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IHl dT - 'a'”*'. nt - '■4r’ *.< J.T . .■s . . 4, I j . .i- . .raciilAvI^ ^ ^ r ^ f- . j. iS'-U, 'i> yi--| . • -V*. ,tw»tr» 4 »X .tfncS .nlttlanav^ ' ' .«8^i ’ ' 4 V I ■f tftfehnsi ^^13^ We the undersigned officers of the United States East India Squadron, having upon our arrival at this place, heard various runnors in relation and derogato- ry to, the American Mission at these islands, feel it to be due, not only to the missionaries themselves, but to the cause of truth and justice, that the most unqualified testimony should be given in the case; and do therefore order one thousand copies of the annexed article and correspondence to be printed for gratuitous distribution, as being the most effectual mode of set- tling this agitated question in the minds of an intelli- gent and liberal public. Being most decidedly of opinion that the persons composing the Protestant mission of these islands are American citizens, and, as such, entitled to the pro- tection which our Government has never withheld; and with unwavering confidence in the justice which has ever characterized it, we rest assured that any in- sult offered to this unoffending class will be promptly redressed. It is readily admitted that there may be in the ope- ration of this, as in all other systems in which falli- ble man has any agency, some objectionable peculiari- ties; still, as a system, it is deemed comparatively unexceptionable, and believed to have been pursued in strict accordance with the professed principles of the Society which it represents; and it would seem that the salutary influence exerted by (be mission on the native population, ought to commend it to the con- fidence and kind feelings of all interested in the dis- semination of good principles. GEO. A. MAGRUDER, Lieutenanl. ANDREW H. FOOT, Lieutenant. JOHN W. TURK, Lieutenant. THOMAS TURNER, Lieutenant. JAS. S. PALMER, Lieutenant. EDWD. R. THOMSON, Lieutenant. AUGUSTUS H. KILTY, Lieutenant. GEO. B. MINOR, Lieutenant. JOHN HASLETT, Surgeon of the Fleet. JOHN A. LOCKWOOD, Surgeon. DANGERFIELD FAUNTLEROY, Purser. FITCH W. TAYLOR, Chaplain. ROBERT B. PEGRAM, blaster. JOSEPH BEALE, Ast. Surgeon. J. HENSHAW BELCHER, Prof. Math’s. ALEXR. G. PENDLETON, Prof . Math’s. Honolulu, Oahu, Nov. 1st, 1839. Note. The article alluded to in the Circular of the officers, viz: “Art ac- count of the transactions connected with the visit of the rArtemise,” etc., published in the October No. of the Hawaiian Spectator, has been reprint- ed with the correspondence, in pamphlet form, agreeable to the request of the officers; but as the demand has been greater than was anticipated, it has been thought advisable to reprint a few hundred copies of the correspond- ence alone, for the benefit of those who have been supplied with the original article from other sources. CORRESPO]\DE]\CE On the 9th of October the United States East In- dia Squadron, consisting of the Frigate Columbia, Commodore Read, commanding the squadron, and the Sloop of war John Adams, Captain Wyman, ar- rived at Honolulu from Macao, and sailed again for the United States on the 4th of November. During the stay of the Squadron, the following correspondence took place: — No. 1. The Missionaries at Honolulu to Commodore Read. Honolulu, October 16,1839. Sir: — Presuming that j'ou are already aware of an attempt to deprive us of our rights as American citizens, and to make us liable to the ravages of war upon the nation for its alledged oUences, as tho’ we were a part ot the native population of the Sandwich Islands; and considering ourselves as having been virtually proscribed as the enemies of France by the command- ing officer of the French t'rigate I’Artemise lately at this port, and charged w ith crimes in a manner likely to prejudice the public mind against us, both as citizens, and as tbe representatives of an intelligent, respectable and phi- lanthropic chartered Society in the United States — the American Hoard of Commissioners for Foreign Missions — we owe it to ourselves as citizens, to the community we represent, and to the government whose piotectionwe claim, that w e avail ourselves of the earliest opportunity to ask an inves- tigation of the question, whether by any act or acts of ours, or by our in- structions, or intluence, or general course of life, since the visit of Capt. Jones, in the U. S. Sloop of war Peacock to these shores, we have lost our American citizenship, or forfeited the protection of the United Slates. Taking it for granted, frem your high station and the objects of your pur- suits, that the interests of no class of American citizens whom you may meet in your course, if in any way exposed to suffer unjustly, can be willingly overlooked by you, we solicit your kind attention to this subject, andrequest that you will do us the favor to examine the above questions yourself, and, should