The narrative of what ensued is affectingly tragical. Cook left the
_Resolution_ about seven o'clock, attended by the lieutenant of marines,
a sergeant, a corporal, and seven private men. The pinnace's crew were
likewise armed, and under the command of Mr. Roberts; the launch was
also ordered to assist his own boat. He landed with the marines at the
upper end of the town of Kavoroah, where the natives received him with
their accustomed tokens of respect, and not the smallest sign of
hostility was evinced by any of them; and as the crowds increased, the
chiefs employed themselves as before, in keeping order. Captain Cook
requested the King to go on board the _Resolution_ with him, to which he
offered few objections; but in a little time it was observed that the
natives were arming themselves with long spears, clubs, and daggers, and
putting on the thick mats which they used by way of armor. This hostile
appearance was increased by the arrival of a canoe from the opposite
side of the bay, announcing that one of the chiefs had been killed by a
shot from the _Discovery's_ boat. The women, who had been conversing
familiarly with the English, immediately retired, and loud murmurs arose
amongst the crowd. Captain Cook, perceiving the tumultuous proceedings
of the natives, ordered Lieutenant Middleton to march his marines down
to the boats, to which the islanders offered no obstruction. The captain
followed with the king, attended by his wife, two sons, and several
chiefs. One of the sons had already entered the pinnace, expecting his
father to follow, when the king's wife and others hung round his neck,
and forced him to be seated near a double canoe, assuring him that he
would be put to death if he went on board the ship.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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