Rear Admiral Richard Darton Thomas arrived on 26 July after dealing with other Pacific Station responsibilities around South America. He immediately requested a personal interview with Kamehameha III. His declaration examined whether the disputed demands made surrender unavoidable and whether the cession had been a free, unbiased, unsolicited act of sovereign authority. Having established that the difficulties could be overcome and obtained the king's assent to new proposals, Thomas formally declined the cession on 31 July. He recognized Kamehameha III as the legitimate independent sovereign and left the administration of justice in Hawaiian hands.
Chapter · 1:03:36-1:09:00
Admiral Thomas restored Kamehameha III's sovereignty
Rear Admiral Richard Thomas reached Honolulu, met the king, secured an acceptable settlement, and rejected the provisional cession on 31 July 1843.