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| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1840 Fiji expedition | 2/13 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1840_Fiji_expedition | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T13:25:29.163462+00:00 | kb-cron |
Wilkes arranged for Whippey to have him meet the chief or "Tu'i" of Levuku. Wilkes bestowed several gifts upon the chief, who in gratitude and with Whippey's aid sent a message to Tanoa high King Vunivalu of Bau (called "Old Snuff by the local whites) and head of the notorious Lasakau sea warriors, and asked to meet with him. After a messenger was sent, Whippey took Wilkes and 25 of his officers and naturalists (including the commander of the Peacock Lieutenant William L. Hudson and Navy Geographer and passed midshipman Henry Eld), along with an entourage of natives, on a tour and hike of Mount Nadelaiovalau. At the top of the mountain Wilkes and his scientists could clearly see the surrounding area including nearby reefs and other nearby landmarks. The group set out right away making charts, sketches, measurements for recording, and collecting plant and animal specimens. On May 8 Wilkes deployed two surveying parties on boats. One was to be led by Lieutenant James Alden Jr. who would leave Ovalau to explore the northern shore of Viti Levu Island. The second boat was led by Lieutenant George F. Emmons, who in turn scouted the south shore. Wilkes gave the officer further orders that after exploring their respective shores that they should assemble at the Island of Malolo which was to the west of Viti Levu. That same day Lieutenant Sinclair arrived with the Flying Fish at Levuka and reported to Wilkes.
On May 11 Wilkes decided to build an observatory of tents, houses, and a small research garden. It was situated 30 feet above the beach on a peak near Levuku village, and above Vi Tonga village as a forward operating center for the Fiji Expedition. The observatory was erected on May 11, with guards surrounding the perimeter. On May 12, Chief Tanoa arrived in a finely decorated 100 foot, double hulled, outrigger canoe with a sail and a 40-man crew. It landed at Levuka's harbor. He boarded the Vincennes and through Whippey was able to negotiate a trade deal between Bau and the United States. A few days later, Wilkes received Seru Epenisa Cakobau the son and crown prince of Tanoa, who further cemented bonds of the Bau nation and the expedition. Seru would one day come to unite the Kingdoms of Bau, Rewa, and Naitasiri into the short lived Kingdom of Fiji. While Tanoa was the King of Bau, he exercised the greatest influence among all the other kingdoms of the islands of Fiji, Tui Levuku was in charge of Ovalau Island. With the aid of Whippey, Tui Levuku helped the Americans maintain their supply lines, trade with Levuku village, and receive information through the first six weeks of the Fiji expedition.
== Capture of Chief Veidovi ==