Adventures on the Western Coast of South America, and the interior of California: including a narrative of incidents at the Kingsmill Islands, New Ireland, New Britain, New Guinea, and other islands in the Pacific Ocean; with an account of the natural productions, and the manners and customs, in...

Front matter

ADVENTUEES ON THE WESTERN COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA. VOL. I. London : Si'ottiswoode and Shaw, New-itreet-Square. ADVENTURES ON THE WESTERN COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA, AND THE INTERIOR OF CALIFORNIA INCLUDING A NARRATIVE OF INCIDENTS AT THE KINGSMILL ISLANDS, NEW IRELAND, NEW BRITAIN NEW GUINEA, AND OTHER ISLANDS IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN; WITH AN account of the natubal productions, and the manners and customs, in peace and war, of the various savage tribes visited. BY JOHN COULTER, M.D. AUTHOR OF " ADVENTURES IN THE PACIFIC," ETC. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS PATERNOSTER- ROW. 1847.

Preface

. The reader is aware that over the great extent of the Pacific Ocean, both north and south of the Equator, there are hundreds of islands of the most luxuriantly vegetating aspect appearing on its sur face; — some in isolated positions, others grouped together in such beauty, that the mariner who has gazed on the sky and sea alone for months feels an inexpressible pleasure in looking long and earnestly on these tropical gardens, as his vessel closes in with any of them for the purposes of temporary rest, refreshment for the ship's crew, or trading with the natives. There are many unacquainted with the fact that a very extensive trade of a lucrative kind is carried on between the various ports on the western coasts of North and South America, the various islands in a

PREFACE.

. the Pacific, and the coasts of China, Australia, &c. The Georgian Islands and the Chilian ports are systematically connected in trading transactions. The Sandwich Islands and the Californian ports are equally so engaged. The Georgian Islands export arrow-root, cocoa-nut oil, sugar, pearls, pearlshell, &c. Valparaiso affords them generally a good market, and sends back to Tahiti, &c. groceries, hardware, clothing, &c. The Sandwich Islands are now a mercantile depot of considerable importance. Hundreds of merchants from all parts of the world reside there ; their import is received from many ports in the United States of America and those of Great Britain and her colonies ; but a great amount of the Sandwich Islands' import is derived from various traders who pass years of their lives from one island to another, at great personal risk, as their transactions are generally with savage natives and outcast white men.

They procure at these various islands arrow-root, oil, beche-de-mer, dyewoods, tortoiseshell, cured fish, &c. These articles are disposed of at once either for cash or goods. If the latter, a vessel will take in brandy.

PREFACE.

. IX rum, wines, teas, sugars, iron tools, and all kinds of hardware, and proceed to the ports in California, and return to the islands with deals, wheat, Indian corn, furs, &c. The Chinese merchant will take away the furs, beche-de-mer, tortoiseshell, pearl, &c. Sugars and various articles of Pacific Ocean Islands' collection will reach Australia, Van Die men's Land, &c, and no doubt return with an item from some of old England's factories. In fact, the Pacific Ocean trading is an occupation peculiar to itself, and one from which great emolument i3 derived ; indeed, it is of so much value to the bold adventurers engaged in it, that they have syste matically concealed a correct account of it from the home ports, lest their profitable transactions should be interfered with by too many coming out.

The captains of the various vessels of all sizes are generally the owners, or the supercargo is, and they steer from island to island just as they please, or according to the intelligence they obtain from another vessel engaged in the same pursuits. These vessels are all well armed and well manned, and any of them are quite capable of defending themselves, A

PREFACE.

. X and repelling the attacks of any number of savages they may have to encounter. In getting off the various articles of trade, in wooding and watering, &c, although it is generally far from the captain's wish, a misunderstanding frequently happens be tween the natives and crews of the vessels ; and as the savages of the various islands are quick in their movements to revenge what they deem either insult, injury, or unfair trading, an instantaneous attack is made on the vessel, which, in most cases, results in defeat of the savages with severe loss. These frequent hostilities between the traders and barbarians make this trading a precarious business ; indeed, I may add, a dangerous one. There are few of these trading vessels ever return with their cargoes to the coast of the Americas, China, Sandwich Islands, or Australia, without having frequent fights with the savages, and there are some of them, who have reckless captains and crews on board, that never can end a trading transaction with the natives without a " row." I am thus explicit, as I wish the reader of this book to be in possession of facts that he may

PREFACE.

