398 NEW ZEALAND. 



before they departed, which restored their good humour, and they 

 went away shouting. 



In the mean time, Mr. J. R. Clendon, an Englishman acting as 

 American consul, the missionaries, and many interested persons 

 residing there, or about becoming settlers, were made to understand 

 that their interest would be much promoted if they should forward 

 the views of the British government. Every exertion was now 

 made by these parties to remove the scruples of the chiefs, and 

 thus to form a party strong enough to overreach the rest of the 

 natives, and overcome their objections. About forty chiefs, prin- 

 cipally minor ones, — a very small representation of the proprietors of 

 the soil, — were induced to sign the treaty. The influence of Mr. 

 Clendon, arising from his position as the representative of the United 

 States, was among the most efficient means by which the assent, 

 even of this small party, was obtained. The natives placed much 

 confidence in him, believing him to be disinterested. He became a 

 witness to the document, and informed me, when speaking of the 

 transaction, that it was entirely through his influence that the treaty 

 was signed. 



The Lieutenant-Governor installed himself, confirmed the appoint- 

 ments of a host of government officers, and the whole machinery, 

 that had been long prepared, was put in motion. Proclamations 

 were issued by him, extending his authority over all the English 

 residents on both islands ! and it was considered by the Englishmen 

 as good as law, though far otherwise by the other foreigners. After 

 this, the Lieutenant-Governor proceeded to the district of the Thames 

 River, or Hawraki, in the Herald, for the purpose of procuring a 

 similar cession of the country; but, before this could be consummated, 

 he was attacked with paralysis, and the Herald was obliged to depart 

 for Sydney. 



So far as the chiefs understand the agreement, they think they 

 have not alienated any of their rights to the soil, but consider it only 

 as a personal grant, not transferable. In the interview I had with 

 Pomare, I was desirous of knowing the impression it had made upon 

 him. I found he was not under the impression that he had given up 

 his authority, or any portion of his land permanently ; the latter he 

 said he could not do, as it belonged to all his tribe. Whenever this 

 subject was brought up, after answering questions, he invariably 

 spoke of the figure he would make in the scarlet uniform and 



