CAPTAIN FINCH TO THE KING. 251 ances, to their sevesal countries, or entered on board such vesrels as may want, or may accept their services. The regent, Kahumanu, once asked me, what a consul had to do here? I will again answer, to take care of our general shipping interest; that he has his orders from the government; that his duties are cautiously defined; and he ought not to be interfered with, except by application or reference directly from yourself to the president. In the enactment of all laws or regulations, I think it will be for your benefit, and the good of all persons, if you will ask the advice and opinions of all the foreigners resident at the islands, in whom you have confidence. They will no doubt accord it. If they do not, then you should frame the best laws which your knowledge will enable you to do; conforming, as far as possible, to what has always been the common law or usages of the land; and if, on trial, you find them unsuited or oppressive, alter them to suit circumstances. Laws of some kind are necessary every where, particularly for your exterior relations; the fewer, and the more simple, the better; and the sooner you set about making an attempt, the sooner, of course, you can perfect a system. Wise laws are the highest achievements of the human mind. In the letter, which I had the happiness to present to you on my first introduction, you have a distinct view of the feelings of my government towards you, and can easily comprehend the course of conduct on your part, which will be most acceptable to it; and 252 PRIVATE LETTER OF also the most reasonable, as well as permanently useful to both parties. The government of the United States entertains the sincerest desire to preserve you in all your sovereign and local rights, so far as they may be infringed or openly violated by acts of its citizens; and in return, will only expect strict justice towards them, and a fair reciprocity in all transactions. The general objects of a cruising ship, or man-ofwar, are the care and preservation of the lives and property of our citizens, where governments do not exist for that purpose, or where governments are unmindful of their obligations. If any wants or disaffection are expressed by our trading interest here, (in such communications as the merchants may send by me,) they will meet the attention of my government; but I hope it will appear, that little cause of complaint exists. Had any been foreseen or known, probably my orders might have had especial reference to the cases. As a further method to confirm the attachment of my countrymen, which is useful to you, and to elevate yourself in your own estimation, and place your government truly upon an independent basis, I must urge the perfect liquidation of your debts, at the period promised; and a care not to contract others. Unless free of debt, or with ability to discharge it, no nation takes its equal place among others. Soon after I arrived, strangers pointed out to me two taverns—one as belonging to the king, and the other to Governor Boki. The impression made upon me, by this information, was unfavorable to CAPTAIN FINCH TO THE KING. 253 you both. Such establishments are necessary in a port like Honolulu, but they ought to be conducted by private individuals. In the direct gains arising from them, you should not participate—nor ought you to frequent them. Very few should be allowed --and on such as are permitted, a high revenue or tax might be imposed; by which means its resources will be increased, and the burden, at present resting on the industrious, will be lightened. The opportunity which has been afforded me, of becoming personally acquainted with you, (by your having been my guest on board ship for some time,) has, I am happy to say, conduced greatly to enlist my affections for your personal credit and welfare; and your advancement in the acquisition of our language and letters persuades me to urge you to pursue English studies diligently. By a due division of your time between studies, business, and becoming pleasures, your life will be rendered delightful to yourself, and beneficial to those, who, by circumstances, are placed under your protection; and who must ultimately look up to you for example. You are yet young; now is the period to lay the foundation in your character for extensive usefulness. Ere long, the cares of government must devolve on you alone. Kaahumanu and your other friends are advanced in years, and must soon, in the course of nature, be taken from you. The geographical situation of your inheritance is so peculiarly favorable, that no one can foresee the degree of importance it is to attain; every year its additional consequence will be apparent to you; 254 PREPARATIONS FOR therefore, I again repeat, acquire the English language. It will open to you an unlimited field of knowledge; in the right use of which, you may found a name more imperishable and enduring than the islands of Hawaii. I will only add one other recommendation, which is, the semi-annual or annual meeting of the great chiefs, for the revision of your state affairs; alternately, for convenience sake, at Honolulu and Lahaina. All that I have said, you will, I think, receive in the spirit of kindness, and as coming from your friend. November 21, 1829. W. C. B. FINCH. LETTER XXII. JOINT LETTER OF THE MISSIONARIES TO CAPTAIN FINCH, WITH HIS ANSWER. U. S. Ship Vincennes, Port of Honolulu, TO-MORROW, the 23d inst., was appointed immediately on our return from the Windward Islands, for the departure of the Vincennes for the Chinese Seas; and among other evidences of the approaching close of our visit here, is a correspondence which has just taken place between the missionaries and Captain Finch. Of this I am permitted to furnish you with a copy. LEAVING HONOLULU. 255 TO C. B. W. FINCH, ESQUIRE, COMMANDER OF U. s. SHIP VINCENNES. Hawaiian Islands, Nov. 14th, 1829. Dear Sir: It was with no ordinary interest that we looked for the arrival of the Vincennes at these, but recently, heathen shores; and it is with no common feeling that we now approach the period of the final departure of so welcome a visitor. The polite and friendly attentions which you have generously shown to the members of our mission, during your visit at these islands, not only furnish us with an ample apology for the freedom we take in addressing you a line before your departure, but also require of us some united testimony of our gratitude for your kindness, and of the satisfaction which we have derived, both from the communications you have borne from your government, and the happy course you have pursued in your intercourse with the rulers of the country. We have long been accustomed to take a very deep interest in whatever appears directly or indirectly to affect the welfare of the islanders. We have marked with fixed attention the influence of public vessels of various characters visiting the islands, and of public agents residing among the people. We have seen and wept over the evils that have prevailed in this dark and uninviting region; and while toiling, as it were, in the sweat and dust of a field of battle, for which we exchanged a pleasant home, we have witnessed a laudable effort on the part of the |