. XI not have previously known, as it will account for the reason of trading-vessels visiting these remote places, and transacting business with the heathen and bar barian. Those who have read my book, termed " Adven tures in the Pacific," will recollect, that I accounted for my cruise of adventure (if I may so call it) only as far as Tahiti. I now proceed from that to Christ mas Island : in again on the Western Coast of South America ; Gulf of Panama, islands, &c. ; coast and interior of California; sail westerly across the North Pacific Ocean ; pass the meridian of 180° into East longitude, transact business, and engage in stirring incidents, at the Kingsmill Islands ; New Ireland ; New Hanover ; New Britain ; the Wil laumez's Islands ; the Great Island of New Guinea, and the New Hebrides ; return to Tahiti ; sail over to Eimeo ; call at Easter Island ; double that cold region Cape Horn, and home again in the early part of the year 1836.

The indigenous productions, both animal and vegetable, of the various places visited, will be found in plain terms, as I have avoided scien tific technicalities altogether ; and the manners and a

PREFACE.

. XII customs of the various savage tribes, in peace and war, will be explained by the incidents in which we were engaged with them. A sailor's career on a long voyage, and his frequent ludicrous acts, will occur here and there through the book ; but I have ex cluded any profane or immoral observations, that I am sorry to say not unfrequently escape the lips during a maritime life. I have only to add that this book contains an authentic narration of what I observed, and what I was engaged in, as I have generally made it my rule to trust very little to hear say details. J. C. CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME.

Chapter I

Ship sails from Tahiti. — The sailor's cruise on shore, and its results. — Fall in with an American whale ship. — See a large sperm whale. — Animated chase by both ships. — Spirited conduct of the boat's crews. — Our success in the capture of the fish. — One of the boats stove by the whale. - Page 1 CHAP. II. Cutting in the whale. — Sea fowl. — Vast shoals of sharks, their ferocity. — Removal of the blubber completed. — Sail northerly. — Animated appearance of the sea. — Rough weather. — A tropical moonlight night at sea. — Sight the Marquesas Islands. — Strange sounds heard about the ship. — A native in distress. — Land the native at Fetuiva. — Gratitude of the Marquesans. — Sail northerly. — Sea fowl and shoals of fish about. — Cross the Equator. — Leakage of the sperm oil discovered. — Steer for Christmas Island.

CONTENTS. CHAP. III. Anchor at Christmas Island. — Its general aspect. — Land on the island. — Land crabs retreat to cover. — A sailor's idea of them. — A Cape Horn anecdote introduced. * — The boat's crew collecting cocoa-nuts. — Their remarks. — Agility of a Tahitian native. — Return to the ship for the night. — Sporting on the land, and in the Lagoon. — Catch a number of turtle. — Arrangements of the seamen on shore at night. — Their plan for the surprise and capture of them on the beach. — The turtle's method of defence from his pursuers. — Sail from Christmas Island. - - Page 22 CHAP. IV. Steer close on the wind for the Coast of America. — Sight Cape Blancho, the Southern point of the Gulf of Guayaquil. — Anchor at Tacames. — Melancholy news. — Ship Charles, of London. — Her captain and surgeon drowned. — Aspect of the land from anchorage. — Heavy breakers near the shore. — Our landing. — Description of the town of Tacames. — Peculiarly constructed houses. — Hire an Indian guide. — Prepare for the woods. — Jack and I start off for a hunt. — The jungle. — Monkeys. — Open forest. — Green canopy. — The howling of wild beasts. — Search cover. 33 CHAP. V. The ravine. — A wild horse pursued by tigers. — Tiber's attack. — Jack's conflict with the other wounded beast.

Jack and I proceed to an Estancia or farm. — Hospitable reception. — A tiger visits the farm-yard, and is killed. — CONTENTS. XV Ferocity of the American tiger. — A curious musical instrument. — Jack's proficiency in performing on it — Passage in a canoe up the river. — Luxuriant vegetation. — Parrots, kingfishers, mosquitos, &c, &c. — Purchase of a canoe. — Proceed up the river. — Solitude of the scene. — Richness of the forest. — Noise of wild beasts. — Luxuriant vegetation. ------ Page 44 CHAP. VI. Arrive at the hut of a Negro. — He accompanies us through the forest. — Ascend a mountain range. — Fine landscape. — Fall in with game. — The black's eagerness. — A few deer killed. — Jack shoots a tiger. — Return to the Negro's hut. — The black's pathetic account of himself. — His former slavery in Peru. — His escape from it with his wife and child. — Their sufferings. — The brutality of slave masters. — Smoking amongst the Spaniards. — Jack's partial account of himself. — A Pacific Ocean trick. — Kidnapping men to make up a ship's crew. - - - - 56 CHAP. VII.

