Series 12.09: Captain Clerkes Letter Abstract' being summary, prepared by Banks, of a letter received by Sir Philip Stephens from Charles Clerke written on 8 June 1779. Summary prepared ca 1779. - No. 0003

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the buoy where she was moord at dayb.

[Feb.] 14 - in the Morn C Cooke went ashore to speak with Terre 'Oboo the Cheif King & took the L. Searg. & nine marines he was received as usual with respect which resembled that to a deity & Conducted to the King, they conversed together with their usual Sociality surrounded by a vast concourse of natives who appeard as Idle spectators some however were so insolent that C Cooke fir'd a Load of Small Shot at one which did not penetrate the rascals mat but it exceedingly exasperated the whole producing an universal murmur & they soon proceeded to acts of violence.  C. Cooke fir'd a second time & Killd a man when when they immediately made a general attack on him & his marines the soldiers immediately fired but before they could reload the Indians broke in upon them killd C Cook & four wounded the L. Serg. & 2 more & would have destroyd the whole party had not the Pinnace & Launch who were moord along shore kept up a smart fire & in some measure kept them aloof till they had pickd up those who were