The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-03-19
OF FICIAL.
l.. s. SHIP MACEDONIAN,
CAPE PALMAs, Vest africa,


December 2lst, ls43.
Sn:-l have the honor to transmit herewith
various papers numbered from l TO B inclusive,
giving detailed accounts OF The proceedings OF
the Squadron under my command, in relation TO
the arrangement of the difficulties which have
60 long existed with many of the native tribes
inhabiling that part OF the Coast Of Africa, ~
ing between Cape Mesurado and Cape Lahou.
From the delay in furnishing the people of
Little Berriby, for the murder of Captain Fare
well and his crew, and the entire destruction Of
his vessel, they had been led TO believe that the
occurrence would be passed over without fur
ther notice, and this had embolened them 10
greater. insolence. Hence punishment came up
on them when leas, expected
In regard to the amount of punishment visi-
ted upon these people, there is but one opinion
on board ship and on shore, that il was far short
Of what they deserved but my instructions en-
joined measures Of reasonable lenity, and was
myself disposed TO such course. The shedding
OF blood in the affair was unprecedented and
accidental. The natives commenced the fire,
and it is fortunate that no more Of them fell.
In the melee King Bep Cracow, and his In
terpreter were killed, and this would seem
providential result, as both these persons I'M
questionably took an active part in the massacre
Of Captain Farewell and his crew.
The known ferceness and lreachery of most
OF The African tribes made it measure Of ne
cessary prudence to land with considerable
armed force, and the ult has shown the pro-
prety OF such precautions, at almost every
place we were received by strong bodies of well
armed natives, while we noticed great numbers
lurking in the sknts Of the neighboriDg woods
My orders were in all cases to avoid The effu-
sion OF blood, and TO fire only in self defence.
This act Of reuibutive justice upon the Lit
tie Berrby Tribe will furnish an impl essve
lesson to the people Of other towns suspected of
piratcal acts, while the friendly demonstra ions
made by me 10 those tribes not implicated will
so far to show that the American Government
greatly prefers pacific intercourse with all ma
lions however Insignificant, TO one of strife.
| am happy in believing that the mea-
sures detailed in the accompanying papers,
will have the effect of establishing, upon ffm
and durable basis, good understanding with
all The tribes along the whole coast from Cape
Verd to the Equator, and that confidence be-
tween the lawful trader and the people at one
time suspected Of participation in the piracies
a, Little Berriby, will be restored, and trade,
which has been almost entirely suspended.
again fall into its former train of profitable re-
suits.
Ii is proper to repeat here wha, has been more
fully mentioned in the documents, that in all my
intercourse with the kings and chiefs, have
endeavored TO convince them that the American
Government will be so ready to notice
any wrongs committed upon the natives,
by persons sailing under the American
Flag as in demanding redress for the ag
gressions. of the natives upon such Amer.
cans.
The ships employed in this service, the Ma
cedonlan, Saratoga and Decatur, compose a
force rarely seen concentrated upon this part OF
the coast, and when its avowed object in visit
Ing the various towns was TO punish those who
committed outrages upon the American citizen
and to cultivate a good understanding with
those who were disposed TO be friendly, The
natural conviction of the natives has been that
the American Government has gone to unex-
ampled trouble and expense in carrying ou, its
determination 10 protect the rights Of its ciizens
10 this quarter Of the world.
In all these measures of no little responsibility
aud solicitude, have received the most rromp,
and efficient aid from Captain MAYO and Com
manders Tattnail and Abbott, commanding the
ships at present in company, aud to Governors
Roberts and Russw orm, ] am also much in
debted for advice and council particularly arm
obliged to Governor Roberts, who accompanied
me in this ship during her late cruise, and took
part in all the deliberations
The absolute necessity Of The sailing of the
Saratoga tonight for Port Preye to repenish
her provisions, has obliged me to prepare this
communication aud the accompanying docu-
ments IN very basty manner in order that
they may be sent by her. But | shall take
the earliest occasion to transmit duplicates with
some additional information including a chart
of that part of the coast recently visited by the
squadron.
have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedlent servant,
(Signed) NJ. c. PERRY,
Commanding u. s. Naval Forces.
Western Coast of Africa.
Hon Dawn Hrxuu,u