its conclusion was that a court-martial for the trial of the commanding officer was not necessary. An examination of the record of the court shows that its action was based upon purely technical grounds, and that the officer's conduct was in the highest degree reprehensible.[1]
Three years after the events just related the coming of another war vessel of the United States had a very salutary effect. In 1829 the United States naval vessel Vincennes, Captain Finch, arrived, bearing a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, communicating the views and good wishes of the President. The delivery of the letter and the presents accompanying it was made an occasion of much ceremony and congratulation. The letter was read in translation to King Kamehameha III., in the presence of the chiefs and leading people, the spirit of which may be seen from the following extract: "He [the President] has heard with interest and admiration of the rapid progress which has been made by your people in acquiring a knowledge of letters and the true religion—the religion of the Christian's Bible. These are the best, and the only means, by which the prosperity and happiness of nations can be advanced and continued, and the President, and all men everywhere who wish well to yourselves and your people, earnestly hope that you will continue to cultivate them, and to protect and encourage those by whom they are brought to you."
It had been a much disputed question in the islands
- ↑ Hopkins, 210; Jarves, 263; Bingham, 283; Report of Court of Inquiry, Naval Archives.
