Journal - On Tubuai Home James Morrison Journal - Mutineers on Tahiti Part 2
Revised 2015-09-22
These, with an account of several Islands
which they discribed in different directions,
were the Principal information we were able to Collect from these people;
and tho from their Savage Appearance we at first supposed them Cannibals
yet we found that tho they had no animal for food
that they detest the Idea of eating human Flesh,
Sep 20, 1789
Sep 21, 1789
Sep 22, 1789
—and now to return to the Ship—We stood to the N N E
with a fine Breeze and fair Weather
and during the passage Coleman was employd in making trade.
On the 20th we made the Island of Myotoo or Mytea
Map
under which we hove too and devided the Trade, Amunition, Arms, Wine,
Slops &c in lotts which was put into the Cabbin in Safety
till the Ship should Come to an anchor,
and on the 21st we bore away,
and anchord on the 22nd in Maatavye Bay,
where evry thing being Settled the Following Men went on Shore,
Viz-
1. Chas. Churchill - Master at Arms George Stuart - Mid Peter Heywood - do. Jas. Morrison - Boatswains Mate 5. Jno. Millward - Ab Chas. Norman - Carpenters Mate Thos. McIntosh - Crew Wm. Muspratt - Ab Mathw. Thompson - do. 10. Richd. Skinner - do. Thos. Ellison - do. Thos. Burkett - do. Jno. Sumner - - do. Michl. Byrn - do. 15. Josh. Coleman - Armourer Heny. Heildbrandt - Cooper Those who remained in the Ship were 1. Fletcher Christian - Act. Lt. Jno. Mills - Gunners Mate Isaac Martin - Ab Willm. Brown - Gardiner 5. Edwd. Young - Mid Willm. McCoy - Ab Jno. Williams - Ab Mathw. Quintrell - Ab 9. Alexr. Smith - Ab
and with them the Two friends of the Young Toobouai Chief who were now become very fond of Mr. Christian and would not leave him, and the Young Toobouai Chief. They were also instantly Joind by a Number of Fresh Taheiteans both Men & Weomen which increased their Number to 35 in the whole. As soon as the Ship was at an Anchor those who intended for the Shore began to land their Chests, Hammocks &c—but having only one Boat that would Swim and a tolerable high Surf going, we made it night before we got all on Shore, being affraid to venture much in the Canoes of the Natives, at one time, tho they made a much better hand of landing them in the surf then we could have done with the Boat.
As we were fearfull of the Canoes we were forced to wait for the Boat to Carry the Amunition, which was not landed till evry thing else was on Shore and then not more then two Mens together. Having landed our Baggage, We found the Taheiteans ready to receive us with evry Mark of Friendship and hospitality; amongst us we found the whole of them striving to outdoe each Other in civility towards us and we found our Old friends ready to receive us with open Arms and all were glad when We informd them that we intended to Stay with them.
Among the things which we carried on Shore was the Carpenters Mates & part of the Armourers tools;—a pig of Iron for an anvil, a Grindstone, Some Bar Iron, a Suit of Collours, some Iron pots, & a Copper kettle, about 3 Gallons of Wine per Man, and, (except Byrn) each Man a Musquett, Pistol, Cutlass, Bayonet, Cartridge Box, 17 lbs of Powder a quantity of lead to make ball, and some Spare belts, and having a Musquettoon & two Spare Musquets the Former was left in my Care & the Musquets fell by lot to Chas Norman & Thos. Burkett, and Byrn being blind and of a very troublesome disposition it was thought that arms put into his hands would be only helping him to do some mischief and he was therefore kept without.
We wanted the Saws, of which there were a Whip & Cross cut in the Ship, but Mr. Christian told Us He wanted them himself, and gave us some trade in liew, he also Gave us two Spy Glasses, and an old Azimuth Compass for which I provided Cards & Glasses privately, he also told us to take the Swivels on Shore but they were no use to us; the Sails which he thought he would not want and Canvas was also devided among us, and the Toobouai Images were put into my hand as a Present for the Young King. It being late before evry thing was landed, Mr. Christian told us that He intended to stay a day or two, and hoped that we would assist him to fill some water, as he intended to Cruize for some Uninhabited Island where he would land his Stock (of which the Ship was full, together with plants of all the kinds that are Common in these Islands) and set fire to the Ship, and where he hoped to live the remainder of His days without seeing the face of a European but those who were already with him. I having formerly made Poeno, (Chief of Maatavye) my friend, and Millward having made Friends with Poenos wife, we were now invited to Live with them, which we accepted and were treated like the rest of the Family, but with more attention & respect; the others also went to the Houses of their Former Friends where they were treated in like manner.
In the Night we found the Ship under way, standing out of the Bay, but it proving Calm in the Morning She was not out of Sight till Noon during which She stood to the Northward on a wind. We were all much surprized to find the Ship gone, as Mr. Christian had proposed staying a day or two to give us time to get on shore what things we might want or had forgot to take on Shore; this Gave us reason to suppose that He either was affraid of a Surprize or had done it to prevent His Companions from Changing their mind.
On the 23rd. Muspratt, McIntosh, Norman, Heildbrandt & Byrn went to live
in Oparre with Areepaeea (uncle to the Young King),
Chief of that district,
and the Others remaind in Maatavye,
Mr. Heywood & Mr. Stuart living together on the land of Stuarts Wife
whose father was also Mr. Heywoods Friend—
Coleman & Thompson at Colemans friends,
Churchill by himself at his Friends,
Skinner by himself, at his wifes Fathers;
& Sumner, Burkett & Ellison at Sumners Friends.
Immediately on landing they informd us
that a Vessel had been there lately,
and had left a man who they Call'd Browne
who was then at Tyarrabboo with Matte settling some business
with Vayheeadooa, Chief of that Pininsula,
and as we heard they told strange storys of him
We wishd to know what had been the true Cause of his Stay,
and therefore appointed Churchill & Millward
to go to Tyarrabboo & take presents to Matte
and at the same time See who this Man was.
