In the month of January, 1779, the "Resolution" and "Discovery" lay
about a fortnight at anchor in the bay of Kerag,e,goo,ah[1]
(Kealakekua), in the Island of Ou-why-ee (Hawaii). During that time, the
ships were most plentifully supplied with provisions by natives, with
whom we lived on the most friendly terms. We were universally treated by
them with kind attention and hospitality; but the respect they paid to
Captain Cook, was little short of adoration. It was, therefore, with
sentiments of the most perfect good-will towards the inhabitants, that
we left the harbour, on the fourth of February. It was Captain Cook's
intention to visit the other islands to leeward, and we stood to the
westward, towards Mowee (Maui), attended by several canoes full of
people, who were willing to accompany us as far as they could, before
they bade us a final adieu.
On the sixth, we were overtaken by a gale of wind; and the next night,
the "Resolution" had the misfortune of springing the head of her
foremast, in such a dangerous manner, that Captain Cook was obliged to
return to Keragegooah (Kealakekua), in order to have it repaired; for we
could find no other convenient harbour on the island. The same gale had
occasioned much distress among some canoes, that had paid a visit from
the shore. One of them, with two men and a child on board, was picked up
by the "Resolution," and rescued from destruction: the men, having
toiled hard all night, in attempting to reach the land, were so much
exhausted, that they could hardly mount the ship's side. When they got
upon the quarter-deck, they burst into tears, and seemed much affected
with the dangerous situation from which they had escaped; but the little
child appeared lively and cheerful. One of the "Resolution's" boats was
also so fortunate as to save a man and two women, whose canoe had been
upset by the violence of the waves. They were brought on board, and,
with the others, partook of the kindness and humanity of Captain Cook.
On the morning of Wednesday, the tenth, we were within a few miles of
the harbour; and were soon joined by several canoes, in which appeared
many of our old acquaintances; who seemed to have come to welcome us
back. Among them was Coo,aha[2] (Kuaha), a priest: he had brought a
small pig, and some cocoa nuts in his hand, which, after having chaunted
a few sentences, he presented to Captain Clerke. He then left us, and
hastened on board the "Resolution," to perform the same friendly
ceremony before Captain Cook. Having but light winds all that day, we
could not gain the harbour. In the afternoon, a chief of the first rank,
and nearly related to Kariopoo (Kalaniopuu), paid us a visit on board
the "Discovery." His name was Ka,mea,mea (Kamehameha): he was dressed in
a very rich feathered cloke, which he seemed to have brought for sale,
but would part with it for nothing except iron daggers. These, the
chiefs, some time before our departure, had preferred to every other
article; for having received a plentiful supply of hatchets and other
tools, they began to collect a store of warlike instruments. Kameamea
(Kamehameha) procured nine daggers for his cloke, and being pleased with
his reception, he and his attendants slept on board that night.
In the morning of the eleventh of February, the ships anchored again in
Keragegooah bay (Kealakekua Bay), and preparation was immediately made
for landing the "Resolution's" foremast. We were visited but by few of
the Indians, because there were but few in the bay. On our departure,
those belonging to other parts, had repaired to their several
habitations, and were again to collect from various quarters, before we
could expect to be surrounded by such multitudes as we had once seen in
that harbour. In the afternoon I walked about a mile into the country,
to visit an Indian friend, who had, a few days before, come near twenty
miles, in a small canoe, to see me, while the ship lay becalmed. As the
canoe had not left us long before a gale of wind came on, I was alarmed
for the consequence; however, I had the pleasure to find that my friend
had escaped unhurt, though not without some difficulties. I take notice
of this short excursion, merely because it afforded me an opportunity
of observing, that there appeared no change in the disposition or
behaviour of the inhabitants. I saw nothing that could induce me to
think, that they were displeased with our return, or jealous of the
intention of our second visit. On the contrary, that abundant good
nature which had always characterised them, seemed still to glow in
every bosom, and to animate every countenance.
