A General History & Collection of Voyages and Travels ... - Nauticus

gave me a hog; and, after trading for six or eight more, and loading the boat with fruit, we took leave, whenthe good old chief embraced me with tears in his eyes. At this interview nothing was said about theremainder of Mr Sparrman's clothes. I judged they were not brought in; and for that reason did not mentionthem, lest I should give the chief pain about things I did not give him time to recover; for this was early inthe morning.When we returned to the ships, we found them crowded round with canoes full of hogs, fowls, and fruit, asat our first arrival. I had not been long on board, before Oree himself came to inform me, as weunderstood, that the robbers were taken, and to desire us to go on shore, either to punish, or to see thempunished; but this could not be done, as the Resolution was just under sail, and the Adventure already outof the harbour. The chief stayed on board till we were a full half league out at sea; then took a mostaffectionate leave of me; and went away in a canoe, conducted by one man and himself; all the othershaving gone long before. I was sorry that it was not convenient for me to go on shore with him, to see inwhat manner these people would have been punished; for I am satisfied, this was what brought him onboard.During our short stay at the small but fertile isle of Huaheine, we procured to both ships not less than threehundred hogs, besides fowls and fruits; and, had we stayed longer, might have got many more: For none ofthese articles of refreshment were seemingly diminished, but appeared every where in as great abundanceas ever.[2][2] "The people of this island appeared to be so exactly like the Taheitians, that we could perceiveno difference, nor could we by any means verify that assertion of former navigators, that the womenof this island were in general fairer, and more handsome; but this may vary according tocircumstances. They were, however, not so troublesome in begging for beads and other presents, norso forward to bestow their favours on the new comers, though at our landing and putting off, someof the common sort frequently performed an indecent ceremony, which is described in the accountsof former voyages, but without any of the preparatory circumstances which Ooratooa practised. Wehad likewise much less reason to extol the hospitality of the inhabitants, their general behaviourbeing rather more indifferent, and the Taheitian custom of reciprocal presents almost entirelyunknown. On our walks, we were unmolested, (Mr F. relates also the assault of Dr Sparrman) buttheir conduct was bolder and more unconcerned than that of the Taheitians, and the explosion, aswell as the effects of our fowling-pieces, did not strike them with fear and astonishment. Thesedifferences were certainly owing to the various treatment which the people of both islands had metwith on the part of Europeans. There were, however, not wanting instances of hospitality and goodwilleven here."--G.F.Before we quitted this island, Captain Furneaux agreed to receive on board his ship a young man namedOmai, a native of Ulietea; where he had had some property, of which he had been dispossessed by thepeople of Bolabola. I at first rather wondered that Captain Furneaux would encumber himself with thisman, who, in my opinion, was not a proper sample of the inhabitants of these happy islands, not having anyadvantage of birth, or acquired rank; nor being eminent in shape, figure, or complexion: For their people ofthe first rank are much fairer, and usually better behaved, and more intelligent, than the middling class ofpeople, among whom Omai is to be ranked. I have, however, since my arrival in England, been convincedof my error: For excepting his complexion (which is undoubtedly of a deeper hue than that of the Earees,or gentry, who, as in other countries, live a more luxurious life, and are less exposed to the heat of the sun),I much doubt whether any other of the natives would have given more general satisfaction by his behaviouramong us. Omai has most certainly a very good understanding, quick parts, and honest principles; he has anatural good behaviour, which rendered him acceptable to the best company; and a proper degree of pride,