hort weapon which they carried in their left hand.
They made signs for us to come to them, but I thought it prudent to make
the best of our way. They were naked, and apparently black, and their
hair or wool bushy and short.

_Sunday, 31st._--Many small islands were in sight to the northeast. We
landed at one of a good height, bearing north one-half west. The shore
was rocky, but the water was smooth, and we landed without difficulty. I
sent two parties out, one to the northward, and the other to the
southward, to seek for supplies, and others I ordered to stay by the
boat. On this occasion fatigue and weakness so far got the better of
their sense of duty, that some of the people expressed their discontent
at having worked harder than their companions, and declared that they
would rather be without their dinner than go in search of it. One
person, in particular, went so far as to tell me, with a mutinous look,
that he was as good a man as myself. It was not possible for me to judge
where this might have an end, if not stopped in time; therefore, to
prevent such disputes in future, I determined either to preserve my
command, or die in the attempt; and seizing a cutlass, I ordered him to
take hold of another and defend himself, on which he called out that I
was going to kill him, and immediately made concessions. I did not allow
this to interfere further with the harmony of the boat's crew and
everything soon became quiet. We here procured some oysters and clams,
also some dog-fish caught in the holes of the rocks, and a supply of
water.

Leaving this island, which I named Sunday Island, we continued our course
towards Endeavor Straits. During our voyage Nelson became very ill, but
gradually recovered. Next day we landed at another island, to see what
we could get. There were proofs that the island was occasionally visited
by natives from New Holland. Encamping on the shore, I sent out one
party to watch for turtle, and another to try to catch birds. About
midnight the bird party returned, with only twelve noddies, birds which I
have already described to be about the size of pigeons; but if it had not
been for the folly and obstinacy of one of the party, who separated from
the other two, and disturbed the birds, they might have caught a great
number. I was so much provoked at my plans being thus defeated, that I
gave this offender a good beating. This man afterwards confessed that,
wandering away from his