—and on Hearing our story now in the proper manner
Wyetooa, (Mattes Brother) who had been Mr. Haywards Friend
told us that it was by his order
that the Cable was Cut at Oparre
He being angry with Lieut. Bligh
for Putting Mr. Hayward in Irons;
and said if Mr. Hayward had been punnishd
with Churchill, Muspratt & Millward
that he would have killd Lieut. Bligh,
haveing taken his Station behind him armd with a Clubb for that Purpose,
and on his describing the Circumstances
we recollected seeing him On board
and Close by Lieut. Bligh on that day.
—They also informd us that the Captain
had told Matte of Captain Cook's death
and had left them the Picture of it
and on which Score they were angry that we had not told them before,
and accused Mr. Bligh of imposing on them
by saying that he was alive in England,
that He was Capt. Cooks Son
which they were informd to the Contrary of by Captain Cox,
who told [them] that Captain Cooks son was then in England.
He said that as Soon as he had seen Mr. Hayward receive the First Blow he intended to level the Lieut. and escape by Jumping overboard, and diving till He reachd the Shore, which he said he could reach in one dive and be out of Sight before any one could know who it was that had done it.
He said his reason for Cutting the Cable was to let the Ship Come on Shore,
where he hoped that She would bilge,
or at least receive so much damage as to prevent Her going to sea,
and by that means
he hoped to get His friend out of Mr. Blighs power
as he supposed all hands would be forced to live on shore
if the Ship received much damage,
Sep 27, 1789
and Cursed Mr. Christian for not killing Lieut. Bligh
which he said He would do himself
if ever he came again to Taheite.
On the 27th, having appointed that We should meet at Opparee,
and make our presents to the Young King,
We marchd in a body under Arms to Oparee,
taking with us the Toobouai Images
and several other presents of red Feathers,
Friendly Island & Toobouai Cloth, Matting and War Weapons Iron Work
&c.—and were Joined by those who were at Oparre
and after being Welcom'd to the District
by the Priest Making a long Oration
and presenting each of us with a young Plantain tree with a Sucking Pig or a Fowle.
Having made known our business to Areepaeea—who
told us that we must not approach the Young king as he was yet Sacred,
unless we Strip'd the Clothing off from our Head & Shoulders,
which we refused telling him that it was not Customary
to remove any part of our Dress except our hats
and if we were under arms it was not our Country Manner
to remove our hat even to the King.
However that we might not seem to be deficient in point of Good Manners
each was provided with a piece of Taheite Cloth
to put over their Shoulders and take off in the Young Kings Presence,
when we March'd to his House in procession each attended by a friend
to remove the Taheite Cloth which we had on,
all of Whom Stripd as they entered the Sacred Ground,
the Men to the Waist,
and the Weomen uncovering their Shoulders
and tucking their Cloths up under their arm,
and our Taheite Cloaths were removed.
We were followed by a Multitude of both Sexes,
all of whom observed the Same rules in their Homage;
having got to the opposite bank of the River
facing the Farre Raa or Sacred House,
the Young King Appeard, sitting on the Shoulders of a Man;
and having a large piece of White Cloth round his Shoulders
and his Head almost Hid with a Garland of Black & red Feathers.
As He approachd the Bank, he Saluted us with the Word Manoa (Welcome)
which he repeated to each,
calling us by the Name of our Taheite Friends;
and having placed himself over against us,
Heete-heete Strip'd himself Naked to Carry the presents,
and the Party drew up on the Bank for the Purpose.
The Toobouai Images were first sent in the Name of the whole,
with which Heete-heete told a long Story
and which from the Number of red feathers were thought a Valuable present,
and produced a general exclamation of wonder
when they were held up to publick View on the opposite bank of the river.
After these were delivered, evry one sent his present seperatly,
which Consisted of Red feathers Cloth
&c.—and the whole being finishd,
the Party formd three divisions & dischargd their arms,
at which the Young Chief was so much pleased
that He told us to follow our own Country fashion in evry thing,
and take no heed of their Ceremonies,
when we retired.—we were Now Conducted to Areepaeeas house
where a Feast was provided for us
of a Baked Hog, Fish, Bread, Tarro & Cocoa Nuts, Plantains
Sep 28, 1789
&c.—after which a Proportion of land was pointed out
for the Use of the Whole when in this district,
and in the Evening we returned to Maatavye,
and Next day the 28th a Messenger arrived from Matte
with a Hog and a Piece of Cloth for each of us
and pointed out two pieces of land for the use of the Whole;
the One (Point Venus) for Cocoa Nuts
and the other well stockd with Bread fruit Trees
near the Spot where Poenos House stood;
these were ordered for our present use,
tho we stood in no need of His Care,
having abundance of evry thing supplied by our Friends.
However as Millward & Churchill Set out this day for Tyarrabboo,
they were loaded with Presents for Matte
that we might not appear to be behind hand,
among the presents were several large roots of Toobouai Yava,
& a Bottle of Wine, the Yava was a Grand present,
& the wine he gave to a Sick Man,
as he had been informd by some one that it was good for sick people.
Oct 10, 1789
Oct 18, 1789
October, 1789. They were well received by all the Chiefs
at whose houses they Stop'd on their way,
but particularly by Matte & Vayheeadooa,
who loaded them with presents,
Matte desiring that we Should make his land our own,
and Vayheeadooa giving Strong invitations
to Come and see Tyarrabboo,
Tommaree, Chief of Paparra, also used them extreamly civil,
desiring them to send some of the Others round
that He might form an Acquaintance amongst them.
They missd Attahooroo, having but an unfavourable account of it,
altho Tetowha the Chief Sent to invite them
while they went past in a Canoe
and they returned to Maatavye on the l0th of October
bringing with them the Englishman
who Calld himself Brown alias Bound,
and Said he had been left on Shore from the Brigg Mercury,
T H Cox Esqr. Commander of London.
