangers entertain no hostile intention, and are- willing even to do them good offices, they change to a friendship and confidence almost unbounded. Their dispositions were fully experienced by Cap- tiain Cook and several other navigators, by whom they have been visited. Unfortunately, in the pre- sent instance, circumstances occuiTed, which called forth all the fury of their vindictive nature. W hat tliese we're, will appear in the course of the narra- tive, which we shall now exhibit to our readers,, beginning with the letter already alluded to, which we copy from the original, addressed to Mr Brown^ tiie proprietor. Ship City of Edmhiirghy Lima, 2(^th Oct, 1810. Sir — I am very son-y to have the painful tasE 2 K 10 326 CATASTROPHE OF THE SHIP BOYD of introducing myself to you with an account of the loss of your ship Boyd, Captain Thompson. Towards the end of last year, I was employed at the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, in procuring a cargo of spars for the Cape of Good Hope. About the middle of December, the natives brought me an account of a ship's being taken at Wangeroa a harbour about fifty miles to the N.W. At first, we were disposed to doubt the truth of this re- port ; but it every day became more probable from the variety of circumstances of which they inform- ed us, and which were so connected as appeared impossible for them to invent. Accordingly, about the end of the month, when we had finished our cargo, although it was a busi- ness of some danger, I determined to go round. I set out with three armed boats ; but we ex- perienced very bad weather, and, after a naiTow escape, were glad to return to the ship. As we an'ived in a most miserable condition, I had then relinquished all idea of the enterj^rise ; but, hav- ing recniited my strength and spirits, I was shock- ed at the idea of leaving any of my countrymen in the hands of these savages, and deteniiined to make a second attempt. We had this time better wea ther, and reached the harbour without any diffi- culty. Wangeroa is formed as follows : Fii'st, a laige outer bay, with an island at its entrance. In the bottom of this bay is seen a narrow open- ing, which appears terminated at the distance of a quarter of a mile, but, upon entering it, it is seen to expand into two lai'ge basins, at least as secure as any of the docks on the banks of the Thames, and capable of containing (I think) the whole British usLvy, We found the wreck of the Boyd in shoal ON THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND. S27 water at the top of the harbour, a most melancholy picture of wanton mischief. The natives had cut her cables, and towed her up the harbour, till she had grounded, and then set her on fire, and burnt her to the water's edge. In her hold were seen the remains of the cargo ; coals, salted seal skins, and planks. Her guns, iron, standards, &c. were lying on the top, having fallen in when her decks were consumed. The cargo must have been very valuable ; but it appears that the captain, anxious to make a bet- ter voyage, had come to tliat port for the pui-pose of filling up with spars for the Cape of Good Hope. Not to tire you with the minutiae of the busi- ness, I recovered from the natives a woman, two children, and a boy of the name of Davies, one of your apprentices, — who were the only survivors. I found also the accompanying papere, which I hope will prove of service to you. I did all this by gentle measures ; and you will at least admit, that bloodshed and revenge would have answered no good purpose. The ship was taken the tliird morning after her arrival. The captain, it appears, had been rather too hasty in resenting some slight theft. ' Early in the morning, the ship was sur- rounded by a great number of canoes, and many of the natives gradually insinuated themselves on board. Tippahee, a chief of the Bay of Islands, and who had been twice at Port Jackson, also ar- rived. Tippahee went into the cabin, and, after paying his respects to the captain, begged a little bread for his men ; but the captain received him rather slightingly, and desired him to go away, and not trouble him at present, as he was busy. The BfS CATASTROPHE OF THE SHIP BOYD proud old savage (who had heen a constant guesjt at the Governor's table at Port Jackson) was highly offended at this treatment, immediately left the cabin, and, after stamping a few minutes on the deck, went into his canoe. After breakfast, the captain went ashore, with four hands, and no other arms but his fowling-piece. From the account of the savages, as soon as he landed, they rushed upon him ; he had only time to fire his piece, and it killed a child. As soon as the captain left the ship, Tippahee, who remained alongside in his canoe, came again on boai'd. A number of the sailors were repau'ing sails upon the quarter-deck, and the remainder were carelessly dispersed about the decks, and fifty of the natives were sitting on the deck. In a moment, they all staited up, and each knocked his man on the liead. A few ran wounded below, and four or five escaped up the rigging, and in a few seconds the savages had pos- session of the ship. The boy Davies * escaped into the hold, where he lay concealed for several days, till they were fairly glutted with human blood, when they spared his life. The woman says, that she was discovered by an old savage, and that slie moved his heart by her tears and embraces ; that lie (being a subordinate chief) carried her to Tip- paJiee, who allowed him to spare her life. She says, that at this time the deck was covered with Imman bodies, which they were employed in cut- ting up ; after which, they exhibited a most honid song and dance, in honour of their victory, and concluded by a hymn of gratitude to theu' god. * Davies was long afterwards in the employment of Mr JDrown, but unjorHinately lost at se^ some years ago. ON THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND. 329 Tippahee now took tlie speaking trumpet, and, hailing the poor wretches at the mast-head, told them that he was now captain, and