Arrival of U.S. Brig Porpoise in Honolulu (October, 1840)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, October 10, 1840. Page 71, column 2.

The U.S. Brig Porpoise, Capt. Ringgold, arrived on Wednesday, after a short passage of 27 days from the Samoa Islands. Officers and crew all well. A list of officers will be found in our last number. All the vessels of the Exploring Squadron are now in port, and from what we hear, will make a long stay. 

The Porpoise after parting with her consorts, returned to one of the Fiji Islands to protect or take away as the occasion might require, a family of Wesleyan missionaries settled there, whose lives were supposed to be endangered by the savages. But the preferred remaining, having been promised protection by the old king. 

From thence, the brig went to the Navigator Islands, and there learned the particulars of the death of Capt. Corker, of the Favorite, which were somewhat different from the account given in a previous number. It seems that Capt. Croker, having failed to make peace at the council, returned on board and threatened the heathen party with instant war if they did not sign the treaty he presented, within a specified time.  The natives, refusing to do so, he landed, with one hundred men and two small guns, and marched to assault their fort, which was strongly fortified after the native manner.

After battering down one of the gates, he immediately marched forward to take the place by assault, leading the column himself -but fell, pierced is it said with eighteen balls- three of his men were also killed, seventeen dangerously wounded, and not one of the officers escaped unhurt. The party were obliged to retreat leaving their guns behind them. The first Lieutenant assumed command of the vessel, and at the request of the English missionaries stationed there, took them on board and conveyed them to Vavvau, where they were to remain until affairs become more settled. 

Vindovi, a Prisoner on Board the Vincennes. (October 1840)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: October 3, 1840

Image Credit: American Antiquarian Society. Click here. 

We understand that the name of the Fiji chief who is now a prisoner on board the Vincennes, is Vindovi, and that he is from the town of Rewa, one of the most important places in the group. He was, moreover, hereditary chief of the large island of Kandavu, at which place the outrage was committed for which he has been seized. It appears that in the autumn of 1834, the American brig “Charles Daggett,” was cruising among those islands to obtain beach-le-mar, and that the Captain (Bachelor) having, as he supposed, obtained the goodwill of Vindovi, determined to make his island one of his principal stations. He previously took on board as pilots and interpreters two or three white men who are living on the island, and it is from them that the details of the transaction has been obtained. 

The captain also took the precaution, at first, of keeping a chief as hostage onboard; but after a few days, pretending to be sick, he was in cautiously set on shore. One of the interpreters, who was then at beach-le-mar, perceiving this and seeing, at the same time, some suspicious movements among the natives, became convinced that they had formed the design of taking the brig, and as soon as he saw the mate coming ashore, he went to him and told him what he had observed. The mate immediately came to the same conclusion, and turned to walk to the landing place where he had left his boat; but Vindovi, who was in company with him, suspected that his treachery was discovered and determined to secure at least what was in his power. 

He took the hand of the mate in a friendly manner, and walked along a short distance with him. Then suddenly stopping he seized both the arms of his companion, and pinioned them to his side, giving the signal for the assault. Some of the savages beat out the brains of the mate, while he was held by Vandovi, and a great number attacked the house in which the other men were and killed two of them. 

The interpreter and a Tahitian escaped with great difficulty by swimming off to a boat. The next day the bodies of the murdered men were obtained by paying a musket for them and were sewed up in a sail and buried alongside. The capture of Vindovi was effected by seizing upon the principal chiefs of Reva, and keeping them on board the Peacock, until he was given up. Although it is to be regretted that so many years were allowed to elapse before any notice was taken of this outrage, yet the case, as it has occurred, will be of use by convincing the natives that the lapse of time alone, will not secure them against the consequences of their perfidy. 

Fiji Islands (September, 1840)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, September 26, 1840. Page 63

The United States schooner Flying Fish, G. Sinclair, commander, arrived on Saturday last, 35 days from the Fijii Islands, among which the Exploring Squadron have been cruising for the last three months. The remainder of the Squadron sailed four days before her for this place, and may be hourly expected. 

Map of the Fiji Islands. Image credit: Geographicus.com

Captain Sinclair informs us of the distressing intelligence of the murder of Lieut. J.A. Underwood and Midshipman Wilkes Henry, a nephew of Capt. Wilkes, in a most treacherous manner by the natives of Malolo, one of the Fiji group. These unfortunate officers having gone ashore with but a few men, were attacked and killed almost instantly, but not until they had shot four of their assailants, who were the very men that but a few minutes before they had employed in tracking boats over the reef. The men with them were wounded, but escaped. The Squadron’s boats being near, immediately pulled in and commenced a well directed fire upon the savages, under cover of which Lieut. Alden landed and brought off the bodies, which were entirely stript. 

