The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1860-01-19
vel wishers,
Ia l. Henry.
Reply Of MIR. Pratt.

SR:-The kindly and highly reputable man
ner. in which you have discharged the trust re-
posed in you. by masters OF American whaling
vessels, in the presentation to NE OF this splendid
Fig, together with the accompanying, and very
highly complimentary communication from the
donors inspires my warmest and most enduring
respect. The sensation, which this unexpected
dsmonstration has produced in my feelings, [
have no adequate language to express, but as
sure you. sir, that the occurrence will remain
frsh and vivid upon my memory to the latest
hour Of my exIstance-
With pride and the most profound feelings of
thankfulness and gratitude, | accept this - Flag
Of ny Country from my worthy and much cs-
Tened friends, who ] deeply regret are necessa-
MY absent in the prosecution of their business :;
AMI shall. | trust, ever preserve and cherish IT.,
al sacred testimonial Of their uniform courtesy,
and Oft repeated indness to me Il shall, L
t1ust, ever preserve and cherish 1T, as IA sacred
AMI most inestimablc mcmento Of their confidence
ani respect. And | shall, ] trust, ever preserve
and cherish it. as a sacred and most beautiful re-
Ps.ntative Of cur National Banner: and God
giant. that it may never trail IN the dust, or be
iTok To an external, or an internal enemy of the
American Union.
am not aware of having done any thing,
sne entering upon the discharge of my consul
III duties at this port. to merit this marked and
Vy dattering demonstration, unless a fearless,
Martial. and Independent discharge of those
e-1s- to the best Of my ability, renders me wor-
~ Of such a high and signal honor. 1t Is true,
L aid by the donors in their communication,
at M consular duties. at this port. have been
H. are % mulufarious, complicated, and often
a1aicting." But # / have. under all of these
AoarrlssIng circumstances. - conducted the
an'ular business, as to entitle ms to the conf
@aee and respect Of my fellow cOuntrymen. then
'aanot bat feel a proud satisfaction which con-
'1'H's my highest and richest reward for my in
@aat official anxiety and toll.
Nv othcial and social intercourse with the mas
q American vessels in the whaling service,
'.es / came 70 this port. has been. 70 me. not
extremely pleasant. but deeply interesting.
-' Afforded me the first -Tportunity in my life
= study and learn their true character and it i
- great pleasure. that / avail myself Of this
zion 10 announce the fact. that / have never
'|4 IN any Profession OF occupation. more lib
honorable. upright men. or men Of more
Practical common sense. They are faith
" ueir employers and honest with their Off
4d sailors Tney are not only able and cx-
i Szlmeu, but SkilIful and successful
7'rs- Their time i mostly spent upon the
"a - AMIDST the storms and tsmVests Of the tor
and The polar seas. which confirms their
ournge and daring: hence. there l. no
~a, gulf OF hay, but-what they dare ex-
and are able. successfully. To navigate.
Z |'niy eneounter the perils and appalling
: Of the Arctic ocean. while pursuing
amid the snow and ice Of thu>e iuho>pitl-
again. they are. a. I have invariably
''ers and ~eamen Of all American VS.
'In hearted patriots in feeling and <enti-
Proud Of She stripes AMI stars. under which
ne ocean: warmly and devotedly at
7g te tHloH and the American system IF
art ''sFnment and should our country be
Ia. OF the nation become involved in a war
other power, they would be found
jstI ~ most brave and daring defenders and
llu. upon the ocean. Then the true value
e4a' Of our fellow c,untryrnen. would b.