n 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.
The natives, 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 were made on board the Dolphin, to give a splendid
entertainment to the young king. The gig and second cut
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