"MY LORDS OF THE ADMIRALTY"
In October I received another letter from the Captain, asking me to meet
him in Chabral harbour. He had become so tired of waiting for a ship
that he had decided to start in a boat for Millé. He had effected a
reconciliation with the king, and was paying him a friendly visit. He
meant to arrange with him regarding the people and the management of the
station at Utwé during his absence.
I left Mout at daylight, and, as I said good-bye to Tulpé and the
little daughter, how little I thought that I should never cross their
hospitable threshold again!
Kusis came with me, and we took the route by the weather side of the
island, reaching Lêlé in the afternoon. On my way to the king's house we
came across a number of women catching shrimps in the rivulet that runs
into Chabral harbour, and among them were Kitty of Ebon and Lalia.
These two called to us to stop, as they had news for me. Coming out of
the water, they threw off their wet clothes and put on dry ones. Then
the four of us sat down on a low coral wall under the shade of some
trees.
Kitty of Ebon began the conversation by saying that the Captain had
arrived the night before, and had a long talk with the king, whom he
told that he was going to try and reach Millé in the largest of the
ship's boats, though he would have to contend against the north-east
trades the whole way. He wished the king to become responsible for the
management and safety of the station of Utwé.
This the king didn't see his way to do, as he could never control the
Pleasant islanders. The remaining white men at Chabral harbour would
regain their control over them as soon as Hayston had left; that it was
not wise of the Captain to attempt to reach Millé.
He also showed great fear of being punished if the Captain came back and
found his station pillaged.
Kitty of Ebon, who was present at the interview, further narrated that
the king, finding that Hayston was bent on setting out for Millé, made
another proposal to the Captain, who had accepted it on the condition
that I would concur. This was that all the oil, boats, and stores, with
the women, should be conveyed to Chabral harbour and put under the
king's protection, who professed then to be anxious that I should come
and live with him in case the traders made an attack on him, and tried
to seize the property or carry off the women.
Both Kitty and Lalia urged me not to do this, for, they said, "as
soon as the Captain goes away there will be fighting here; the king is
weak, and the traders do not fear him. Besides, they are plotting with
Likiak Sâ, the missionary, who has promised them to win the king over.
They say that you and Black Johnny are the only two men that will stand
by the Captain's property when guns and knives are out, as young Harry
is to stay at Utwé till the Captain returns."
I inquired of the girls what the traders proposed doing with me?
"Shoot you, Black Johnny, and young Harry. Then, when the Captain is
once away, they will be strong enough, and the king will not interfere
with them."
Lalia then told me that one of the trader's wives had told her that
they had arranged to have us three shot by some of their natives as
soon as the Captain had left for Millé. The girls again urged me not to
comply with the king's request, and to dissuade Hayston from his
intended voyage. Indeed, they tried to prevent me from going to the king
at all, Kitty urging me to come to her house, and write a letter to the
Captain asking him to meet me there.
The thought of the Captain being a victim, as well as myself and young
Harry, to such treachery decided me in an instant, and breaking away
from the women, Kusis and I soon reached the king's house.
The traders who were living at Chabral kept carefully within doors. When
I reached the courtyard of the king's house I found no one there but His
Majesty and Likiak Sâ engaged in earnest conversation. The native
missionary glanced uneasily at me, and I at once opened out on him by
calling him a treacherous dog, striking him at the same time, and
threatening him with the Captain's vengeance. He picked himself up and
left.
"Where is the Captain?" I said to the king.
"In my oil-shed," he answered in a troubled voice.
But I said nothing to him, and, finding Hayston, shortly made him
acquainted with what I had learnt from Kitty of Ebon. His face darkened
as he strode off to the king.
At that moment the natives called out that there was a vessel in sight,
upon which he turned back, and together we walked to the beach in time
to see a fine fore and aft schooner sailing in, which Hayston declared
was the _Matautu_, belonging to Captain Warner.
"He would never have ventured in if he knew I was here," quoth the
Captain grimly; "and if I had a few of my boys he'd never go out again,
unless the schooner had a new master."
