Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-02-23
J. s Snip PEArocy
= VI GIfIT EhLUNi,
DoLce S1n,J,r;rb IsI1uds Drf ~ tSI0

Oahce, Sandwich Islands, Oct. 10, 1910.
We arrived here the Both ut after tedious pass
age Of 80 days from the Feeee Islands Since leaving
Sydney IN. S. Wales) in March last, have spent
full three months in surveying ut the Feeee Islands
and it is gratifying 10 know, that have been the
first 10 make an examination of that interesting though
dangerous position ofthe South Seas.
In our intercourse with the Feejees we have had 10
do with the most savage and barbarous beings in all
crcation,-and although at all times we have been
guarded against their reachery, and endeavored to
ercise the utmost caution, yet have to lament and
deplorc the loss of two of brother officers who fell
victims TO their ferocity. Our worthy friend Lieut..
Underwood is more, While a surveying tour,
lie and Midshipman Wilkes Henry attempted to land
in boat the Island of Moloo, and while in the ACT
Of defending their boats from attack of the
wages both massacred. This sad event has crea-
ted deep and melancholy gloom among US; and long,
verv long must we think, with feelings of sorrow, OF
our departed friends.
We have had interesting voyage thus far although
many circumstances have occurred TO happi-
No doubt yon have heard the particulars of our
in the Antarctic Ocean, and the discovery OF
Southern Continent. trust shall be able to give
entire satisfaction 10 the country; for surely have
worked hard and braved many dangers.
Our good old Peacock had her tail feathers clipped
very closely while in the ice, aud has stood the
rubbings against the coral reefs and shoals in the Tor
rid Zone very we'll II is rumored 10 90 10 the
Northwest Coast. Our men rc-ship here, MS their
times expire on the 3lst October We expect to be
home by the summer Of 1912. We all in fine
health. A the squadron is here
Oahee is delightful place to refresh at-snd find
il particularly so, suffered considerably our
way here; all provisions gave out with the excep
ton of "creepng bread dust and salt beef 1t is rs-
ing rapidly. There several mercantile houses here
doing well In few years this must be the grand mar
ket Of the Pacific.
4nother acconnt-7he massacre Of Uaderrood and Hen
ryareaged-7~o To,cns burnt, and 81 IF the Sarages
killed.
After the above was in type we were politely favored
with the following particulars Of the skirmish at the
Feece Islands, from another letter of the 9th of Octo
berthe brig Porpoise and schr. Flying Fish, with
three Of The large boats under the command Of Lieus
Alden, Emmons and Underwood, were engaged in sur
veyinC croupe Of Islands attached To the Fecces.
The boats got separated FOR day two from the larger
vessels which made it requisite for them 10 70 o. shore
for visions and they accordingly landed the Island
of Aoolo. The natives received them with seeming
kindness, but told them they had nothing there for
Them and that they must 90 around 10 the other side
of the island as the Chef there with number of
presents for them, such hogs, vans, &c. Not sGs
pcc,ng any treachery, they pulled around as directed
but there very long fiat the boats could not get
within half a mile Of the beach that some of the
men got out Of them and waded ashore. Lieut.. Under
wood and M;dshpman Henry, IA nephew OF Cap
tain Wilkes, and quite youth) went with them They
had heen on shore but short time, when the natives
manifested their hostility to them, and Lieutenant
Underwood thereupon ordered all his men to return
10 their boats but before the order could be obey
ed the savages commenced an attack; and only
Lieutenant Underwood and Mdshipman Henry were
armed they stopped to defend the men, and in so
doing both lost their lives As the officers in
the boats what going they came to their as
sstance in few minutes after the fighting commenced
but their gallant comrades were then down. and at their
last gasp. One sailor severely wounded; the rest
got Off with little in Jury MIR. Henry IS said 10
have fought most desperately and to have killed one
or two OF the natives himself The other officers shot
several Of the savages before they succeeded IN getting
the bodies of their comrades. The schooner soon alter
heaving in sight, took them on board
The next morning the brig arrived, and the morning
after landed about sixty sailors and all the officers
They were formed into three divisions: RInggold and
North had charge Of the first Johnson and Sinclair Of
the second and, Maury and Ed Of the third. Captain
| Wilkes with Lieuts. Alden and Emmons were in the
boats SO that no canoes could make their escape.
The expedition landed about o'clock, and marched
Immediately towards the town where the massacre had
been perpetrated which well secured from attack
by means of WALL with bitches inside and out; but u
did not resist our tars, who burnt that and another OF
their towns and it reported that between the boats
and the detachment shore, fiy-seven OF The COW,
ardly barbarans made to exPate with their lives
their murder of poor Underwood and Henry We lost
not man. and had only four scamen wounded IN the
whole affair The savages fought desperately until
their chief was killed, when they dispersed They
pointed out Passed Alidshipman Sinclair MS the man
| who shot their chief.
| NAVAL.
(CorrfsTondfnec Of The Herald