Making Passage to King Mill Group.—Fourth of July.—Byron’s
Island.—Perote Island.—Drummond’s Island.—Sydenham’s Island.—Visit
from the Natives.—Their Canoes.—Themselves.—Trade.—“Dittoes.”—
Taking of the “Triton.”—A treacherous Portuguese.—A bloody
Massacre.—A just Retribution.—The Kanaka’s Stratagem.—The Natives
frightened.—Prisoners ashore.—A young Hero.—Hostages.—The
Prisoners released.—Proceed to the Sandwich Islands.—Henderville’s
Island.—Woodle’s Island.—Natives again.—“Teka moi moi.”—Young
Cocoanuts.—Decidedly Jewish.—Easily satisfied.—Description of
Natives.—The Females.—A large Fleet.—Comparisons.—Simpson’s
Island.—Ship “Narragansett.”—Stove Boat.—Fisherman’s
Luck.—Experiments in Mesmerism.—Somebody “sold.”
We were now making passage for the “King Mill Group,” which is a
group of small islands greatly celebrated for being a good sperm
whaling ground. Our captain had filled the same ship in which we now
were on this ground but a few years before, and it was to be our
principal place of cruising for a year or fourteen months, at least.
And now we come to Thursday, July 4th—the never-to-be-forgotten
Fourth of July—our first one at sea. While our friends at home are
celebrating the anniversary of American Independence, we are deprived
the pleasure of being with them in person, yet we are with them in
spirit, and the spark of patriotism glows as brightly in the small
company of Americans on board as if we had been within hearing of
the booming cannon, the joyful peal rung out by the merry bells,
the patriotic oration and sentiment; and, although among the wild
Isles of the Pacific, and thousands of leagues from the “home of
the free,” yet the return of this day sent a thrill of joy through
every frame, and we felt thankful to the GOD who watched over the
cradle of the infant nation, who still guides its footsteps as
it approaches manhood, and who is ever blessing it with heaven’s
choicest blessings. May no American ever fail to render thanks for
this anniversary, in whatever clime he may be situated.
[Illustration: SYDENHAM ISLAND CANOE.]
On Tuesday, July 23d, we saw the most eastern island of the group,
Byron’s Island, and the next day sighted Perote Island. These islands
are all coral formations, very low, are inhabited, and thickly
covered with cocoanut-trees. On Saturday, the 27th, we passed
Drummond’s Island, and sighted Sydenham’s Island. From the latter
the natives came off in great numbers to trade. Their canoes are
constructed of narrow, thin strips of wood, the cocoanut, fastened
with small line made from the cocoanut husk; are sharp at both ends,
very narrow, and are prevented from capsizing by a long piece of
wood placed parallel with the canoe and made fast to it, called the
“outrigger.” They have a mast, with a three-cornered mat sail, made
from the leaf of the cocoanut-tree, and rigged in such a manner as to
admit of sailing in either direction without turning the canoe. They
have them of all sizes, from the small one carrying but one person,
to the large war-canoes carrying one hundred.
The natives are a wild-looking set of copper-colored beings, in a
complete state of nudity, their bodies tattooed, and covered with
cocoanut oil, which is their perfumery. They are of medium size,
but very powerful. They are all merchants, bringing with them, to
trade with ships, shells, fish, mats, cocoanuts, and a species of
fruits called “dittoes.” These grow in large bunches, very compact,
and similar to figs packed in a box. On the outside of the bunch
they are green; on breaking them apart, you find about two thirds of
the length, from the inner end, is of a bright golden color, and of
an excellent flavor. The _currency_ here, as at most of the Kanaka
Islands, is tobacco and pipes, and for this they will follow a ship
for miles. As it was near night, we made sail and motioned them
ashore.
