The natives now began to help themselves to whatever articles suited them, and when some of them began to pull the tent down, an old man and his wife took hold of me, and after conducting me a few rods from the tent, sat down, keeping fast hold of my hands. Under the most fearful apprehensions I endeavoured to get from them, but they insisted upon detaining me. I endeavoured to console myself with the idea, that gratitude had prompted them to take care of me, as I had frequentlytaken the part of this old woman, when she had been teased by others; but alas! the reflection followed, that if this was the case, there was a probability that not only my bosom friend, was about to be sacrificed, but I should be left alone to drag out a weary existence, with beings, strangers to the endearing ties which bind the hearts of civilized man.
Whether Payne and his associates offered any resistance to the course now pursued by the natives or not, I do not know. Suffice it to say, that all at once my ears were astounded with the most terrifying whoops and yells; when a massacre commenced but little exceeded by the one perpetrated on board the Globe. Our men fled in all directions, but met a foe at every turn. Lilliston and Joe Brown (the Sandwich Islander,) fell within six feet of me, and as soon as down, the natives macerated their heads with large stones. The first whom I saw killed, was Columbus Worth. An old woman, apparently sixtyyears of age, ran him through with a spear, and finished him with stones!
My protectors, for now they were truly so, shut out the scene by laying down upon the top of me, to hide me from the view of the merciless foe! I was however discovered, and one of the natives attempted to get a blow at me with a handspike, which was prevented by them; when, after a few words, he hurried away.
As soon as the work of death had been completed, the old man took me by the hand and hurried me along towards the village. My feet were very much laccerated in passing over thecausewaysof sharp coral rock, but my conductor fearing we might be pursued, hurried me onward to the village, where we arrived about noon. In a few minutes the wigwam or hut of the old man, was surrounded, and all seeming to talk at once, and with great excitement, I anticipated death every moment. Believing myself the sole survivor, the reader must pardon any attempt to describe myfeelings, when I saw a number of the natives approaching the hut, and in the midst, Cyrus M. Hussey, conducted with great apparent kindness.
Notwithstanding we had both been preserved much after the same manner, we could not divest ourselves of the apprehension, that we perhaps had been preserved, for a short time, to suffer some lingering death.
Our interview was only long enough to satisfy each other that we alone survived the massacre, when we were separated; Hussey being taken away, and it seemed quite uncertain, even if our lives were spared, whether we ever saw each other again.
On the following day, however, accompanied by natives, we met at the scene of destruction, and truly it was an appalling one to us. The mangled corpses of our companions, rendered more ghastly from the numerous wounds they had received, the provisions, clothing, &c. scattered about the ground, the hideous yells of exultation uttered by the natives, all conspired to render our situation superlatively miserable.
We asked, and obtained leave from our masters, to bury the bodies which lay scattered about. We dug some graves in the sand, and after finishing this melancholy duty, were directed to launch the canoes, preparatory to our departure, (for we had come in canoes) when we begged permission, which was readily granted, to take some flour, bread and pork, and our respectivemasters assisted us in getting a small quantity of these articles into the largest canoe. We also took a blanket each, some shoes, a number of books, including a bible, and soon arrived at the landing place near the village. As the natives seemed desirous of keeping us apart, we dare not make any inquiries for each other, but at my request, having boiled some pork in a large shell, Hussey was sent for, and we had a meal together; during which time, the natives assembled in great numbers, all anxious to get a sight, not only of ournovel mode of cutting the meat and eating it, but of the manner in which we prepared it. One of them brought us some water in a tin cup, as they had seen us drink frequently when eating.
The natives now began to arrive from distant parts of the islands, many of whom had not yet heard of us, and we were continually subjected to the examination of men, women and children. Thesingular colourof our skin, was the greatest source of their admiration,and we were frequently importuned to adopt their dress.
On the 28th Feb. early in the morning the whole village appeared to be in motion. All the adults commencedornamentingthemselves, which to me appeared to render themhideous. After greasing themselves with cocoanut oil, and hanging about them numerous strings of beads, they set off, taking us with them, to a flat piece of ground, about half a mile distant, where we found collected a great number, and all ornamented in the same fantastic manner.—Knowing that many of the natives inhabiting Islands in the Pacific Ocean, are cannibals, we were not without our fears that we had been preserved to grace a feast! Our apprehensions, however, were dissipated, when we saw them commence a dance, of which we will endeavour to give the reader some idea. The only musical instrument we saw, was a rude kind of drum; and the choristers were all females, say twenty or thirty, each having one of thesedrums. The music commenced with the women, who began upon a very low key, gradually raising the notes, while the natives accompanied them with the most uncouth gesticulations and grimaces. The precision with which about three hundred of these people, all dancing at a time, regulated their movements, was truly astonishing; while the yelling of the whole body, each trying to exceed the other, rendered the scene to us, not only novel, but terrifick.
The dance ended near night, and those natives who lived in a distant part of the Island, after gratifying their curiosity by gazing upon us, and evenfeeling of our skins, took their departure.
After our return to the village, we cooked some meat upon the coals, and with some bread, made a hearty meal. One source of regret to us, was, that the natives began to like our bread, which heretofore they had scarcely dared to taste; and particularly the woman whomI called mistress, ate, to use a sea phrase, herfull allowance.
The natives expressed great dislike at our conversing together, and prohibited our reading, as much as possible. We never could make them comprehend that the book conveyed ideas to us, expressed in our own language.
Whether from a fear that we might concert some plan of escape, or that we might be the means of doing them some injury while together, we know not;—but about the first of April, we discovered that we were about to be separated! The reader may form some idea of our feelings when we were informed that Hussey was to be taken by his master and family, to a distant part of the Island! Not having as yet become sufficiently acquainted with their language, we were unable to comprehend the distance from our present location.
It now becomes expedient to present the reader with ourseparate accounts, in which we hope to be able to convey an idea of the manners and customs ofthese people. We had experienced in a very short time so many vicissitudes, and passed through so many scenes of distress, that no opportunity was afforded to keep a journal, and notwithstanding we had even lost the day of the week and month, yet with such force, were the principal incidents which occurred during our exile, impressed upon our minds, that we can with confidence proceed with our narrative, and will commence the next chapter with an account of the adventures ofWilliam Lay.
