eftate of his father, in order to fatisfy the demand.

In executing this order great irregularities were committed, and feveral fevere conflicts enfued, which compelled his father, in his turn, to claim the protection of the law. Mr. Fitzgerald was indicted for a riot, and being found guilty, was fentenced to three years imprisonment.

To obtain his loft liberty, Mr. Fitzgerald ventured on a bold and hazardous enterprize an efcape from his prifon; which he effected in spite of every impediment.

This being atchieved, he erected a very formidable battery on his demefne, confifting of feveral pieces of iron ordnance. The battery was conftructed on an artificial mount, on which was planted a grove of trees, fituated about one hundred yards from the high road, and the fame diftance from the gate of the avenue which leads to the man fion-house, and half an English mile from the house itself. It was furnished and provided fo completely for defence, that it foon gave an alarm to government, which occafioned a train of artillery being fent, with a regiment of horse, to dislodge the offenders. On the approach of this force Mr. Fitzgerald and his partizans all fled, and the troops returned to their old quarters. He, however, continued concealed in the country for fome time, and it was in this period that his houfe at Rockfield was fet on fire. At length finding it impoffible to be much longer concealed, he, with an armed party, (at the time he was himself an out-law) went to Turlough, and took his father prifoner.

Having placed him in a poft-chaife, and a ftrong guard on the outfide, he led him, as if in triumph, through the country, and at laft brought him to Dublin, where he foon afterwards died, and Mr. Fitzgerald himself was taken by captain Hall, who for the fervice received the reward of 300l. offered by the government for apprehending him. He continued a confiderable time in the new prifon at Dublin; but, during the adminiftra tion of Lord Temple, he had addrefs enough to obtain his pardon.

The many narrow efcapes which he had experienced, had not leffened, but on the contrary, increafed his confidence. Mr. M'Donnel, an attorney and magiftrate in his neighbourhood, having interefted himfelf in fome family-concerns againft him, he devoted him as a victim to his vengeance. Accord ingly, paffing by Mr. Fitzgerald's houfe, between the hours of nine and ten o'clock at night, he was fired upon, and wounded by Mr. Fitzgerald, and five or fix other perfons; for which Mr. Fitzgerald took his trial, and was acquitted. Still, however, determined to wreak his vengeance on the unfortunate man, he got him into his poffeffi

covery.

THE Author of this Narrative is of opinion that the event of Captain Cook's death has not been fo explicitly related as the importance of it required. The public opinion having attributed that unfortunate affair in fome measure to rafhnefs or over-confidence in the Captain, Mr. Samwell thinks it a duty the friends of the deceafed owe to his character, to relate the whole affair tandidly and fully, in order to remove such a fuppofition, injurious to Captain Cook's me mory, who was not lefs diftinguished for his caution and prudence than for his eminent abilities and undaunted refolution. This ac count feems to transfer the blame on an of ficer who was prefent at the fatal catastrophe, which is attributed to a want of timely exertions in those who were in the boats.

"Some of the Indians of Ou why ee in the night took away the Difcovery's large cutter, which lay fwamped at the buoy of one of her anchors: they had carried her off fo quietly, that we did not mifs her till the morning, Sunday, February 14. Captain Clerke loft no time in waiting upon Captain Cook to acquaint him with the accident: he returned on board, with orders for the launch and fmall cutter to go, under the command of the fecond lieutenant, and lie off the caft of the bay, in order to intercept all canoes that might attempt to get out; and, if he found it neceflary, to fire upon them. At the fame time, the third lieutenant of the Refolution, with the launch and fmall cutters was fent on the fame fervice, to the oppofite point of the bay; and the mafter was dif patched in the large cutter, in purfuit of a double canoe, already under fail, making the beft of her way out of the harbour. He foon came up with her, and by firing a few mufkets drove her on fhore, and the Indians left her: this happened to be the canoe of Omea, a man who bore the title of Orono. Ile was on board himself, and it would have been fortunate, if our people had fecured him, for his perion was held as facred as that of the king. During this time, Captain Cook was preparing to go afhore himfelf at the town of Kavaroah, in order to fecure the perfon of Kariopoo, before he fhould have time to withdraw himself to another part of the island, out of our reach. This appeared the most effectual step that could be taken on the prefent occafion, for the reco very of the boat. It was the measure he had invariably purfued, in fimilar cafes, at other islands in thofe feas, and it had always the defired