The next day, February the twelfth, the ships were put under a taboo, by
the chiefs, a solemnity, it seems, that was requisite to be observed
before Kariopoo (Kalaniopuu), the king, paid his first visit to Captain
Cook, after his return. He waited upon him the same day, on board the
"Resolution," attended by a large train, some of which bore the presents
designed for Captain Cook, who received him in his usual friendly
manner, and gave him several articles in return. This amicable ceremony
being settled, the taboo was dissolved, matters went on in the usual
train, and the next day, February the thirteenth, we were visited by the
natives in great numbers; the "Resolution's" mast was landed, and the
astronomical observatories erected on their former situation. I landed,
with another gentleman, at the town of Kavaroah (Kaawaloa), where we
found a great number of canoes, just arrived from different parts of the
island, and the Indians busy in constructing temporary huts on the
beach, for their residence during the stay of the ships. On our return
on board the "Discovery," we learned that an Indian had been detected in
stealing the armourer's tongs from the forge, for which he received a
pretty severe flogging, and was sent out of the ship. Notwithstanding
the example made of this man, in the afternoon another had the audacity
to snatch the tongs and a chizel from the same place, with which he
jumped overboard, and swam for the shore. The master and a midshipman
were instantly dispatched after him, in the small cutter. The Indian
seeing himself pursued, made for a canoe: his countrymen took him on
board, and paddled as swift as they could towards the shore; we fired
several muskets at them, but to no effect, for they soon got out of the
reach of our shot. Pareah (Palea), one of the chiefs, who was at that
time on board the "Discovery," understanding what had happened,
immediately went ashore, promising to bring back the stolen goods. Our
boat was so far distanced, in chasing the canoe which had taken the
chief on board, that he had time to make his escape into the country.
Captain Cook, who was then on shore, endeavoured to intercept his
landing; but it seems, that he was led out of the way by some of the
natives, who had officiously intruded themselves as guides. As the
master was approaching near the landing-place, he was met by some of the
Indians in a canoe; they had brought back the tongs and chizel, together
with another article, that we had not missed, which happened to be the
lid of the water-cask. Having recovered these things, he was returning
on board, when he was met by the "Resolution's" pinnace, with five men
in her, who, without any orders, had come from the observatories to his
assistance. Being thus unexpectedly reinforced, he thought himself
strong enough to insist upon having the thief, or the canoe which took
him in, delivered up as reprizals. With that view he turned back; and
having found the canoe on the beach, he was preparing to launch it into
the water when Pareah (Palea) made his appearance, and insisted upon his
not taking it away, as it was his property. The officer not regarding
him, the chief seized upon him, pinioned his arms behind, and held him
by the hair of his head: on which, one of the sailors struck him with an
oar: Pareah (Palea) instantly quitted the officer, snatched the oar out
of the man's hand, and snapped it in two across his knee. At length, the
multitude began to attack our people with stones. They made some
resistance, but were soon overpowered, and obliged to swim for safety to
the small cutter, which lay farther out than the pinnace. The officers,
not being expert swimmers, retreated to a small rock in the water, where
they were closely pursued by the Indians. One man darted a broken oar at
the master; but his foot slipping at the time, he missed him, which
fortunately saved that officer's life. At last, Pareah (Palea)
interfered, and put an end to their violence. The Gentlemen, knowing
that his presence was their only defense against the fury of the
natives, entreated him to stay with them, till they could get off in the
boats; but that he refused, and left them. The master went to seek
assistance from the party at the observatories; but the midshipman chose
to remain in the pinnace. He was very rudely treated by the mob, who
plundered the boat of everything that was loose on board, and then began
to knock her to pieces, for the sake of the ironwork: but Pareah (Palea)
fortunately returned in time to prevent her destruction. He had met the
other gentleman on his way to the observatories, and suspecting his
errand, had forced him to return. He dispersed the crowd again, and
desired the gentlemen to return on board; they represented, that all the
oars had been taken out of the boat: on which he brought some of them
back, and the gentlemen were glad to get off, without further
molestation. They had not proceeded far, before they were overtaken by
Pareah (Palea), in a canoe; he delivered the midshipman's cap, which had
been taken from him in the scuffle, joined noses with them, in token of
reconciliation, and was anxious to know, if Captain Cook would kill him
for what had happened. They assured him of the contrary, and made signs
of friendship to him in return. He then left them, and paddled over to
the town of Kavaroah (Kaawaloa), and that was the last time we ever saw
him. Captain Cook returned on board soon after, much displeased with the
whole of this disagreeable business; and the same night, sent a
lieutenant on board the "Discovery," to learn the particulars of it, as
it had originated in that ship.
