The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-04-15
Interesting from Micronesia,
TEE MISSIONARY PACKET MORNING STAR AT HOMO
LULU.


Prom the Honolulu Advertiser Feb. III
This fine packet returned from her first cruise TO
the westward on Thursday last. We have obtained
from Rev. p J. Gulick and from Capt Moore the
following particulars of the voyage, which will
doubtless interest all our readers
The Morning Star left Wamea Kauai on the 18th
of August with hight trade zephyrs, which continued
eighteen days till she reached the Menzikoff group
which lie in N. lat, II deg, E. lon. 1877 deg 20 min.
From thence to Uaan, Strong's Island the vessel
had succession of Gains, squalls and head winds,
with an easterly current where they arrived Sept.
Sth but not able to enter the harbor till the
18th, and it is doubtful whether they could then
have entered but for the aid of Capt. lawrence of
the whaleshp Com. Morris who sent three of his
boats to tow the packet in Capt. Lawrence put
into Strong's Island to repair a leak.
The Mission families stationed on this island were
found well and not suffering for want of supplies,
would have been the case had they not fortunately
procured some from ships. They had not, however,
had any letters publications from abroad for
ly two years. Their joy the arrival of the mis-
sionary packet can therefore be readily imagined.
The arrival of the Morning Star at this time seems
to have been providental, and tended to alay the
anxiety and excitement with which the missionaries
had been oppressed night aud day for two months.
II appears that sort of flibuster war was raging
between some old resident Rotuma men, assisted by
some white men, against the kusaans as the ma
tves of Strong's Island styled themselves. These
Rotuma men are from the island OF Rotuma, situ-
ated south of the equator, and considered supe
ror and more energetic than the StrOngs Islanders
and have always entertained the idea of some day
subjugating the neighborDg islands. The conflict Is
said TO have been commenced in this Manner
The Rotumas had long been collecting arms aud
ammunition, and had intimaed that they would take
the island or that their countrymen would come and
do it. Early in July last they planned to have
grand feast, about the Sh, in the house of one Co
vert, an American, and formerly mate of a ship
wrecked on that island. little previous to the day
of the feast the King learned through the wives of
some OF the Rotumas, that they had spent much
INN tflnut hatr AlFnfe Ar1nP anAf hlf
the day night after the feast they intended to fall
upon the chiefs and their adherents, murder them
and the missionaries. and take possession of the
island.
The King, therefore, very early on feast day, sent
armed men to the houses of part of these Rotuma
men, and found they had already started, muskets
in hand for the FEAST but in their houses found
and seized seventeen muskets several kegs of pow
der, and large number Of cartridges. His men
also pursued and killed five of the Rotumas, and the
others took refuge in Covert's house where he and
his partner, johnson, an Englshman, defended
them as they said because they were their guests;
and like them, breahed out threatenngs and slaugh
ter against the Russians, who, on the other hand,
were watching night and day to catch and kill any
who came out, trying also to burn the house. few
other Americans were at first entced TO join the
rebel party az entered the feast house, but when
it was found that they would not engage in fight
they were sent out. The foreigners though closely
besieged by the kings men, and scant Of provisions,
hoped to hold out till ship would arrive whose
crew would espouse their cause when they expected
to be able somehow to rid themselves and the island
of chiefs, and of the missionaries who had opposed
their plans. But Captain Lawrence, who arrived
simultaneously. after having heard the whole
story, told them they could receive no aid
from his ship. Being thus foiled in their
hope OF succor, they were glad to get ont Of the
the arrival of the Morning Star, Covert as their
leader, had parley with the King on board the
packet in the presence Of Captains Moore and Law
renee and the missionaries.
The King finding the filibusters at his mercy de-
clared that none of them should leave Coverts house
unless they would previously stipulate that they
wonld all leave the island as soon A. practicable.
During the revolt some three or four OF the Kusaians
had been killed by Coverts party, and they had de
clared that nothing short OF the Kings head would
satisfy them But as they now saw that he was firm
and that their hope from the shipping was likely 20
prove abortve, although his terms very CALLING
they were compelled TO accept them, and were then
allowed TO dispose of their property.
Up 10 this period the missionaries here, owing 20
their fears for the result Of this contest, were I'M
willing TO have their supplies landed from the vessel,
that both families could 60 20 the general meeting
though anxious 10 do So The disturbance having
been settled. their supplies were landed, and
they prepared TO 20 with the vessel, leaving
kanoa with his family in charge OF the
station. AT their urgent request. four OF the
leading Rotumas were taken 10 Ascension,
il being thought they could do little If any harm on
Porape; and few weeks after Capt. l.. took off the
deemed dangerous.
The schooner left strongs Island Sept. IS. ariy.
ing at Shalong, on Ascension Island. the 23d, and
was boarded by Dr. Gulck when entering The bar
Dor. All the mission families were in their usual
health though several Of their number were feeble
and though quite out OF provisions they had not suf
iered seriously for want of supplies. Their Joy.
however on the arrival Of such vessel for the use
OF The mission, with ample supplies and reinforce
men. seemed unbounded.
All the stations in Micronesia give evidence OF
progress. IL appears in diverse ways but chiefly in
the standing and influence which the missionaries
now have. Quite numhcr-onc hundred, perhaps,
NJ one station-arc learning 10 read and write. The
schooner was engaged in landing supplies &c, TIL
October 10, when she sailed again for Uaan, taking
Rev. Mr.. Doane and family Mrs. L. Gulick and her
three daughters. and Kamakahiki and his wife, as
sstant missionaries. The wind being unfavOrable
they did not reach there iii the 29th. and were occl
pied shipping DR.. Persons effects and building
terials for the other stations till the vessel full
90 her tafifail Nov. g. the vessel sailed for Apian
or ChaTlottes Island of the Kings Mil group, taking
along kanoa and his family. Reached that Island
November IL. and through the kindness Of Captain
Randall an Enviishman. who resided there. engaged
in the cocoanut oil trade and who acted as nterpre
ter arrangements were soon made with the chiefs
and in two weeks Mr.. BinghaIus house. which he
took from Honolulu, was erected, and he felt himself
comfortably located. kanoas also was in a good
state OF iorwardness. kanoa. having been prev
ously here with DR.. Pier.on, had acquired consider
able knowledge Of the language, and wished 20 be
mere. Inc natives teem mucn ike the Ha-
waans. On the I'd Of December, one year from M
and Mrs. Binghams leaving Boston. the packet oade
them farewell, and sailed for Coves Island Of the
Ralick Chain. On the 5th they anchored there. and
Dr. Person, having previously prepared the way by
intercourse with the chefs. they very cordially
received. Building sites in the midst Of splendid
breadiruif and other trees were Immediately given
and IN twenty days the houses were completed and
occupied. Christmas was spent chiefly in getting
ont Of their beautiful lagoon and in the evening the
schooner babe them adieu. for her homevard voyage
Perhaps i will not be ont Of place here 20 say
few words In relation 20 the islands on which the
missionaries have been located Ascension Island is
the farthest west now occupied by the mission. On
IL are Mr.. Sturgcs and Dr. Guck. Next 20 the east
ward i Strong's Island on which Rev. Mr. Snow -
stationed. Both these islands have been before dec
crbed as volcanic and mountainous. and are inbabt
cd only along the shores and in the valleys.
Covel, or Boston Island, on which Dr. PersOn aud
Rev. Mr.. Doane are settled. s about 200 miles east
ward Of Strong's leland. liz population is about
loo. Coyel Island lies in y. lat. deg. "a min,
lyn., Iof, A min