414 
VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC. 
[August, 
The next day, an officiar interview took place between the 
reigning powers of Oahu and Commodore Downes ; in which the 
claims of some of our merchants at the island were introduced 
and adjusted. The commodore embraced this opportunity to give 
the king much good advice as to his behaviour towards American 
residents on the island, and many hints as to his government. Mr. 
Bingham was there as interpreter. Every thing appeared very sat- 
isfactory on the part of the king and queen regent. The commo- 
dore was a great favourite with the king, who took every occasion to 
•show his feeling. Indeed, he appeared, when we talked of going, 
to evince the greatest regret, and we have no reason to doubt his 
sincerity. The evening before we sailed, he sent on. board a 
large number of fine hogs, as a present to the officers and crew. 
Thus, after spending a longer time than we had remained at any 
place during the cruise, and enjoying the hospitality of the natives 
and foreign residents of Oahu, on the 16th of August we weighed 
our anchor, and got under way. The king, and many of his no- 
bles, with the American merchants, came off to see us depart. 
The breeze was fresh and pleasant ; and, after performing the 
evolution of tacking once or twice, and astonishing his majesty 
with the rapidity of our movements, and the regularity of every 
thing, where all appeared " confusion worse confounded," we 
hove to — took leave of our friends — who, after giving us three 
cheers from their little vessel, which we returned, stood for the 
■ harbour ; while we, crowding sail on sail, hurried the Potomac 
from the island and its hospitable inhabitants. 
That the island is growing poorer, is indisputably the case ; 
and considering the amount of labour- employed, it is surprising 
the quantity produced. This goes far to prove the natural capa- 
cities and resources of the island ; and yet want must be felt, un- 
less more attention be paid to agricultural pursuits. The taro- 
patches require little labour; but other articles require much. 
There is no species of manufacture on the island, save the tappa 
cloths. The most beautiful mats are made on other islands, and 
are brought hither, generally, as taxes to the government. 
The government is in the hands of the queen regent. Kauike- 
aouli is yet too young, being a minor; but still he begins to take 
some hand in . state affairs ; official documents are signed by him, 
