His Majesty's Visits Afloat (1854)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, October 28, 1854.

On Thursday afternoon, at 4 o'clock, His Majesty and suite visited that splendid specimen of naval architecture, the U.S. Steam Frigate Susquehanna, on board of which he was received by Captain Buchanan with every mark of honor and respect usually paid to sovereigns on such occasions.

As soon as His Majesty's boat appeared, on its way to the Susquehanna, the Hawaiian ensign was hoisted on the several men-of-war port, and the Trincomalee led off with a salute of 21 guns, which was followed by the Artemise, the Susquehanna and Portsmouth, making a continuous salute of 84 guns, which woke the echoes among the hills around Honolulu, and, in conjunction with manned yards, dressed ships, and numerous boats in motion, was an excavating and lively scene, seldom if ever before witnessed in this harbor.

The process of coaling having been completed, the Susquehanna was in as fine condition as skill and Harbor could make her, and her perfectly neat appearance reflected much credit upon her commander and officers. 

It would be difficult, we imagine, to find, in any navy in the world, a combination of good qualities surpassing those of the Susquehanna, most of which strike at once the visitor with admiration, and all of which were pointed out to His Majesty by the courteous officers of the ship. The beautiful engine and ponderous machinery of the Susquehanna, as well as her heavy armament and perfect equipments, were examined by His Majesty with particularity, and elicited frequent expressions of admiration; and after spending two hours on board, His Majesty took leave, well pleased with the ship and the attentions he had received on board.

On leaving the Susquehanna, His Majesty proceeded at once to the U.S. Ship St marts, where he was also received with all honor by Capt. Bailey and the officers of that ship.

The St. Marys had been fitted up for a large party, her midship, guns removed, and the main and poop decks closed in with awnings, and decorated with flags, evergreens and chandeliers, in most beautiful style. In fact, the whole ship was in perfect order and in fine keeping with the arrangements for the entertainment of her guests on deck.

Our space will not allow a detailed account of the guests, the decorations, or the entertainments of the evening onboard the St. Marys. We can only say that everything was done by Captain Bailey and his officers to render the ship and the entertainment agreeable, in the highest degree, to the brilliant assemblage that visited them on the occasion; and we believe we are safe in adding that they succeeded perfectly in their object.

His Majesty retired early, but the "sma' hours"  were witness to the return of the boat that conveyed the last ashore.