It was not until the 23d of December, 1825, that the prospects of
being relieved from my disagreeable situation began to brighten.
Early in the morning of that day, I was awakened by a hooting and
yelling of the natives, who said, a vessel had anchored at the head of
the Island. They seemed alarmed, and I need not assure the reader,
that my feelings were of a contrary nature. Their God was immediately
consulted, as to the measures to pursue; but as I was not allowed to
be present when he was invoked, I cannot say what was the form of this
ceremony, except that cocoanut leaves were used. Their God, however,
approved the plan, which was, that they should go to the vessel, or
near her, and swim on board, a few at a time, until two hundred were
on board, and then a signal was to be given, when they were to throw
the persons on board into the water, and kill them. Two large canoes
which would carry fifty men each, were put in readiness, but at first
they refused to let me accompany them, fearing that I would inform of
their having killed our men, and they would be punished. I assured
them that the vessel, having but two masts, did not belong to my
nation, and I was certain I could not speak their language.
They at length consented for me to go. We arrived within a few miles
of the vessel at night, and early the following morning, were joined
by a number of canoes, which made in all two hundred men. It being
squally in the forenoon, we remained where we were, but when it
cleared up, the yells of the Indians announced the approach of the
vessel. I had only time to see that it was really an armed schooner,
when I was secreted with their women, about forty in number, in a hut
near the shore, and the women had orders to watch me close, that I did
not get away.
A boat at this time from the schooner, was seen approaching the shore.
She landed at about a hundred yards distant from where I was confined;
but it being near night, I soon found she was making the best of her
way towards the schooner. Night came, and I was sent for by the
principal chief, and questioned closely concerning the schooner. My
fears and apprehensions were now excited to a degree beyond human
expression, and the kind reader will pardon all attempts to express
them.
The natives seeing the whites so bold, excited in them a fear which
induced them to flee the Island. Accordingly, about midnight, the
canoes were launched, and I was carried to a remote part of the
Island, a distance of about 40 miles, where I remained until my
fortunate escape.
29th. Early in the morning, we discovered a boat under sail, standing
directly for the place where we were; the natives were considerably
agitated with fear, and engaged in planning some method by which to
overcome the people in the boat, if they should come where we were;
and, as I expected, the natives would hide me, as they had heretofore
done, I thought it best to offer my services to assist them--I said I
would aid them in fighting the boat's crew--and that, as I could talk
with them, I would go to them, in advance of the natives, deceive the
crew, and prevail on them to come on shore and sit down, and for us to
appear friendly till in possession of their arms, then rise upon the
crew and kill them without difficulty or hazard. Some of the natives
suspected that I should revolt to the other party, and turn the
current of destruction on them; but the chief Luttuon said he liked my
plan much, and would inquire of their God, and if he found that I
should be true to them, my plan should be adopted. The inquiry
resulted in favor of my plan, and they said I might go. The boat was
now within one hundred rods of the shore, and Luttuon called me to
him, oiled my head and body with cocoanut oil, and gave me my charge
how to conduct. I pledged myself to obey his orders. My joy at this
moment was great, as the boat anchored near where we were. I went to
the beach, accompanied by about one hundred of the smartest natives,
whom I charged not to manifest a hostile appearance. I hailed the boat
in English, and told the crew what the calculations of the natives
were, and not to land unless they were well armed. The officer of the
boat replied that he would be among them directly; and in a few
minutes they landed, (13 men and 2 officers,) and when within a rod of
us, I ran to Lieut. H. Paulding, who took me by the hand, asked if I
was one of the Globe's crew, and inquired my name, &c. &c. We then
retreated to the boat, facing the natives, who all kept their seats,
excepting the one I called father, who came down among us, and took
hold of me to carry me back, but desisted on having a pistol presented
to his breast.
Lieut. Hiram Paulding, of the Navy, for such was the name of this
gentlemanly officer, informed me that the vessel, was the U. S.
Schooner Dolphin, sent on purpose to rescue us, and commanded by
Lieut. Com't. John Percival.
After expressing my gratitude as well as I was able, to Heaven, which
had furnished the means of my deliverance, I acquainted Mr. Paulding,
that the only survivor of the Globe, except myself, was Cyrus M.
