530 



AFFAIR OF THE TRUKO. 



Nov. 



sake of giving your majesty satisfaction, by forwarding the 

 business for which this assembly was convened, it will not 

 become me to object ; on the contrary, I shall esteem his able 

 assistance as of the most material consequence.'' 



The queen immediately replied, through the chieftain at her 

 right hand, Taati, that she wished Mr. Pritchard to interpret. 



Removing to a position nearer the queen and chiefs (he had 

 been sitting at a distance), Mr. Pritchard expressed his entire 

 readiness to exert himself on any question which might affect 

 the good understanding and harmony that hitherto had existed 

 between the natives of Otaheite and the British ; and he trusted 

 that those persons present who understood both languages, 

 (Messrs. Wilson, Bicknell, Henry, and others,) would assist and 

 correct his interpretations as often as they thought it necessary. 



Commodore Mason's letter to me, authorizing my proceed- 

 ings, was then read — in English, by myself — and translated by 

 Mr. Pritchard. Next was read an agreement or bond, by 

 which Queen Pomare had engaged to pay 2,853 dollars, or an 

 equivalent, on or before the 1st day of September 1835, as an 

 indemnification for the capture and robbery of the Truro at 

 the Low Islands. 



The queen was asked whether her promise had been fulfilled ? 



Taati answered, " Neither the money nor an equivalent has 

 yet been given." 



" Why is this ?''^ I asked. " Has any unforeseen accident hin- 

 dered your acting up to your intentions; or is it not to be paid ?" 



Utaame and Hitote spoke to Taati, who replied, " We did 

 not understand distinctly how and to whom payment was to 

 be made. It is our intention to pay ; and we now wish to 

 remove all doubts, as to the manner of payment."" 



I observed, that a clear and explicit agreement had been 

 entered into with Capt. Seymour ; if a doubt had arisen it might 

 have been removed by reference to the parties concerned, or to 

 disinterested persons ; but no reference of any kind had been 

 made, and Mr. Bicknell, the person appointed to receive the 

 money, or an equivalent, had applied to the queen, yet had 

 not obtained an answer. 



