88 UPOLU — MANONO — SAVAII. 



The distance between Tutuila and Upolu, of thirty-six miles, was 

 soon passed, and in the morning we were delighted with the view of 

 the latter island as we ran down its coast to the westward. It appears 

 much richer and more fruitful than the other islands of this group, and 

 may be described as of moderate height, rising gradually in a succes- 

 sion of ridges from a low shore ; here and there, broad and fertile 

 valleys are seen, with numerous streams falling from the mountains in 

 cascades. The eastern portion of the island is much more rugged than 

 the western ; the main ridge runs east and west, and ridges or spurs 

 run back to it from the northern coast in a southeast direction. 

 Between these lateral ridges are broad and fertile valleys, decreasing 

 in width as they recede from the coast. The shore is lined with a 

 coral reef, which is now and then interrupted by channels, and forms 

 snug and convenient harbours. 



At noon we descried the Peacock lying in the harbour of Apia, and 

 shortly afterwards I received a message from Captain Hudson, saying 

 that my presence was required on shore. In the hope that it was not 

 a business of such a nature as to cause detention, I left the Vincennes 

 in the offing, while I went ashore in my boat. On reaching the land, 

 I found the chiefs engaged in the trial of a native called Tuvai, who 

 had killed an American named Edward Cavenaugh, a native of New 

 Bedford. 



It appeared that on Captain Hudson's arrival the murderer was 

 pointed out to him in the village, upon which he very properly deter- 

 mined to have the offender punished, and gave orders to have him 

 arrested. He was in consequence seized in a house near the water, 

 and carried on board the Peacock. Being taken by surprise, he 

 offered no resistance to his capture. Captain Hudson then requested 

 a conference with the neighbouring chiefs, who in consequence had 

 assembled on the 27th. 



The fono, as such assemblies are called, was held in the council- 

 house, or fale-tele, where the chiefs were collected. The Rev. Mr. 

 Mills acted as interpreter on the occasion. Captain Hudson, through 

 him, stated that the object of his having requested them to assemble 

 was to bring the accused to a trial before them, in order that if his 

 guilt were established, he might be brought to condign punishment : 

 he then pointed out to them the guilt and consequences of the crime 

 of murder, and declared the course he had considered it his duty to 

 adopt. The chiefs listened attentively to this address, and in reply, 

 through the principal one, admitted that the man taken was in reality 

 the guilty person, a fact known to every person upon the island. 

 Captain Hudson then stated to them that it was absolutely necessary 