that they must in future obey his orders. He then ordered them to mibend the sails, they readily complied ; hut when he ordered them to come down, they hesi- tated, but he enforced prompt obedience, by threat- ening to cut away the mast. When they came down, he received them with much civility, and told tliem he would take care of them ; he imme- diately ordered them into a canoe, and sent them ashore. A few minutes after this, the woman went ashore with her deliverer. The first object that sti'uck her view, was the dead bodies of those men lying naked on the beach. As soon as she landed, a number of men started up, and marched towards her with their patoo patoos ; a number of women ran screaming betwixt them, covered her with their clothes, and, by their tears and entreaties, saved her life. The horrid feasting upon human flesh which followed would be too shocking for descrip- tion. The second mate begged his life at the time of the general massacre. ; they spared liim for a fortnight, but afterwards killed and eat him. I think had the captain received TippaJiee with a little more civility, that he would have informed him of his danger, and saved the ship ; but that, from being treated in the manner I have mention- ed, he entered into the plot along with the others. I think it is likely that I will receive little thanks for this ample detail of such a melancholy busi- ness ; but I can assure you, it has been very un- pleasant for me to wiite it ; and I could only have been induced to do it from a sense of duty, and a 2 E 2 330 CATASTROPHE OF THE SHIP BOYD dedre to give you all the information in my power, which, I suppose, may be of some use. I am. Sir, yom* most obedient humble servant, Alex. Berry. * George Brown, Esq, Owner of the Ship JBoyd, London, Captain Beny afterwards, at the request of Mr •Constable, the publislier of this Miscellany, com- «iunicated the following additional particulars of the circumstances which led to, and which fol- lowed this di'eadful catastrophe. In May or June 1808, Captain Ceronci, the master of a sealing vessel, called the Commerce, belonging to Port Jackson, on his return from the southward, entered into the Bay of Islands, and €a;me to an anchor in that part of the harbour which is called Tippoona by the natives, and which then acknowledged the authority of Tippahee, celebrat- ed on account of his voyage to Port Jackson, where he had been treated with the greatest attention by Governor King. Tippahee requested Captain Ce- ronci to give him a passage to Port Jackson, that he might again have the pleasure of visiting his former friends. On Ceronci's acceding to his re- quest, he begged that lie would go with the vessel to Wangeroa, where he assured him that every thing was more abundant, on account of the stores of the natives in his own district being quite ex- hausted by the whalers, who were continually touch- ing there. Ceronci yielded to the suggestions of * This Gentleman is noub resident at Sijdneij in New S>mlh Wcdenj and of the highly respectable Commercial Hoiise if B2Yry and IFoolstenctoJt. ON THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND. 331 llppahee, and, from his own account, was equally pleased with the harbour, the natives, and their chief. As the natives of this district had then lit- tle knowledge of Eui*opeans, many trifling articles in common use were to them equal objects of wonder and curiosity. A watch, however, was so much beyond their comprehension, that they to a man agi'eed in calling it Etna (or God.) Ceronci, proud of possessing an object of so much venera- tion, used to embrace every opportunity of dis- playing his Etua. In one of those vain-glorious exhibitions, the redoubted Etua dropt into the water, to the no small ten'or of the natives. Sliort- ly after this unfortunate occurrence, he left the harbour, but, for some reasons best known to him- self, he departed during the night, and without taking leave, which confirmed the natives in their opinion tliat he had done them an irreparable in- jury by leaving his Etua behind him as a demotf of destruction. Shortly afterwards, a violent epi- demic took place amongst them, which earned off gi-eat numbers, and amongst others, their adored Kytoke. This they attributed to the devouring spirit left amongst them, and the survivors vowed revenge against the white men, the supposed au- thors of their calamity. Tippahee, on his voyage to Port Jackson, touched at Norfolk Island, where (being then employed by the Government to eva- cuate that settlement) I had an op|>ortunity of see- ing him, and dined in his company at the house of Captain Piper the Commandant. He was dress- ed in certain robes of state presented to him on his former visit by Governor King. They were co- vered with tinsek and in some measure resembled diose worn by a meiry Andrew with some im- 332 CATASTROPHE OF THE SHIP BOYD provement, emanating fiom his own invention. He was lame of one leg, on which he wore a hlack stocking, and on the other a white one. He ap- peared a man of considerable gi'avity, displaying an easy consciousness of his own dignity. Upon the whole, he showed himself a man of some ob- servation, and was by no means deficient in intel- lect, but the most prominent features of his cha- racter were a certain slu'ewdness, and low cun- ning ; from what I had an opportunity afterwards of observing, he was much inferior to several of his coimtrymen of equal rank. Being the first of his nation of any consideration who appeared at Port Jackson, he obtained unmerited distinction amongst Europeans, and eventually amongst his own countrymen, who were equally dazzled by the riclies he brought back, and the attentions which were shown him by men so much superior to themselves. The Europeans, amongst whom he first appeared, had formed a very wrong estimate of the character of savages in general, from their intercomse witli the poor natives of New Holland ; they were, therefore, surprised to see a man of ob- servation and clear judgment, and regarded him as a phenomenon, when a little