Saturday, 30th April.

Fine weather at 4 boats returned saw nothing at 4 had a visit from Roabolla^* the head chief of this bay (Just returned from a marauding expedition) accompanied with the Customary demand of lay of tobacco muskets and cask of Powder Which I peremptorily denied this they returned with a threat I should not whale here to which I replied I was perfectly willing to go to sea for I would not submit to any imposition altho I would present them with the same the English ships and Parties did but no more and if they would not take that they should have nothing they finally consented to receive a dozen pipes 10 Ibs tobacco and a piece of low priced calico of about 30 yards prised 17.4 and a tin Pot then dismissed them with a blessing he afterwards came and demanded supper which I of course declined furnishing him and bade him good bye there is no other way to deal with these people only to Be positive with them and let them know you do not fear them as if any timidity is shown they demand everything they See nor would the ship hold enough for them and the bad conduct of masters has encouraged them to be very importunate I am willing to allow a lone ship there not well armed might be obliged to comply with their requisitions but no excuse can be offered for any one to do so now as there are 7 Ships here all partially armed and shewed me 3 muskets given him page 438 by the Captains of Ships the other side to their shame be in spoken for if they only reflected they would know tis for the interest of these natives to keep on good terms with us as they know if Ships are hindered coming here adieu to their darling Tobacco Muskets and Pipes. I have adopted the line of conduct from my own convictions and the advice of the English Masters here who know them well Latter part strong N W wind Cloudy sent out 3 boats the other kept to do Some necessary duty on board I obtained altitudes by an artificial horizon determining the Latt. 41. 19.30.