you prefer it, associate with you a number of your commissioned of- ( 2 ) firers, or if that slioiilil aeeni to you objectionable, you will consent to ap- point from your Squadron a committee or court of inquiry, consiting o( (Captain Wyman and as large a number of commissioned ofticers as can pos- sibly be spared for that purpose. While we maintain that we are not the authors or dictators of any of the penal laws of this country, or of the punishments inflicted on offenders; that we have not held and do not hold any civil office under this government, we are willing to submit the question whether the mission as a body, or as individuals, are in any way the authors or the blamable cause of the perse- ■cutions which have at di.fferent times e.\isted here. , We have the honor to be, very respectfully, \ our obedient servants. H. B1JVGMA.M, LowEi-i. Smith, Levi Chamberlain, Edwin Locke, G. I'. Judd, A. S. Cooke, II. O. Knapp, H. Dimond. To Geo. C. Read, Esq., Commanding the U. S. East India Squadron, Hono- lulu Roads, Sandwich Islands. No. 2. The jyfissionaries to Commodore Read. Honolulu, October 24th, 13S9. Sir;— On the 16th instant we had the honor of addressing to you a com- Tnunication, in which we respectfully solicited an investigation of our con- -duct in reference to the charges against us contained in the Manifesto ad- dressed to the Sandwich Island government by the commanding officer of -the French Frigate I’Artemise. Our object in presenting this petition was to obtain, if possible, a decision of the question whether we have lost our American citizenship or forfeited the protection of the United States, as implied in the Manifesto above refer- ed to; or whether we have a right as peaceable citizens of the United States,, to claim protection against hostilities from any foreign power with which -our country is on terms of amity, should any such hereafter wage war upon this nation. The investigation of this subject and decision of the question, we still deem ■of great importance, and we would earnestly renew our request for an inves- tigation; nay, we beg leave respectfully to claim it as injured Americans; that the proceedings may be forwarded to our government and to the -Ameri- can Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Should you already have made arrangements to sail soon, we would ask the indulgence of having the stay of the squadron prolonged for a few days on the ground of, and the reasons for our appeal ; unless you are already prepared to assure the United States government that we are unjustly ac- cused, and have been unjustly proscribed as the enemies of France. For ourselves we know not what is the testimony on which we have been proscribed ; nor can we for a moment believe there is any which is valid. Should it be evident to your mind that there is none, you will do us the fa- ( 3 ) vor to inform us in reply to our communications: and if there is any ground for the charges brought against us, which can be regarded as valid ; you will not fail to perceive that our duty to ourselves and to the society which we represent requires that we should urge this subject upon your attention that it may receive a thorough investigation, while the squadron still remains at tliis port. \Ve have the honor to be, very respectfully. Your obedient servants. H. Bingham, Levi Chamberlain, A. Bishop, S. N. Castle, G. P. Judd, H. O. Knapp, A. S. Cooke, L. Smith. To Geo. C. Read, Esq., Commanding the U. S. East India Squadron, Hono- lulu Roads, Sandwich Islands. No 3. The Missionaries to the United States Consul. Honolulu, Oct 25, 1839. Sir; — We have addressed to G. C. Read Esq., commanding the U. S. squadron now lying in this port two communications under date of the 16th, and 24th inst, copies of which we hand you enclosed for your information, requesting that a court of inquiry may be appointed from officers of the squad- ron to investigate our conduct and ascertain whether we have in any way violated our neutrality towards the French nation as American citizens, and may properly be treated as the enemies of the French ; and we have to request that you would use your influence to forward our suit in your official capaci- ty, as we feel that, as American citizens, we have a right to demand at the hands of our country that justice which her humblest sons may claim. When we reflect that a Frigate was sent to investigate and redress the wrongs inflicted on American citizens by the Malays in the island of Suma- tra, we feel that the recent proscription entitles us to the privilege of asking the detention of the squadron, while a full and impartial investigation may take place ; that our government may be furnished with all the facts and requisite information in relation to the proceedings. W'e feel solemnly bound to urge ourrequestfor an investigation, not only on our own account, but for the general benefit of our countrymen, of whatever calling they may be; for, if the principle be established by precedent or otherwise, that our proscription by the French commander was legal and just, then all security for our lives and the lives of our families, our property and the commercial interests of our country, is at an end. We remain, very respectfully. Your Obt. Servts. H. Bingham, S. N. Castle, Gerrit P. Judd, H. Dimond, Levi Chamberl.ain, H. O. Knapp, • A. S. Cooke, Lowell Smith. To P. .A. Brinsmade, Eisq., United States Consul; Honolulu, Sandwich Islands ( 4 ) .