It was remarkable, that in the midst of the hurry and confusion
attending this affair, Kanynah[3] (Kanaina), a chief who had always been
on terms particularly friendly with us, came from the spot where it
happened, with a hog to sell on board the "Discovery:" it was of an
extraordinary large size, and he demanded for it a pahowa (pahoa), or
dagger, of an unusual length. He pointed to us, that it must be as long
as his arm. Captain Clerke not having one of that length, told him, he
would get one made for him by the morning; with which being satisfied,
he left the hog, and went ashore without making any stay with us. It
will not be altogether foreign to the subject, to mention a
circumstance, that happened to-day on board the "Resolution." An Indian
Chief asked Captain Cook at his table, if he was a Tata Toa (Hakaka
Koa); which means a fighting man, or a soldier. Being answered in the
affirmative, he desired to see his wounds: Captain Cook held out his
right-hand, which had a scar upon it, dividing the thumb from the
finger, the whole length of the metacarpal bones. The Indian, being thus
convinced of his being a Toa (Koa), put the same question to another
gentleman present, but he happened to have none of those distinguishing
marks: the chief then said, that he himself was a Toa (Koa), and showed
the scars of some wounds he had received in battle. Those who were on
duty at the observatories, were disturbed during the night, with shrill
and melancholy sounds, issuing from the adjacent villages, which they
took to be the lamentations of the women. Perhaps the quarrel between
us, might have filled their minds with apprehensions for the safety of
their husbands: but, be that as it may, their mournful cries struck the
sentinels with unusual awe and terror.
To widen the breach between us, some of the Indians in the night, took
away the "Discovery's" large cutter, which lay swamped at the buoy of
one of her anchors: they had carried her off so quietly, that we did not
miss her till the morning, Sunday, February the fourteenth. Captain
Clerke lost no time in waiting upon Captain Cook, to acquaint him with
the accident; he returned on board, with orders for the launch and small
cutter to go, under the command of the second lieutenant, and lie off
the east point of the bay, in order to intercept all canoes that might
attempt to get out; and, if he found it necessary, to fire upon them. At
the same time, the third lieutenant of the "Resolution," with the launch
and small cutter, was sent on the same service, to the opposite point of
the bay; and the master was dispatched in the large cutter, in pursuit
of a double canoe, already under sail, making the best of her way out of
the harbour. He soon came up with her, and by firing a few muskets,
drove her on shore, and the Indians left her: this happened to be the
canoe of Omea (Mea), a man who bore the title of Orono (Lono). He was on
board himself, and it would have been fortunate, if our people had
secured him, for his person was held as sacred as that of the king.
During this time, Captain Cook was preparing to go ashore himself, at
the town of Kavaroah (Kaawaloa), in order to secure the person of
Kariopoo (Kalaniopuu), before he should have time to withdraw himself to
another part of the island, out of our reach. This appeared the most
effectual step that could be taken on the present occasion, for the
recovery of the boat. It was the measure he had invariably pursued, in
similar cases, at other islands in these seas, and it had always been
attended with the desired success: in fact, it would be difficult to
point out any other mode of proceeding on these emergencies, likely to
attain the object in view. We had reason to suppose, that the king and
his attendants had fled when the alarm was first given; in that case, it
was Captain Cook's intention to secure the large canoes which were
hauled upon the beach. He left the ship about seven o'clock, attended by
the lieutenant of marines, a serjeant, corporal, and seven private men:
the pinnace's crew were also armed, and under the command of Mr.
