10 TAHITI. 



were so zealously endeavouring to instruct them in knowledge and 

 religion. 



This short address was immediately answered by Paofai, a chief 

 who holds the office of chief judge, and who is generally considered as 

 the ablest and most clear-headed man in the nation. His reply was 

 delivered in an earnest and animated manner, and contained many 

 expressions of gratitude for the attention and kindness shown them by 

 the people of the United States. 



The exhibition of the schools did not surprise me so much as the fact 

 that few natives are to be met with who cannot both read and write. 

 This was not confined to the younger part of the population, but was 

 true even of those advanced in years. I also learned that they had 

 schools among themselves, and that parents were well aware of the 

 advantages attendant on sending their children to them. In these 

 schools great pains are taken to inculcate cleanly and industrious 

 habits, with sound moral and religious principles. 



The hours of attendance are confined to the forenoon, and during 

 these the schools are crowded. The parents are unwilling that their 

 children should be confined for a longer time. 



Our consul, Mr. Blackler, had made complaints to me, as soon as I 

 arrived, of the conduct of the queen and government, and asked my 

 interference. The charges consisted in the following items : 



1. The seizure of an American whale-boat and ill treatment of the 

 crew. 



2. That fines had been unjustly imposed on American seamen. 



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. 



