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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

The Alfred Agate Collection: The United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842

1839

Wherever Vincennes anchored for more than a day or two, Wilkes set up an observatory. Staffed by a single man, usually Passed Midshipman Henry Eld, one of the few officers that Wilkes deemed reliable enough for accurate observations, it was lonely duty. At the village of Apia, Upolu Island, Samoa, however, Chief Pea, who was also known as Tarpoo, or Great Chief, visited him frequently. The members of the squadron also met Chief Malietoa and his beautiful daughter Emma. The villagers of Apia took the explorers into the nearby forest to see a large model of a sailing ship that they had made. The "Papalangi Ship" had a tree with most of its branches cut off for a mast and vines for rigging, while a wooden framework had been constructed around the tree secured together with braided organic cords.

Harbor of Pago-Pago Tutuila, Samoa
Alfred T. Agate
Ink wash and pencil
98-89-GF

 

 

Samoan Girl
Alfred T. Agate
Ink wash
98-89-W

 

 

 

 

Apolima Island, Samoa
Alfred T. Agate
Ink
98-89-DM

 

 

 

Apolima Island, Samoa
Alfred T. Agate
Engraving
98-89-DN

 

 

 

Papalangi Ship, Samoa
Alfred T. Agate
Pencil
98-89-EV

 

 

 

Chief Malietoa of Upolu
Alfred T. Agate
Pencil
98-89-DD

 

 

 

 

Chief Malietoa of Upolu
Alfred T. Agate
Watercolor, chalk, and pencil
98-89-DE

 

 

 

 

Emma Malietoa of Upolu
Alfred T. Agate
Engraving with inked changes
98-89-CI

 

 

 

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27 March 2004