U. S. Consulate,
Valparaiso, 15th June, 1824.
Gilbert Smith examined on oath, touching the mutiny and murder on
board the whale ship Globe, of Nantucket, Massachusetts, in the
Pacific Ocean.
_Question._ Who were the Captain and mates of the ship Globe?
_Ans._ Thomas Worth, Captain; William Beetle, first mate; John
Lumbert, second mate; Nathaniel Fisher, third mate.
_Q._ Where was you born?
_A._ In the town of Edgarton, State of Massachusetts.
_Q._ Did you sail from thence in the ship Globe of Nantucket, 20th
Dec. 1822, and in what capacity?
_A._ Yes; as a boat-steerer.
_Q._ Was there any thing like mutiny on board the ship during her
passage to the Sandwich Islands?
_A._ No.
_Q._ How many men belonged to the ship on sailing from Nantucket?
_A._ Twenty-one in all.
_Q._ Did any run away at the Sandwich Islands?
_A._ Six men ran away, and one was discharged.
_Q._ How many men were shipped in their places?
_A._ John Oliver, of Shields, England; Silas Payne, of Rhode Island;
Thomas Lilliston, of Virginia; William Steward, of Philadelphia,
(black;) Anthony Henson, of Barnstable; and a native of the Sandwich
Islands.
_Q._ On what day or night did this murderous mutiny take place?
_A._ On Sunday night the 26th of January, this year; in the morning of
that day there was a great disturbance, in consequence of Joseph
Thomas having insulted the Captain, for which he was whipped by the
Captain, with the end of the main buntline. The part of the crew not
_stationed_ stood in the hatchway during the punishment.
_Q._ Did any thing happen in consequence, during that day?
_A._ No: I lived aft; I heard nothing about it; Capt. Joy of the Lyra,
was on board nearly all day.
_Q._ How were you stationed during the night?
_A._ The Captain, first and second mates, kept no watch during that
night; the rest of the crew were stationed in three watches, in charge
of the third mate and boat-steerers.
_Q._ Who had charge of the first watch during that night?
_A._ I had charge of the watch from 7 to 10 o'clock. At 8 the Captain
came on deck, and had two reefs taken in the topsails, and at 9 went
down, leaving me the orders for the night, to keep the ship _by the
wind_, until two o'clock, and not to tack until the other watch came
up; and on tacking, a light to be set for the Lyra who was in company,
to tack also.
At 10 o'clock I went below, being relieved by the boat-steerer Comstock,
to whom I passed the orders given me by the Captain,----(Here follows a
detailed account of the mutiny, with which the reader has already been
made acquainted.)
_Q._ Do you believe that Joseph Thomas had any knowledge of Comstock's
intent to commit murder that night?
_A._ I think he must have known something about it, according to his
talk.
_Q._ Do you believe that any other person in the ship, besides those
persons who committed the murder, knew of the intention?
_A._ Thomas Lilliston knew about it, because he went to the cabin door
with an axe, and a _boat knife_ in his hand, in company with the
murderers, but he did not go below.
_Q._ Did you live with them aft, afterwards?
_A._ No: I lived in the forecastle, but all on board eat in the cabin.
_Q._ Name all the persons you left on the Island, where you cut the
cable of the ship and escaped.
_A._ Silas Payne, John Oliver, (being the principal mutineers next to
Samuel B. Comstock,) Thomas Lilliston, Rowland Coffin, _William Lay_,
_Cyrus M. Hussey_, Columbus Worth, Rowland Jones, and the Sandwich
Island native, called Joseph Brown. The last five I believe ignorant
of any knowledge of the intent to murder.
_Q._ What became of Samuel B. Comstock, who was the head mutineer
after he landed upon the Island?
_A._ He was shot on the morning of the 17th Feb. by Silas Payne, and
John Oliver, his associates in all the mutiny and murderous course
they had pursued, and buried five feet deep on the beach near their
tent; a chapter was read from the bible by me, acting under the orders
of Payne, and muskets were fired by his orders, by the men.
_Q._ Why did they murder Comstock?
_A._ For giving away to the natives clothes and other articles before
they were divided.
_Q._ Were the natives friendly and quiet?
_A._ Yes; very peaceable, gave away any thing they had; bread fruit,
cocoanuts and other things.