Hussey; who was held in bondage upon a neighbouring Island. After the
boat's crew had taken some refreshment, we left the landing place, and
soon arrived at the place where Hussey lived. The natives had
concealed him, but after some threatenings from us, restored him, and
we were received on board of the Dolphin, and treated in the most kind
and hospitable manner.
Our hair was now cut, and we were shaved. Our appearance must have
been truly ludicrous, our hair having been growing twenty-two months,
untouched by the razor or scissors.
Our joy and happiness on finding ourselves on board an _American
Man-of-War_, and seeing "the star spangled banner," once more floating
in the air, we will not attempt to describe. Suffice it to say, that
none can form a true estimate of our feelings, except it be those who
have been suddenly and unexpectedly rescued from pain and peril, and
threatening death. In the afternoon the Captain wished me to go on
shore with him, as an interpreter. We accordingly went, and passed
over to the village on the other side of the Island, where we had an
interview with a woman of distinction, (the men having fled, being
principally absent with the chiefs at Alloo.) The captain informed her
he wished to see the chiefs, and requested her to send for them that
night, that he might visit them in the morning, and make them some
presents. We then returned to the vessel; and the following day, Dec.
1st, went on shore for the purpose of seeing the chiefs, but could not
obtain an interview with them. The captain informed the natives that
he must see the chiefs, and that he would wait another day, but if
disappointed then, he should be compelled to use coercive means. They
immediately sent another messenger after them, and we returned on
board, accompanied by several of the natives, among whom was Ludjuan.
The captain made him several presents, and informed him they were
given as a compensation for saving my life. Shortly after, the natives
went on shore.
The next morning, Dec. 2d, the captain sent me on shore, to ascertain
whether the chiefs had returned, and I was informed by the natives
that they had, and were then at a house half a mile distant. This
intelligence having been communicated to the captain, he went on
shore, and took myself and Hussey for interpreters; but we found on
our arrival, that the natives had been practising a piece of
deception--the chiefs not having returned. Very much displeased at
this perfidious treatment, the captain made a demand of the chiefs
before sunset, threatening, if it were not complied with, to go on
shore with fifty men, well armed, and destroy every person he could
find. This threat threw the natives into consternation, and
immediately another messenger was despatched for the chiefs. The
natives were so alarmed, that they soon sent off three or four more
messengers; and we returned on board to dine. After dinner, I went on
shore with Mr. Paulding, the first Lieutenant, and some of the under
officers, for the purpose of shooting birds. After rambling round the
Island for some time, we discovered a number of natives quickly
approaching us from the lower part of the Island; and supposing the
chiefs were with them, we sat down to await their arrival; but before
they came to us, a signal was set on board the schooner, for us to
return, which was immediately obeyed, without waiting for an interview
with the natives. Early on the next morning, I was sent ashore to
ascertain whether the chiefs had arrived, and soon found that they
had, and were in a hut, waiting to receive a visit from the captain,
who, I informed them, would come on shore after breakfast, to have a
_talk_ with them, and also to bestow some presents. Accordingly, the
captain, with myself and Hussey, repaired to the hut, where we found
them sitting, and ready to commune with us.
The captain told them he had been sent out by the _Head Chief_ of his
country, to look for the men that had been left there by the ship
Globe--that he had been informed they murdered all but two--that, as
it was their first offence of the kind, their ignorance would plead an
excuse--but if they should ever kill or injure another white man, who
was from any vessel or wreck, or who might be left among them, our
country would send a naval force, and exterminate every soul on the
Island; and also destroy their fruit trees, provisions, &c. and that
if they would always treat white men kindly, they never would receive
any injury from them, but would have their kindness and hospitality
reciprocated. He also adverted to the practice of stealing, lying, and
other immoralities; stating to the natives that these crimes are
abhorred and punished in our country; and that murder is punished
with death. He then sent me to the boat, lying at the beach, to bring
three tomahawks, one axe, a bag of beads, and a number of cotton
handkerchiefs, which were presented to the chiefs. He also gave them
two hogs, and a couple of cats, with injunctions not to destroy them,
that they might multiply. The captain caused potatoes, corn, pumpkins,
and many valuable seeds to be planted, and gave the natives
instructions how to raise and preserve them. He then explained to them
that these acts of kindness and generosity were extended, because they
saved us alive, and had taken care of us while among them. This
conversation with the natives being ended, we went on board, dined,
and the captain and Hussey went again on shore. The first Lieutenant
made preparations for cruising in the launch, round the Island, to
make topographical surveys, who took me with him, as interpreter, and
about 4 o'clock, we commenced a cruise with a design to sail up an
inlet or inland sea; but the wind blowing fresh, and having a head
sea, at 12 o'clock we anchored for the night.
