542 APPENDIX. 



pect of success ; but on landing to reconnoitre, I was met at the 

 water's edge by a large party of armed men. I passed them without 

 any notice, and under the pretence of seeking a bed in the house 

 adjoining that of Malietoa's, where I had slept on a former visit, dis- 

 covered that it was filled with men on guard, their arms within grasp 

 standing around. These circumstances sufficiently declared the 

 apprehensions of the people, and the madness of any hostile move- 

 ment with so small a party as that under my command (twelve men). 

 Trusting that an easy and confident deportment on my part would 

 allay their fears, I passed a watchword to the boats, and lay down to 

 sleep. 



On the next morning, observing that a large number of men had 

 left the town, we again confidently contemplated the success of our 

 enterprise. With the ostensible purpose of taking leave, but with the 

 design of attempting to carry him off, Lieutenant De Haven and 

 myself called to see Malietoa; when, to our surprise, we learned that 

 after holding a council he had left the town at an early hour. 



We immediately proceeded to the west side of Cocoa-nut Point, 

 whence I despatched M'Gill to ascertain, if possible, the whereabouts 

 of George Tongaloa, in which he did not succeed. 



At Apia, I learned that the chief Sangapolutale had been last seen 

 at the town of Saluafata, on the morning of the day on which it was 

 burnt. 



Amid the vexation of disappointment, I have the satisfaction to 

 believe that our conduct afforded no reason to suspect our purpose. 



With great respect, 



I am, &c, 



William M. Walker, 



Lieutenant. 



Captain Wm. L. Hudson, 



U. S. Ship Peacock. 



U. S. Ship Peacock, 



At Sea, March 6th, 1841. 



Sir, 



Agreeably to your instructions of the 26th of February, I proceeded 

 with the schooner Flying-Fish, and this ship's second cutter, off the 

 island of Manono. The weather being unfavourable, laid off and on 

 the first night; the following morning ran into a bight, formed by 



