 Book 2, Chapter 12 of A Voyage Towards the South Pole and Round the World, Volume 1 by James Cook. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by David Cole, Chapter 12. Some account of a visit from O2 Toha and several other chiefs. Also of a robbery committed by one of the natives and its consequences, with general observations on the subject, 1774 April. In the morning of the 27th I received a present from Toha, consisting of two large hogs and some fruit, sent by two of his servants, who had orders not to receive anything in return. Or would they when offered them? Soon after I went down to Oparee in my boat, where, having found both this chief and the king after a short stay, I brought them on board to dinner, together with Taree Vattu, the king's younger brother and tea. As soon as we drew near the ship, the admiral, who had never seen one before, began to express much surprise at so new a sight. He was conducted all over the ship, every part of which he viewed with great attention. On this occasion O2 was the principal showman, for by this time he was well acquainted with the different parts of the ship. After dinner Toha put a hog on board and retired, without my knowing anything of the matter, or having made him any return either for this or the present I had in the morning, soon after the king and his attendants went away also. O2 not only seemed to pay this chief much respect, but was desirous I should do the same, and yet he was jealous of him, but on what account we knew not. It was but the day before that he frankly told us Toha was not his friend. Both these chiefs went on board solicited me to assist them against Tiarabu, not withstanding a peace at this time subsisted between the two kingdoms, and we were told their joint force was to go against Iamia. Whether this was done with a view to breaking with their neighbors and allies if I had promised them assistance, or only to sound my disposition I know not, probably they would have been ready enough to have embraced an opportunity which would have enabled them to conquer that kingdom and annex it to their own as it formerly was. Be this as it may I heard no more of it, indeed I gave them no encouragement. Next day we had a present of Ahag Senpa Wahiatua, king of Tiarabu. For this in return he desired a few red feathers which were, together with other things, sent him accordingly. Mr. Forster and his party set out for the mountains, with an intent to stay out all night. I did not go out of the ship this day. Early in the morning of the 29th O2 Toha and several other grandees came on board and brought with them as presents not only provisions but some of the most valuable curiosities of the island. I made them returns with which they were well pleased. I likewise took this opportunity to repay the civilities I had received from Toha. The night before, one of the natives attempting to steal a water cask from the watering place, was caught in the act, sent on board and put in irons, in which situation O2 and the other chiefs saw him. Having made known his crime to them, O2 begged he might be set at liberty. Thus I refused, telling him, that since I punished my people, when they committed the least offence against his, it was but just this man should be punished also. And as I knew he would not do it, I was resolved to do it myself. Accordingly I ordered the man to be carried on shore to the tents, and having followed myself with O2, Toha and others, I ordered the guard out under arms, and the man to be tied up to a post. O2, his sister and some others begged hard for him. Toha said not one word, but was very attentive to everything going forward. I expostulated O2 on the conduct of this man, and half his people in general, telling him that neither I nor any of my people took anything from them without first paying for it, enumerating the articles we gave in exchange for such and such things, and urging that it was wrong in them to steal from us who were their friends. I moreover told him that the punishing this man would be the means of saving the lives of others of his people, by deterring them for committing crimes of this nature, in which some would certainly be shot dead one time or another. With these and other arguments, which I believe he pretty well understood, he seemed satisfied, and only desired the man might not be Mataru or killed. I then ordered the crowd, which was very great, to be kept at a proper distance, and in the presence of them all ordered the fellow two dozen lashes with a cat and nine tails, which he bore with great firmness, and was then set at liberty. After this the natives were going away, but Toha stepped forth, called them back, and deranged them for near half an hour. His speech consisted of short sentences, very little of which I understood. But from what we could gather, he recapitulated part of what I had said to Otu, named several advantages they had received from us, condemned their present conduct, and recommended a different one for the future, the gracefulness of his action, and the attention with which he was heard bespoke him a great orator. Otu said not one word. As soon as Toha and ended his speech, I ordered the marines to go through their exercise and to load and fire in volleys with bore, and as they were very quick in their maneuvers, it is easier to conceive than to describe the amazement the natives were under the whole time, especially those who had not seen anything of the kind before. This being over, the chiefs took leave and retired with all their attendance, scarcely more pleased than frightened had what they had seen. In the evening Mr. Forster and his party returned from the mountains, where he had spent the night, having found some new plants and some others which grew in New Zealand. He saw Wahene, which lies forty leeks to the westward, by which a judgment may be formed of the height of the mountains in Ota Hiti. Next morning I had an opportunity to see the people of ten walka-noos go through part of their paddling exercise. They had put off from the shore before I was surprised of it, so that I was only present at their landing. They were properly equipped for war, the warriors with their arms and dressed in their war habits, etc. In landing I observed that the moment the canoe touched the ground, all the rowers leaped out, and, with the assistance of a few people on the shore, dragged the canoe on dry land to her proper place. Which being done, everyone walked off with his paddle, etc. All this was executed with such expedition, that in five minutes time after putting ashore, you could not tell that anything of the kind had been going forward. I thought these vessels were thinly manned with rowers, the most being not above thirty and the least sixteen or eighteen. I observed the warriors on the stage encouraged the rowers to exert themselves. Some youths set high up in the curved stern, above the steersmen, with white wands in their hands. I know not what they were placed there for, unless it was to look out and direct, or give notice of what they saw, as they were elevated above everyone else. Tali Vattu, the king's brother, gave me the first notice of these canoes being at sea, and knowing that Mr. Hodges made drawings of everything curious, desired of his own accord that he might be sent for. I, being at this time on shore with Tali Vattu, Mr. Hodges was therefore with me and had an opportunity to collect some materials for a large drawing or picture of the fleet-assembled oparee, which conveys a far better idea of it than can be expressed by words. Being present when the warriors undressed, I was surprised at the quantity and weight of cloth they had upon them, not conceiving how it was possible for them to stand under it in time of battle. Not a little was wrapped round their heads as a turban and made into a cap. This indeed might be necessary in preventing a broken head. Many had, fixed to one of this sort of caps, dried branches of small shrubs, covered over with white feathers, which, however, could only be for ornament. 