From the South Seas

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The Isabella Anna sailed from Sydney on the 14th October, [1847] last, and arrived at Erromanga on the 1st November, where she obtained during that month about forty tons of sandal wood. On the 1st instant, during a heavy gale from the eastward, she parted both her cables, which misfortune has been the means of breaking up so successful a voyage. The schooner Marian Watson was at Erromanga when the Isabella Anna sailed, having on board about twelve tons sandal wood. The barque Avon passed Erromanga on the 27th November, on her way to New Caledonia. The Isabella Anna touched at Tanna after leaving Erromanga. The natives of these islands firmly believe that the whole of their countrymen taken away in the Velocity and Portenia, and brought to Sydney, have been murdered by the white people ; in consequence of which, according to ancient custom with them, a large number of women - the wives of the men now in this colony, had been put to death. It was with difficulty any of the natives at the islands alluded to could be persuaded to go on board the vessels to clean wood - for fear of being brought away.

SG & SGTL ; Vol 4 ; Page 316.

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