1/2 W. In running
down to the road, from the S.E. point of the island, we saw the
appearance of shoal water in several places, at a considerable
distance from the land; and when we were about two miles to the
eastward of the anchoring-place, and two or three miles from the
shore, we got into four and a half fathoms water, although our
soundings had usually been seven and eight fathoms.

We had no sooner anchored in our old station, than several canoes came
along-side of us; but we could observe that they did not welcome us
with the same cordiality in their manner, and satisfaction in their
countenances, as when we were here before. As soon as they got on
board, one of the men began to tell us, that we had left a disorder
amongst their women, of which several persons of both sexes had died.
He was himself afflicted with the venereal disease, and gave a very
full and minute account of the various symptoms with which it had been
attended. As there was not the slightest appearance of that disorder
amongst them on our first arrival, I am afraid it is not to be denied
that we were the authors of this irreparable mischief.

Our principal object here was to water the ships with the utmost
expedition; and I was sent on shore early in the afternoon, with the
pinnace and launch laden with casks. The gunner of the Resolution
accompanied me to trade for provisions, and we had a guard of five
marines. We found a considerable number of people collected upon the
beach, who received us at first with great kindness; but as soon as
we got the casks on shore, began to be exceedingly troublesome. Former
experience having taught me how difficult it was to repress this
disposition, without having recourse to the authority of their chiefs,
I was very sorry to find that they were all at another part of the
island. Indeed we soon felt the want of their assistance; for it was
with great difficulty I was able to form a circle, according to our
usual practice, for the convenience and security of the trading party,
and had no sooner done it, and posted guards to keep off the crowd,
than I saw a man laying hold of the bayonet of one of the soldiers'
muskets, and endeavouring, with all his force, to wrench it out of his
hand. On my coming up to them, the native let go his hold and retired,
but returned in a moment, with a spear in one hand and a dagger in the
other; and his countrymen had much ado to restrain him from trying
his prowess with the so