The expedition left Ovalau on 6 October 1858 and sailed west around the northern end of the main island of
Viti Levu to Waya. During their passage to the island, Lieutenant Caldwell's men heard many stories from towns and villages about the warriors of Waya. The Wayan chiefs responsible for the deaths of the two American traders also sent a letter: "Do you suppose we have killed the two white men for nothing? No, we killed them and we have eaten them. We are great warriors, and we delight in war". Caldwell later wrote, "...and woe to the members of any strange tribe that falls into their hands... to be clubbed to death and eaten is the only alternative for the captive. It is not a matter of surprise that the tribes along our route learned with feelings of satisfaction the nature of our expedition". . At 03:00 on 9 October, the Americans made a landing and marched inland toward the village of Somatti over tropical and mountainous terrain. While climbing through the mountains, the 12-pounder was destroyed and left behind when it fell down the side of a hill as the expedition tried to pull it up. The column reached Somatti in daytime, and over 300 native warriors were in front of the village for defense, clothed in white robes and armed with clubs, rocks, spears, bows, and some muskets. The Americans had swords and carbine rifles. Lieutenant Caldwell ordered a flanking maneuver on the left side of the mass of warriors. Routed, the natives dispersed themselves amongst the town or fled into the jungle. After,
Master's Mate John K. Bartlett, who led a group of sailors, sang "Red, White, and Blue" and let out three cheers before charging and capturing the village. The crew of the 12-pounder, with no gun to fire, took charge of burning the village, and over 115 huts were destroyed. Marines under Lieutenant
Alan Ramsey, providing a rearguard for the sailors, repulsed a final Wayan attack from the jungle after they had regrouped. In all fourteen warriors, including the two chiefs, were counted dead after a fierce half-hour battle. At least 36 others were wounded. Two marines survived their wounds by musketry, two sailors were hurt badly by rocks, one other marine was hit in the leg with an arrow, and a sailor from
Wild Wave was hurt as well. After the battle the Americans took until 16 October to return to the coast where the
Mechanic was waiting. They stopped at friendly Fijian fishing villages and spread the news of their victory. Caldwell noted that two
ramrods and one
bayonet were lost during the march, and a large amount of ammunition was used in battle. The lieutenant received much credit for the operation, considered one of the most impressive military campaigns launched by the United States in the
South Pacific during the nineteenth century. ==See also==