more intercourse with the natives of New Zealand would have convinced them that he only displayed the common attributes of his nation. Tippahee again received eveiy due attention at Port Jackson, and was, after some months, sent back to his own country. In November 1808, the ship Spike, Captain Kingston, arrived in Port Jack- son from London, biinging as passenger a son of Tippahee, called Matara, who had been treated in England with every attention; and even mtroduced ©N THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND. 333 to the Royal family. This young gentleman lived whilst he remained at Sydney in the family of the ci-devant governor Bligli, and afterwards in January following, accompanied me as a passenger in the City of Edinburgh to New Zealand. He spoke English tolerably, dressed and behaved like a gen- tleman, and, of course, lived in the cabin ; he spent^ however, the greatest part of the day in company with a countryman of his own, who was employ- ed as a sailor on board, and was indefatigable in his endeavours to regain a knowledge of his national songs and dances. His first appearance at New Zealand in the uniform of a naval officer, not only gratified his own vanity, but excited the greatest applause from his countrymen. In a few days, however, he resumed his national costume, and with it his national habits, — but having been ac- customed to delicate treatment foi* a lengtli of time, his constitution proved unequal to resist the mode of livir.g in use amongst his countrymen. He became affected with a lioarseness which gradually settled on his lungs, and in few months brought him to his gi'ave. Some time after om* second amval in New Zea- land, Tippahee came on board, and we saw him for the last time ; he appeared then much altered, and expressed himself as deeply affected by the loss of his son. This happened a short time be- fore the catastrophe of the Boyd, and liis concern in that unfortunate aifaii* was a sufficient reason for his not coming near us any more. Captain Ce- ronci, already mentioned, was our passenger on board the Edinburgh as well as Matara. From his previous account of Wangeroa, we determined to prefer it. On approaching it, however, his tone en- 334 CATASTROPHE OF THE SHIP BOYD tirely changed, and he exerted himself in persua(J- ing us that the Bay of Islands was far preferahle to our purpose, and the winds aided his arguments so effectually, that we were compelled to enter the latter port. The vessel anchored at Tippoona, and on being visited by Tippahee, we were informed of the melancholy events which had taken place at Wangeroa, and that the great Kytoke was then lying dead, and that his funeral was only deferred until he went round to honour it with his presence. He assigned no cause for these calamities, other- wise than by generally observing, that an evil Etna had been busy amongst them. On requesting his assistance to forward our views in New Zealand, he at once told us that nothing could be done in the Bay of Islands, and urged us strongly to go round to Wangeroa, which he said now belonged to him by right of inheritance from the death of Kytoke. Before, however, adopting his proposal, we applied to the two brothers, Tu- pee and Tarra, chiefs of districts on the eastern side of the harbour called Cororarika, and Cowa Cowa. On approaching their village with two boats, which is situated on the side of a little hill ; the natives first displayed then* flag, consisting of a large piece of scarlet cloth, and came crowding to the beach soliciting us to land. I was then unaccus- tomed to savages, and for a moment stood upon the bow of the boat, hesitating whether I should trust myself in the midst of such a crowd of un- couth beings, di-essed in their nishmats. At this instant a venerable old man, blind of one eye, stalk- ed through the crowd, with an air of authority, pushed back the natives, lield out his hand, and assisted me to land. The moment I reached the ON THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND. 335 shore, this venerable dignitary seized tlie collar of my coat with his two hands, drew me towards him, and joined noses. Tupee did not appear for some minutes, being employed in changing his national dress for a pair of duck-trowsers, a check shirt, waistcoat, and an old slouched hat, witliout either jacket or shoes ; while still at a respectful distance, he took off his hat, and made a low bow, and on his approach, instead of joining noses, offer- ed his hand in the most friendly manner. All the disadvantages of liis present dress could not con- ceal the dignity of his person, he being a tall, ath- letic, well proportioned -man ; his countenance was very prepossessing, and, although his manly cheeks were already furrowed with a few wrinkles, they seemed rather the effect of exposure to the wea- ther, than of time or sorrow ; and, on the other hand, his face and manner equally bespoke a man of judgment and humanity ; he spoke with great fluency, a mixed jargon of English and New Zea- land, which he contrived to render very intelligi- ble. He immediately introduced by name the ve- nerable chieftain, who, as I have already mention- ed, received me on landing, lliis gentleman, he said, was the illustrious Tarra, his own brother, and liis equal in power. He also introduced by name the other subordinate cliiefs who had col- lected ai'ound us. Having distributed a few pre- sents to Tupee and his chiefs, the purpose of our visit was then explained, when he immediately pro- mised that he would do every thing in his power to accomplish om* wishes. As it was late in the afternoon, it became necessary to shorten om* vi- sit ; and Tupee, on our first invitation, agreed to accompany us to the vessel, although she was an- 336 CATASTROPnEOP THE SHIP BOYD chored at a distance of seven miles. On stepping^ into t]ie boat, and perceiving our muskets, he in- quired if they were loaded, and on being answer- ed in the afcmative, in an instant, before we could prevent him, fired several into the air to prove his skill in the use of