162 MASSACRE OF LIEUTENANT UNDERWOOD 



-was immense. Upwards of twenty were seen to fall at the 

 first volley. In this manner was the contest kept up until the 

 principal chief was shot dead, a circumstance, which, together 

 with the half-burned state of the town — for the rockets even- 

 tually set a large hut on fire — spread a great panic among 

 them, and they fled through a gate, which was intentionally 

 left unattacked, carrying their dead and wounded on their 

 backs. At this moment a volley of musketry might have 

 greatly increased the destruction of lives ; but as women and 

 children could be distinguished amid the throng of fugitives, 

 the order was given to cease firing, and they were allowed to 

 escape. 



Our people now marched into the town, and threw upon 

 the flames whatever they found that might be valuable to 

 the enemy. This involved the destruction of the whole 

 wealth of the island, which had been centered here on ac- 

 count of its great strength. This fact serves to show that 

 the savages were not ignorant of the consequences that were 

 likely to follow their foul deed, and had made timely prepara- 

 tions for defending themselves. 



Several things that had belonged to Mr. Underwood were 

 seen among the ruins. A little child, who seemed to have lost 

 its parents, and whom our people endeavored to avoid shooting 

 during the conflict, was burned to death in one of the houses. 

 The dead that the natives had been obliged to leave behind, 

 were all found shot through the head. Many lay beside a 

 mound which had been but recently raised for additional 

 security. 



While Captain Ringgold and party were thus employed on 

 shore, Captain Wilkes and Messrs. Alden and Emmons were 

 not less active on the water. Scarcely had the action com- 

 menced with the town, when two large canoes were seen stand- 



