USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Falmouth > Suckanesset; wherein may be read a history of Falmouth, Massachusetts > Part 11
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its use and placed it again in its box, which was about seven feet above the deck.
When I saw so many on board conversing in a tongue unknown to us and apparently much excited, I felt some- what uneasy and placed myself in a position to watch their movements. I soon discovered one of their number bringing a war-club up the gangway and immediately told the captain. He then addressed the first officer, giving orders to drive them off the deck. As the club came above the railing, I seized it, and after some struggle took it from its owner. I then saw them bringing another direct- ly abaft me. I threw the first overboard, and endeavored to secure the second. While I was contending with the savage, my attention was arrested by much noise behind me, Looking around, with much astonishment I beheld the natives making a rush for the spades, a number of them having secured one. Among them were the first officers of the ship and one of the seamen.
I instantly left the savage with the club and sprang for a spade also, and was fortunate in securing one and making my way out of the group unhurt, which I have since considered a miracle, as spades were flying in every direction.
As soon as I was clear of them I passed over the main hatches on the opposite side of the quarterdeck, which was entirely clear. As I ran aft I thrust my spade at one who stood in front of the cabin gangway. His eyes were fixed on me, and he dodged the blow and the weapon fastened itself in the woodwork behind him. Before I could secure the use of it he had gained a hold upon it. Another soon came to his assistance, and the two having hold upon one end of the staff and I the other, they forced me aft to the stern. We were then brought to a stand as the weapon was too unwieldy to be turned in any other direction by two parties. In that situation I drew up to the near one, still holding the spade in one hand, and gave him a few severe blows in the face, and, although he was as desperate as a tiger, he made no re- sistance but left me and went in pursuit of another wea- pon. I suppose it was a method of warfare he was en- tirely unaccustomed to.
Before I could repeat the same process upon the sec- ond, I noticed on the lee side of the deck a native, who had just stepped on board, advancing toward me with a spear in his hand. At this time there was not a living
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man of the ship's company abaft the windlass on deck. I then left the spade and went forward. When passing the mainmast, another spade came for me from the op- posite side of the deck. As I ran I looked around and saw three in pursuit. I hardly knew where I was going until I saw one of the hatches off. I made a spring and landed on the lower deck in the forehold, barely escaping my pursuers.
In the forehold, I found three or four seamen making preparations for defense, with Mr. Gardner, the first officer, who addressed me, saying: "Oh dear, Mr. Jones, what shall we do? Our captain is killed and the ship is gone!"
I do not recollect having made any reply to these re- marks, although he was an officer whom I esteemed very much as a kind friend and a worthy man. My strength was completely expended. I seated myself and then, hav- ing partially recovered the thought occurred to me that, if we could get possession of the fire arms that were in the cabin, there was still a chance for us. The distance between us and the steerage was stowed with large casks and the upper deck, about two feet, was filled with a va- riety of articles such as barrels, lumber, wood, and so forth.
I immediately commenced, breaking a passage, and in the space of a very few minutes reached the steerage, where I found the blacksmith, who was sick and had been off duty for a month or more. He was partially aware of what had happened and joined me at breaking through a door; and, to my great joy, we found the cabin free of natives. We then went directly to my room, which was at the foot of the cabin stairs. In my chest I had a pair of large pistols and a few charges of ammunition, which the captain had given me some time previous, when he had touched at other islands. It was the only ammunition I could readily lay my hand upon. After loading the pistols, I placed them in the hands of the blacksmith with orders to remain where he was and prevent any one coming down while I was getting the muskets ready. After looking in various places, I found a large tin coffee pot filled with powder and a bag containing a few pounds of large buck- shot. After charging the pieces, I called the blacksmith to me from my room, but received an answer from a young negro boy whose name was Charley who had in the meantime come from the forehold by the same passage as
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myself and said that, as he was passing the door, the blacksmith called him in, and gave him the pistols, and had now gone between-decks.
