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 some paces. Both parties were armed;
yet an attack seemed as unlikely on their part, as we knew it to be on our own.
I had at this time a little boy, of not more than seven years of age,
in my hand. The child seemed to attract their attention very much,
for they frequently pointed to him and spoke to each other; and as he was
not frightened, I advanced with him towards them, at the same time baring
his bosom and, shewing the whiteness of the skin. On the cloaths being
removed, they gave a loud exclamation, and one of the party, an old man,
with a long beard, hideously ugly, came close to us. I bade my little charge
not to be afraid, and introduced him to the acquaintance of this uncouth
personage. The Indian, with great gentleness, laid his hand on the
child's hat, and afterwards felt his cloaths, muttering to himself
all the while.
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