Roberts. As they rowed towards the shore, Captain Cook ordered the
launch to leave her station at the west point of the bay, in order to
assist his own boat. This is a circumstance worthy of notice; for it
clearly shows, that he was not unapprehensive of meeting with resistance
from the natives; or unmindful of the necessary preparation for the
safety of himself and his people. I will venture to say, that from the
appearance of things, just at that time, there was not one, beside
himself, who judged that such precaution was absolutely requisite; so
little did his conduct on the occasion bear the marks of rashness, or a
precipitate self-confidence! He landed, with the marines, at the upper
end of the town of Kavaroah (Kaawaloa): the Indians immediately flocked
round, as usual, and showed him the customary marks of respect, by
prostrating themselves before him. There were no signs of hostilities,
or much alarm among them. Captain Cook, however, did not seem willing to
trust to appearances; but was particularly attentive to the disposition
of the marines, and to have them kept clear of the crowd. He first
enquired for the king's sons, two youths[4] who were much attached to
him, and generally his companions on board. Messengers being sent for
them, they soon came to him, and informing him that their father was
asleep, at a house not far from them, he accompanied them thither, and
took the marines along with them. As he passed along, the natives every
where prostrated themselves before him, and seemed to have lost no part
of that respect they had always shown to his person. He was joined by
several chiefs, among whom was Kanynah (Kanaina), and his brother
Koohowrooah (Kuhaulua?). They kept the crowd in order, according to
their usual custom; and being ignorant of his intention in coming on
shore, frequently asked him if he wanted any hogs, or other provisions;
he told them that he did not, and that his business was to see the king.
When he arrived at the house he ordered some of the Indians to go in,
and inform Kariopoo (Kalaniopuu), that he waited without to speak with
him. They came out two or three times, and instead of returning any
answer from the king, presented some pieces of red cloth to him, which
made Captain Cook suspect that he was not in the house; he therefore
desired the lieutenant of marines to go in. The lieutenant found the old
man just awaked from sleep, and seemingly alarmed at the message; but he
came out without hesitation. Captain Cook took him by the hand, and in a
friendly manner, asked him to go on board, to which he very readily
consented. Thus far matters appeared in a favourable train, and the
natives did not seem much alarmed or apprehensive of hostility on our
side; at which Captain Cook expressed himself a little surprized,
saying, that as the inhabitants of that town appeared innocent of
stealing the cutter, he should not molest them, but that he must get the
king on board. Kariopoo (Kalaniopuu) sat down before his door, and was
surrounded by a great crowd: Kanynah (Kanaina) and his brother were both
very active in keeping order among them. In a little time, however, the
Indians were observed arming themselves with long spears, clubs, and
daggers, and putting on thick mats, which they use as armour. This
hostile appearance increased, and became more alarming, on the arrival
of two men in a canoe from the opposite side of the bay, with the news
of a chief, called Kareemoo (Kalimo), having been killed by one of the
"Discovery's" boats, in their passage across: they had also delivered
this account to each of the ships. Upon that information, the women, who
were sitting upon the beach at their breakfasts, and conversing
familiarly with our people in the boats, retired, and a confused murmur
spread through the crowd. An old priest came to Captain Cook, with a
cocoa nut in his hand, which he held out to him as a present, at the
same time singing very loud. He was often desired to be silent, but in
vain: he continued importunate and troublesome, and there was no such
thing as getting rid of him or his noise: it seemed, as if he meant to
divert their attention from his countrymen, who were growing more
tumultuous, and arming themselves in every quarter. Captain Cook, being
at the same time surrounded by a great crowd, thought his situation
rather hazardous: he therefore ordered the lieutenant of marines to
march his small party to the water-side, where the boats lay within a
few yards of the shore: the Indians readily made a lane for them to
pass, and did not offer to interrupt them. The distance they had to go
might be about fifty or sixty yards; Captain Cook followed, having hold
of Kariopoo's (Kalaniopuu's) hand, who accompanied him very willingly:
he was attended by his wife, two sons, and several chiefs. The
troublesome old priest followed, making the same savage noise. Keowa
(Keoua)[5], the younger son, went directly into the pinnace, expecting
his father to follow; but just as he arrived at the water-side, his wife
threw her arms about his neck, and, with the assistance of two chiefs,
forced him to sit down by the side of a double canoe. Captain Cook
expostulated with them, but to no purpose: they would not suffer the
king to proceed, telling him, that he would be put to death if he went
on board the ship. Kariopoo (Kalaniopuu), whose conduct seemed entirely
resigned to the will of others, hung down his head, and appeared much
distressed.