1774, May. On the first of May I had a very great supply of provisions sent and brought by different chiefs, and the next day received a present from Toha, sent by his servants, consisting of a hog and a boatload of various sorts of fruits and roots. The like-present I also had from Ohtu, brought by Tali Vattu, who stayed dinner, after which I went down to Oparee, paid a visit to Ohtu, and returned on board in the evening. On the third, in looking into the conditions of our sea provisions, we found that the biscuit was in a state of decay, and that the airing and picking we had given it at New Zealand had not been of that service we expected and intended, so that we were obliged to take it all on shore here, where it underwent another airing and cleaning, in which a good deal was found wholly rotten and unfit to be eaten. We could not well account for this decay in our bread, especially as it was packed in good casks and stowed in a dry part of the hold. We judged it was owing to the ice we so frequently took in, and to the southward, which made the hold damp and cold, and to the great heat which succeeded when to the north. Be it this or any other cause, the loss was the same to us. It put us to a scanty allowance of this article, and we had bad bread to eat, too. On the fourth, nothing worthy of note. On the fifth, the king and several other great men paid us a visit, and brought with them as usual some hogs and fruit. In the afternoon the botanists set out for the mountains and returned the following evening, having made some new discoveries in their way. On going ashore in the morning of the seventh, I found O2 at the tents, and took the opportunity to ask his leave to cut down some trees for fuel. He not well understanding me, I took him to some growing near the seashore, where I presently made him comprehend what I wanted, and he as readily gave his consent. I told him at the same time that I should cut down no trees that bore any fruit. He was pleased with this declaration and told it aloud several times to the people about us. In the afternoon this chief and the whole of the royal family fears his father, brother, and three sisters paid us a visit on board. This was properly his father's visit of ceremony. He brought me as a present a complete morning dress, a curiosity we most valued. In return I gave him whatever he desired, which was not a little, and having distributed red feathers to all the others, conducted them ashore in my boat. O2 was so well pleased with the reception he and his friends met with, that he told me at parting I might cut down as many trees as I pleased, and what sort I pleased. During the night between the seventh and eighth, some time in the middle watch, all our friendly connections received an interruption through the negligence of one of the sentinels on shore. He having either slept or quitted his post, gave one of the natives an opportunity to carry off his musket. The first news I heard of it was from T, whom O2 had sent on board for that purpose, and to desire that I would go to him, for that he was Matau Ued. We were not well enough acquainted with their language to understand all T's story, but we understood enough to know that something had happened which had alarmed the king. In order, therefore, to be fully informed, I went to shore with T and Tarevatu, who had slept aboard all night. As soon as we landed, I was informed of the whole by the sergeant who commanded the party. I found the natives all alarmed, and the most of them fled. Tarevatu slipped from me in a moment, and hardly any remained by me but T. With him I went to look for O2, and as we advanced I endeavored to allay the fears of the people, but at the same time insisted on the musket being restored. After travelling some distance into the country, inquiring of everyone we saw for O2, T stopped all at once and advised me to return, saying that O2 was gone to the mountains, and he would proceed and tell him that I was still his friend. A question which had been asked me fifty times by different people, and if I was angry, etc. T also promised that he would use his endeavors to recover the musket. I was now satisfied it was to no purpose to go further, for although I was alone and unarmed, O2's fears were such that he durst not see me, and therefore I took T's advice and returned aboard. After this I sent OEDD to O2 to let him know that his fears were ill-grounded, for that I only required the return of the musket, which I knew was in his power. Soon after OEDD was gone we observed six large canoes coming round Point Venus. Some people whom I had sent out to watch the conduct of the neighbouring inhabitants informed me they were laden with baggage, fruit, hugs, etc. There being room for suspecting that some person belonging to these canoes had committed the theft, I presently came to a resolution to intercept them, and having put off in a boat for that purpose gave orders for another to follow. One of the canoes which were some distance ahead of the rest came directly for the ship. I went alongside this, and found two or three women in her whom I knew. They told me they were going on board the ship with something for me, and on my inquiring of them for O2 was told he was then at the tents. Pleased with this news I contradicted the orders I had given for intercepting the other canoes, thinking they might be coming on board also, as well as this one, which I left within a few yards of the ship, and rode ashore to speak with O2, but when I landed I was told that he had not been there, nor knew they anything of him. On my looking behind me I saw all the canoes making off in the greatest haste. Even the one I had left alongside the ship had evaded going on board, and was making her escape. Vexed at being thus outwitted I resolved to pursue them, and as I passed the ship gave orders to send another boat for the same purpose, five out of six we took and brought alongside, but the first, which acted the finesse so well, got clear off. When we got on board with our prizes I learnt that the people who had deceived me used no endeavours to lay hold of the ship on the side they were up on, but let their canoe drop past, as if they meant to come under the stern or on the other side, and that the moment they were past they paddled off with all speed. Thus the canoe, in which there were only a few women, was to have amused us with four stories as they actually did, while the others, in which were most of the effects, got off. In one of the canoes we had taken was a chief, a friend of Mr. Forsters, who had hitherto called himself an earee, and would have been much offended if any one had called his title in question. Also three women, his wife and daughter, and the mother of the late, to Ataha. These together with the canoes I resolved to detain, and to send the chief to Otu, thinking he would have weight enough with him to obtain the return of the musket, as his own property was at stake. He was, however, very unwilling to go on this embassy, and made various excuses, one of which was his being of too lower rank for this honourable employment, saying he was no earee, but amata hauna, and therefore was not a fit person to be sent, that an earee ought to be sent to speak to an earee. And as there was no earees but Otu and myself, it would be much more proper for me to go. All his arguments would have availed him little, if T and Odidi had not at this time come on board, and given a new turn to the affair, by declaring that the man who stole the musket was from Tiarabu, and had gone with it to that kingdom, so that it was not in the power of Otu to recover it. I very much doubted their veracity, till they asked me to send a boat to Wahiatua, the king of Tiarabu, and offer to go themselves in her, and get it. I asked why this could not be done without my sending a boat. They said it would not otherwise be given to them. This story of theirs, although it did not quite satisfy me, nevertheless carried with it a probability of truth, for which reason I thought it better to drop the affair altogether, rather than to punish a nation for a crime I was not sure any of its members had committed. I therefore suffered my new ambassador to depart with his two canoes without executing his commission. The other three canoes belonged to Teritata, a Tiarabu chief, who had been some days about the tents, and there was good reason to believe it was one of his people that carried off the musket. I intended to have detained them, but as T and Odedi both assured me that Maritata and his