APPENDIX. 425 



determined to resist and give battle, being in great numbers, and ap- 

 parently using their exertions to strengthen their position. 



Upon reconnoitring, I found the village situated in a plain, at the 

 base of a high peak, and in the midst of an extensive cocoa-nut grove. 



A very strong and ingeniously constructed stockade surrounded it, 

 with a large deep dike, and an entrenchment, breast high, thrown up 

 within, evidently for the occasion. 



The stockade was formed of heavy piles of cocoa-tree firmly driven 

 in, and strengthened by a closely interwoven barrier of bamboo, render- 

 ing the whole almost impervious to a rifle-ball ; it was of quadrangular 

 form, with a small opening at three of the angles. 



My first intention was to surround the stockade, and advance upon 

 it simultaneously, under a fire, but was prevented, from the fear of 

 sustaining serious injury from our own cross-fire. I concluded to 

 assail it from three points, having the advantage of confining the na- 

 tives to a small space for escape, and that in the direction of the sea. 

 near at hand. 



After a short attack, in which the chief and six men were killed, 

 resistance ceased, when I withdrew to a short distance to replenish the 

 cartridge-boxes, examine the arms, &c. 



While thus engaged, I directed a party to fire the town, which was 

 executed, and the entire destruction followed, together with much of 

 the property. I completed the work of destruction by setting fire to 

 and destroying the canoes, &c. 



The officers and men evinced that zeal and energy to be expected 

 from those despatched upon the melancholy duty of avenging the 

 death of our comrades, and in the chastisement necessary to be in- 

 flicted under the circumstances. 



I am happy to report having sustained no injury beyond a few 

 slight wounds from arrows and spears, although many fire-arms were 

 used by the natives in their resistance. 



I then spread the divisions again, and hastened on with a desire to 

 scour the remainder of the isle, cross the mountains, and descend 

 upon the opposite village. Upon reaching the summit of the ridge 

 dividing the isle, I perceived from the smoking plain below, I had been 

 anticipated. 



I descended the plain, where I joined you, and at 8 p. m. had reached 

 the Porpoise with the force, all in good order. 



I am, very respectfully, &c, 



C. Ringgold, 



Lieutenant-Commandant. 

 Charles Wilkes, Esq., 



Commanding Exploring- Expedition. 

 VOL. III. 2L2 54 