Had not the natives been fully occupied and carrying off their own dead, their bodies would been taken away and devoured. This occurred on 25th July. Capt. W immediately made preparations for attacking their town and fort, which the savages considered impregnable. The seamen were landed and a fire was opened upon it, but without much effect, until a rocket, or a “Flying Spirit,” as they called it set fire to their town, and created great consternation. It was finally carried by assault. The natives fought well, and even stood a charge of bayonet, but were finally beaten at all points, seventy or more were killed, the fort and town burnt, their plantations destroyed, and the island laid waste. These islanders have always been noted for their ferocity, and treachery, and cannibalism. characteristics which it seems they fully retain.

Ships Officers of the Exploring Expedition in Honolulu (1840)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, October 3, 1840. Page 66.

His Hawaiian Majesty, and Queen mother, Kekauluohi, and suite, arrived in town on Tuesday last, and were received with the customary royal salute. All in excellent health.

On Wednesday morning, the Captain and Officers of the Vincennes, called upon His Hawaiian Majesty.

OFFICERS OF THE SHIP VINCENNES

CHARLES WILKES, Esp., Commander of the Exploring Expedition.

Lieutenants Overtin Carr, J. Alden, A.L. Case, T.A. Budd.

Purser and Special Agent, R.R. Waldron.

Master, G.M. Totten.

Chaplain, Rev. J.L. Elliot.

Assistant Surgeons, J.L. Fox, J.S. Whittle.

Passed Midshipmen, G.W. Hamersly, S.B. Elliot.

Clerk, J.R. Howison.

Boatswain, W. Smith.

Gunner, J.G. Williamson.

Carpenter, A Chicks.

Sailmaker, S.V. Hawkins.

Pilot, B. Vanderford. 

Purser;s Clerk, R. Robinson.

Master’s Mate, J.W. Dyes. 

SCIENTIFIC CORPS.

C. Pickering, Naturalist. J.P. Couthouy, do.

J. Drayton, Artist. 

H.E. Hale, Philologist.

W.D. Breckenridge, Assistant Botanist.

J. G. Brown, Repairer of Instruments.

Tender, FLYING FISH.
G. T. Sinclair, Act. Master. J.W. Lewis, Pas’d Mid.

OFFICERS OF THE PEACOCK

WILLIAM L. HUDSON, Esq., Commander.

Lieutenants, W. M. Walker, G. Emmons, O.H. Perry, and E.J. DeHaven.

Master, A.S. Baldwin.

Purser, W. Speiden.

Acting Surgeon, J.C. Palmer.

Assistant Surgeon, C.F. Gillou.

Passed Mid-shipmen, L.Davis, W. Reynolds, G.W. Colvocoressis, G.W. Harrison.

Midshipmen, E. Thompson, G.W. Clark, W.H. Hudson.

Boatswain, S. Bell.

Carpenter, J. Dibble.

Gunner, J. Anderson.

Master’s Mate, ___ Cisney

Purser’s Clerk, J. Powers.

SCIENTIFIC CORPS.

T.R. Peale, Naturalist.

W. Rich, Botanist.

J.D. Dana, Mineralogist.

Agate, Artist.

OFFICERS OF THE BRIG PORPOISE

C. RINGGOLD, Esq., Commander.

Lieutenants, R.E. Johnson, W.L. Maury, J. North.

Acting Master, S.R. Knox.

Assist. Surg., S. Holmes.

Clerk, T.W. Waldron.

Boatswain, J.E. Frost.

Purser’s Clerk, W.H. Moore.

Discovery of the Antarctic Continent (1840)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, October 3, 1840. Page 66.

Amongst there arrivals to be found in our shipping list of this day, is that of the United States ship Vincennes, under the command of Charles Wilkes, Esq. The Vincennes has been absent from this port almost eighty days, most opt which time has been spent in southern exploration, and we are happy to have it in our power to announce, on the highest authority, that the researches of the exploring squadron after a southern continent have been completely successful. The land was first seen on the morning of the 19th of January in latitude 66° 20’ south, longitude 154° 18’ east.

The Peacock, (which ship arrived in our harbor on the 22nd ultimo, much disabled from her contact with the ice,) we learn, obtained soundings on a high southern latitude, and established beyond doubt the existence of land in that direction. But the Vincennes, more fortunate in escaping injury, completed the discovery, and run down the coast from 154° 18° to 97° 45” east longitude, about seventeen hundred miles, within a short distance of the land, often so near as to get soundings with a few fathoms of line, during which time she was constantly surrounded by ice islands and bergs, and experiencing many heavy gales of wind, exposing her constantly to shipwreck. We also understand that she has brought several specimens of rock and earth procured from the land, some of them weighing upwards of one hundred pounds. 

