p. 49-50, aboard a whaler name Citizen, Bill arrives in Oahu: When the ship first comes into port, some papers circulate on board inviting us to call upon the missionary and seaman’s chaplain, the Rev. S. C. Damon.
I feel under obligation to see him because my mother had requested that I take advantage of such opportunities.
Persuading one of my shipmates to go with me, we find his residence and have a pleasant visit. The missionary presents us with some tracts, periodicals, and a hymnal.
I ask, ‘Is there anything to pay?’
‘Not especially,’ replies the missionary. ‘But if you feel like giving anything, it will be very acceptable.’
These words touch a tender spot.
I give him a silver dollar, just about all the money I have.
Later I write these words on the flyleaf of the hymnal: ‘Presented by S. C. Damon to E. D. Bill at the Sandwich Islands, 1844.’
When the Captain questions me about my visit, I show him the hymnal with the inscription in it.
Angrily he takes the book from me and writes in it, ‘For which I paid him One Dollar. D. F. Lansing.’
He then swears and declares, ‘Those men are supplied with all these books free, and they are to be given away without any intimation that there is an obligation to pay!’