We had some difficulty in getting a canoe to come alongside, and it was
not until we had fastened a piece of red cloth to a stick and floated it
astern, that the first canoe would come near. The natives approached,
picked up the red cloth, and in showing them pieces of hoop-iron, they
gradually came near enough to take hold of a piece, look well at it, and
finally decide to come alongside. Once alongside we were soon
fraternizing, and on seeing this other canoes came off, and trading for
curios began. Asking the captain to keep on trading as long as possible,
I hastened ashore, to see the chief of one of the villages. As long as
trading canoes remain alongside, the parties landing are perfectly safe;
care should be taken to get away as soon as possible after the canoes
leave the vessel.
The tide was far out when our boat touched the beach. A crowd met us,
and in every hand was a club or spear. I went on to the bow, to spring
ashore, but was warned not to land. I told them I had come to see the
chief, had a present for him, and must see him.
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