Before signing the documents, the king requested a private interview in the evening, when I remained with him from seven until ten, discussing quietly the line of conduct he should pursue, and what the civilised world expected of him — reading frequent extracts from Vattel, which I sent for to confirm him.
As I gave him to understand that I would not quit the port until I had a definitive answer for my government, relative to the disputed clause in Lord Edward Russell's treaty, he immediately consented to adopt my reading, and signed a copy that evening, promising another in Hawaian on the morrow.
He protested strongly against the charge of having forcibly taken the Clementine.
He expressed himself "very much indebted for this visit of kindness," and observed, "If I had one who would advise me as you do, occasionally, I should not get into so many scrapes." We parted on the best of terms.
I was escorted home by the officer of the guard and two soldiers, the Governor Kuanoa, and two lanthorns. This escort possibly prevented mischief, as, near the fort, we encountered a native with a musket, in a very suspicious attitude. The officer of the guard struck him full in the face, and he darted off in the direction of the fort. It has been surmised that foul play was intended. The fact of sending the guard, &c., was somewhat suspicious, although it did not occur to me until the following day, when I was told it was their intention to destroy me.