While the king was in this situation, a chief, well known to us, of the
name of Coho (Koho), was observed lurking near, with an iron dagger,
partly concealed under his cloke, seemingly, with the intention of
stabbing Captain Cook, or the lieutenant of marines. The latter proposed
to fire at him, but Captain Cook would not permit it. Coho (Koho)
closing upon them, obliged the officer to strike him with his piece,
which made him retire. Another Indian laid hold of the serjeant's
musket, and endeavoured to wrench it from him, but was prevented by the
lieutenant's making a blow at him. Captain Cook, seeing the tumult
increase, and the Indians growing more daring and resolute, observed,
that if he were to take the king off by force, he could not do it
without sacrificing the lives of many of his people. He then paused a
little, and was on the point of giving his order to reimbark, when a man
threw a stone at him; which he returned with a discharge of small shot,
(with which one barrel of his double piece was loaded). The man, having
a thick mat before him, received little or no hurt; he brandished his
spear, and threatened to dart it at Captain Cook, who being still
unwilling to take away his life, instead of firing with ball, knocked
him down with his musket. He expostulated strongly with the most forward
of the crowd, upon their turbulent behaviour. He had given up all
thoughts of getting the king on board, as it appeared impracticable; and
his care was then only to act on the defensive, and to secure a safe
embarkation for his small party, which was closely pressed by a body of
several thousand people. Keowa (Keoua), the king's son, who was in the
pinnace, being alarmed on hearing the first firing, was, at his own
entreaty, put on shore again; for even at that time, Mr. Roberts, who
commanded her, did not apprehend that Captain Cook's person was in any
danger: otherwise he would have detained the prince, which, no doubt,
would have been a great check on the Indians. One man was observed,
behind a double canoe, in the action of darting his spear at Captain
Cook, who was forced to fire at him in his own defence, but happened to
kill another close to him, equally forward in the tumult: the serjeant
observing that he had missed the man he aimed at, received orders to
fire at him, which he did, and killed him. By this time, the impetuosity
of the Indians was somewhat repressed; they fell back in a body, and
seemed staggered; but being pushed on by those behind, they returned to
the charge, and poured a volley of stones among the marines, who,
without waiting for orders, returned it with a general discharge of
musketry, which was instantly followed by a fire from the boats. At this
Captain Cook was heard to express his astonishment: he waved his hand to
the boats, called to them to cease firing, and to come nearer in to
receive the marines. Mr. Roberts immediately brought the pinnace as
close to the shore as he could, without grounding, notwithstanding the
showers of stones that fell among the people; but Mr. John Williamson,
the lieutenant, who commanded in the launch, instead of pulling in to
the assistance of Captain Cook, withdrew his boat further off, at the
moment that everything seems to have depended upon the timely exertions
of those in the boats. By his own account, he mistook the signal: but be
that as it may, this circumstance appears to me, to have decided the
fatal turn of the affair, and to have removed every chance which
remained with Captain Cook, of escaping with his life. The business of
saving the marines out of the water, in consequence of that, fell
altogether upon the pinnace; which thereby became so much crowded, that
the crew were, in a great measure, prevented from using their fire-arms,
or giving what assistance they otherwise might have done, to Captain
Cook; so that he seems, at the most critical point of time, to have
wanted the assistance of both boats, owing to the removal of the launch.