people were quite innocent, I suffered them to be taken away also, and desired T to tell Otu that I should give myself no farther concern about the musket, since I was satisfied none of his people had stolen it. Indeed, I thought it was irrecoverably lost, but in the dusk of the evening it was brought to the tents, together with some other things we had lost, which we knew nothing of, by three men who had pursued the thief and taken them from him. I know not if they took this trouble of their own accord or by the order of Otu. I rewarded them and made no other inquiry about it. These men, as well as some others present, assured me that it was one of Maritata's people who had committed this theft, which vexed me that I had let his canoes so easily slip through my fingers. Here I believe both T and Odedi designately deceived me. When the musket and other things were brought in, everyone then present, or who came after, pretended to have had some hand in recovering them, and claimed a reward accordingly. But there was no one who acted this fast so well as no one, a man of some note, and well known to us when I was here in 1769. This man came, with all the savage fury imaginable in his countenance, and a large club in his hand, with which he beat about him, in order to show us how he alone had killed the thief. When at the same time we all knew that he had not been out of his house the whole time. Thus ended this troublesome day, and next morning early, T, Otu's faithful ambassador, came again on board to acquaint me that Otu was gone to Opari, and desired I would send a person, one of the natives, as I understood, to tell him that I was till his tear. I asked him why he did not do this himself, as I had desired. He made some excuse. But I believe the truth was he had not seen him. In short, I found it was necessary for me to go myself, for while we thus spent our time in messages, we remained without fruit, a stop being put to all exchanges of this nature. That is, the natives brought nothing to market. Accordingly a party set out with tea in our company, and proceeded to the very utmost limits of Opari, where, after waiting some considerable time, and several messages having passed, the king at last made his appearance. After he receded under the shade of some trees as usual, and the first salutations were over, he desired me to paru, that is to speak. Accordingly, I began with blaming him for being frightened and alarmed at what had happened, since I had always professed myself his friend, and I was not angry with him or any of his people, but with those of Tiarabu, who were the thieves. I was then asked how I came to fire at the canoes. Chance on this occasion furnished me with a good excuse. I told them that they belonged to Maritata, a Tiarabu man, one of whose people had stolen the musket, and occasioned all this disturbance, and if I had them in my power I would destroy them or any other belonging to Tiarabu. This declaration pleased them, as I expected, from the natural aversion the one kingdom has to the other. What I said was enforced by presence, which perhaps had the greatest weight with them. Thus were things once more restored to their former state, and Otu promised on his part that the next day we should be supplied with fruit, etc., as usual. We then returned with him to his proper residence at Opari, and there took a view of some of the dockyards, for such they will deserve to be called, and large canoes, some lately built in others' building, two of which were the largest I had ever seen in this sea, or indeed anywhere else under that name. This done we returned on board with Tiarabu company, who, after he had dined with us, went to inform old Happy, the king's father, that all matters were again accommodated. This old chief was at this time in the neighborhood of Matavai, and it should seem from what followed that he was not pleased with the conditions, for the same evening all the women, which were not a few, were sent for out of the ship, and people stationed on different parts of the shore to prevent any from coming off. And at the next morning no supplies whatever being brought, on my inquiring into the reason, I was told Happy, matter outward. Shagren at this disappointment, as I was, I forebore taking any step, from a supposition that Tiarabu had not seen him, for that Otu's orders had not yet reached Matavai. A supply of fruit sent us from Opari, and some brought us by our friends, served us for the present, and made us less anxious about it. Thus Matta stood till the afternoon, when Otu, himself, came to the tents with a large supply. Thither I went and expostulated him, for not permitting the people in our neighborhood, to bring us fruit as usual, insisting on his giving immediate orders about it. Which he either did or had done before, for presently after, more was brought us than we could well manage. This was not to be wondered at, for the people had everything in readiness to bring, the moment they were permitted, and I believe thought themselves as much injured by the restriction as we did. Otu, designed to see some of the great guns fire from the ship, I ordered twelve to be shotted and fired towards the sea. As he had never seen a cannon fired before, the sight gave him as much pain as pleasure. In the evening we entertained him with fireworks, which gave him great satisfaction. Thus ended all our differences, on which I beg leave to suggest the following remarks. I have had occasion before in this journal, to observe that these people were continually watching opportunities to rob us. This their gardeners either encouraged, or had not power to prevent, but most probably the former, because the offender was always screened. That they should commit such daring thefts was the more extraordinary, as they frequently run the risk of being shot in the attempt. And if the article that they stole was of any consequence, they knew they should be obliged to make restitution. The moment a theft of this kind was committed, it spread like a wind over the whole neighborhood. They judged of the consequences from what they had got. If it were a trifle, and such an article as we usually gave them, little or no notice was taken of it. And if the contrary, everyone took the alarm, and moved off with his movables in all haste, the chief then was matter-out, giving orders to bring us no supplies, and fly into some distant part. All this was sometimes done so suddenly, that we obtained by these appearances the first intelligence of our being robbed. Whether we obliged them to make restitution or no, the chief must be reconciled before any of the people were permitted to bring in refreshments. They knew very well we could not do without them, and therefore they never failed strictly to observe this rule, without ever considering that all their walk anews, on which the strength of their nation depends, their houses and even the very fruit they refused to supply us with, were entirely in our power. It is hard to say how they would act, were one to destroy any of these things. Except the detaining some of their canoes for a while, I never touched the least article of their property. Of the two extremes I always chose that which appeared the most equitable and mild. A trifling present to the chief always succeeded to my wish, and very often put things upon a better footing than they had been before, that they were the first aggressors had very little influence on my conduct in this respect. Because no difference happened, but when it was so, my people very rarely or never broke through the rules I thought it necessary to prescribe. Had I observed a different conduct, I must have been a loser by it in the end, and all I could expect, after destroying some part of their property, would have been the empty honour of obliging them to make the first overture towards an accommodation. But who knows if this would have been the event? Three things made them our fast friends, their own good nature and benevolent disposition, gentle treatment at our part, and the dread of our firearms. By our ceasing to observe the second, the first would have worn out of course, and the two frequent use of the latter would have excited a spirit of revenge, and perhaps have taught them that firearms were not such terrible things as they had imagined. They were very sensible of the superiority of their numbers, and no one knows what an enraged multitude might do. Book 2, Chapter 12, Recording by David Cole, Medway, Massachusetts. Book 2, Chapter 13, of Volume 1, of A Voyage Towards the South Pole and Round the World, Volume 1, by James Cook. