in
considerable numbers came down to his assistance. At first Mr Banks
fired, and merely wounded the man, who was still retreating, when Mr
Monkhouse took a more fatal aim, and he dropped, and another piece being
fired, the savages at length fell back. Shortly afterwards Captain
Cook, who was anxious to make some prisoners, and by treating them well
to inspire a general confidence, sent the boats to capture some canoes
which were seen coming in from the sea. The natives, however, assailed
their pursuers so vigorously with stones and other missiles, that the
English were compelled to fire, and four men were killed. Three boys
were captured. Cook deeply lamented this proceeding, though it appeared
to be almost unavoidable. The boys on being taken on board became
reconciled, and at first seemed very unwilling to be sent on shore, but
were ultimately seen to join their companions.

Such was the unhappy commencement of our acquaintance with the natives
of New Zealand. As nothing could be obtained at the place where Cook
first anchored, it was called "Poverty Bay." Leaving on the 11th, he
proceeded along the coast for six days, until the bluff headland was
reached, to which he gave the name of "Cape Turnagain," as the ship was
there put about to return along the coast. She continued her course
until she had sailed completely round the island. Names were given to
the bays and headlands, which they retain to the present day. The
intercourse with the natives was mostly of the same lamentable character
as that at the commencement, though they in some instances brought off
fish and willingly traded with the voyagers. The savages, however,
stole whatever they could lay hands on, though appearing to be amicably
disposed. One suddenly seized Tayeto, Tupia's boy, and, dragging him
into his canoe, made off. The marines fired at the canoe farthest from
the boy, when one of the natives fell, on which the other let go his
hold of Tayeto, who leaped overboard and swam to the ship.

At Mercury Bay--so-called in consequence of an observation of the planet
Mercury having been made in the harbour--the natives behaved in a more
peaceable manner, though many of them there tried to cheat their
visitors. To this conduct there were some exceptions. One chief, named
Toiava, behaved with great propriety, and expressed his hope that his
countrymen would properly conduct themselves in future. Some of the
canoes which approached the sh