288 MALOLO. 



this outrage was entirely unprovoked, I had no hesitation in deter- 

 mining to inflict the punishment it merited, and this, not by the 

 burning of the towns alone, but in the blood of the plotters and actors 

 in the massacre. 



The two first cutters of the Vincennes and Peacock were therefore 

 directed to take up stations to prevent the escape of any persons from 

 the island, and before daylight Passed Midshipman Eld was de- 

 spatched on the same service with the Leopard. 



The tender got under way at the same time, and proceeded towards 

 the spot I had chosen for the place of burial. 



The sun rose clearly, and nothing could look more beautiful and 

 peaceful than did the little group of islands, as we passed them in 

 succession on our melancholy errand. At the last and largest, about 

 ten miles from Malolo, we came to anchor. Dr. Fox and Mr. Agate 

 went on shore to select a place, and dig a common grave for both 

 the victims. About nine o'clock they came off and reported to me 

 that all was ready. The bodies were now placed in my gig, side by 

 side, wrapped in their country's flag, and I pulled on shore, followed 

 by Mr. Sinclair and the officers in the tender's boat. 



t£flg|f§Rg 



Only twenty sailors (all dressed in white), with myself and officers, 

 landed to pay this last mark of affection and respect to those who had 

 gone through so many toils, and shared so many dangers with us, 



