APPENDIX. 423 



particularly as respects the deportment of American seamen ; and 

 every facility offered to other consuls should be extended to him for 

 the discharge of his duties, by assigning for his use a portion of land 

 in a suitable situation to enable him to perform his duties advantage- 

 ously, particularly as you invited the President to send him, and re- 

 quested that our vessels might visit your ports. 



4th. Relative to the inefficiency of the laws in regard to the appre- 

 hension of deserters from the whale-ships, and the absolute necessity 

 of providing a jail or place for their safe-keeping, until they can be 

 sent on board ; also, for the appointment of a proper police to watch 

 over and secure any offenders, otherwise it is impossible that, the 

 consul can carry into effect the good intentions of the President, that 

 all who violate the laws may be punished and made examples of. 



5th. It has been represented that a law formerly existed or still 

 exists, exacting from seamen landing on this island the sum of thirty 

 dollars. 



If there is such a law it is extremely oppressive to them, as they 

 are under the protection of, to be taken care of, and sent away by the 

 consul as soon as convenient, agreeably to the laws of the United 

 States. Any such law should be revoked or amended. Seamen else- 

 where are exempted from such dues, unless they do not leave in a 

 reasonable time, or intend to become residents. 



The President and country entertain the fullest confidence that 

 justice will be exercised at all times to American citizens, and that 

 they will be safely guarded and protected in their rights secured to 

 them by treaty and assurances given them heretofore. 



The President will order vessels of war to visit these islands fre- 

 quently, for the protection of American citizens and commerce, and to 

 see that justice be done to all. 



The undersigned requests that this communication may receive the 

 careful attention and consideration of the Queen and chiefs, and that 

 a written answer may be returned to him on his anchoring in the 

 harbour of Papieti, where he intends to proceed with the vessels under 

 his command in a few days, for the purpose of affording the Queen 

 and chiefs an opportunity of visiting the vessels, and of receiving a 

 few tokens of friendship from the President as evidences of his con- 

 tinued regard. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



(Signed) Charles Wilkes, 



Commanding Exploring Expedition. 

 U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



Matavai Bay, Sept. 18th, 1839 



