Page:Narrativeavoyag01wilsgoog.djvu/128

96 From the master of the Admiral Gifford, I learned the following particulars, which, if true, reflect little credit on all concerned.—While off Hammond's Island, the natives made a signal for them to come on shore; a boat was accordingly sent, and soon returned with two natives, who came without hesitation. They were well treated on board, having received food and various presents. The boat was again sent on shore with them, and the crew were directed to procure tortoiseshell.

Shortly after they landed, the natives endeavoured to entice the sailors into the bush; but, not succeeding, they attacked and knocked two of them down, and were advancing towards the third, when he fired his musquet, and killed one of those who had been on board. Another of the sailors, while lying on the ground, being attacked by two natives, who were struggling to obtain possession of his pistol, discharged it, and killed them both. After this, the other natives fled, and the boat returned; when the master, hearing the account of the transaction from the mate and sailors, went immediately on shore, but could discover no trace of the natives, dead or alive.

I have not the smallest doubt, that this shameful transaction is widely different from the exparte relation given of it; and it is much to be regretted, that cognizance of such occurrences is not taken before a competent court of justice. The outrageous behaviour of the greatest part of those lawless vagabonds, employed, or employing themselves, along the coast, in procuring seal-skins, towards the Aborigines, is quite notorious: