This morning, about 9 o'Clock, when Mr.Green and I went to set up the Quadrant, it was not to be found.

It had never been taken out of the Packing Case (which was about 18 Inches square) since it came from Mr.Bird, the Maker; and the whole was pretty heavy, so that it was a matter of Astonishment to us all how it could be taken away, as a Centinal stood the whole night within 5 Yards of the door of the Tent, where it was put, together with several other Instruments; but none of them was missing but this.

However, it was not long before we got information that one of the Natives had taken it away and carried it to the Eastward.

Immediately a resolution was taken to detain all the large Canoes that were in the Bay, and to seize upon Tootaha and some others of the principal people, and keep them in Custody until the Quadrant was produced; but this last we did not think proper immediately to put in Execution, as we had only Oberiea in our power, and the detaining of her by force would have alarm'd all the rest.

In the meantime, Mr.Banks (who is always very alert upon all occasions wherein the Natives are concern'd) and Mr.Green went into the Woods to enquire of Toobouratomita which way and where the Quadrant was gone.