I reasoned with him against the folly of such an action, when he said
that he would use fair means at first, and would try and charter the
_Matautu_. He then went to the king, and I could see meant mischief. I
was glad to notice the traders getting into canoes and making for the
schooner, where they no doubt thought they would be safe, as Hayston had
only two native boys with him, and would hardly attempt to tackle the
schooner single-handed.
Likiak Sâ was again with the king when we returned. However, he ran away
at once, narrowly missing a chair which the Captain threw at him. Old
Tokusar seemed scared, as he watched the Captain's darkening face. He
inquired in a shaking voice, "Why you so much angry?"
"Because," answered the Captain, "the men who have been living on my
food have been plotting against me, and that scheming missionary is at
the bottom of it; but look you, King Tokusar, and mark my words well! If
I suspect you, too, I will burn your house and town, and drown you like
a rat in your own turtle pond!"
"Captain," I said, "what folly! You are here almost alone, and all but
in the power of your enemies. Return to the boats and get back to Utwé."
He calmed down almost immediately, and said he would see Captain Warner.
He asked me to come with him. I mentioned the fact of the traders being
on board the ship, and urged him to be cautious.
We got in the boats, and pulled towards the schooner. Before we were
half-way across the Captain laughed contemptuously, and pointed to the
traders, who were already leaving the schooner's side in canoes, and
making rapidly for the western side of the harbour.
Captain Warner seemed under great excitement when we stepped on deck,
but the cordial manner of Hayston's greeting at once reassured him, so
that we were received most politely and asked below.
Captain Warner seemed so intensely amiable that I could hardly help
laughing, and as he kept his glass constantly filled, or rather emptied,
his amiability increased proportionately.
In the course of conversation a discussion arose as to some business
transactions with Hayston while we were at Ponapé, and the skipper
laughingly remarked that he had over-reached him in the matter. The
Captain, who was now perfectly calm, gave a pleasantly-worded denial,
and said, "No, Captain Warner, I think my supercargo must have got to
windward of _you_ there."
A quarrel ensued forthwith. The burly skipper became offensive, and it
ended in our agreeing to meet with pistols on the beach at daylight next
morning.
However, at dawn the _Matautu_ had towed out with the first breath of
the land-breeze, and was already outside the passage standing to the
westward. So the duel did not come off. I honestly think the skipper was
not afraid, but I suspect he decided not to risk another encounter with
Hayston, and so thought discretion was the better part of valour.
Next day we again heard the stirring cry of "Sail ho!" The new arrival
was the _Morning Star_ from Honolulu, from which about ten o'clock
landed the Rev. Mr. Morland--a portly, white bearded old gentleman, who
at once made his way to his residence, while the Captain and I returned
to South harbour. Kusis went home, with a promise from me to follow him
next day, the honest fellow begging me to delay as little as possible.
It was dark when we started, and a fierce black squall struck us just
after we got out of the passage, nearly capsizing the boat. The Captain
thought we had better return, but I was anxious to get back to Mout,
and said I was sure the squall would not last. So we reefed the sail and
dashed out to sea close-hauled, for the squall came from the westward,
and was dead against us. However, the wind continued to increase, and
the little boat shipped two or three heavy seas. So we agreed to turn
back.
We went about in a lull, and had made the entrance to the passage, as we
thought, when the Captain called out, "Look out! here comes a sea!"
Looking back, I saw a huge black roller almost on top of us. The next
minute I felt we had touched. I shouted, "By Jove! we're not in the
passage at all--it's only a creek in the reef. Jump out, quick!"
We all sprang out of the boat on to the jagged coral, then the waves,
poised high in air, dashed down upon us, and we were all washed clear
over into a pool of smooth water. The boat was capsized, and with broken
masts and oars gone, was swept in far ahead of us, till she disappeared
in the darkness. We clung to the reef as best we could, and succeeded in
reaching a coral "mushroom" that was just a wash. "We'll be all right
here," said the Captain, in his cool, cheerful way; "are you boys all
right?"--the two native boys were, like ourselves, cut about the arms
and legs by the coral. But they thought nothing of that. What they
dreaded were the _sharks_!
