The government agent and mate in the second boat lay about 400 yards to the westward.
"Suddenly we heard the sound of firing, followed by yells from the natives on shore, and then we saw the recruiter-boat push out with a seemingly diminished crew.

The mate's boat pulled quickly up, took her in tow, and presently brought her alongside, all her own crew being more or less hurt.

It seems the natives had called them into the place on pretence of friendship.

A crowd gathered about the stern of the boat, and several fellows even got into her.

All of a sudden our men were attacked with clubs and tomahawks.