An Account of the Natives of the Tonga Islands/Chapter XI

by William Mariner

THE TONGA ISLANDS. 337 CHAPTER XI. Arrival of a canoe from the island of Tonga, bringing a chief and two young matabooles, with a petition from Toobo Malnhi : they give an account of the late transac- tions there, viz. Teoo Cava, chief of Hihifo, being joined by the chiefs and men that formerly belonged to Niooca- lofa, makes an attack on the fortress of Nookoo-Nookoo, and takes it : the enemy return in the night, and set fire to it — Teoo Cava, making his escape, is stopped and killed by a Fiji islander — Conduct of Ata in the defence of Hi- hifo, and the bravery of Maccapapa— Grief of Teoo Cava's widows for his loss — Reference to an anecdote in the mis- sionary voyage respecting Eliza Mosey (note) — Petition of Toobo Malohi and his chiefs to Finow : their reception by him, and ceremony of pardon — Toobo Malohi's con- versation with Finow, and his ultimate departure for the Hapai islands. Soon after Cow Mooala's arrival from the Fiji islands, Finow received intelligence from Toobo Toa (chief of the Hapai islands) that a canoe had arrived at I.efooga, from the island of Tonga, with a chief, and two young mata- booles. They came to petition Finow for par- don, in behalf of a great chief, named Toobo Malohi, elder brother of Toobo Toa, who had been long resident at the island of Tonga, and had defended the cause of Finow's enemies. As ,this chief brought very interesting informa- tion of all the recent events at the island of VOL. I. . Z Tonga, we shall give an account of these trans- actions in the order in which they happened, and conclude with the ceremony of pardon, granted by Finow to Toobo Malohi and his followers. The reader will recollect, perfectly well, the fortress of Nioocalofa, on the island of Tonga, which Finow besieged with the four carronades, and afterwards burnt to the ground, with great slaughter of the garrison. Toobo Malohi was chief of this fortress at the time ; and in conse- quence of Finow's vigorous attack, he left it, with such of his followers as could save them- selves, and fled up the country, to seek refuge in some other fortress. This chief had all along been unfortunate : at the time of the great revolution of Tonga, and the early success of Finow, he had fled to the Fiji islands with his followers, and had resided there some time ; gaining experience in the art of war. On his return to Tonga, he built the fortress of Nioo- calofa ; from which he was afterwards driven by Finow, as just related : he next took refuge in some other fortress ; from which, owing to the jealousy of the chief, or some other cause, he was obliged to depart, and seek shelter in a third; from whence he was driven by some un- toward circumstance ; and thus he became, in fact, quite a refugee ; nobody being willing to receive him in a sincere and friendly way : till THE TONGA ISLANDS. 339 at length, however, he considered himself to have found a permanent asylum in the fortress of Hihifo, with Teoo Cava, the chief who had made Finow a present of the extraordinary well trained bird. Teoo Cava received him and his followers in a very cordial manner, considering them a great acquisition to his strength j for they had the reputation of being all great war- riors, well schooled in the military practices of Fiji. Teoo Cava, at length finding that no enemy thought proper to attack him, resolved to lay siege to the garrison of Nookoo Nookoo : he was successful in his attack, and took it with an inconsiderable loss of men. This being done, he determined, contrary to the advice of his matabooles, to garrison both fortresses. The reason the matabooles gave for the impo- licy of this conduct, was the readiness with which the enemy made their retreat ; which they thought argued their intentions of return- ing speedily, with fresh strength. Ambitiort, and desire of larger possessions, blinding him, however, to his own proper interests, he neglected sage counsel ; and, dividing his forces, reserved the choicest half for his own personal safety in the garrison of Nookoo Noo- koo, and commissioned the rest to defend Hi- liifo. He had with him Toobo Malohi and his z 2 warriors. In the course of the following night, the enemy came down again, and made a de- sperate attack upon them : having resolved to burn the place to the ground, they had ap- pointed four hundred men to effect their pur- pose, each of whom was armed with a spear, and a lighted torch fixed at about a foot from the point of it. At a signal every man threw his flaming weapon at the fencing, or into the garrison, and, by the aid of this new invention, the place was set fire to, in several points at once. The besieged, with the view of render- ing themselves more secure, had removed all the draw-bridges over the dry ditch round the fencing, except one ; there was no ready means of escape, therefore, from the conflagration, which soon spread far and wide, except by one narrow path : hundreds consequently were compelled to leap into the ditch, the sides of which were too steep to climb. Among these was Teoo Cava, who, with several other great chiefs and warriors, managed to get out, by climbing up the backs of those whose fidelity prompted them to lend their superiors this friendly assistance at the utmost peril of their own lives. Teoo Cava, having thus got out of the ditch, was making the best of his way un- armed to Hihifo, when he was met by a native