Ship captains and natives. — The Negro proceeds down the river to Tacames with the dead deer. — Jack and I embark in our canoe, and paddle on up the stream. — The river. — Alligators. — Roaring of wild animals in the bush. — Beauty of the river scenery. — Disembark from the canoe, and conceal it in a small cove. — Enter the forest, and continue our hunt. — Benighted in the woods. — Sleep up in a tree, out of the reach of wild beasts. — Annoyance of the wood-tick. — Reach the main road between Esmareldas and the city of Quito — CONTENTS. Open country. — Rich farms, gardens, &c. — Arrive at the village of Tolo. — Kind reception. — Jack assumes conse quence as my interpreter. — Description of Tolo and its inhabitants. — Their wish for me to bleed them all. — Express from Rio Verde. — A revolution on a small scale. — Soldiers without pay turn banditti. — Inhabitants of Tolo hide their money. — The town put into a state of defence.

Page 69 CHAP. VIII. The plunderers approach Tolo : their warm reception. — Den Pechos's arrangements for defending the town. — The attack. — Gallant defence. — Regular cavalry in chase of the revolutionists. — Some of the banditti shot, others wounded and prisoners. — Jack's eye to business : makes a good thing of the affair. — Leave Tolo and paddle down the river. — Arrive again at the black's hut. — Proceed down with the stream. — Our wooding party. — Arrive at the ship. — The town of Tacames in confusion by revolutionists. — Pet monkeys and parrots on board. — Sail from Tacames. — Jack on board as passenger. — Gulf of Panama. — Heavy rains. — A general washing-day on board. — " I'sl Malpello," or " Bald-head " island. — Description of it. — Fishing for rock cod. 80 CHAP. IX. Anchor at Cocos island. — A battle between the pet monkeys on board : their owners take their respective parts in it.

Aspect of the islands from anchorage. — Peculiarity in the landscape. — Land on the island. — Find three runaway sailors on it. — Their miserable state. — Our captain consents to take them on board. — Watering and wooding gan-^s. CONTENTS. XVII Our passenger, Jack and I prepare for an excursion through the island. — We are landed in the westernmost bay. — Description of it. — Proceed inland. — Rugged travelling. — A tropical flower. — Fall in with wild goats, shoot one. — Jack's opinion of the island. — A dark ravine. Page 92 CHAP. X. Arrive at the summit of the island. — Enchanting view. — Discover a lake. — The calmness of the scene. — A solitary man joins us. — His kind welcome. — Description of him. — Go with him to his house. — Its concealed position. — An account of the interior of it. — The hermit's canoe. — His garden. — The King of the island and Jack enjoy themselves. — The Hermit's, alias Thomas Stevenson's history. — His shipwreck on the island, &c. — Jack's mirth. — I take an excursion on the lake in a canoe. — Solitude of the place. — Evening scene. ----- 104 CHAP. XL The rising sun, and gaiety of a morning scene in Stevenson's valley. — Fishing on the lake. — Tour through the Island continued. — The south side. — Wild goats and hogs. — Arrive at a colony or encampment of the crew of Stevenson's late vessel, the Juan. — Their costume, habitations, gardens, &c. — Stevenson's reason for not residing with his people. — Continue our exploring excursion. — Arrive in sight of the ship. — Take leave of the eccentric Stevenson. — Sperm whales in the offing. — Get under weigh, and set all sail in chase of them. — Capture of whales. — A last look at Cocos island, and further information about Stevenson. - - - - - -114 CONTENTS.

