No Secession in Honolulu (1861)

Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. June 13, 1861. Second page, column 3. 

NO SECESSION IN HONOLULU.- During the past week the crew of the U.S. Ship Lancaster have been granted liberty ashore, and, as might be expected after a confinement of ten or twelve months on board, they have been having a right merry time of it. Every man coming ashore is expected to run the gauntlet of a horseback ride, and Jack being as much out of his element astraddle as a fish out of water, we have had some rare exhibitions of horsemanship during the week. The horses-albeit they are the kanaka breed-seem to know perfectly well who's got the reins, and make no fuss about landing their cargo under their bows or astern, just as it happens. We saw one gallant tar pick himself up five times after having been thrown as many times from his charger's back. He displayed as much courage and perseverance as if he had been knocked down by one of Jeff Davis' secession guns, and was determined to conquer or die. In too many instances, however, Jack appeared to be carrying a Dahlgren shot in his cap, as he walked through the streets, giving the lie to the old saw that "there's no shot in the locker." Secessionists among the crew are scarce, if we may judge of the display of rosettes made up of blue, white and red ribbons, worn by each sailor, to indicate that he stood for "Uncle Sam." The Merchant's Exchange, which appeared to be the headquarters of the jolly boys, displayed a large sign over the gate, with the motto:

NO SECESSION!

What our fathers fought for, we will maintain,

THE UNION!

Judging from appearances, money has been spent pretty freely by the seamen, and probably few of them will take aboard any of the pay they have drawn while in port.