412 AsP) Pi END) 1;X5 
DEPOSITION OF JAMES MAGOUN. 
Tue following is the deposition of James Magoun, a native of Salem, 
Massachusetts, in relation to the murder of the crew of the brig Charles 
Doggett, Captain Bachelor, at the island of Kantavu. 
COPY. 
On the Ist of September, 1834, I joined the brig Charles Doggett, in 
the Moturiki Passage, as a supernumerary, to be employed in curing 
the biche de mar. The crew of the vessel consisted at that time of 
twenty-five men, besides an Irishman by the name of Patrick Connel, 
long a resident among the Feejees, by whom he is called Berry. On 
Thursday, September 3d, we arrived at Kantavu, and came to anchor 
within musket-shot of the shore. Vendovi, the chief who was to have 
charge of the party, immediately came on board, and having received 
a present, returned to the shore with Captain Bachelor. It was there 
agreed between these two, that on Monday following a large boat 
should be despatched to Kantavu-levu, to purchase tortoise-shell, while 
the pinnace went for water, and during their absence a large canoe 
should go alongside, with a present of yams and taro. On Saturday, 
September 5th, I was on shore with eleven men, curing biche de mar, 
when an unusual noise outside the house attracted my attention, and I 
went out to see what was the matter. The natives answered to my 
inquiries, that our pigs had got out of the pen, and they were driving 
them back again; but on looking into the pen, I saw all the pigs safe. 
This circumstance awakened my suspicions, which I immediately 
communicated to the men that were at work with me. Early on 
Sunday morning, I applied to the natives who were in our employ to 
make me some ava, but they all hung down their heads, and excused 
themselves on frivolous pretences: this confirmed my suspicions of the 
previous night, and I reported my fears to Barton and Clark. Vendovi 
was at this time in the spirit-house, and the natives were offering us 
yams and taro, all of which we purchased. About 7 a. m., I found 
Vendovi upon the beach, preparing to shove off in a small canoe, and 
applied to him for a passage to the brig, which he refused, saying, 
“Why do you wish to go on board!” I answered, to get some 
tobacco and coffee. “I'll bring them to you myself,” he said, and 
ordered his people to shove off. I now walked to our house, and sat 
down at the end of it, to keep a look-out on the brig. When Vendovi 
had been on board about fifteen minutes, I was surprised to see the 
chief who had been retained as a hostage, get over the side, and land 
