While working its way back the cutter ran upon a reef and was attacked by the natives.

The ammunition of the Americans was wet and they abandoned the cutter and returned to the _Vincennes_.
Since these natives needed a lesson, Lieutenant Wilkes landed a force and burned the native village.

A few days later an exploring party was again attacked while trying to trade with the natives.

The men were forced to retreat to their boats, under a hot fire, many of the savages using muskets with no little skill.

Reinforcements were landed and the savages put to flight, but in the fighting Midshipman Underwood and Henry Wilkes were mortally hurt and a seaman dangerously wounded.
Matters had now assumed so serious a shape that a detachment of seventy officers and men landed at another point on the island and marched upon the nearest village, laying waste the crops as they advanced.