Early in the morning of the day on which Hussey left me, preparations were made for his embarkation with hisnewmaster and family. We were allowed a short interview, and after taking an affectionate leave of each other, we parted with heavy hearts. The tenderties which bound me to my companion in misfortune, seemed now about to be forever broken asunder. No features to gaze upon, but those of my savage masters, and no one with whom I could hold converse, my heart seemed bursting with grief at my lonely situation.—On the departure of my companion, the “star of hope” which had often gleamed brightly mid the night of our miseries, seemed now about to set forever! After watching the canoe which bore him from me, until she was hid from my view in the distance, I returned to the hut with my master, and as I had eaten but little during the day, the calls of nature induced me to broil my last morsel of meat, with which, and some bread, I made a tolerable supper. The natives began to be very fond of the bread, and eat of it as long as it lasted, which unfortunately for me, was but a short time.
I informed my master that I should like to have some more of the meat from the place where the ship had lain. On the following morning, my master,mistress, and four or five others embarked in a canoe, to assist me in procuring some provisions. Observing that they carried with them a number of clubs, and each a spear, I was apprehensive of some design upon my own person; but happily, was soon relieved, by seeing them wade round a shoal of fish, and after having frightened them into shoal water, kill a number with their spears. We then proceeded on, and when we arrived at thetent, they cooked them after the following manner. A large fire was kindled, and after the wood was burned to coals, the fish were thrown on, and snatched and eaten as fast as cooked; although they were kind enough to preserve a share for me, yet the scene around me, prevented my enjoying with them, their meal. The tent which had been torn down, had contained about forty barrels of beef and pork, two hogsheads of molasses, barrels of pickles, all the clothing and stores belonging to the ship, in short, every thing valuable, such as charts,nautical instruments, &c. &c. The latter had been broken and destroyed, to make ornaments, while the beef, pork, molasses and small stores lay scattered promiscuously around. They appeared to set no value upon the clothing, except to tear and destroy it. The pieces of beef and pork, from the barrels, (which had been all stove,) were scattered in every direction, and putrifying in the sun. After putting into the canoe some pork and a few articles of clothing, we commenced our return;—but a strong head wind blowing, we had considerable difficulty in getting back.
For some considerable time, nothing material occurred, and I led as monotonous and lonely a life, as could well be imagined. It is true, I was surrounded by fellow beings; and had all hope of ever seeing my country and friends again, been blasted, it is probable I might have becomemorereconciled to my condition, but I very much doubt if ever perfectly so, as long as reason and reflection held their empire over mymind. My books having been destroyed from a superstitious notion of their possessing some supernatural power, I was left to brood over my situation unpitied and alone.
Sometime in July, as I judged,Luckiair, son-in-law to my master,Ludjuan, came from a distant part of the groupe, on a visit, and during the week he remained with us, we became much attached to each other. When he told me, that on his return he should pass near the place where Hussey lived, my anxiety to accompany him thus far, was so great, that after much persuasion,Ludjuangave his consent for me to go. On our way we stopped at the tent, and I procured for the last time, a small quantity of theship’s provisions, although the meat was some of it in a very decayed state.
In consequence of head winds, we were compelled to stop for the night upon a small Island, where we found an uninhabited hut; and after cooking some meat, and baking some wet flour(for it was no other) in the ashes, we took our mats into the hut, and remained until next day. The wind continuing to blow fresh ahead, we gathered some green bread fruit, and cooked some meat, in the same manner as they cook the largest of their fish, which is this.—A hole is dug in the ground, and after it has been filled with wood, it is set on fire, and then covered with stones. As the wood burns away, the heated stones fall to the bottom, which, when the fire is out, are covered with a thick layer of green leaves, and then the meat or fish is placed upon these leaves, and covered again in a careful and ingenious manner, and the whole covered with earth. This preserves the juices of the fish, and in this way do they cook most of their fish, withhot stones.
In the afternoon the weather proving more favourable, we left our encampment, and at sun down arrived at a place called Tuckawoa; at which place we were treated with the greatest hospitality. When we were about to leave,we were presented with bread fruit and cocoanuts in great abundance. As we approached the place of Hussey’s residence, I discovered him standing on the beach. Our joy at meeting, I will not attempt to describe.—We had a short time, however, allowed us, in which to relate our adventures, and condole with each other; for inan hourwe were once more separated; and we pursued our course for the residence of Luck-i-a-ir. After encamping another night upon the beach, we at length arrived at the house of my conductor, which was at a place calledDillybun. His family consisted of his wife and one child, whom we found busily engaged in making a fishing net. When near nightLuckiairand myself went out and gathered some breadfruit, and after making a hearty meal, slept soundly upon our mats until morning.
A little before noon on the following day, two natives with their wives, arrived from Luj-no-ne-wort, the place where Hussey lived, and brought mesome flour, and a piece of meat. The natives would eat of the bread, but would not taste of the meat. I remained here about a week, whenLudjuancame for me. Nothing occurred of note, during our passage back toMilly, (the place of my residence,) where I was welcomed by the natives with every demonstration of joy. I was sent for by one of the chiefs, who asked many questions, and as a mark of his friendship for me, when I was about to return, presented me with a kind of food calledcha-kak-a. My present consisted of a piece about two feet long and six inches in diameter. It is made of a kind of fruit common among these Islands, and called by the inhabitants,bup. The fruit is scraped very fine, and then laid in the sun until perfectly dry. Some of the leaves of the tree bearing the fruit, are then wrapped round a piece of wood, which is themould or former, and when securely tied with strings, the former is withdrawn, and into this cylinder of leaves is put thebup, which is of a sweet and pleasant taste.
At the urgent request of the natives, I now adopted their dress. Having but one pair of trowsers and a shirt left, I laid them by for bad weather, and put on the costume of a Mulgrave Islander. This dress, if it may be so called, consists in a broad belt fastened round the waist, from which is suspended two broad tassels. The belt is made from the leaves of thebup tree, and very ingeniously braided, to which is attached the tassels, which are made of a coarser material, being the bark of a small vine, in their language calledaht-aht. When the dress is worn, one of the tassels hangs before and the other behind. The sun, as I expected, burned my skin very much; which the natives could not account for, as nothing of the kind ever happened among themselves.
One day there was seen approaching a number of canoes, which we found were loaded with fish for the chiefs, and to my great joy, Hussey was one of thepassengers. My master accompanied me to see him; and we anticipated at least a mental feast in each other’s society. But of this enjoyment we were deprived by the natives, who were always uneasy when we were conversing together.
I learned, however, from Hussey, that the natives had been kind to him; but before we had an opportunity to communicate to each other our hopes and fears, he was hurried away. Having now gained considerable knowledge of their language, I learned that they were afraid that if we were permitted to hold converse, we should be the means of provoking theSupreme God,Anit, to do them some injury.
