M A L O L O. 295 



was that of a child, which had been seen during the conflagration 

 apparently deserted, and in a state of danger, from which our men 

 would gladly have relieved it, had it been possible. 



Our party sustained but little injury. Only one man was struck 

 by a ball, which, however, did no other harm than to tear his jacket. 

 Several were wounded by arrows, but only Samuel Stretch, quarter- 

 gunner, so severely as to cause any solicitude. 



After the destruction of the town, the third division, under Lieu- 

 tenant Maury, was ordered to return to the brig, along the beach of 

 the western side of the island. This route was chosen for the sake of 

 the wounded man, who was unable to travel over the hills. The first 

 and second divisions marched across the island to the town of Arro. 

 The officers describe the scene that lay before them, when they had 

 reached the highest part of the ground that lay in their route, as 

 extremely beautiful. In the valley below them, and on the declivities 

 of the hills, were to be seen yam and taro-patches kept in the neatest 

 order, with the small yam-houses (lololo) in the midst, surrounded by 

 groves of tall cocoa-trees, and plantations of bananas. All looked 

 quiet and peaceful, in strong contrast to the exciting contest in which 

 they had just been engaged, and the character of the ruthless and 

 murderous race who had been the occupants of the smiling valley. 



Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold, with these divisions, reached 

 the beach of Arro at sunset,* when a part of the men were embarked 

 in the canoes and boats. Lieutenant Alden was at once despatched 

 round the island in the cutter, for the purpose of rendering assistance 

 to Lieutenant Maury ; but he arrived too late to be of service. 



While these transactions were taking place on the island, the water 

 also became the scene of a conflict. Lieutenant Emmons, who had 

 been despatched to intercept the five canoes, reported to be seen from 

 the ridge, pulled round the island without discovering them. While 

 making this circuit he fell in with the party under Lieutenant North, 

 and took the wounded man into the boat, leaving one of his eight in 

 his place. He then pulled to the brig, where he refreshed his men, 

 and in the afternoon proceeded round Malolo-lai-lai to search for the 

 canoes, supposing they might have escaped and been drawn up in 

 the mangrove-bushes. He soon, however, discovered the enemy poling 

 along on the outer reef towards Malolo-lai-lai. They were some- 

 what separated when first seen, but as he approached, the weather- 



* For his report, see Appendix XIII. 



