2-982-110 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Conflict between the Natives of Samoa and the Crew of H.M.S. Barracouta, 1876. Engraving after a sketch by Assistant Paymaster Rudge. '...the King, Captain Stevens, the Consuls, and the friendly chiefs, accompanied by a guard of honour from the Barracouta...proceeded to Mulininu...Sub-Lieutenant Ommanney reported...that armed natives were moving through the bush. The Captain immediately sent directions to the senior Lieutenant to intercept them. So little were any hostile proceedings expected that, up to this moment, the guns of the marines were not loaded. Lieutenant M'Leod penetrated through the bush, entered a hut with five of his men, and discovered it to be full of armed natives...He desired the natives to give up their arms, which they declined to do. As he was proceeding to enforce his demands, a shot was heard outside...and a general action commenced'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.