other’s arms, and were flung in heaps in every
direction. After they were tired of this pastime,
a regular ring was formed, and a wrestling
match began, which was carried on in as
regular and fair a manner as a boxing match
in our own country, and as much skill and
cunning were displayed in the art of throwing,
as the greatest connoisseur would desire. I
was pleased, also, to observe, that, whatever
happened (and some most severe throws and
blows passed), nothing could disturb their
good humour.
This party, having remained for seven days
on our beach, and not hearing any thing more
of our intended invaders, their provisions also
becoming rather scarce, took leave in order
to return to their own district, placing scouts
to give them quick intelligence of the movements
of the enemy.
A few days after the departure of this
friendly tribe, a “ King’s ship” of eighteen
guns arrived in the Bay; consequently all our
fears of an immediate invasion were over. No
sooner had she cast anchor than our friend
George came to us, expressing the greatest
anxiety to visit King George of England’s warship,
and requesting we would accompany him,
which we readily agreed to do; and he left us
to adorn himself for the occasion : soon after
he re-appeared in great state. A very splendid
war-mat was thrown over his shoulders ; his
hair was dressed, oiled, and decorated with
feathers, and his person was plentifully covered
with red ochre : he appeared a very fine-looking
fellow: his mother, his three wives, and
all his sons and daughters were dressed in
equal magnificence, and accompanied him.
In this state we went off to visit the vessel;
but the moment I came alongside, I repented
my being there; for the rude and churlish
manner in which we were received distressed
me considerably. In the first place, an order
was given that none but the chief himself
should be allowed to come on board; consequently
his wives and daughters were obliged
to remain in the canoe. The captain spoke
only a few words to George, who was allowed
to remain but a few minutes in the cabin ;
on getting up to take leave, George took off
his fine w'ar-mantle and presented it to the
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