\o. 4. The United States Consul to the King. United States Consulate, ) Sandwich Islands, Oct, 26, 1839. J Sir: — As the opinion seemsto be to some extent entertained that American citizens residing in the Sandwich Islands as missionaries under the patronage of an Incorporated Institution of the United States, havee.xerted acontroling influence upon the framoi-s of the laws of this country, I have very respect- fully to inquire, if they have ever had any voice in the passage of laws affect- ing the interests of other foreigners, and particularly whether they have ever had any thing to do in the measures adopted by your government for the prevention of the introduction of the Catholic religion into the countiy. And whether in the treatment which has been shown to any subject of the goveni- iiient of France, they have directly or indirectly recommended the course pur. sued by your government, and also whether in the attempts made under your autliority to suppress the public exercise of the Roman CathoUc religion on the part of your own subjects they have countenanced those attempts. If they have in any of these respects controled the action of your government, will you be pleased to infrom me very explicitly in what manner and to what extent. An early reply will be a favor. With the highest considerations, I have the honor to be. Your Majesty’s most obt. servt., P. A. BRINSMADE, United States Consul. To His Majesty, K.\mf,hameha III., King of the Sandwich Islands. No. 5. The King to the United States Consul. TRANSLATION. Kauwila House, present Residence of the \ King of Haw'aii, Oct. 28, 1839. y - My Respects to you the American Consul, I have received your letter asking questions respecting the American mis- sionaries, supposed by some to regulate the acts of my government under me ; I, together with the chiefs under me, now clearly declare to you, that we do not see any thing in w liich your questions are applicable to the Ameri- can missionaries. From the time the missionaries first arrived, they have asked liberty to dwell in these Islands. Communicating instruction in letters, and delivering the word of God has been their business. I'hey were hesitatingly permitted to remain by the chiefs of that time, be- cause they were said to be about to take away the country. We e.\ercised forbearance ho.vever, and protected all the mis-fionaries, and as they fre- quently arrived in this country , we permitted them to remain in this kingdom because they asked it, and when we saw the excellence of their labors, th^ some of the chiefs and people turned to them in order to be instructed in letters, for those things were in our opinion really true. VVlien the Priests of the Romish religio i landed at these Islands, they did not first make known to us their desire to dwell on the islands, and also their business. There vv;is not a clear understanding with tliis company of priests as there was with that; because they landed in the country secretly without Kiahuminu’s hearing any thing about their remaining here. When the number of the followers of the Romish religion became consi- derable, certain Captains of whaleships told Kaahumanu of the evil of this way, and thus Captain D . . . informed me of a groat destruction in Bri- tain in ancient time, and that his ancestors di • J in that slaughter, and he thought a like work would soon be done here. That was the company who informed us of the evil of the Romish religion, and also a certain French man of war, and a certain British man of war approved of what we did. In as much as I do not know of the .\merican missionaries having had any thing to do in my business with my chiefs, I have therefore inquired of them the chiefs, and they say, no, in the same manner as I now say, no, to you. Some of them however have told mo of having known certain things done by certain missionaries, viz., what .Mr. Bingham said to Kaahumanu, “I have seen some people made to serve at hard labor on account of their having worshiped according to the Romish religion. Whoso thought is that?” Kaahumanu said to him, “Mine.” Then he that spake to her ob- jected quickly, saying, “It is not proper for you to do thus, for you have no law that will apply.” When he said that, then Kaahumanu immediately replied to him with great strength, “The law respecting Idolatry; for