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[Page 27]
Natives
The plain stretching from the NW harbour to the Hummocks is evidently far more populous than any other part of the port. This doubtless proceeds from the abundance of Oysters, and very large Cockles found in the harbour. At this place between one and two hundred Natives assembled in less than an hour, while I was surveying the harbour; and as their obviously hostile intentions, made the application of force absolutely necessary, by which one of them was killed, it appears necessary to detail the circumstances with some degree of minuteness.
Previous to this event we had two interviews with separate parties of 8 and 10 during which the most friendly intercourse was maintained, and presents of blankets, beads etc. were given them. In both these instances they signified their knowledge and fear of the effect of fire arms, which in order to quiet their apprehensions, & as they were totally unarmed, I ordered to be kept out of sight.
Our last interview which terminated in the death of one of them had at its commencement the same friendly appearance; three of them first came to the
boats