_Q._ How did Joseph Thomas conduct himself during the passage from the
Isle to this port?
_A._ In common, when help was called, he was the first man
disobedient, and frequently said he would do as he pleased.
_Q._ Did he often speak of the murder, or of his knowing it about to
take place?
_A._ I only remember, having heard him twice. I told him when we
arrived, I would inform the American Consul of it; to which he
replied, he should own all he knew about it.
_Q._ To what State does he belong to your knowledge?
_A._ To the State of Connecticut, he says.
(Signed) GILBERT SMITH.
Sworn to, before me at Valparaiso,
this eighteenth day of June, 1824.
(Signed) MICHAEL HOGAN,
U. S. Consul.
The examination of the others who came in the ship, was but a
repetition of the foregoing. All, however, concurred in believing,
that Joseph Thomas was privy to the intention to mutiny, and murder
the officers.
The ship was then furnished with necessary sails and rigging, and
placed in charge of a Captain King, who brought her to the Island of
Nantucket, arriving on Sunday 21st November, 1824. Another examination
was held before Josiah Hussey, Esq. and all testified, as before the
American Consul at Valparaiso.
Thomas, who was put in irons as soon as the land was discovered, was
arraigned before the above named justice, and after an elaborate
hearing, the prisoner was committed to jail, to take his trial at the
following term of the U. S. District Court, and the witnesses
recognised in the sum of three hundred dollars each.
Leaving Thomas, awaiting his trial, and the others in the enjoyment of
the society of their families and friends, we will return to the
Mulgrave Islands, the scene of no inconsiderable portion of our
distresses and adventures.
On the 17th Feb. when night came, the watch was set consisting of two
men, whose duty it was to guard against the thefts of the natives. At
about 10 P. M. all hands were awakened by the cry; "The ship has gone,
the ship has gone!" Every one hastened to the beach and verified the
truth of the report for themselves. Some who were ignorant of the
intention of Smith and others, to take the ship, were of opinion that
the strong breeze then blowing, had caused her to drag her anchor, and
that she would return in the morning.
The morning came, but nothing was to be seen upon the broad expanse
of ocean, save here and there a solitary seagull, perched upon the
crested billow. Payne in a paroxism of rage, vented the most dreadful
imprecations; swearing that could he get them once more in his power,
he would put them to instant death. Not so with us; a ray of hope shot
through our minds, that this circumstance might be the means of
rescuing us from our lonely situation.--The writers of this narrative
were upon the most intimate terms, and frequently, though carefully,
sympathized with each other upon their forlorn situation. We dare not
communicate our disaffection to the Government of the two surviving
mutineers, (Payne and Oliver,) to the others, fearing they might not
agree with us in opinion, and we had too good reason to believe, that
there was _one_, who although unstained by blood, yet from his
conduct, seemed to sanction the proceedings of the mutineers.
The natives assembled in great numbers around the tent, expressing
great surprise at the ship's having left,--Payne gave them to
understand that the wind had forced her to sea, and that from her want
of sails, rigging, &c. she must be lost, and would never return.--The
natives received the assurance with satisfaction, but it was evident,
Payne apprehended her safe arrival at some port, and his own
punishment; for we were immediately set to work, to tear one boat to
pieces, for the purpose of raising upon another, which was to have _a
deck_; Payne, alleging as a reason for this, that the natives might
compel us to leave the Island. We leave the reader to judge, however,
of his motives, while we proceed to give an account of what actually
did transpire.
The natives in considerable numbers continued to attend us, and while
the work was progressing, exhibited a great deal of curiosity. Their
deportment towards us continued to be of the most friendly nature,
continuing to barter with us, giving us bread fruit, cocoanuts, &c.
for which they received in return, pieces of iron hoop, nails, and
such articles as we could conveniently spare.
The small Islands of this groupe are frequently only separated by what
are sometimes denominated causeways, or in other words, connected by
reefs of coral, extending from the extreme point of one Island and
connecting it with another. These reefs are nearly dry at low water,
and the communication is easily kept up between them by the natives on
foot.
