514 APPENDIX. 



their flanks extending to the right and left about two hundred yards ; 

 large parties were at the same time approaching along the shores. 

 After forming the boats in the order of landing, at the distance of about 

 eighty yards from the beach, I advanced, and was met by a similar 

 movement on the part of the natives. By means of Mr. Hale I inquired 

 for Anderson, and offered a reward for his delivery ; but the natives 

 returned evasive replies, and continued to approach from different parts 

 of the shore with the evident design of seizing my boat. I therefore 

 returned to my station in the line, when I directed the gunner to let off 

 a rocket, which fell in the midst of a group and created some astonish- 

 ment. I next fired a single shot, in hopes, by exhibiting the effect, 

 much loss of life might be prevented ; but the natives retired so slowly, 

 that it became necessary to fire a volley, by which several were killed, 

 and many wounded. 



The natives then retired to the cover of the town ; when we immedi- 

 ately landed and formed, leaving the third division to protect the boats. 

 I proceeded with the first and second divisions to fire the town in all 

 directions ; occasionally discharging a single shot at the natives, who 

 slowly retired before us. 



Just before our return to the boats, the chief of Eta, the town to the 

 northward of Utiroa, came to us with expressions of much satisfaction 

 at our conduct, while his attendants busied themselves in pillaging the 

 burning ruins. 



By the best estimate I can make, the natives lost twelve men ; there 

 was no means of computing the number of wounded ; about three 

 hundred houses were burned, and many canoes were destroyed. 



I am indebted for this summary execution of your orders to the 

 zeal and energy of the officers and men whom I had the honour to 

 command. 



Very respectfully, 



William M. Walker, 



Captain Wm. L. Hudson, Lieutenant. 



U. S. Ship Peacock. 



IV. 



(Confidential.) 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



June 15th, 1841. 

 Sir, — 



You are intrusted with the charge of the party consisting of Messrs. 

 Peale, Rich, Agate, and Dr. Whittle, together with the necessary 

 servants. 



