276 SAN FRANCISCO TO MANILLA. 



erred, in order that he might not fall into a similar error ; which I 

 have inserted in Appendix VIII. 



The next day I was notified that he would be again tried before a 

 legal tribunal, viz. : the governor and the United States consul. 

 The day after, he was accordingly sent on shore to undergo a trial, 

 which he himself wished, for the purpose of proving whether he 

 was guilty and subject to the fine. The trial of Herron took place 

 in the grass-house of the king, that has been before described ; the 

 scene was characteristic, and will show the manner of conducting 

 trials in the Hawaiian Islands. Governor Kekuanaoa, the American 

 consul, Captain Hudson, Dr. Judd of the American Mission, who 

 acted as interpreter, and several officers belonging to the squadron, 

 as well as those of the government police, numerous residents, of all 

 colours and classes, the prisoner, his friends and accusers, were 

 present. At one table the governor and Dr. Judd were seated, at 

 another the consul and Captain Hudson, while the prisoner and wit- 

 nesses, with the spectators, were standing in groups around. The 

 court was opened in due form, and Dr. Judd stated the indictment, to 

 which Herron pleaded not guilty : every thing was conducted with 

 due solemnity ; the oath was then administered by the American 

 consul, to the witnesses on both sides. Dr. Judd examined and 

 interpreted the whole. During this proceeding all were deeply intent 

 in ferreting out the truth, with the exception of his excellency the 

 governor, who was occupied most of the time in searching his little 

 white pet dog, that was lying on the table before him, for fleas. The 

 whole trial was, however, fairly conducted, and resulted in proving 

 that Herron was guilty. Herron was fined fifty dollars, which was 

 paid, and the business ended. 



I was satisfied, however, that the governor, whose conduct as an 

 officer I have heretofore had occasion to speak of in high terms, had 

 in this case acted with unbecoming haste and inconsiderateness, at 

 the same time was wanting in delicacy to his best friends, for we, of 

 all nations, are the most inclined to respect his laws and uphold his 

 authority. I called upon him before my departure, to take leave, 

 when he admitted that the course he had pursued was an unusual 

 one, when foreigners were concerned ; but from the explanations he 

 made, I was satisfied his intention was to do right, but like many 

 others when vested with authority, he was not inclined to delay 

 action on a case he considered so clear as this. It proved a good 



