104 
PORTER’S JOURNAL. 
A large assemblage of Typee warriors were posted on the 
opposite banks of the river (which glided near the foot of the 
mountain) and dared us to descend. In their rear was a fortified 
village, secured by strong stone walls; drums were beating and 
war conchs were sounding in several parts, and we soon found 
they were disposed to make every effort to oppose us. I gave 
orders to descend; Mouina offered himself as our guide, and I 
directed him to lead us to their principal village: but finding the 
fatigue of going down the mountain greater than I expected, I 
gave orders to halt before crossing the river, to give time for the 
rear to close, which had become much scattered, and that all 
might rest. As soon as we reached the foot of the mountain we 
were annoyed by a shower of stones from the bushes, and from 
behind the stone walls; but as we were also enabled to shelter 
ourselves behind others, and being short of ammunition I would 
not permit any person to fire.—After resting a few minutes I di¬ 
rected the scouting parties to gain the opposite bank of the river, 
and followed with the main body. We were greatly annoyed with 
stones, and before all had crossed, the fortified village was taken 
without any loss on our side. Their chief warrior and another 
were killed, and several wounded—they retreated only to stone 
walls situated on higher grounds, where they continued to sling 
their stones and throw their spears. Three of my men were 
wounded, and many of the Typees killed before we dislodged 
them; parties were sent out in different directions to scour the 
woods, and another fort was taken after some resistance; but the 
party, overpowered by numbers, were compelled to retreat to the 
main body after keeping possession of it half an hour. We were 
waiting in the fort first taken for the return of our scouting par¬ 
ties—a multitude of Tayees and Happahs were with us, and ma¬ 
ny wbre on the outskirts of the village seeking for plunder: lieu- 
tenant M>Knight had driven a party from a strong wall on the high 
ground, and had possession of it, when a large party of Typees, 
which had been lying in ambush, rushed by his fire, and darted 
into the fort with their spears: the Tayees and Happahs all ran, 
the Typees approached within pistol shot, but on the first fire re¬ 
treated precipitately, crossing the fire of Mr. M‘Knight’s party, 
and although none fell, we had reason to believe that many were 
