SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.

129

guilty. Captain Finch is commanded diligently to inquire into the conduct of our citizens, whom he may find at the islands; and, as far as he has the authority, to insure proper conduct and deportment from them.

The president hopes, however, that there are very few who so act as to deserve censure or punishment; and, for all others, he solicits the kindness and protection of your government, that their interests may be promoted, and every facility given to them in the transaction of their business. Among others, he bespeaks your favor to those who have taken up their residence with you, to promote the cause of religion and learning in your islands. He does not doubt that their motives are pure, and their objects most friendly to the happiness of your people; and that they will so conduct themselves, as to merit the protecting kindness of your government.

One of their number, the Rev. C. S. Stewart, who resided for some time with you, has received the favor of his government in an appointment to an office of religion in our navy, and will visit you in company with Captain Finch.

The president salutes you with respect, and wishes you peace, happiness, and prosperity.

[L. S.]

SAML. L. SOUTHARD.

Secretary of the Navy.

This also was immediately made intelligible to the king and chiefs, by a translation in the native language, read by Mr. Bingham.

130

DELIVERY OF THE PRESENTS.

Both documents were listened to with intense interest. I never before saw Kaahumanu more excited. She seemed scarce able to command her feelings; and before Mr. Southard's letter was finished, her eyes were filled with tears. "Maitai-maitai no!" "good-good indeed!" uttered with the quick tone, in which he usually speaks when pleased, was the hasty comment of the king; while the females, with bright faces, re-echoed the approbation, "maitai no-maitai no !"

Both papers were then placed by the captain in the hands of the king, who received them with a more formal expression of his satisfaction by saying, that himself and chiefs were highly favored by such a communication; and acknowledged his obligations to Captain Finch as the bearer of it, and for the kind sentiments with which it had been delivered. The servants having charge of the presents were now called, and these placed before the king. A pair of globes, celestial, and terrestrial, and a large map of the United States, for himself: a silver vase, inscribed with the arms of the United States, and her name, for the regent: two silver goblets, with inscriptions of a similar character, for the princess: and two large maps of the world, one for Governor Boki, and the other for Governor Adams.

The kind acceptance of these, led to a renewal of the sentiments of good will previously manifested on the part of the captain; in the midst of which, Governor Boki, accompanied by Manuia, captain of the fort, in a riding suit, with cap and whip in hand, made his appearance. He had just dismounted;

and apologized for the lateness of his arrival, and undress, by saying, that both himself and Madam Boki were ill when summoned to the palace; and the latter still too unwell to come to town. After a moment's conversation with him, the king invited the captain and officers to a glass of wine, and led the way to a side table, handsomely laid with a 'superb set of cut glass-stained and ornamented with cameos in white-on large trays of silver plate. This movement broke up the formality of the seated circle, and various familiar groups were formed in different parts of the room, engaged in easy and plea

sant conversation.

TAMEHAMEHA III., or as more generally styled, KAUIKEAOULI, instead of the little boy you knew, in 1825, is now a fine, stout young man of sixteen ; as graceful, well-bred, and perfectly gentleman-like in his whole deportment, as any lad of his age in the most polished circles of our country. I was highly gratified with the dignity and propriety of his demeanor and still more so, to learn that his private character is as unexceptionable, as his public appearance is manly and becoming the station he occupies.

At the end of an hour we took our leave, much pleased with the whole entertainment—the guards, still on post, presenting arms again as we passed. The officers expressed themselves astonished at the reception; and seemed half disposed to charge me with having deceived them, in the representations I had made-both in my published account, and in private conversations of the state of advancement among the people. On disavowing this, and ex

132

EVENING PRAYER MEETING.

pressing the surprise I had myself experienced-notwithstanding my knowledge of their state only four years ago they replied, that the truth then must be, which is unquestionably the fact, that the reports given of the people by the missionaries and by visitors, have by no means kept pace with the rapid strides making by them, in the various departments of civilization and refinement.

LETTER IX.

A MORNING VISIT TO THE PRINCIPAL CHIEFS.

U. S. Ship Vincennes, Port of Honolulu,
October 16th, 1829.

ON leaving the palace yesterday, Captain Finch and myself, accompanied by Mr. Jones, called on the ladies of the British consul's family, and on those of the mission; and took dinner afterwards at the American consulate.

The usual weekly prayer meeting of the mission family occurred in the evening. Lieutenant Stribling and myself attended; and in the participation of its elevating and happy influences, in the midst of those who we, dear H, must ever regard, in a peculiar manner, as our sisters and our brothersin joining in their praises and their prayers, in receiving their affectionate Christian salutations, and in imparting to them such encouragement and exhorta

LETTER OF THE REGENT.

133

tion as I could present from the land of their fathers, and the churches of their special love-I enjoyed one of those seasons of Christian communion and sympathy, which cheers and animates the heart with a power above the charm of ordinary intercourse.

Early after the introduction to the government, Captain Finch received the following note, in the native language, from the regent.

Captain Finch,

I am made joyful by your arrival here, with good counsel for us. Now, if you desire it, there is the house of two stories, built by my brother, Karaimoku; it is quite at your service, for your accommodation to lodge on shore.

The house is not very good-we are are not very well furnished, but I am happy to show you hospitality and kindness.

Oahu, October 15th, 1829.

ELIZABETH KAAHUMANU.

The house referred to, is the large stone residence erected by Karaimoku, during the visit of the royal party in England. Since his death, it has remained unoccupied, and is unfurnished, which explains the apology at the close of the communication. I subjoin the answer.

Regent,

TO ELIZABETH KAAHUMANU.

Your letter is very gratifying to me, and I give you thanks for it.

I would accept the house which you offer, as a residence during my short stay here, but it has not been my custom to live outside of the walls of my vessel.