The bread fruit beginning to ripen, we were all employed in gathering it; and I will endeavour to give the reader an idea of the process of preserving it. After the fruit was gathered, the outside rind was scraped off, and the seeds taken out; which are in size and appearance like a chesnut. The fruit is thenput into a net, the meshes of which are quite small, taken into the salt water, and then beat with a club to pummice. It is then put into baskets made of cocoanut leaves, and in about two days becomes like a rotten apple; after which thecoresare taken out, and the remainder after undergoing a process of kneading, is put into a hole in the ground, the bottom and sides of which are neatly inlaid with leaves, and left about two days; when it again undergoes the same process of kneading, and so on, until it becomes perfectly dry.—This occupied us a number of days; and when we were engaged in gathering another, and a larger kind, a small boy came running towards us, and exclaimed, “Uroit a-ro rayta mony la Wirrum,” that is, the chiefs are going to kill William. Ludjuan seeing that I understood what the boy said, he said “reab-reab!” it is false. From the pains taken by the natives to keep Hussey and myself apart, it was evident that they were in some measure afraid ofus; but from what cause I had yet to learn. After passing a sleepless night, we again in the morning pursued our labors, but I was continually agitated by fearful apprehensions. About midnight I overheard some of the natives in the tent talking about me, and I was now convinced that some injury was contemplated. I then asked them what I was to be killed for. They seemed surprised when I told them I had been listening; yet they denied that I was to be killed, and one of them who had frequently manifested for me much friendship, came to my mat, and lay down with me, assuring me I should not be injured.
The harvest being ended, a feast was had, and the chiefs were presented with considerable quantities of this fruit, after it had been prepared and baked, which in taste resembled a sweet potatoe, sending presents of it in all directions about the Island.
Having now but little work to do, I confined myself to the hut as much aspossible, for I had been observed for some time in a very suspicious manner. In a few days I was informed that Hussey had been brought to the Island, and it was immediately suggested to my anxious mind, that we were now to be sacrificed. Ludjuan went with me to see Hussey, but we were only allowed a few moments conversation, when I was taken back to the hut, and communicated my fears to my old mistress, who sympathized with me, but said if the chiefs had determined it, there was no hope for me. I now was made acquainted with the cause of their dislike, which was no less than a superstitious idea, that we were the cause of a malady, then raging to considerable extent!
This disease consisted in the swelling of the hands and feet, and in many instances the faces of the youth swelled to such a degree, that they were blind for a number of days. Such a disease they had never before been afflicted with. I had now an opportunity of most solemnly protesting my total inabilityto injure them in this way, and as the disease had as yet caused no death, I had a hope of being spared. I learned that a majority of the chiefs in council, were for putting me to death, but one of them in particular, protested against it, fearing it might be the cause of some worse calamity. As the vote to carry into effect any great measure, must be unanimous, this chief was the means by his dissenting, of saving my life.
The afflicted began to recover, and my fears were greatly lessened; but as these people are of a very unstable and changeful character, I could not entirely divest myself of apprehensions.
As soon as the harvest was completed, great preparations were made for the embarkation of the chiefs, who were going to make their annual visit to the different Islands. They told me that the King, whom they called La-boo-woole-yet, lived on an Island at the N. W. and if he did not receive his yearly present of preserved bread fruit andpero, he would come with a greatparty to fight them. Twelve canoes were put in the water, each one carrying a part of the provisions, and manned by about two hundred persons.
After an absence of four or five days, during which time we exchanged civilities with numerous chiefs, we returned toMilly, and hauled up the canoes. I now learned that the principal chief, had said that it would have been wrong to kill me, firmly believing that the disease with which they had been afflicted, had been sent by their God, as a punishment for having killed Payne and the others! The malady having now entirely disappeared, they considered that crime as expiated!
About two days after my return, there was great excitement, in consequence of the appearance of a ship! Seeing the natives were very much displeased at the circumstance, I concealed as well as I could, the gladdening emotions which filled my breast; and, surrounded by about three hundred of them, went round a point of land, when Idistinctly saw a ship standing for the land. The displeasure of the natives increased, they demanded to know where she came from, how many men she had in her, &c. I was compelled to tell them that she was not coming to get me, and even pretended to be afraid of her approach, which pleased them much, as they appeared determined I should never leave them. At dusk she was so near the land, that I saw them shorten sail, and fondly anticipated the hour of my deliverance as not far distant.
During the night, sleep was a stranger to me, and with the most anxious emotions did I anticipate a welcome reception on board, and above all, a happy and joyful landing on my native shore. In the morning, Ludjuan went with me to the beach, but alas! no ship was in sight. She had vanished, and with her had fled all my hopes of a speedy deliverance. The kind reader can perhaps form some idea of my disappointment.
The natives continued to be kind tome, and I was often complimented by them for my knowledge of their language; and the appearance of my person had very much improved, my hair and beard being long, and my skin turned nearly as black as their own! I was often importuned to have my ears bored and stretched, but never gave my consent, which much surprised them, it being a great mark of beauty. They begin at the age of four years, and perforate the lower part of the ear, with a sharp pointed stick; and as the ear stretches, larger ones are inserted, until it will hang nearly to their shoulders! The larger the ear, the more beauty the person possesses!
About a fortnight after I saw the ship pass, Hussey came with his master, on a visit. His disappointment was great, and we could only cheer each other, by hoping for the best, and wait patiently the pleasure of Heaven.
Hussey again left me, but we parted under less bodings of evil than before, for the kindness of the natives began toincrease, and their suspicions to be allayed.
I will here acquaint the reader with some of the means that I was induced to make use of, to satisfy the cravings of appetite. As the Island now was in a state of almost entire famine, my daily subsistence not amounting to more (upon an average) than the substance of one half a cocoanut each day. The chief I lived with, having several cocoanut trees that he was very choice of, and which bore plentifully; I would frequently, (after the natives in the hut were all soundly asleep) take the opportunity and get out of the hut unperceived, and climb one of those trees, (being very careful about making the least noise, or letting any of them drop to the ground, whereby I might be detected,) and take the stem of one cocoanut in my mouth, and one in each hand, and in that manner make out to slide down the tree, and would then (with my prize) make the best of my way to a bunch of bushes, at a considerabledistance from the hut, where I would have a sumptuous repast; and if any remained, would secrete them, until by hunger, I was drove to the necessity of revisiting that place.
