ore the marines had time to reload, they broke in
upon them with dreadful shouts and yells. What followed was a scene of
the utmost horror and confusion.

Four of the marines were cut off among the rocks in their retreat, and
fell a sacrifice to the fury of the enemy; three more were dangerously
wounded; and the lieutenant, who had received a stab between the
shoulders with a _pahooa_, having fortunately reserved his fire, shot
the man who had wounded him, just as he was going to repeat his blow.
Our unfortunate commander, the last time he was seen distinctly, was
standing at the water's edge, and calling out to the boats to cease
firing, and to pull in. If it be true, as some of those who were
present have imagined, that the marines and boatmen had fired without
his orders, and that he was desirous of preventing any further
bloodshed, it is not improbable, that his humanity, on this occasion,
proved fatal to him: For it was remarked, that whilst he faced the
natives, none of them had offered him any violence, but that having
turned about to give his orders to the boats, he was stabbed in the
back, and fell with his face into the water. On seeing him fall, the
islanders set up a great shout, and his body was immediately dragged
on shore, and surrounded, by the enemy, who, snatching the dagger out
of each other's hands, shewed a savage eagerness to have a share in
his destruction.

Thus fell our great and excellent commander. After a life of so much
distinguished and successful enterprise, his death, as far as regards
himself, cannot be reckoned premature, since he lived to finish the
great work for which he seems to have been designed, and was rather
removed from the enjoyment, than cut off from the acquisition of
glory. How sincerely his loss was felt and lamented by those who had
so long found their general security in his skill and conduct, and
every consolation, under their hardships, in his tenderness and
humanity, it is neither necessary nor possible for me to describe;
much less shall I attempt to paint the horror with which we were
struck, and the universal dejection and dismay which followed so
dreadful and unexpected a calamity. The reader will not be displeased
to turn from so sad a scene, to the contemplation of his character and
virtues, whilst I am paying my last tribute to the memory of a
dear and honoured friend, in a short history of his life and public
services.

Captain James Cook was born near Wh