12 MUTUAL POLITENESS. [1845. 



examine the strength of my arm, by feeling the muscles, 

 afterwards exhibiting his, observing, " I am a larger man 

 but I am very weak, the English are ah 1 strong though 

 not large." Two of my boats crew were sent for, as if to 

 perform some duty in the cabin ; one an Englishman, 

 about six feet two, and strong in proportion, the other a 

 mulatto, born at Nova Scotia, about six feet, and im- 

 mensely powerful ; the latter surprised him amazingly, he 

 was also one of the handsomest coloured men I have seen, 

 and a great favorite on board. Our visitor then minutely 

 examined every part of the cabin and furniture, and 

 repeatedly observed, that if I wished any thing made for 

 me, that he would have it executed by the period of my 

 return the ensuing year ; and, frequently, upon asking if 

 they had articles similar to those noticed by him in my 

 cabin, he replied, wait until the answer from the Emperor 

 arrives, and then it is probable that you will be able to 

 judge for yourself. This remark was repeatedly made by 

 the other Chiefs, and also by the secretary, or interpreter, 

 when alone with me. I am therefore satisfied that they 

 believed the ' report ', as they termed it, would be favour- 

 able. Wishing to make some present to the Chief, 

 I endeavoured to fix his attention upon some object about 

 the cabin, but he evidently avoided the subject. As they 

 seemed to notice the tea which was provided for them, 

 and which was of the finest quality, I took occasion to 

 offer a small lOlb. box, of some which I had purchased 

 for the express purpose. Verbally he accepted it, and it 

 was put into his boat, but after he quitted, another boat 

 was sent back with it, possibly because it had not 

 been conveyed thither with sufficient secrecy, for I 