I made a practice of this for some time, until the chief began to miss his cocoanuts, and keep such watch, that I, for fear of being detected, was obliged to relinquish that mode of satisfying my appetite.
A short time after this, I ventured to take a cocoanut off the ground where the natives had recently buried a person; a deed which is strictly against the laws of their religious principles, (if it can be said that they have any,) and a deed which the natives never dare to do, for fear of displeasing their God (Anit) under a certain length of time after the person had been buried, and then, the spot is only to be approached by males.
Not twenty-four hours had elapsed after I took the cocoanut, before they missed it, and coming immediately tome, charged me with having taken it, telling me that not a native on the Island would have dared so much as to handle it, for fear of the bad spirit, (Anit.)
I then told them that I had taken it, but pleading ignorance in the case, and promising never to do any thing of the like again, and making it appear to them that I was surprised at what they told me of the bad spirit, and also that I believed the same, they left me, after telling me that if I ever handled another of them, it would not only bring sickness and death upon myself, but would bring it upon the whole Island.
The reader will naturally suppose, that my mind was considerably relieved on their leaving me so soon, fearing that something serious might be the result.
After this I was very careful how I did any thing that I thought would in the least displease, or irritate them, and made myself content with the portion they saw fit to give me.
I frequently fired a musket to pleasethem, by their request; and told them if they would let me have some powder, I would fire off the swivel, left by the Globe. They consented, and collected in great numbers, and after I had loaded the gun with a heavy charge, I told them they had better stand back. They said I must set her on fire, and tell them when she was going off, and they would run! I however, touched her off, when they instantly fell on their faces in the greatest panick. When their fears had subsided, they set up howling and yelling with ecstacy!
They said, if they should have a battle, I must carry that gun with me, which would alone vanquish their enemies!
We were visited by eight or ten canoes, from a distant Island, called Alloo. They came to exchange presents with our chiefs, and very soon a great quantity ofpero, &c. was baked, and having been inspected by the chiefs, to see that it was in a proper state to be presented to their visitors, it was given them to eat.
As these people had never seen me before, I was much annoyed by them. During their stay, I was constantly surrounded; my skin felt of, and often became the sport of the more witty, because my skin was not of so dark a hue as their own, and more especially, as myearsremained in the same form, as when nature gave them to me. These visitors, to my great satisfaction, did not remain long with us.
Their mode of anchoring their canoes is singular. One of them takes the end of a line, and diving to the bottom, secures it to a rock; and in the same way do they dive down to cast it off. I have seen them do this in five fathoms of water.
It was not until the 23d of December, 1825, that the prospects of being relieved from my disagreeable situationbegan to brighten. Early in the morning of that day, I was awakened by a hooting and yelling of the natives, who said, a vessel had anchored at the head of the Island. They seemed alarmed, and I need not assure the reader, that my feelings were of a contrary nature. Their God was immediately consulted, as to the measures to pursue; but as I was not allowed to be present when he was invoked, I cannot say what was the form of this ceremony, except that cocoanut leaves were used. Their God, however, approved the plan, which was, that they should go to the vessel, or near her, and swim on board, a few at a time, until two hundred were on board, and then a signal was to be given, when they were to throw the persons on board into the water, and kill them. Two large canoes which would carry fifty men each, were put in readiness, but at first they refused to let me accompany them, fearing that I would inform of their having killed our men, and they would be punished. I assuredthem that the vessel, having but two masts, did not belong to my nation, and I was certain I could not speak their language.
They at length consented for me to go. We arrived within a few miles of the vessel at night, and early the following morning, were joined by a number of canoes, which made in all two hundred men. It being squally in the forenoon, we remained where we were, but when it cleared up, the yells of the Indians announced the approach of the vessel. I had only time to see that it was really an armed schooner, when I was secreted with their women, about forty in number, in a hut near the shore, and the women had orders to watch me close, that I did not get away.
A boat at this time from the schooner, was seen approaching the shore. She landed at about a hundred yards distant from where I was confined; but it being near night, I soon found she was making the best of her way towards the schooner. Night came, and I wassent for by the principal chief, and questioned closely concerning the schooner. My fears and apprehensions were now excited to a degree beyond human expression, and the kind reader will pardon all attempts to express them.
The natives seeing the whites so bold, excited in them a fear which induced them to flee the Island. Accordingly, about midnight, the canoes were launched, and I was carried to a remote part of the Island, a distance of about 40 miles, where I remained until my fortunate escape.
29th. Early in the morning, we discovered a boat under sail, standing directly for the place where we were; the natives were considerably agitated with fear, and engaged in planning some method by which to overcome the people in the boat, if they should come where we were; and, as I expected, the natives would hide me, as they had heretofore done, I thought it best to offer my services to assist them—I said I would aid them in fighting the boat’screw—and that, as I could talk with them, I would go to them, in advance of the natives, deceive the crew, and prevail on them to come on shore and sit down, and for us to appear friendly till in possession of their arms, then rise upon the crew and kill them without difficulty or hazard. Some of the natives suspected that I should revolt to the other party, and turn the current of destruction on them; but the chief Luttuon said he liked my plan much, and would inquire of their God, and if he found that I should be true to them, my plan should be adopted. The inquiry resulted in favor of my plan, and they said I might go. The boat was now within one hundred rods of the shore, and Luttuon called me to him, oiled my head and body with cocoanut oil, and gave me my charge how to conduct. I pledged myself to obey his orders. My joy at this moment was great, as the boat anchored near where we were. I went to the beach, accompanied by about one hundred of the smartestnatives, whom I charged not to manifest a hostile appearance. I hailed the boat in English, and told the crew what the calculations of the natives were, and not to land unless they were well armed. The officer of the boat replied that he would be among them directly; and in a few minutes they landed, (13 men and 2 officers,) and when within a rod of us, I ran to Lieut. H. Paulding, who took me by the hand, asked if I was one of the Globe’s crew, and inquired my name, &c. &c. We then retreated to the boat, facing the natives, who all kept their seats, excepting the one I called father, who came down among us, and took hold of me to carry me back, but desisted on having a pistol presented to his breast.
Lieut. Hiram Paulding, of the Navy, for such was the name of this gentlemanly officer, informed me that the vessel, was the U. S. Schooner Dolphin, sent on purpose to rescue us, and commanded by Lieut. Com’t. John Percival.