At this island a few years since, the natives, led on by a Portugee,
who was living among them at this time, attempted to take the ship
“Triton,” of New Bedford, Captain Spencer. The plot was well laid
and matured, and the natives went off to the ship and informed the
captain, by signs, they had a fine “fluke-chain” ashore, and wanted
to sell it. He asked them where they got it, when they replied,
“Kiabuka broke” (ship broke), conveying the idea that a ship had
been wrecked here some time previous. As the captain was desirous
of obtaining a chain of this description, he immediately, without
suspecting their dark and bloody designs, ordered his boat to be
lowered away and manned. On arriving on shore, and before they
suspected any treachery, they were seized and bound. The Portugee
then, with a large number of natives, went off to the ship to trade,
as they intimated. The crew, when they arrived, were mostly down
below, and the third mate was asleep in one of the boats. When the
natives had collected on deck in sufficient numbers, they made a
rush for the “spades,” which hung overhead on the quarter-deck, and,
before any one was aware of what was transpiring, had possession of
the deck. They killed the man at the helm, two or three foremast
hands, the second mate, steward, and cook, and then proceeded to the
cabin, where the mate was lying asleep. He was aroused by the noise,
but too late to offer any resistance; they, attacking him, cut and
mangled him in a horrible manner, and left him, as they supposed,
dead.
The Portugee, who led on the savages, now proceeded to the deck in
order to make a finish of the bloody job, massacre the remainder of
the crew, who were confined in the forecastle, and then work the ship
ashore into the breakers. The third mate, who had become aroused by
the noise, but wisely kept quiet until he saw the Portugee passing
abreast of him, suddenly darted a lance with such unerring aim that
it was driven completely through his body, killing him instantly.
The natives were greatly frightened at this, and attacked the third
officer, but he managed to elude them, and escaped below. They now
fired muskets, which they had taken from the cabin, already loaded,
down the skylight, until they saw it was useless, when they directed
their whole energies to getting the ship into the breakers. One of
the crew happened to be a Kanaka, and they ordered him to the helm,
and to keep the ship headed for the land, threatening him with
instant death if he failed. But he was secretly determined to thwart
their horrible purposes, and accordingly kept the ship headed nearly
in a contrary direction. As soon as the natives discovered they were
leaving the land instead of approaching it, they were about to put
their threat into execution; but he made them to understand that he
could not steer the ship, knew nothing about it, etc. One of the
chiefs then told him to go to masthead and keep a look-out, and he
would steer the ship ashore. He immediately mounted the rigging, and
with the agility of a monkey was soon aloft at masthead. Not deeming
it prudent to make known his purpose too soon, he waited; the ship
was gradually approaching the breakers, where she would soon be more
than ever in the power of these bloodthirsty cannibals. But the
time has come for relief; “SAIL HO!” is the cry from aloft; and the
rascals are jumping overboard into the water and their canoes, and
paddling for dear life to the shore, with fright depicted on every
countenance. The brave Kanaka, who had by this stratagem succeeded in
saving the ship, now came down on deck and released the men in the
forecastle, who, with the third mate, immediately headed the ship off
shore, and, supposing the captain and his boat’s crew all murdered,
made all sail. The mate, who was left for dead, recovered gradually.
After a long passage, they made the port of Honolulu, Sandwich
Islands.
The captain, together with his boat’s crew, whom we left on shore
bound, were, for some unknown reason, kept still alive as prisoners.
The natives finally, at a council held, determined to murder them
all. The arrangements were all completed. The captain was first
led forth, firmly bound, and, in imitation of our North American
Indians, they laid his head upon the fatal block; the executioner,
with his massive war-club in readiness, awaits but the word from the
chief which is to send a soul into eternity. But who is this rushing
forward, and, Pocahontas-like, braving the ire of that dread chief,
and proudly, firmly demanding the life of Captain Spencer and the
white men with him? ’Tis the son of the chief, who, with fire in
his eye and determination in every line of his features, tells them
“they _must_ not murder the white men; if they do, plenty America
Fire Kiabuka come, kill all Kanaka.” The bravery and reasoning of the
brave boy-chief prevailed, and their lives were spared, though still
kept “in bonds.”