Fortunately the tide was falling, and the coral knoll was gradually
showing more of its surface above the water. Otherwise none of us would
have reached the shore; for in these deep water passages the sharks
literally swarm.
A sea occasionally broke close to us, but not with sufficient force to
wash any of us away. Suddenly the Captain said, "Boys, I see some people
fishing ashore with torches," and he gave a resounding hail. An answer
came back, and, what was more to the purpose, a canoe, in which we were
rescued from our precarious position and taken ashore. The boat was
searched for, and found drifting out to sea. But as long as I live I
shall never forget the horrible feeling of standing on that coral knoll,
in the wave-washed darkness, knowing that if we were once dislodged
there was no chance of escaping the sharks. We were all good swimmers,
but the Kusaie natives told us that the passage of Chabral harbour was
swarming with the dreaded reef-shark, that seeks its prey, chiefly
turtle, in the foam and swirl of the breakers on the reef. We slept that
night in a native house, some distance from the village of Lêlé, and at
daylight proceeded along the beach to the king's house. The old king did
not appear; the queen was very hospitable to us, but seemed nervous and
constrained in her manner to the Captain. Once when I was standing apart
from him, she said in a low tone that I had better return to Mout,
where I would be safe, adding, "Don't stay along with Captain.
Man-of-war come from Honolulu to take him away. By and by I tell him."
I afterwards regretted that I did not attach more importance to her
warning, and tell the Captain; subsequent events showed that both the
king and queen had been informed by Mr. Morland of the impending arrival
of a man-of-war, which had been searching for Hayston for months
previously. Later in the day, while the Captain was superintending
repairs to the boat, Mr. Morland and the native colleague were
announced. The white missionary requested to see the Captain. I may
mention, that during our cruise to the north-west in the _Leonora_ we
had occasionally met with the missionary brig, _Morning Star_, and had
been visited by Mr. Morland once or twice.
On this occasion he met us with the usual smile and outstretched hand.
"How do you do, Captain Hayston? I am glad--very glad to see you, and
yet sorry; for you have my sincere sympathy for the loss of your
beautiful vessel."
"Morland!" came the quick reply, "you know you are lying most
infernally. You are no more pleased to see me than I am to see you. Our
interests are too antagonistic for us to take kindly to each other. So
let us at least be candid!"
"Oh! Captain Hayston!" rejoined Mr. Morland, "you terribly unkind man!
Why must you hate the poor parson so? Oh! my friend, my countryman, let
us shake hands as fellow-Christians should do when they meet in these
lonely, beautiful spots of God's bright universe!"
Hayston smiled, but if he had but known that Mr. Morland was, even then,
anxiously looking for the tall spars of one of Her Majesty's warships,
and had actually been in communication with her captain a few days
previously, he would possibly have half-strangled his pleasant-mannered
visitor then and there.
After a short chat the missionary returned to the king's house with the
Captain, while I busied myself with the repairs of the boat, when the
startling cry of "Sail ho!" rang through the quiet village. I ran up to
the king's house, and found the Captain in the courtyard playing a game
of dominoes with Queen Sê.
The missionary and Likiak Sâ were just coming out from an interview with
the king. The air of exultation on their faces as they saw the natives
hurrying to and fro at the cry of "Sail ho!" struck me at once.
The Captain sprang up at once, and said, "Let us take the boat and go
out to her, she may want a pilot"; and we walked through the house to
the stone wharf that abutted on one side of the king's establishment. We
jumped into the boat, and with a crew of four natives pulled quickly out
of the passage. On gaining the open we could see no sail, and concluded
that the ship must be coming round the north-eastern side of the island,
where she had been sighted by the natives. We then set sail, and
commenced beating to windward, and about half-an-hour afterwards, as the
little boat rode on the swell, we got a sight of the lofty masts and
square yards of a man-of-war under steam, as she rounded the high land
on the north-east side of the island.
With a sudden exclamation the Captain stood up and gazed at the steamer.