He said he had stayd at his own request
having had a dispute with some of His Shipmates
and Cut one of them a Cross the Face with a knife,
this and Some other things which he related of himself
was sufficient to give a very good Idea of his Character
and to put us on our Guard
against one who appeard to be a dangerous kind of a Man;
however we each gave him some addition to his Stock of Cloaths
and he soon Musterd as good a Stock as any of us had,
what he brought on Shore were either very slender or soon expended;
[he] had got from Captain Cox an augur, some Gimbles
& a Plain [plane] which were the whole of his tools
tho as he had no work to do, these were more then he had any occasion for.
He also informd us
that Captain Cox had given Matte a Musquet,
& some pistols, with Flints and Amunition,
but had left none with him nor had he an Ax or Saw
tho Captain Cox had left numbers of each in the Island.—
He set out on the 18th in Company with Burkett
who went to Tyarrabboo to See Matte.
When he was gone,
Poeno produced a letter Signed T H Cox
wherin the Vessel is Calld His Swedish Majestys Armd Brig Gustavus IIIrd
and wherein he Calls Brown 'an Ingenious handy Man when sober
but when Drunk a dangerous fellow'.
This Letter was put on Shore at Tetooroa and brought to Poeno,
and this agrees with Browns account,
as he said she was bound to the Sandwich Isles
& from thence to China.
As Brown found this letter in Poenos posession afterwards
He secured it Himself to prevent it from being of any further Use
in pointing out His Character,
Which according to His own account was black enough.
He had according to his Story
been a Serjeant in Portsmouth Division of Marines
but being broke had gone to India in the Euryidice Frigate
where he left Her, and staid in the Country
and was Cook to Col. Bailly
when He was taken by Hyder Ally,
into whose Service he entered and turning Musselman was made an Officer;
this Service he soon left,
& Coming down to Fort St. George
Map
soon found an Opportunity in Company with some others
to Seize on a Small Vessel loaded with Companys Goods which they Carried off.
He was afterwards taken and tryed but for want of the evidence against him
he escaped punnishment, but was sent to England,
where he soon found the Country too hot for Him
and Having made a Cruize in H M S Pomona,
he left her, and got on board the Brig Mercury
from which he was put on Shore in this Island.
November, 1789. Finding ourselves Settled I began to think it would be possible to build a small Vessel In which I had hopes of reaching Batavia & from thence to England. I comunicated this to McIntosh and Millward, and the Matter was agreed on; but we resolved to keep the real motive a Secret, and to Say that she was only for the purpose of Pleasuring about the Island; and for this purpose, I having observed that Mathw. Thompson had got a Quadrant (formerly Mr. Hallets) and some of Mr. Haywards books, tho He could neither read nor write, I was determined if Possible to get posession of them, and with a little perswasion I got the Quadrant for Six small trade Adzes (Calld here loeys) & a Gallon of Wine but when I wanted the Books he began to have some suspicion, and was sorry that He had let me have the Quadrant, which I told him was only for Amusement. He said He had No Cartridge paper and the books would answer that purpose, I told him that I would give him paper in lieu which would answer that purpose better, but this only served to Confirm his Oppinion; Nov 1, 1789 however as I had a Seamans Daily Assistant I took no further Notice, and affected to be easy about them tho I was sorry that I could not get them. Norman & Heildbrandt having agreed to be of our party, McIntosh and them removed to Maatavye on the 1st of November bringing their Effects with them and having got Houses prepared on a Square piece of Ground raised above the level where we fixd a Flag staff to Hoist the Collours on Sundays; we were also Joind here by Burkett (who returned on the Second, & brought Brown with Him) Sumner, Ellison, Churchill & Byrn, and having appointed Divine Service to be read on Sundays evry thing at present seemd right. I now made a publick proposal to build a small Vessel to Cruize about the Island in which was agreed to, as McIntosh said it was possible to put one together and He had no objection, Norman & the Cooper being both Workmen, and the rest of us Could Chop off the rough parts ready for their Use.
Having agreed on this Head, I informd Poeno that we intended to build a little Ship, as we did not understand the Method of Handling Canoes, and in which I told Him that we could carry Him & Matte with some of our Friends to the Neighbouring Islands, he was well pleased, and told us to Cut down what timber we pleased, as there was plenty in Maatavye.
On the 6th Brown & Ellison Set out for Tyarrabboo,
and returnd on the 11 th.
Brown having taken Ellisons Cutlass
had been playing some tricks with it
at Attahooroo and had it taken from him by the Natives,
one of which had Cut him aCross the Hand with a piece of Bamboo,
and in the Scuffle he had lost his Cloth,
which had been part of the tick of a Bed
which he wore in the Country Stile,
on their return Brown applied to us to recover the things,
but on enquirey we found that he had been the Aggressor,
and as we did not think the Natives to blame
we told him that He must endeavour to live peaceably and not bring himself into trouble,
otherwise He must stand to the Consequence
and as he found that we would not support Him
he Contented himself for the present,
and Poeno having given him a house and a piece of Ground
he remaind quiet in Maatavye for some time;
the Natives never troubling him as they supposed He was under Our protection,
tho they knew he was a Stranger to us,
and he often Used them very ill,
which on our Accounts they took no notice of
and they always allowd for His not understanding their language or Customs.
On the 11th we began to Cut down Trees
for our Intended Vessel,
and having Cleard a place near the Square under the Shade of some trees,
we laid the Blocks,
and on the 12th laid the Keel which was 30 feet.
The Plan being drawn to the Following dimentions,: —Length of the Keel 30 feet, Length on Deck 35 feet, Length of the Stern post 6 f. 6 in., Stem 7 f. 2 in., Breadth 9 f. 6 in. on the Midship frame; depth of the Hold 5 feet; breadth of the Floors & Timbers 4 inches to 3 1/2 thickness 3 1/4 to 2 1/2; Keel Stem & Stern post 8 inches by 4*
*[A slight difference in sources. Breadth 9 f. 3 in.; thickness 3 to 2 1/2.]