of Fiji, belonging to the enemy's party, who I

THE TONGA ISLANDS. 341 gave him the watch-word, which he was unable to answer; instantly the Fiji warrior struck him so violent a blow on the head with his club, that he buried it in his brains : the club had got so locked into the broken skull, that he could not immediately withdraw it; and he probably would have left it there, but discover- ing what a great chief he had killed, his club from that moment became exceedingly valuable to him ; the pledge as it were of future great successes, as long as he kept it in his possession : the triumph of his feelings, therefore, pre- vented him from seeing or hearing another man, who was fast approaching ; and whilst he was in the act of disengaging his club, his own brains were knocked out, and his speculations as suddenly destroyed, by one of Teoo Cava's men, whose swiftness of foot brought him just in time to revenge his fallen chief, by laying his enemy prostrate by his side : but dangers were thickening round him, and he was com- pelled to leave the body of Teoo Cava on the field, and secure his own existence by a speedy flight to Hihifo ; where all who succeeded in making their escape quickly arrived. The body of Teoo Cava was soon found by the enemy ; it was conveyed to their fortress, cut to pieces, and (must it again be said !) dressed for food. Among the garrison of Hihifo there was a chief named Ata; he was not an old man, but he had a great reputation for political wisdom, and military skill. He was a native of the island, but at the time of the revolution his friends and acquaintance had all gone over to the Hapai islands for peace and safety. He however resolved to remain for the sake of his oldest and most sincere friend, Teoo Cava, and to assist and stand by him to the last ; (for Ata was endowed also with some of the best quali- ties of the human heart). As Teoo Cava was now no more, Ata, conscious of his skill in war, and the confidence which all the men placed in him, proposed to take upon himself the com- mand of the garrison j and his offers were gladly accepted. The other garrisons of the island soon hearing of the death of Teoo Cava, and the great losses he had sustained, several of them entered into league against Hihifo, and shortly commenced a siege, which lasted fourteen days ; but at length, quarrelling among themselves, and finding the besieged hold out so manfully, and withal being struck with awful astonishment, at the extraordinary bravery of Maccapapa*, who was said to be in- vincible by the immediate protection of the gods J — they raised the siege, and each party

• It will be recollected that Maccapapa was formerly in the

service of Toe Oomoo ; but at the peace he left Vavaoo, ap- prehensive that Fin aw might play him some treaclvery. THE TONGA ISLANDS. 343 repaired as quickly as possible to its own for- tress, lest it should be taken possession of by some enemy. During the siege, all the women made themselves remarkable by their resolute assistance in the defence of the place ; lest, for want of men, it should be taken by the enemy. The widows of Teoo Cava*, however, were so afflicted at his loss, that many of them, it is said, strangled themselves-]-. At this time, Toobo Malohi sent word to his

• Speaking of Teoo Cava calls to mind a circumstance,

mentioned in the second missionary voyage, respecting Eliza Mosey and a black woman, both belonging to the American ship Duke of Portland, Captain Lovat Melon ; the date is not mentioned. Through the treachery of Teoo Cava, (who from mistake of pronunciation they call Ducava,) the crew were all murdered, excepting three or four persons, among whom were Eliza Mosey, and the black woman. The latter was still at the Hapai islands when Mr. Mariner left ; she latterly became insane, but lived as a sort of domestic, (being harmless,) with a certain female chief, who treated her kindly. Eliza Mosey became one of the wives of Teoo Cava, who was much envied by the other chiefs on that ac- count, she being a white woman. She made her escape af- terwards, in the Union of New York, and arrived at Port .Tackson, where she remained. Mr. Mariner has since acci- dentally heard from a woman who had been at Port J ackson, that Eliza Mosey returned afterwards to Tonga, with a ship that went for the purpose of laying in a cargo of pork, but which was shortly afterwards wrecked among the Fiji islands, t Mr. Mariner is not quite certain whether this report be correct : for it is an undoubted fact, that suicide is ex- ceedingly rare among them. brother Toobo Toa, (chief of the Hapai islands,) that being weary of his unquiet and harassing life at Tonga, and being desirous to settle at Hapai, he wished his brother to petition the king in his behalf; and to obtain, if possible, his pardon for having fought against him at Nioocalofa, and to procure leave for himself and his chiefs and matabooles to reside at Hapai, and be henceforth tributary to him. This message was brought to Toobo Toa by a chief and two young matabooles, as before stated. Toobo Toa having communicated this request of his brother and his followers to the king, the latter, after a little consideration, gave his consent that they should reside at the Hapai islands, upon condition that Toobo Toa would keep a strict eye upon his brother's conduct, and be answerable for him, which was immediately agreed to. Toobo Toa thereupon got ready a large canoe, and proceeded to Hihifo to receive his brother, who came on board with all his chiefs and choice warriors; the remainder of his attendants followed afterwards in another canoe. Having touched, in their way, at the Hapai islands, they proceeded on to Vavaoo, to pay their respects to Finow, and to receive his pardon.

