PACIFIC AND BEERING'S STRAIT. 109 



existed in his mind. Pitt, nevertheless, remained 

 faithful, and fought by the side of his patron. After 

 the death of Tamehameha, he enjoyed almost sove- 

 reign power, which he employed to the benefit and 

 civilization of his countrymen. His command of 

 temper was not less praiseworthy than his other virtues. 

 On the occasion of some misunderstanding between 

 the missionaries and the seamen of an American ves- 

 sel, the crew went on shore with the view of burning 

 Mr. Bingham's house, but mistaking the place, they set 

 fire to one belonging to Pitt. The natives imme- 

 diately flew to protect the property of their favourite 

 chief, and a serious quarrel was about to take place, to 

 the disadvantage of the Americans, when Pitt, who 

 had escaped the flames, harangued the mob with the 

 greatest composure, induced them to desist from acts 

 of violence, and persuaded the crew, who by this time 

 had discovered their mistake, to return to their vessel. 

 It has been asserted of Pitt that he was extremely 

 ambitious ; but his ambition seems to have had no 

 other object than the welfare of his country: had he 

 aspired to the crown, there were many favourable op- 

 portunities of which he might have availed himself 

 without much risk of failure, of which the death of 

 Tamehameha, the revolt of Kekoakalane, the insur- 

 rection of Atooi and others are sufficient instances. 

 He left one son, whom he was very anxious to have 

 educated in England, and pressed his request so ear- 

 nestly that I had consented to take him on board the 

 Blossom, but the vessel which was sent to bring him 

 from Owyhee returned hastily with the news of the 

 death of the chief, which frustrated the plan. Imme- 

 diately this event was known the flags of the forts and 

 the shipping were lowered half-mast, and the shores of 

 the bay resounded with thewailings of the inhabitants. 



