the Society Islands, as at first proposed, he resolved to prolong his stay here, to repair the ship and stores, as well as to procure refreshments.
On tuesday, the 26th, the Captain, and some of the officers and gentlemen, went down to Oparree to visit the King; and were astonished to find an immense fleet assembled there, consisting of 330 double canoes; of which number, 160 were war canoes, well equipped, manned, and armed; and gaily decorated with flags and streamers; making a grand and noble appearance, such as our mariners little expected to see in the Pacific. The chiefs, and all those on the fighting stages, were dressed in their war habits; having turbans, helmets, breastplates, and quantities of cloth. Their arms were clubs, spears, and stones. The gentlemen, on landing, were received with much kindness, by Towha, admiral of the fleet, and Tee, uncle to King Otoo. These two chiefs, and their friends, appeared to form two parties; one of which strove to conduct Capt. Cook to the King, while the other sought to detain him with the admiral. The Captain finding himself in danger of being pulled in pieces between them, while his comrades were jostled about in the crowd; hearing also that the King was gone from the place, and afraid that matters did not stand well between him and the commander of this vast fleet, the assembling of which appeared a mystery,—he refused Towha's invitation to go on board his vessel, and was glad to get into the boat again with his party, and return to Matavai. He learned soon after, that this grand fleet was part of an armament collected for the purpose of reducing Eimeo, which had recently revolted from the dominion of Otoo; and