After expressing my gratitude as wellas I was able, to Heaven, which had furnished the means of my deliverance, I acquainted Mr. Paulding, that the only survivor of the Globe, except myself, was Cyrus M. Hussey; who was held in bondage upon a neighbouring Island. After the boat’s crew had taken some refreshment, we left the landing place, and soon arrived at the place where Hussey lived. The natives had concealed him, but after some threatenings from us, restored him, and we were received on board of the Dolphin, and treated in the most kind and hospitable manner.
Our hair was now cut, and we were shaved. Our appearance must have been truly ludicrous, our hair having been growing twenty-two months, untouched by the razor or scissors.
Our joy and happiness on finding ourselves on board anAmerican Man-of-War, and seeing “the star spangled banner,” once more floating in the air, we will not attempt to describe. Suffice it to say, that none can form a true estimateof our feelings, except it be those who have been suddenly and unexpectedly rescued from pain and peril, and threatening death. In the afternoon the Captain wished me to go on shore with him, as an interpreter. We accordingly went, and passed over to the village on the other side of the Island, where we had an interview with a woman of distinction, (the men having fled, being principally absent with the chiefs at Alloo.) The captain informed her he wished to see the chiefs, and requested her to send for them that night, that he might visit them in the morning, and make them some presents. We then returned to the vessel; and the following day, Dec. 1st, went on shore for the purpose of seeing the chiefs, but could not obtain an interview with them. The captain informed the natives that he must see the chiefs, and that he would wait another day, but if disappointed then, he should be compelled to use coercive means. They immediately sent another messenger afterthem, and we returned on board, accompanied by several of the natives, among whom was Ludjuan. The captain made him several presents, and informed him they were given as a compensation for saving my life. Shortly after, the natives went on shore.
The next morning, Dec. 2d, the captain sent me on shore, to ascertain whether the chiefs had returned, and I was informed by the natives that they had, and were then at a house half a mile distant. This intelligence having been communicated to the captain, he went on shore, and took myself and Hussey for interpreters; but we found on our arrival, that the natives had been practising a piece of deception—the chiefs not having returned. Very much displeased at this perfidious treatment, the captain made a demand of the chiefs before sunset, threatening, if it were not complied with, to go on shore with fifty men, well armed, and destroy every person he could find. This threat threw the natives into consternation,and immediately another messenger was despatched for the chiefs. The natives were so alarmed, that they soon sent off three or four more messengers; and we returned on board to dine. After dinner, I went on shore with Mr. Paulding, the first Lieutenant, and some of the under officers, for the purpose of shooting birds. After rambling round the Island for some time, we discovered a number of natives quickly approaching us from the lower part of the Island; and supposing the chiefs were with them, we sat down to await their arrival; but before they came to us, a signal was set on board the schooner, for us to return, which was immediately obeyed, without waiting for an interview with the natives. Early on the next morning, I was sent ashore to ascertain whether the chiefs had arrived, and soon found that they had, and were in a hut, waiting to receive a visit from the captain, who, I informed them, would come on shore after breakfast, to have atalkwith them, and also to bestow somepresents. Accordingly, the captain, with myself and Hussey, repaired to the hut, where we found them sitting, and ready to commune with us.
The captain told them he had been sent out by theHead Chiefof his country, to look for the men that had been left there by the ship Globe—that he had been informed they murdered all but two—that, as it was their first offence of the kind, their ignorance would plead an excuse—but if they should ever kill or injure another white man, who was from any vessel or wreck, or who might be left among them, our country would send a naval force, and exterminate every soul on the Island; and also destroy their fruit trees, provisions, &c. and that if they would always treat white men kindly, they never would receive any injury from them, but would have their kindness and hospitality reciprocated. He also adverted to the practice of stealing, lying, and other immoralities; stating to the natives that these crimes are abhorred and punished inour country; and that murder is punished with death. He then sent me to the boat, lying at the beach, to bring three tomahawks, one axe, a bag of beads, and a number of cotton handkerchiefs, which were presented to the chiefs. He also gave them two hogs, and a couple of cats, with injunctions not to destroy them, that they might multiply. The captain caused potatoes, corn, pumpkins, and many valuable seeds to be planted, and gave the natives instructions how to raise and preserve them. He then explained to them that these acts of kindness and generosity were extended, because they saved us alive, and had taken care of us while among them. This conversation with the natives being ended, we went on board, dined, and the captain and Hussey went again on shore. The first Lieutenant made preparations for cruising in the launch, round the Island, to make topographical surveys, who took me with him, as interpreter, and about 4 o’clock, we commenced a cruise witha design to sail up an inlet or inland sea; but the wind blowing fresh, and having a head sea, at 12 o’clock we anchored for the night.
Dec. 4th. At sunrise, we found ourselves not more than a mile from the place where we crossed over the evening before; and immediately getting under weigh, and rowing to the westward, we soon came to the place where the Globe’s station had been; anchored, and went on shore, for the purpose of disinterring the bones of Comstock, who had been buried there, and to obtain a cutlass, which was buried with him; but before we had accomplished the undertaking, the schooner got under weigh, and soon anchored abreast of us, at the same place where the Globe’s provisions were landed. The captain and Hussey immediately came on shore to view the place; but as I caught cold the preceding night, by lying exposed in our launch, I was excused from serving further with Mr. Paulding in making surveys, and Husseysupplied my place. Soon after, I went on board with the captain, carrying with me the skull of the person we had dug up, and the cutlass, intending to convey them to America.
After dinner, the captain made a trip in the gig, to Alloo, taking me for his interpreter, where we arrived in half an hour, and soon travelled up to the village. The natives received us with marks of gladness, and in a short time the house at which we stopped was surrounded by them, who came undoubtedly for the purpose of gratifying their curiosity, by gazing at us. We remained at the village about two hours, during which time we had considerable talk with two of the chief women, and made some small presents to the people, such as beads, &c. They did not treat us as they usually do visitors, with fruit, &c. there being at that time what we call a famine, which in their language, is Ingathah.
After having taken leave of the natives, and walked about half thedistance to the shore, we stopped to refresh ourselves under a fine cool shade. While in conversation on the manners and customs of the natives, an old man and woman approached us, who had acted towards me, during my residence among them, as father and mother. I immediately made them and their kindness to me known to the captain, who, in consideration of their humane treatment, rewarded them with a few beads and a handkerchief, for which they appeared thankful and grateful—telling them at the same time, the presents were to recompense their hospitality to me, and enjoining on them at all times to be friendly to the whites, and a reward would certainly await them. It being near the close of the day, we left Alloo, and having a fair wind, reached the schooner before dark.