Dec. 4th. At sunrise, we found ourselves not more than a mile from the
place where we crossed over the evening before; and immediately
getting under weigh, and rowing to the westward, we soon came to the
place where the Globe's station had been; anchored, and went on shore,
for the purpose of disinterring the bones of Comstock, who had been
buried there, and to obtain a cutlass, which was buried with him; but
before we had accomplished the undertaking, the schooner got under
weigh, and soon anchored abreast of us, at the same place where the
Globe's provisions were landed. The captain and Hussey immediately
came on shore to view the place; but as I caught cold the preceding
night, by lying exposed in our launch, I was excused from serving
further with Mr. Paulding in making surveys, and Hussey supplied my
place. Soon after, I went on board with the captain, carrying with me
the skull of the person we had dug up, and the cutlass, intending to
convey them to America.
After dinner, the captain made a trip in the gig, to Alloo, taking me
for his interpreter, where we arrived in half an hour, and soon
travelled up to the village. The natives received us with marks of
gladness, and in a short time the house at which we stopped was
surrounded by them, who came undoubtedly for the purpose of gratifying
their curiosity, by gazing at us. We remained at the village about two
hours, during which time we had considerable talk with two of the
chief women, and made some small presents to the people, such as
beads, &c. They did not treat us as they usually do visitors, with
fruit, &c. there being at that time what we call a famine, which in
their language, is Ingathah.
After having taken leave of the natives, and walked about half the
distance to the shore, we stopped to refresh ourselves under a fine
cool shade. While in conversation on the manners and customs of the
natives, an old man and woman approached us, who had acted towards me,
during my residence among them, as father and mother. I immediately
made them and their kindness to me known to the captain, who, in
consideration of their humane treatment, rewarded them with a few
beads and a handkerchief, for which they appeared thankful and
grateful--telling them at the same time, the presents were to
recompense their hospitality to me, and enjoining on them at all times
to be friendly to the whites, and a reward would certainly await them.
It being near the close of the day, we left Alloo, and having a fair
wind, reached the schooner before dark.
The next morning, Dec. 5th, being very pleasant, all hands were
employed in procuring wood for the schooner--some in cutting it down,
and others in boating it off. Our carpenter had been engaged for a
few days, at Milly; to instruct and assist the natives in repairing a
canoe. The distance was four or five miles, and the captain wanting
the carpenter, set sail for Milly in his gig, and soon arrived there;
where he learned that the carpenter had repaired the canoe, to the
great satisfaction of the natives, who expressed a strong desire that
he might be permitted to remain among them on the Island; but the
captain informed them he could not spare him. When the natives saw the
carpenter packing up his tools, they expressed to me an expectation
that the tools would be left with them as a present. We left the
natives, and reached the schooner a little before sunset; the captain
feeling anxious for the fate of the launch, as nothing yet had been
heard of the fortune which had attended her, or the men in her.
Dec. 6th. Having procured a sufficient supply of wood, though our
supply of provisions was hardly sufficient for the voyage, and the
launch having returned, at about 10 A. M. we weighed anchor and
proceeded to the place called Milly, where we anchored for the purpose
of planting some seeds, and taking a last farewell of the chiefs and
their people. The captain went immediately on shore, taking Hussey for
his interpreter. He was gone till nearly night, when he returned,
bringing with him _Luttuon_ and several other natives. The captain
gave orders to beat to quarters, to exhibit the men to the natives,
and explain to them the manner of our fighting. Those untutored
children of nature, seemed highly gratified with the manoeuvres, but
were most delighted with the music, probably the first of the kind
they ever heard. We informed them we always have such music when we
are fighting an enemy. The natives were then landed, and we
immediately made sail for the head of the Island, intending to cruise
around the other shores of it, for the purpose of making surveys, and
constructing a map of it. We stood eastward till nearly morning, then
altered our course and headed towards the Island.