Saturday the 14th Employd trimming Stuff for Molds
& Cuting trees down for Planks.
16th. Having got some Molds made, I took part of them
and got some of the Natives to assist me
when I procured three or four floors & some timbers.
Churchill also took some & went to Oparre
& Tettahah on the Same Errand,
and returned on the 20th with Some Pieces of Poorou
but only one answer'd to the present Molds—in
the mean time McIntosh Superintended the Cutting down trees
and Splitting them for Plank,
and I had Collected several more pieces of Poorou
which was the Best to answer the purpose of Timbering, and the Bread fruit for Plank.
20th. Having Colleted Several More Floors, we set about triming them for Use, in Which I assisted, by doing part of the rough Work, while McIntosh & Norman fitted them; in the Mean time the rest were busy in Cutting down Trees, and Splitting them For Plank, which were laid up to Season but at this the progress was but Slow, it being as Much as we Could do to trim one plank of 30 feet long in two days; and what work We had now Cut out lasted us all the Week.
Monday 30th. This day we erected a Shed to work under, to keep off the heat of the Sun, which we found very intense, and to prevent us from being interrupted by the rain which we now began to expect from the appearance of the Weather.
December 1st. this day we received a Present of Hogs and Provisions from Poeno by order of Matte and this day according to our expectation the rain began, and lasted with some few intermissions for near three weeks, during which time no work was done out of the Shed. Mean time and we fitted what Floors & Timbers we had trimd, the Stem & Stern post, & Plank of 2 1/2 inch for the Stern.
21st. The Weather being Fair, we set to search for more Timbers, and set up the Stem & Stern posts. It must here be observed, that as we had but few Molds, we were under the necessity of altering them to evry Frame, and the timbers being Scarce in the low lands, we were only able to procure one & some Knees, nor was this the only difficulty that we labourd under, for We found that Several of those which were already trim'd & fitted, had started, & became Straight, so as to alter their form some inches, to remedy which we found it answerd our purpose best, only to Side them for the present, and let them dry before we took in hand to finish them, or put them in their places. The removing of those timbers which had started, & siding the Others kept McIntosh & Myself Employd till Christmas, while Norman and the rest were making Plank. We kept the Hollidays in the best manner that we could, killing a Hog for Christmas Dinner, and reading Prayers which we never Omitted on Sundays, and having wet weather we were not able to do any thing out of doors for the remainder of the Year.
We informd the Natives of the reason of our Observing these Hollidays, and especially Christmas Day; all of which seemd to regard with attention, and readily believed all that we could inform them of, never doubting that the Son of God was born of a Woman, and they always behooved with much decency when present at our worship; tho they Could not understand one word; yet several were desirous to have it explaind to them, and some of them wishd to learn our prayers which they all allowed to be better then their own; those who were constantly about us knew when our Sunday came, and were always prepared accordingly. Seeing that we rested on that day they did so likewise and never made any diversions on it. One of them was always ready to hoist the Ensign on Sunday Morning, and if a stranger happened to pass, and enquire the meaning, they were told that it was Mahana 'Atooa (Gods Day) and tho they were intent on their Journey, would stop to see our manner of keeping it, and would proceed next day, well pleased with their Information.
January, 1790. On the 4th the Weather being fair, I set out to the Hills accompanied by some of Poenos Men, & one who lived with myself Constantly, in quest of timbers, and returned with several, the Poorow being plenty in the Mountains; but Mostly at a Good distance as they always take the first at hand for their own Use—these We sided as usual and laid them to dry, the Natives Frequently assembled about us to see our work, and seemd much surprized at our method of building, and always assisted willingly to haul the Trees to hand, & hew off the rough; they are very dexterous at Spliting, but as they have no Idea of working by rule, they could be of no use in triming the Plank.
Amongst our visitors Came a Blind Man, who they led to the place, and he examined the work by feeling evry part and asking the use and intention; and seemd amazed at the Construction of the Vessel of which he Seemd to have a good Idea and said to His Country Men 'our Canoes are foolish things compared to this one'. He askd us many questions, and received answers, with which he went away well satisfied.
7th. This day we got more timbers and trimmd them as before, Norman and the Others Still making plank, and as we wanted Iron nails the Cooper (Heildbrandt) was set to work to Cut Amai, for that purpose, this being the best wood which we could find for that use.
11th. Went in search of More timbers, & had tolerable Sucess. The business of searching for timber always took up a whole day, having Several Miles to go before any Could be found to answer our purpose, and when we found them we frequently had the misfortune to breake them by tumbling them down the precipices, which we could not avoid, it being impossible to Carry them along the Steep Clifts, and what we Cut in one day would keep McIntosh & Myself employd for three or four, having as before Observed the Molds to alter for each frame. —Nor was the making of Plank less troublesome, having no Saws (except handsaws) the largest tree would afford no more then two thicknesses of Plank, Some of the trees Cut for that purpose measuring six feet round which took a deal of Labour to reduce into plank of Inch & a quarter with axes & adzes; and as we had but two Adzes we were forced to make the Small trade hatchets (such as are sold in London at 9 d. each) answer that purpose, by lashing them to handles after the manner of the Natives which answered our purpose very well.
And here I may also observe that a deal of Labour might have been saved by workmen, who understood their business, by trimming the Timber in the Mountains, which would have made a Considerable Odds in the Weight, but of this I was not a sufficient Judge, and was therefore obliged to bring it home in the rough, and Trim it afterwards, however this appeard but trifling in point of difficulty and was not Sufficient to make us abandon our project.
18th. Brought home some more timber; and having got several dry enough to Work, we Cut up a plank for ribband and set up several frames to guide us in our work, and as we had but little Iron Work, we made shift with Trennails, putting a Spike in evry other Floor, and Trennails in the rest.
