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.