fire-ai'ms. Our passage to the ship was beguiled by his talents for conversation, and we remained convinced that he was equally facetious and intelligent. Although altogether fo- reign to my present purpose, it would be unjust not to give this tribute of praise to the characters of Tupee and Tarra. Tarra appeared a man of threescore, Tupee about 45. Tarra's venerable fun'owed face w^as strongly marked with firmness and dignity, and in liis youth, before his face was disfigured by the loss of an eye, he is said to have been handsome. Tarra was, however, too much a philosopher to repine at this loss, which was oc- casioned by a wound he received from a spear in- fighting the battles of his country. Tarra's gene- ral character w^as that of firmness and persevei-- ance, a steady attachment to his friends, united to- the most unremitted exertions to serve them. He liked white men on account of the physical advan- tage which he saw they might render his country ; but being of the order of the priesthood, was strongly attached to his own national customs. His general integrity might be depended on, and his word was sacred. I do not, however, pretend to describe the old gentleman as perfect, for no doubt interest was his niling motive ; still there is a certain consistence in his conduct worthy of every praise. Tupee, on tlie other hand, had less fimi- ness and strength of character ; he was more liable to be swayed by his passions, and theiTfore less to ONT THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND. 3S7 be depended on, though they generally leaned to the side of humanity. Tupee was proud of his acquirements in European manners, — he was a phi- losopher of the modem school, more attached to innovation than to the ancient usages of his own country ; he was, therefore, the subject, in this re- spect, of the private ridicule of his countrymen. This ridicule, however, they never dared to display in his presence ; and really, upon the whole, it was perhaps more the effect of envy than any thing else. Tupee, had he lived in England, would have rivalled Chesterfield in politeness, and perhaps, as a youth of the nineteenth century, he might have been a London dandy. Tupee loved liis hiends, but, from a certain indolence of constitution, was less active tlian TaiTa to serve them ; his fidelity, however, might be depended on. In domestic life, he was exemplary as a husband and a father. The customs of Ids countiy allow polygamy ; he, how- ever, confined liimself to one wife, by whom he had issue, — one daughter, the hehess of Cowa Cowa, then in her infancy. On being asked why he had deviated from the custom of his country, lie coolly observed, that where there were more wives than one, there was never any peace in the house. But Bay friendship for those two respectable characters must not induce me to enlarge farther ; I shall mere- ly say, that, under their auspices, from the 1st March to the end of May 1809, we landed the stores, &c. of the ship City of Edinburgh, of 526 tons register, hove her down, completely stripped her of her copper, caulked, repaired her bottom, and resheathed her with phmk made of New Zea- land pine, and, after completing our repairs, we 2 F S38 CATASTROPHE OF THE SllIP BOYD made sail for the Feegee Islands, for sandal wood, and again returned to New Zealand, about the end of October, in the same year ; and in little more than two months, procured a full cargo of spars, in op- position to difficulties which are foreign to my pre- sent purpose to recount, occasioned equally by the Europeans on board, and by hostile tribes of na- tives. Far be it from me, on the other hand, to confine my praise to Tupee and Tarra, as the con- duct of many of their friends was truly admirable, though I must always regard them as the main- springs of the whole. Dming our first stay in New Zealand, we heard nothing of the story of Ceronci's watch. On leav- ing the harbour, however, with all our friends on board, with a singular fatality, he again dropt a second watch overboard. The venerable Tarra, who was near him, wrung his hands, and uttered a fihriek of distress, exclaiming, that Ceronci would be the destruction of the Bay of Islands, as he had already been of Wangerooa. Tupee, however, cs.me up, and endeavom'ed to compose his brother, treating the whole as a matter of ridicule. We carried along with us six or eight yoimg Zea- landers, who volunteered their services to assist in the navigation of the ship. They were all natives of the Bay of Islands, and in a short time proved equally useful as om' best men on board. On our second return to New Zealand, Ceronci was not on board. As our intentions now were to load with spars, we again determined to give the preference to Wangeroa. On approaching the land, our in- tentions became known to the New Zealanders on board. They immediately came in a body, and re- quested we would desist, detailing, at great length. ON THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND. 330 the history of the watch ; and when they found that we were determined, they even burst into tears. The winds, as in the former instance, availed more than all their arguments, and compelled us to enter into the Bay of Islands. I say compelled, because we must otherwise have sacrificed a considerable time to gain an uncertain object. On the other hand, we did not give full credit to theii* assertions, nor, perhaps, do sufficient justice to their motives ; for, being well acquainted' with the jealousy of neighbouring tribes, we imagined that they were anxious to monopolize all the advantages which were sure to be derived from the ship to their own tribe. The reception we received at the Bay of Islands was sucl^as might be expected from the terms on which we had formerly lived with the natives, and the characters of Tupee and Tan-a. The physical strength of the island was at our command, and rafts of spars came floating down the river as fast as we could take them in. By the time, however, that the ship was half loaded, news were received of one of their