UNITED STATES’ SHIP “ST. MARY’S.”

Samoan Reporter, Issue 13, 1 July 1851, Page 4

UNITED STATES’ SHIP “ST. MARY’S.”

On the 24th of June, the U.S.S. 44 St. Mary’s,” Capt. G. A. Magruder, anchored at Apla. Finding that the people in the neighbourhood of the harbour had been careless in allowing a Tongan to escape beyond their bounds, who had been implicated in the murder of an

American citizen, at Apia, about a month ago ; and as they had not subsequently exerted themselves to capture the murderer, Capt. Magruder called a meeting, on board the ship, of the principal chiefs and people of the district. After reminding them of the law passed many years ago, by which they laid themselves under obligations to deliver up a murderer to the representatives of the nation aggrieved, he stated bis determination to delain, on board the vessel, two of the principal chiefs of the place, until he was satisfied that their people had done their utmost to capture the criminal. They objected, on the ground that they had no control over the parties on the adjacent island of Savaii, who were harbouring the man. But, as the deed had been perpetrated at Apia, and as they had not imprisoned the murderer at the time, Capt. Magruder remained firm to his purpose, and held that they were under obligations to pursue the culprit, and, at least, shew that they had done what they could to persuade the parties secreting him to give him up to justice. The Apia people then sent off a party to Savaii; but, after a fruitless chase from place to place, they returned as they went. Capt. Magruder, however, feeling satisfied that they had exerted themselves to get the man, liberated the chiefs, on their signing a document, pledging themselves, for the future, to secure forthwith any one who may commit murder among the foreigners on shore, and deliver him up to the consul of the nation to which the murdered party belonged. But, that the Samoans may not be allowed to harbour a murderer in any part of their islands, Capt. Magruder has turned to Savaii, where this Tonga man is now at large, and has demanded that they give up the culprit forthwith Io the U.S. Consul. Tnree armed boats went for this purpose to the principal district on the island. A meeting was held with the chiefs. They undertook to send after the murderer immediately, and have promised either to give him up to the Consul or tell distinctly what village or district continues to harbour him, that punishment may be inflicted on its inhabitants.

The “ St. Mary’s” left, on the 12th inst., for the Fiji islands, and will probably call again at Samoa, on her return. While the vessel was at anchor, Capt. Mag”uder embraced repeated opportunities of advising the chiefs and people on the subject of legislation, especially that bearing on their intercourse with foreigners; and, as they could not but see that he had their best interests sincerely at heart, we have reason to hope that his suggestions and advices will be the means of some permanent good.