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by David Cole, Chapter 13. Preparations to leave the island. Another naval review in various other incidents. With some account of the island, its naval force and number of inhabitants, 1774 May. In the morning of the eleventh, a very large supply of fruit was brought us from all parts. Some of it came from Toha, the admiral, sent as usual by his servants, with orders to receive nothing in return. But he desired I would go and see him at Atahuru, as he was ill and could not come to me. As I could not well undertake this journey, I sent OED along with Toha's servants, with a present suitable to that which I had in so gentile a manner received from him. As the most essential repairs of the ship were nearly finished, I resolved to leave Otahiti in a few days, and accordingly ordered everything to be got off from the shore, that the natives might see we were about to depart. On the twelfth, old Obaria, the woman who, when the dolphin was here in 1767, was thought to be queen of the island, and whom I had not seen since 1769, paid us a visit and brought a present of hogs and fruit. Soon after came O2 with a great retinue and a large quantity of provisions. I was pretty liberal in my returns, thinking it might be the last time I should see these good people, who had so liberally relieved our wants, and in the evening entertain them with fireworks. On the thirteenth, wind-easterly fair weather, nevertheless we were not ready to sail as O2 had made me promise to see him again, and I had a present to make him, which I reserved the last. OEDD was not yet come back from Atahuru. Veris reports arose concerning him. Some said he had returned to Matavai, others that he would not return, and some would have it that he was at Opari. In order to know more of the truth, a party of us in the evening went down to Opari, where we found him and likewise Toha, who, notwithstanding his illness, had resolved to see me before I sailed, and had got thus far on his journey. He was afflicted with a swelling in his feet and legs, which had entirely taken away the use of them. As the day was far spent, we were obliged to shorten our stay, and after seeing O2, we returned with OEDD on board. This use I found was desirous of remaining at this aisle, having before told him, as likewise many others, that we should not return. I now mention to him that he was at liberty to remain here, or to quit his Aduliteya, or to go with us to England, frankly owning that, if he chose the latter. It was very probable he would never return to this country, in which case I would take care of him, and he must afterwards look upon me as his father. He threw his arms about me and wept much, saying many people persuaded him to remain at Otahiti. I told him to go ashore and speak to his friends, and then come to me in the morning. He was well beloved in the ship, so that everyone was persuading him to go with us, telling what great things he would see in England, and the immense riches, according to his idea of riches, he would return with. But I thought it proper to undeceive him, as knowing that the only inducement of his going was the expectation of returning, and I could see no prospect of an opportunity of that kind happening, unless a ship should be expressly sent out for that purpose, which neither I nor anyone else had a right to expect. I thought it an act of the highest injustice, to take a person from these aisles under any promise which was not in my power to perform. At this time indeed it was quite unnecessary, for many U.S. voluntarily offered themselves to go, and even to remain and die in Pretani, as they call our country. Otahiti impotuned me much to take one or two to collect red feathers for him at Amsterdam, willing to risk the chance of their returning. Some of the gentlemen on board were likewise desirous of taking some as servants, but I refused every solicitation of this kind, knowing from experience they would be of no use to us in the course of the voyage. And further my views were not extended. What had the greatest weight with me was, the thinking myself bound to see they were afterwards properly taken care of, as they could not be carried from their native spot without consent. Next morning early OED came on board, with a resolution to remain on the island. But Mr. Forster prevailed upon him to go with a stuulitea. Soon after, Toha, Patatu, Oamu, Hapi, Oberea, and several more of our friends came on board with fruit, et cetera. Toha was hoisted in and placed on a chair on the quarter-deck. His wife was with him. Amongst the various articles which I gave this chief was an English pendant, which pleased him more than all the rest, especially after he had been instructed in the use of it. We had no sooner dispatched our friends than we saw a number of walkenews coming around the point of Opari. Being desirous of having a nearer view of them, accompanied by some of the officers and gentlemen, I hastened down to Opari, which we reached before all the canoes were landed, and had an opportunity of seeing in what manner they approached the shore. When they got before the place where they intended to land, they formed themselves into divisions consisting of three or four, or perhaps more, lashed square and close alongside of each other. And then each division, one after the other, paddled in for the shore with all their might, and conducted in so judicious a manner that they formed and closed a line along the shore to an inch. The rowers were encouraged to exert their strength by their leaders on the stages, and directed by a man who stood to the wand in his hand in the forepart of the middlemost vessel. This man, by words and actions, directed the paddlers when all should paddle, when either the one side or the other should cease, et cetera, for the steering paddles alone were not sufficient to direct them. All these motions they observed with such quickness as clearly showed them to be expert in their business. After Mr. Hodges had made a drawing of them, as they lay ranged along the shore, we landed and took a nearer view of them by going on board several. This fleet consisted of 40 sail, equipped in the same manner as those we had seen before, belonged to the small district Tattaha, and were come to Operee to be reviewed before the king, as the former fleet had been. There were attending on his fleet some small double canoes, which they called marais, having on their forepart a kind of double bed place laid over with green leaves, each just sufficient to hold one man. These, they told us, were to lay their dead upon. Their chiefs, I suppose, they meant. Otherwise, their slain must be few. O2, who was present, caused at my request some of their troops to go through their exercise on shore. Two parties first began with clubs, but this was over almost as soon as begun, so that I had no time to make my observations upon it. They then went to single combat and exhibited the various methods of fighting with great alertness, parrying off the blows and pushes which each combatant aimed at the other with great dexterity. Their arms were clubs and spears, the latter they also used as darts. In fighting with the club, all blows intended to be given the legs were evaded by leaping over it, and those intended for the head by crouching a little and leaping on one side, thus the blow would fall to the ground. The spear or dart was parried by fixing the point of a spear on the ground right before them, holding it in an inclined position, more or less elevated according to the part of the body. They saw their antagonist intending to make a push or throw his dart at, and by moving the hand a little to the right or left, either the one or the other was turned up with great ease. I thought that when one combatant had parried off the blows, etc., the other, he did not use the advantage which seemed to me to accrue. As for instance, after he had parried off a dart, he still stood on the defensive and