the distance of a quarter of a mile;
but, upon entering it, it is seen to expand into two large
basins, at least as secure as any of the docks on the banks of
the Thames, and capable of containing (I think) the whole British
navy. We found the wreck of the Boyd in shoal water, at the top
of the harbour, a most melancholy picture of wanton mischief. The
natives had cut her cables, and towed her up the harbour till she
had grounded, and then set her on fire, and burnt her to the
water's edge. In her hold were seen the remains of her
cargo--coals, salted seal skins, and planks. Her guns, iron,
standards, etc., were lying on the top, having fallen in when her
decks were consumed.

"The cargo must have been very valuable; but it appears that the
captain, anxious to make a better voyage, had come to that port
for the purpose of filling up with spars for the Cape of Good
Hope.

"Not to tire you with the minutia of the business, I recovered
from the natives a woman, two children, and a boy of the name of
Davies, one of your apprentices, who were the only survivors. I
found also the accompanying papers, which, I hope, may prove of
service to you. I did all this by gentle measures, and you will
admit that bloodshed and revenge would have answered no good
purpose. The ship was taken the third morning after her arrival.
The captain had been rather too hasty in resenting some slight
theft. Early in the morning the ship was surrounded by a great
number of canoes, and many natives gradually insinuated
themselves on board. Tippahee, a chief of the Bay of Islands, and
who had been twice at Port Jackson, also arrived; he went into
the cabin, and, after paying his respects to the captain, begged
a little bread for his men; but the captain received him rather
slightingly, and desired him to go away, and not trouble him, as
he was busy.

"The proud old savage (who had been a constant guest at the
Governor's table at Port Jackson) was highly offended at this
treatment, immediately left the cabin, and, after stamping a few
minutes on the deck, went into his canoe. After breakfast the
captain went on shore with four hands, and no other arms but his
fowling-piece. From the account of the savages, as soon as he
landed they rushed upon him; he had only ti