510 APPENDIX. 



hensions of the people, and the madness of any hostile movement with 

 so small a party as that under my command (twelve men). Trusting 

 that an easy and confident deportment on my part would allay their 

 fears, I passed a watchword to the boats, and lay down to sleep. 



On the next morning, observing that a large number of men had 

 left the town, we again confidently contemplated the success of our 

 enterprise. With the ostensible purpose of taking leave, but with the 

 design of attempting to carry him off, Lieutenant De Haven and myself 

 called to see Malietoa ; when, to our surprise, we learned that after 

 holding a council he had left the town at an early hour. 



We immediately proceeded to the west side of Cocoa-nut Point, 

 whence I despatched M'Gill to ascertain, if possible, the whereabouts 

 of George Tongaloa, in which he did not succeed. 



At Apia, I learned that the chief Sangapolutale had been last seen 

 at the town of Saluafata, on the morning of the day on which it was 

 burnt. 



Amid the vexation of disappointment, I have the satisfaction to believe 

 that our conduct alforded no reason to suspect our purpose. 

 With great respect, 



I am, &c, 



William M. Walker, 



Captain Wm. L. Hudson, 



U. S. Ship Peacock. 



Lieutenant. 



U. S. Ship Peacock, 



At Sea, March 6th, 1841. 



Sir, — 



Agreeably to your instructions of the 26th of February, I proceeded 

 with the schooner Flying-Fish, and this ship's second cutter, off the 

 island of Manono. The weather being unfavourable, laid off and on 

 the first night ; the following morning ran into a bight, formed by the 

 reef uniting Manono and Upolu, and anchored on broken bottom, 

 sheltered from all but northerly winds. This day being Saturday, 

 and consequently, the natives' Sunday, was unfavourable for the 

 execution of my plans in capturing the chief Pea, but allowed me an 

 opportunity of disguising my intentions, by going through the usual 

 routine of surveying, sounding, &c, which I continued employed at 

 most of the day, landing occasionally on points of the island, to mea- 

 sure angles. Upon these occasions, the natives crowded around, and 

 asked many unusual questions ; and from their general manner, I could 

 see that they were very suspicious, and considerably alarmed, which 



