The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-07
Bombardment Of Johanna by an American
Ship.of.War.

Johanna, one Of the Comoro Islands, situated
IN the northern par, Of The Mszaml que channel
between Madagascar and the African coast, has
been bombarded by the United States sloop of.
war ID lie. The place is much frequcnted by
whalesliips for sul plies, and il was owing 10 re
peated ouirages from The king Of the island, 10
which our whalers have been subjected, that the
attack was made In August, 1850, he seized
and threw into prison Captain Moore. of the
balque Maria, Of New Bedford, and the Dale
was despatched by our government TO obtain
redress for the outrage. The Western Star
has the following account Of tbe attack, derived
from Captain Gutter, Of the barque Dolphin:
captain Pearson, after making all inquiries,
Of 10th the English squadron on this station, and
the masters Of American ships IN the hsrbor,
and also Of the English residents here, being
convinced Of the aagrant injustice done to Cap
tain Moore and Others OF this island. Immediately
demanded Of the King $4,000, and required
an immediate answer Alter waiting all nj ht
and receiving no answer. BE despatched another
letter, informing the King, that IL he did not
give him an answer ut or before IL o'clock,
he should commence bostilties. The King re.
l,lied TO the last note, offering $500 in cash.
$500 worth of bulloeks, Ind trinkets. Captain
Pearson refused this, and got his ship under
Nelun. Fnu AnCUoTtu NNT fi I'VE NOWU- lbO NaTut
from the beach, with his broadside 30 the town.
The King sent OF and offered to pay IS 600
IL he could get Il IN any way--woud give trink
ets, cattle and cotton cloth 10 make up the
mount Capt. PEARSON then gave The King "a
hours more 10 consider Of II, at the same time
telling him not to make any warlike domonstra.
ton in The meantime; IL he did, he should con.
slider II as breach OF faith, and should com
mence immediate hostilities. He also notified
the King that II he did not came 10 some d q
mite terms, 10 send the women ard children out
Of the place BY noon the next day, ny he should
then commence firing upon them. AT daylight
The 9th, there were a large number Of troops
paraded on the shore, and they cent word to
Capt Pearson that he might do what he could
they would not pay anything. AT A. NJ,
the Dale commenced fling shot at the fort AT
ter FIVE shots they set white flag. Capt Pear
son Immediately ceased firing, and sent Lieut.
Fairfax with flag of truce, u inquire what the
white flag was set for, and IL they were ready 70
treat with him Theyanswered that they wished
the firing TO cease, and said they could not meet
the demand
They were told to haul down the flag oftruce,
but they refused TO do so. Captain Pearson, on
learning their answer, sent another message TO
them, informing them that if they did not haul
down the nag he should commepce firing again
with II up After waiting proper length OF
time, Captain Pearson again commenced firing
at the fort and blockhouse mt the corner Of the
town, but strictly avoiding 90 fire into the town
After nineteen shots and shells, they set a sig
nal on the beach, and Lieut. Parker was SEM
with flag of truce. At this time the King OF
fered to pay 81 900 dows, give bond for $4,000
and surrender the town said he was very sorry