Though their insolence did not proceed to an attack, and only defied Mr.Gore to take any remedy in his power, he was so provoked, that he levelled a musket, loaded with ball, at the offender, while he was holding the cloth in his hand, and shot him dead.

When the Indian fell, all the canoes put off to some distance, but continued to keep together in such a manner that it was apprehended they might still meditate an attack.

To secure therefore a safe passage for the boat of the Endeavour, which was wanted on shore, a round shot was fired with so much effect over their heads, as to make them all flee with the utmost precipitation.
It was matter of regret to Lieutenant Cook that Mr.Gore had not, in the case of the offending Indian, tried the experiment of a few small shot, which had been successful in former instances of robbery.
On Friday, the 10th, our commander, accompanied by Mr.Banks and the other gentlemen, went with two boats, to examine a large river that empties itself into the head of Mercury Bay.

As the situation they were now in abounded with conveniences, the lieutenant has taken care to point them out, for the benefit of future navigators.

If any occasion should ever render it necessary for a ship either to winter here, or to stay for a considerable length of time, tents might be built on a high point or peninsula in this place, upon ground sufficiently spacious for the purpose; and they might easily be made impregnable to the whole force of the country.