MASSACRE OF ELEVEN PERSONS AT NEW CALEDONIA.

Press, Volume XII, Issue 1578, 27 November 1867, Page 3

MASSACRE OF ELEVEN PERSONS AT NEW CALEDONIA.

By the barque Camden an extraordinary, issued by the New Caledonia " Monif.eur," has been received in Sydney detailing the particulars of a fearful outrage perpetrated by the natives in the vicinity of Ptiebo, in which it appears that eleven persons have been killed and fourteen wounded. The following letter from Madame Henry to a friend residing at Noumea, gives an account of the disastrous outrage:— " Dear Sir, —The savages attacked our house on the night of October 12 Fortunately we were in a position to defend ourselves ; my son was wounded. Harry, a native, came to us and said his horse's leg was broken. We being friendly with him, Mr Henry was just following him out, when I discerned through the obscurity what seemed armed natives. I remarked to my son that ' something was up;' and I went to fetch him a revolver, during which time the

fellow had struck my husband, who endeavoured to reach a loaded gun, but before it could be used the savage decamped, taking away a carbine loaded. My husband and son rushed after him. and fired several times, but owing to the darkness of the night nothing could be seen or done ; I kept ringing the bell, and soon had our people round us. Fortunately in the night the ships Sorez and John Knox arrived, so that we were enabled to defend ourselves and houses. The savages were < vidently watching, as occasionally they threw stones in such an artistic manner that they killed three natives of the Sandwich Islands and one woman from Li foil. On Monday, the 7th, we sent on board of the vessel, and asked for help, when we learnt of the murder of poor Bailly. Madame Demene is not expected to live ; the savages attacked their home, and a native of Mare was killed ; the rest nf the people rushed the mission house. What goods were left at our store they destroyed; no doubt had we possessed arms we could have destroyed these monsters. So audacious were they that at daybreak two of them were dancing in the garden: Folger fired at them. We recalled from the farmsall our men—we muster 130. We have sent to Governor Hongape for assistance, and pray send up to Sydney and let our friends know; at all events for the present we are safe and sound.

Let our Sydney friends be persuaded that the Governor of Caledonia will soon come to our relief. We have always found the greatest of kindness from all functionaries. No motive can be assigned; we have had no quarrel on one side or the other; the ground we occupy was bought; it had, never been cultivated, or any house on it; consequently we could not have disturbed them in any manner or way. They always professed great friendship. I was only up from a a severe sickness. Those natives who have committed these outrages found mc in green cocoanuts, and' Harry, who seems the chief in this revolt, always brought mc chickens. He had had a boil on his neck ; we used to wash and dress it for him. Only on the morning of the attack my daughter Aggie asked him how it was; he replied, •' Your medicines have quite cured it."

Surely our kindness could not have made him, when he found us so unprotected—bloodthirsty. There is no use thinking you caa tame or believe these people —treachery is in their blood. Another chief has just been arrested.

At the Catholic Mission-house four men have been assassinated ; their bodies were found in a marsh. Poor Bailly's body has been found, his head split in two from the crown to the lower lip, and his portmonnaie taken away —in fact some, had their entrails dragged out; and the details of one death are more revolting and savage than another.

" Too much praise cannot be said of private Gracher, who stripped naked to deceive the natives, and not frightened of death, at daylight he looked after the corpses, and hid them in his garden. A militia is about being organised for fear of further depredations." The " Moniteur " says : —The news of the murder of, the following victims was brought to us on October 19. Private Gracher announces to the Governor that on the 6th instant, at six in the evening, the murder was committed by natives supposed to belong to Pouebo. Madame de Meneme miraculously saved herself after receiving two .hatchet blows. Not satisfied with the blood they had shed, they attacked the stores and houses of Messrs Delrim, Bertrand, Demene, and Henry, and stole a quantity of goods. Mr Henry sent for Benorate, chief of Hieuguene, who sent some of his warriors after the miscreants, two of whom had been caught by private Gacher.

The unfortunate missionary Bailly seems to think it was caused by the influence of some persons who are against colonization. Bailly was killed by an arrow. He was a zealous and efficient person. In consequence of the confusion and terror the news has caused here we found it necessary to publish this supplement.