At this time the natives were rejoicing over the vic- tory they had won, the greater part having collected on the quarter deck; and such a noise as they were making over our heads would baffle all description. Some were singing, others were dancing, yelling and pounding on the deck with poles and spears, and we thought at the time they were scuttling the deck; but such did not prove to be the case. They had discovered us in the cabin, and five or six were standing in front of the gangway with spades in hand. I fired the first charge through their midst, and if they had all been struck by lightning from heaven they could not have ceased their noise quicker than they did. The one who received the charge was helped to a seat in one of the boats which hung to the davits, and there he remained as long as he was on board.
We continued to fire a number of charges in quick succession, and every time they threw something in re- turn; sometimes a spade, at others a harpoon, and once a spy-glass. We now numbered three in the cabin, the third being a boy named John Parker, who had come from the forehold on hearing the report of our pieces. With the assistance of these two boys, who deserve much credit for the coolness and dispatch with which they executed my orders, we could fire quite rapidly.
Looking out from the stern windows, we saw many canoes passing to and from the ship and the shore. Pre- sently one approached within the distance of twenty yards of the ship's stern, with three natives in it; although they all sat facing and looking directly at me as I leveled my piece, I was much surprised that neither of them mani- fested the least sign of fear whatever, not even changing their course, but came directly headed toward me, which convinced me that they were unacquainted with the kind of weapons I held in my hand. From the stern windows we kept up an effectual fire and stopped every canoe from reaching the ship, which was a great advantage gained by us.
While thus engaged, the fourth person, named Lew- is, now entered the cabin. As he entered, he took from one of the boys a loaded piece and discharged it up the gangway, receiving at the same time, a spade-wound severing one of the knee-joints. The smoke was so dense
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in the cabin that I was not aware of his presence until he called for help. I assisted him to a seat and placed a temporary bandage around his leg, and in that condition he assisted, voluntarily, in loading pieces for the re- mainder of the engagement. Lewis, an active, able sea- man, possessing a happy, cheerful disposition, had gained the good-will of the whole ship's company, and his con- duct here deserves notice. When the action commenced, he was on the look-out at the fore-top-gallant-head, and remained aloft until he heard the report of arms, when he came down within a few feet of the deck. Seeing no possibility of reaching the cabin by the upper deck. he sprang from the rigging over the heads of the natives and landed on the foredeck in the forehold. In the fall he was violently ruptured, and before he could recover him- self received several slight spade wounds, one of which divided one ear in two parts at right angles. Nothing daunted, however, he advanced speedily to the cabin, and although, after the loss of one leg, he was in a shock- ing condition, yet for nearly an hour in which he was actively engaged, I never heard a murmur from him or saw in his countenance the least sign of pain. On the contrary, he imparted cheerfulness and animation to those around him.
Our situation in the cabin at this time was full of interest to ourselves and the responsibility resting on our efforts appeared to stimulate each one with strength and vigor. We were armed with four muskets, two pistols, and two good boarding-knives, to be used in case they should make a rush upon us.
We heard a violent crash on the starboard side, and looking out the stern window to ascertain the cause, I saw a boat lying in the water, bottom-up, which they had cut from the davits. We waited patiently until it cleared the stern, the ship now going one and one-half knots, when we saw two natives sitting astride the keel, one assisting a third who was in the water apparently crippled. We discharged a piece or two in that direction and they toppled off.
The fifth person, named Daniel Wood, now entered the cabin in a crippled condition. When the decks were cleared he had been driven forward with the ship's com- pany on one side of the forecastle, and when I left the deck was retiring, above on the other. I saw him at the end of the windlass, and he followed me directly into the
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forehold, not, however, until he had received the blows of those weapons by which I had been driven forward. When this young man entered the cabin his strength was so exhausted by the loss of blood that he could render us no assistance whatever. By him I was told that the first officer was lying a lifeless corpse in the fore-hatch- way, having received a mortal wound in the chest.