After some weeks had passed a ship came to the island to trade, and,
through some one of the natives, the captain ascertained the fact
that Captain Spencer and his men were held prisoners. The captain
and crew of the ship trading immediately seized and bound a number
of the natives on board as hostages, telling the remainder that if
Captain S. and his men were not instantly forth-coming, unharmed,
those detained on board as hostages should swing at the yard-arm.
This threat had the desired effect. Captain Spencer and his men were
liberated from their cruel bondage, and kindly received by all on
board. The captain proceeded to the Sandwich Islands, where he now
resides; and when narrating to us the above particulars, although
an _old sea-dog_, the tear would trickle down the weather-beaten
cheek as he recalled to mind the fate of those who were so cruelly
murdered, and his own miraculous escape.
On Wednesday, July 31st, we saw Henderville’s and Woodle’s Islands.
We headed for the latter, and when two or three miles from land our
decks were crowded with natives, all bringing something to trade. A
lively scene now presented itself, equaling any of our large trading
marts, though not, perhaps, on quite as extensive a scale. Here might
be seen a native offering a hat to a sailor, and each one endeavoring
to get the best of the bargain; another was offering mats, another
shells, and so on to the end, all for “’baccy.” At this island we
found something in the shape of molasses that we had never yet seen.
It is made from the milk of the cocoanut boiled down, and called by
them “teka moi moi.” It resembles maple molasses, both in color and
flavor, more than any thing else, and was quite a treat to our ship’s
company, who purchased large quantities—five cocoanut shells filled
with it for one “plug” of tobacco.
Those who have never tasted the _young_ cocoanut may be excusable
in eating, and drinking the milk of the miserable things called
cocoanuts which are exposed for sale at our fruit-stands. But, to
enjoy it in all its delicious fullness, one must eat them when they
are green, and when the shell is so soft as to admit of a knife being
passed through the husk and shell, as one would “plug” a melon. In
this state the nut is full of the rich milk, and, on breaking them
open, some are so young that no meat has yet formed; in others it
is like jelly; and, as it advances in age, the milk loses its rich
flavor, and the meat becomes hard and oily.
The natives of this island are shrewd customers, and drive a bargain
with all the tightness of a Jew, bantering until they find they can
obtain no more, and then sell. In one respect, however, comparatively
speaking, they are easily satisfied. A “head” of tobacco goes a
great way with them; and he is considered a rich man among them who
becomes possessed of two or three “heads.” They appear, also, to be
much better natured and better looking than any we have yet seen;
have more of that noble, manly appearance than those of Sydenham’s
Island. They are much larger, also, and many of them wear the “tappa”
about the loins. The females are very fair-looking, with regular
features, small and delicate in size and structure, and appear
very graceful and sprightly. They are very cleanly, and when they
come off to ships have their heads decorated with wreaths of wild
flowers, and generally a bunch in each ear as a substitute for
ear-rings. They are merry creatures, always laughing, and showing
teeth of pearly whiteness, that any woman might be proud of, which
are not manufactured for the occasion by a dentist. Were they
white, they would create no small sensation among the belles and
beaux of America; and we have seen some who have just color enough
in the cheek to make them truly beautiful. In fact, it is rather a
dangerous affair to be placed amid such fascinating creatures after
a long cruise, and having seen none but our own ship’s company. From
the affectionate glances bestowed by some of our sailors upon the
dark-eyed beauties, we fear they will leave their hearts behind as
well as their tobacco.
The sea between the ship and the shore was completely covered by
myriads of canoes, some going ashore, and others paddling for the
ship. We were thus trading about four hours, till, having procured
all we desired “in their line,” we bid them adieu, and turned our
thoughts to whaling.
Thursday, August 8th, we again sighted Sydenham’s Island, the natives
coming off as usual to trade. One can not but notice the difference
in the appearance of the natives of this and Woodle’s Island; yet
they are only sixty miles apart. Those of the latter have a noble,
manly look, are smooth-skinned and good-natured, while those of the
former are a sullen, inferior-looking set of beings, many of them
scaly or rough-skinned. They have a regular hang-dog, villainous
expression, that plainly says “plunder and murder.” The females
are even worse than the men, being very masculine in appearance,
manners, and speech, with high cheek-bones, and mouths that would
drive a hungry man crazy. They are very indolent, and seldom bring
of any trade, a few fish or shells generally comprising the whole
assortment.
