Departure of the Susquehanna (1854)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, November 4, 1854.

This splendid U.S. steam-frigate took her departure on Monday last, the 30th inst., for San Francisco, after a stay of twenty days at this port. She took the United States and European mails, which she will doubtless deliver at the post office some five or six days before the sailing of the steamer of the 15th November, for Panama.

While lying here, the Susquehanna was visited by His Majesty and a large number of chiefs, as well as residents on shore, and was universally admired for the beauty of her model, the perfection of her machinery, and the admirable condition in which she was always found.

At the invitation of Capt. Buchanan, His Majesty and suite again went on board when she was ready for sea, and together with a large party of town's-people and officers from the several men-of-war in port, took a short cruise in her off the eastern end of the island. As she passed out of the harbor, she was heartily cheered by the St. Mary's and Portsmouth, whose men were in the rigging for that purpose, and by the crew of the Artemise, whose yards were manned. The cheering was promptly returned by the crew of the Susquehanna. The Hawaiian flag was displayed from all men-of-war in port, while His Majesty was afloat, and a salute was fired, both when he went on board and when he left the ship.

The short cruise outside afforded much satisfaction to all who went on board to enjoy it. The sea was calm, and the huge vessel was as quiet, almost, as

"A painted ship, upon a painted ocean."

So steady was she, in fact, that none of those unpleasant sensations usually felt by the unaccustomed landsmen, were experienced by the most sensitive on board.

After steaming up past Diamond Head, and opening out the channel between Oahu and Molokai, the Susquehanna was put about and stood back for the harbor, off which she soon came to, stopped her machinery, disembarked her temporary guests, firing her homeward bound voyage.

A pleasant trip and safe arrival of the Susquehanna at the port of her destination! During her short stay in port, the residents of Honolulu have had an opportunity of seeing a fine ship, -the largest, in fact, that ever entered the harbor,- while the courteous attentions of her officers, and others on board, have made them feel, on her leaving, that they might have parted from friends with whom they could have desired a longer acquaintance. 

It is possible that the Susquehanna may be retained in the Pacific for some time to come, and if so, we may see her again at the islands, where she will always be a welcome visitor.