1768.

there was

defired fuccefs: in fact, it would be difficult to point out any other mode of proceeding on thefe emergencies, likely to attain the ob ject in view. We had reafon to fuppofe, that the king and his attendants had fled when the alarm was firft given: in that cafe it was Captain Cook's intention to fecure the large canoes which were hauled up on the beach. He left the fhip about seven o'clock, attended by the lieutenant of marines, a ferjeant, corporal, and feven private men: the pinnace's crew were alfo armed, and under the command of Mr. Roberts. As they rowed towards the fhore, Captain Cook ordered the launch to leave her flation at the weft point of the bay, in order to affift his own boat. This is a circumftance worthy of notice; for it clearly fhews, that he was not unapprehenfive of meeting with refiftance from the natives, or unmindful of the neceffary preparation for the safety of himself and his people. I will venture to say, that from the appearance of things juft at that time, not one, befide himself, who judged that fuch precaution was abfolutely requifite fo little did his conduct on the occafion, bear the marks of rafhnefs, or a precipitate felf-confidence! He landed, with the marines, at the upper end of the town of Kavaroah: the Indians immediately flocked round, as ufual, and fhewed him the customary marks of respect, by proftrating themfelves before him. There were no Signs of hoftilities, or much alarm among then. Captain Cook, however, did not feem willing to truft to appearances; but was particularly attentive to the difpofition of the marines, and to have them kept clear of the crowd. He firft enquired for the king's fons, two youths who were much attached to him, and generally his companions on board. Meflengers being fent for them, they foon came to him, and informing him that their father was afleep, at a houfe not far from them, he accompanied them thither, and took the marines along with them. As he paffed along, the natives every where proftrated themselves before him, and feemed to have loft no part of that refpect they had always fhewn to his perfon. He was joined by feveral chiefs among whom was Canynah, and his brother Koohowrooah. They kept che crowd in order, ac cording to their ufual cuftom; and being ignorant of his intention in coming on fore, frequently afked him, if he wanted any hogs, or other provifions: he told them, that he did not, and that his bufinefs was to fee the king. When he arrived at the house, he or dered fome of the Indians to go in and inform Kariopoo, that he waited without to fpeak with him. They came out two or three times, and inftead of returning any anfwer from the king, prefented fome pieces Hib. Mag. July, 1786.

553

of red cloth to him, which made Captai Cook fufpect that he was not in the houfe he therefore defired the lieutenant of marinės to go in. The lieutenant found the old man juft awaked from sleep, and feemingly alarmed at the meffage; but he came out without hesitation. Captain Cook took him by the hand, and in a friendly manner asked him to go on board, to which he very readily confented. Thus far matters appeared in a favourable train, and the natives did not seem much alarmed or apprehenfive of hoftility on our fide; at which Capt. Cook expreffed himself a little furprized, faying, that as the inhabitants of that town appeared innocent of ftealing the cutter, he should not moleft them, but that he muft get the king on board. Kariopoo fat down before his door, and was furrounded by a great crowd: Kanynah and his brother were both very active in keeping order among them. In a little time, however, the Indians were obferved arming themfelves with long fpears, clubs, and daggers, and putting on thick mats, which they ufe as armour. This hoftile appearance increased, and became more alarming, on the arrival of two men in a canoe from the oppofite fide of the bay, with the news of a chief, called Kareemoo, having keen killed by one of the Discovery's boats. in their paffage across: they had alfo delivered this account to each of the fhips. Upon that information, the women, who were fitting upon the beach at their breakfaft, and converfing familiarly with our people in the boats, retired, and a confused murmur fpread through the crowd. An old prieft came to Captain Cook, with a cocoa nut in his hand,. which he held out to him as a prefent, at the fame time figning very loud. He was often defired to be filent, but in vain: he continued importunate and troublesome, and there was no fuch thing as getting rid of him or his noife: it feemed as if he meant to divert their attention from his countrymen, who were growing more tumultuous, and arming themselves in every quarter. Capt. Cook being at the fame time furrounded by a great crowd, thought his fituation rather hazardous: he therefore ordered the lieutenant of marines to march his fmall party to the water-fide, where the boats lay within a few yards of the fhore: The Indians readily made a lane for them to pafs, and did not offer to interrupt them. The diftance they had to go might be fifty or fixty yards; Capt. Cook followed, having hold of Kariopoo's hand, who accompanied him very willingly: he was attended by his wife, two fons, and several chiefs. The troublefome old priest followed, making the fame favage noife. Keowa, the younger fon, went directly into the pinnace, expecting his father to follow; but juft as he was arrived at the water-fide,

