and entertainments, took place on the subsequent days; but some things occurred, as at the last visit, to interrupt this agreeable intercourse. On the 16th, when Mr. Forster and his party were botanizing in the country, his servant was beset by five or six fellows, who took a hatchet from him, and would have stripped him of every thing, had not one of the party opportunely come to his assistance. Two days after, some of the petty officers having gone. into the country for their amusement, with two muskets, took two natives to be their guides, and to carry their bags, containing nails, hatchets, &c. to trade with; the treacherous guides, watching their opportunity, when one musket had just been fired off, and the other had repeatedly missed. fire, ran off with the bags and all their contents. On the 20th, three officers set out on a shooting excursion, rather against the Captain's inclination; and having offended some of the natives, the latter seized their guns, and a scuffle ensued; but some chiefs interfering, the officers were rescued, and their property restored. On receiving intelligence of their being robbed, Capt. Cook landed with a boat's crew, and took possession of a large house, with all its effects, and two chiefs that were in it; but when the officers returned safe, he quitted all, and went on board.
As it appeared that a gang of fellows had associated, to rob all the British who came in their way, Oree, who had already given Capt. Cook permission to shoot the robbers, sent a message by Oedidee, on the 21st, requesting the Captain to land with 22 men, and go with him to chastise these marauders; giving the bearer 22 pieces of leaves, that he might not forget the number. After visiting the
