to the stipulations, the latter, upon advice of his council, determined to cede temporarily the possession of the islands to the British commander, and appeal to the queen of Great Britain for the restoration of his rights. Thereupon Lord Paulet accepted the cession, took charge of the government under a commission nominated by himself, pulled down the Hawaiian flag and raised the British standard in its place over the forts and public buildings, and organized a native regiment, called the "Queen's Own," officered by British subjects and paid out of the Hawaiian treasury, but required to take an oath of allegiance to the queen.
The king sent letters to the queen of Great Britain and the President of the United States, appealing to them to restore him to his throne, and issued the following pathetic proclamation: "Where are you, chiefs, people, and commons from my ancestor, and people from foreign lands? Hear ye! I make known to you that I am in perplexity by reason of difficulties into which I have been brought without cause; therefore I have given away the life of our land, hear ye! But my rule over you, my people, and your privileges will continue, for I have hope that the life of the land will be restored when my conduct shall be justified."
The British occupation took place February 25, 1843, and early in July, Commodore Kearny, in command of the United States ship Constellation, anchored at Honolulu, en route to the United States from Canton, China, where he had rendered valuable service to his country. As soon as he had informed himself of the situation, he sent a vigorous protest to the authorities