The next object called to our attention was the se- curity of the helm. When the ship was hove to, the helm was put a-lee. The wind being very light and the sea perfectly smooth, it had remained in that position. Now we were convinced that some one was disturbing it, by the rattling of the chains which were used in place of ropes. I brought the breach of my gun to bear on the cabin floor and endeavored to discharge it directly through the deck; but owing to its vertical position and the inferior quality of the powder, I did not succeed until I had repeated the trial two or three times.
While I was thus employed, another person entered the cabin, who was no other than the blacksmith, who had deserted his post in time of danger, but now, when our party had become quite formidable, had returned to join us. He, perceiving my motions, took a loaded piece and brought it to as much of a level as he could in the binnacle. Both pieces were discharged at the same time and both shots were random shots, it being impossible to see the steering wheel from the cabin. We thought our object gained, however, as we heard nothing more of the chains, and, looking from the stern windows, could see that the position of the rudder had not been altered so as to affect the ship's course materially.
When the natives had gained possession of the decks, they dispatched all the canoes from alongside as fast as they came, with one native in each to bring reinforce- ments from the shore, and when we gained the advant- age which the stern-windows afforded us, we completely stopped all communication between those on board and the shore. Those on deck, being much reduced in num- bers, were now somewhat wary in presenting themselves to our view. We had occasionally fired from the skylight, which was open on the forward side; but this was now blocked up by the carpenter's tool-chest which they had thrown before it and secured in such a manner that we could not easily remove it. In this state of things I held
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a consultation with my confidant, Lewis, the result of which was the decision to go on deck.
Our numbers amounted to six, but only three, be- sides myself, were able to walk or stand, and only two of these, young Parker and Charley, I could rely upon in time of danger. I gave them directions how to proceed and, placing about my person the two pistols, took a gun in my hand. The others were armed, each with a gun. We advanced up the gangway. When on the stairs, I heard the sound of feet in shoes on the deck, and paused. The next moment the muzzle of my piece was grasped by one of the boat-steerers named Perkins. I called his name. He exclaimed, "Oh! Mr. Jones, I did not know you were alive." He then said, "They are all gone. They are all gone."
I told him to take a piece from one of the boys, and we all mounted the toprail. In a few minutes the natives appeared at the surface of the water in a compact body about sixty yards distant. We discharged all our pieces at them, and, wishing them a speedy passage to that port where so many of their friends had been consigned, we parted.
In narrating events thus far, I have confined my- self, with a few exceptions, to those that came directly under my own observation, and it will be necessary here to record those facts which subsequently came to my knowledge.
By such facts it would appear that only one half or two thirds of the ship's company were on deck at the time the attack was made, the remainder being in the forecastle and one at each masthead on the lookout. When the natives secured eleven out of fourteen spades, they drove all before them. Their first act was to kill the captain, which was instantly effected by nearly severing the head from the body. The first officer, who had a spade in his hand, thrust it through the one who had in- flicted the blow on the captain; and before he could re- cover the use of it, was forced to retreat, and with him all those around him. The second officer, being further forward, did not notice their movements in time to make any resistance whatever, and, when the decks were cleared, he joined the others and all rushed forward to- gether. The first officer and two or three seamen dropped down the forecastle, the second officer and three seamen went directly overboard, where they were soon destroyed,
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and others went aloft by the headstays. Such was the consternation caused by the attack that every one only thought of fleeing from danger and seeking safety for the moment.
Among those who were on the lookout was a boat- steerer named Perkins, who, being an experienced sea- man, assumed command of those aloft and gave orders to brace the main-yard, which was easily accomplished by those forward as the main-braces run to the foretop, and by cutting many ropes a portion of the sail was trimmed to the breeze, which was very light, however, giving the ship only one and one-half knots headway. He had watched the movements of the natives closely, and when he saw them making preparations to leave, he descended; and the moment the last was gone he was on deck where, as I have before observed, he reported to me their departure. Before leaving, each native took some one or more articles, which were chiefly of iron. When ready, all leaped overboard together and swam as far as possible before rising to the surface. I was told by Per- kins that they had thrown all their dead overboard, among whom was the chief, who was shot at the helm. It appeared that when the blacksmith and myself fired at random for the helmsman, the shot fired by him had the desired effect which was quite remarkable, the shot passing through five different boards before it struck its object in which it entered the right side and passed out the left breast. He dropped dead instantly and was thrown overboard. One of the lookout, being in the miz- zentop, saw distinctly the manner in which he was dis- posed of.
