erection being all purchased, and not a tree cut down without the owner's consent. In other instances also, the Commander acted towards the natives with the strictest justice. The butcher of the Endeavour having threatened to kill Tomio, if she would not sell him a stone hatchet for a nail; the offence being proved by the natives, he was tied up to be flogged in their presence: but as soon as the first stroke was inflicted, they humanely interceded for his pardon; and, their request being denied, they witnessed the rest of his punishment with many tears. On a future occasion, two seamen received two dozen lashes each, for forcibly seizing several bows, arrows, and strings of plaited hair, belonging to some of the natives.
The Tahitians had much need of such lessons on the subject of honesty; for they were continually pilfering nails, and other European articles, when opportunity offered. Yet they appeared sensible of the immorality, or disgrace, such practices; for when Mr. Banks, by mistake, charged Toubourai Tamaide with having stolen a knife which was missing, the chief felt highly indignant at the charge. At another time, however, with all this sense of honour, he could not resist the temptation presented by some large nails which he saw in Mr. Banks's tent: five of them were stolen by the chief, one of which only he returned. In dealing with such people, caution was required as much as fairness; and the trading department was ably conducted by Mr. Banks, who stationed himself for this purpose in his small boat, fixed up at the entrance of the fort; where the natives sold their fruits, fowls, and pigs, for beads nails, knives, and hatchets.
