276 MALOLO. 
women and children to the mountains, whither all their movable 
property had also been carried. ‘This fact shows that the islanders 
were not ignorant of the consequences that were likely to follow the 
murder of our officers, and had made timely preparations to resist our 
attack on one of the towns, and save themselves from serious loss at 
the other. 
Having completed the destruction of Arro, I proceeded in the gig 
towards the northwest point of the island, for the purpose of joining 
Lieutenant Emmons, on rounding which, I observed the smoke of the 
burning of Sualib. As I pulled around the island, 1 saw many of 
the natives on the highest peaks, whither they had retreated for 
safety, and others upon the beach, who, on seeing the boat, fled 
towards the mountains. In pursuit of these, the “ fiery spirits,” were 
frequently sent, to their great alarm. When I had proceeded far 
enough to get a view of the bay in front of Sualib, neither boat nor 
canoes were in sight, and I turned back, to rejoin the other boats 
off Arro. 
On reaching them, Lieutenant Alden reported that he had executed 
the orders, and had, at high water, towed off or destroyed all the 
canoes. During my absence, an old man had ventured down to the 
beach, with two others in his company, and made signs that he 
wished to speak with them. They held a parley with him, through 
the interpreter, and learned that he was the chief of Arro. He told 
them that he was houseless, had lost his property, his son, and many 
of his people ; he declared that his village had nothing to do with the 
killing of the Papalangis, and offering pigs, &c., as presents, begged 
that we would not punish him any farther. 
Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold, with his party, reached Arro 
just at sunset. His three divisions were separated immediately after — 
they landed, in order to cover more space, and more effectually to 
destroy the plantations. The division under Lieutenant Maury was 
the first to approach Sualib. As soon as the natives got sight of it, 
they set up shouts of defiance. No signs of fear were exhibited, but 
on the contrary, every proof of a determination to resist. 
Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold in a short time came up with 
his division, and on examining the defences of the town, thought it 
expedient to await the arrival of Lieutenant Johnson. Upon the latter 
officer coming up, which was shortly after, the three parties descended 
the hill, and approached the ditch of the town. The natives boldly 
sallied out to meet them, with a discharge of arrows, and exhibited 
the utmost confidence. They in truth believed their town to be im- 
pregnable, for it had hitherto withstood every attack made by Feejee 
