and addressing the natives through Tupia, whose language was found to be the same as theirs, though a different dialect, endeavoured to engage them in a friendly trade. Some of them coming near, received presents of beads and nails, of which last they knew not the use. When some of them attempted to seize the arms of the British, Tupia warned them of the consequences; yet presently after, one of them snatched away Mr. Green's hanger, and ran off with it, waving it in triumph. Mr. Banks fired at him with small shot; upon which he retreated further, still waving the stolen weapon. Mr. Monkhouse then shot him dead, and with some difficulty secured the hanger, from other natives who ran to seize it. Some more small shot was fired, before the other warriors retired up the country.
Disappointed in these attempts to establish a friendly intercourse with the natives, the Commander resolved, if possible, to surprise some of them, and take them on board, that by presents and kind treatment, he might gain their friendship, and by their means open a correspondence with their countrymen. Accordingly, when he had quitted the shore, he placed the three boats so as to intercept two canoes that were coming in from the sea. One of them was rapidly paddled towards the shore, and escaped; and the seven people on board the other, boldly resolved to fight, rather than surrender; although a musket had been fired over their heads to frighten them, and Tupia had given them assurances of safety, if they came along-side as friends. When the Commander's boat came up, they began a furious attack with paddles, stones, and other weapons; and the Brit-
