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 possible, increased; until the personal safety of all rendered it necessary to resort to severe measures. The chief, still urging the islanders on, very deservedly, and perhaps fortunately, fell a victim to the first shot that was fired in defence. Terrified by this example, the natives kept closer under their bulwark; and though they continued to throw stones, and occasioned considerable difficulty in extricating the boats, their attacks were not so effectual as before, nor sufficient to prevent the embarkation of the crew, all of whom were got on board. Several dangerous contusions were received in the affair; but fortunately no lives were lost on our part: and it was the opinion of the officer commanding the party, that the treacherous chief was the only victim on that of the islanders, though some of the officers thought they observed another man fall. Considering the manner in which the party were surrounded, and the imminent risk to which they were exposed, it is extraordinary that so few of the natives suffered; and the greatest credit is due to the officers and crews of both boats for their forbearance on the occasion. After this unfortunate and unexpected termination to our interview, I determined upon quitting the island, as nothing of importance was to be gained by remaining, which could be put in competition with the probable loss of lives that might attend an attempt at reconciliation.”

Commander Belcher continued in the Blossom until her return home, in Sept. 1828, after an absence of three years and a half, during which period he had sailed 73,000 miles, and experienced every vicissitude of climate. 



his first commission on the 6th Sept. 1803; and subsequently served in the Thunder bomb, Courageux 74, Adamant 50, and Latona receiving ship. He was made a commander on the 11th May, 1827. 



made a lieutenant on the 13th Dec. 1800; and “conducted himself like a brave officer and good seaman,” while serving as second of the Tartar frigate. Captain G. E. B. Bettesworth, in action with a Danish flotilla, near Bergen, in Norway, May 15th, 1808. His next appointment was,