XVIII CHAP. XII. Steering northerly. — Cruise for whales. — The Gulf of California. — Anchor at Bay St. Lucas. — Don Fishera, alias Mr. Fisher. — How he became owner of the Estancia of St. Lucas. — Costume of the people. — The village. — Extensive butchering establishment. — Vultures, crows, hogs, &c. — Their usefulness. — Obtain an Indian guide. — Start off through the plain with Jack and the guide. — The jungle. — Hunting the deer and peuma. — Return to the village and hire horses. — Californian saddles, and wooden stirrups. — Off again for the interior The peuma, skunk, pigeons, squirrels, rattlesnakes, &c. — Ascend the hilly range. — The Berendos. — Fall in with a bullock attacked by wolves. Page 127 CHAP. XIII. Encamp in an Indian wigwam. — Californian Indians, variety of tribes and languages. — Morning hunt. — Continue our route northerly. — A rugged country. — Night encampment. — Scarcity of water. — Return by another route. — Hunt through the country. — Arrive at St. Lucas. — Indications of rough weather. — The ship gets under weigh. — A storm. — Its fury. — The sailor in a storm, and a calm. — Enter the Californian Gulf again. — The coast on either side. — Turtle. — Cruising in the Gulf. — Islands of Tiburon, Catalina, St. Jose, &c. — Leave the Gulf. — Cruise on the coast of Upper and Lower California. — St. Diego. — Land Jack at Monteroy. — He goes in a boat up the Buenaventura river. 135 CHAP. XIV.

Cruise again for whales. — My sleeping on deck at night ; its results. — Rheumatism. — The Captain's jocose remarks on it. CONTENTS. XIX — Run into the Bay of St. Francisco. — Anchor off Yerba Buena. — I go on shore and take up quarters with the Padre of the mission. — The ship Stratford ready for sea. — Consul tation with the captain. — His kindness. — Resolve to remain on shore for awhile. — Kindness of the Padre. — Improve ment in health. — Try the Temescal, or Indian hot-air bath. A description of it. — Its general use. — The Indian method of using it. — I am nearly well again. — The Padre's good humour. ----- Page 145 CHAP. XV. The Padre and I visit the missions round the Bay of St. Francisco. — General description of them. — The great number of Indians, and vast herds of cattle attached to them. — Trade between California and the Sandwich Islands. — Early establishment of the missions. — Difficulties encountered. — Hostility of the Indians. — A bold act of a Padre. — Cessation of hostilities, and final establishment of the missions. — Gangs of runaway sailors, marines, and outcast Indians, turn robbers. — Their leaders. — Small parties of marauders. — Their attacks on travellers and hunters. — The lasso ; an account of it and its use. — A method of avoiding the lasso. - 154 CHAP. XVI.

The fur hunters, and the plundering gangs. — A bold hunter, in company with a comercianto or merchant, defeats robbers ; an account of the affair. — The Padre's first method of converting the Indians. — Indians come in at last, and attach themselves to the missions. — The establishments are enlarged. The Padre's present influence over the Indians. — His method of driving them to prayers. — The leisure hours of the In- CONTENTS. XX dians. — Their games and amusements. — The sabbath at the missions. — Bull, bear, badger, and dog-fighting, &c. — Ani mated appearance of the Indians. - - Page 163 CHAP. XVII. Splendid costume of the Indians. — General costume of the Californian residents. — Forests on the coast of California. — An account of the wild fowl in the woods, and fish in the rivers. — Directions for sportsmen in California. — Their proper " fit out." — Camping out at night, the fun of it. — Good living. — Bears visit the encampment. — The waterfowl. — Some account of the wild beast of the woods. — The grisly bear, its strength and ferocity. — A hunter and I attacked by a grisly bear. — Dangerous conflict with him. — The hunter ends the battle. — His opinion of the dead bear. — He cuts off the claws for a necklace. - - 172 CHAP. XVIII.

The hunter skins the bear. — We move on. — Wolves attack the bear's carcase. — The hunter obliged to throw away the skin, as the peumas were following us. — The naturalist in California. — The insects. — The antiquarian. — Magnificent ruins of ancient cities. — Remarks. — My last hunt in California. — More hunters join us. — Passage down the Sacramento river. — Indecisions. — Arrival of the Brigantine Hound at St. Francisco. — An old acquaintance. — Captain Trainer. — The Captain's intended cruise to the westward. — I make arrangements to accompany him in the Hound. — We sail from St. Francisco. - - - CONTENTS. XXI CHAP XIX. Steer westerly. — Fine weather. — Cross the meridian of 180°. — Steer for the Kingsmill Islands. — Taputonea, or Drummond's Island. — Anchor off the town of Utiroo. — Aspect of the island. — Its productions. — An account of the natives and their costume. — Comical war dress. — Denseness of the population. — Cannibalism. — Polygamy. — The Hound tabooed. — Danger in trading at these islands. — Old Wowma : his method of salutation. ...

