Peter Good has spent the Sunday ashore collecting plant specimens and seeds in the vicinity of the

tents. Next day smokes are seen at the head of the harbour, and he accompanies Robert Brown, Westall and their servants to investigate the source. The fire is out before they reach the place, but on their way they see a native man walking on the beach at a little distance. At first he seems unconcerned at their presence, but as they approach within 50 yards he begins to call out with great force; brandishing his spear, he signals them to turn back. Seeing us persist in advancing, he retreats into the scrub behind the beach, setting fire to the bushes to bar their way. Through the flames they see a group of women and children fleeing inland. In the morning two men approach the tents, crying out and gesturing in a threatening manner. Tall and slender, they are naked but for a kangaroo skin loosely wrapped round their bodies, and fastened at the shoulder with a wooden skewer. They advance cautiously, the leader keeping his spear poised and ready to throw. The assistant surgeon, Mr Purdie, walks slowly towards them unarmed, and soon wins their confidence. Brown and his group offer some red nightcaps and other trifles in exchange for a spear and a stone hatchet. After this meeting the warriors and their companions return almost every day, often spending a whole morning at the tents. They will not allow anyone to go with them when they leave; the women and children stay hidden in the bush. The Indians admire their visitors white skin; They rubbed their skin against ours, expecting some mark of White woud appear upon theirs says Seaman Samuel Smith, but finding their mistake they appeard surprised. - Captain Matthew Flinders, HMS Investigator, 24 December, 1801