Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1835-06-04
From the Nantucket Inquirer.
CAUTION TO WHALERS.

! IaO IOlN " w I1ALEno.
We are indebted to Capt. Uphnhn, Of the
ship Corinthian, recently arrived from the
Pacific Ocean, for the following detail Of an
outrage and robbery, committed by one Of
the savage sovercigns Of the South Sea Is
lands-which we publish, that il may serve
especially as a warning TO all who may be
disposed to place reliance on the good faith
of those untutored barbarians.
On the afternoon of the 18th of November
last, Capt. Upham, with boats crew, land
ed on the Island of Eooa, one of the Friend
ly Islands, for the purpose ftrading for veg
etables, and without difficulty brought and
took off two boat loads of vans. Next morn
ing, with view Of obtaining further sup
ply, he again landed, loaded his boat, and
despatched her for the ship, meanwhile re-
naming himself TO purchase more, OF which
he had collected nearly another load, when
the chief asked him for "big gun," Capt. u.
replied, that having bu, one on board he
could not spare it-and the chiefseemed per-
fectly satisfied. The boat was now return
ing from the ship, and while going down to
meet her Capt u. was accompanied by the
chef and others, all manifesting a very
4
some private conversation took place between
the chief, his interpreter; and three New
Leaanders who spoke English. Subse-
quently TO which as soon as the boat was
loaded, and ready 10 push off, the chief re-
marked that the boat could not 90, unless
the "big gun" was given him; and on being
again denied, he ordered the boat to be stop.
ped Oh shore.
Some three hours afterwards, the gun was
again demanded, and again refused. The
small arms were then taken from the boat,
and she dragged up Some distance on land
by the natives. The captain with his third
mate were allowed to walk about at liberty;
but in the course of two hours returned to
the chiefs hut, where they foand the boats
crew I'm state of great alarm. They in
formed Capt. U. that the chief had threaten
ed to take the lives of himself and all his
men on shore. lie replied that he could not
think so, and urged the men to entertain no
such fear. Here the chief exclaimed in En-
glish, 'syes, I'll kill you all, every one of
you"-and Immediately proceeded with great
numbers Of natives, to force them into the in
terior-the chief armed with bayonet fixed
to the end of a pole twelve feet long, which
he thrust against the backs of Capt. U. and
his mate, pushing them forward with prodi-
gious strength, fifteen or twenty feet at
once, they not moving with sufficient speed.
Having advanced about two miles, they
arrived at large hut, on the ground within
which lay long log, whereon the chief seat
ed himself; but on Capt Upham's undertak-
ing TO sit down by his side, as he had been
accustomed to do at the other hut, the chief,
most powerful and athletic man, standing
six feet, and weighing not far from three
hundred pounds--sprang up, seized him, and
with great violence threw him to the other
on mat. The Captain then took off his hat
and laid it beside him, when the chief agnin
started up, grasped large heavy war club,
and aiming blow at the Captain, brought il
down purposely within inches of his head.
lie again asked for the cannon, and Capt. u.
still persisted in refusing il; when the chief
struck at him second time, as beforehand
in the space Of few minutes, third blow
was levelled, the barbarian's eyes flashing,
and his hair seeming to rise upon his head
During this transaction, Capt. Upham's men
were imploring him TO surrender any thing
Oh board the ship, some of them even with
tears. The club was raised fourth time,
the infuriated chiefnow foaming at the mouth
with rage. Capt. U. perceiving his assailant
TO be in earnest, concluding that the next
stroke would tall directly upon his head, con-
sented 10 relinquish the gun.
The savage then dropped his club, and
seating himself near Capt. U. demanded in
addition, an iron cook pot, a chest, trunk
two kegs of powder, and muskets and caanon
balls. On replying that he had none Of the
latter, the chief told him he lied, and that tho
boat should not be released without a pledge
to furnish them. At length il was agreed TO
give up all that could be procured OF made
on board, and the boat was sent off with the
third mate and four men, the Captain and
two men being detained as hostages, and re-
moved to the hut near the shore, where they
were surrounded all night by crowds Of ma
lives, singing the war song continually.
At day light the chief having fallen asleep,
the singing ceased--and Capt. U. took the
opportunity with bis men, to walk out and
look after the ship, then lying off and on
Soon after, he was beset by gang Of ma
lives, armed with cIdbs, and axes, and re-
conducted TO the chief, who placed large
guard over the Captain, but allowed the men
10 walk at liberty. The ship having ap-
preached near the land about noon, the boat
zane with articles, bringing pieces of iron as
substitutes for cannon balls. As soon as
hese were landed, the chief insisted upon
mother supply, enumeratiag plates, knives
orks, cups, saucers, spoons, &c. Compliance
vas the only alternative-aDd the boat, with
he yams purchased on the day previous, was
gain sent off, Capt u. alone remaining
IN the return of the boat, further demand
{ a bottle of oil, and n bottle OF rom was
made. These were sent for, sad on their re-
option al about sunset, Capt U. was dis
harged. He returned to the ship, and made
all Immediately.