This kept McIntosh & myself employd till the 30th as Norman could not be spared from making Plank it being necessary to keep one workman in each branch of the Business.
February, 1790. On the 1st of February our attention was drawn from our Work by a Heiva which according to Custom was performd in our Neighbourhood before the Chief of the District, to see which all the Inhabitants of the district were Assembled. Evry thing being ready Captain Cooks picture was brought (by an Old Man who has the Charge of it) and placed in front, and the Cloth with which it was covered being removed, evry person present paid the Homage of striping off their Upper Garments, the Men bareing their bodys to the Waist, Poeno not excepted, and the Weomen uncovering their Shoulders.
The Master of the Ceremonies then made the Oodoo (or usual offering) making a long speech to the Picture, acknowledging Captain Cook to be Chief of Maatavye and placing a Young Plantain tree with a sucking pig tyed to it before the Picture.
The Speech running to this purpose— 'Hail, all hail Cook, Chief of Air Earth & Water, we acknowledge you Chief from the Beach to the Mountains, over Men, Trees & Cattle over the Birds of the Air and Fishes of the Sea &c. &c.'
After which they proceeded to perform their dance, which was done by two young weomen Neatly and elegantly dressd in fine Cloth, and two Men, the whole was conducted with much regularity and exactness, beating drums, & playing flutes to which they kept true time for near four Hours.
On a signal being given the Weomen Slip'd off their Dresses and retired, and the whole of the Cloth and Matting which was spread to perform on, was rolld up to the Picture and the old man took posession of it for the use of Captain Cook. Several Baskets of Provisions Consisting of Fish, Plantains, Breadfruit, Tarro & Cocoa Nuts were brought and presented to us, and at Poenos request we fired the Musquettoon which we Charged with Slugs & firing into a large Apple tree brought down several of the Fruit at which they expressd much wonder and departed well pleased.
On the 2nd Came another Heiva,
which Poeno brought to the Square;
this was Conducted in the same manner,
and attended by the Inhabitants as before,
but Captain Cooks picture was not present,
Poeno receiving the Cloth and Matting
which he devided amongst us,
the Whole Amounting to near one Hundred Fathoms.
After the people were departed we Missd the Flag haulyards,
a pair of Trowsers & three Pigs from the Stye;
and on enquirey found that the Thief was in Oparre
where we followed and apprehended him,
finding the Haulyards in his posession but the Trowsers and Pigs were gone.
We brought him to Maatavye where we gave him 100 stripes;
and Brown having lost a hog Cut off His Ears
tho he Could not be sure that he had stolen it.
Poeno advised us to Shoot him saying
he will now go and Steal from evrybody without fear,
however we thought he had been punnishd sufficiently
and let him go and he quitted the district amidst the shouts and Jeers of his Countrymen.
Another having stolen a knife some days before, was also brought to the Tree & received a smart flogging. We soon found that this Method of Proceeding had the desired effect, and few instances of the kind happend after, tho they had many Opportunitys to steal our tools they never medled with any of them, as they knew that we would find them out, as they cannot keep any thing to themselves and we began to get hold of their language so fast that we could understand evry thing they said, and make a good shift to discourse with them.
On the 3rd We returnd to work as before Collecting more Timbers & making Plank.
On the 6th we received a Visit from Eddea
who was come down to visit her Son the Young King at Oparre.
She brought presents of Cloth for each
as did also her Sister Teano
(wife to Vayheeadoa, Chief of Tyarrabboo)
who accompanied her—She Staid at the Square some days,
and the Vacant space near the Square was made use of for Dancing
Wrestling & throwing the Javlin;
and the young Men & Weomen frequented this place
for their amusement afterwards when the weather permitted,
so that we were entertaind with a dance almost evry evening
while we remaind here without going from home to see it.
When She saw the Vessel Which now began to show in Frame, she told me that she had got a handsaw from Captain Cox which she would give Me, and a Man was sent away to Tyarrabboo to bring it, who returnd with in a few days and it proved to be a very Good one; we supposed that it Cost at least 5 shillings in London; it was quite new and had not been used, and was what we stood in great need of as our own were much the worse for wear. As the Frame of the Vessel began to assume some form, We had frequent Visitors, who were all desirous of examining evry part, and curious to know how evry part was secured, but most of them were doubtful whether ever she would be finishd, Saying the Jobb was too long, and wondering how we could keep at it without being tired.
Before Eddea took her leave She gave orders that we should be well supplied with provisions, of Hogs, Fish &c, but this was needless, as evry one who Came to visit us brought Something with them; so that we never wanted for any thing.
8th. We had hithirto gone on with our Work without any thing to obstruct us except Rainy Weather but now an accident happend which put a Stop to it for some time—The affair was this, Thompson who resided with Coleman at Point Venus had ill used a young Girl, for which her brother in revenge knock'd Him down, and Fled.
Coleman was at this time Just recovering from a Fit of Sickness,
when Thompson came home vowing revenge
on the first that Offended him.
A Number of Strangers had arrived at the Point,
(where they generally stop on their passage round the Island
to take the Opportunity of getting to windward in the morning
before the Sea Breeze sets in),
and had flockd round the House as usual to see the Englishmen,
Thompson Ordered them away,
but as he Spoke English they did not understand him,
and paid no regard to the Order, on which,
he took His Musquet,
and firing amongst them Killd a Man & a Child
which he held in his Arms,
and the Shot passd through a Womans lower Jaw breaking both the Bones,
& Grazed another Man on the Back, on which they all fled.
The Man was one of Vyeooreedee,
who was going round the Island on a party of Pleasure with his family,
of which the Child was one.
We expected that this would be revenged, but no notice was taken of it.
Mr. Heywood Gave the Mans Wife a White Shirt,
& Churchill (who had always been aspiring at Command)
thought this a good time to Offer himself as head of the Party
in Case an Attack should be made upon us by the Natives,
but as we all lookd upon the affair as Murder,
Feb 20, 1790
we declined either making him our Chief
or taking any part in the business;
on which he sent Brown to Tyarrabboo,
to Vayheeadooa for Canoes to Carry him to Tyarrabboo,
where he intended to Stay.