During the following day, Dec. 7th, having favorable winds and
weather, we made a regular survey of the whole length of the groupe,
before sunset.--The captain now steered N. W. to endeavour to discover
other Islands which the natives had often described to me, during my
abode with them. They said they had frequently visited ten or twelve
different Islands in their canoes, and that the people who inhabit
them, all speak the same language, which is the same as their own, and
that the Islands lie about one day's sail from each other.
Dec. 8. The weather pleasant and fair; about 9 o'clock, A. M. we saw
land ahead, and passed it on the windward side, then varied our course
and sailed to the leeward of the Island; but night coming on, we were
obliged to defer landing till morning. The captain then attempted to
reach the shore in the gig, but was not able to land, on account of
the surf. After he returned on board, we made sail, cruising farther
to the leeward, in hopes of finding a place to anchor, but in this we
were disappointed, not being able to find bottom thirty yards from the
rocks. However, at high water, the captain, at imminent hazard in
passing the surf, succeeded in landing. He had previously given orders
to me and Hussey, not to let the natives know that we could converse
with, or understand them, but to be attentive to every thing that
might pass among them, to ascertain whether their intentions and
dispositions were hostile or friendly. After landing, the captain and
Hussey visited the house where the head chief, or king of all those
Islands lived, of whom I had formerly heard so much, while I was on
the Mulgraves.--They continued with him about two hours, were treated
well, and discovering nothing unfriendly in the natives, the captain
told Hussey he might make them acquainted with his knowledge of their
language, by conversing with them. The king, on hearing Hussey
speaking in the language of the natives, appeared at first so
frightened and agitated, that he could scarcely reply; but by degrees
became composed, and inquired of Hussey where he learned their
language, and why he had not spoken to them immediately on coming
ashore. Hussey then informed him he was one of the two persons that
had been on the Mulgraves, (in their language, Milly,) and that the
other person (myself) was on board the schooner--that the schooner had
been there after us, that we left the Mulgraves the day before, and
had then visited that Island for the purpose of examining it, &c. &c.
The king had long before heard of our being at the Mulgraves, and told
Hussey he had been repairing his canoe, in order to go to those
Islands, with a view to induce us to live with him, who, had that been
the case, would undoubtedly have used us well. The king was about 70
years of age, and had a daughter on the Island where we had resided,
wife to Luttuon. He inquired if his daughter was alive and well, with
tears in his eyes and trembling form, for it was a long time since he
had received any intelligence of her; and hearing of her welfare so
unexpectedly, quite overcame the good old father's feelings. And here
the reader will observe, that the pure and unaffected emotions
produced by parental affection, are similar among all the human
species, whether civilized or savage. The natives of the Island we
were then visiting, may be ranked with those that have made the fewest
approaches towards the refined improvements of enlightened nations,
yet the ground work of humanity was discovered to be the same; and the
solicitude of a fond father for a beloved child, was manifested in a
manner which would not disgrace those who move in the most elevated
circles of civilized life. The old king expressed his regret that he
had not visited the Mulgraves during our stay there, was very sorry we
were about to return to America, and used all the force of native
eloquence, to persuade us to continue with him. He inquired if we had
got the whale boat he had heard of our having at the Mulgraves. Hussey
informed him it was on board the schooner, and the swivel likewise.
The captain then informed the king that he wanted cocoanuts and bup,
which were obtained; and in return, the captain gave the natives some
beads and handkerchiefs. The captain then went on board the schooner,
made sail, standing a N. W. course, in pursuit of another Island.
Dec 9th. About 10 o'clock in the forenoon, we discovered land ahead
and off our lee bow. About 2 o'clock, P. M. we arrived near the land,
hove the schooner to, and sent two boats ashore, to get provisions. At
sunset the boats returned, loaded with cocoanuts and bup. We hoisted
up our boats, and with a strong breeze, it being the inclement season
of the year, prosecuted our voyage to the Sandwich Islands, & had much
boisterous weather during the passage.