The next morning, Dec. 5th, being very pleasant, all hands were employed in procuring wood for the schooner—some in cutting it down, and others in boating it off. Our carpenter had beenengaged for a few days, at Milly; to instruct and assist the natives in repairing a canoe. The distance was four or five miles, and the captain wanting the carpenter, set sail for Milly in his gig, and soon arrived there; where he learned that the carpenter had repaired the canoe, to the great satisfaction of the natives, who expressed a strong desire that he might be permitted to remain among them on the Island; but the captain informed them he could not spare him. When the natives saw the carpenter packing up his tools, they expressed to me an expectation that the tools would be left with them as a present. We left the natives, and reached the schooner a little before sunset; the captain feeling anxious for the fate of the launch, as nothing yet had been heard of the fortune which had attended her, or the men in her.
Dec. 6th. Having procured a sufficient supply of wood, though our supply of provisions was hardly sufficient for the voyage, and the launch havingreturned, at about 10 A. M. we weighed anchor and proceeded to the place called Milly, where we anchored for the purpose of planting some seeds, and taking a last farewell of the chiefs and their people. The captain went immediately on shore, taking Hussey for his interpreter. He was gone till nearly night, when he returned, bringing with himLuttuonand several other natives. The captain gave orders to beat to quarters, to exhibit the men to the natives, and explain to them the manner of our fighting. Those untutored children of nature, seemed highly gratified with the manoeuvres, but were most delighted with the music, probably the first of the kind they ever heard. We informed them we always have such music when we are fighting an enemy. The natives were then landed, and we immediately made sail for the head of the Island, intending to cruise around the other shores of it, for the purpose of making surveys, and constructing a map of it. We stood eastward till nearly morning,then altered our course and headed towards the Island.
During the following day, Dec. 7th, having favorable winds and weather, we made a regular survey of the whole length of the groupe, before sunset.—The captain now steered N. W. to endeavour to discover other Islands which the natives had often described to me, during my abode with them. They said they had frequently visited ten or twelve different Islands in their canoes, and that the people who inhabit them, all speak the same language, which is the same as their own, and that the Islands lie about one day’s sail from each other.
Dec. 8. The weather pleasant and fair; about 9 o’clock, A. M. we saw land ahead, and passed it on the windward side, then varied our course and sailed to the leeward of the Island; but night coming on, we were obliged to defer landing till morning. The captain then attempted to reach the shore in the gig, but was not able to land, onaccount of the surf. After he returned on board, we made sail, cruising farther to the leeward, in hopes of finding a place to anchor, but in this we were disappointed, not being able to find bottom thirty yards from the rocks. However, at high water, the captain, at imminent hazard in passing the surf, succeeded in landing. He had previously given orders to me and Hussey, not to let the natives know that we could converse with, or understand them, but to be attentive to every thing that might pass among them, to ascertain whether their intentions and dispositions were hostile or friendly. After landing, the captain and Hussey visited the house where the head chief, or king of all those Islands lived, of whom I had formerly heard so much, while I was on the Mulgraves.—They continued with him about two hours, were treated well, and discovering nothing unfriendly in the natives, the captain told Hussey he might make them acquainted with his knowledge of their language, by conversing with them.The king, on hearing Hussey speaking in the language of the natives, appeared at first so frightened and agitated, that he could scarcely reply; but by degrees became composed, and inquired of Hussey where he learned their language, and why he had not spoken to them immediately on coming ashore. Hussey then informed him he was one of the two persons that had been on the Mulgraves, (in their language, Milly,) and that the other person (myself) was on board the schooner—that the schooner had been there after us, that we left the Mulgraves the day before, and had then visited that Island for the purpose of examining it, &c. &c. The king had long before heard of our being at the Mulgraves, and told Hussey he had been repairing his canoe, in order to go to those Islands, with a view to induce us to live with him, who, had that been the case, would undoubtedly have used us well. The king was about 70 years of age, and had a daughter on the Island where we had resided, wife to Luttuon.He inquired if his daughter was alive and well, with tears in his eyes and trembling form, for it was a long time since he had received any intelligence of her; and hearing of her welfare so unexpectedly, quite overcame the good old father’s feelings. And here the reader will observe, that the pure and unaffected emotions produced by parental affection, are similar among all the human species, whether civilized or savage. The natives of the Island we were then visiting, may be ranked with those that have made the fewest approaches towards the refined improvements of enlightened nations, yet the ground work of humanity was discovered to be the same; and the solicitude of a fond father for a beloved child, was manifested in a manner which would not disgrace those who move in the most elevated circles of civilized life. The old king expressed his regret that he had not visited the Mulgraves during our stay there, was very sorry we were about to return to America, and usedall the force of native eloquence, to persuade us to continue with him. He inquired if we had got the whale boat he had heard of our having at the Mulgraves. Hussey informed him it was on board the schooner, and the swivel likewise. The captain then informed the king that he wanted cocoanuts and bup, which were obtained; and in return, the captain gave the natives some beads and handkerchiefs. The captain then went on board the schooner, made sail, standing a N. W. course, in pursuit of another Island.
Dec 9th. About 10 o’clock in the forenoon, we discovered land ahead and off our lee bow. About 2 o’clock, P. M. we arrived near the land, hove the schooner to, and sent two boats ashore, to get provisions. At sunset the boats returned, loaded with cocoanuts and bup. We hoisted up our boats, and with a strong breeze, it being the inclement season of the year, prosecuted our voyage to the Sandwich Islands, & had much boisterous weather during the passage.
On Jan. 8th, 1826, we expected to make one of the Sandwich Islands, called Bird’s Island, but night came on before we discovered it. But early on the following morning, we saw land about four leagues to the leeward, and bore down to the Island for the purpose of sending a boat ashore, to kill seals.—We arrived near the landing place, hove to, and the captain with six men went ashore in the whale boat. We now stood off from the shore for about an hour, then tacked and stood in, for the boat to come off. The wind had increased to almost a gale, and continuing to blow harder, when we were within a quarter of a mile of the Island, not discovering any thing of the boat, we veered off again, and continued tacking till night came on, but saw nothing of the boat or her crew. About 9 or 10 o’clock, the wind abated, and we found ourselves two leagues to the leeward of the Island, where we lay to all night under easy sail, anxiously waiting for the approach of morning, in hopes then tolearn the fate of the captain and men who had gone on shore. At length the horizon was lighted by the dawn of day, which was succeeded by the opening of a very pleasant morning. We immediately made all sail for the Island, but having a head wind, we did not arrive at the landing till near the middle of the day. A boat was sent on shore to learn what had befallen the crew of the whale boat, and shortly returned with all the men except the captain and one man that could not swim. We ascertained, that in attempting to come off through the surf, they were swamped and lost their boat. We a second time sent the boat ashore with means to get the captain and other man, who were soon brought on board. We now made sail and steered our course for Woahoo, one of the Sandwich Islands, and nothing very material occurring on our passage, we anchored in the harbour of that Island on the 14th. On the 16th procured a supply of fresh provisions. On the 19th, Hussey and myself went on shorefor the purpose of rambling round the Island, but nothing occurred worthy of notice.
