Page:New history of Botanybay (sic) and Port Jackson.pdf/9

 On their arrival, the natives appeared tolerably numerous; from whence they had reason to conclude, the country was more populous than Captain Cook thought it, as they were assembled on the beach, to the South shore, to the number of not less than forty persons, shouting, and making many uncouth signs and gestures. As the boat, in which were the Governor, some officers and attendants, rowed up the harbour, close to the land, for some distance, the Indians kept pace with her on the beach. When signs were made of a want of water, the natives directly comprehended the meaning, and pointed to a spot where it could be procured; on which the boat was immediately pushed in, and a landing took place. The Indians, tho' timorous, shewed no signs of resentment at our people's going on shore; and, when an interview commenced, seemed highly entertained with their new acquaintances, from whom they accepted of a Looking-Glass, some Beads, and other toys.

The following circumstances, related by the Author of the Narrative before-mentioned, are inserted in his own words, as, it is presumed, they will conduce both to entertainment and information.

"When I went with a party to the South side of the harbour, and had scarcely landed five minutes, we were met by a dozen of 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