Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.2): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

530 AFFAIR OF THE TllUKO. 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 contraiy, I shall esteem his able assistance as of the most material consequence." The queen inunediately 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 wliich 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 rephed, " 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, liad applied to the queen, yet had not obtained an answer. i