32 
BOW DITCH ISLAND. 
as well as to restore the respect due to our flag and those who sail 
under it, and to correct the erroneous opinion, that our forbearance 
was the result of fear of their prowess and numbers. In their transac¬ 
tions, and outrages committed on strangers, they had exhibited a 
fearlessness and spirit of daring that it was time to put a stop to. By 
this attack upon them, they became fully sensible that they were not 
our equals in war, nor capable of resisting attacks that might be made 
on them; they have in consequence become much more humble, so 
that the general opinion throughout the islands is, that hereafter they 
must conform to the regulations they made on our former visit, and 
maintain them with strict integrity towards foreigners. 
Since this transaction, I have received letters from the island of 
Upolu, which inform me that this well-deserved punishment has had a 
most happy effect, and has put a termination to evils that had formerly 
been of common occurrence. 
Communication was had with Apia the day after, the natives of 
which town rather exulted in the punishment that had taken place. 
In leaving the harbour of Saluafata, the Peacock had a narrow 
escape from wreck; for, as they were standing out of the passage, 
they were overtaken by a heavy squall, with torrents of rain, and it 
being near the close of the day, pitchy darkness ensued, and breakers 
were unexpectedly found under their lee. There was no possibility 
of returning; but by carrying a press of canvass, they succeeded in 
getting clear, and an offing was attained by ten o’clock, when it fell 
calm. 
During the day they were at anchor in Saluafata Harbour, the 
thermometer stood on board the ship at 93° in the shade, and at 150° 
in the sun. It was found oppressively warm, notwithstanding there 
was a fine breeze blowing. 
The chief Opotuno, who had committed so many murders, was still 
at large, and it was conceived that if he could be taken, it would be 
an example that would be long remembered. For this purpose, it was 
believed that by obtaining Pea, the chief of Manono, to whom Opotuno 
was related, the latter would be given up. 
The duty of taking the former was entrusted to Lieutenant Em¬ 
mons, under whose charge the tender was put, and instructions given 
him to proceed to Manono, make the chief prisoner without injury to 
him or the inhabitants of that island; and in case of his capture, to 
proceed to Savaii, and there offer an asylum to Mr. M’Donald, the 
missionary resident in Opotuno’s district. Lieutenants Walker and 
De Haven, were employed the same night to capture Malietoa, and 
the chief George, of Cocoa-nut Point. Captain Hudson’s instructions 