Aa

his

his wife threw her arms about his neck, and, with the affiftance of two chiefs, forced him to fit down by the fide of a double canoe. Captain Cook expoftulated with them, but to no purpose: they would not fuffer the king to proceed; telling him he would be put to death if he went on board the fhip. Kariopoo, whofe conduct feemed entirely refigned to the will of others, hung down his head, and appeared much diftreffed.

While the king was in this fituation, a chief, well known to us, of the name of Coho, was observed near, with an iron dagger, partly concealed under his cloke, feemingly, with an intention of ftabbing Captain Cook, or the lieutenant of marines. The latter propofed to fire at him, but Captain Cook would not permit it. Coho clofing upon them, obliged the officer to ftrike him with his piece, which made him retire. Another Indian laid hold of the ferjeant's musket, and endeavoured to wrench it from him, but he was prevented by the lieutenant's making a blow at him. Capt. Cook, feeing the tumult increafe, and the Indians growing more daring and refolute, obferved, that if he were to take the king off by force, he could not do it without facrificing the lives of inany of his people. He then paufed a little, and was on the point of giving his orders to embark, when a man threw a ftone, at him, which he returned with a difcharge of fmall fhot, (with which one barrel of his double piece was loaded). The man, having a thick mat before him received little or no hurt: he brandished his fpear, and threatened to dart it at Captain Cook, who being ftill unwilling to take away his life, inftead of firing with ball, knocked him down with his musket. He expoftulated strongly with the most forward of the crowd, upon their turbulent behaviour. He had given up all thoughts of getting the king on board, as it appeared impracticable; and his care was then only to act on the defenfive, and to fecure a fafe embarkation for his fmall party, which was clofely preffed by a body of several thousand people. Keowa, the king's fon, who was in the pinmace, being alarmed on hearing the firft firing, was, at his own entreaty, put on fhore again;for even at that time Mr. Roberts who commanded her, did not apprehend that Captain Cook's perfon was in any danger: otherwife he would have detained the prince, which, no doubt, would have been a great check on the Indians. One man was obferved, behind a double canoe, in the action of darting his fpear at Captain Cook, who was forced to fire at him in his own defence, but happened to kill another close to him, equally forward in the tumult: the ferjeant obferving that he had miffed the man he aimed at, received orders to fire at him, which he did, and killed him. By

this time, the impetuofity of the Indians was fomewhat repreffed; they fell back in a body, and seemed ftaggered: but being pushed on by those behind, they returned to the charge, and poured a volley of ftones among the marines, who, without waiting for orders, returned it with a general difcharge of mufketry, which was inftantly followed by a fire from the boats. At this Captain Cook was heard to express his astonishment: he waved his hand to the boats, called to them to ceafe firing, and to come nearer in order to receive the marines. Mr. Roberts immediately brought the pinnace as close to the fhore as he could, without grounding, notwithstanding the fhowers of ftones that fell among the people: but Mr. John Williamfon, the lieutenant, who commanded in the launch, inftead of pulling in to the affiftance of Captain Cook, withdrew his boat further off, at the moment that every thing feems to have depended upon the timely exertions of thofe in the boats. By his own account, he mistook the fignal: but be that as it may, this circumftance appears to me, to have decided the fatal turn of the af fair, and to have removed every chance which remained with Capt. Cook, of efcaping with his life. The bufinefs of faving the marines out of the water,in confequence of that, fell altoge ther upon the pinnace; which thereby became fo much crouded, that the crew were, in a great measure, prevented from ufing their fire-arms, or giving that affiftance they otherwise might have done, to Captain Cook; fo that he seems, at the most critical point of time, to have wanted the affiftance of both boats, owing to the removal of the launch. For notwithstanding that they kept up a fire on the crowd from the fituation to which they removed in that boat, the fatal conclufion which enfued on her being withdrawn, to say the leaft of it, muft have prevented the full effect, that the prompt co-ope ration of the two boats, according to Captain Cook's orders, muft have had, towards the preservation of himself and his people. At that time, it was to the boat alone that Capt. Cook had to look for his fafety; for when the marines had fired, the Indians rushed among them, and forced them into the water, when four of them were killed; their lieutenant was wounded, but fortunately ef caped, and was taken up by the pinnace Captain Cook was then the only one remain. ing on the rock; he was obferved making for the pinnace, holding his left hand against the back of his head, to guard it from the ftones, and carrying his mufket under his arm. An Indian was feen following him, but with caution and timidity; for he ftop ped once or twice, as if undetermined to proceed. At laft he advanced upon him unawares, with a large club, or common stake, gave him a blow on the back of the head,