As soon as the king heard of their arrival at Vavaoo, he repaired with all his chiefs and matabooles to the house on the malái at Neafoo, having, besides their usual dress, small mats round the middle, significant of its being a solemn occasion, and out of respect, too, for Toobo Malohi (although he came as an humble suppliant), for he was a very great chief, superior even to Toobo Toa, as being his elder brother. Toobo Malohi being informed that the king was already seated in the large house on the malái, ready to receive him, he and his followers, being all dressed in large mats, expressive of their very great respect, with leaves of the ifi tree round their necks as a mark of submission, went forth, with due sentiments, thus habited, and accompanied by a priest, to a house dedicated to Tali-y Toobó, and sat down before it. The priest then addressed the divine spirit that was supposed to reside there, to the following purpose: "Here thou seest the men who have come from Tonga to implore thy pardon for their crimes; they have been rebels against those chiefs who hold power from divine authority, but, being sorry for what they have done, they hope that thou wilt be pleased to extend thy protection towards them for the future." The priest then rose up, and laid a piece of cava root under the eaves of the house: after which he proceeded towards Finow, with the suppliants all following him, one close after another in the order of their rank, their heads bowed down, and their hands clasped before them, and, entering the house on the side opposite the king, they seated themselves before him and his matabooles, their hands still clasped together, and their heads bowed down almost to touch the ground. After a little time, the priest, who sat between them and the king, addressed the latter to the following purpose: "You here see Toobo Malohi, and his chiefs and followers, who have been to implore the pardon of Tali-y Toobó, and are now come to humiliate themselves before you: not that they expect you will pardon them after so obstinate a rebellion, but they come to endeavour to convince you of their sorrow for so great and heinous a crime: they have no expectation but to die, therefore your will be done^[1]." After a short pause, the priest again said, "pass your sentence, Finow he then rose up, and retired among the people. In a little time, Finow said to the supplicants, "Toogooá he lo iji," Take off the ifi leaves (which is a sign of pardon): of which command they took no notice, as if unwilling to believe so great a mercy was shewn to them. Finow again said, "Toogooá he lo ifi," upon which each took off his ifi leaves, but they all remained in the same posture. Before we go further it must be observed, that there were vacant places left among Finow's chiefs and matabooles for Toobó Malohi and his principal followers, who were of sufficient rank, to be called to after they had received their pardon; but for a great chief, circumstanced as was Toobó Malohi, to obey this summons (which is always pronounced by the mataboole sitting next to Finow) would neither be so respectful nor so prudent as to remain where he was, and take no notice of it, as if altogether unworthy of being so exalted; whilst a chief of less noble rank would not hesitate to obey the command, and take the seat appointed for him. All this is done upon the principle, that a great chief, so offending, ought to keep himself as humble as possible, lest, having great power and authority, he might be suspected of intentions to equalize himself with his superiors, and ultimately to revolt: whereas minor chiefs, having but little power, are not liable to excite jealousies: besides which, these minor chiefs, being governed by their superior, are thought to be less criminal than he who leads them astray by his authority. This formed a subject of dispute, beforehand, among the company: some thought that Toohó Malohi would instantly obey the order to take his appointed seat, conscious of his exalted rank, and fearless of the jealousy of Finow: the greater part, however, were of opinion, that he would remain where he was, knowing well the revengeful disposition of the How, and his promptitude to sacrifice those whom he suspected. In a little time this matter was put out of dispute. The mataboole on Finow's right hand exclaimed aloud, "Toobó Malohi! here is a place for you." The chief seemed not to hear the summons, keeping his head bowed down to the earth: the mataboole again said, "Toobó Malohi! here is a place for you but his ears were still shut, and he preserved the same humble posture. The mataboole then said to the others successively (mentioning their names in the order of their rank), "here is a place for you;" and they accordingly seated themselves as their names were called over, in the places appointed for them (i. e. those who were of sufficient rank to sit in the circle, the others retiring among the people), leaving Toobó Malohi seated by himself in the middle of the ring. Cava was now prepared, and served out to the company, each in his turn, according to his rank, not excepting Toobó Malohi, who, in this case, was served the fourth: when the cava was presented to hhn, he neither took it nor raised up his head, but speaking to somebody who sat a little behind him, that person stretched his arms forward, and, receiving it for him, took it away, reserving it for Toobó Malohi, to drink after the cava party should be dissolved. The company, having finished their cava, dispersed, and Toobó Malohi retired to take his.

This chief and his followers remained at Vavaoo about a fortnight before they sailed to the Hapai islands; during which time he entertained Finow with an account of different transactions at Tonga, relating what conspiracies had been devised, what battles had been fought, what brave chiefs and warriors had fallen. Every time he mentioned the death of a hero, Finow struck his breast with his fist, exclaiming, "What a warrior has fallen in a useless war!" or something to that purpose.

Before Toobó Malohi and his chiefs took their departure, Finow repeated his orders to Toobó Toa to keep a watchful eye upon them, and to give him the earliest information, if he discovered any symptoms of conspiracy, for he said he expected something of the kind, as they were all choice warriors, and had been well experienced at the Fiji islands.

1. This speech of the priest is to be considered more a matter of form than the real sentiments of the suppliants.