high, and a broad ditch beyond that. The
fortress was large enough to contain several
hundred men : it had a spacious glacis in
front; and every approach to it was so completely
exposed, that we thought even a body
of regular troops, without artillery, would
have found it very difficult to storm; and to
the New Zealand warrior it seemed a wonderful
and impregnable work.
The chief who had the command of this
fort was our old acquaintance Kiney Kiney,
a younger brother of King George’s, who
seemed proud of this honour, and appeared
highly delighted in showing us round, and
explaining every thing to us; even condescending
to ask our advice as to any means
of adding strength and security to the works.
He listened attentively to all our observations;
and if he approved any alteration we suggested
he ordered it instantly to be carried
into effect. I noticed a thicket too near the
fort, and told him I thought it might shelter a
body of men, and before I left the par it was
reduced to a heap of ashes. Sentinels were
posted in every direction to give notice of the
approach of an enemy. Mr. Kiney Kiney
(as he was sometimes called,) was splendidly
apparelled on this occasion: he had, by some
means or other, become possessed of a light
infantry sabre, with all its paraphernalia of
belts and buckles ; this was girded round his
naked body, which gave him a very gallant
air; and, I have no doubt, was the envy and
admiration of all his followers.
After we had seen and approved all their
preparations, we were treated with a grand
review and sham fight: they divided themselves
into two parties; one half the number
took their station on a hill, and lay concealed;
the other party crouched on the plains to receive
the attack, all kneeling on one knee,
with their eyes fixed on the spot whence they
expected the rush of their pretended enemies.
In a moment, the concealed party burst forth
from their ambush, with a tremendous and
simultaneous shout, and the mock battle began
with great fury.
Nothing in nature can be imagined more
horrible than the noise they make on these
occasions. I have heard, under circumstances
N 2