suffered his antagonist to take up another, when I thought there was time to run him through the body. These combatants had no superfluous dress upon them, and a necessary piece of cloth or two, which they head on when they began, were presently torn off by the bystanders, and given to some of the gentlemen present. This being over, the fleet departed, not in any order but as fast as they could be got afloat, and we went with O2 to one of his dockyards, where the two large pahies or canoes were building, each of which was 108 feet long. They were almost ready to launch, and were intended to make one joint double pahie or canoe. The king begged of me a grappling and rope, to which I added an English jack and pendant, with the use of which he was well acquainted, and desired the pahie might be called Britannia. This he very readily agreed to, and she was named accordingly. After this he gave me a hog and a turtle of about 60 pounds weight, which was put privately into our boat, giving it away, not being agreeable to some of the great lords about him, who were thus deprived of a feast. He likewise would have given me a large shark. They had prisoner in a creek, some of his fins being cut off, so that he could not make his escape. But the fine pork and fish we had got at this aisle had spoiled our palates for such food. The king and tea his prime minister accompanied us on board to dinner, and after it was over, took a most affectionate farewell. He hardly ever ceased soliciting me this day to return to O2hete. And just before he went out of the ship, took a youth by the hand, and presented him to me, desiring I would keep him on board to go to Amsterdam to collect red feathers. I told him I could not, since I knew he would never return, but that if any ship should happen to come from Britain to this aisle, I would either bring or send him red feathers in abundance. This in some measure satisfied him, but the youth was exceedingly desirous of going. And if I had not come to a resolution to carry no one from the aisles, except OEDD if he chose to go, and but just refused Mr. Forster the liberty of taking a boy, I believe I should have consented. O2hete remained alongside in his canoe, till we were under sail, when we put off and loaded with three guns. Our treatment here was such as had induced one of our gunners mates to form a plan to remain at this aisle. He knew he could not executed with success, while we lay in the bay. Therefore, it took the opportunity, as soon as we were out, the boats in and sail set, to slip overboard being a good swimmer. But he was discovered before he got clear of the ship, and we presently hoisted a boat out and took him up. A canoe was observed about halfway between us and the shore, seemingly coming after us. She was intended to take him up, but as soon as the people in her saw our boat, they kept at a distance. This was a preconcerted plan between the man and them, which O2hete was acquainted with and had encouraged. When I considered this man's situation in life, I did not think him so culpable, nor the resolution he had taken of staying here so extraordinary, as it made first appear. He was an Irishman by birth and had sailed in the Dutch service. I picked him up at Batavia on my return from my former voyage, and he had been with me ever since. I never learnt that he had either friends or connections to confine him to any particular part of the world. All nations were alike to him. Where, then, could such a man be more happy than at one of these aisles? Where, in one of the finest climates in the world, he could enjoy not only the necessaries, but the luxuries of life in ease and plenty. I know not if he might not have obtained my consent if he had applied for it in a proper time. As soon as we had got him on board and the boat in, I steered for wahene in order to pay a visit to our friends there. But before we leave Otahete, it will be necessary to give some account of the present state of that island, especially as it differs very much from what it was eight months before. I have already mentioned the improvements we found in the plains of Opori and Matavai. The same was observable in every other part into which we came. It seemed to us almost incredible that so many large canoes and houses could be built in so short a time as eight months. The iron tools which they had got from the English and other nations who have lately touched at the isle had no doubt greatly accelerated the work. And they had no want of hands, as I shall soon make appear. The number of hogs was another thing that excited our wonder. Probably they were not so scarce when we were here before, as we imagined, and at not choosing to part with any, they had conveyed them out of our sight. Be this as it may, we now not only got as many as we could consume during our stay, but some to take to sea with us. When I was last here, I conceived but an unfavorable opinion of Otu's talents. The improvements since made in the island convinced me of my mistake, and he must have been a man of good parts. He had indeed some judicious sensible men about him who, I believe, had a great share in the government. In truth, we know not how far his power extended as king, nor how far he could command the assistance of the other chiefs, or was controllable by them. It would seem, however, that all had contributed towards bringing the island to its present flourishing state. We cannot doubt that there were divisions amongst the great men of the state, as well as of most others. For else, why did the king tell us that Toha the Admiral and Poa Tatu were not his friends? They were two leading chiefs, and he must have been jealous of them on account of their great power, for on every occasion he seemed to caught their interest. We had reason to believe that they raised by far the greatest number of vessels and men to go against Iamia, and were to be two of the commanders in the expedition, which we were told was to take place five days after our departure. Why he, Attua, king of Tirabu, was to send a fleet to join the Otu to assist him in reducing to obedience the chief of Iamia. I think we were told that that young prince was one of the commanders. One would suppose that so small an island as Iamia would hardly have attempted to make head against the united force of these two kingdoms, but have endeavored to settle matters by negotiation. Yet we heard of no such thing. On the contrary, everyone spoke of nothing but fighting. Toha told us more than once that he should die there, which in some measure shows that he thought of it. Oedede told me the battle would be fought at sea, in which case the other must have a fleet nearly equal, if not quite to the one going against them, which I think was not probable. It was therefore more likely they would remain ashore upon the defensive, as we were told they did about five or six years ago when attacked by the people of Tirabu, whom they repulsed. Five general officers were to command in this expedition, of which number Otu was one. And if they named them in order according to the post they held, Otu was only the third in command. This seems probable enough, as being but a young man, he could not have sufficient experience to command such an expedition, where the greatest skill and judgment seemed to be necessary. I confess I would willingly have stayed five days longer, had I been sure the expedition would have then taken place, but it rather seemed that they wanted us to be gone first. We had been all along told it would be 10 moons before it took place. And it was not till the evening before we sailed that Otu and Toha told us it was to be five days after we were gone. As it was necessary to have that time to put everything in order, for while we lay there, great part of their time and attention was taken up with us. I had observed that for several days before we sailed, Otu and the other chiefs had ceased to solicit my assistance as they were continually doing it first, till I assured Otu that if they got their fleet ready in time, I would sail with them down to Iyamiya. After this I heard no more of it. They probably had taken it into consideration and concluded themselves safe without me, well knowing it would be in my power to give the victory to whom I pleased. And that at the best, I