Part 3
Last week, part 2 ended when the fight between traders and indigenous Fijians ended and sandalwood trader William Lockerby managed to escape.
William Lockerby, after his fortunate rescue and near death encounter, proceeded to see the old King of Bua who was still in great fear of the enemy.
Lockerby’s journal stated that Tui Bua’s fort had several of the seamen from the ship General Wellesley and the king had sent his people into the forest with an armed party from the ships to cut sandalwood.
Several minor chiefs had gone to see the King and adjusted matters with him however there were still two chiefs who did not make peace with him. Lockerby had also assisted the King in attacking these chiefs and the natives rejoiced by ending the lives of their enemies.
On the 28th of October,1808 a third vessel, the American ship Tonquin, skippered by Captain Bromley, arrived in Sandalwood Bay, and joined the “Favourite” and the “General Wellesley.”
That same day the ships’ boats were fully armed, and in these Lockerby and the Mbuan (Bua) Chief proceeded to Tathilevu (Tacilevu), to make peace.
On November 10, Lockerby sailed with the Wellesley’s and the American ship Tonquin accompanied by the old King to discover a part of the island where sandalwood might be plentiful.
“The 12th we landed at the island of Taffier (Tavea), where we remained for three days,” Lockerby said.
“We then sailed to Lagota Bay (Galoa Bay) and arrived there on the 16th.
“About 50 tons of sandalwood we found already cut for us, by the King’s order.
“We paid the natives well, and they agreed to cut us as much as we wanted.
“This agreement they performed. I made several trips with the Wellesley’s launch thither, and soon got Captain Gamble a cargo, on which he sailed to Port Jackson. He paid me handsomely for my services.”
Lockerby said he then engaged with a Mr Scot who once had the command of the General Wellesley since the captain and his first officer died. “He stipulated to give me three tons of sandalwood as a privilege, 120 rupees a month, and a passage with him to China.
“The 1st. of Jan 1809, Mr Brown took possession of a small island in Lagota (Galoa) Bay, where the wood was deposited as it was procured from the natives.
“On the 6th I sailed to the westward with a determination to sail round the island to see whether sandalwood was to be found on any of the adjacent islands, I had with me 14 Europeans and two Lascars (Indian crewmen).
“We were provided with two four pounders, muskets, and ammunition. We had besides one month’s supply of provisions.
” On May 18 a canoe came alongside the ship belonging to Highley Bay (Wailea Bay) and brought a present for Captain Scot.
“It was the entire body of a man who had been cooked upon hot stones in the ground.
“The bearers of it said it was one of their enemies, and added they thought they could not have brought us a more acceptable present; particularly as it was cooked in the manner they are always done when they make presents to principal chiefs.
“We told them to throw it overboard; this they would not do ; and left us saying we were afraid to eat our enemies.”
Lockerby arrived at the Bay of Nandorey (Naduri) where the weather forced him to remain there for three days until the natives cut a load of sandalwood and returned to the ship.
“On account of the abundance of sandalwood in Nandorey Bay, I examined the passage through the reef in order that the General Wellesley might safely get around, which she did, and got here the principal part of her cargo.
“While the ship lay at Nandorey bay we took possession of a small island in Lagota (Galoa) Bay, on which we left twenty men to procure wood.
“On the 30th this party was attacked by ten canoes full of men, from one of the adjacent islands.
“They landed several times; but our men being well provided with muskets as well as two twelve pounders, they always met a warm reception; and at length were forced to retreat, numbers of them being either killed or wounded.”
On May 26, 1809 Lockerby received information that a large quantity of sandalwood was at the head of Embagaba river (Dreketi river).
“This part of the island the natives of Tatelepo had fled to, during the time I was engaged in destroying their fort. It required me therefore to be upon my guard.”
When he returned from that trip and before he sailed to the Bay of Bua he went to see his good old friend Beumbawallow and carried him some presents.
“He was greatly disappointed when I told him that in a short time, I was going to leave him.
“On leaving the village the last time, a number of old men and women followed me down to the boat, bringing some yams, cocoa nuts and plantains, indeed more than the boats I had with me could carry.
“The witnessing of this parting scene would have made anyone forget at the moment that these people were cannibals.
“For myself I do assure those who may read this, that notwithstanding the strong motives I had to make me wish to be away, I could not help feeling considerable pain on parting with them.”
Lockerby shared how the good old King of Bua showered him great kindness, supplied him with good when there was great scarcity on the island and gave him his protection from the insults of his people but also taught him how to acquire their goodwill.
Before leaving, the King of Bua went in the boat with Lockerby to the ship where he remained several days.
“We made him some presents, and the good old man parted from us with much seeming regret.
“For several days we were employed in wooding and watering the ship, and in procuring a quantity of breadfruit and sandalwood plants, which we planted in boxes filled with earth, and placed in the after-cabin.” Lockerby left Fiji on June 2, 1809, and sailed for China.
“Before I left the Feegee islands I had taken a draught survey of the one on which I was left; from this I produced a chart and sold two copies of them in Boston for 100 dollars each.
“Two vessels afterwards were sent out to the islands, one of which was never more heard of; but the other made a very profitable voyage.
“A ship was offered me to go to these islands again; but I could not think of returning there without first visiting my family, from which I had been so long absent.”
Lockerby later found his wife and child in good health from whom he had been absent for three years.