He then seated himself and seemed lost in thought. The great vessel came
steadily on, then altered her course by a couple of points, and steered
in the direction of the passage. I could see that she was under a full
head of steam, and was travelling at a great rate. A volume of thick
smoke was issuing from the yellow funnel, and as there is always a heavy
sea off the windward side of Strong's Island she rolled tremendously,
the water pouring from her black painted sides in sheets.
The Captain watched her intently. "That's a man-of-war, Hilary! and a
Britisher too," he said. "Though she may be an American--the
_Portsmouth_ or the _Jamestown_; I can't tell with that smoke blowing
ahead of her. If she's an American cruiser, she'll take me prisoner
right enough. It's no use attempting to escape now. It's too late; I
must take my chance. In that case you must get away to Utwé as quick as
possible, and do the best you can with the station and the people. You
know where the money is stowed away, and what to do with it if we are
fated not to meet again."
* * * * *
As he said these words the smoke cleared away from the cruiser, and we
had a splendid view of her as she rose majestically to a heavy sea, and
fell gracefully into the trough again. "A Britisher, by ----!" exclaimed
the Captain, "and a beauty too; give way, my lads, she's stopped her
engines. Let us get aboard, and I'll soon learn what's in store for me."
In order that it may be understood what reason the Captain had for these
strong suspicions of arrest and imprisonment, I will here make quotation
from the _Queensland Government Gazette_, an official journal of
severely correct character, which, like "the _Apparatus_, cannot lie."
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
BRISBANE, _20th August 1875_.
His Excellency directs the subjoined circular despatch received
from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, together with the
enclosed correspondence with the Board of Admiralty, respecting
the proceedings in the South Seas of W. H. Hayston, a United
States' subject, and master of the American brig _Leonora_, to
be published in the _Gazette_ for general information.
A. MACALISTER.
The Admiralty to the Colonial Office.
ADMIRALTY, _12th January 1875_.
SIR,--I am commanded by the my Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty to transmit herewith, for the information of the Earl
of Carnarvon, a letter and its enclosures from Commodore
Goodenough, Senior Naval Officer of the Australasian Station,
reporting the proceedings of W. H. Hayston, a citizen of the
United States, and master of the late American brig _Leonora_.
It is requested that these papers be returned in order that they
may be sent to the Foreign Office.--I am, etc.
(Signed) ROBERT HALL.
The Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.
Admiral Cochrane to the Admiralty.
_Repulse_ AT CALLAO, _28th February 1875_.
SIR,--I have the honour to forward for the information of their
Lordships a copy of correspondence which I have received from
Commodore Goodenough, commanding the Australian Station.
2. The correspondence has reference to the very irregular
conduct of a master of a trading brig lately wrecked. The master
is believed to be an American.
3. Commodore Goodenough requested that the documents containing
evidence tending to substantiate the charges against the said
master should be forwarded to the American admiral commanding
the North Pacific Station. The islands where the occurrences
referred to took place are not included in the Pacific
Station.--I am, etc.
(Signed) A. A. COCHRANE.
Rear Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
H.M.S. _Repulse_,
CALLAO, _28th February 1875_.
SIR,--I have the honour to forward for your perusal copies of
correspondence I have received from Commodore Goodenough in
command of H.M. ships on the Australian Station, relative to the
highly irregular proceedings of a master of a vessel trading
among the South Sea Islands. He is believed to be an American
citizen.
I should be much gratified if circumstances enable you to cause
inquiry into the subject of the charges enumerated.--I have,
etc.
(Signed) A. A. COCHRANE.
Rear Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
Circular.
DOWNING STREET, _13th May 1875_.
SIR,--I have the honour to transmit to you copies of a
correspondence with the Board of Admiralty respecting the
proceedings in the South Seas of W. H. Hayston, a United States'
subject, and master of the late American brig _Leonora_. In
connection with the lawless conduct of Hayston, as reported in
the papers now transmitted, I beg to refer you to my
predecessor's Circular Despatch of 22nd December 1875, relating
to the proceedings in the case of the _Atlantic_, and I desire
to express my entire concurrence in the hope expressed by Lord
Kimberley, that no opportunity may be lost of bringing the man
to trial.--I have, etc.
CARNARVON.
