and carried off a
boat, appropriated to the use of the lookout house, and put to sea in
her, doubtless with a view of reaching any port they could arrive at, and
asserting their freedom. They had all come out in the last fleet; and for
some time previous to their elopement, had been collecting fishing tackle,
and hoarding up provisions, to enable them to put their scheme into
execution*.

[*They have never since been heard of. Before they went away, they tried in
vain to procure firearms. If they were not swallowed by the sea, probably
they were cut off by the natives, on some part of the coast where their
necessities obliged them to land.]

CHAPTER IX.

Transactions of the Colony in part of September and October, 1790.

From so unfavourable an omen as I have just related, who could
prognosticate that an intercourse with the natives was about to commence!
That the foundation of what neither entreaty, munificence, or humanity,
could induce, should be laid by a deed, which threatened to accumulate
scenes of bloodshed and horror was a consequence which neither speculation
could predict, or hope expect to see accomplished.

On the 15th a fire being seen on the north shore of the harbour, a party
of our people went thither, accompanied by Nanbaree and Abaroo. They found
there Baneelon, and several other natives, and much civility passed, which
was cemented by a mutual promise to meet in the afternoon at the same
place. Both sides were punctual to their engagement, and no objection being
made to our landing, a party of us went ashore to them unarmed. Several
little presents, which had been purposely brought, were distributed among
them; and to Baneelon were given a hatchet and a fish. At a distance stood
some children, who, though at first timorous and unwilling to approach,
were soon persuaded to advance, and join the men.

A bottle of wine was produced, and Baneelon immediately prepared for the
charge. Bread and beef he called loudly for, which were given to him, and
he began to eat, offering a part of his fare to his countrymen, two of whom
tasted the beef, but none of them would touch the bread. Having finished
his repast, he made a motion to be shaved, and a barber being present, his
request was complied with, to the great admiration of his countrymen, who
laughed and exclaimed at the operation. They would not, however, consent
to undergo it, but suffered their beards to be clipped with a pair of
scisso