It is questionable whether this discovery can be of any essential benefit to commerce; but it cannot be otherwise than highly gratifying to Captain Wilkes and the officers engaged with him in this most interesting expedition, to have brought to a successful termination the high trust committed to them by their country, and it is hoped that so noble a commencement in the cause of science and discovery, will induce the government of the United States to follow up by other expeditions that which is now on the point of termination.

We understand that the Vincennes will sail on Sunday or Monday next for New Zealand, where the Porpoise and Flying Fish will rejoin her should they have been equally fortunate with their two consorts in escaping from the ice. The Peacock will follow as soon as her repairs are completed; whence they will all proceed in furtherance of the objects of the expedition.

We will only add, that we wish them God speed.

Riot (Honolulu: October, 1840)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, October 10, 1840. Page 71.

On Saturday evening last, it was rumored that a large party of sailors were assembling and arming themselves with clubs, with the intention of attacking the fort, and rescuing such of their comrades as were confined therein for their misdemeanors. The Governor immediately apprised  the American Consul of the circumstance, who, accompanied by Capts. Wilkes and Hudson, succeeded at once to the scene of action, and found the men armed as described, and marching by couples towards the fort. The presence of their superior officers checked them at once, and after disarming them, they were ordered to retire peaceably to their boarding houses-which they did. Parties of soldiers patrolled the streets during the night and succeeding day, but no other symptom of riot was manifested. 

(Honolulu Fort, Circa 1853)

"...Exploring Squadron has reached our shores." (1840)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, October 3, 1840. Page 66.

After six months of continued expectation, the Exploring Squadron has reached our shores. Many of us have looked with more than ordinary interest to the period of their arrival, as one which would bring to our homes, valued friends, relatives, and acquaintance, whom to meet again in this far distant spot from our common country, would give a pleasure, such as those alone can tell, who have experienced similar reunions. To them, also, it must have been an event of equal interest. The long expected news from home, tidings of parents, wives, children, and friends, for weal or woe, the hopes or fears which were here to be realized, the enjoyments of rest and society, all contributed to render this place the haven of much cherished desire. Our best wishes attend them, and may their visit be one of unmingled satisfaction.

The Exploring Expedition Lea & Blanchard (1845)

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: August, 1845.

THE EXPLORING EXPEDITION.

LEA & BLANCHARD,

PHILADELPHIA

Are preparing for publication, and will shortly issue, The Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition, during the years, 1838, 1840, 184l, and 1842. By Charles Wilkes, U.S.N., Commander of the Expedition, sic. etc., in five magnificent large imperial octavo volume., with an atlas of large and extended maps. Price $25 to subscribers.

As the history of the only Expedition yet commissioned by our Government to explore foreign countries, this work must present features of unusual interest to every American. Much curiosity has been excited respecting this enterprise, from the length of time during which it was in preparation and from the various conflicting reports which were circulated during its protracted absence. The Publishers, while presenting a specimen of the mechanical execution of this great work, would call the attention of the public to tome of the important points of the voyage, the results of which cannot fail to prove advantageous to the commerce and character of this country. 

The Squadron—six vessels sailed from Norfolk in August, 1838, and after making important observations on the voyage, via Madeira arrived at Rio, when their investigations were successfully prosecuted. Sailing thence for Cape Horn, they examined the commercial capabilities of Rio Negro. Arriving at Cape Horn, two of the vessels were despatched to investigate Palmer's Land, and other Antarctic Regions; whence, after encountering great danger, they returned safely, and nailed with the whole Squadron for Valparaiso and Callao. After making important observations on the West coast of South America, regarding , the commerce, political history. &c, of that portion of America, they sailed for Sydney, cruising among the numerous groups of Islands of the Pacific Archipelago, where the results were peculiarly important, as connected with the commerce and whale fishery of our country, as well as the aid they were able to bring to the various missionary establishments engaged in the introduction of Christianity and civilization. After remaining some time at Sydney, pursuing important investigations, they sailed for the Antarctic Regions, leaving behind them the corps of Naturalists to explore that singular country, the observation on which will be found of great interest. 

The Squadron then proceeding South, made the brilliant discovery of the Antarctic Continent, on the 19th January, 1840, in 160d. east longitude, along which they coasted, in a westerly direction, to 95d. east, a distance of 1500 miles. On the return of the vessels, they touched at New Zealand, when the Naturalists were again taken on board. They next proceeded to the friendly Islands of Cook, the Feejee Group, and reached the Sandwich Islands late in the fall, which precluded them from going to the North West Coast that season. The Paumotu, Samoan, and King's Mills group of Islands were visited, and a particular examination made of the Island of Hawaii, its interesting craters and volcanic eruptions. In the spring, the Squadron proceeded to the Oregon Territory, now exciting to much interest in a political point or view; it was thoroughly examined in regard to its commercial and agricultural prospects lie. Here the Peacock was lost on the dangerous bar of the Columbia river. After the Oregon, Upper California was examined. The Expedition now returned to the Sandwich Islands, and thence sailed for Manilla and Singapore, touching at the Phillipine Islands, and passing through the Sooloo Sea, the channels of which being correctly ascertained, will greatly benefit the important navigation to China. 

