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in all probability, on bad terms with their neighbours at that
time.
Those who first arrived were invited on board; but declined
going, hecause their chief was expected: and with the last
party came a boy, about nine years’ old, fantastically decked
with ornaments of copper and brass, with beads, and with a new
mantle. A tall, fine-looking man, of the Gregory Bay tribe,
accompanied this young cacique, and made him known to Mr.
Low, by the name of ‘ Capitan Chups.’
These natives have adopted the word ‘ capitan,’ and now
always use it when addressing white men who they suppose
have authority. When some Patagonians of the Gregory Bay
party came on board the Beagle, in 1834, seeing a larger
number of officers than is usual in small vessels, one of the first
questions asked, in broken Spanish, was, “ Quanto capitanes
abordo.?”
Little Capitan Chups seemed to have no small idea of his
own consequence, and tried to affect much dignity. He willingly
went on board the Unicorn; but not a native would
enter the boat until the young chief was seated, when there
was a most inconsistent scramble, which nearly swamped it.
However, after pushing out a few of the intruders, the party
reached the vessel in safety. On board her was a Patagonian
boy, who had been four months with Mr. Low, and had been
clothed at Monte Video. He had recognized Capitan Chups
at a distance, said who he was, and showed by his manner that
he considered him a person of high distinction. The little
cacique called this boy, asked him many questions, and
examined every part of his dress. Afterwards the boy joined
some of his own family, who were present. He had before
refused to go to the party at Gregory Bay, while there in the
vessel, alleging that they were not his people.
Mr. Low said, that the tribe on the banks of this channel
were mixed, being partly horse and partly canoe Indians. They
were entirely under the dominion of the Gregory Bay party,
who appointed their chiefs. Maria’s son, called ‘ Capitan Chico,’
was their ruler, until the arrival of Capitan Chups.