The Central Gazette

Desperate attempt by the Palew Islanders.

The English Whale ship Syren, Capt. Frederick Coffin, recently arrived at Deptford, from the S. Seas, reported, that on the 31st March, 1824, while off the southernmost of the Pelew Islands, several large sailing canoes appeared in sight which increased in number to near 30, each having from 6 to 10 onboard, and on approaching many of the natives called out as through motives of inquiry, "English? Eng. lish?" and being answered in the affirmative, they came along side, and with tolerable correct pronunciation, repeated, "Give us a rope," this was complied with. From the generally reported mild and pacific demeanor of these people, who, to the number of about one hundred quickly crowded the deck, civilities were exchanged in apparently the most friendly manner, and as they brought few provisions with them, and no articles of curiosity, the crew commenced bartering for their spears, with which they were armed, and with which they seemed to part reluctantly. At this time the vessel continued under easy sail, the canoes closely accompanying them, to their companions, in which those on board seemed in no degree anxious to return. The mate who felt little distrust from their superiority in number, the crew being only thirty seven, communicated his opinion to the Captain, who instantly coincided, and gave orders to crowd more sail, thinking it would induce them to depart. This appeared to occasion some little dislike, and in a few minutes after, while Capt. Coffin was in a boat lashed to the side, giving orders to that effect, two of the natives suddenly seized him and endeavored to throw him into the sea, while a general attack was commenced on the rest of the crew. The captain disengaged himself, succeeded in gaining the deck, and calling aloud that their lives and the safety of the ship depended on desperate fighting, a fierce engagement ensued. Those of the natives who in traffic had parted with their spears, were assisted with others from the canoes, or availing themselves of the harpoons, which, with great dexterity they broke to a suitable length, while others gaining the whaling spades used in digging into the fish when caught, continued a most furious attack: notwithstanding the disparity, the crew succeeded in driving them to the stern of the vessel, where they leaped overboard and regained their canoes. It was worthy of remark, that when any of the natives were wounded, or stunned by being knocked down, they were instantly thrown by their comrades into the sea where they either swam or where picked up by their companions, who frequently attempted to accompany them to return, but were always repulsed in endeavoring to get up the sides, and through encouraged them by loud cheering. On their quitting the Syren, the crew commenced firing, and though greatly exhausted, having a ready supply of ammunition, it was kept up while within musquet shot, but with what effect it is not known, as several they supposed killed, from their falling into the water, were seen to rise and regain their canoes; nearly the whole of the ship's company were wounded severely in this attack; the effects of which notwithstanding the unremitting exertions and skill of the surgeon, several will never, it is feared, entirely recover from; and it is to be regretted that the carpenter, named Jos. Caulfield, who fought most courageously, lost his life by a blow from the whale spade as did Wm. Warren, boat steerer, who was speared most dreadfully thro' the body. Capt. Coffin and the crew are of opinion that the attack was concerted and organized by Europeans or Americans resident in the Island.