chiefs, who had taken a jouniey to the southward, being treacherously murdered by the natives. The chiefs were filled with indignation, and vowed revenge. At all their intervals of rest, one or other of their most popular cliiefs used to rise up, and make the most moving liarangues to the listening multitude. It was a striking sight to see a large multitude, seated on the ground, listening with deep silence and fixed attention to a chief who, on these occa- sions, used to pace in their front along some state- ly pine, felled for the purpose of being dragged iuto the water. He used to begin with expatiate 340 CATASTROPHE OF THE SHIP BOYD ing on the virtues of the deceased, the friendship which he enjoyed with one, and the ties of blood with another. Continuing to expatiate in this strain until he had touched the feelings of every auditor, he next dwelt upon the sad and irreparable loss to all present occasioned by his death. He then, with energy, endeavoured to rouse them from their melancholy, by pointing out the uselessness and folly of unavailing sorrow, and that vengeance was now their indispensable duty. Now rage and indignation used to flash from every eye ; and the multitude, to a man, would start up and join their orator in the war-song and dance. The song and dance being ended, the orator once more addressed his hearers to this effect : — " Yes, my friends, we shall have vengeance, but the day is yetpt a dis- tance. The white men ai'e our friends, and we have promised to load their ship with the trees of our countiy. Arise, kill the trees, drag them down to the water, and we will afterwards kill our ene- mies. '' On such occasions, an enthusiast might easily have supposed himself transported back to the heroic ages of Greece ; the venerable TaiTa might well have been compared to Nestor ; Tupee to the silver-tongued Ulysses ; and the proud, impassion- ed, and unbending Metenangha to Achilles. The consequence of all this was, that their love of ven- geance gradually overcame their love of riches (axes and other iron tools), and they began to collect war canoes from different quarters. Our work got on more slowly, and they were evi- dently impatient to get rid of us. About this time, one morning very early, on leaving my cabin, I observed a number of strangcii's sitting on the gang\4^ay, and Txirra in deej) canvei'sa- ON THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND. 341 tion with them. Tarra, perceiving us prepar- ing to despatch two boats for spars, immediately left the strangers, and desired us not to despatch the boats until he had some private conversation with the captain and myself. Being admitted into the cabin, he first desired us to purchase what we wanted from the natives, and then to dismiss them, when he would inform us of something which deeply concerned our own safety. His request being complied with, he then informed us that he had received accounts from those people of the capture of a ship by the natives of Wangeroa, who had killed and eaten the captain and crew ; that the Wangeroons having procured the fire-arms and ammunition of that ship, and, elated with their victory, although only the result of surprise and treachery, had determined to come round, and attack our ship. Therefore, he observed, you must no longer weaken yom*selves by sending away boats for spars, but must keep all your men on board, and quit New Zealand as soon as possi- ble ; — and, besides, while it may be necessaiy to remain here, you ought to receive on board all my friends and dependents to assist in defending you. TaiTa, on being further questioned, informed us that the vessel carried 20 great guns, and 40 men; which, together with then- former anxiety to get rid of us, rendered the story hardly credible* Upon the whole, however, I determined neither to slight Tarra's advice, nor to allow my object to be defeated by vamped up stories. I discom-aged the report among the sailors, lest they should get dis- heartened, and proceeded in my undertaking with increased activity, but with greater caution and 2 F 2 312 CATASTROPHE OF THE SHIP BOYD vitrilance. For some time the report hardly gained credit even among the natives ; and, on mentioning tlie affair to Tupee some days after, while he was superintending the wood-cutters, he merely ob- served that he had heard such a report, but that it liad gone in at the one ear, and out at the other. In a short time, however, it received such confir- mation as to compel behef ; the circumstances re- lated being not only so consistent with one another, but of such a nature as evidently to exceed the powers of invention possessed by the natives. I therefore thouglit it indispensable to arrange a party for the purpose of ascertaining the fact, and liberating some captives who were said to have escaped the general carnage. Having advanced thus far, I am unwilling to repeat what I have said in another place, and shall, therefore, only state some circumstances illustrative of the chai'acter of the natives. They, to a man, inveighed against the danger and folly of such an attempt, and made use of every argument to dissuade me from imdertaking it. No argument could induce any of tliem to ac- company me. They obsei-ved, that, after the fi- delity with wliich they had so long served us, it was ungenerous to ask them, as such a thing would infallibly embroil them with the natives of Wan- geroa, who, in wliatever way the undertaking ended, would certainly take revenge upon them Sifter the departure of our ship, and that they liad now great advantage from the possession of so many European arms. They, however, gave me abundant directions how to guard against being surprised. I, however, prevailed upon a young Zealander, who had been along with us on oui* ON THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND. 343 former voyage, and who had engaged to go to Eu- rope in the vessel, to accompany us, it heing es- sential to have a New Zealander along with us, in order to hiing about an interview with his coun- trymen at Waiigeroa. As we had only 24 