their worship is like that which we have forsaken.” Mr. Clark also, and Mr. Chamberlain spoke to Kinau while Kaahumanu was yet alive, and ob- jected to said conduct, and afterwards Dr. Judd. And at a certain time Mr. Bingham and Mr. Bishop disputed strongly with Kinau on account of the wrong of punishing those of the Romish religion. And now in Kekauluohi’s time Mr. Richards disputed strongly with Ke- kuanaoa, urging the entire abolition of that thing, and that kindness should be bestowed on them, that they might be pleased, giving them al.so an in- structor to teach them the right way; and thus also he said to Kekauluohi and to mo. And afterwards when Mr. Bingham heard by Mr. Ilooperthat certain wo. men were confined in irons at the fort he went immediately and made known to Kekuanaoa the wickedness of their confinement for that thing, and when Kekuanaoa heard it, he immediately sent a man, and afterwards went him- self to the fort to set the prisoners free, for their confinement was not by order of the chiefs. Should it be said by accu.sers that the .\merican missionaries are the authors, of one law of the kingdom, the law respecting the sale of rum, or if not, that they have urged it strongly, I would say, a number of Captains of whalft Ships commenced that thing, thousands of my own people supported them^ and when my chiefs saw that it was a good thing, they requested me to do according to the petition of that company, and when I saw that it was real" ly an excellent thing, then I chose that as a rule of my kingdom. (GJ- But that thinj which you speili to me of, that they act with us, or over- rule our acts, wc3eny it, it is not so. 'We think that perhaps tlie.se are tlieir real crimes; Their teaching us knowledge. Their living with us, and sometimes trans- kiting between us and foreigners. Their not taking the sword into their liand and saying to us with power, stop, ptuiish not the worshipers in the Koinish religion. B.it, to stand at variance with, and to confine that compan;.’, they have never spoken like that since the time of Kaahunijinu I. down to the time that the Romish priest was confined on board the Euro pa. I think, perhaps these things are not clear to you; it would perhaps be proper, therefore, that the American missionaries siiould be e.vainined be- ^e you and Commodore Read, and us also. T* us I have written you with Respect. (Signed) Iu\.MEHAMEHA UI. No. G. Commodore Read to the JUissionarics. U. States Frigate Columbia, t Honolulu Roads, Oaliu, October 28th, 18.39. j Gentleme.v;— The receipt of your letters of tlie 16lh and 2-Uh instant,. IS hereby acknowledged. .An answer would have been returned at an eaili- er date had not numerous engagements and pressing business prevented. I am deeply grieved to learn that on the late visit of the French Frigate FArteraise the protection which was otlered to all other .American residents at this place, w'.as refused to you on the ground of your being “enemies of France,” and that you were considered by her commander as having iden- tiliod ymurselves with the native population, and therefore liable to the ravages of a war which he contemplated making upon the goveiimient of these islajids. I am also aware that you are what you announce yourselves to be, “the representatives of an intelligent, respectable and philanthropic chaiteied society in the United Sf ftfes,” and that as siy li, and individually as eilEeiis of the United States, you a.A entitled to my p’.o'ection. Eut the acts of which you complain are of a date which h.as enabled you to make a repuc- sentatioTi of them to your government, and I am not of opinion that an in- vestigation such as that you a.sk for could at ihi.s time be efiecled in a satis- factory manner to yourselves or to others who mirht desire it. In the first place, the time I have piroscribed for remaining here, does not admit of my undertaking such an inquiry. The ri.-k atlendiiig my Ijing in these Roads beyond the la.st of the present month; the inii>ossibility too of obtaining bread, of which wo shall be in want before ue can reach South America; and tlie circumstance t'ul nearly all the officers who m ould be -required to constitute such a Board, or ('ourt as tint you propose, being at present employed on court-martial duty , arc further and serious obstacles in the way of my yielding to your wishes. If time and other circumstanocs would permit, a Board or Court migh t be appointed, but the power to summon witnesses would be wanting, ami, gefusal'to attend would place me in an awkward po.sitien. Moreover, t tliiiik that m the present state of excitement such a coui^ would be more likely to increase than to allay it; and that though yoil might satisfy your friends at home of the charges being unfounded, you might not be able to accomplish that object here. That you have acted, or meant to act by any advice or by any opinions