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[Page 25]

21.
Octr. 1769    Taoneroa

on the beach   they walkd with a quick pace towards the river where we landed yesterday  most of these are without arms  3 or 4 have with long Pikes in their hands   the captn orderd three boats to be mannd with seamen & marines intending to land & try to establish a communication with them  a high surf ran on the shore  the Indians about 50.  remaind on the farther side of the river  we lookd upon that as a sign of fear  so landing with the little boat only the Captn  Dr Solander, Tupia & myself went to the river side to speak to them, as soon almost as we appeard they rose up & every man producd either a long pike or a small weapon of well polishd Jasper stone about a foot long & thick enough to weigh 4 or 5 pounds, with these they threatned us & signd to us to depart   a musquet was then fird wide of them the ball of which struck the water  they saw the effect & immediately ceasd their threats  we though now  that it was prudent to retreat till the marines were landed & drawn up to intimidate them & support us in case of nesscessity  They landed & marchd with a Jack carried before them to a little bank about 50 yards from the river  which might be about 40 broad  here they were drawn up in order & we again advancd to the river side with Tupia  who now found that the language of the people was

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