Page 189 CHAP. XX. A Sandwich Island native acts as interpreter. — My landing on the island. — Young Hoonoo : his influence. — A native mess. — Song and dance. — Hoonoo allots a house to me. — Its internal arrangements. — Native lamp. — Merriment of the natives. — Half a dozen of young girls enter my dormitory. — Their mirth. — Their object in visiting me. — I take refuge in Hoonoo's house for the night. — Abundance of poultry. — Town of Poona. — Cock-fighting. - 198 CHAP. XXI. A grand council of war chiefs. — The council-house. — Costume of the warriors. — Irritability of some chiefs. — Hatta's party. — The business of the council ends in a row. — The interpreter and I escape from the council-house. — Hatta's death. — Wowma addresses the excited crowd. — A compromise. — Excursion through the island. — A cannibal's necklace. — A further account of the natives. — Return to the north end of the island. — Natives strip me of my clothing. — CONTENTS.

XXII Arrive at the town of Utiroo. — Escape from the natives. — Go on board the Hound in comical costume. Page 207 CHAP. XXII. The boat's crew on shore attacked by natives. — Their escape. — Treachery of the islanders. — Daring attack on the vessel. — Bold attempt of the natives to board the Hound. — Their repulse. — We sail from Taputonea, or Drummond's Island. — Deep-sea burial. — Disposal of the effects of the dead. — An anecdote. — A mixture of melancholy and superstition. — A ludicrous scene. — Cause of it. ... 217 CHAP. XXIII. Apamamo, or Simpson's Island. — Some account of it. — Kuria. — Great population. — An account of the natives. — Their cock-fighting. — Grades of rank amongst them. — Their respective privileges. — How a chief manages a number of wives. — The island of Tarutarii. — White men living with natives. — The island called Mankii, agreeable savages. — General account of, and remarks on, the Kingsmill Island group. ---... 230 CHAP. XXIV.

Sail westerly. — The sea. — New L-eland. — Appearance of the land from the ship. — Running along-shore. — Discover a bay, and come to an anchor. — Natives come off to the Hound. — A description of them. — The King comes off. His appearance and ornaments. — The interpreter, Thomas Manners. — His history, present costume, and high rank. Boolooma and Manners dine with us. — Amusing scene. CONTENTS. XXIII CHAP. XXV. I resolve to go on shore. — The king's son Rownaa. — An account of his person. — Boolooma tabooes my person and gun. — Curious ceremony. — Land amongst the natives. — Annoyance from the crowds of savages. — Rownaa's interference. — His comicality of action. — Arrive at the town. — The grand council-house. — Rownaa leaves me in it. — His return with refreshments. — Native food. — Their method at meals. — Rownaa's appetite. — His ideas of hospitality. — His warriors. ----- Page 248 CHAP. XXVI.

Description of the town. — The surrounding scenery. — Presents to Boolooma and Rownaa. — Pass through the town into the interior. — Rich vegetation. — The river. — Strange scenery. — The land birds. — Arrive at an outpost. — Warriors on guard. — Their paint and arms. — Capture of two canoes. — Proofs of cannibalism. — Visit another outpost. — Late skirmish with the enemy. — Four men taken off prisoners. — Savage appearance of the wounded warriors. — This station. — Its strong position. — Scenery. — Distant view of the enemies' outposts. - - - 260 CHAP. XXVII. Civil wars in New Ireland. — Power and despotism of the chiefs. — Method of levying warriors. — Polygamy. — Attachment of the tribes to their chief. — His interference in their domestic affairs. — Ludicrous punishment for a scamp, or CONTENTS.

XXIV lazy fellow. — A chosen band of warriors start off to rescue their men from the enemy. — Rownaa and I join the expedition. — First sight of the prisoners and the enemy. — The dance and the fire. — Our advantageous position. — The attack. — The Rescue. — The Ravine. — Charge of the enemy to regain prisoners. — Our cover. — One of our chiefs wounded. — Our position attacked. — Sharp conflict. — Our critical situation. — Final charge of the enemy. — Their repulse and retreat. .... Page ADVENTURES ON THE WESTERN COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA,

CHAPTER I. SHIP SAILS FROM TAHITI.