might thwart some favorite custom or run away with the spoils. But be their reasons what they might. They certainly wanted us to be gone before they undertook anything. Thus we were deprived of seeing the whole fleet equipped on this occasion and perhaps of being spectators of a sea fight. And by that means gaining some knowledge of their maneuvers. I never could learn what number of vessels were to go on this expedition. We knew of no more than 210, besides smaller canoes to service transports, et cetera, and the fleet of Tiarabu, the strength of which we never learned. Nor could I ever learn the number of men necessary to man this fleet. And whenever I asked the question, the answer was waru-waru-waru-te-tata, that is many, many, many men, as if the number far exceeded their arithmetic. If we allow 40 men to each walk anew and four to each of the others, which is thought a moderate computation, the number will amount to 9,000. An astonishing number to be raised in four districts and one of them, Viz Metavia, did not equip a fourth part of its fleet. The fleet of Tiarabu is not included in this account. And many other districts might be arming, which we knew nothing of. I however believe that the whole aisle did not arm on this occasion, for we saw not the least preparations making in Opari. From what we saw and could learn, I am clearly of opinion that the chief or chiefs of each district superintendent the equipping of the fleet belonging to that district. But after they are equipped, they must pass in review before the king and be approved up by him. By this means he knows the state of the whole before they assemble to go on service. It has been already observed that the number of walk anews belonging to Atahuru and Oapata was 160, to Tatarabu, 40, and to Metavia, 10, and that this district did not equip one fourth part of their number. If we suppose every district in the island, of which there are 43, to raise and equip the same number of walk anews as Te Taha, we shall find by this estimate that the whole island can raise and equip 1,720 walk anews and 68,000 able men, allowing 40 men to each canoe. And as these cannot amount to above one third part of the number of both sexes, children included, the whole island cannot contain less than 204,000 inhabitants. A number which at first sight exceeded my belief. But when I came to reflect on the vast swarms which appeared wherever we came, I was convinced that estimate was not much if at all too great. There cannot be a greater proof of the riches and fertility of Otahiti, not 40 leagues in circuit, than it's supporting such a number of inhabitants. This island made formerly but one kingdom. How long it has been divided into two, I cannot pretend to say, but I believe not long. The kings of Tiarabu are a branch of the family of those of Opor Rionu. At present, the two are nearly related. And I think the former is in some measure dependent on the latter. Otu is styled Eiri de Hie of the whole island. And we have been told that Wahitua, the king of Tiarabu, must uncover before him in the same manner as the meanest of his subjects. This homage is due to Otu as Eiri de Hie of the island to Tari Vatu, his brother, and his second sister, to the one Isaiah and to the other Isaiah apparent. His oldest sister being married is not entitled this homage. The Iowas and Wanoes, we have sometimes seen covered before the king. But whether by courtesy or by virtue of their office, we never could learn. These men who are the principal persons about the king and form his court are generally if not always his relations. Ti, whom I have so often mentioned was one of them. We have been told that the Iowas who have the first rank attend in their turns a certain number each day which occasioned us to call them lords in waiting. But whether this was really so, I cannot say. We seldom found Ti absent. Indeed, his attendance was necessary as being best able to negotiate matters between us and them, on which service he was always employed and he executed it, I have reason to believe, to the satisfaction of both parties. It is to be regretted that we know little more of this government than the general outline. Four of its subdivisions, classes, or orders of the constituent parts, how disposed or in what manner connected, so as to form one body politic, we know but little. We are sure, however, that it is of the feudal sort. And if we may judge from what we have seen, it has sufficient stability and is by no means badly constructed. The Iowas and Wanos always eat with the king. Indeed, I do not know if anyone is excluded from this privilege, but the tutus. For as to the women, they are out of the question as they never eat with the men. Let their rank be ever so much elevated. Notwithstanding this kind of kingly establishment, there was very little about Otu's person or court, by which a stranger could distinguish the king from the subject. I seldom saw him dressed in anything but a common piece of cloth wrapped around his loins. So that he seemed to avoid all the necessary pomp and even to demean himself more than any other of the iris. I have seen him work at a paddle in coming to and going from the ship, in common with the other paddlers. And even when some of these tutus sat looking on, all have free access to him and speak to him wherever they see him, without the least ceremony. Such is the easy freedom which every individual of this happy aisle enjoys. I have observed that the chiefs of these aisles are more beloved by the bulk of the people than feared. May we not from hence conclude that the government is mild and equitable. We have mentioned Wahiatua or Tiarabu is related to Otu. The same may be said of the chiefs of Iamia, Tapamanu, Wahenei, Olitea, Otaha, and Bola Bola. For they are all related to the royal family of Otehiti. It is a maxim with the iris and others of superior rank, never to intermarry with the tutus or others of inferior rank. Probably this custom is one great inducement to the establishing of the societies called iri oiz. It is certain that these societies greatly prevent the increase of the superior classes of people of which they are composed and do not at all interfere with the inferiors or tutus. For I never heard of one of these being an iri oiz, nor did I ever hear that a tutu could rise in life above the rank in which he was born. I have occasionally mentioned the extraordinary fondness the people of Otehiti showed for red feathers. These they called ura, and they are as valuable here as jewels are in Europe, especially those which they called uravain and draw on the head of the green parakeet. Indeed, all red feathers are esteemed, but not equally with these. And they are such good judges as to know very well how to distinguish one sort from another. Many of our people attempted to deceive them by dyeing other feathers, but I never heard that anyone succeeded. These feathers they make up in little bunches, consisting of eight or 10, and fix them to the end of a small cord, about three or four inches long, which is made of the strong outside fibers of the coconut. Twist it so hard that it is like a wire and serves as a handle to the bunch. Thus prepared, they are used as symbols of the ia-tours or divinities in all their religious ceremonies. I have often seen them hold one of these bunches and sometimes only two or three feathers between the forefinger and thumb and say a prayer, not one word of which I could ever understand. Whoever comes to this island will do well to provide himself with red feathers, the finest and smallest there are to be got. He must also have a good stock of axes and hatchets, spiked nails, files, knives, looking glasses, beads, et cetera. Sheets and shirts are much sought after, especially by the ladies, as many of our gentlemen found by experience. The two goats, which Captain Fernau gave to O2 when we were last here, seemed to promise fear for answering the end for which they were put on shore. The you soon after had two female kids, which were now so far grown as to be nearly ready to propagate. And the old you was again with kid. The people seem to be very fond of them and they too liked their situation as well. For they were in excellent condition. From this circumstance, we may hope that in a few years, they will have some to spare to their neighbors. And by that means they may in time spread over all the aisles in this ocean. The sheep which we left died soon after accepting one, which we understood was yet alive. We have also furnished them with a stock of cats, no less than 20 having been given away at this aisle, besides those which were left at Olitea and Wahene. End of chapter 13, recording by David Cole, Medway, Massachusetts. Book two, chapter 14, of a voyage towards the South Pole and around the world. Volume one by James Cook. