152 FEJEE ISLANDS. 



state to them that if they restored the boat and the things* 

 found in her, they would for this time be forgiven. But the 

 savages would not even comply with these terms, and Captain 

 Wilkes deemed it his duty to chastise them in order that they 

 might be convinced that such outrages could no longer be com- 

 mitted without receiving punishment. Accordingly, a large 

 force, commanded by Captain Hudson, proceeded on shore, 

 fired two of their villages, containing from thirty to forty huts 

 each, and broke up all the canoes. It is not known that any 

 lives were lost on either side. Indeed, our people had no oc- 

 casion to fire a single shot, as the savages proved themselves 

 to be arrant cowards ; the moment they saw Captain Hudson 

 disembark, they fled in all directions, so that when he reached 

 their towns he found them completely deserted. 



When the work of destruction was over, our people returned 

 to the beach, launched the captured cutter, and then embarked 

 and proceeded on board the schooner. Soon afterward they 

 set out to rejoin the ships in Sandal-wood Bay, which they 

 accomplished about midnight. 



On the 15th, Captain Wilkes left in the " Flying Fish," 

 to take a tour round the islands. Messrs. Alden and Henry 

 in the first cutter, and Mr. Underwood in a boat named 

 " Leopard," also left the ship on surveying duties. 



July 21st, we performed the last offices to one who lost 

 his life by an accident that befell him while he was assisting 

 us in our duties ; I allude to Mr.. Baxter, mate of the ship 

 " Leonidas," of Salem. The particulars are as follows : 

 When the " Peacock " arrived at Matawata Bay, she found 

 the " Leonidas " there ; and there being a great deal of sur- 



* The value of these things which consisted of the men's clothing, of books, charts, 

 and instruments of the officers, sails, water casks, oars, &c., was estimated at $1,500 

 They were never recovei i. 



