U.S.S. Steam Frigate Mississippi (Departure from Honolulu 1854)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, November 11, 1854.

This vessel left our harbor on Thursday morning, for San Francisco, and took a mail for the United States and Europe.

The Mississippi has been sixteen days in port, having arrived on the 23s ult. from Japan. During her stay she has diligently engaged in coaling, taking in water and repairing damages received in the gale of Oct. 7th.

On Wednesday the 8th inst., having completed coaling, &c., Capt. Lee gave a general invitation to the residents of Honolulu to visit his ship, and a large number availed themselves of the opportunity.

On account of indisposition, His Majesty was prevented from going on board, as he had anticipated. His Excellency the Governor of Oahu and suite, however, went off, as well as His Majesty's Ministers of Foreign Relations, Finance and Public Instruction, the Commissioners of France and the United States, and the several consuls of foreign powers resident in Honolulu, all of whom were received with the customary salutes and honors due them under such circumstances. A large number of ladies were also Capt. Lee's guests during the day, as well as the commanders of the several ships-of-war, Portsmouth, St. Marys, l'Artemise and Trincomalee, and numerous officers from the same. 

The Mississippi was in fine order, and in every department exhibited the skill of her officers, and the good discipline of the ship. The Band discoursed sweet music while the visitors were on board, and the courteous attentions of Capt. Lee and the officers of the Mississippi rendered the occasion one of much enjoyment and satisfaction.

The Mississippi, although not a new vessel, is a fine serviceable ship, and has been engaged in many important commissions, all of which she has acquitted herself with credit. Her several voyages have taken her to almost every quarter of the globe, and the present expedition will enable her to complete the circumnavigation of the earth, in one continuous voyage. Since leaving the United States in connection with the Japan expedition, her machinery has never given out, or in any respect failed to give her perfect satisfaction; she is considered altogether a reliable ship and will complete her voyage one safely and in good time, which will demonstrate the sometimes disputed point in regard to heavy steamers successfully making such long voyages.

Capt. Lee and the officers of the Mississippi have made many warm friends in Honolulu, whose best wishes follow them for their safe return.