BOWDITCH ISLAND. 27 



kill him himself; but being a petty chief, he was backed and pro- 

 tected by the chiefs and the people of the three towns before named, 

 who were promised, in case of necessity, assistance from some of the 

 neighbouring chiefs, as well as others on the opposite side of the island. 

 He further said, that he was desirous of giving him up, a few months 

 before, to the commander of the Porpoise. It was distinctly stated to 

 Sangapolutale, that the murderer must be either punished or given 

 up, in conformity to the regulations adopted in their fono, com- 

 posed of all the principal chiefs in the island, and that if neither of 

 these stipxilations were complied with, Captain Hudson would be 

 compelled to employ the force under him in burning the towns that 

 concealed and protected the murderer, and set their own laws and us 

 at defiance. 



Three days were given him from the time of the interview, to 

 comply with the demand. He promised to do what he could, but he 

 was fearful of the result, as his people wanted to fight, and had been 

 promised aid from many quarters. 



On the third day, his messengers arrived at Apia, and brought 

 word that the chiefs and people were determined that the murderer 

 should not be given up or punished ; that they defied the Papa- 

 langis and their power ; and that, if Captain Hudson chose to 

 come and take him, they would give him a fight. The messenger 

 further stated, that they well knew he would be demanded according 

 to their own regulations, but they would take care he should not be 

 punished or given up, for they were prepared to resist any attempt 

 that would be made. Many other insulting messages were received ; 

 among them, one from the murderer and his friends, that when " he 

 could kill a few more white men, he would be given up." 



Such were their threats and boasting : their conduct was conforma- 

 ble to them, as represented by our consul, the missionaries, and Mr. 

 Cunningham, H. B. M. vice-consul. Captain Hudson now saw the 

 necessity of taking some steps that would check this criminal and 

 audacious spirit, and prove to the natives that we had the power to 

 punish these aggressions on our citizens. 



The attempt to take the chief was designed to bring them to terms, 

 without any further difficulty ; but not being successful, it was neces- 

 sary to take some effectual measures for their punishment, particularly 

 as the three towns had now united with their chiefs in setting our 

 force at defiance. The missionaries also saw the necessity of doing- 

 something to insure the safety of those who may hereafter have 