you may have given to the government as the “enemies of France,” I cannot believe. It cannot ha supposed by me that you entertain hostility towards a nation with which we are at peace, and towards the subjects of nhichitisthe desire of onr government and people to cherish a friendship. This charge h.as no doubt grown out of the barvshinent by the government ofthese islanrU, ofsome llopiin Catholic Priests, and the prosecuiionofsoine of the native proselytes to the Roman Catholic religion, measures, of which you have been considered the advisers. .No proof, however, has been receiv- ed by me that you were the authors of these acts, and from information received 1 have every reason to believe that the landing on these Isl.ands of clerg yinen of the Roman catholic faith was opposed by o;hers than those of tiie American mission, or of the, country from which the mission comes, from a conscientious belief that ir wrmld promote the happiness of tho people to have but one religious creed taught them. Cut admitting that you did exercise the influence which your situation gave you to prevent other religious denominations coming here, you did no more than counsel, as is natural to man in such cases. Some of yoji were the first missionaries who came hither to teach the gospel of iha^ld and New Testament. Vou obtained a favorable reception and siicccecfed in the accomplishment of your object beyond exi>cctatioii, having in a few years converted to the faith you preached, a greater propoi* lion of the inhabitants than has been e;Tccted in any other quarter of the- globe in the same time. In a population of only 100,000 human brings, at which the inhabif.ants of- this archipelago is estimated, it was thought lh.'>t much mischief might grow out of a gcne.-al permission to the clergy of all denominations to tc.ach their- peculiar tenets. On this ground, as I ie.xrn, (he ititroJuciion of the Roman Catholic religion into these islands was oppoted, and not hecauso they hap-, pened to be natives of France who came to these shores for tho santo. purpose. If you ask me whnt steps you are to take to prove your innocenre of what you are pleased to call char-cr, and do .v.vny if possible with the prejudice which may exl-sf at Ho.-mlulu, my antwo.- b, that you have alrea- dy informed your government of all tlic eiTcuni!^anres of the case, and that. II our rulers deem an inquiry necessary they will no doubt dir^t if to be made. In the mean ti.-ne. I wo d-d reco.mnTOnd the utmost forbo^ararire as the b«5t and only rnaJr ofdisir.ming your oppo.nents of anv resentments they may feel. I shall make it my bu-iness to represent en placed-, and request that he may send a v-acvsel of war to visit you f.-om time to time. I shall also make kno'vn your appreuencioas to my go 'eriimcnt, and I doubt not every pft'eclion *eill af?*'>rd6d you. ( 8 ) Accept my best wishes for your future peace and happiness and believe roc, gentlemen, With much respect, your obedient servant, GEO. C. RE.\D, Commanding the L . States East India Squadron. To Rev. Messrs. H. Bingham, •• " L. Smith. ** “ A. Bishop, '* L. Chamberlain, '■ G. P. Judd, " H. O. Knapp, " A. S. Coolie, " Edwin Locke, " 11. Dimond, 6. N. Castle. No 7 . The United States Consul to Commodore Rend, U. States Consulate, 1 Sandwich Islands, Oct. 29, 1839. y 6i H ; — I have before me a communication from several individuals of the American mission at these islands, requesting of me any aid 1 can furnish you towards an investigation of the charges in which tliey were involved in the recent correspondence between an officer of the French navy and the authorities of this country. It seems to me quite probable that a note of inquiry calling for a specifica- tion of charges and the grounds on which they rest, addressed officially by you to the French Consul, would evolve all the information that is desired, and put you in possession of all the opinions which induced Capt. Laplace to place the missionaries in a position so offensive to them. The result of such an inquiry might be of service to our government, as well as a satisfaction to yourself; and the fact of such inquiry being made, would also serve to show to this community^ both natives and foreigners, that those who conduct the naval forces sent abroad under the authority' and to sustain the honor of the United States, are equally watchful for the interests of their fellow citizens, whatever may be their avocation, as those who hold similar commissions from other powers. With every sentiment of resixtct, I am. Sir, your most obedient servant, P. A. BRLVS.MADE. ToGeorgk C. Read, Esq., Comd’ng U. S. East India Squadron. So, 8 . Commodore Read to the U. S. Consul. U. Sates Frigate Coliunbia, Honolulu, Oahu, Oct. 31, 18.