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Historical Records of New Zealand Vol. II.

Clendon to Secretary of State

Clendon to Secretary of State.

Consulate of the United States
Bay of Islands3rd July 1840

To the Honle John Forsyth
Secretary of State &c.

Sir

,—

I have the honor to enclose returns of American Vessels that have entered this Port for the half year ending 30th June 1840. Also an Official Copy of the Translation of the treaty with the Native Chiefs referred to in my letter No 6 date 20th February 1840

The British Government have formed several settlements on this (Northern) Island and are preparing to put their laws in force. At present they have only a Police Magistrate and a small detachment of troops at each settlement.

I have received from the Government every assistance required for the apprehension of Deserters and the Lt Governor expresses his readiness to aid and assist the American shipping in every possible way and in the case of a boat having been detained by the Natives belonging to the ship Hamilton of Sag Harbour through some misunderstanding (the Lt Governor) ordered the Troops immediately to the spot and had the boat given up. It was however in many cases a great loss of time to the shipping when Desertions occurred for me to have to apply to the Police Magistrate for a warrant for apprehension which loss of time frequently enabled the men to escape either by coasting vessels on the point of sailing or otherwise, and as there are but few seamen in the Port, vessels have been detained many days I may say weeks before they could fill up their crews. In consequence of which I have been induced to hold page 615 a commission of the Peace from the Lt-Governor until I heard from you on the subject which enables me to issue a warrant for apprehension, the men are immediately arrested, put on board the vessel, and are enabled to sail at the appointed time.

The Exploring Squadron under Commodore Wilkes touched at this Port and I am happy to say succeeded in discovering the South Continent some days before the French Expedition. They sailed the latter part of April all well.

I have the honor to be

Sir


Your Obedient Servant

James R. Clendon

.