obtained subsequently have exonerated the
natives to a certain extent. By repeated conhe
went into the cabin, and after paying his respects to
the Captain, begged a little bread for his men; but the
Captain received him rather slightingly, and desired him
to go away, and not trouble him as he was busy.
“ The proud old savage (who had been a constant
guest at the Governor’s table at Port Jackson) was
highly offended at this treatment, immediately left the
cabin, and after stamping a few minutes on the deck,
went into his canoe. After breakfast the Captain went
on shore with four hands, and no other arms but his
fowling-piece. From the account of the savages, as
soon as he landed they rushed upon him; he had only
time to fire his piece, and it killed a child. As soon as
the Captain left the ship, Tippahee (who remained
alongside in his canoe) came again on board. A number
of sailors were repairing sails upon the quarter deck,
and the remainder were carelessly dispersed about, and
fifty of the natives were sitting on the deck. In a
moment they all started up, and each knocked his man
on the head: a few ran wounded below, and four or five
escaped up the rigging; and in a few seconds the savages
had complete possession of the ship. The boy
Davies escaped into the hold, where he lay concealed
for several days, till they were fairly glutted with
human blood» when they spared his life. The woman
says she was discovered by an old savage, and that she
moved him by her tears and embraces; that he (being
a subordinate chief) carried her to Tippahee, who alversations
I have held with several chiefs who
were engaged in this dreadful affair, and from
lowed him to spare her life. She says, that at this time
the deck was covered with human bodies, which they
were employed in cutting up; after which they exhibited
a most horrid dance and song in honour of their victory,
and concluded by a hymn of gratitude to their god.
“ Tippahee now took the speaking trumpet, and hailing
the poor wretches at the mast head, told them that
he was now captain, and that they must in future obey
his commands. He then ordered them to unbend the
sails, they readily complied; but when he ordered them
to come down they hesitated, but he enforced prompt
obedience by threatening to cut away the masts. When
they came down he received them with much civility,
and told them he would take care of them; he immediately
ordered them into a canoe, and sent them on
shore. A few minutes after this the woman went on
shore with her deliverer. The first object that struck
her view was the dead bodies of these men, lying naked
on the beach. As soon as she landed a number of men
started up, and marched towards her with their patoo-
patoos. A number of women ran screaming betwixt
them, covered her with their clothes, and by tears and
entreaties saved her life.
“ The horrid feasting on human flesh which followed
would be too shocking for description. The second
mate begged his life at the time of the general massacre;
they spared him for a fortnight, and then killed and eat
him. I think if the Captain had received Tippahee