Volltext Seite (XML)
There being abundance of fire-arms in Kororadika, in a very short time every man was armed. The command of this heterogeneous brigade, which was about two hundred strong, devolved upon Lieutenant Scott. One division was led by an auctioneer, whose professional witticisms and volubility excited a great deal of merriment: another part of the force was commanded by an old soldier, now converted into a peaceful and prosperous trader. The auctioneer’s division proceeded to the beach, in order to cutoff the communication of the natives with their canoes ; the remainder took up a position in rear of the settlement, to act as a reserve, and to prevent the escape of the natives towards the hills. Never before had Kororadika witnessed so much of “ the pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war.” By these proceedings the natives were overawed, and when the boats with the soldiers were seen rounding the promontory of Wahapu, many of them ran precipitately towards the heights, and the others seated themselves in a close circle upon the ground, in token of absolute sub mission, with an expression of extreme terror in their countenances. The soldiers having landed, were drawn up in readiness for action within a little distance; and Mr. Shortland, ac companied by Major Bunbury, the rangatira of the dreaded hoyas, or soldiers, advanced and addressed them, through the interpreter, in terms of severe reproof, for their attempt to interfere with the course of justice. He intimated the firm determination of the Government to protect the lives and the property of all, without distinction, between the Tangata Maori or Tangata Pakeha, the native or the European. It was, he said, the duty and the determination