age consisting of about twenty or thirty
families; and were received by them with great hospitality. They
presented us with bread fruit and the milk of cocoanuts, while the
wonder and astonishment of those who had not as yet seen us,
particularly the women and children, were expressed by the most
uncouth grimaces, attended with boisterous laughter, and capering
around us. What more particularly excited their astonishment was the
whiteness of our skins, and their mirth knew no bounds when they heard
us converse.

Early on the morning of the 20th, we were ordered to go to work upon
the boat; but at the request of a number, this duty was dispensed
with, and we permitted to stroll about the Island. A number went to
the village, carrying with them muskets, at the report of which and
the effect produced by the balls, the natives were struck with wonder
and astonishment. The reader will no doubt agree with us when we
pronounce this to have been a bad policy, for they certainly disliked
to have visitors possessed of such formidable and destructive weapons.
They however continued to visit the tent without discovering any
hostile intentions, and we continued to put the utmost confidence in
them, or more properly speaking to live without any fear of them.

I (William Lay,) left the tent on a visit to the village, where I was
received with the same kindness as before.--An old man between 50 and
60 years of age, pressed me to go to his house and tarry during the
night, which I did.--The natives continued in and around the tent
until a late hour, gratifying their curiosity by a sight of me. I was
provided with some mats to sleep upon, but the rats, with which the
Island abounds, prevented my enjoying much sleep.

At 10 o'clock I took my leave of them, with the exception of a number,
who accompanied me to the tent.

Silas Payne and John Oliver, together with two or three others, set
out in one of the boats, for the purpose of exploring the Island, and
making new discoveries, leaving the rest of us to guard the tent. They
were absent but one night, when they returned, bringing with them two
young women, whom Payne and Oliver took as their wives. The women
apparently showing no dissatisfaction, but on the contrary appeared
much diverted. Payne now put such confidence in the natives, that he
dispensed with having a watch kept during the night, and slept as
secure as though he had been in his native country.

Payne, on awaking near