270 MALOLO, 
which both relinquished their hold. Lieutenant Underwood then 
ordered the men to keep close together, and they endeavoured to make 
their way to the boat, facing the natives. Lieutenant Underwood also 
called upon Midshipman Henry to assist in covering the retreat of the 
men to the boats, to which Mr. Henry replied, that he had just received 
a blow from the club of a native, and would first have a crack at him. 
He then pursued the native a few steps, and cut him down with his 
bowie-knife pistol, and had again reached the water’s edge, when he 
was struck with a short club on the back of the head, just as he fired 
his pistol and shot a native. The blow stunned him, and he fell with 
his face in the water, when he was instantly surrounded by the natives, 
who stripped him. The natives now rushed out from the mangrove- 
bushes in great numbers, some of them endeavouring to get between 
Lieutenant Underwood and the water, while others crowded upon his 
party, throwing their short-handled clubs and using their spears. 
Lieutenant Underwood, having received a spear-wound, fired, and 
ordered the men to do the same; and after he had fired his second 
pistol, was knocked down by the blow of a club. Clark at the same 
time was struck, and had no farther recollection. 
J. Dunnock says that he was at some distance from Lieutenant 
Underwood at the time the attack was made; and the first intimation 
he had of it, was Lieutenant Underwood’s order to keep together and 
go down to the boat. While obeying the order, he saw the natives 
seize upon Clark’s rifle, and strike Lieutenant Underwood; but after 
this he had as much as he could do to avoid the clubs and spears 
hurled at himself. He says that Mr. Henry was near him, and up to 
his knees in water, when he received the blow from the short club 
which knocked him down lifeless, with his face in the water. He did 
not see the hostage escape, nor hear the gun fired. 
M’Kean states that he was standing by the side of Lieutenant 
Underwood at the time they were awaiting the return of Davis; that 
suddenly there was a movement among the natives, and the cause of 
it was discovered to be the escape of the hostage. Mr. Underwood, 
anticipating trouble, immediately ordered the men to assemble and 
make for the boat. 
John Sac’s story corroborates that of M’Kean. He says, that upon 
hearing the gun, and. seeing the hostage escaping, the chief cried out 
that his son was killed, and gave the war-cry. 
On seeing the attack, Lieutenants Emmons and Alden pushed for 
the shore, with both boats. The former had already started to en- 
deavour to retake the hostage. The boats commenced firing as they 
sailed in on some natives who appeared to be wading out to meet 
