1792.
Decemeber
cutter alongside, the full casks to be taken out and replaced by empty ones and then. accompanied as usual by Mr. Gooch, he went on shore, and another boat was hoisted out for the purpose of obtaining water; while those on board continued making purchases until near dark. At this time the cutter returned, with only five persons instead of the eight who had gone on shore in her, from whom was learned the distressing intelligence, that Mr. Hergest, Mr. Gooch, and two of the boat's crew having landed unarmed with two of the water casks to fill, their defenceless situation was perceived by the natives, who immediately attacked them, killed one of the people, and carried off the commander and the astronomer. The other being a very stout active man made his escape through a great number of these savages, fled to the boat, and with two others landed again, with two muskets, and with the intention to rescue their officers, and to recover the body of their messmate. They soon perceived that both Mr. Hergest and Mr. Gooch were yet alive amongst a vast concourse of the inhabitants, who were stripping them, and forcing them up the hills behind the village: they endeavoured to get near the multitude, but were so assailed by stones from the crowd, who had now gained the surrounding hills, that they were under the painful necessity of retiring: and as night was fast approaching, they thought it most advisable to return on board, that more effectual means might be resorted to on this unfortunate occasion.
Mr. New immediately assembled all the officers, to consult with them what was best to be done. It was agreed to stand off and on with the ship during the night, and in the morning to send the cutter well manned and armed on shore, and if possible to recover their unfortu- nate commander and shipmates. An old chief belonging to Attowai, who had been on board fince the Dædalus entered the Bay, and had been promised by Mr. Hergest a passage to his native island, went also in the boat, to assist as an interpreter, and employ his good offices. He was first landed, and went towards the natives, of whom he demanded the absent gentlemen; on which he was informed they were both killed the preceding night. Having delivered this message, he was sent back to demand their bodies; but was told in reply, that they had both been cutin
