MALOLO. 309 
most of its people had been killed, and that the rest had left it. It 
appeared to have been a long time deserted. According to Mr. Budd, 
who was occupied in its survey, the site of the town is easily distin- 
guished by a large spirit-house that stands on the beach in front of it. 
The Feejee tomato (Solanum) in its green state, was first seen at 
Tavea. 
It was from this town, Tavea, that the natives belonged, who came 
off to the Peacock eating human flesh, and it was not surprising that 
ranges of pots for cooking the unnatural food were seen beside the 
mbures. 
A short time before noon, the Vincennes got under way, and before 
night anchored off the town of Muthuata, near the Peacock. 
On the 31st July, the boats from Malolo reached the ship, and also 
Lieutenant Case, from Somu-somu, by the south side of the island, 
having been engaged in surveying some small harbours that I was 
desirous should be more particularly examined than had been done 
previously. 
Captain Hudson now began a very particular survey of the harbour 
of Muthuata, continuing it as far as Mali, the boats of both ships being 
engaged in this duty. The shore was frequently visited by the officers 
and naturalists, and the botanical specimens much increased. The 
tomato, already spoken of, was found here in its ripe state. It is be- 
lieved to be a perennial plant. The fruit is the size of an orange, and 
of an agreeable flavour; it has been grown and ripened in Philadelphia, 
and I am in hopes will in a short time be acclimated in the United 
States, where it will be a great acquisition. 
The return of the boats from Malolo, brought the melancholy news 
of the death of Lieutenant Underwood and Midshipman Henry. 
Immediately on the receipt of this information, Captain Hudson 
ordered the flags of both ships to be lowered halfmast, and issued the 
following order, which was read to the crews of both ships. 
ORDER. 
Information having been received, from the commander of the 
Expedition, of the death of Lieutenant Joseph A. Underwood and 
Midshipman Wilkes Henry, on the 24th instant, who were treache- 
rously murdered by the natives of Malolo, one of the Feejee group 
of islands, the officers of the United States ships Vincennes and 
Peacock will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days, as a 
testimony of regard for the memory of their departed brother officers, 
who have been suddenly cut off from their sphere of usefulness in 
