eats of the subjects of his black
majesty, and the following morning got out the long-boat, with
implements for getting in water and cutting wood. The latter was already
cut to our hands, as the surrounding country was one mass of fuel, that
had decayed, and been blown down by the tempest. The water was close
by--a most beautiful crystal stream; but the moment we had commenced
work, we saw an enormous number of people, with swords, spears, and
daggers, approaching towards us. We formed a line, primed and loaded,
and prepared for a fight; but, resolved not to be the aggressors, we
again dispatched the native servant to endeavour to reason them into
compliance; for which purpose, a small safeguard went with him. After a
great deal of threatening and blustering, they consented to sell the
water for five dollars per butt, and the wood in proportion. This
exorbitant claim was of course rejected with indignation; but, still
wishing to keep friendly with them, we offered one dollar per butt. This
was refused by them, and the servant returned. Meantime, we continued
filling our water utensils and collecting firewood, with the greatest
industry, keeping our eyes on them all the while. There appeared to be a
deal of consultation among the natives, and a number of messengers going
and coming; at last an arrow was fired, which fell close to where I was
standing. Another soon followed it; and the officer in command of our
party then ordered two or three men to fire in the air. This alarmed
them so, that they took to their heels and ran shouting into the woods,
and we went hard to work. In about an hour, the inhabitants, encouraged
by our pacific appearance, sent a man to inform us, that "his majesty
had been pleased to permit the strangers to tread upon the margin of his
country, and drink his water of mercy" (so interpreted by the native
servant), and that "his majesty would come and hold communion of
friendship with the strangers on the following day, if the day was
auspicious; that we might drink as much water of his mercy as we
pleased, and cut as much wood; but his majesty begged we would not
attempt to make incursions into his country, as he could not be held
responsible, if his elephants and bull-dogs got loose, and destroyed the
strangers; and further, that he would, in his most gracious mercy, send
us all sorts of fruits, &c., at a moderate price." To this message we
returned a very gracious answer; and about ten the followin