To the Officer administering the
Government of Queensland.
Proceedings of H.M.S. _Rosario_ in the South Sea Islands.
Criminal acts of Mr. W. H. Hayston, master of the brig _Leonora_.
H.M.S. _Pearl_, _16th November 1874_.
SIR,--I have the honour to enclose for the information of the
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a Report and various
papers furnished to me by Commander Dupont of H.M.S. _Rosario_,
concerning a Mr. William H. Hayston, master of the late American
brig _Leonora_.
2. This Mr. Hayston has long been known among the Pacific
Islands as a collector of produce, and has the reputation of
defrauding natives and lifting produce collected by other
traders. He has been spoken of in correspondence between this
and the Chinese Station as "the notorious Captain Hayston," but
hitherto no evidence on which he could be convicted of any
piratical act has been brought before me.
3. It seemed possible that Commander Dupont, while cruising in
H.M.S. _Rosario_ among the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, and
watching the labour traffic, might be able to gather some
evidence which would enable him to detain this person, who is
doing much harm among the islands. A copy of my orders to
Commander Dupont is enclosed.
4. Commander Dupont seems only to have obtained the evidence
which he desired against Hayston after he had learned of his
escape, and he is satisfied from inspection of Hayston's papers
that he is an American citizen.
5. Commander Dupont brought away with him from Strong's Island
the crew of Hayston's vessel, the _Leonora_, which was wrecked
there in March last, and also one Hilary Telfer, who had
proceeded from Samoa to Millé as supercargo of a vessel called
the _E. A. Wilson_, and belonging to the sons and daughters of
Mr. Wilson, H.M. Consul from Samoa.
6. This Mr. Telfer carried with him from Samoa orders from Mr.
Wilson to put the _E. A. Wilson_ and the cargo into Hayston's
hands to be sold, and in course of business appears to have
become so mixed up in Hayston's affairs, that the latter made
him his agent and entrusted him with letters to all his
subordinate agents, informing them that he had been seized by
the _Rosario_ for conveyance to Sydney.
7. I was in Samoa in H.M.S. _Pearl_ in November 1873. The ketch
_E. A. Wilson_ was then there under repairs. Mr. S. D. Wilson
told me nothing of his intentions regarding the vessel, but gave
me to understand that Mr. Hayston was a great rascal, who had
cleverly outwitted all inquiries. He offered to obtain evidence
from a half-caste, and at my desire took the statements (which
proved valueless) on oath. Yet on December 3, 1873, he enters
into communication with this man, against whom he had pretended
to give me information.
8. I consider the whole affair as most unsatisfactory, even
regarding Mr. Wilson as a trader. In the position of Her
Majesty's Acting Consul, I consider that he has been guilty of
improper behaviour, rendering him unworthy to occupy such a
position. The desirability of appointing a non-trading Consul in
Samoa has already been pointed out by both myself and my
predecessor on this Station.
9. The papers I enclose concerning Hayston will illustrate the
life of a modern South-Sea filibuster.--I have the honour to be,
your obedient servant,
JAMES G. GOODENOUGH,
Captain and Commodore, 2nd Class,
Commanding Australian Station.
To the Secretary.
Enclosure No. 2.
H.M.S. _Rosario_,
AT SEA, Lat. 2° 26´ N., Long. 167° 19´ E.,
_10th October 1874_.
SIR,--With reference to Mr. Hayston, master of the American brig
_Leonora_, I beg to forward the following statement of facts
relative to him that I have been able to collect among the
different islands visited during my present cruise:--
1. There can be no doubt but that Mr. Hayston is a shrewd,
unprincipled man, who has committed acts of violence towards the
natives, and been guilty of unjustifiable acts towards other
persons. Yet, so greatly has his name got to be feared, by both
natives and white men on the islands, that, though it was
evident that at nearly all the islands I visited he was well
known, it was impossible to find out much about him.
