Though our visitors behaved very peaceably, and could not be suspected of any hostile intention, we could not prevail upon any of them to come on board. They shewed great readiness, however, to part with any thing they had, and took from us whatever we offered them in exchange, but were more desirous of iron than of any other of our articles of commerce; appearing to be perfectly acquainted with the use of that metal. Many of the canoes followed us to our anchoring-place; and a group, of about ten or a dozen of them, remained alongside the Resolution most part of the night. These circumstances gave us a reasonable ground of hope, that we should find this a comfortable station to supply all our wants, and to make us forget the hardships and delays experienced during a constant succession of adverse winds and boisterous weather, almost ever since our arrival upon the coast of America. CHAPTER IV. TRANSACTIONS AMONGST THE NATIVES OF NORTH AMERICA; DISCOVERIES ALONG THAT COAST AND THE EASTERN EXTREMITY OF ASIA, NORTHWARD TO ICY CAPE; AND RETURN SOUTHWARD TO THE SANDWICH ISLANDS. SECTION I. _The Ships enter the Sound, and moor in a Harbour.--Intercourse with the Natives.--Articles brought to barter.--Thefts committed.--The Observatories erected, and Carpenters set to work.--Jealousy of the Inhabitants of the Sound to prevent other Tribes having Intercourse with the Ships.--Stormy and rainy Weather.--Progress round the Sound.--Behaviour of the Natives at their Villages.--Their Manner of drying fish, &c.--Remarkable Visit from Strangers, and introductory Ceremonies.--A second Visit to one of the Villages.--Leave to cut Grass, purchased.--The Ships sail.--Presents given and received at parting._