THOMSON, WILLIAM
On December 18 of 1886, the USS Mohican anchored at Easter Island.
William J. Thomson, the ships accountant, it was the opportunity of a lifetime, and he had prepared himself for it. He learned Tahitian, and after meeting with Bishop Jaussen, he was allowed to photograph seven rongo rongo tablets that the missionaries had given the bishop in 1868. Thomson hired Alexander Salmon to guide him around the island and act as interpreter.
