On looking round upon their country, an
Englishman cannot fail to feel gratified, when,
he beholds the good already resulting to these
poor savages from their intercourse with his
countrymen; and they themselves are fully
sensible of, and truly grateful for, every mark
of kindness manifested towards them. They
have stores full of the finest Indian corn,
which they consider a great luxury, a food
which requires little trouble in preparing,
keeps well, and is very nutritious. It is but a
few years since this useful grain was introduced
amongst them; and I sincerely hope this
introduction may be followed up, not only by
our sending out to them seeds of vegetables
and fruits, but by our forwarding to them
every variety of quadruped which can be used
for food. Abundance of the finest watermelons
are daily brought alongside vessels
entering their ports: these, in point of flavour,
are superior to any I ever met with. I have
no doubt every variety of European produce
essential to the support of life would thrive
equally well; and as food became abundant,
and luxuries were introduced, their disgusting
feasts on human flesh would soon be discontinued
altogether.
We were soon a't sea, and speedily felt considerable
apprehensions as to the safe termination
of our voyage. Our vessel (the brig
“ Governor Macquarie” ) we well knew was a
leaky one, though her leaks did not distress
us on the outward voyage, she being then
only in ballast trim; but now that she was
loaded to the water’s edge, and the winter
coming on, we became greatly alarmed for
her. Another disagreeable circumstance was
having no bread or flour on board. To obviate
the first evil, and to save the sailors a
great deal of hard labour, our Captain offered
to give a passage to Sydney to several natives,
who accepted his offer, they being always
anxious to see the colony; we likewise had
on board the great Chief from the Thames,
who had caused us so much trouble at Ko-ro-
ra-di-ka. These men, being fine, strong, active
young fellows, were indefatigable in their exertions
at the pumps; and though we had to
contend with much heavy weather, and contrary
winds, they kept our vessel pretty dry.