However, a favourable opportunity was seized of getting others to the yards; and the Resolution again proceeded in safety.
On the 16th of January, 1779, canoes arrived in such numbers from all parts, that there were not fewer than a thousand about the two ships, most of them crowded with people, and well laden with hogs, and other productions of the islands.

It was a satisfactory proof of their friendly intentions, that there was not a single person amongst them who had with him a weapon of any kind; trade and curiosity alone appearing to be the motives which actuated their conduct.

Among such multitudes, however, as, at times, were on board, it will not be deemed surprising, that some should betray a thievish disposition.

One of them took out of the Resolution a boat's rudder; and made off with it so speedily, that it could not be recovered.

Captain Cook judged this to be a favourable opportunity of shewing to these people the use of fire-arms; and accordingly he ordered two or three muskets, and as many four-pounders, to be fired over the canoe, which carried off the rudder.