CHAPTER II. Visit the Feejees-Ships trikes-Rudder damaged-Reach anchorage-Visit of Missionary-Starling despatched to TibookaMeasures adopted with the natives-Town of Rewa-Fighting bourri canoes-Phillips and chief of Rewa Kindness of Commodore Wilkes Rivers of Am-ba-ou- Implements of war-Captured chief-Mode of dressing hair-Leekee worn by women · Discussion relative to missionaries and their adoption of Christian Religion-Invasion of Banga-Cannibalism- Garingaria-Reach Port Resolution - Unpleasant position of missionaries from navigators-Natives troublesome -Awkward predicament-Habits and dress of natives-Quit Tanna. CHAPTER II. LIGHT breezes from S.W. to S.S.E. prevented our making much progress. On the 26th, we made the easternmost of the Feejee Groupe, about forty miles to the northward of Turtle Island, and passing through between the islands, were soon favoured with a fair wind. Previous to quitting Tahiti, we had been fortunate in obtaining information respecting this group, and particularly of several new islands not laid down, which are excellent guides to what is deemed the best harbour, Nukulau, on the southern side of Ambou. At noon, on the 27th, we passed the island of Matoke, and shaping a course for Ambou, found ourselves, about two A.M., quite close enough to the breakers, tacking within sight and hearing of them. We had, not a moment before, had our attention excited by lights, probably fishermen on the reefs, otherwise our position might have been hazardous. The lights were instantly withdrawn, upon our showing lights at our foreyardarm. At daylight the current had set us considerably to the westward, and just as we bore up for the anchorage, the breeze headed us off. As this was followed by calm, I immediately started in my gig, to save time, as well as examine the anchorage, &c., leaving the sketch of the entrance with the commanding officer. We reached the island of Nukulau, about half-past ten, and were visited by a few fishermen, and, at noon, by seven double (sailing) canoes, having about ten to twenty persons in each. One who termed himself "a small thief," (chief,) understood a few words of English, and acquainted us that they were bound to Cantab, or Mywoollah on the charts, which are nearly useless. About two the ship entered by the eastern channel, and one of the natives immediately volunteered his services to conduct her through the shoals. I had already my misgivings about that channel, although stated to be "quite free from danger," and whilst anxiously watching her progress, as well as that of the boat with the pilot, had the mortification to see her take the ground. In a very few moments the ensign, union reversed, informed me that the accident was serious, and called for my immediate presence. No time was lost in packing up our instruments, and proceeding to her. On reaching her, I found that she was afloat, but had her rudder off, and had broken the pintles. Having an "Misfortunes never come single." chored and secured the rudder, we commenced warping, occasionally assisting her by the fore and aft sails, when she suddenly went from ten into two fathoms, with her stem between two rocks. The tide left her, and having steadied her by the streamanchor in still water, we patiently awaited the turn of tide, when we warped her forward to her anchorage, discovering several other patches in our route. the midst of distress we were visited by Mr. Cargill, one of the resident missionaries, whose wife, then dangerously ill, required medical assistance. In From him we ascertained that the American surveying squadron were still at this group, the Peacock having quitted the port but a few days since; the Vincennes was supposed to be at Tacanoa, or Obalau, where they were all to rendezvous. One of the king's brothers having taken an active part in an attack, or retaliation upon an American vessel, by which the mate and several of the crew lost their lives, opportunity was taken, when the king, queen, and chiefs were guests, to detain them as prisoners until this man was delivered up. Sooner than lose their king, his brother, Tho-ka-nau-to, or Phillips, volunteered to produce him. On his appearance he was heavily ironed and taken away. It is said he will be taken to America, but what they can do to him is very problematical. In consequence of this affair, our reception was anything but flattering, Neither the king, his |