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by David Cole. Chapter 14, the arrival of the ship at the island of Hohene, with an account of an expedition into the island and several other incidents which happened while she lay there, 1774 May. At one o'clock in the afternoon on the 15th, we anchored in the north entrance of Awara Harbour, in the island of Hohene, hoisted out the boats, walked into a proper berth, and moored with a bow and cage anchor, not quite a cable's length from the shore. While this was doing, several of the natives made us a visit, amongst whom was old Ory the chief, who brought a hog and some other articles, which he presented to me with a usual ceremony. Next morning, the natives began to bring us fruit. I returned Ory's visit and made my present to him, one article of which was red feathers. Two or three of these the chief took in his right hand, holding them up between the finger and thumb and said a prayer, as I understood, which was little noticed by any present. Two hogs were soon after put into my boat, and he and several of his friends came on board and dined with us. After dinner, Ory gave me to understand what article would be most acceptable to him and his friends, which were chiefly axes and nails. Accordingly, I gave him what he asked and desired he would distribute them to the others, which he did, seemingly to the satisfaction of everyone. A youth of about 10 or 12 years of age, either his son or grandson, seemed to be the person of most note and had the greatest share. After the distribution was over, they all returned ashore. Mr. Forster and his party being out in the country, botanizing, his servant, a feeble man, was beset by five or six fellows who would have stripped him if that moment one of the party had not come to his assistance, after which they made off with a hatchet they had got from him. On the 17th, I went ashore to look for the chief in order to complain of the outrage committed as above, but he was not in the neighborhood. Being ashore in the afternoon, a person came and told me Ory wanted to see me. I went with the man and was conducted to a large house where the chief and several other persons of note were assembled in council as well as I could understand. After I was seated and some conversation had passed among them, Ory made a speech and was answered by another. I understood no more of either than just to know it regarded the robbery committed the day before. The chief then began to assure me that neither he nor anyone present, which were the principal chiefs in the neighborhood, had any hand in it and desired me to kill with the guns, all those which had. I assured him that I was satisfied that neither he nor those present were at all concerned in the affair and that I should do with the fellows as he desired or any others who were guilty of the like crimes. Having asked where the fellows were and desired they would bring them to me, that I might do with them as he had said, his answer was they were gone to the mountains and he could not get them. Whether this was the case or not, I will not pretend to say. I knew fair means would never make them deliver them up and I had no intention to try others. So the affair dropped and the council broke up. In the evening some of the gentlemen went to a dramatic entertainment. The piece represented a girl is running away with us from Ota Hiti, which was in some degree true, as a young woman had taken a passage with us down to Olitea and happened now to be present at the representation of her own adventures, which had such an effect upon her that it was with great difficulty our gentlemen could prevail upon her to see the play out or to refrain from tears while it was acting. The piece concluded with a reception she was supposed to meet with from her friends at her return, which was not a very favorable one. These people can add little extemporary pieces to their entertainments when they see occasion. Is it not then reasonable to suppose that it was intended as a satire against this girl and to discourage others from following her steps? In the morning of the 18th, Ori came on board with a present of fruit, stayed dinner, and in the afternoon, desired to see some great guns fired, shot it, which I complied with. The reason of his making this request was his hearing from OEDD and our Ota Hiten passengers that we had so done at their island. The chief would have had us fire at the hills, but I did not approve of that, lest the shot should fall short and do some mischief. Besides, the effect was better seen in the water. Some of the petty officers who had left to go into the country for their amusement took two of the natives with them to be their guides and to carry their bags containing nails, hatchets, et cetera. The current cash we traded with here, which the fellow is made off with in the following artful manner. The gentleman had with them two muskets for shooting birds. After a shower of rain, their guides pointed out some for them to shoot. One of the muskets having missed fire several times and the other having gone off. The instant the fellow saw themselves secure from both, they ran away, leaving the gentleman gazing after them with so much surprise that no one had presence of mind to pursue them. The 19th, showery morning fair afternoon, nothing happened worthy of note. Early in the morning of the 20th, three of the officers set out on a shooting party, rather contrary to my inclination, as I found the natives, at least some of them, were continually watching every opportunity to rob struggling parties and were daily growing more daring about three o'clock in the afternoon, I got intelligence that they were seized and stripped of everything they had about them. Upon this, I immediately went onshore with a boat's crew, accompanied by Mr. Forster and took possession of a large house with all its effects and two chiefs whom I found in it. But this we did in such a manner that they hardly knew what we were about, being unwilling to alarm the neighborhood. In this situation, I remained till I heard the officers had got back safe and had all their things restored to them. Then I quitted the house and presently after everything in it was carried off. When I got on board, I was informed of the whole affair by the officers themselves. Some little insult on their part induced the natives to seize their guns, on which a scuffle ensued, some chiefs interfered, took the officers out of the crowd and caused everything which had been taken from them to be restored. This was at a place where we had before being told that a set of fellows had formed themselves into a gang with a resolution to rob everyone who should go that way. It would seem from what followed the chief could not prevent this or put a stop to these repeated outrages. I did not see him this evening as he was not come into the neighborhood when I went on board, but for I learned from OEDD that he came soon after and were so concerned at what had happened that he wept. Daylight no sooner broke upon us on the 21st than we saw upwards of 60 canoes under sail going out of the harbor and steering over Hulitea. Upon our inquiring the reason, we were told of the people in them where he are we was and we're going to visit their brethren in the neighboring aisles. One might almost compare these men to Freemasons. They tell us they assist each other when need requires. They seem to have customs among them which they either will not or cannot explain. OEDD told us he was one, to peer was one, and yet I have not been able to get any tolerable idea of this set of men from either of them. OEDD denies that the children they have by their mistresses are put to death as we understand from to peer and others. I have had some conversation with OMI