1840.] CHASTISEMENT OF THE NATIVES. 355 



cutter, and instantly pulled in to the shore in their small 

 boats. But it was too late to rescue their companions, and 

 they had only the melancholy satisfaction of recovering their 

 dead bodies. 



On the reception of this sad intelligence, with a prompt- 

 itude and decision worthy of commendation, Captain Wilkes 

 determined to chastise the murderers in a manner that would 

 long be remembered. The first duty, however, was owing 

 to the dead. The bodies of the ill-starred officers were buried 

 on one of the deserted islands of the group, and the cutters 

 and boats of the Squadron then in that vicinity were stationed 

 around Malolo, so as to prevent any persons making their 

 escape. This being done, the Americans landed on the island 

 in two divisions — one commanded by Captain Wilkes in per- 

 son, and the other by Lieutenant Ringgold — early in the 

 morning of the 26th of July. Two of the native towns, the 

 only ones upon the island, were completely destroyed, and the 

 plantations of the inhabitants laid waste. One of the koros 

 was strongly fortified, and offered an obstinate resistance to 

 the party under Lieutenant Ringgold, who had been ordered 

 to attack it. A warm skirmish ensued, which was main- 

 tained for some time with spirit and bravery by the besieged 

 as well as the assailing force. The American tars were not 

 to be resisted, however; unharmed by the missiles showered 

 upon them, they pressed forward to the ramparts, applied 

 torches to the bamboo work, and drove the enemy from 

 every part of their defences. About sixty of the savages 

 were killed, and a great number wounded. Of the Ameri- 

 cans but one was wounded, and he not dangerously. On 

 the following: dav, the remainder of the natives, who had 

 made their escape to the hills in the interior, appeared before 

 Captain Wilkes effectually cowed down, and sued after their 

 own abject fashion for mercy and forgiveness. This was 

 accorded, but accompanied with a wholesome admonition for 

 the future. It is almost unnecessary to add, that the Amer- 

 icans were not again molested while they remained in this 

 vicinity. 



