Bombardment of Upolu

Bombardment of Upolu
Part of the United States Exploring Expedition

A drawing of a Samoan village made in 1839 by Alfred Agate during the Wilkes Expedition.
Date24 February 1841
Location
Result United States victory, Samoans retreat.
Belligerents
United States United States Samoa
Commanders and leaders
William L. Hudson
United States William M. Walker
Malietoa Moli
Strength
Land:
~20 marines
~50 sailors
Sea:
1 sloop-of-war
1 schooner
unknown
Casualties and losses
none unknown

The Bombardment of Upolu, in 1841, was the second engagement with islanders of the Pacific Ocean during the United States Exploring Expedition.

Following the murder of an American sailor on the island of Upolu, Samoa, two United States Navy warships were dispatched to investigate. When the principal local chief would not hand over those suspected of the murder, they bombarded one village and went ashore and burned down others.[1]

  1. ^ Ellsworth, pg. 144-146