forward within. When a tent had been erected for Mr. Banks, the Commander and he, with some others, took a walk into the woods; leaving thirteen marines, under the command of Mr. Monkhouse, midshipman, to guard the tent. But they had not walked above half a mile, when the report of muskets made them hasten back to the tent, where they found that a lamentable occurrence had taken place. One of the natives had snatched the centinel's piece out of his hand, and run off with it; upon which, the midshipman, very inconsiderately, ordered the party to fire; and the thief not falling on this first discharge, he was pursued and shot dead. This act of barbarous cruelty was highly displeasing to the Commander, whose own behaviour towards the natives was marked with humanity and kindness, and who particularly sought to cultivate their friendship at this time, that he might prosecute with more advantage the great object of the expedition. It was some consolation to learn, that the thief was the only sufferer; and after a few days, the natives, who had all fled on the occasion, renewed their visits, and soon became as friendly as ever. A death occurred among the English at the same period. Mr. Buchan, who had been seized with fits at Terra del Fuego, and was also subject to a bilious disorder, expired on the 17th. He was buried in the sea, lest the prejudices of the natives should be hurt by interring him on shore.
On tuesday, April 18th, the erection of the fort was proceeded with; and several of the natives assisted in carrying the pickets and fascines. Great care was taken on this occasion, to set them an example of honesty; the materials wanted for the