^9. Sir; — B y your letter of the 2ltth instant received yesterday 1 am in- formed that you “have before you a coimuuiiicafion from several individual^ of the American niissionanes at these Islands requesting of you any aid you can furnish me towards an investigation of the charges in which they were, involved in the rerent correspondence between an officer of the French navy and the authorities of this country.” •And you further state that it sems to you “quite probable that a note ol inquiry, calling for a specification of charges and the grounds on which they rest, addressed by me to the French Consul would evolve all the information that is desired, and put me in possession of all the opinions which induced Capt. I-.aplace to place the missionaries in a position so ofiensive to them.” In reply it is my duty to inform ) ou that all such applications, if deenied necessary, should be made by the Consul or by the American missionaries themselves, and that I must decline having any thing to do with the French Consul at this late hour, on the subject; Want oftime, the risk attending the lying in these Roads, and the belief that it could answer no useful purpose are, if I had no other reasons for declining, sufficient to deter me from entering upon an investigation of charges which have e.xistcd from a period anterior to the visits of any of our rnen-of-war at these islands. Three weeks have elapsed since my arrival here. If specifications of charges be required of the French Consul, why w ere they not applied for long since? Surely the American missionaries did not entertain the belief that 1 would lie in this exposed Roadstead for an indefinite time to inquire into grievances which it is out of my power to redress. You know that had I received the provisions sent for to another island, it was my intention to have sailed on Wednesday last. .And the reasons given in my letter of the 28th instant, were, I should think, ample to s.itisfy the American mission that it was from necessity, and not for want of inclination, that I declined taking up the matter at issue beween their opponents and themselves. Every day’s detention in my pre.sent position admonishes me the more that I should leave this anchorage as soon as possible. And if the schooner does not arrive by tomorrow, I shall feel my.self obliged to sail without the supply of provisions sent for. In answering the remarks contained in the last paragraph of your letter, I must observe that however satisfactory such an investigation might be to my govcnimcnt and self, I cannot believe that it would change the opinions entertained by either friends or enemies. Those who conduct the naval for- ces of our government will always feel thcinsclvcs in duty bound to protect the citizens of the United States atiroad whatever may be their avocation, but I am equally certain that no step could be taken by me that would remove long standing and deep rooted prejudice. If specifications ol the charges exhibited against the Americ,an mi.^sionaries by Capt. Laplace can be obtained from the French Consul, I will deliver them to my government, with a suitably earnest request that they may he inquired into. Hut if you still de.rire that I shall remain to prosecute the investigation, you must find a harbor into which the ship can go, and lie in safety. I am. Sir, very respectfully, vour obedient servant, (iF.O. C. READ, Commanding I'. East India Squadron. To I . .V. Hrinsmade F««q., I . S Consul, Oahu, .‘'andwich Islands. Some of the copies of this letter are, by mi.sprinti dated 28. ( 10) No. 9. 'Vhe United States Consul to Commodore Read. United Stales Consulate, } Saiidwie!) Islands, Oct. 31, 1839. 5 Sir; — Yours of present dale has this moment been handed to me and I hasten to say that 1 was aware when 1 addressed you on the 29th inst, ol the difficulties and cmharrassments that might attend an investigatio.n in the form suggested by the .Am. .Missionaries, and I fully appreciate your objections to attempt a thorough inquiry, at this late hour, into the ciicurnstances by which many of your fellow citizens at these Ulands have been exposed to insult and outrage. I hope that you, also, will duly estimate the disadvantages which would attend any inquiries that might be instituted by me. The opinion which 1 adopted when the I’.Artemise was liere remains uut changed, that inquiries into the proceedings of Capt. Laplace, so far as Ameri- can interests were involved, to be most eflective, should be originated at Washington; and, with that view, I have transmitted to the department of State, a circumstantial account of those proceedings. In that account w ill be found a general statement made by Capt. Laplace of oflenses against his government, for which he held certain .American citiaens responsible. The p)arlies implicated disclaimed all such responsibility, but owing to the pe- culiar state of the community', and the agitating circumstances under which the charges originated, they judged it e.xpedicnt to bring their grievances be- fore their government in the form of a memorial to Congiess. in preference to any protest or remonstrance addre.