540 APPENDIX. 



II. 



U. S. Ship Peacock, 

 Off" Apia, February 26th, 1841. 



Sir, 



You will take the second cutter and Passed Midshipman Harrison 

 from this ship, and join the Flying-Fish, which vessel I have placed 

 under your command, for the purpose of securing the chief Pea, and 

 bringing him off from the island of Manono. 



I wish you to proceed with all possible despatch to the island of 

 Manono, under the pretence of surveying its reefs and harbours with 

 your boat, leaving the schooner in such a position as you may deem 

 most advisable and circumstances shall suggest, to avoid any suspi- 

 cion of your designs on the part of the natives. 



After reaching the island, you will ascertain the chief Pea's where- 

 abouts, &c, and the most successful manner of getting him off to 

 this ship without injury to any of your own party, or the chiefs. 



Should your enterprise prove successful, you will return to the ship 

 as soon as possible, passing round the south end of Savaii, and send- 

 ing your boat to the house of Mr. M'Donald with the proffer of an 

 asylum to himself and family on board the schooner until you join 

 the Peacock off the northwest end of Savaii, or at the harbour of 

 Mataatau. 



It is an important matter that we should secure the chief Pea for 

 the purpose of obtaining the notorious chief Opotuno. You will treat 

 your prisoner with all the kindness consistent with his safe-keeping, 

 should you succeed in capturing him. 



The manner of proceeding is confided to your judgment and dis- 

 cretion. Wishing you success in your enterprise, 



I am, &c, 



William L. Hudson, 



Commanding TJ. S. Ship Peacock. 



Lieutenant George F. Emmons, 



U. S. Ship Peacock. 



P. S. Should Mr. M'Donald deem it necessary to embark on board 

 the schooner (to whom you can confidentially say we have Pea, and 

 intend to demand Opotuno), he must do it without delay, and direct 

 his canoe to follow on to the Peacock. 



W. L. H. 



