Relic Of Tragedy In Tonga
p. 37 · Read in the full issue
This queer object is the muzzle of an ancient cannon, buried breech first, near a church in Haapai, Tonga. It has an interesting history.
It is believed to be part of the armament of the privateer “Port au Prince”, which was at tacked and captured by the Tongans in 1806, and the crew massacred. Only William Mariner, writer of the classic “Tonga”, escaped. The cannon was found, buried in a native pig-sty, by Mr. R. Land, of Nukualofa, on the island of Uiha, and placed in its present position. It was photographed by Mr. Land.