Our foremast being found rotten a few feet below the top, it was deemed necessary to take it out for repairs, which required the daily employment of the carpenter and others for some time.—On the 27th, the captain received a letter, giving intelligence that the ship London had been driven ashore at an Island not far distant from Woahoo.—As the Dolphin’s foremast was out, the captain was under the necessity of pressing the brig Convoy, of Boston, and putting on board of her about 90 of his own men, taking with him 2 of his lieutenants and some under officers, he sailed to the assistance of the ship London.
Feb, 3d, the brig Convoy returned laden with a part of the cargo of the London, and the specie which was in her at the time of her going ashore, under the command of our 2d lieutenant, leaving the remainder of her cargo in another vessel, under the command of Capt. Percival.
Feb. 5th. The captain returned with the residue of the London’s cargo, and the officers and crew of that ship. After the cargo of the London had been secured, we were employed in finishing the repairs on our foremast, which were completed on the 21st; and we commenced rigging.
Feb. 26th. On the morning of this day, permission was granted to a number of our crew, to go on shore. In the afternoon, Hussey and myself went and took a walk. About 4 or 5 o’clock, I observed a great collection of natives, and on inquiring the reason, learned that several of the Dolphin’s crew, joined by some from other ships lying in port, had made an assault upon Mr. Bingham, the missionary, in consequence of ill will towards that gentleman, strongly felt by some of the sailors, but for what particular reason, I did not distinctly ascertain. They carried their revenge so far, that they not only inflicted blows upon Mr. Bingham, but attacked the house of a chief. Thenatives, some with cutlasses, and others with guns, repelled the unjustifiable attack; and during the affray, several of our men were slightly injured, and one badly wounded, whose life was despaired of for some time. The offenders were arrested, sent on board, and put in irons.
On the next day, 27th, Mr. Bingham came on board with the captain and witnesses against the men engaged the preceding day, in the assault on shore. After a fair examination of evidence in the case, the aggressors were properly punished, and ordered to their duty.—The whale ships now began to arrive for the purpose of recruiting, and for some particular reasons, several of the captains of those ships requested captain Percival to remain at the Island as a protection to them, till they could obtain the necessary supplies, and resume their cruises. From the present date, nothing of importance occurred that would be interesting to readers, till April 3d, when great preparations weremade on board the Dolphin, to give a splendid entertainment to the young king. The gig and second cutter were employed in the morning, to borrow signals from the different ships in the harbour, in order to dress out the schooner in a fanciful style. About 11 o’clock, the gig and second cutter were sent ashore for the king and several chiefs and natives of distinction, who were soon conveyed on board. The yards were manned, and a general salute fired. After partaking of as good a dinner as our resources and the means within our reach would afford, the king and his attendants were disembarked under the honour of another salute.—During the remainder of this month, the events which transpired, were principally of an ordinary cast, and not thought worthy of record.
May 3d. This day we were employed in bending sails; and from this date to the 11th, the necessary preparations were made to commence our homeward voyage. This day (11th,) the pilotcame on board, and for the last time we weighed our anchors in the harbour of Woahoo. While retiring from the shore we were saluted with 21 guns from the fort. We hove about, returned the salute, and then resumed our destined course, and bid a last adieu to Woahoo, after a tedious and protracted stay of about four months.
From the time of our departure, on the 11th of May, from Woahoo, nothing of importance transpired till the 12th of June. On the morning of this day we discovered the Island Toobowy; and at 9 o’clock saw a sail, which proved to be a whale ship. At half past 2 came to anchor at a convenient place near the Island, and sent a boat ashore, which returned at night with two natives, who gave us a description of the harbour, and directions how to enter it; and as our mainmast was injured, we entered it to make the necessary repairs. On the 13th, we beat up the harbour, and at 3 o’clock anchored, where we continued repairing our mast, andprocuring wood and water, till the 22d; when we weighed anchor and made sail for Valparaiso, favoured with fine weather and good winds. July 18th, made the Island of Massafuero, and passed it about midnight. On the 19th, in the forenoon, made the Island of Juanfernandez; and at 11 P. M. on the following day, discovered the land at the south of Valparaiso. On the 22d, beat up the harbour, and at 2 o’clock on the morning of the 23d, came to anchor.—At Valparaiso, we learned that the frigate United States was at Callao; and after getting a supply of provisions, we sailed for Callao on the 9th of August, and arrived on the 24th. Here we found the United States, lying under the Island of Lorenzo, with several English ships of war.
On the 26th, the Dolphin in company with the United States, passed over to Callao; and Sept. 1st, I and the crew of the Dolphin were transferred to the United States.
Sept. 10th. All the men that hadbeen transferred from the Dolphin to the United States, had liberty to go to Lima; at 12 o’clock we went on shore, and at 4 P. M. entered the gates of the city. I employed my time while on shore, in roving about the city, and viewing the various objects it presents; and on the 13th returned on board the United States. We were detained here till the 16th of December, when we sailed for Valparaiso, and having a pleasant passage, arrived on the 6th of January, where we were happy to find, for our relief, the Brandywine. From the 8th to the 24th, all hands were engaged in preparing the ship for her homeward voyage; when at 9 o’clock we weighed our larboard anchor, and at 1 P. M. were under sail, passing out of the harbour, when the Cambridge, (an English 74,) then lying in the harbour, gave us 3 cheers, which we returned with 3 times 3; she then saluted us with 13 guns, which we returned with the same number, and then proceeded to sea.
Being favoured with fine weather andgood winds, we had a prosperous voyage to Cape Horn, and arrived off the pitch on the 7th of Feb. and passed round with a pleasant breeze. In prosecuting our voyage home, off the mouth of the river Rio de la Plata, and along the coast of Brazil, we had rough weather and thick fogs. On the 6th we made the land and harbour of St. Salvador, and about 9 o’clock came to anchor.—On the 7th we fired a salute for the fort, which was returned.
We were now employed in watering our ship, and making other preparations for continuing our voyage homeward; and on the 15th got under weigh, with a fine breeze.
