WRITINGS OF 5AM: HOUSTON, 183t
461
Hawaii, show that after leaving Texas in 1837, John Ricord returned to the United States, crossed the Rocky Mountains to Oregon, remained in that territory for several years, then went on board the British ship Columbia (February 27, 1844) to Honolulu. In the Hawaiian Islands he became the real power behind the throne, actually "the law and the prophets," for so thoroughly did the rulers of that land come to trust him that they would never speak on any phase of their government until John Ricord had put the words into their mouths. He held this power for c decade, during which time he drafted the Hawaiian code of laws, and drew up a constitution for their constitutional monarchy, basing both the Jaws and the constitution on those of the United States with only such changes as were necessary. This is the reason, it is claimed, that the Hawaiians developed a liberal spirit, and at a later time set up for them- selves a republic, and asked for admission into the United States. No reason has been found for Ricard's leaving the Hawaiian Islands, and none, for that matter, for his leaving Texas in 1837. He died in Paris, France, April 26, 1861. Correspondence between Miss Harriett Smither, Archivist of the Texas State Library, and · Professor R. S. Kuykendall, Professor of History at the Hawaiian University, during 1833-1834, states that, at that time, Dr. Kuykendall was writing a biography of John Ricord.
TO THOMAS TOBY AND BROTHER 1
Executive Department, Columbia 27th Oct 1836
Thomas Toby & Bro, Texas Agents Gentlemen, I would call your special attention to the subject of our Schooners now in New York The Invencible and the Brutus are at present both absent and without orders from this Government. The former indeed was ordered there to refit by my predecessor in office, but he has since disobeyed an absolute injunction to return and report. The Brutus absented himself in the night without leave or license from the proper functionaries, and has brought upon us a species of discredit which cannot be slightly overlooked. I have received positive information of her in New York, and that she is hypothecated to meet the payment of 4225$ by her Commander without instructions to that effect from this Govern- ment. 2 This is a dereliction from duty and a contempt of authori- ty which merits the highest reprobation. And I desire you to ascertain if possible any circumstances connected with his con- duct which will hereafter aid an investigation of the whole matter, taking care not to awaken his fears. If you can influence his immediate return and hasten that of Capt Brown I. shall be highly pleased. They are embarrassed for the want of funds, and I fear unless some means are speedily adopted they will be subjected to great difficulty and long delay.
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