the numerous church and sectarian missionaries
sent from England, I never met with one
Indian converted by them. I have attended
mass in an Indian village; a native priest
performed the ceremony, and the whole congregation
(except myself,) were of his cast and
complexion : and, it is worthy of remark, that
in Peru, and some of the most populous provinces,
a pagan is scarcely to be found.
We now heard that Tetoro (one of the most
powerful chiefs in this part of the island,) had
taken offence, and had sent a defiance to
King George, saying he intended coming to
seek revenge, accompanied by a strong body
of warriors ; and the “ herald ” who brought
this proclamation informed us that the English
settlers were to be attacked and plundered
also.
We had every reason to fear this might
prove a more calamitous affair than any we
had yet experienced ; as George immediately
collected all his family and dependents, and
took his departure for the Cower-Cower river
(the residence of De Kookie, the chief who
had come to his assistance against Shunghie’s
attack), leaving behind only a few slaves; thus
a second time were we left to our own resources
on Ko-ro-ra-di-ka Beach. George and
his followers were too much scattered : some
were trading with the ships, others were distributed
in various districts, attending to their
agricultural pursuits. Thus separated, each
might become an easy prey to any of the
powerful chiefs; but, were they united, they
would be too strong for any of the tribes: unfortunately
the hope of gain made them risk
so great a danger. At this period, too, there
was not a single vessel in the bay to protect
us. The known partiality of all the tribes for
Europeans was the only consolation we had;
and we endeavoured to cheer each other with
this hope, under what in reality might be
considered very appalling circumstances.
After enduring this state of suspense and
anxiety for several days, and no enemy appearing,
we determined to pay a visit to the
camp of the combined army of our friends ;
which would, at the same time, gratify our own
curiosity, and give them a degree of satisfaction
; as it would prove to them that we were