Globalization of the United States, 1789-1861

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Jenkins, John S. United States Exploring Expeditions. Auburn: Alden, Beardsley and Co.; Rochester: Wanzer, Beardsley and Co., 1852.

John S. Jenkins. United States Exploring Expeditions. Auburn: Alden, Beardsley and Co.; Rochester: Wanzer, Beardsley and Co., 1852. Frontispiece.

By 1852 Jenkins was able to celebrate a growing number of scientific expeditions that the United States government had dispatched to almost every corner of the globe, sometimes veering into punitive actions.

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Shortly after the arrival of the American Squadron in the Feejee Group, a prominent native chief, by the name of Vendovi, who had been one of the chief instigators and actors in the murder of a part of the crew of an American vessel, several years previous, was captured by the address of Captain Hudson. This had the effect to intimidate the natives, to some extent, and the friendly footing established by Captain Wilkes with the king of Ambau, served for a long time to protect the American vessels and their crews from molestation. But it was natural, perhaps, that the many new articles which the savages saw should excite their cupidity; and on the 12th of July, a cutter was lost on the reefs in Sualib Bay, twenty-five miles east of Mbua Bay, in the island of Vanua-levui. Parties of natives had been hovering along the shore all day, and when they discovered that the cutter had grounded, they rushed forward and captured it with everything it contained, except the arms and chronometers, with which the crew succeeded in making their escape. Restitution, and prompt satisfaction for the outrage, were forthwith demanded by Captain Wilkes. After some parleying the boat was restored, but without the property. Becoming satisfied from the numerous prevarications of the natives, that they were trifling with him, the American commander ordered Captain Hudson to land with an armed party and destroy the town of Tye on Sualib Bay, where the natives concerned in the capture of the cutter were known to have collected. This was effected on the 13th of July: the natives were driven from their koro, which contained about sixty houses; and the buildings were then fired and burnt to the ground, together with a number of yamhouses in the vicinity. Several chiefs were captured, but, it being ascertained that they were not concerned in the outrage, they were restored to liberty.

This summary chastisement prevented any further acts of aggression in that quarter; but on the 24th of the same Month, a still more lamentable incident occurred at the island of Malolo. Strict orders had been issued by the commander of the Squadron, in regard to their intercourse with the natives, while engaged in prosecuting the survey of the group; but on the morning of the 34th, Lieutenant Underwood went ashore from the first cutter of the Vincennes, to obtain provisions, unfortunately for himself neglecting to take with him a sufficient number of men or weapons. On discovering that the natives manifested symptoms of hostility, a hostage was seized and sent on board the cutter, which now drew in towards the shore, to be detained as a prisoner while the party were engaged in bartering with his fellows. Considerable time was spent in chaffering, and the natives gradually collected around the little party of Lieutenant Underwood. In the meanwhile the latter were joined by Midshipman Henry in a canoe. One or two attempts were made by the hostage to escape, and he at length succeeded in plunging into the water, when he struck out for the shore. Shots were fired at him, but without effect.

This was the signal for the attack, which had no doubt been premeditated. Lieutenant Underwood and his party were instantly beset by the natives. They were at first kept at bay, and the Americans attempted to retreat to the small boat, which they had left over six hundred yards from the beach, on account of the shallowness of the water on the reef. But the savages were not to be balked, and they now pressed eagerly on the feeble band, using their clubs and spears with great dexterity and effect. Both Lieutenant Underwood and Midshipman Henry defended themselves gallantly, and with praiseworthy intrepidity, but overpowered by superior numbers, they were unable to make their escape, and were at length knocked down and killed by the natives with their clubs. Others of the party were severely wounded, but none fatally except the two officers. Lieutenants Emmons and Alden had witnessed the beginning of the affray from the cutter, and instantly pulled in to the shore in their small boats. But it was too late to rescue their companions, and they had only the melancholy satisfaction of recovering their dead bodies.

On the reception of this sad intelligence, with a promptitude and decision worthy of commendation, Captain Wilkes determined to chastise the murderers in a manner that would long be remembered. The first duty, however, was owing to the dead. The bodies of the ill-starred officers were buried on one of the deserted islands of the group, and the cutters and boats of the Squadron then in that vicinity were stationed around Malolo, so as to prevent any persons making their escape. This being done, the Americans landed on the island in two divisions — one, commanded by Captain Wilkes in person, and the other by Lieutenant Ringgold — early in the morning of the 26th of July. Two of the native towns, the only ones upon the island, were completely destroyed, and the plantations of the inhabitants laid waste. One of the koros was strongly fortified, and offered an obstinate resistance to the party under Lieutenant Ringgold, who had been ordered to attack it. A warm skirmish ensued, which was maintained for some time with spirit and bravery by the besieged as well as the assailing force. The American tars were not to be resisted, however; unharmed by the missiles showered upon them, they pressed forward to the ramparts, applied torches to the bamboo work, and drove the enemy from every part of their defences. About sixty of the savages were killed, and a great number wounded. Of the Americans but one was wounded, and he not dangerously. On the following day, the remainder of the natives, who had made their escape to the hills in the interior, appeared before Captain Wilkes effectually cowed down, and sued after their own abject fashion for mercy and forgiveness. This was accorded, but accompanied with a wholesome admonition for the future. It is almost unnecessary to add, that the Americans were not again molested while they remained in this vicinity.