While the lieutenant and his friends remained in a state of suspense, another party of Indians came up; and the boldness of the whole body being increased by the augmentation of their numbers, they began the dance and song, which are their preludes to a battle.

An attempt, that was made by a number of them, to seize the two boats which had brought our voyagers to land, appeared to be the signal for a general attack.

It now became necessary for Mr.Cook to exert himself with vigour Accordingly, he discharged his musket, which was loaded with small shot, at one of the forwardest of the assailants, and Mr.Banks, and two of our men, fired immediately afterwards.

Though this made the natives fall back in some confusion, nevertheless, one of the chiefs, who was at the distance of about twenty yards, had the courage to rally them, and, calling loudly to his companions, led them on to the charge.

Dr.Solander instantly discharged his piece at this champion, who, upon feeling the shot, stopped short, and then ran away with the rest of his countrymen.
Still, however, they did not disperse, but got upon rising ground, and seemed only to want some leader of resolution to renew their assault.
As they were now gotten beyond the reach of small shot, the English fired with ball, none of which taking place, the Indians continued together in a body.