For notwithstanding that they kept up a fire on the crowd from the
situation to which they removed in that boat, the fatal confusion which
ensued on her being withdrawn, to say the least of it, must have
prevented the full effect, that the prompt co-operation of the two
boats, according to Captain Cook's orders, must have had, towards the
preservation of himself and his people. At that time, it was to the
boats alone, that Captain Cook had to look for his safety; for when the
marines had fired, the Indians rushed among them, and forced them into
the water, where four of them were killed: their lieutenant was wounded,
but fortunately escaped, and was taken up by the pinnace. Captain Cook
was then the only one remaining on the rock: he was observed making for
the pinnace, holding his left-hand against the back of his head, to
guard it from the stones, and carrying his musket under the other arm.
An Indian was seen following him, but with caution and timidity; for he
stopped once or twice, as if undetermined to proceed. At last he
advanced upon him unawares, and with a large club,[6] or common stake,
gave him a blow on the back of the head, and then precipitately
retreated. The stroke seemed to have stunned Captain Cook: he staggered
a few paces, then fell on his hand and one knee, and dropped his musket.
As he was rising, and before he could recover his feet, another Indian
stabbed him in the back of the neck with an iron dagger. He then fell
into a bite of water about knee deep, where others crowded upon him, and
endeavoured to keep him under: but struggling very strongly with them,
he got his head up, and casting his look towards the pinnace, seemed to
solicit assistance. Though the boat was not above five or six yards
distant from him, yet from the crowded and confused state of the crew,
it seems, it was not in their power to save him. The Indians got him
under again, but in deeper water: he was, however, able to get his head
up once more, and being almost spent in the struggle, he naturally
turned to the rock, and was endeavouring to support himself by it, when
a savage gave him a blow with a club, and he was seen alive no more.
They hauled him up lifeless on the rocks, where they seemed to take a
savage pleasure in using every barbarity to his dead body, snatching the
daggers out of each other's hands, to have the horrid satisfaction of
piercing the fallen victim of their barbarous rage.
I need make no reflection on the great loss we suffered on this
occasion, or attempt to describe what we felt. It is enough to say, that
no man was ever more beloved or admired; and it is truly painful to
reflect, that he seems to have fallen a sacrifice merely for want of
being properly supported; a fate, singularly to be lamented, as having
fallen to his lot, who had ever been conspicuous for his care of those
under his command, and who seemed, to the last, to pay as much attention
to their preservation, as to that of his own life.
If any thing could have added to the shame and indignation universally
felt on the occasion, it was to find, that his remains had been
deserted, and left exposed on the beach, although they might have been
brought off. It appears, from the information of four or five
midshipmen, who arrived on the spot at the conclusion of the fatal
business, that the beach was then almost entirely deserted by the
Indians, who at length had given way to the fire of the boats, and
dispersed through the town: so that there seemed no great obstacle to
prevent the recovery of Captain Cook's body; but the lieutenant returned
on board without making the attempt. It is unnecessary to dwell longer
on this painful subject, and to relate the complaints and censures that
fell on the conduct of the lieutenant. It will be sufficient to observe,
that they were so loud, as to oblige Captain Clerke publicly to notice
them, and to take the depositions of his accusers down in writing. The
Captain's bad state of health and approaching dissolution, it is
supposed, induced him to destroy these papers a short time before his
death.
