south shore, to the number of not less than forty persons, shouting
and making many uncouth signs and gestures. This appearance whetted
curiosity to its utmost, but as prudence forbade a few people to venture
wantonly among so great a number, and a party of only six men was
observed on the north shore, the Governor immediately proceeded to land
on that side, in order to take possession of his new territory, and
bring about an intercourse between its old and new masters. The boat in
which his Excellency was, rowed up the harbour, close to the land, for
some distance; the Indians keeping pace with her on the beach. At last
an officer in the boat made signs of a want of water, which it was
judged would indicate his wish of landing. The natives directly
comprehended what he wanted, and pointed to a spot where water could
be procured; on which the boat was immediately pushed in, and a landing
took place. As on the event of this meeting might depend so much of
our future tranquillity, every delicacy on our side was requisite.
The Indians, though timorous, shewed no signs of resentment at the
Governor's going on shore; an interview commenced, in which the conduct
of both parties pleased each other so much, that the strangers returned
to their ships with a much better opinion of the natives than they had
landed with; and the latter seemed highly entertained with their new
acquaintance, from whom they condescended to accept of a looking glass,
some beads, and other toys.

Owing to the lateness of our arrival, it was not my good fortune to go
on shore until three days after this had happened, when I went with a
party to the south side of the harbour, and had scarcely landed five
minutes, when we were met by a dozen Indians, naked as at the moment of
their birth, walking along the beach. Eager to come to a conference, and
yet afraid of giving offence, we advanced with caution towards them,
nor would they, at first approach nearer to us than the distance of