2. With respect to Mr. Dunn's business, what evidence I could
get was mainly in Hayston's favour, and tended to show that
Dunn's agents had sold the trade to Hayston instead of his
taking it. This is certainly the case as regards an Englishman
named George Winchcombe, whom I found living on Nukufutau, one
of the Ellice group. He himself stated to me that he left Sydney
with Dunn, in the understanding that he was to be found at a
station on one of the islands. He complained that Dunn treated
him badly on board, and eventually sent him on shore on the
island of Apaiari (Gilbert group) to collect trade. He was
dissatisfied with his life, much in dread of the natives, and on
Hayston's coming there in the beginning of 1873, he begged him
to take him off the island, and offered to sell him all the
trade he had collected. Hayston accordingly took him. At another
island, Tarawa, the only white resident had heard that some
trade had been removed by Hayston, but was not on the island at
the time. At other islands I heard things relative to Dunn's
property, but could get nothing but hearsay evidence. I could
not find a single individual, either white or native, who could
furnish me with any positive evidence or proof against Hayston.
On entering Chabral harbour (Strong's Island) Mr. Hayston, as I
have reported in my letter of proceedings, came out to meet the
ship in a boat. He told that his vessel had been wrecked in
South harbour of the island on the 15th of March this year,
since which date he had been living on shore collecting oil.
Mr. Morland, an American missionary, who had just arrived from
Ebon Island, and numerous white men--the late crew of the
_Leonora_--were also there. A schooner under the German flag,
Mr. Miller an Englishman master, lay in the harbour. I commenced
making inquiries as quietly as possible about Hayston, but here,
as at other places, I met with disinclination from all traders
to tell me anything they might know; Mr. Miller, though hinting
that Hayston had robbed him not long since, would at first say
nothing, nor was it till after considerable persuasion and the
delay of some days that I got the enclosed statement, with the
various witnesses in the matter, from him.
But as he was sailing under German colours, I could not believe
my duty was to do more than receive the statements and forward
it through you to the German Consul in Sydney.
Hayston, apprised by some of the crew of the inquiries that had
been made, left the island in a boat on the night of the 27th.
His design was, I believe, either to make the island of
Ascension or that of Pingelap. At their own request, and also
considering it a good thing for the island to be rid of them, I
took five of the crew of the _Leonora_ on board for passage to
Sydney, and also one other person who had been a passenger on
board, and also, from what I could hear, a great friend of
Hayston. This Hilary Telfer was the person who had been sent by
Mr. Wilson, British Consul at Samoa, as supercargo of the ketch
that I met at Millé, but leaving his charge there, had gone to
sea with Hayston and been with him since January. I deemed it
advisable that he should be removed, there being no chance of
his getting back to Millé from Strong's Island, and also because
the chief particularly desired his removal, as being likely to
stir up trouble in the island. These six persons are now on
board.
I visited Mr. Hayston's residence at South harbour; he had made
a regular settlement of it, and had collected a large quantity
of oil. No less than five young women were living in his house,
who had all with one exception been living on board the
_Leonora_. That vessel was sunk in fourteen fathoms, her topmast
head a few feet above water.
The first mate I left on the island, recommending him to take
charge of Hayston's property. The second mate, William Hicks,
ran away into the bush and couldn't be found, otherwise I should
have taken him to Sydney with the others. Thinking the case over
quietly afterwards, I cannot see how I could have arrested
Hayston. It is, therefore, with great regret that I am obliged
to report my failure to collect sufficient evidence against him
to warrant my doing so. The case of Mr. Dunn must have failed
from want of such evidence.--I have, etc., etc.
A. E. DUPONT,
Commander.
To Commodore J. G. Goodenough,
H.M.S. _Pearl_.
Enclosure No. 13.
MESSRS. MILLER AND WARNE TO MR. HILARY TELFER, SUPERCARGO.
DEAR SIR,--You will proceed from hence to Millé, Mulgrave
Island, for the purpose of selling the ketch _A.E.W._ You will
find Captain Hayston there waiting for you, so you will please
consult with him, as he is acquainted with the people who wish
to purchase the ketch. Try to obtain oil or copra to the amount
of £500 for her. Ship whatever produce you may get on board the
_Leonora_, and get Captain Hayston to sign bills of lading. Do
not sell the chronometer unless you get a good price for it.