mus- kets on board, and the paily to Wangeroa con- sisted of 22, including the New Zealander and myself, it became necessary to borrow from Tupee and TaiTa all the fire-arms in their possession for the defence of the ship in my absence. These arms were up the comitry, and a delay of some days took place before then* ariival. As the time was -pressing, I could not wait for them; but, ti-usting entirely to their fidelity, I left the ship guarded merely by her two six-pounders, and two or three defective pieces. I went out, however, in the night, that my expedition might not be ge- nerally known among the natives. On returning again to the ship next night, being driven back by a gale of wind, I found that the muskets had ar- rived, and that the cabin was filled with Tupee, Tarra, and many of their fnends, who had come on board for the safety of the ship. A few days previous to this imdertaking, a young native of Otaheite, known by the name of Tom, absconded from the ship with a young female to whom he was attached. This young man, although not par- ticularly serviceable as a sailor, was, notwithstand- ing, a great favourite on boai'd, and on many occa- sions rendered considerable service from speaking English and the New Zealand language, which is a dialect of his own, with equal facility ; the loss of him, therefore, was considerably felt. While preparhig the boats for the second at- tempt to go to Wangeroa, one of the mates said 34?4j catastrophe of the ship boyd that he had been informed that Tom had gone away with a man that was under the authority of Metenangha, a chief considerably attached to us, ^nd who was then on board. I immediately in- formed Mm of what I had heard, and desu-ed that he would take measures for the recovery of the man. His answer was, that he had no control over the man who had taken away Tom, and, therefore, could do nothing for his recovery. Con- vinced of the contrary from what I had just heard, I observed with some warmth, that it was a pity to see a man of his rank disgi'ace himself by de- coying away our sailors, after all the attentions we had shown him, and, at the same time, turned from him with a degree of contempt, and walked towards the cabin. Metenangha was strongly moved by such unusual treatment, and called me back several times by name in a manner that showed his agitation. As I did not attend to him, he ran towards me, and seized my arm, declaring, with great emotion, that he had been my friend from our first Ririval in the country, and had rendered us every service in his power ; that he was perfectly innocent of the crime alleged against him ; that he could not bear to be treated in such an unwor- ' thy manner ; that he would, therefore, leave the ship immediately, and I should never see liim more. Unwilling to bring matters to tliis extre- mity, I immediately offered him my hand, observ- ing that I would say no more on the subject, if he would accompany me to Wangeroa. Yes, he replied, taking my hand, I will go with you ; my presence will insure you every thing you re- quire at that place. Yon shall see what a gi-eat man I am. The men of Wangeroa aie a small ON THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND. 345 people, and must do what I order. Thus a most trifling circumstance, at fii'st not of the most au- spicious kind, produced in a moment what all my persuasion, promises and bribes, were unable to ef- fect. Let it not be supposed that Metenangha was or could be at all accessory to the catastrophe of the Boyd, because he claimed, whether true or not, an authority over the people of Wangeroa ; for at the time that unhappy occurrence took place, he was employed in procuring spars for our ship. From the confidence I reposed in Metenangha, every thing, on our reaching Wangeroa, was left to his management. He landed ashore by himself, and directed the boats to a more convenient land- ing-place, where he quickly joined us with two of the principal chiefs and several of their friends, who had been engaged in the massacre of the Boyd. Those gentlemen, dressed in canvas, the spoil of the ship, approached us withthe greatest confi- dence, Jield out then- hands, and addressed me by name in the style and manner of old acquaintances. The conversation soon turned upon the capture of the ship, which, far from avoiding, they delighted to dwell upon, evidently regarding it as a most heroic exploit, in the same way as a party of Bri- tish tars look back with pleasure to some successful attempt against an enemy's ship of superior force. They readily mentioned the name of the ship and captain, the number of men and guns. I then asked the reason of the attack, " Because," they replied, " the captain was a bad man. " On in- quiring what he had done, they answered, that some of their chiefs having secreted the cai-penter's axe beneath his clothes, the theft was detected be- foix) he Mt the ship, in consequenc-e of which, the 346 CATASTROPHE OF THE SHIP BOYD captain tied him to the capstan, where he kept him for several hom's, and threatened to flog him. On my remai'king that the conduct of the chief merited the treatment he received, they repHed, that any indignity offered to a chief was never for- given. I then inquired if there were any survi- vors, to which they readily replied in the affirma- tive, mentioning their names with great familiarity, and even with an appearance of kindness and sym- pathy. They were then informed that we had come to Wangeroa for the purpose of delivering the captives. I then pointed to my men and tlieir muskets on the one hand, and to the heaps of axes on the other, bidding them take their choice, and either deliver the captives peaceably, when they should be paid for their ransom, or I would otherwise at- tack them. The chief, after a moment's hesita- tion, replied with great quickness, that trading was better than fighting, then give us axes and you shall have your prisoners. He now pointed the way to his settlement, and desired us to go with our boats, and that he himself would go round by land. I, however, compelled