The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-01-08
U. 8. FRIGArE CONSTITUTION,
OFF CAvALLA RlvRE. WEST CoAsr OF

AFRICA, Sept Z, 1888.
Interesting from the Coast Of Africs-War b.
fpeen the Cavala River and Bar6o Tribes of
Natires-AttemYted Interference IS Medlators By
the officers of the Contribution Exciting Pre-
pQrations for Stirm,sh-Peaes Finally Re
stored through the InstrHmentality Of Commodore
Mayo.
Learning at Cape Pamas that there ragged o war,
which had continued for q long time, between the
Cavaa River and Bsrbo tribes Of natives and as this
state Of disquietude was greatly injurious to the
trade of the colonists and Cavala people, who ara
strong allies Ct the former, we proceeded thither,
having as passengers Rev. Mr.. Scott, (who had been
just ordained by Bishop Paine, and appointed to the
Cavala mission) and two delegates of the Grebo
tribe with fall power invested in them to conclude
peace with the Barbos. On our arrival Of Cavala,
on the 4th, we despatched canoe with our head
man in her for the purpose Of opening communi-
cation with the Barbos. He accordingly landed,
and had an interview with the King first presenting
." dash" to him. sent by the Commodore. His in.
structions were to induce few Of the principal
chiefs Of the Barbos to come off TO the ship where
they would meet the deputies sent from Cape PALMS.
to hold "peace palavar." This overture on our
part to act as nedators in bringing the head men of
the hostile tribes to friendly negotiation would not
be entertained by the Barbos, and our head man.
was peremptoriy ordered to return on board the
ship with their refusal Of the DASH or present:
and Furthermore to tell the Commodore that
they wanted no interference on his part
and dseaimed his right of at all msddling
with what they considered their exclusive bust
ness, and that they did not want peace until the
Cavaa people should first betake themselves to Cape
Palmas. So things stood on the evening Of the lth
On the succeeding morning, however, ell hands we're
called, Out boats, and five we're fully manned and
equipped for expedition duty. The launch had
on board field piece twelve-pounder. They
left the ship under flag Of truce about nine o'clock
with something like hundred officers and men, COM
Pletely armed. On near approach to the bar at
the mouth Of the cavaa river, it was found nprac
h,abe to land with the boats They were then an
chored lear the bar as safety perm itted in the
following order, opposite the Cavals river, com.
handing the let bank, viz:-Lieutenant Dove. in
the second cutter, the extreme left; Lieutenant
De Camp, in the launch; the Commmander.iu Chief
in the barge, occupying the centre position; whilst
Lieutenant Bier, in the Water Witch came next and
Captain hudd, in the Ariel took his position on the
extreme right az commander Of the expedition. After
waiting couple Of hours, vainy hoping that the
belgerent party would send flag Of truce TO hold
parley, an order given to DIRE rockets 80 as TO
pass ever the village, by way of intimidation, which
was dsreeArded No person appearing orders were
then given to open on the town from the twelve
pounder, aud q bombardmsnt of the village then
took place. whenrockets shells and ball were fired in
such a manner ~ not to be misunderstood, and by
the time that five huts were annihilated white Lao
was seen In the act of being hosted whereupon the
order TO cease firing was given, and, accordingly,
carried into effect. The commsndern. chief a. this
stage, despatched the Interpreter in a cauoe which
was repeatedly upset on its passage 10 the shore.
He was met by the natives, who wished a cessa.
ton OF hostili,es, didnt want war, and would be
prepared on the morrow TO hold . peace salayer.u
As this was all wanted the ats returned TO the
ship shout 4 o'clock, and so ended the evening of
the 9Th. On the morning of the 9Th, four boats,
armed and manned, proceeded to the shore, but
could not effect landing. They came TO Off the
bar whilst our interpreter again sent on Shore
bearing Q white flag. He returned in q short time
accompanied BY headman, (Jim Peter,) the repre-.
sentative OF King George the sovereign OF the Baroo
tribe and sll the boats came or TO the ship. A
short time after their arrival the cabin was set aside
for the Council Chamber. Thither the representa-
lives and commissioners OF the Cavala river and
Barbo tribes repaired, and after long "palaver,"
reconciliation was had between the hostile tribes
In the presence Of the Commodore, Captain, and
several officers who acted umpires and treaty Of
peace euteeed upon, which was eealed BIZ eash q ~