The Canoes Came and on the 20th
He set out accompanied by Brown & Thompson.
Feb 22, 1790 22nd, Finding the Natives made no stir and blamed None but Thompson for the Murder, we set to work again and Collected more Timbers and Trim'd them as before, making Plank.— Ellison's Pistol was Stolen this day out of the House.
March, 1790.
Peter Heywood having set out on a visit with His Friend,
we were this day informd
that He was killd at Vyeooreedee;
but He returned to Maatavye on the 6th of March
bringing with him part of the Barrel of Ellisons pistol
which he had found at Heedeea, but the Thief had escaped.
He informd us that He had stoppd one night in Attahooroo
where he was well received by Towha the Chief,
but heard some of the People propose to plunder him,
on which he made the Chief a Present of His Hat
& a Knife which was all the English things He had about him,
and he was sufferd to pass unmolested.
He next went to Papaara,
where he was well received
and staying one Night with Tommaree
he set out for Vyeooreedee
for the purpose of Seeing Obirreroa who was there.
When He arrived in Vyeooreedee he was Seized by the Hair
by one of the Natives
who held a Stone in one hand with which he was about to knock out his brains
but was prevented by another who seized His arm.
The Man had mistaken Mr. Heywood for Thompson,
and was brother to the Man that Thompson killd,
but the other who prevented him was brother to His wife
and remembered Mr. Heywood at Maatavye
when He came to see the Man & his Child
and had Made the Wife some presents
when she was weeping over Her Husband & Child.
As soon as the Man found his Mistake, He was very sorry,
and begd that He would not be angry,
inviting Him to His House;
but He refused & Proceeded to Obirreroas.
He stopd there all night, & proceeded to Tyarrabboo,
Calling at Moenannoos as he passd thro' Vyeerre,
where he was well received.
When he Arrived at Tyarrabboo He was kindly received and loaded with presents by Vayheeadooa, who pressd him to Come & live with Him. He then proceeded to Matte's, who treated Him in the Same Manner, but beggd that He would not quit Maatavye as he understood that Churchill, Thompson & Brown were Come to live there. Mr. Heywood promised him that He would not quit Maatavye and persued his Journey homewards by the North Side of the Island, being well received by evry person where He stopd in his way.
8th. this day went in quest of more timber with tolerable success.
Employd as before
& this day arrived a Messenger from Vayheeadooa
with Presents and an Invitation for Myself and Millward
to come to Tyarrabboo making us large Offers;
and a letter from Churchill containing the like invitation
and seconding Vayheeadooas request
and promising us large posessions in Tyarrabboo
and at the Same time telling us
that Thompsons arms had been Stolen by the Natives,
which was but bad encouragement for Strangers to go there—but
as we were glad to be rid of them
we declined the kind invitation of Vayheeadooa
and sent him presents in return.
9th. this Morning a messenger came from Oparre
to request our attendance there,
as Mottooarro was expected there from Morea with a Fleet
which having on board a large quantity of Hogs & Cloth
for the Young King the Attahooroo men had threatened to Plunder,
—we repaird to Oparre under Arms
and a Feast was made ready for us.
—the Fleet arrived without being molesteed and we returned to Maatavye;
in our way we were accosted by the Young King
who to thank us for our attention to Him desired us
to take fish out of His Canoes when ever they came to Maatavye
and to make no Ceremony about taking anything that belongd to Him;
in return for which Complement we fired our Musquets.
12th. Still Employd as before.
In the Night between 10 & 12
Came Thompson and having made known his loss of His Arms
on which Norman supplyd him with his Spare one,
and he set off before Day for Tyarrabboo,
having told Norman
that he had been informd
that some of Matte's men had taken his arms
and swore that He would put the man to Death as soon as he found Him out.
He said that his reason for returning so soon was to prevent the News
of his being at Maatavye from reaching Tyarrabboo before him;
but the true reason
was that he did not wish to be seen by Coleman
who He had robb'd while he was sick,
he also said that Churchill & Him had quarreld and parted,
and that they lived seperate;
He at Towtirra and Churchill at Vyeowtaya
at the distance of 18 or 20 miles
and as his Arms were taken away in the Night,
He had no suspicion that Churchill had any hand in the Theft,
tho the Natives said Publickly that He had taken them away,
and on my enquiring of Poeno about it He informd me
that Vayheeadooas Man told him that Churchill had them.
On the 14th arrived a Messenger from Matte desiring
that None of us might quit Maatavye or Oparre
and he Also Confirmd the Account
that Churchill had taken Thomsons Arms,
we were satisfied of the truth of this and promised the Messenger
that we would not go to Tyarrabboo.
Monday the 15th. The Frame being now Compleat, we began to trim the Timbers fair for Planking, and Coleman being quite recovered, we proposed to Him to make the Iron Work for the rudder Bowsprit &c.—to which he agreed on Condition that a pair of Bellows could be made and Coals procured to get sufficient heat, having no objection to assist himself in making the Bellows, & getting the Forge in order.—We immediately fixd on a plan for making the Bellows and Heildbrandt was set to work to assist Coleman; the Breadfruit planks made a tolerable set of Boards. Canvas supplyd the place of Leather, and the Iron handle of a Sauspan made the Nozzel, a Frame of Plank filld with Clay was made for the Forge, and Coleman Cut a hole through a stone to point the Nozzel of the Bellows through, the Pig of Ballast made a good anvil & the Carpenters maul answerd the purpose of a Sledge.—in the meantime we got Charcoal Burnt, and the Forge was got to work, but we found it necessary to keep the Canvas constantly wet to make it keep in the wind, which answered the purpose very well and Coleman having Heildbrandt to assist him soon Got some part of the Ironwork into form, Making eye Bolts instead of Braces for the Rudder with a Bolt to go through the Whole.