and

THE

British Theatre.

what fign, what degree, and what hour every one is in every hour of the day; the oppofition likewife of the fun and moon, and the head and tail of the dragon. And because the night darkeneth not the fun, nor the day the moon, or other planets; therefore their courfes are here exactly feen at all times. The fixth thing, which is next unto this, is a circle, wherein are two signs of the moon's rifing and falling; at two feveral hollow places it is feen at what ftate fhe is; and her age is declared by an index, which is wholly turned about once every month. The feventh thing which is above this, are four little balls, whereon the quarters of the hour are fricken; at the firft quarter, cometh forth a little boy, and ftriking the firft bell with an apple, and fo goeth and stayeth at the fourth bell, until the next quarter; then cometh a lufty youth, and he, with a dart ftriketh two bells, and fucceedeth into the place of the child; at the third, cometh forth a man in arms, with a halbert in his hand, and striking three bells, he fucceedeth into the place of the young man; at the fourth quarter, cometh forth an old man with a staff, having a crook at the end, and he with much ado, because he is old, ftriking the four bells, and ftanding at the fourth quarter, until the next quarter immediately, to ftrike the clock, cometh Death, in theroom above this; for this is the eight thing (and this understand, that at every quarter he cometh forth, thinking to catch each of thofe former ages away with him); but at a contrary fide, in the fame room where he is, Cometh Chrift forth, and driveth him in but when the last quarter is heard, Chrift giveth him leave to go to the bell, which is in the midft, and fo ftriketh he with his bone according to the number of the hours, and there he ftandeth at the bell, as the old man doth at his quarter bell, until the next quarter, and then they go in both together. The ninth and laft thing in this right line, is the tower at the top of the work wherein is a noble pleasant chime, which goeth at three, feven, and eleven of the clock, every time a diverse tune to one of the Pfalms; and at Chriftmas, Eafter, and Whitfuntide, a thanksgiving unto Chrift: and when this chime hath done, the cock (which flandeth en the top of the tower, on the north fide of the main work) having ftretched out his neck, fhaken his comb, and clapping his wings twice, croweth then twice; and this verily he doth fo fhrill and naturally, as it would makeone to wonder; and if they please who attend the clock, they may make him to crow more times. In this tower, whereon this cock flandeth, are conveyed all the infruments of thofe motions, which are in the aforesaid described things,

The ftage, we affert, is in a state of horrid declenfion; and we affert, that no perfon of genius, in cafy circumftances, and of an independent mind, can poffibly submit to the many degradations which every dramatic author, as well as actor, of the prefent day, is frequently doomed to experience, at all the theatres. It may he faid, with ref pect to Actors, there are few or no good ones out of employ; and, with regard to Authors, that no excellent dramatic pieces have been written, which remain unperformed; but, were both thefe affertions true, which they are not, it might be fairly afked, in reply, what perfon, who poffeffes good fenfe enough to be capable of either writing or acting well, will for a fingle moment encourage any propenfity that leads to a fituation in which he muft totally relinquifh his independence as a gentleman, and become the mere paffive inftrument of a miferable defpot?

There is not, we infift, any want of ge rius in the nation; and we can affert, from our own knowledge, that at leaft half a dozen of the most refpectable writers in this country, would long fince have employed their pens for the fervice of the fage, if they had not been deterred by the dread of dif honourable treatment,

Thefe general remarks have arifen out of

the