Their costumes, and manner
of treating one another, show a simple, primitive generosity, which is
truly delightful; and which is often a reproach to our own people.
Whatever one has, they all have. Money, food, clothes, they share with
one another; even to the last piece of tobacco to put in their
pipes. I once heard old Mr. Bingham say, with the highest indignation,
a Yankee trader who was trying to persuade him to keep his money to
himself- "No! We no all same a' you!- Suppose one got money, all got
money. You;- suppose one got money- lock him up in chest.- No
good!"- "Kanaka all 'e same a' one!" This principle they carry so far,
that none of them will eat anything in the sight of others without
offering it all round. I have seen one of them break a biscuit,
which had been given him, into five parts, at a time when I knew he
was on a very short allowance, as there was but little to eat on the
beach.
My favorite among all of them, and one who was liked by both
officers and men, and by whomever he had anything to do with, was
Hope. He was an intelligent, kind-hearted little fellow, and I never
saw him angry, though I knew him for more than a year, and have seen
him imposed upon by white people, and abused by insolent officers of
vessels.
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