On the 19th, in the morning, having obtained permission, several of us
left the tent, travelling to the Eastward.--After crossing upon the
causeways to several adjacent islands, we discovered numerous tracks
of the natives in the sand, and having followed them about seven
miles, came to a village consisting of about twenty or thirty
families; and were received by them with great hospitality. They
presented us with bread fruit and the milk of cocoanuts, while the
wonder and astonishment of those who had not as yet seen us,
particularly the women and children, were expressed by the most
uncouth grimaces, attended with boisterous laughter, and capering
around us. What more particularly excited their astonishment was the
whiteness of our skins, and their mirth knew no bounds when they heard
us converse.
Early on the morning of the 20th, we were ordered to go to work upon
the boat; but at the request of a number, this duty was dispensed
with, and we permitted to stroll about the Island. A number went to
the village, carrying with them muskets, at the report of which and
the effect produced by the balls, the natives were struck with wonder
and astonishment. The reader will no doubt agree with us when we
pronounce this to have been a bad policy, for they certainly disliked
to have visitors possessed of such formidable and destructive weapons.
They however continued to visit the tent without discovering any
hostile intentions, and we continued to put the utmost confidence in
them, or more properly speaking to live without any fear of them.
I (William Lay,) left the tent on a visit to the village, where I was
received with the same kindness as before.--An old man between 50 and
60 years of age, pressed me to go to his house and tarry during the
night, which I did.--The natives continued in and around the tent
until a late hour, gratifying their curiosity by a sight of me. I was
provided with some mats to sleep upon, but the rats, with which the
Island abounds, prevented my enjoying much sleep.
At 10 o'clock I took my leave of them, with the exception of a number,
who accompanied me to the tent.
Silas Payne and John Oliver, together with two or three others, set
out in one of the boats, for the purpose of exploring the Island, and
making new discoveries, leaving the rest of us to guard the tent. They
were absent but one night, when they returned, bringing with them two
young women, whom Payne and Oliver took as their wives. The women
apparently showing no dissatisfaction, but on the contrary appeared
much diverted. Payne now put such confidence in the natives, that he
dispensed with having a watch kept during the night, and slept as
secure as though he had been in his native country.
Payne, on awaking near morning, found the woman that he had brought to
live with him was missing. After searching the tent, and finding
nothing of her, concluded she had fled. He accordingly armed himself,
together with John Oliver and Thomas Lilliston, (with muskets,) and
set out for the nearest village, for the purpose of searching her out.
They arrived at the village before it was light, and secreted
themselves near an Indian hut, where they awaited the approach of day,
in hopes of seeing her. Accordingly at the approach of day-light, they
discovered the hut literally thronged with natives, and among the
number, they discovered the woman they were in search of. At this
moment one of them fired a blank cartridge over their heads, and then
presented themselves to their view, which frightened the natives in
such a manner that they left the hut and fled. Payne then pursued
after, firing over their heads till he caught the one he wanted, and
then left the village for his own tent.--On arriving at the tent, he
took her, gave her a severe flogging and then put her in irons, and
carried on in this kind of style until he was by them killed, and
called to render up his accounts to his offended Judge.
This severity on the part of Payne, irritated the natives, and was
undoubtedly the cause of their committing depredations and theft, and
finally murdering all our remaining crew, excepting myself and Hussey.
Early on the succeeding morning, it was discovered that the tool chest
had been broken open, and a hatchet, chisel, and some other articles,
purloined by the natives. Payne worked himself into a passion, and
said he would be revenged. During the day he informed a number of the
natives of what had been done, (who signified much regret at the
circumstance,) and vowing vengeance if the articles were not returned.
During this day the natives frequented the tent more than they had
ever done before; and at night one of them came running with _one
half_ of the chisel which had been stolen, it having been broken in
two.
Payne told them it was but half of what he required, and put the
Indian in irons, signifying to him, that in the morning he must go
with him to the village, and produce the rest of the articles, and
also point out the persons engaged in breaking open the chest. The
poor native seemed much chagrined at his confinement; yet his
companions who remained near the tent during the night, manifested no
dissatisfaction, which we could observe.
In the morning, Payne selected four men, viz: Rowland Coffin, Rowland
Jones, Cyrus M. Hussey, and Thomas Lilliston, giving them each a
musket, some powder and _fine shot_; declining to give them balls,
saying, the report of the muskets would be sufficient to intimidate
them. The prisoner was placed in charge of these men, who had orders
to go to the village, and recover the hatchet and bring back the
person whom the prisoner might point out as the thief.
