146 FEJEE ISLANDS. 



May 21st. We hear that the " Peacock " has succeeded 

 in capturing Vendovi. It was effected by seizing his brother 

 chiefs, and retaining them on board the ship until he "was 

 delivered up to Captain Hudson. 



It is very gratifying for us to learn that a messenger arrived 

 here this afternoon from Ambou, with permission for the 

 Chief Levuka to take the taboo off the cocoa-nut trees. This 

 will enable us to procure the fruit in future. The taboo was 

 laid on a short time previous to our arrival in the islands, and, 

 I am informed, was done out of respect to a high chief, who 

 was drowned in the harbor of Rewa. None but chiefs of high 

 rank can remove the taboo ; hence the necessity of waiting 

 in the present instance for the chiefs of Ambou to give orders 

 on the subject. The taboo lasts from two t^> twelve months 

 in the case of chiefs, according to their rank for a common 

 person, usually about four days. Trees that are tabooed have 

 bands of pandanus or cocoa-nut leaves fastened around them, 

 and a piece of wood is set up in a small mound of earth near by. 



May 22d. At sunset we sent eleven men to the observa- 

 tory, armed with muskets and cutlasses. We were advised 

 to take this precautionary step by W T hippy and the other 

 whites residing on the island, who, of course, are well ac- 

 quainted with the character of the natives. They assured us 

 that Vendovi's friends were watching for an opportunity to 

 avenge themselves upon us ; and if we had any property on 

 shore, it could not be too well protected. It is the Fejee cus- 

 tom to attack their enemies under cover of night, when it is 

 not easy to discover their approach. From what I have seen 

 and heard, I think they are the most treacherous and cowardly 

 people on the face of the earth. 



May 23d. It is reported here that the greatest excitement 

 prevails at Rewa on account of Vendovi's capture. Shotted 