Sell the few things you take to the best advantage. None of the
Samoans are to remain, but to come back to Apia. Have the ketch
painted at Millé.--Wishing you a prosperous and speedy voyage,
we are, etc.,
(Signed) MILLER AND WARNE.
Enclosure No. 15.
Know all men by these presents that I, William Henry Hayston,
Master mariner, now residing on Strong's Island, in the North
Pacific Ocean, have made, constituted, and appointed Hilary
Telfer, of Sydney, New South Wales, at present residing on this
island of Kusaie (or Strong's Island), to be my true and lawful
agent for me, and, in my place and stead, to enter into and take
possession of my station situated at Maloe, near the village of
Utwé, South harbour, on the above-named island. Also all my oil,
casks, tobacco, and other trade which may be on said station.
Also boats, canoe, pigs, fowls, possessions--all and everything,
whether of value or not, together with my furniture and private
effects, and to take full charge of all my business on the
above-named island during my trip to the eastward.
(Signed) W. H. HAYSTON,
In the presence of the undersigned witness,
this 19th August 1874.
(Signed) CHARLES ROBERTS.
Enclosure No. 16.
MEMORANDUM OF INSTRUCTIONS FOR MR. HILARY TELFER.
SIR,--As I am about to leave Strong's Island, and have given you
power to act on my behalf, I wish you to close up all my affairs
in the best manner you can. You will look after the property I
leave behind, and dispose of it to the best advantage. Out of
the remainder of the oil you can pay yourself for the
chronometer, and Mr. Harry Skillings for the trade I had from
him. Sell the balance, including the large cargo-boat, as soon
as an opportunity offers. Anything left over you can give to the
people that have been kind to you, and the natives. Out of the
proceeds of the sale you can pay for the passage of my natives
to Samoa, if they want to go there. If not, see them back on
their own island, or on some of the Kingsmill group, that they
may get with their own country people.
My native boy Toby I wish you to take to Samoa, and look after
him as well as you can; also Kitty, as they have no father or
mother. Both were given to me by the king of Hope Island. The
stores I left behind are for you and the natives to live on till
you can get away. Be careful of the little trade I leave you, as
the Strong's islanders want payment for everything you get of
them to eat. You will also bear in mind that the king owes me
12,100 cocoa-nuts, the balance of the 48,000 that he agreed to
pay me for the property stolen by the Strong's islanders at the
time of the loss of the brig.
I write an accompanying letter to each of my agents. You will
have to settle with them by their own accounts, as my trade-book
was lost, as you know. The balance, after paying for your own
passage and expense, you can hand over to my agent at
Samoa.--Wishing you a safe arrival there and every success, I
remain, yours in good faith,
(Signed) W. H. HAYSTON.
Circular.
DOWNING STREET, _31st May 1875_.
SIR,--With reference to my circular despatch of 13th instant, I
have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a
note addressed by the Duc de Decazes to Her Majesty's Minister
at Paris, in consequence of the communication on the subject of
the lawless proceedings of W. H. Hayston in the South Seas,
which the Earl of Derby caused to be made to the French
Government, also those of Germany and the United States.--I am,
etc.,
CARNARVON.
The Officer Administering
the Government of Queensland.
THE DUC DE DECAZES TO MR. ADAMS.
(Copy.)
PARIS, _le 10 mai 1875_.
M. LE MINISTRE,--J'ai porté à la connaissance de mon collègue
les informations que vous m'avez fait l'honneur de me
transmettre, relativement à un personnage dangereux, du nom de
Hayston, qui se serait signalé par de nombreux actes de
déprédation dans les Iles de l'Océanie. M. l'Amiral de Montaigne
répondant à ma communication m'annonce qu'il signalera par le
premier courrier cet individu au Commandant en Chef de notre
division navale dans l'Océan Pacifique. Il adressera en outre à
M. l'Amiral Rebout les instructions nécessaires pour que ce
flibustier soit surveillé de près et mis, le cas échéant, hors
d'état de poursuivre son industrie criminelle.--Agréez, etc.,
(Signed) DUC DE DECAZES.
M. Adams.