April 1st. At 10 o’clock, made the Island of Barbadoes, and at 1 P. M. came to anchor, where we lay till 5 P. M. on the 3d, when we got under weigh, and sailed down the Island to St. Thomas, where we sent a boat ashore, and after transacting the business for which we stopped, made sail on the 9th for the port of New-York. On the 21st,made the highland of Neversink; at 2 P. M. took a pilot on board, but owing to fogs and calms, did not arrive to the port of destination till 1 P. M. next day, when we anchored opposite the West Battery, with a thankful heart that I was once more within the United States.
I will now proceed to give the reader some account of the Islands I visited, and of the manners and customs of the natives, and shall endeavour to be as candid and correct as possible.
The Mulgrave Islands are situated between 5 and 6 degrees north latitude, and between 170 and 174 degrees of east longitude. They are about 50 miles in length, and lie in the form of a semi-circle, forming a kind of inland sea or lake; the distance across it being about 20 miles. The land is narrow, and the widest place is probably notmore than half a mile. On the north side of the group are several inlets or passages, of sufficient depth to admit the free navigation of the largest ships; and if explored, excellent harbours would in all probability be found. In the inland sea are numerous beds of coral, which appear to be constantly forming and increasing. These coral beds are seen at low water, but are all overflowed at high tide. The whole group is entirely destitute of mountains, and even hills, the highest land not being more than six feet above the level of the sea at high water. By the accounts given me from the natives, it appears that some parts have been overflowed by the sea. Their being so low, makes the navigation near them very dangerous in the night, both because they would not be easily seen, and because the water is very deep quite to the shores; and a place for anchoring can scarcely be found on the outside of the Island.
The air of these Islands is pure, andthe climate hot; but the heat is rendered less oppressive by the trade winds, which blow constantly, and keep the atmosphere healthful and salubrious for so low a latitude.
The soil, in general, is productive of little besides trees and shrubs, and most of it is covered with rough coral stones.
The productions are breadfruit in its proper season, and cocoanuts, which they have throughout the year; and a kind of fruit different from any that grows in America, which the natives call Bup—all growing spontaneously. Of the leaves of the trees the women manufacture very elegant mats, which they wear as blankets and clothing; of the bark of a vine they make men’s clothing; and of the husks of the cocoa they make ropes and rigging for their canoes, and for almost every other purpose. The waters round the Islands abound with fish, and the natives are very expert in catching them.
There are no animals on the Islands, exceptingrats; and by these littlequadrupeds they are literally overrun.
The number of all the inhabitants, men, women, and children, is probably between five and six hundred.
The following may be given as prominent characteristics of the natives.—They are in general, well made and handsome—very indolent and superstitious. They are morose, treacherous, ferociously passionate, and unfriendly to all other natives. When they are not fishing, or otherwise employed, they are generally travelling about, and visiting each other. They have no salutations when they meet, but sit down without exchanging a word of civility for some minutes; but after a silent pause, the head of the family, if there is any thing in the house to eat, presents it to his guests, who, when they have eaten sufficiently, if there are anyfragmentsleft, are very careful to secure them and carry them off when they return home; and the host would regard it as an imposition, if his visitors were to neglect this important trait of politeness, andfashionable item in etiquette. They accustom themselves to frequent bathing; and commence with their children on the day of their birth, and continue the practice twice a day, regularly, till they are two years old. They do this to invigorate the system, and render the skin of their children thick and tough by exposure. Their living consists simply of breadfruit, cocoanuts, and bup; but cocoanuts are all they can depend on the year round—the two other articles being common only a part of the year.
Their diversions consist in singing, dancing, and beating time with their arms, in a manner similar to the amusements of the natives at the Sandwich Islands; in which they appear to take great delight.
They wear their hair long, and tie it up in a kind of bow on the top of the head, and this is all the covering they have for their heads. The men have long beards. One part of their dress makes a singular and ludicrous appearance, which resembles twohorse tailssuspended from the waist, one before and the other behind. The women’s dress consists of two mats, about the size of a small pocket-handkerchief, which they tie round them like an apron.
I never saw any form of marriage among them, but when a couple are desirous of being united, their parents have a talk together on the subject, and if the parties all agree to the union, the couple commence living together as man and wife; and I never knew of an instance of separation between them after they had any family. In a few instances polygamy prevailed.
The following will give a pretty correct idea of their funeral rites and solemnities:
When a person dies, the inhabitants of the village assemble together, and commence drumming and singing, halloing and yelling; and continue their boisterous lamentations for about 48 hours, day and night, relieving each other as they require. This they do, because they imagine it is diverting tothe person deceased. They bury the body at a particular place back of their houses, and use mats for a coffin. After the ceremony of interment is performed, they plant two cocoanut trees, one at the head and the other at the feet of the buried person. But if the trees ever bear fruit, the women are prohibited from eating thereof, for fear of displeasing the bad spirit,Anit. And here it may not be inappropriate to remind the reader that Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, notwithstanding she knew it would displease theGood Spirit.
In their personal appearance, the natives are about the middle size, with broad faces, flat noses, black hair and eyes, and large mouths.
In relation to literature, they are as ignorant as it is possible for people to be, having not the most distant idea of letters.
Concerning the religion of the untaught natives of the Mulgraves, the following remarks will give all the knowledge I am in possession of:
They believe there is an invisible spirit that rules and governs all events, and that he is the cause of all their sickness and distress;—consequently they consider him to be a very bad being.—But they have no belief in a good spirit, nor have they any modes of worship.—It is a prevalent opinion among them, when any are sick, that the bad spirit rests upon them; and they believe that particular manoeuvres and a form of words, performed round and said over the sick, will induceAnit, the bad spirit, to cease from afflicting, and leave the unfortunate sufferers. With regard to a future state of existence, they believe that theshadow, or what survives the body, is, after death, entirely happy; that it roves about at pleasure, and takes much delight in beholding everything that is transacted in this world;—and as they consider the world as an extensive plain, they suppose the disembodied spirits travel quite to the edge of the skies, where they think white people live, and then back again to their native Isles;and at times they fancy they can hear the spirits of departed friends whistling round their houses, and noticing all the transactions of the living. Singular as some of these notions and opinions may appear, there is much to be met with in Christendom equally at variance with reason; and I have heard from the pulpit, in New-England, the following language: “I have no doubt in my own mind that the blessed in Heaven look down on all the friends and scenes they left behind, and are fully sensible of all things that take place on earth!”