The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-11-19
THE SOUTH SEA HORROR,
Particulars of the Revolt of South Sea Island-
ers COOlie Ship.

From the San Francisco Bulletin, NoU. 10.
BY the brig Nautilus, Captain Turner, which ar
rived from Iahiti YESTERDAY, making AK the quickest
news is received by business house in this city of
one OF the most thrilling tragedies ever enacted
the high seas. 1t brings to mind the fearful scenes
witnessed board the African slavers several years
ago, and surpasses any of the dark deeds on Ship
board that have been chronicled for a long time
Some two years ago the French barque Murialdi was
fitted up by the Tahiti Cotton Company, and sailed
for the Gilbert Islands, Auckland ostensbly on
trading expedition but really for the purpoSe of
securing cargo of Coolies, to be used as slaves on
the plantations She was provided with stocks
and arranged in all respects like SLAYER. She pro-
cured her human freight, and, after considerable
difficulty, succeeded in completing her voyage in
safety in spite Of the obstacles placed In her path
by the French Government and the natives. The
Muriad venture proved SO remuneratve that the
wait for the excitement to die out, before sending
for another cargo of coolies About six months ago
the cotton company purchased the barque Margaret
Bran6er, arranged her similar to the Muradi, and
sent her to the Gilbert Islands, under the Tahtian
flag, after more labOrers for their plantation. No
unusual precautions were taken in equpping the
vessel to enable the officers and crew to withstand
any outbreak which might take place, and the own
ers the gallant barque sail away with no appre-
hension that the voyage would result dsastrousy.
The Brander arrived at the Gilbert Islands in due
season, and Immediately set to work procuring the
"laborers" wanted. In doing this more trouble was
experienced than had been anticipated The natives
of the Gilbert Islands are fierce and revengeful and
are bitter in their hatred towards the whites. At
last, however, the complement was obtained, and
the vessel sailed away with three hundred men and
covered the destination of the Brander found that
they were to be subjected to slavery, and the Mu-
riadis cargo had been converted to that purpose.
Instantly they became suen and eyed their cap
tors with wicked look. Feeling somewhat inse-
cure, Captain Blackett, who had charge of
the vessel, ordered the strctest watch to be
kept of the movements made by the coolies,
and all possible precautions for the safety of the
vessel officers, and crew taken His fears We're not
groundless for when some two weeks out the coolies
rebelled in the night killed Captain Blackett, two of
the officers, and several men, and charged around
the vessel in the widest fury hacking their victims
in the most frightful manner While the poor
wretches were carrying on their horrible WORK of
mutating and disfguring their victims, the mate Of
the vessel managed to secrete himself below. His
absence was soon discovered, and the now half
craZed savages set TO work to discover his where
abouts. MIstrustng their intention, and with
presence of mind seldom equaed, he placed
keg OF powder under the main-hatch
and arranged fuse. Then calling out
to the coolies above he scampered back
from the powder as far as possible. When the fel-
lows had crowded around the hatchway and were
peerirg down to see him, he fired his fuse, and the
explosion which followed killed nearly all on board.
The rest so demoralized that they jumped
board, or fell easy victims TO the remorseless war
fare waged by the mate and the few remaining men.
Singular 1t may seem, the vessel not so badly
damaged that she would not ioat, and the mate
ceeded in bringing her back to Tahiti The Cotton
Company feel dissatisfied with their investment but
are not discouraged, and 1t Is currently reported
that the vessel is being fitted up for another cruise