of the whalers would be taken from hence, and would aid in establishing the Bonins.
The king and chiefs appear to desire to act in conformity with the established customs of civilized communities, but are led astray by bad advice, which, in the absence of those supposed to be empowered to advise them, they consider themselves bound to adhere to.
I found this observation particularly on what escaped from the king. He appears at all times anxious for the advice and support of Great Britain, and asked "if another lord would come out to settle this affair?" or "who would come to advise him?" He asked many questions; listened eagerly to every suggestion calculated to avert any future misunderstanding between our governments ; and, so convinced was I of his sincerity, that, although my success was more than doubted by all about me, I sent a written document by my first lieutenant, stipulating for his consent in toto to my wishes relative to the disputed article of the treaty, and an engagement on his part not to exert the undoubted right of a sovereign power against a British subject, without due notice to our Consul, and satisfactory reasons to the government; and this document he duly signed without comment, at the very instant of departure. I much regret that I had not an opportunity of paying him my last adieus, after his very decided courtesy towards me.