=sed to Capt. Laplace. Having adopted this decision to address their wrongs and petitions to the highest earthly pow- er to which they could look, I had supposed that the matter would be left for the action of their goverment. When therefore they desired me to further their application to you for an inquiry info the/ucts connected with their relations to this government and to that of France, 1 believed it to be their purpose to put you in possession of such truth as would be useful to the government and people of their native country, and not their e.xpectation that you would take the matter of redressing their wior.gs from the hands to which they had so gravely committed it. If it be impracticable for yon to remain in the e.xposed situation of your ship “to inquire into grievances which it is out of your power to redress,” it would “a fortiori” be inexpedient for me to puisue such an inquiry, for with your.'elf, “I am equally certain that no step could be taken by me that would remove long standing and deep rooted prejudice.” In my’ view, however, the removal of prejudice, the vindication of p.er- son.'il character or the effacing of any stigma that may have attached to pro- fessional avocation how ever desirable or gratifying it might be to all parlies, neither you or myself can be called upon pJficicUyxo undertake:— But when it is represented that essential interests are jeopardized and rights guaranteed by the highest powers of our government aie invaded, and even the proud claim to .Americjn citizenship is denied, responsibility becomes serious, and indispensable, except it be obviated by uncontrolable necessity, and such a necessity seems by your statements, plainly to exist in your case. I hope however that every attention that may be due from our government to the individuals who have represented their injuries to you, will be promptly af- forded ; and tliat you will not only urge the subject upon the regards of the I ) department to which your official correspondence is addressed, but that you will also strongly present to the Commander of our naval forces on the Pa- cific station the need of the protection and countenance of a frequent visit of a ship ofvvar at these islands. You have had opportunity to learn much of the great and rapidly increas- ing value of American interest here, and in the vnew which you are pleased to take of the recent ev. -r s that have transpired among us, it must be per- fectly preceptible how liable ail the.se interests are at every moment, to be put in imminent peril if not sacrificed. I fed ine.vpressihly happy in view of the favorable termination of our long standing dilTicnUics and misunderstandings between foreign residents and this government which has been effected by your persevering kindness and addres-s; and 1 hope that the assurance may be gratifying to you that you will leave our comimmity in apparently a better mood of feeling tlian has existed for several years. Tliose of your fellow-cifi.tens, wh.osc ob'eef of living on these shores is ra- ther to impart than acquire, will p.mbdhly feel encouraged by the very frientl- ly recognition and countenance you have alforded them; and I trust will be benefited by your couiasols. 1 feci it due to them, in consideration of the peculiar relation in which they stand to this people, and in view of the cor- respondence which you. have had with them, to enclose to you a copy of a letter recently received from f lis Majesty, in reply to inquiries I felt it neces- sary, for my own information and tli^^of my government, to make. Be pleased. Sir, to accept the assurances of the sentiments of Respect and esteem, with wliich I remain, very truly. Your most obedient servant, „ , ^ „ P. A. BRIXS.MADE. To Geo. C. Re.vd, Ksq., Com.nanding the U. S. E. 1. Squadron. N'o. 10. The United Slates Consul lo the Missionaries. I'nited States Consulate, ) Sandwich (.sloiids, Oct. •‘11, IR."0. y Gentlemen;— Your comniiinioation of the 26th instant , has been receiv- ed. So soon as Commodore Read had disposed of engagements that were then occupying his time, I addressed Rim formally on the subject (o which you solicited my uttenlion; and that you may have the earliest and circum- stantial information in regard lo liis views, I herewith transmit lo you a copy of the correspondence had with him. By my second letter you will learn my views in respect to the propriety of agitating further the matter on which you feel aggrieved. It seems due to the government whose ‘protection j'ou claim, that you should have unhesitating confidence in its wisdom, and that you should wait p\tientiy for its acdon upon a case in whicli it is understood you have sonous* ly called for its interposition. J remain, Gentlemen, very respectfully. To Messrs, H. Bingham, Gerrit P. .ludd, Levi