imprinting their own views on the tabula rasa of a stranger's mind,
have exercised an unseemly overhaste in giving the conversation an
anti-missionary twist. They apparently desire to convey the
impression that the New England teachers, finding a people rejoicing
in the innocence and simplicity of Eden, taught them the knowledge
of evil, turned them into a nation of hypocrites, and with a strange
mingling of fanaticism and selfishness, afflicted them with many
woes calculated to accelerate their extinction, CLOTHING among
others. The animus appears strong and bitter. There are two
intelligent and highly educated ladies on board, daughters of
missionaries, and the candid and cautious tone in which they speak
on the same subject impresses me favourably. Mr. Damon introduced
me to a very handsome half white gentleman, a lawyer of ability, and
lately interpreter to the Legislature, Mr. Ragsdale, or, as he is
usually called, "Bill Ragsdale," a leading spirit among the natives.
His conversation was eloquent and poetic, though rather stilted, and
he has a good deal of French mannerism; but if he is a specimen of
native patriotic feeling, I think that the extinction of Hawaiian
nationality must be far off. I was amused with the attention that
he paid to his dress under very adverse circumstances. He has
appeared in three different suits, with light kid gloves to match,
all equally elegant, in two days. A Chinese gentleman, who is at
the same time a wealthy merchant at Honolulu, and a successful
planter on Hawaii, interests me, from the quiet keen intelligence of
his face, and the courtesy and dignity of his manner. I hear that
he possesses the respect of the whole community for his honour and
integrity. It is quite unlike an ordinary miscellaneous herd of
passengers. The tone is so cheerful, courteous, and friendly, and
people speak without introductions, and help to make the time pass
pleasantly to each other.