Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/101

1837.] board as prisoners two French missionaries, brought by her on her late voyage hither from California, — thus making a prison-ship of a British vessel — after her cargo had been started, the vessel returned to her owner, and these people were permitted to land. The government at first had endeavoured to carry their object by bribery with the master and owner; on this failing, they had recourse to force; on which the Consul advised the colours to be struck, and the vessel abandoned. The Consul, I think rather indiscreetly, caused the flag to be burned.

I had before been apprised that the lady chief,, who governs the island, was entirely under the control of a missionary, not only obnoxious to the civilised community, but also in bad odour with the natives and chiefs themselves, and that I should not be able to obtain satisfaction. It was further reported, that by his advice (or command) the cruel and barbarous act of sending these two persons to be landed on a desolate part of California in 1830, was carried into effect merely from the fancy that his followers would be seduced by them from his style of religion,—if I am to profane the name by terming it such.

My duty, however, was plain. If I could succeed in opening their eyes to the injustice and inhumanity of their act, as well as the grievous insult they had, through their ignorance, offered to our flag, . Failing in that, stronger measures would follow.