Samuel Pasfield Oliver

“ In 1812 and 1813 he sailed as an officer in the Calcutta ship Hunter under Captain Robson, who had obtained influence over the Fijians by joining in their wars and assisting them to destroy their enemies, who were cut up, baked, and eaten in his presence. In September 1813 a portion of the crew of the Hunter, when on shore at Vilear. was attacked by the Fijians, and fourteen of the Europeans were slain, Dillon, with a certain Prussian refugee, Martin Bushart, and a lascar alone escaping alive. ”

“ DILLON, PETER (1785?–1847) , navigator in the South Seas, born about 1785, seems to have been engaged in the sandalwood trade between the West Pacific Islands and China from his youth upwards, as he states that when in the Mercury, during 1809, he visited New Zealand and the Fiji Islands, where he remained four months, 'associating very much with the natives' and learning their language. ”

“ After touching at Rotumah Island, Tucopia was reached on 5 Sept., when, by means of Martin Bushart, friendly intercourse was opened with the natives, and more information obtained about the ships of La Pérouse; a silver sword-handle and other relics brought from Mannicolo were purchased from the Tucopians. ”