The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1869-12-04
A Tragedy in the South Seas.
A Horrible sf0ry-M by COolies-Re
ribuIiou-The w resehes Blown yer bear

ribaIio.-The w redche. Blown erbsara.
BY the brig Nautilus, Capt. Turner, which ar
rived from Tahiti this morning. making. the
quickest trip on record-67 days for the round
trip-news is received by a business house in this
city of one of the most thrilling tragedies ever en-
acted on the high seas. 1t brings to mind the
fearful scenes witnessed on board the African
slavers years ago, and surpasses any OF the dark
deeds on sbipboard that have been chronicled for
a long time. Some two years ago the French
bark Muriodi was fitted up by the Tahiti Cotton
Company, and sailed for the Gilbert Islands, near
Auckland, ostensibly on a trading expedition, but
really for the purpose OF securing a cargo OF coolies,
TO be used as slaves ON the plantation. She was
provided with stocks, and arranged In all respects
like a SLAYER. She procured her human freight,
and after considerable difficulty succeeded in COM
plotting her voyage in safety, in spite OF the obsta-
cles placed in her path by the French Government
and the natives.
ANOTHER CARGO WANTED.
The Muriadi venture proved so remunerative
that the company could scarcely curb their impa-
thence and wait for the excitement to die out,
before sending for another cargo OF Coolies. Ahout
six months ago, the Cotton Company purchased
the bark Margaret Brander, arranged her similar
to the MuT1adi, and sent her to the Gilbert
Islands. under the Tahitian flag, after more
80 laborers for their plantation. No unusual
precautions Were taken in %equipping the vessel TO
enable the officers and crew to Withstand any out
break which might take place. and the owners
saw the gallant bark sail away with no apprehen-
sion that the voyage would result disastrously.
THE cooLIEs-cARGo PROCURED.
The Brander arrived ut the Gilbert Islands in
due season, and Immediately set to work procur-
ing the 80 laborers " wanted. In doing this, more
trouble was experienced than had been anticipated.
The natives of Gilbert Islands arc fierce and re-
v~engeful, and are bitter in their hatred toward
the white. At last, however, the complement
,.0 aHt,.nnl .n1 tl. rasSaf %ailaI punr with SUn
men and women.
THE DISCOVERY.
By some means or other Tire natives discovered
the destination of the Brande-, found that they
were TO be subjected To slavery, and the MUriah's
cargo has been converted to that purpose. Instant
" they became sullen and eyed their captors with
n wicked look.
THE MASSACRE.
Feeling somewhat insecure, Captain Blackett,
who had charge of the vessel, ordered the strictest
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
were 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.
THE NATE EscAPEs-sLAUGHTE OF THE COOLIES.
While the poor wretches were carrying on their
horrible work of mutilating and ~disfgurinS their
victims, the Mate of the vessel managed to secrete
himself below. His absence was soon discovered.
and the now hal-crazed sayages set to work to
discover his whereabouts. Mistrusting their in
%tention, and with 4 presence Of mind seldom
~equaled, he placed n key of powder under the
main hatch, and arranged a fuse. Then calling
out to the Coolies above, he scampered back from
the powder as far as possible. When the fellows
had gathered around the hatchway, and were
peering down to see him, he fired his fuse, and
the explosion which followed killed nearly all on
board. The rest were so demoralized that they
jumped overheard or fell easy victims to the
remorseless warfare waged by the mate and the
few remaining men.
THE VESSEL BROUGHT TO TAHITI.
Singular as it may seem, the vessel was not SO
badly damaged that she wc1ld not float, and the
mate succeeded in bringing her back to Tahiti.
NOT SATISFIED.
The Cotton Company feel dissatisfied with their
investment, but are not discouraged, and it is cur
rently reported that the vessel is being fitted up
for another cruises. f. Bulletin.