We coasted
along this new-found country for several days in search of a landing
place, without being able to find one, the coast being a continuous
line of precipitous rocks. Toward the end of the third day we
encountered a canoe, the largest we had seen, containing upward of one
hundred natives. We offered food and other articles, but, although the
canoe came quite close to us, none of her people could be induced to
come on board.
These natives appeared to be strong and fierce, nor did they show the
least fear of us, but rather an intention to begin hostilities when an
opportunity should offer. In view of this we loaded our brass cannon,
and made ready a supply of ammunition in case they should attack us.
But after keeping company with us for some time the canoe made off, and
Hartog had no mind to follow it.
Next morning we hove to off a pebbly beach, upon which I undertook to
land a boat's crew and examine the country. Hartog sent two boats, one
in my charge and the other in charge of Janstins. The sea was smooth,
so that we had no difficulty in running the boats ashore, where,
leaving a man aboard each, the rest of us followed the course of a
stream inland.
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