Series 03: Joseph Banks - Endeavour journal, 25 August 1768 - 12 July 1771 (vol. 2) - No. 0330
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226
Endeavours River
presented to us by name & we gave them such trinkets as we had about us then we all proceeded towards the ship they making signs as they came along that they would not set fire to the grass again & we distributing musquet balls among them & by our signs explaining their effect when they came abreast of the ship they sat down but could not be prevaild upon to come on board so after a little time we left them to their contemplations, they stayd about two hours & then departed
We had great reason to thank our good Fortune that this accident happned so late in our stay not a week before this, our powder which was put ashore when first we came in, had been taken on board & that very morning only the store tent & that in which the sick had livd were got on board I had little Idea of the fury with which the grass burnt in this hot climate, nor of the dificulty of extinguishing it when once lighted: this accident will however be a sufficient warning for us if ever we should again pitch tents in such a climate to burn Every thing round us before we begin.
20. Yesterday evening the ship was hauld off from the shore ready for her departure. in the night