THE SAMPAN WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9255, 8 January 1889, Page 5

THE SAMPAN WAR.

A LADY'S LETTER. [by telecraph.—own correspondent] Wellington, Monday. The following graphic letter received by a lady resident in this city from a friend in Samoa, is published by the Post:— "Apia, Samoa, 23rd Dec. "My dear Mrs. : If you are anxious about my experiences, it will not be without reason. On the 21st we were all hurried on board H.M.s. Koyalist, as the Germans threatened to fire all Mataafa's settlements and they are close to us. We left everything, only I took money, etc., in my dress-ing-bag, which is still on board for safety. We had but the clothes we stood in, and a dressing-gown each. WeTjust looked round the rooms, and said we shall have nothing left, and then went to the ship's boat which was waiting tor us. All the men stayed on shore to defend their property, but happily it proved another scare. It) very nearly turned out to be serious, for a German baat with an armed crew chased a native, and in firing just missed Captain Hand, of the Royalist, who happened to be ne;ir the ferry. That put a check on the German movements, and they undertook to* give 48 hours' notice before firing another shot. Guns and revolvers are always kept ready, and the barricaded dining room tells its own tele. Just before I began this letter a boat pulled off from one of the three German warships full of sailors, some armed, I followed by their steam launch. They pulled to the shore, then turned and went back to the next ship. Everyone was watching J from the beach, and the decks and rigging J of the English and American warships were i crowded. We are waiting very anxiously Ito hear what it means. The German treachery is terrible. They dressed up 100 of Tamasese's men in their uniforms last Monday, and landed them in Mataafa's camp. The Tuamasagos are grand fellows, I andfoughtwell. TheytooksixGermanheads, i killed in all 15 (one officer), and wounded about 36, and the Germans are frantic but they bronght it on themselves. It is a ■ terrible state of affairs, and no one knows j what will be done next, or what to do. All we know is that we are in the midst of very considerable danger, and never know when the bullets may begin njnng about us, or the flames start up. Thank God we have had a brilliant moon all through the week which has made watching easy, but it is eerie work at night. Christmas Day ; mail leaving; all quiet so far; a happy new year to all. We have a few people to dinner today, and are all cheerful. I shall send my journal of all this war by-and-by. A daughter of the late King Malietoa camo last night to ask us to a picnic at their [ house to-day and to bring the baby. Comedy and tragedy are very near to one j another."