him to get into the boat, and go along with us. He was for few mo- ments a good deal daunted on finding himself entire- ly in om- power, but soon recovered from his alai*m, and talked on every subject with the greatest cool- ness and composm*e. A winding tide river, so narrow as hardly to leave room for a boat to turn, with low banks covered with mangroves, conduct- ed us to their settlement. On our passage up, the natives, concealed among the mangroves, sa- luted us with then* muskets, whether with a view to honour our arrival and celebrate their reconcilia- tion with tlie white men, or to convince ujs that Bwcroft Ubn ON THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND. 347 they were as well armed as ourselves, I did not learn. On reaching the settlement, we found a great crowd collected, of whom several of the fe- males were decently dressed as Europeans. We were told that the prisoners were then up the country, that they would immediately send for them, and that they would be delivered up the next momin^g. Tlie chiefs then pressed us to sleep amongst them all night, promising to provide plenty of fish and potatoes for our supper. Metenangha and our young friend Towaaki seconded their re- quest with great earnestness. Towaal^i, seeing me bent against it, went so far as to ask if I felt afraid to sleep among so many natives ; observing that Metenangha was our assured friend, all present were Metenangha's friends, and therefore they must be mine. That the captain and my people had frequently slept with every secmity in the midst of his fnends on former occasions, and might now do so with equal safety. I could only reply to this reasoning, that, although perfectly assured of my own safety, and the firm fiiendship of Me- tenangha and his friends, still that I thought it preferable to sleep with our men on a small island near the remains of the Boyd, but recommended him and Metenangha to sleep with his country- men. The natives again promised to bring down the prisoners next morning, as soon as the tide flowed enough to allow their canoes to leave the river. I now observed, from th^ tide ebbing, that our boats would soon be aground, and was there- fore obliged to hasten our departure, not without observing some slight attempts to detain us by compulsion, by the same chief whom I had just cojmpelled to accompany us round in the boat* • 34S CATASTROPHE OF THE SHIP BOYD and, although no doubt from equally harmless mo- tives, still the attempt rendered our departure for the moment more urgent, lest it might have been necessaiy to repel violence by violence, which might have entiiely defeated our object. I thought it quite unnecessary to keep the chiefs in my pos- session, being fully convinced, that, as they had acquired confidence by once putting themselves in our power without danger, they would do the same a second time without scruple. It is singular that,, although they said the prisoners were at a distance up the countiy, the female survivor afterwards re- lated that she was kept seated among the natives in the bushes, so near as to overhear the whole conversation between them and myself. I had so much confidence in Metenangha and Towaaki, that I believed we might have accepted their invitation to sleep in the midst of the natives with safety ; but as there was nothing to gain by such a step, I thought it unwise to incur any risk. On the other hand, we had just examined the mi- serable remains of the Boyd ; — we had seen the mangled fragments and fresh bones of our country- men, with the marks even of the teeth remaining upon them ; and it certainly could not be agieeable to pass the night by the side of then* devom-ers. The island where we took up our abode for the night was a small pei-pendicular rock, where we could have defended ourselves against any number of New Zealanders. Here we made a fire, cooked some victuals, and passed the night in safety. About one in the morning we received a visit from our friend Towaaki, who came to assure us that the chiefs would keep their word ; adding, that he had seen the lady, to whom one of the chiefs being at- ON THE CQAST OF NEW ZEALAND. S49 tached, which was the cause of her being detained here for a night longer. Next morning the natives, agTee- able to promise, brought to our quarters a young woman and her sucking child, and a boy belonghig to the vessel about fifteen years old. On inquii'ing at the female whether there were any other sur- vivors, she mentioned the infant daughter of Mr Commissaiy Broughton, with whose family I was intimately acquainted, I thereon applied to the chief, demanding its restitution, observing, that it was of more importance than all the others, who were strangers to me, but that Mr Broughton was my brother, employing the word in the emphatic sense used by the natives, who often employ it to signify that relation which subsists between friends or equals. He replied, that it was in the possession of the chief of the island, at the entrance of the har- bour ; that this island being under his authority, he would send one of his people to order its being given up to me. I then told him he must go him- self, as perhaps the chief of the island might not obey the orders of his servants. Make yourself easy, (he replied), you shall have the child, but I will not go with you as the sea is very rough out- side. His refusal was peremptory, and there was no time to parley ; I, therefore, to the no small consternation of their attendants, compelled the two principal chiefs and several of their followers to go into the boats. On reaching the island I sent ashore one of the followers, who received orders from the chief to demand the delivery of the child. A long conversation took place between him and his countiymen, and no cliild appearing for upwards of an hour, I began to be greatly alaimed for its 2 G 350 CATASTROPHE OF THE SHIP BOYD safety. This delay, I afterwards had reason to be- lieve, proceeded from the endeavours of the natives to deliver it up in as decent a manner as possible. It was tolerably