On Jan. 8th, 1826, we expected to make one of the Sandwich Islands,
called Bird's Island, but night came on before we discovered it. But
early on the following morning, we saw land about four leagues to the
leeward, and bore down to the Island for the purpose of sending a boat
ashore, to kill seals.--We arrived near the landing place, hove to,
and the captain with six men went ashore in the whale boat. We now
stood off from the shore for about an hour, then tacked and stood in,
for the boat to come off. The wind had increased to almost a gale, and
continuing to blow harder, when we were within a quarter of a mile of
the Island, not discovering any thing of the boat, we veered off
again, and continued tacking till night came on, but saw nothing of
the boat or her crew. About 9 or 10 o'clock, the wind abated, and we
found ourselves two leagues to the leeward of the Island, where we lay
to all night under easy sail, anxiously waiting for the approach of
morning, in hopes then to learn the fate of the captain and men who
had gone on shore. At length the horizon was lighted by the dawn of
day, which was succeeded by the opening of a very pleasant morning. We
immediately made all sail for the Island, but having a head wind, we
did not arrive at the landing till near the middle of the day. A boat
was sent on shore to learn what had befallen the crew of the whale
boat, and shortly returned with all the men except the captain and one
man that could not swim. We ascertained, that in attempting to come
off through the surf, they were swamped and lost their boat. We a
second time sent the boat ashore with means to get the captain and
other man, who were soon brought on board. We now made sail and
steered our course for Woahoo, one of the Sandwich Islands, and
nothing very material occurring on our passage, we anchored in the
harbour of that Island on the 14th. On the 16th procured a supply of
fresh provisions. On the 19th, Hussey and myself went on shore for
the purpose of rambling round the Island, but nothing occurred worthy
of notice.
Our foremast being found rotten a few feet below the top, it was
deemed necessary to take it out for repairs, which required the daily
employment of the carpenter and others for some time.--On the 27th,
the captain received a letter, giving intelligence that the ship
London had been driven ashore at an Island not far distant from
Woahoo.--As the Dolphin's foremast was out, the captain was under the
necessity of pressing the brig Convoy, of Boston, and putting on board
of her about 90 of his own men, taking with him 2 of his lieutenants
and some under officers, he sailed to the assistance of the ship
London.
Feb, 3d, the brig Convoy returned laden with a part of the cargo of
the London, and the specie which was in her at the time of her going
ashore, under the command of our 2d lieutenant, leaving the remainder
of her cargo in another vessel, under the command of Capt. Percival.
Feb. 5th. The captain returned with the residue of the London's
cargo, and the officers and crew of that ship. After the cargo of the
London had been secured, we were employed in finishing the repairs on
our foremast, which were completed on the 21st; and we commenced
rigging.
Feb. 26th. On the morning of this day, permission was granted to a
number of our crew, to go on shore. In the afternoon, Hussey and
myself went and took a walk. About 4 or 5 o'clock, I observed a great
collection of natives, and on inquiring the reason, learned that
several of the Dolphin's crew, joined by some from other ships lying
in port, had made an assault upon Mr. Bingham, the missionary, in
consequence of ill will towards that gentleman, strongly felt by some
of the sailors, but for what particular reason, I did not distinctly
ascertain. They carried their revenge so far, that they not only
inflicted blows upon Mr. Bingham, but attacked the house of a chief.
The natives, some with cutlasses, and others with guns, repelled the
unjustifiable attack; and during the affray, several of our men were
slightly injured, and one badly wounded, whose life was despaired of
for some time. The offenders were arrested, sent on board, and put in
irons.
On the next day, 27th, Mr. Bingham came on board with the captain and
witnesses against the men engaged the preceding day, in the assault on
shore. After a fair examination of evidence in the case, the
aggressors were properly punished, and ordered to their duty.--The
whale ships now began to arrive for the purpose of recruiting, and for
some particular reasons, several of the captains of those ships
requested captain Percival to remain at the Island as a protection to
them, till they could obtain the necessary supplies, and resume their
cruises. From the present date, nothing of importance occurred that
would be interesting to readers, till April 3d, when great
preparations were made on board the Dolphin, to give a splendid
entertainment to the young king. The gig and second cutter were
employed in the morning, to borrow signals from the different ships in
the harbour, in order to dress out the schooner in a fanciful style.