They succeeded in getting the hatchet, but when about to return, the
natives in a great body, attacked them with stones. Finding that they
retreated, the natives pursued them, and having overtaken Rowland
Jones, killed him upon the spot. The remainder, although bruised with
the stones which these Islanders had thrown with great precision,
arrived at the tent with the alarming intelligence of a
difficulty;--while they followed in the rear armed for war!
No time was lost in arming ourselves, while the natives collected from
all quarters, and at a short distance from the tent, seemed to hold a
kind of council. After deliberating some time, they began to tear to
pieces one of the boats.
These were of vital importance to our guilty commander, and he
ventured to go to them for the purpose of pacifying them. One of the
Chiefs sat down upon the ground with him, and after they had set a few
moments, Payne accompanied the Chief into the midst of the natives.
After a conference with them which lasted nearly an hour, he returned
to the tent, saying that he had pacified the natives upon the
following conditions. They were to have every article belonging to us,
even to the tent; and Payne had assured them of his willingness, and
that of the others to live with, and be governed by them, and to adopt
their mode of living! We have reason to doubt the sincerity of Payne
in this respect, for what was to us a hope which we cherished with
peculiar pleasure, must have been to him, a source of fearful
anticipation--we mean the probable safe arrival of the ship, in the
U. S. which should result in our deliverance. Our situation at this
time was truly alarming; and may we not with propriety say,
distressing? Surrounded by a horde of savages, brandishing their war
clubs and javelins, our more than savage commanders, (Payne and
Oliver) in anxious suspense as to the result of their negociations
with them; no refuge from _either foe_, and what contributed not a
little to our unhappiness, was a consciousness of being innocent of
having in the least manner wilfully aided the destroyers of the lives
of our officers, and the authors of our now, truly unhappy situation.
The natives now began to help themselves to whatever articles suited
them, and when some of them began to pull the tent down, an old man
and his wife took hold of me, and after conducting me a few rods from
the tent, sat down, keeping fast hold of my hands. Under the most
fearful apprehensions I endeavoured to get from them, but they
insisted upon detaining me. I endeavoured to console myself with the
idea, that gratitude had prompted them to take care of me, as I had
frequently taken the part of this old woman, when she had been teased
by others; but alas! the reflection followed, that if this was the
case, there was a probability that not only my bosom friend, was about
to be sacrificed, but I should be left alone to drag out a weary
existence, with beings, strangers to the endearing ties which bind the
hearts of civilized man.
Whether Payne and his associates offered any resistance to the course
now pursued by the natives or not, I do not know. Suffice it to say,
that all at once my ears were astounded with the most terrifying
whoops and yells; when a massacre commenced but little exceeded by the
one perpetrated on board the Globe. Our men fled in all directions,
but met a foe at every turn. Lilliston and Joe Brown (the Sandwich
Islander,) fell within six feet of me, and as soon as down, the
natives macerated their heads with large stones. The first whom I saw
killed, was Columbus Worth. An old woman, apparently sixty years of
age, ran him through with a spear, and finished him with stones!
My protectors, for now they were truly so, shut out the scene by
laying down upon the top of me, to hide me from the view of the
merciless foe! I was however discovered, and one of the natives
attempted to get a blow at me with a handspike, which was prevented by
them; when, after a few words, he hurried away.
As soon as the work of death had been completed, the old man took me
by the hand and hurried me along towards the village. My feet were
very much laccerated in passing over the _causeways_ of sharp coral
rock, but my conductor fearing we might be pursued, hurried me onward
to the village, where we arrived about noon. In a few minutes the
wigwam or hut of the old man, was surrounded, and all seeming to talk
at once, and with great excitement, I anticipated death every moment.
Believing myself the sole survivor, the reader must pardon any attempt
to describe my feelings, when I saw a number of the natives
approaching the hut, and in the midst, Cyrus M. Hussey, conducted with
great apparent kindness.
Notwithstanding we had both been preserved much after the same manner,
we could not divest ourselves of the apprehension, that we perhaps had
been preserved, for a short time, to suffer some lingering death.
Our interview was only long enough to satisfy each other that we alone
survived the massacre, when we were separated; Hussey being taken
away, and it seemed quite uncertain, even if our lives were spared,
whether we ever saw each other again.