same as at present. At some islands the natives were simple and friendly; at others, sullen and treacherous, ready at all times for an attack if feasible; merciless and unsparing when the hour came.
To refer to the Log-book.
'Monday, July 22, 1833.—At Bougainville; several canoes came off, trading for cocoa-nuts and tortoise-shell.
'Monday, July 29.—Beating along the coast of New Georgia. Canoes came off; traded for cocoa-nuts and tortoise-shell. Shipped Henry Spratt, who left the Cadmus last season. [A bad bargain, as future events showed.]
'August 8.—Sent the boats ashore at Sir Charles Hardy's island. At 7 p.m. boats returned, having purchased from the natives, who were very friendly, a quantity of cocoa-nuts and a pig. Discovered an extensive harbour on the west side.
'September 4.—Sent boats ashore at New Ireland; natives particularly friendly.
'Saturday, October 5.—Bore away for the harbour of Santa Cruz. At 2 p.m. cast anchor in thirty fathoms, one mile rom shore. There an adventure befell which altered existing relations.
'Sunday, October 6.—Sent casks on shore and got them filled with water. Next day got two rafts of water off, and some wood. Purchased a quantity of yams from the natives.
'Tuesday, October 8.—Hands employed in wooding, watering, and stowing away the holds. The natives made an attack on the men while watering, and wounded one man with an arrow. Brought off natives' canoes, and made an attack on their town, which was vigorously contested. Another of the ship's company severely wounded. All hands employed getting ready for sea.
'Wednesday, October 9.—At 4 a.m. began to get under weigh. Discharged the guns at hostile village. Men in canoes shot their arrows at the ship. Volley returned.
'October 19, 1 p.m.—Henry Stephens, seaman, died of tetanus, in consequence of a wound inflicted by a native of Santa Cruz with an arrow. The burial-service read over him before the ship's company. Strong winds and high seas at midnight.
His midnight requiem, mariner's fitting dirge,
Sung by wild winds and wilder ocean surge.
