TAHITI. 



II 



3. The refusal to apprehend deserters from American ships, or to 

 provide a place for their safe keeping. 



4. The evasion of a promise to provide a place for the transaction 

 of the consular business. 



In consequence of these complaints, I had immediately requested 

 that a council of the chiefs might be held, and the 17th September 

 was appointed for the purpose. On this day I ordered all the officers 

 that could be spared from the vessels to attend. Captain Hudson 

 and myself set out at an early hour, accompanied by several boats. 

 We passed down through the reefs, and reached Papieti at ten 

 o'clock, where we were joined by our consul, and in his company 

 proceeded to the building which has been mentioned as the scene 

 of the exhibition of the schools. Here we were received by Mr. 

 Pritchard, who politely showed us to the seats we were to occupy. 

 He then called the names of the chiefs, and each answering in his 

 turn, took his seat on the side of the building opposite to us. 



The meeting being ready for business, I read from a paper a list 

 of the grievances complained of. This was translated sentence by 

 sentence by a Mr. Darling. When I had finished, Paofai again 

 appeared to make a reply. He began by apologizing for the absence 

 of the queen, caused by her approaching confinement, and then 

 requested a copy of the paper which had been read, in order that it 

 might be considered and answered. He stated that it included too 

 many points to be decided upon and answered at once, but promised 