Soon after we came on deck from the cabin, I was told by Perkins that the second officer had been killed overboard. Finding that the command had devolved on me, I gave directions to keep the ship before the wind, one of my party going to the forecastle to give the joyful news that the ship again was ours. I would here observe that the condition of those in the forecastle had been a very hopeless one. By those who left the deck it had been reported that I was killed while in conflict with the two natives on the quarter-deck, and they also knew the fate of the master and the other officers. On the deck in the forecastle, there lay, weltering in their blood, four wound- ed men who were completely helpless, and they had no knowledge whatever of any means being used to liberate
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them from their prison which was well guarded. Owing to the constant yelling of the savages, the report of the firearms could not be heard by them. When they came up and saw me standing on the quarter-deck, they ran aft and in the height of joy exclaimed, "My God! Mr. Jones, we are glad that you are left us!" and many ex- pressions of praise to me, which it was impossible for them in the fullness of their joy to suppress. I mention this incident to show by what sudden impulses the mind of the sailor is often turned, as I was well aware that one or two of those very men who were the most lavish in be- stowing praises on me and showing gratitude to their Creator for my preservation, would but a very short time before this have swung me on the yard-arm with pleas- ure. And these different feelings all sprang from the same cause, which was my endeavoring to do my duty. Perhaps I do the sailors, who often possess noble hearts, an injustice, to couple such characters with them. The well- bred seamen will always show the highest regard for the officer who in the discharge of his duty is guided by jus- tice regardless of consequences.
When the ship's company had all collected, I ascer- tained that six had been killed or lost. Only two of these were on board, however, the captain and first officer. The other four had gone overboard. One of these, the second officer, was soon killed; another, being no swimmer, was immediately drowned; and the other two were last seen by the lookout at a distance of about sixty rods, still swimming; but there is no doubt that they were soon destroyed.
The first object that now claimed our attention was the care of the wounded. We brought them all into the cabin, and as there was no surgeon on board, I was com- pelled by necessity to perform that duty personally. Up- on a close examination of their wounds, I came to the conclusion that out of seven we should probably have to bury four in the course of a few days. I had never wit- nessed anything so shocking to my feelings, and their cases appeared to me as if beyond the reach of any skill which I could bring to their aid. Among them was a young man who had received the smallest cut of them all but the most immediately dangerous. A branch of the jugular vein had been severed and we were obliged to try many different methods before we succeeded in stop- ping the flow of blood; and when we had effected this, it
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was difficult to ascertain whether he was dead or alive. The wounds of the others were longer, varying from three inches to a foot in length and in most cases requiring the use of the needle, which operation I had to perform alone a part of the time, owing to my assistants being unaccus- tomed to such scenes. It was impossible for them to re- main with me more than a few minutes before it was nec- essary for them to seek fresh air.
Toward morning, I had completed my task and con- soled myself with the idea that we had done the best in our power for their welfare, except in the case of Lewis, whom I have before noted. I was fully satisfied that it was requisite that he should undergo the process of am- putation immediately, and endeavored to convince him of the fact; but he preferred trusting to the chance of reaching port, where the services of a skillful surgeon could be obtained.
At the close of day we all assembled to perform the last and not least painful duty, that of committing to the deep blue sea the remains of our captain and first offi- cer. It was both solemn and impressive. I know of no event calculated to impress one with the uncertainty of life more than such an occasion under such circum- stances. If one was there who did not sincerely thank his Creator for the preservation of his own life, he deserves not the name of man.
