A Narrative of a Nine Months' Residence in New Zealand in 1827Earle, Augustus
History
A Narrative of a Nine Months' Residence in New Zealand in 1827
Earle, Augustus
New Zealand -- Description and travel
"The proud old savage (who had been a constant guest at the
Governor's table at Port Jackson) was highly offended at this
treatment, immediately left the cabin, and, after stamping a few
minutes on the deck, went into his canoe. After breakfast the
captain went on shore with four hands, and no other arms but his
fowling-piece. From the account of the savages, as soon as he
landed they rushed upon him; he had only time to fire his piece,
and it killed a child. As soon as the captain left the ship,
Tippahee (who remained alongside in his canoe) came again on
board. A number of sailors were repairing sails upon the quarter
deck, and the remainder were carelessly dispersed about, and
fifty of the natives were sitting on the deck. In a moment they
all started up, and each knocked his man on the head: a few ran
wounded below, and four or five escaped up the rigging, and in a
few seconds the savages had complete possession of the ship. The
boy Davies escaped into the hold, where he lay concealed for
several days, till they were fairly glutted with human blood,
when they spared his life. The woman says she was discovered by
an old savage, and that she moved him by her tears and embraces;
that he (being a subordinate chief) carried her to Tippahee, who
allowed him to spare her life. She says, that at this time the
deck was covered with human bodies, which they were employed in
cutting up; after which they exhibited a most horrid dance and
song in honour of their victory, and concluded by a hymn of
gratitude to their god.
"Tippahee now took the speaking trumpet, and hailing the poor
wretches at the mast-head, told them that he was now captain,
and that they must in future obey his commands. He then ordered
them to unbend the sails, they readily complied; but when he
ordered them to come down they hesitated, but he enforced prompt
obedience by threatening to cut away the masts. When they came
down he received them with much civility, and told them he would
take care of them; he immediately ordered them into a canoe, and
sent them on shore. A few minutes after this the woman went on
shore with her deliverer. The first object that struck her view
was the dead bodies of these men, lying naked on the beach. As
soon as she landed a number of men started up, and marched
towards her with their patoo-patoos. A number of women ran
screaming betwixt them, covered her with their clothes, and by
tears and entreaties saved her life.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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