It is a painful task, to be obliged to notice circumstances, which seem
to reflect upon the character of any man. A strict regard to truth,
however, compelled me to the insertion of these facts, which I have
offered merely as facts, without presuming to connect with them any
comment of my own: esteeming it the part of a faithful historian, "to
extenuate nothing, nor set down ought in malice."
The fatal accident happened about eight o'clock in the morning, about an
hour after Captain Cook landed. It did not seem, that the king, or his
sons, were witnesses to it; but it is supposed that they withdrew in the
midst of the tumult. The principal actors were the other chiefs, many of
them the king's relations and attendants: the man who stabbed him with
the dagger was called Nooah (Nuaa). I happened to be the only one who
recollected his person, from having on a former occasion mentioned his
name in the journal I kept. I was induced to take particular notice of
him, more from his personal appearance than any other consideration,
though he was of high rank, and a near relation of the king: he was
stout and tall, with a fierce look and demeanour, and one who united in
his figure the two qualities of strength and agility, in a greater
degree, than ever I remembered to have seen before in any other man. His
age might be about thirty, and by the white scurf on his skin, and his
sore eyes, he appeared to be a hard drinker of Kava (awa). He was a
constant companion of the king, with whom I first saw him, when he paid
a visit to Captain Clerke. The chief who first struck Captain Cook with
the club, was called Karimano-craha[7] (Kalaimanokahoowaha), but I did
not know him by his name. These circumstances I learnt of honest
Kaireekea (Keliikia), the priest; who added, that they were both held in
great esteem on account of that action; neither of them came near us
afterwards. When the boats left the shore, the Indians carried away the
dead body of Captain Cook and those of the marines, to the rising
ground, at the back of the town, where we could plainly see them with
our glasses from the ships.
This most melancholy accident, appears to have been altogether
unexpected and unforeseen, as well on the part of the natives as
ourselves. I never saw sufficient reason to induce me to believe, that
there was any thing of design, or a pre-concerted plan on their side, or
that they purposely sought to quarrel with us: thieving, which gave rise
to the whole, they were equally guilty of, in our first and second
visits. It was the cause of every misunderstanding that happened between
us: their petty thefts were generally overlooked, but sometimes slightly
punished: the boat, which they at last ventured to take away, was an
object of no small magnitude to people in our situation, who could not
possibly replace her, and therefore not slightly to be given up. We had
no other chance of recovering her, but by getting the person of the king
into our possession: on our attempting to do that, the natives became
alarmed for his safety, and naturally opposed those whom they deemed
his enemies. In the sudden conflict that ensued, we had the unspeakable
misfortune of losing our excellent Commander, in the manner already
related. It is in this light the affair has always appeared to me, as
entirely accidental, and not in the least owing to any previous offence
received, or jealousy of our second visit entertained by the natives.
Pareah (Palea) seems to have been the principal instrument in bringing
about this fatal disaster. We learnt afterwards, that it was he who had
employed some people to steal the boat: the king did not seem to be
privy to it, or even apprized of what had happened, till Captain Cook
landed.
It was generally remarked, that at first, the Indians shewed great
resolution in facing our fire-arms; but it was entirely owing to
ignorance of their effect. They thought that their thick mats would
defend them from a ball, as well as from a stone; but being soon
convinced of their error, yet still at a loss to account how such
execution was done among them, they had recourse to a stratagem, which,
though it answered no other purpose, served to show their ingenuity and
quickness of invention. Observing the flashes of the muskets, they
naturally concluded, that water would counteract their effect, and
therefore, very sagaciously dipped their mats, or armour in the sea,
just as they came on to face our people: but finding this last resource
to fail them, they soon dispersed, and left the beach entirely clear. It
was an object they never neglected, even at the greatest hazard, to
carry off their slain; a custom, probably, owing to the barbarity with
which they treat the dead body of an enemy, and the trophies they make
of his bones.[8]