While the day lasted we had been steering a westerly course, although, it being near calm, we had as yet made only five or six miles from the land; and as soon as the shades of evening closed upon us we changed the course to the north, to elude them in case they should attempt to attack us in the night, for which event we were well prepared. All continued calm until 2 A. M., when a fine breeze sprang from the eastward, and before sunrise we had left the island far behind us.
The next day was the sixth of October. The breeze continued fresh and every preparation was made to pro- ceed to the Sandwich Islands with all the speed possible. I had appointed two of the boatsteerers to act as officers and we sailed along finely until late at night, when the cry of "Land" was heard. I ran on deck and found it was very near us, and we put about and lay until morning, when we saw a number of islands called the Elmore Group. This group consists of about twenty islands, vary- ing from one half a mile in length, thrown upon a coral
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bank which extends from north to south a distance of twenty miles. The space between them is very shallow water, with a fine clear bottom. As we ran past them under their lee, with a good breeze, smooth water, and all sails set, we saw many canoes put off for us, a half dozen or more from each island. They all fell short of us except one, which came quite near us; and as we could not converse with them, I made signs for them to return to the shore; upon which they appeared much displeased and endeavored, by holding out some articles which they had brought with them for trade, to gain a passport on board. As they could pull their canoes much faster than we were sailing, they made repeated attempts to gain the side, but were as often warned off. They finally became very angry, showed us some frightful grimaces, and gave us the pursuit. My men, who were standing around me with loaded arms, were very impatient, and would have cheerfully disfigured their countenances when they were grinning at us so horribly, had I given my consent; but I did not wish to injure them without cause, well knowing that they would seek revenge at the first opportunity that presented itself.
The tack upon which we were now sailing was some- what dangerous, and under ordinary circumstances it would have been imprudent to run during the night. But, as the weather was excessively warm, it was necessary for the preservation of the lives of those who were wound- ed to change the temperature of the air as soon as pos- sible by running to the northward; and, depending upon a sharp lookout, we proceeded on our course. The next night we saw land again and lay by until daylight, when a large cluster of little islands appeared before us, some- what similar to the Elmore Group, except that there were more of them and they were much smaller, some of them being only a few hundred yards in length. The navi- gator must have been deeply impressed with their simi- larity to a swarm of those little insects, when he so ap- propriately named them the Mosquito Group. This group is all located on one coral bank which stretches far to the northward of the islands and on which the sea breaks constantly. While we were passing these islands many canoes put off for us, but as we were sailing with a good breeze they were unable to reach us. The next day after leaving the Mosquito Group we passed in sight of a long chain of islands extending from north to south a good
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distance. As we had no occasion to go very near them we did not ascertain their limits. They were called the Rodrick Chain.
We had now fallen in with land so often when we wished to avoid it, that the confidence which the ship's company had placed in me as a navigator became very much diminished. But I did not wish to establish myself in their opinion in that respect, knowing that our safety depended very much on a good lookout, the charts of this part of the Pacific being of little or no use to the navi- gator. Perhaps one reason for their doubting my qualifi- fications as a navigator was my want of experience, as I had performed only one sea voyage prior to this, and that as a seaman before the mast. Also, at that time I was but twenty-one years of age.
One night, while passing not far from a group of islands called the Pescadores, I had remained on deck very late. Thinking we were about clear of all danger, I went below to seek repose, leaving orders with the officer of the watch to call me at a stated hour. I had only time to get in a comfortable doze when he hurriedly called me and said that land was close aboard. I ran on deck and found the ship's company, who had received the alarm and many of whom had forgotten their toilets, all on deck forward. I coolly asked where the land lay, when a dozen men at once said, "There it is," pointing about two points off the weather-bow. I said I could see nothing that ap- peared like land. They thought it very singular when they could see it so distinctly. Some of them could see the breakers heave up on the sand beach, and others, whose imagination was still more expansive, could distinctly discern lights. The ship continued on her course, and had any land been visible we should have lessened the distance more than half. Finally they were forced to ac- knowledge that their eyes had deceived them, and I for the first time noticed this as one of the many instances which show how far the imagination will extend when aided by fear.
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