clean, with its hair dressed and or- namented with white feathers, in the fashion of New Zealand. Its only clothing, however, consisted of a linen shirt, which, from the marks upon it, had belonged to the captain. The poor child was great- ly emaciated, and its skin was excoriated all over. When brought to the boat it cried out in a feeble and complaining tone, " Mamma, my mamma ! ** Having thus given a detailed account of such cu'cumstances connected with the loss of the Boyd as at present occur to my memory, it only remains for me to say a few words concerning the survivors. We left New Zealand with a cargo of spars about the 6th January 1810. Bound to the Cape of Good Hope, the early part of om* voyage was pros- perous ; but, about the middle of February, being tlien 57° S. lat., we lost our rudder in a gale of wind. It would be foreign to my present purpose to enlarge upon the consequences of this event. Suffice it to say, that we diifted about at the mercy of the elements amongst the ice of the Southern Ocean, were afterwards driven into a bay on the west coast of Ten-a del Fuego, about forty miles to the south of Magellan's Straits, where we lost all our anchors and cables, and only at last saved the ship by keeping her for many days fast along side O'f the rocks. This bay I chose, like a second Crusoe, to call the Bay of Providence. After suf- fering considerable distress, and escaping the most imminent dangers, we arrived at Valpamyso about the end of May ; and, after giving some repairs id the ship, saileil for Lima, where we arrived i^ ON THE COAST OF NEW ZEALAND. 351 Augnst. In this latter place, circumstances com- pelled us to remain ten months, during which pe- " nod the female died, as was supposed, from the consequence of her own irregularities. Davies, the boy, €ame to England in an English vessel called the Archduke Charles. The children were regard- ed by the humane Spaniards with the gi-eatest in- terest. They considered it as a mysterious act of God's providence to bring the unoffending innocents to a Christian country, where they might be edu- cated in the Holy Catholic faith, without danger of being tainted by the heresy of their parents and countrymen. Miss Broughton was taken under the immediate care of the lady of Don Gaspar Rico, the Director of the Company of the Five Gremios, and became a general favourite. She soon acquired such a knowledge of the Spanish language as to speak it; equally well as any native child of her own age, in a country where all the children are remarkable for their early development of intellect. Notwithstand- ing her tender age, she had a perfect recollection of the massacre of the Boyd. I have more than once been present when the cruel but interesting ques- tion was put to her, if she recollected what the Zealanders did to her Mamma ? Her countenance, on such occasions, assumed the appearance of the deepest melancholy ; and, without uttering a word, she used to draw her hands across her throat. On farther questions, she would say, with every appear- ance of the most painful feeling, that they after- wards cut her up, and cooked and eat her like vic- tuals. No one acquainted with human nature can Suppose this perfect recollection of circumstances incompatible with her feeble and plaintive cries after S52 CATASTROrHB OF THE SHIP BOYD Iier Mamma on being brought down to the boats. •Don Gaspar Rico was equally attached to his little protegee as his lady. On one occasion, having taken her along with him into his study, after some time he observed, that, from being unusually lively and full of play, she suddenly became serious, and sat down upon the sofa, where she continued for a considerable time absorbed in the deepest melan- choly. Fearing that she was ill, he inquired affec- tionately what was the matter. Ah I she replied, clasping her little hands, I am thinldng what they did with my Mamma. The interest which the ex- traordinary history of the little creature at first ex- cited, readily ended in a most affectionate attach- ment from her endeai'ing qualities, more parti- cularly as Mrs Rico had no children of her own. In a little, Mrs Rico could not bear the idea of parting from her little charge, and every endea- vour was made to induce me to permit it to remain with her for at least some years. I considered, however, that I had no discretionary power, and that it was my bounden duty to return the cliild, under all circumstances, to its father. Therefore, as the solicitations became so m*gent, and as I could not help sympathizing in the affection which sub- sisted between Mrs Rico and the child, I began, with good reason, to distrust my own resolution ; and, lest I might sacrifice my duty to my feeling, found it necessary to forego the pleasure I derived from visiting in that family. The other child re- mained, as may be supposed, under die care of its own mother duiing her lifetime. After her death, it was taken into the house of a Spaniaid, from which, with great difficulty, I took it away on the sailing of the ship, after paying a considerable sum I ON THE COAST OP NEW ZEALAND. 353 for its nursing. It was considerably younger ; not such a fine child as the other, although sufficiently healthy and lovely ; and, from the conduct of its mother, did not excite so much interest as the other. From Lima the ship proceeded to Guayaquil, where she loaded with cacao for Cadiz. She af- terwards arrived at Rio Janeiro in December 1811, two full years from the time of the survivors of the Boyd being received from the New Zealanders. In the harbour of Rio Janeiro, we found a small whaling vessel, called the Atlanta, about to sail for Port Jackson, the captain of which (his name I do not at present recollect) being acquainted with Mr Broughton, oflfered to take charge of his daugh- ter, which offer was acceded to, on his also agiee- ing to take the other child to its father. I know that the two children reached Port Jackson in safety. Alex. Berry. London January 1819, To Arckd, Consdable Esg. THE END. Printed by the Heirs oiD, VVUlison.