MALOLO. 279 
beach of Arro at sunset,* when a part of the men were embarked in 
the canoes and boats. Lieutenant Alden was at once despatched 
round the island in the cutter, for the purpose of rendering assistance 
to Lieutenant Maury, but he arrived too late to be of service. 
While these transactions were taking place on the island, the water 
also became the scene of a conflict. Lieutenant Emmons, who had 
been despatched to intercept the five canoes, reported to be seen from 
the ridge, pulled round the island without discovering them. While 
making this circuit he fell in with the party under Lieutenant North, 
and took the wounded man into the boat, leaving one of his eight in 
his place. He then pulled to the brig, where he refreshed his men, 
and in the afternoon proceeded round Malolo-lailai to search for the 
canoes, supposing they might have escaped and been drawn up in the 
mangrove-bushes. He soon, however, discovered the enemy poling 
along on the outer reef towards Malolo-lailai. They were somewhat 
separated when first seen, but as he approached, the weathermost 
made sail to leeward to join their companions, and when they had 
accomplished this, all struck their sails and advanced to attack him, 
manceuvring together. In each canoe there were about eight warriors, 
having a kind of breastwork to protect them from the shot, while 
Lieutenant Emmons’s boat’s crew consisted only of seven. After a 
short but severe contest, only one of the canoes escaped; the others 
were all captured, together with their warriors. Lieutenant Emmons 
reached the brig, with three of his prizes, a little before midnight. 
Shortly after daylight, a few natives were seen on the beach oppo- 
site to the tender. I had been hoping throughout the night that some 
overture would be made, and at once took my gig, with the interpreter, 
and pulled for them. As we approached the edge of the reef, which 
was now bare, it being low water, all the men retired, leaving a 
young native woman standing, with the different articles near her 
belonging to Lieutenant Underwood and Midshipman Henry. She 
held a white cock in her arms, which she was desirous of my accept- 
ing; but, believing it to be an emblem of peace with this people, 
(which I found afterwards was the case,) I refused it, but took the 
other articles. I declined the pacific offering, because I had no idea 
of making peace with them until it should be sued for after their own 
fashion. I had obtained a sufficient knowledge of their manners and 
customs to know that it was usual for them, when defeated, and at the 
mercy of their enemies, to beg pardon and sue for mercy, before the 
whole of the attacking party, in order that all might be witnesses. I 
* For his report, see Appendix XIII. 