16th. Sumner set out for Tyarrabboo on a visit to Matte,
and did not return till the 26th
during which time the Work still Went on well
and by this day, we had got to planking and had got four Streaks on the larboard side.
Sumner brought Churchill with Him
who informd us that Thompsons arms were restored,
and he had brought Normans Musquet
with Thompsons thanks for lending it.
He said that the Arms had been taken by some of the Natives
who were Stopd by Vaydeeadooas Men going a Cross the Isthmus;
this passd very well as we did not depend on what the Natives said.
He also informd us that Vayheeadooa had died suddenly,
and that He Churchill was put in full Posession
of the Sovereignty of Tyarrabboo by the Name of Vayheeadooa
his Friend deceased who died without Issue,—
He made us all promises of large posessions in Tyarrabboo
if we would go and live with him but all refused seeing what he aimd at
which was no other than making himself Great at our expence
and when I told Him
that I had rather be one of Poenos friends
then Chief of Tyarrabboo he dropd any further perswasions.
During Sumners Absence he had made friends with Tommaree
Chief of Papaara and he being in alliance with Matte
He had no objection
to His going to Papaara to live,
and he brought Canoes from Tommaree for the Purpose
of Carrying him & Burkett there,
they being both tired of the Work and seemd to think,
like the Natives, that it would never be finishd.
April, 1790.
Burkett, Sumner & Churchill set out for Papaara,
and Byrn & Ellison went to live at Oparre,
and our number being reduced,
we devided ourselves thus—Norman
& Millward to make Plank, McIntosh & Myself to put them on,
& Coleman & Heildbrandt to make the Ironwork.—and
by Easter Sunday we compleated Six Streaks on the Starboard side,
our Manner of Proceeding was this,
after McIntosh had fitted one Plank, and placed it,
he left me to bore it off, and prepared another,
when it was bored off he secured it by driving one Nail,
and one Trennail in each timber,
and three Nails in each butt,—During the Holidays
we learnt from the Natives
that Churchill had fired upon some of them
at Tettahah for frightning away some ducks
which he was about to fire at.
One Man was wounded in the Back and a Boy in the Heel,
the Boys wound Mortified and he died soon after.
On the 12th arrived Muspratt from Tyarrabboo, on his way to Oparre where he resided still, he informd us that He had set out with Burkett Sumner and Churchill, & Confirmd the report of the Natives and told us that Churchill had his Collar bone broke at the Same time, and that He had left them at Papaara on the 4th and proceeded to Tyarrabboo to see Matte where a dispute had taken place between Brown who was now with Matte and one of Muspratts Men, wherein Brown got one of His Arms broke which Muspratt Set for Him and took his leave. He related the Story to this purpose.—
On his arrival at Tyarrabboo he was feasted by Matte according to Custom, and had invited Brown to partake. After dinner the provisions were deliver'd to His people, and some of them being absent it was taken care of by one of the others, to whom Brown went and demanded some for his dog; the man told him that the dog should be served when the rest of the Men Came which much displeased Brown, and He attempted to strike the Man, who warded of[f] the Blow so effectually that Browns arm Broke against his on which He ran for a Pistol to Shoot the Man but He escaped before He could find it.
As we were like to be Soon out of Plank it being now a whole weeks work to make one of 30 feet, we therefore set about the Beams and Knees till there should be some more plank ready, having now Compleated 8 Streaks on each Side. For the Knees I was forced to go to the Mountains while McIntosh fitted the Beams.
In the Mean [time]
the Morea People having rebell'd against Mottooarro,
Chief of that Island & Brother-in-law to Matte,
he sent to us to know if He should send his arms over to quell them,
to which We agreed, but told Him to send His own people to use them;
and Heete-heete being present was appointed to the Command.
The Arms being brought to us we Cleand them and put them in order
when they set off
and Arriving at Morea soon brought them to subjection,
Heete-heete having himself killd the Inspired Priest of the Rebels and their Chief,
(the adopted Son of the late Maheine) Tayreehamoedooa,
forced to fly to Attahooroo,
leaving the Island in posession of Mottooarro
whose right it was,
but from which he had been kept by Maheine his Uncle and His party,
till the Bounty had Saild in April 89,
when he having formed a strong party
was Calld Home from Taheite
where he then resided
and having strengthend his party from Taheite
was admitted as Joint Chief with Tayreehamoedooa
who now became Jealous of His power,
and had taken up arms to drive him out again,
but the fire arms gave Mottooarro such strength
that He was forced to relinquish all claim
& fly to Taheite for refuge.
From Attahooroo he went to Papaara
where Tommaree gave him land
and where he now resides private with His Mother
& Aunt (Wa Vaheine) who was the Wife of Maheine deceased.
15th. Employd fitting the Clamps and getting the Beams ready,
making Plank &c.—this day we received a letter from Burkett
informing us of the Death of Churchill & Thompson,
also a letter from Brown to the same purpose.
Next morning the 16th Came Brown himself,
Having been Sent by Matte to inform us by word of Mouth,
as he thought that He could not explain it by letter;
and He now gave us the following particulars—
Soon after their Arrival at Tyarrabboo they had a quarrel
(which we were sensible Brown Had fomented) and parted.
Thompson making friends with Teetorea
the Chief of Towtirra & uncle to Vayheeadooa,
and Churchill went to Vyeowtea to a house prepared for him,
Brown going to live with Matte who was then at Towtirra.
Thompson growing Jealous of Churchill threatend to Shoot him
if any difference or distinction was made between them.
