Battle of Drummond's Island

Battle of Drummond's Island
Part of the United States Exploring Expedition

Drummond Island warriors, drawn by Alfred Agate
DateApril 9, 1841 (1841-04-09)
Location
Drummond's Island, Gilbert Islands
1°21′00″N 174°48′00″E / 1.35000°N 174.80000°E / 1.35000; 174.80000
Result American victory
Belligerents
United States Navy Island natives
Commanders and leaders
 Unknown
Strength
  • 20 marines
  • 62 sailors
  • 1 sloop-of-war
  • 1 schooner
  • 7 armed boats
 ~600 warriors
Casualties and losses
  • 0 killed
  • 7 armed boats damaged
 12 killed

The Battle of Drummond's Island was a conflict between the United States Exploring Expedition and the village of Utiroa in April 1841 at Drummond's Island, Tabiteuea North, which is now part of Tabiteuea. [1] The cause of the conflict was the disappearance of the American seaman John Anderson, who was suspected, with no evidence, to have been murdered by the village natives. In retaliation, the members of the expedition killed twelve of the natives and burned the village of Utiroa to the ground. [2]

  1. ^ Ellsworth, pp. 72–74
  2. ^ Wilkes, Charles (1845). Narrative of the United States exploring expedition. During the years 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842. Philadelphia: Lea and Blanchard. pp. 56–61. hdl:2027/uc1.b3007323.