I obliged her in the first, but excused myself in the latter: since the Natives had seen the Forge at work they have frequently brought pieces of Iron to be made into one sort of Tool or other, which hath generally been done whenever it did not hinder our own work--being willing to Oblige them in everything in my power.

These Pieces of old Iron the Natives must have got from the Dolphin, as we know of no other Ship being here;* (* M.de Bougainville, in the French ships La Boudeuse and L'Etoile, had visited Tahiti the year before, after its discovery by the Dolphin.

He was unfortunate in his choice of anchorage, and his ships lost anchors and got into various difficulties.

The crews were also much afflicted with scurvy.) and very probable some from us, for there is no species of Theft they will not commit to get this Article, and I may say the same of the common Seamen when in these parts.
Friday, 12th.

Cloudy weather with Showers of rain.