on this subject and find that he confirms everything that is set upon it in the narrative of my former voyage. OEDD who generally slept on shore came off with a message from ORI desiring that I would land with 22 men to go with him to chastise the robbers. The messenger brought with him by way of assisting his memory, 22 pieces of leaves, a method customary amongst them. On my receiving this extraordinary message, I went to the chief for better information and all I could learn of him was that these fellows were assorted banditi who had formed themselves into a body with the resolution of seizing and robbing our people wherever they found them and were now armed for that purpose, for which reason he wanted me to go along with him to chastise them. I told him if I went, they would fly to the mountains, but he said they were resolved to fight us and therefore desired I would destroy both them and their house, but begged I would spare those in the neighborhood as also the canoes and the winoa. By way of securing these, he presented me with a pig as a peace offering for the winoa. It was too small to be meant for anything but a ceremony of this kind. This sensible old chief could see what perhaps none of the others ever thought of that everything in the neighborhood was at our mercy and therefore took care to secure them by this method which I supposed to be of weight with them. When I returned on board, I considered of the chief's request which upon the whole appeared an extraordinary one. I however resolved to go lest these fellows should be by our refusal encouraged to commit greater acts of violence and as their proceeding would soon reach Ulitea where I intended to go next, the people there might be induced to treat us in the same manner or worse, they being more numerous. Accordingly I landed with 48 men including officers, Mr. Forster and some other of the gentlemen. The chief joined us for the few people and we began to march in search of the Banditi in good order. As we proceeded, the chief's party increased like a snowball. OEDD who was with us began to be alarmed observing that many of the people in our company were of the very party we were going against and at last telling us that they were only leading us to some place where they could attack us to advantage. Whether there was any truth in this or it was only OEDD's fears, I will not pretend to say. He however was the only person we could confide in and we regulated our motions according to the information he had given us. After marching some miles we got intelligence that the men we were going after had fled to the mountains but I think this was not till I had declared to the chief, I would proceed no farther. For we were then about crossing a deep valley bounded on each side by steep rocks where a few men with stones only might have made our retreat difficult. If their intentions were what OEDD had suggested and which he still persisted in, having come to a resolution to return we marched back in the same order as we went and so in several places people who had been following us coming down from the sides of the hills where their arms in their hands which they instantly quitted and hid in the bushes when they saw they were discovered by us. This seemed to prove that there must have been some foundation for what OEDD had said but I cannot believe that the chief had any such design whatever the people might have. In our return we halted at a convenient place to refresh ourselves. I ordered the people to bring us some coconuts which they did immediately. Indeed by this time I believe many of them wished us on board out of the way for although no one step was taken that could give them the least alarm they certainly were in terror. Two chiefs brought each of them a pig, a dog and some young plantain trees the usual peace offerings and with due ceremony presented them singly to us. Another brought a very large hug with which he followed us to the ship. After this we continued our course to the landing place where I caught several volleys to be fired to convince the natives that we could support a continual fire. This being done we all embarked and went on board and soon after the chief following brought with him a quantity of fruit and sat down with us to dinner. We had scarce dine before more fruit was brought us by others and two hugs so that we were likely to make more by this little excursion than by all the presents we had made them. It certainly gave them some alarm to see so strung a party of men march into their country and probably gave them a better opinion of firearms than they had before. For I believe they had but an indifferent or rather contemptible idea of muskets in general having never seen any fired but at birds etc. By such of our people as used to struggle about the country the most of them but indifferent marksmen losing generally two shots out of three their peace is often missing fire and being slow in charging of this they had taken great notice and concluded as well they might that firearms were not so terrible things as they had been taught to believe. When the chiefs took leave in the evening they promised to bring us next day a very large supply of provisions in the article of fruit they were as good as their word but of hugs which we most wanted they brought far less than we expected. Going ashore in the afternoon I found the chief just sitting down to dinner I cannot say what was the occasion is dining so late. As soon as he was seated several people began chewing the pepper root about a pint of the juice of which without any mixture was the first dish and was dispatched in a moment. A cup of it was presented to me but the manner of brewing it was at this time sufficient OEDD was not so nice but took what I refused after this the chief washed his mouth with coconut water then he ate a repay, plantain and mahi of each not a little and lastly finished his repast by eating or rather drinking about three pints of po-poi which is made of breadfruit, plantains, mahi, etc. beat together and diluted with water till it is of the consistence of a custard this was at the outside of his house in the open air for at this time a play was acting within as was done almost every day in the neighbourhood but there were such poor performances that I never attended I observed that after the juice had been squeezed out of the chewed pepper root for the chief the fibres were carefully picked up and taken away by one of his servants on my asking what he intended to do with it I was told he would put water to it and strain it again thus he would make what I will call small beer the 23rd wind easterly as it had been ever since we left outer heating early in the morning we unmoored and at eight weighed and put to sea the good old chief was the last man who went out of the ship at parting I told him we should see each other no more at which he wept and said let your sons come we will treat them well Ory is a good man in the utmost sense of the word but many of the people are far from being of that disposition and seem to take advantage of his old age Terodere is grandson and heir being yet but a youth the gentle treatment the people of this isle ever met with from me and the careless and imprudent manner in which many of our people had rambled about in the country from a vain opinion the firearms rendered them invincible encourage many at wahane to commit acts of violence which no man at Otehiti ever durst attempt during our stay here we got breadfruit coconuts etc more than we could well consume but not hogs enough by far to supply our daily expense and yet he did not appear that they were scarce in the isle it must be allowed however that the number we took away when last year must have thinned them greatly and at the same time stocked the isle with our articles besides we now wanted a proper assortment of trade which we had being nearly exhausted and the few remaining red furrows being here but of little value when compared to the estimation they stand in at Otehiti this obliged me to set the smiths to work to make different sorts of iron tools nails etc in order to enable me to procure refreshments at the other isles and to support my credit and influence among the natives end of book two chapter 14 recording by david coal redway passachusetts