uipped and fully
manned. The chiefs were swathed in vast quantities of cloth, so that to
the Englishmen it seemed almost a miracle they were able to move. The
vessels were decorated with flags and streamers, and made a very fine
appearance. These were the first line, and, in addition, there were one
hundred and seventy smaller double canoes, each having a small house or
castle on it, which were thought to be transports and store ships, as the
larger ones, as far as could be seen, carried no supplies on board. The
number of men on board was estimated to be no less than 7,500, and it was
ascertained this armada was intended for the subjugation of Eimeo which
had lately rebelled against Otaheite.

Cook was informed Otoo was waiting at the camp for him, but on going
there he found he had not been there, and on looking for him again in the
afternoon he was still invisible. The fleet had also gone away; and then
it was discovered that some of Cook's clothes had been stolen from the
wash, and the king and Admiral were both in dread of his anger. However,
Cook sent word he should take no steps to recover the stolen articles,
and things resumed a friendly aspect, the Admiral, Towha, sending Cook a
present of two large pigs and some fruit, giving orders to the bearers
that they were to receive nothing in exchange. He soon after paid a visit
to the ship, and as it was his first, he examined everything with great
curiosity, and appeared greatly impressed with what he saw. One of the
natives having been caught making off with a small water cask, Cook
determined he should be punished, and made a ceremonial affair of it. The
culprit was first sent on board and put in irons, the natives and the
crew mustered, and then the thief was taken on shore and triced up. Cook
then made a short speech in which he pointed out that when his men were
caught stealing from the natives they were always punished, but the
natives were always stealing from the ship and crew and getting away
unpunished, he therefore ordered the man to be given two dozen lashes.
These were duly administered, and Towha made a speech in which he was
understood to admit the justice of Cook's action. The marines were then
put through their drill, and fired a few volleys with ball, and the
proceedings terminated; but Cook declares he did not know whether the
natives were pleased or frightened by the ceremony. The king's brother
then took some of the officers out to see a part of