This Coming to Churchill's ears he got a Canoe & came down in the night when Thompson was asleep, his men soon found Thompsons Arms, and brought them out to him, but being sent in for the Powder Thompson waked, but the Night favourd their Escape when they returnd to Churchills House. —Thompson missing his Arms soon got a light, and went to his Friend who lay in a House Close by, desiring him to Mann a Canoe, & telling him what had happend, the Canoe was got ready and he reachd Vyeowtea by Sunrise —Churchill being informd of His approach, was up, and desired him to keep off, and Thompson replyd you have nothing to fear, for I have no arms, and I am only come to tell you that I lost them last night, and desire your assistance to recover them, on Churchills appearing convinced that He had no evil intent and he shewing his bayonet as the only arms he had, he was permitted to Come in and their former Annimosity being dropd, they began to reason with each other, and found that Brown had been Active in promoting their Quarrel. They now agreed to live together, and Thompson set out for Maatavye to borrow Normans Musquet, while Churchill promised to use His endeavours to recover the Arms. Thompson returnd, and they soon Came to a right understanding, when the Arms were recovered, as if by Churchills interposition, & Thompson being told that they had been taken from some of the Natives Crossing the Isthmus was perfectly satisfied and made no farther inquirry about the business. Soon after Churchill, being bound on a visit round the Island, left Thompson to take Care of the House, who also Sent Normans Musquet by Churchill with His thanks for His civility in lending it, in the meantime one of the Natives, a Man who had been at Lima (Calld Mydiddy) and who had been beaten by Churchill, came to Thompson and told Him evry thing relating to the taking away of His Arms, Mydiddy being one of the principal hands Concern'd. This exasperated Thompson, & he resolved to Shoot Churchill, which He put into execution immediately on his return, for which the Natives had put him to Death.
Burkett wrote thus 'Churchill having broke his Collar bone shooting at some Ducks, I perswaded him to Stay with us, till he should get well, but He refused, and desired me to accompany him home on the 10th which I did and we went together to Vyeowtea where Thompson received us in a Friendly Manner and we supp'd together, after which Thompson dropd a hint that He had found out the Thief but said no more. Next morning I went to the Beach to put my Canoe in order as I intended to return home after breakfast; while I was getting the Canoe ready I heard the report of a musquet, on which I ran up to the House but was stopd by Thompson who stood in the door loading his Musquet askd me if I was angry: as I had no arms I saw it was in vain to say Yes, and therefore Said No, and said I hope you dont mean to take the advantage of me; He told me "No—not without you are angry" and then Said "I have done him." Upon my nearer approach, I saw that Churchill was dead, the Ball having passd below the Shoulder through his body, entering at his back. I now thought it high time to be off, and interr'd the Body as fast as I could —Thompson seized on his effects, I askd him for some of his books, but He refused, and I left Him and returnd home.—I intended to have askd your oppinion about the affair, but Have since heard that Thompson is killd by the Natives in revenge for His having killd their Chief, and his body Carried to the Morai.'
We knew not what to think of this business as we were inclined to think
that Thompsons death was more on account of
His having the property of both,
then for Killing Churchill,
but the Natives insisted that it was for killing him
who they Acknowleg'd to be a Chief in consequence of His Friendship
with the late Vayheeadooa whose Name he also bore.
As I wishd to be particularly informd of the manner of their Deaths
and to See Matte about getting Some rope & Mats for Sails,
I set out for Tyarrabboo on the 17th in Company with Brown
and Arrived at Towtirra
where I was well received by Matte
who begd that I would not think of Coming to live in Tyarrabboo,
which he said would prevent the people from Submitting to His Son.
I promised him that I would not quit my Friend Poeno and told Him I had only Come now to see him, and hear how Churchill & Thompson were Kill'd. I told him also that I wanted some rope & Matts for the Vessel which I described to Him, and he promised they should be made. On enquiring into the manner [of] Churchills & Thompsons death a Man was Calld whom I knew to be one of Churchills favourites, and he related evry thing in same manner that Burkett had done, as he was with Churchill & Steerd his Canoe in his Journey round the Island. I then askd Him how Thompson was Killd and by Whom at which he seemd rather doubtful and saying to me 'dont be angry, it was I that killd him seeing that He had killd my Chief & my Friend'. The Manner was this, Patirre (for such was the mans name) being sorry for his Friends death, was determin'd to be revenged on Thompson, and having got five or six More (who when they knew the Cause were equally enraged), they went to Thompsons house and saluted him by the Name of Vayheeadooa and told him that he was now Chief, and such like flattering stories till Patirre got between him and his Arms, and being a Stout man, knockd Him down. The others whipd a short plank (which happend to be at hand) across his Breast, and Placed one on each end, while Patirre ran for a large Stone, with which He dashd His Scull to pieces, they then Cut off His head, & Buried the Body.
In the mean time Mididdy secured their Arms and the House was plunderd; the Head Patirre brought to the Morai at Towtirra, where he had left it and where he said it then was and if I had a mind to see it, he would shew it to Me. I accordingly went to the Morai with him, when he produced part of the scull, which I knew by a scarr on the Forehead. I asked him why they had not brought him to us at Maatavye when He replied 'the distance is too great, and our anger would be gone before we could get there; and we should have let Him escape when we were coold & our anger gone so that He would not have been punishd at all and the Blood of the Chief would have been on our heads'. I Promised the Man that he should not be hurt by me for what he had done, as I lookd on Him as an instrument in the Hand of Providence to punnish such Crimes. I Staid here three days during which time I was Feasted evry day by Matte who also informd me that the Nephew of Vayheeadooa (a boy of about 4 years old) was appointed to His name & Honors, and His father Tyepo as Regent during his minority, the People of Tyarrabboo refusing to acknowledge Young Too, who they said was a Bastard and not the son of Matte. —however as He had some posessions given to himself Apr 24, 1790 he was resolved to keep footing in Tyarrabboo, and had hopes of gaining a party in his Sons favour. When I took my leave He presented me with a large Hog, 3 bamboos of Scented oil & a quantity of Cloth and I returnd to Maatavye on the 24th, having been well received at evry place I stopd at, on my way both up & down.
Journal - On Tubuai Home James Morrison Journal - Mutineers on Tahiti Part 2