No. 297.
Mr. Peirce
to Mr. Fish.
Honolulu, September 10, 1874. (Received October 5.)
Sir: The United States steamer Benicia, Captain Hopkins, left “this port yesterday at a. m. for a cruise in the vicinity of this and the island of the Maui, and to return here in about ten days, the object being to promote the health and discipline of the ship’s company.
Rear-Admiral Almy, commanding United States North Pacific squadron, in recent letters adressed respectively to Captain Hopkins and myself, recommended that the ship make occasional trips to sea, provided the same could be done without apparent detriment to American interests here.
Captain Hopkins consulted with me as to the safety and propriety of the trip named, and the measure met with my cordial approbation and assent as being beneficial to his ship’s company, and her absence from port would allow the question to be tested whether the disaffected portion of the native population would avail of the opportunity to create disturbance of the public peace or otherwise; and events might prove the fact or not of there being a proper government over this kingdom, one able to sustain itself and protect persons and property without the assistance of a foreign vessel of war—a question important at this time in view of the King’s contemplated departure for the United States in October ensuing.
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The real ground of their opposition is an apprehension felt that the United States will derive some substantial benefit from the King’s visit, and the way be paved for the cession of Pearl Bay or the annexation of the islands to our country.
The King, however, is at present firm in his purpose to take the trip.
Twelve hours after the departure of the Benicia, Her Britannic Majesty’s ship Scout, Captain Cator, arrived here from South America, having on board a large number of scientists for observing the transit of Venus in December next.
The arrival of the Scout cuts short the effect of the experiment which I hoped the absence of the Benicia, or absence of any national vessel in port, would have in regard to the designs of the malcontents of Honolulu,
With great respect, &c.,