I kept my eyes fixed on the people all the time, and saw nothing to induce me to think otherwise.  While we were with them, having enquired, by signs, for fresh water, some pointed to the east and others to the west.  My friend undertook to conduct us to it, and embarked with us for that purpose.  We rowed about two miles up the coast to the east, where the shore was mostly covered with mangrove-trees; and entering amongst them, by a narrow creek or river, which brought us to a little straggling village, above all the mangroves, there we landed and were shewn fresh water.  The ground near this village was finely cultivated, being laid out in plantations of sugar-canes, plantains, yams, and other roots, and watered by little rills, conducted by art from the main stream, whose source was in the hills.  Here were some cocoa-nut trees, which did not seem burdened with fruit.  We heard the crowing of cocks, but saw none.  Some roots were baking on a fire in an earthen jar, which would have held six or eight gallons; nor did we doubt its being their own manufacture.  As we proceeded up the creek, Mr Forster having shot a duck flying over our heads, which was the first use these people saw made of our fire-arms, my friend begged to have it; and when he landed, told his countrymen in what manner it was killed.  The day being far spent, and the tide not permitting us to stay longer in the creek, we took leave of the people and got on board a little after sun-set.[3] From this little excursion, I found that we were to expect nothing from these people but the privilege of visiting their country undisturbed.  For it was easy to see they had little else than good-nature to bestow.  In this they exceeded all the nations we had yet met with; and, although it did not satisfy the demands of nature, it at once pleased and left our minds at ease.[4]

Next morning we were visited by some hundreds of the natives; some coming in canoes, and others swimming off; so that, before ten o’clock, our decks, and all other parts of the ship, were quite full with them.  My friend, who was of the number, brought me a few roots, but all the others came empty in respect to eatables.  Some few had with them their arms, such as clubs and darts, which they exchanged for nails, pieces of cloth, &c.  After breakfast, I sent Lieutenant Pickersgill with two armed boats to look for fresh water; for what we found the day before was by no means convenient for us to get on board.  At the same time Mr Wales, accompanied by lieutenant Clerke, went to the little isle to make preparations for observing the eclipse of the sun, which was to be in the afternoon.  Mr Pickersgill soon returning, informed me that he had found a stream of fresh water, pretty convenient to come at.  I therefore ordered the launch to be hoisted out to complete our water, and then went to the isle to assist in the observation.[5]

About one p.m., the eclipse came on.  Clouds interposed, and we lost the first contact, but were more fortunate in the end, which was observed as follows: