Our
Friends Having Brought Us A Very Large And Seasonable Supply Of Fish, I
Bestowed On Pedero A Present Of An Empty Oil-Jar, Which Made Him As Happy
As A Prince.
Soon after, he and his party left the cove, and retired to
their proper place of abode, with all the treasure they had received from
us.
I believe that they gave away many of the things they, at different
times, got from us, to their friends and neighbours, or else parted with
them to purchase peace of their more powerful enemies; for we never saw any
of our presents after they were once in their possession: And every time we
visited them they were as much in want of hatchets, nails, &c. to all
appearance, as if they never had had any among them.
I am satisfied that the people in this sound, who are, upon the whole,
pretty numerous, are under no regular form of government, or so united as
to form one body politic. The head of each tribe, or family, seems to be
respected; and that respect may, on some occasions, command obedience; but
I doubt if any amongst them have either a right or power to enforce it. The
day we were with Tringo-boohee, the people came from all parts to see us,
which he endeavoured to prevent. But though he went so far as to throw
stones at some, I observed that very few paid any regard either to his
words or actions; and yet this man was spoken of as a chief of some note.
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