— THE SAILOR' S CRUISE ON SHORE, AND ITS RESULTS. FALL IN WITH AN AMERICAN WHALE SHIP. SEE A LARGE SPERM WHALE. ANIMATED CHASE BY BOTH SHIPS. SPIRITED CONDUCT OF THE BOATS' CREWS. OUR SUCCESS IN THE CAPTURE OF THE FISH. ONE BOAT STOVE BY THE WHALE. The ship Stratford being well clear of the Georgian Islands, she was steered to the northward with a fresh breeze from the south-east. This was for the purpose of searching for more whales, as the ocean surround ing these islands for hundreds of miles is considered " good whaling ground." It generally requires two VOL. I. B FALL IN WITH or three days after leaving port to refresh the men properly, so that they may possess their usual activity in chasing the sperm whale. This may sound strange in the ears of a landsman, who knows nothing of the " nature of Jack."

Therefore in explanation I must say that sailors are accustomed to strict regularity on board, and, with the exception of the occasional excitement of their avocations at sea, all goes on as regularly as the works of a good chronometer. When the ship is in harbour, the seamen are gene rally, and consistently with the work to be executed on board, allowed to be a good deal of the time on shore, and enjoy what are emphatically called " liberty days ; " at least such is generally the case with such a ship as ours, that has been months at sea without relaxation. Such a course is absolutely necessary to keep the men healthy and free from scurvy. How ever, these liberty clays are always a source of actual fatigue to poor Jack, who generally lives in extremes both on sea and land. At sea it is either plenty of grub or short allowance, calms or gales of wind ; sometimes little or nothing to do, at others the ener gies of the frame tested to the utmost.

On shore they dash at once into all kinds of ex cesses without any intermission, and when all is over and the ship under weigh, they find that their cruise AN AMERICAN WHALE SHIP. on land has greatly fatigued them, and that they have been well plucked of their last dollar before they came on board. I say it requires two or three days to overcome all the fatigue and vexation that invariably follow such extremes, so that it is a generally under stood thing to keep the ship dogging on under easy sail to allow them to recover, and to carefully place the fresh provisions and vegetables so that we can have them as long as possible. When we were four days out to the northward of the islands I have mentioned, and every thing in perfect order on board, early in the day one of the look outs at the mast-head sang out — " Sail, ho !

" " Where away?" " On the weather beam, Sir." " Can you make out which way he is standing ? " " He looks as if he headed right for us." Our worthy skipper here took a walk up stairs, or, in other words, ascended the rigging and seated himself on the main-top-gallant cross-trees. "On deck there!" "Sir?" "Keep the ship close to the wind." " Ay, ay, Sir," responded the officer. On we went easily for some time, the sail to windward apparently steering fair for us. We could now see her lower sails from the deck. Sud denly she altered her course, and, getting a more broadside view of her, saw at once she was an B SEE A SPERM WHALE. American whale-ship chasing whales. " Have the boats all ready for instant lowering," sang out the captain. " Ay, ay, Sir," responded the whole crew. All eyes were now strained in every direction to see where the whale or whales were.

Every voice was hushed and nothing was heard save the splashing of the water under the ship's bows. " On deck there ! " " Sir ? " " The first man that sees the whales I will give a jacket and trousers." "Ay, ay, Sir," again from the men, who were mostly here and there up the rigging. A Tahitian, who was one of our crew, and who had the look-out at the fore tojvgallant-mast-head, sang out lustily, " Dere him blows!" "Where?" " Dere, Sir," pointing on the weather bow. " Dere again." The captain adjusted the glass to his eye, and instantly roared out, " A large whale heading right for us! Stand by the boats there." The skipper descended now to the main-top. The men were all excitement. Most of them threw off their shirts, leaving on only their trousers. The whale was coming down at a steady rate, and the American ship, under a crowd of sail, in chase.

The skipper addressed the men from what they called his pulpit, the main-top, and said, " Now, my lads, we have a fair chance of the whale with that ship ; let CHASING THE WHALE. 5 us see who will first dart an iron into him. Back the main-yard." " Ay, ay, Sir." " Keep an eye on the ship's signals when you are off." " Ay, ay, Sir." The whale was now about two miles off, and a noble-looking fellow he was. " Lower away four boats." Splash went the boats into the water, and the stout ashen oars were fairly doubling with the ex ertion the men made. It was a time of anxious excitement. The Yankee's boats were also down, and their chances appeared equal. Our boats required no signal from the ship to guide them, as it was quite evident they saw their game. The ship was yet lying still with the main yard aback.