The Three Voyages of Captain Cook Round the World, Vol. III. Being the First of the Second VoyageCook, James
History
The Three Voyages of Captain Cook Round the World, Vol. III. Being the First of the Second Voyage
Cook, James
Cook, James, 1728-1779 -- Travel; Explorers -- Great Britain -- Biography; Voyages around the world -- History -- 18th century
Nothing farther remarkable happened till ten o’clock in the evening,
when we were alarmed with the cry of murder, and a great noise, on
shore, near the bottom of the bay, at some distance from our encampment.
I suspected that it was occasioned by some of our own people; and
immediately armed a boat, and sent on shore, to know the occasion of
this disturbance, and to bring off such of our people as should be found
there. I also sent to the Adventure, and to the post on shore, to know
who were missing; for none were absent from the Resolution, but those
who were upon duty. The boat soon returned with three marines, and a
seaman. Some others, belonging to the Adventure, were also taken, and
being all put under confinement, the next morning I ordered them to be
punished according to their deserts. I did not find that any mischief
was done, and our people would confess nothing. I believe this
disturbance was occasioned by their making too free with the women. Be
this as it will, the natives were so much alarmed, that they fled from
their habitations in the dead of the night, and the alarm spread many
miles along the coast. For when I went to visit Otoo, in the morning, by
appointment, I found him removed, or rather fled, many miles from the
place of his abode. Even there I was obliged to wait some hours, before
I could see him at all; and when I did, he complained of the last
night’s riot.
As this was intended to be my last visit, I had taken with me a present
suitable to the occasion. Among other things were three Cape sheep,
which he had seen before and asked for; for these people never lose a
thing by not asking for it. He was much pleased with them; though he
could be but little benefited, as they were all weathers; a thing he was
made acquainted with. The presents he got at this interview entirely
removed his fears, and opened his heart so much, that he sent for three
hogs; one for me, one for Captain Furneaux, and one for Mr. Forster.
This last was small, of which we complained, calling it _ete, ete_.
Presently after a man came into the circle, and spoke to the king with
some warmth, and in a very peremptory manner; saying something or other
about hogs. We, at first, thought he was angry with the king for giving
us so many, especially as he took the little pig away with him. The
contrary, however, appeared to be the true cause of his displeasure;
for, presently after he was gone, a hog, larger than either of the other
two, was brought us in lieu of the little one. When we took leave, I
acquainted him that I should sail from the island the next day; at which
he seemed much moved, and embraced me several times. We embarked to
return on board, and he, with his numerous train, directed their march
back to Oparree.
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