Chamberlain, Amos S. t.’ooke, S. N. Castle, Henry Dimond, Horton O. Knapp, L. Smtth. No. Vour most Obt. Servt., P. A. BKLNSMADE. The Missionaries to Commodore Read. Honolulu, November!, 1839. Sir: — Your communication of the 2Sth ult., was received on the after, noon of the 29th. As it seemed to require no answer, we have thus long de- layed the acknowledgment of its receipt; and we will only say in relation to it, that we regret you find yourself unable at this time to institute a court of inquiry, and prosecute that investi^tion into the validity of the charges brought against the Mission, which we so much desire, and which we think the cause of truth demands. It gives us pleasure to embrace this opportunity to bear testimony to the kindness and urbanity which have uniformly marked your intercourse, & that ofCapt. Wyman, and the officers of the squadron under your command, with us; and it is our ardent desire that wherever the stars and stripes of our Union are unfurled — whether upon the sea or upon the land, whether amongst sav- age, barbarous, or civilized nations — the blessings of peace may be enjoyed, and similar testimony be justly awarded to the deportment of her highly fa- vored sons. We regret not only on our own account that causes beyond your control impel you to hasten your departure, but because of the salutary in- fluence which we have reason to believe a more prolonged stay would exert upon the government and native population of these islands. Allow us, in bidding you farewell, to tender you our best wishes for your prosperity; and our prayer in your behalfis.that by the blessing of Him who rules the raging flood, and can say to the angry .'ea, “Peace, be still,” and be obeyed, you and those who sail with you, may be safely wafted over the bosom of the deep, to the shores of our own beloved country ; that you may be fitted and prepared, not only for the enjoyment of the happiness of the life that now is, but of that which is to come. With sentiments ol high consideration, we have the Honor to subscribe ourselves, very respectfully', Vour fellow-citizens, and obedient servants, H. Bingham, Samuel N. Castle, L. Smith, Levi Ch.ambekl.vin, CJehrit P. .Iudd, Amos S. Cooke, Henry Dimond, Horton 0. Knai*P, To Geo. C. Read, Fisq., Comimnding the II. S. East India Squadron, Hona- lulu Rqads, Sandwich Island^. We are unauthorized by the gentlemen who ordered the publication of the article and correspondence, to make any comments; and shall therefore refrain from doing so, although some remarks seem necessary to a clear understanding of the views therein expressed. It seems proper to add a few words ot explanation, which we do upon our own responsibility; and first, in the Commodore’s letter to the Consul. He says, “If the specifications of charges be required of the French Consul, why were they not applied for long since.” The answer is; The mission supposed that the prop- er source from which those inquiries should origin- ate would be tlm court appointed to investigate, and it will be seen by the correspondence that an applica- tion for the institution of such a court was made on the IGtb, and renewed on the 24th. Second; he speaks of the reasons given in his letter of the 28th to the mission as being ample for not entering into the inqidry. Said letter was not received until the 29th, and as the letter of the mission to the Consul requesting him to further their application, was of an earlier date, it will be seen that those reasons, what- ever they were, could not be appreciated by the mis- sion, as they were unknown to them. Third, the let- ter of the Consul to the mission, inclosing copies of the correspondence, was not received until some days subsequent to date, hence the reason why some points in the communication of the Commodore to the Con- sul were not noticed in their letter to him, (the Com- modore,) of Nov. 2nd, as they would seem to require to be, being supposed by the date of the Consul’s communication inclosing the correspondence, to be in possession of the mission while they were not; and fourth, it may be inferred from a remark in the Con- sul’s letter to the missionaries that they sought an investigation with an earnestness which amounted to impatience. He doubtless did not intend to convey this idea. The public will judge from the documents with what degree of urgency the missionaries pressed their case. They desired the investigation, suppos- ing it to be the best time, and that a properly author- ized person was on the ground to prosecute it. They are not aware of feeling any degree of impatience on the subject. The intercourse of the commander and officers of the squadron with the various members of the mis- sion present at Honolulu, during its stay, was of the most agreeable and friendly kind, as will be seen by letter No. 11. S. N. Castle. r \ % • k y \ k ^ ^1 ' . li^ » '< •t '.lit iUt