Series 03: Joseph Banks - Endeavour journal, 25 August 1768 - 12 July 1771 (vol. 2) - No. 0480
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[Page 480]
376.
Some account of Savu
Timo 800 & Massára 400 besides the arms before mentiond every man is furnishd with a large chopping knife like a streighned wood Bill but much heavier which must be a terrible weapon if these people should have spirit enough to come to close quarters Mr L upon another occasion took an opportunity of telling us that they heave their Lances with surprizeing dexterity, being able at the distance of 60 feet to strike a mans heart & peirce him through
How far these dreadfull accounts of their martial prowess might be true I dare not take upon myself to determine all I shall say is that during our stay we saw no signs either of a warlike disposition or such formidable arms Spears & Targets indeed there were in the duch house about 100 the greatest part of which Spears servd to arm the people who came down to intimidate us but so little did these doubty heroes think of fighting or indeed keeping up apearances that instead of a Target each was furnished with a cock some tobacco or something of that kind which he took this opportunity of bringing down to sell their spears seemd all to have been brought