258 SAN FRANCISCO TO MANILLA. 



It was my first intention here to part with the Flying-Fish, for the 

 reports of her commander led me to believe that she was becoming 

 unseaworthy. She was, therefore, thoroughly examined; but the 

 report made upon her was sufficiently satisfactory to determine me to 

 retain her until we had passed through our explorations in the Sooloo 

 Seas. She was refitted and put in as good condition as possible for 

 service. Captain Hudson superintended these duties, while I had my 

 time fully occupied in making the magnetic experiments for the third 

 time, and attending to the rates of the chronometers. 



Honolulu showed signs of improvement, but I regretted to perceive 

 that during the year the morals of the place seemed to have declined. 

 The number of grog-shops had apparently increased, and the sailors' 

 dancing-halls, with their music, were allowed more license than at 

 our first visit. Yet, as far as the prompt execution of the law went, 

 I did not find the authorities deficient. Indeed, at times, Governor 

 Kekuanaoa is rather too precipitate in his decisions, of which we soon 

 had an instance. 



During our stay of ten days, the crews were allowed in turn, 

 recreation on shore. Among the number was Lewis Herron, the 

 cooper. In the course of his liberty, he was desirous of entering 

 one of the sailors' boarding-houses, at the door of which his progress 

 was arrested by a coloured man, who was on guard with an old 

 cutlass, and who threatened Herron with violence if he attempted to 

 enter. This, Herron, though usually a very quiet and orderly man, 

 at once resented ; and the altercation finally came to an angry dispute 

 as to who was the better man. Herron, determined to prove that he 

 was, laid hold of the sentry, overthrew him, took the rusty cutlass 

 away, and struck him with it so as to give the man a slight scratch 

 on the leg. Herron now brandished his weapon in victory ; but being 

 told by the bystanders that it was unlawful to carry weapons, he 

 determined to take it himself to the governor at the fort, and deliver 

 it up. On his way thither, and just before he arrived, he was met by 

 some soldiers, who at once seized and carried him before the governor, 

 with the sword in his hand, which he had refused to give up to any 

 one else. 



The governor had a kind of trial held by himself, and not accord- 

 ing to law, (which provides for trial by jury,) to which he summoned 

 the very man who had caused the quarrel, as a witness, without any 

 formality or oath, and sentenced Herron to fifty dollars fine, and to 

 receive one hundred lashes; while the person who had been guilty of 

 using the arms, received but a nominal fine. One of the officers 

 hearing of the circumstance in the afternoon, went to see Herron, 