Touching at the Cape of Good Hope and Rio, this important and successful Exploring Expedition finally, on the 10th of June, 1842, arrived at New York, after an absence of three years and ten months. 

During the whole Voyage, every opportunity was taken to procure information, investigate unknown or little frequented parts of those seas now reached by our commerce, and thoroughly to institute scientific investigations of all kinds. To illustrate these, a vast number of drawings and maps have been executed; but the chief objects in view were of a practical nature Numerous regulations have been made with the rulers of various Islands, to secure the safety of our commerce, now daily increasing in those teas. In short, every thing has been done which lay in the power of officers or men, to make the Expedition redound to the interest and honor of the country; and in the volumes to be issued will be found its history and embodiment.-North Am. Review, Adv. Jan. 1845

Antarctic Continent (1849)

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: Saturday, November 15, 1849, page 6.

Some years ago much was said and published respecting English, American and French navigators cruising along the shores of the Antarctic continent. It has in some way come to our knowledge that certain English navigators report to have sailed over a part of the Antarctic continent discovered, or laid down on Wilkes' charts. The simple facts, so far as we can ascertain, are these: The American navigator appears to have mistook a portion of the "icy barrier" for the main land. Subsequently, English exploring vessels cruised higher up than the point laid down as land upon Wilkes' charts. That he was mistaken, is also manifest, for Capt. Cooper, commanding the “Franklin," navigated his vessel, in January last, 2°s of longitude, and 1° of latitude, on a W. by S. course, over a region laid down as land by his countryman, Wilkes. This was between the parallels of longitude 168 ° 20', and 105° 30' E., and on about the parallel of latitude 65° 20’.

From all we are able to learn respecting very high latitudes, both north and south, the seasons vary exceedingly. Even in those frozen regions they have their warm as well as cold summers, hence the "icy barrier” (as it is called) is by no means stationary.— We do now recollect to have met a whaleman from the Arctic Ocean who spoke of seeing the icy barrier, although Capt. Beechey, in 1827, saw "packed ice" lower down than some of the whale ships lately cruised. The same fact is doubtless true of the opposite region of polar cold. This will satisfactorily account for the mistake of the commander of the U. S. Exploring Expedition.— The mention of these facts may serve to put the commanders of national exploring expeditions upon their guard, as their errors may be detected by some adventurous and enterprising whaleman.

The American Squadron (1840)

Source: The Polynesian. J. Jarves, Editor. Saturday, June 20, 1840, page 6.

The Squadron, which is under the command of Capt. Wilkes, is pursuing very important objects.  Let us express a hope that they may be successful, and that they will return to their native land, not merely with safety, but enjoying the proud consciousness that they have been successful in the project they have undertaken. The American Officers -one and all- express themselves in the highest terms which a sense of gratitude can suggest, for the attention which is they have met with in this Colony; while, on the other hand, all who had intercourse with them, uniformly express their admiration of the gentlemanly conduct, and the intelligence of every Officer of the Squadron. But we had much in our favour, and they had much to incline us to them. We have sprung from the same stock, and the shoot is rapidly overshadowing the earth. Yes; let scoffers rail -let jesters joke- but the equitable principles maintained by the American people are being carried on the winds all over the civilized world. We speak the same language as the Americans -through our veins,

“Their hearts’ blood tracks its parent lake”

to the “parent” country, and why should not we and they be as friends, -as brethren? We are so at present -long may it continue so! At this distant part of the world, the Americans must have heard the same language which they use, and witness the same mode of life to which they have themselves been accustomred, with strange feelings, but at the same time with great pleasure. The expedition will, we have no doubt, be beneficial to science: and this Colony will still farther be appreciated. Books relating to colonial affairs, and the colonial newspapers will be dispersed throughout United States; and the people here will thus be brought into notice. Some of the gentleman connected with the squadron have remained in the Colony for the purpose of prosecuting scientific pursuits; and we are quite sure that, in the journeys which they may find necessary to make, they will experience the hospitality for which the settlers of New South Wales are distinguished. 

Sydney Herald. 

Wilkes Campsite at Mauna Loa, Big Island of Hawaii

The above sketch of the Wilkes Campsite at Mauna Loa is by Alfred Thomas Agate.