The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1821-02-19
South Sea Islands.

On looking over our file of the London OBJ
SerUer, our attention was drawn 10 statement
OF some interesting particulars, respecting an
European of the name Of Wilson, who now
acts a an independent sovereign III oneof these
islands. II appears that an English vessel.
named the Concord, which had been fitted
out by a mercantile house in London, for a
three years voyage TO the SoubSeas, after hav-
ing touched al Valparaiso in 1918, made sail
for New Zealand. Nat. Ado.
I" Approaching small cluster Of Islands,
which had not been discovered by former ha-
ygators, they observed several large canoes
coming of with the symbols Of peace The
chief being admitted upon deck, presented TO
the captain piece of paper which be regard
ed with enthusiasm The curiosity OF the
captain and crew were much excited by the
appearance OF European writing paper, dely-
cred by one of the natives of an island, which
they supposed no civilized persons bad be
fore visited. He opened il, and read the lol-
lowing words, written in English -
$ Let the navigator WHO reads this, on no
account drop anchor near the Two islands, ives.
OF The island 10 lbe bay. Steer for the East
point Of the small island, with low beach,
stand for the bay, and you will meet a pilot.
will come of and conduct you safe in.
AN ENGLISHMAN."
The courses and souudings to the harbor
were laid down, and other Information neces
sary TO navigate the ship 70 the island recon-
mended. Il also directed the captain TO fire
gun when he wanted to get rid Of the natives
The chief would not consent to quit this
precious scrap Of paper, which he considered
some attribute Of divinity. The captain
therefore, with due solemnlty, returned il 10
bis hands, having first made The clerk Of the
ship take copy. This Unexpected commu-
ncation induced the CoDcord's officers 10 run
Tor the Island. They 6rs, fired gun over
the heads of The natives, and in few seconds
the chiel and his followers were overheard,
swimming to their canoes, ia which they pad
died Of
The ship running upon the course directed,
soon discovered a man in canoe, endeav-
curing to weather the point of Ihe small Isl
and but again lost sight OF him. They did not
find the pilot mentioned in the letter, and con-
sequenlly did not attempt to explore the en-
trance to the bay OF harbour that night II he
next morning al day break, the watch were
surprised by bearing man alongside cry OCT
IN English, = Throw rope ! throw rope
overheard, anu pick me up The chief mate
,upposing one of the crew was overboa.a and
instantly called The Captain, but before any
orders could be given, strange white man,
wearing the dress Of the natives, vas upon
The deck at the same moment he darted up
Oh the Captain, threw his arms round him.
and exclaimed = Thank God, | have at last
seen a countyman." The first transport 81
The man having subsidized, be declared him
sell the winter Of the letter sent out by the
Chief He added, = came out ID pilot YOU /;
my canoe was swampt, and | was Obliged
TO swim TO the rocks five miles to the wind
ward oil the point. ! remained there 0nlil the.
weather grew more moderate, and three hours
since | swan Tor the ship. This extraordi-
nary person was soon refreshed with gros.
and having again expressed ms gratitude 10
Heaven, for once more bringing him 70 cen