The next island we saw was Simpson’s, but passed it without stopping.
On Friday, August 16th, we spoke the ship “Narragansett,” Captain
Rogers, soon bound home. We enjoyed a very pleasant “gam” with them,
they all feeling very happy, thinking they would so soon be homeward
bound. We could but wish them joy, with a safe and quick passage home.
On the 2lst, Tuesday, we lowered for whales. One of the boats
succeeded in fastening to a “cow,” and, after some running, sounding,
etc., she began to think it “boys’ play,” and about time to end the
sport, and coming up under the boat, gave it a _rap_ that knocked it
into “kindling wood,” and hoisted the boys a pretty good distance
in the air. Appearing perfectly satisfied with this part of the
performance, she departed for “parts unknown” with two irons and
about eighteen hundred feet of line attached to her. The crew were
picked up after a bath of about an hour. The next day saw whales, and
concluded to try our luck again. The waist-boat finally succeeded in
fastening to a large fat cow, and all hands were chuckling over the
idea of having outwitted this one, when lo, and behold! her majesty
turns and bites the line in two as coolly as you please, and makes
off. The boys returned on board, acknowledging that “there’s many a
slip ’twixt the cup and the lip” in whaling as well as every thing
else.
About this time Mackey and Tom W. had quite an extensive argument on
mesmerism. Mackey was a great skeptic, but finally agreed to become a
sound believer and disciple if Tom would mesmerize him. To all this
Tom readily consented, and preparations were accordingly made with
the gravity and demeanor of a regular professor of the humbug. Strict
silence was imposed upon all hands; not a word was to be uttered, not
even in a whisper, or the spell would be broken. Two tin pans were
introduced as “mediums,” and Mackey was instructed to hold one with
the bottom toward the mesmerizer, and look him steadily in the eye,
while he took the other in the same manner. Tom now informed Mackey
that he must do exactly as he did—go through with the same motions,
etc.; to all of which he readily consented, and the manipulations
commenced. Unfortunately, it _happened_ that the bottom of Mackey’s
pan had been _smoked_ considerably, if not more, and as Tom would
draw his fingers around on the bottom of his own pan (which was
clean), and then over his face, Mackey would “follow suit,” and
by this operation his face soon began to assume the appearance of
a striped zebra. The hands were then changed, and the other side
mesmerized in the same manner. After Mackey was nicely blacked, so
that it was almost impossible to tell whether he most resembled an
Indian painted for the war-dance or the aforesaid striped zebra, Tom
said he guessed he would have to give it up; there was too much noise
on deck, and his “mediums” did not work well; but asked him if he did
not feel sleepy. Mackey stoutly denied being sleepy, and said he knew
it was all a humbug—couldn’t fool him; saying which he started aft
for a drink of water. The watch on deck were employed mending sails,
and, as Mackey rolled along, they all broke into one simultaneous
roar on beholding his comical physiognomy. The mate asked him if he
“was sick.”
“No, sir,” replied Mackey, boldly.
“Well, then, what is the matter with you? You look _very pale_!”
Mackey knew hardly what to say to this, but finally replied, “One
of the watch has been trying to mesmerize me, and it _might_ have
affected me some.”
The mate told him he had better go below and turn in instantly, as
he was sure _something_ ailed him. This frightened Mackey, and he
hastened down, got out his looking-glass, and, at the first sight,
dropped it. However, he mustered courage, and looked again; then at
the watch, who had all assembled about him in perfect silence; then
at the pan; and, after a few moments, the light broke in upon him,
and he exclaimed, “Sold, by thunder!” and rushed on deck to try the
virtues of salt water and oil soap, greeted with a perfect storm
of laughter from the watch. It is useless to add that Mackey never
after, so long as he remained with us, had any thing to say upon the
science of Mesmerism.