French cabinet ordered merchant ship destined to the Far East to be armed according to the Dutch newspaper Bataviaasch handelsblad dated 9 October 1894

An item reported that as a result of the latest events the French cabinet ordered that the largest ships of French shipping companies active in the Far East area were to be armed as was contracted. On 9th September left the Polynesien towards Australia armed with 4 heavy guns and 10 Hotchkiss guns and 300 projectiles. After arrival at Noumea was she to unload her war equipment which would be stored as a reserve if wanted. The same precautions were taken for other ships destined towards China and Madagascar. (1)

Note
1. Probably the war between China and Japan in 1894-1895.

American whaler Tamerlane lying on 9th April at Atooi according to the Whalemen’s Shipping List dated Tuesday 5 July 1859

A letter written by captain Winslow on board of the bark Tamerlane of New Bedford, USA on 19th April at the Island of Atooi [Polynesia/Hawaii] reported that when he visited the shore searching for seamen, his ship commanded by the first mate struck a reef causing the loss of 130 feet of her false keel. Lucky enough she was not leaking and they intended to sail to the North.(1)

Note
1. Measurement 357 tons, shipping agents Thomas Knowles&Co., departed on 29 October towards the North Pacific.

Belgian discovery vessel l’Industriel in the Polynesian Archipelago according to the Dutch newspaper Zierikzeesche Courant dated Friday 20 June 1845

Captain d’Hondt of the Belgian ship l’Industriel discovered in the Polynesian Archipelago three unknown though habited islands which he named Leopold I, Koningin Louise and l’Industriel.