Volltext Seite (XML)
26 approached me with great caution, hesitating at every step. They soon, however, gained confidence, and were ultimately joined by all the males of their tribe. I gave the first who swam the river a tomahawk, (making this a rule in order to encourage them,) with which he was highly delighted. I shortly afterwards placed them all in a row, and fired a gun before them : they were quite unpre pared for such an explosion, and after standing stupified and motionless for a moment or two, they simultaneously took to their heels, to our great amusement. I succeeded, however, in calling them back, and they regained their confidence so much, that sixteen of them remained with us all night, but the greater number retired at sunset. On the following morning they accompanied us down the river, where we fell in with their tribe, who were stationed on an elevated bank, a short distance below, to the number of eighty- three, men, women, and children. Their appearance was extremely picturesque and singular. They wanted us to land, but time was too precious for such delays. Some of the boldest of the natives swam round and round the boat, so as to impede the use of the oars, and the women on the bank evinced their astonishment by mingled yells and cries. They entreated us, by signs, to remain with them ; but as I foresaw a compliance on this occasion would hereafter be attended with inconvenience, I thought it better to proceed on our journey; and the natives soon ceased their importunities, and, indeed, did not follow or molest us. ****** “ On the 19th, as we were about to conclude our journey for the day, we saw a large body of natives before us. On approaching them they shewed every disposition for combat, and ran along the banks with spears in rests, as if only waiting for an opportunity to throw them at us. They were upon the right, and as the river was broad enough to enable me to steer wide of them, I did not care much for their threats ; but upon another party appearing on the left bank, I thought it high time to disperse one or other of them, as the channel was not wide enough to enable me to keep clear of danger, if assailed by both, as I might be while keeping amid the ehannel. I found, however, they did not know how to use the advantage they possessed, as the two divisions formed a junction .