About 11 o'clock, the gig and second cutter were sent ashore for the
king and several chiefs and natives of distinction, who were soon
conveyed on board. The yards were manned, and a general salute fired.
After partaking of as good a dinner as our resources and the means
within our reach would afford, the king and his attendants were
disembarked under the honour of another salute.--During the remainder
of this month, the events which transpired, were principally of an
ordinary cast, and not thought worthy of record.
May 3d. This day we were employed in bending sails; and from this date
to the 11th, the necessary preparations were made to commence our
homeward voyage. This day (11th,) the pilot came on board, and for
the last time we weighed our anchors in the harbour of Woahoo. While
retiring from the shore we were saluted with 21 guns from the fort. We
hove about, returned the salute, and then resumed our destined course,
and bid a last adieu to Woahoo, after a tedious and protracted stay of
about four months.
From the time of our departure, on the 11th of May, from Woahoo,
nothing of importance transpired till the 12th of June. On the morning
of this day we discovered the Island Toobowy; and at 9 o'clock saw a
sail, which proved to be a whale ship. At half past 2 came to anchor
at a convenient place near the Island, and sent a boat ashore, which
returned at night with two natives, who gave us a description of the
harbour, and directions how to enter it; and as our mainmast was
injured, we entered it to make the necessary repairs. On the 13th, we
beat up the harbour, and at 3 o'clock anchored, where we continued
repairing our mast, and procuring wood and water, till the 22d; when
we weighed anchor and made sail for Valparaiso, favoured with fine
weather and good winds. July 18th, made the Island of Massafuero, and
passed it about midnight. On the 19th, in the forenoon, made the
Island of Juanfernandez; and at 11 P. M. on the following day,
discovered the land at the south of Valparaiso. On the 22d, beat up
the harbour, and at 2 o'clock on the morning of the 23d, came to
anchor.--At Valparaiso, we learned that the frigate United States was
at Callao; and after getting a supply of provisions, we sailed for
Callao on the 9th of August, and arrived on the 24th. Here we found
the United States, lying under the Island of Lorenzo, with several
English ships of war.
On the 26th, the Dolphin in company with the United States, passed
over to Callao; and Sept. 1st, I and the crew of the Dolphin were
transferred to the United States.
Sept. 10th. All the men that had been transferred from the Dolphin to
the United States, had liberty to go to Lima; at 12 o'clock we went on
shore, and at 4 P. M. entered the gates of the city. I employed my
time while on shore, in roving about the city, and viewing the various
objects it presents; and on the 13th returned on board the United
States. We were detained here till the 16th of December, when we
sailed for Valparaiso, and having a pleasant passage, arrived on the
6th of January, where we were happy to find, for our relief, the
Brandywine. From the 8th to the 24th, all hands were engaged in
preparing the ship for her homeward voyage; when at 9 o'clock we
weighed our larboard anchor, and at 1 P. M. were under sail, passing
out of the harbour, when the Cambridge, (an English 74,) then lying in
the harbour, gave us 3 cheers, which we returned with 3 times 3; she
then saluted us with 13 guns, which we returned with the same number,
and then proceeded to sea.
Being favoured with fine weather and good winds, we had a prosperous
voyage to Cape Horn, and arrived off the pitch on the 7th of Feb. and
passed round with a pleasant breeze. In prosecuting our voyage home,
off the mouth of the river Rio de la Plata, and along the coast of
Brazil, we had rough weather and thick fogs. On the 6th we made the
land and harbour of St. Salvador, and about 9 o'clock came to
anchor.--On the 7th we fired a salute for the fort, which was
returned.
We were now employed in watering our ship, and making other
preparations for continuing our voyage homeward; and on the 15th got
under weigh, with a fine breeze.
April 1st. At 10 o'clock, made the Island of Barbadoes, and at 1 P. M.
came to anchor, where we lay till 5 P. M. on the 3d, when we got under
weigh, and sailed down the Island to St. Thomas, where we sent a boat
ashore, and after transacting the business for which we stopped, made
sail on the 9th for the port of New-York. On the 21st, made the
highland of Neversink; at 2 P. M. took a pilot on board, but owing to
fogs and calms, did not arrive to the port of destination till 1 P. M.
next day, when we anchored opposite the West Battery, with a thankful
heart that I was once more within the United States.