APPENDIX. 553 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 

 Harbour of Honolulu, December 1st, 1840. 



Sir, 



On your arrival at Upolu, you will endeavour again to capture the 

 chief Opotuno; and you will also obtain ample justice for the late 

 murder of an American seaman on that island. The papers relating 

 to him are herewith furnished for your guidance. Your endeavours 

 must be to impress them with the belief that they cannot commit 

 these acts with impunit}^ 



It is impossible to point out the mode by which you may most 

 readily succeed in these views ; but it is believed, that the capture of 

 the principal chiefs would readily obtain the persons who have com- 

 mitted this crime, and, I doubt not, Opotuno himself 



Hostile steps are to be avoided as much as possible ; and it is desi- 

 rable that this service should be performed without risking the lives 

 of those under your command. 



On Strong's Island there are very many rascals, who are continu- 

 ally plundering unarmed vessels. Any measures you may be able to 

 pursue to rid our commerce and whale-fishery from this evil, will be 

 sanctioned by me. 



I enclose you the journal of Captain Dowsett, of the schooner Vic- 

 toria, who was some time since left on the Pescadores. The accompa- 

 nying letters will give you all the information extant about them and 

 the schooner Waverley, sent on a shelling voyage, and believed now, 

 from information received, to be lying at Strong's Island. Any informa- 

 tion relative to her actual fate, or that of her crew, and that of Captains 

 Dowsett, Scott, and Cathcart, will be satisfactory to their friends. 



Guns were fired on the American schooner Honduras, at Strong's 

 Island, supposed by foreigners. You will investigate this matter, and 

 spike any guns that may be in the hands of foreigners. The natives 

 are said to be very friendly. 



It is generally supposed that the vessel was cut off by a set of des- 

 peradoes, who are now on Strong's Island, and who are a pest to every 

 vessel touching there. You will adopt such measures as the case 

 may seem to you to warrant. I need not say to you that it is de- 

 sirable that all and every kind of information respecting this group 

 will be looked for. I am, &c., 



Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding JExplormg Expedition. 



Captain Wm. L. Hudson, 



U. S. Ship Peacock. 

 VOL. IV. 139 



