32 BOWDITCH 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 



