Artwork Information

In an attempt to foil the likely desertion of a number of the crew, d'Urville secretly made plans to leave Tongatapu on 13 May 1827, a day earlier than intended. The departure, however, did not go to plan as it transpired the deserters had schemed with the chief Tahofa. Making preparations to leave, one of the ship's smaller boats was seized and French prisoners were taken. Over the ensuing days, unsuccessful attempts were made to free the prisoners. Unable to attack Tahofa at his inland village of Pea, d'Urville threatened to blow up the sacred burial site of Maufanga. The bombardment commenced on the 16th of May, but little damage was done due to huge sand fortifications, which had been dug on the beach. The prisoners were finally returned on 20 May, although two-the principal schemer and another-decided to stay in Tonga. With the return of his crew members, d'Urville immediately set sail from the island.