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foreign manufacture, such as cloths and early as 1803, suggested the speedy hardware, which were greatly in de- establishment of missionaries among mand, navigators, in accordance with them. He judged the situation and adthe spirit of the day, traded in rum. vantages as infinitely superior to the Fortunately for the nation, it was in field occupied by his countrymen at Tageneral monopolized by the king, who hiti. The suggestion, however, fell upon would occasionally join in a revel with unwilling ears, and America was left his wives and favorites. The disputes afterward to reap the rich reward of diswhich arose, in consequence of too great interested benevolence. The number indulgence among the women, afforded of natives who had been in foreign counthe chiefs whose heads were more po- tries, acquired the English tongue, and tent, much amusement. Kamehameha had become partially weaned from their was quite regular, though not intem- superstitions, rendered the enterprise perate in his potations. His subjects more favorable. The greatest obstacle acquired a fondness for its use, which, would have been the strong religious however, during his reign, was duly tendencies of Kamehameha himself; but restrained. Peace being now universal, could these have been rightly directed, munitions of war had lost their former as there is little doubt they might have value. been, they would have exerted an activity in the cause which would even have surpassed the late efforts of Kaahumanu, who gave it an impetus which revolutionized the nation. As it was, he continued his devotions to his idols to the last, though acknowledging their He doubtless viewed

Kamehameha was desirous of procuring an anvil which he had noticed on board of a ship. It was given him, upon condition of his divers bringing it up from ten fathoms water. To this he agreed; the anvil was thrown overboard, and the divers descended; but worthlessness. its weight proved too great for their utmost exertions. Unwilling to abandon the prize, they rolled it along, at the bottom of the harbor, rising occasionally for breath, and alternately relieving each other, until it reached the beach half a mile distant.

So favorable an opinion had been formed of the character and capabilities of the islanders, and of the good influence exerted by comparatively uncultivated white settlers, that Turnbull,* as

John Turnbull was supercargo to an English ship, which voyaged extensively in the Pacific, between 1800 and 1804, visiting chiefly the Society and Hawaiian groups; an interesting account of which is to be found in his Voyage around the World, published at London, and reprinted at Philadelphia in 1810. He was a man of enlarged and humane views. Some of his opinions have since been so amply fulfilled, as to now appear almost prophetical. Of the Americans he writes, they will do more than any others to exalt them-the Hawaiian islands -to a singular degree of civilization.' Page 125.

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He foresaw the evils which would originate from the introduction of ardent spirits, and thus strongly expresses himself. I know no sufficient punish

ment that the wretch would merit who should import a cargo of spirituous liquors into the Sandwich or Society islands; it would in every respect be tantamount to the wilful administration of an equal quantity of poison.'-Page 148. A bold and ingenuous sentiment at an epoch, when the baneful trade was not only legalized, but encouraged by all classes. Kamehameha was so fully persuaded of the evil, that, although he permitted its importation,

the system as a powerful engine of government, and more of politics than piety mingled in his later views. His stern bigotry did not always get the better of his humanity. A boy whom he loved, was doomed for sacrifice by a priest, when very low, and expected to die on a day sacred to his god. A crime so heinous could only be obviated by an earlier death. The priest told this to Kamehameha, but he sternly ordered him to bring the youth to him. By his care he recovered, and ever after was one of his family.

The saliva of the king was carefully preserved in a spittoon, around the edges of which were set the teeth of his ancestors. If his enemies got possession of any of it, they were supposed to have the power to occasion his death by sorcery and prayer.

In 1809, a Russian ship arrived at Honolulu, having on board Archibald Campbell, a sailor who had been shipAt his wish he wrecked at Sannack.

and allowed it to be used to a certain extent by his followers, he tabooed, shortly before his death, all stills within his own kingdom. Not a drop of any kind was allowed to be manufactured; and any infringement of this law was visited by a forfeiture or destruction of the delinquent's property.

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Kamehameha by his trade in sandalwood and pearls, and various monopolies, acquired considerable wealth. His stores of European, American and Chinese goods, were extensive and valuable. Arms and ammunition he possessed in great abundance, and his coffers were well filled with dollars. A number of small houses, erected after the European manner, had been built for him, but he preferred the straw habitations of his country.

was taken into the service of the king, fortunate class received little attention in which he remained upwards of a year, from their parents, and grew up in and was treated with much kindness, vicious ignorance. Many of the natives and had a farm given him. His narra- had become tolerable carpenters, cooptive* was subsequently published, and ers, blacksmiths and tailors. contains many interesting particulars of the domestic life of Kamehameha, related with an artlessness which attests their truth. He speaks in grateful terms of the friendship received from all ranks, from my much honored master, the king, down to the lowest native.' He states that Kamehameha generally conformed to the customs of his own country in regard to food, adopting only such articles of foreign dress as were suitable to the climate; although on some occasions he wore a uniform, of which he had a number of beautiful suits. The whites about him were served more in accordance with their civilized habits, being provided with plates, knives and forks. In March, 1810, Campbell left for England, in the whaler Duke of Portland, Captain Spence, by whom Kamehameha sent a feather cloak to the king of England, with a dictated letter, in which he reminded him of a promise received from Vancouver, that a man-of-war, with an armament of brass pieces, and loaded with articles of European manufacture, should be sent him. He expressed his regret that the distance prevented him from rendering service to him in his wars, and assured him of his regard. Although Kamehameha learned to converse in English with tolerable fluency, he never acquired the art of writing.

Two queens composed his legitimate wives; of these Kaahumanu remained the favorite, no one except her husband daring to enter her presence, uncovered. She was inordinately fond of ardent spirits, and frequently drank to excess. A daughter was born to him in 1809, and the event announced by a salute of sixteen guns from the battery in front of his residence. On this occasion, the queen in accordance with their customs, retired to a house in the forest for ten days.

Kamehameha consorted with Kaahumanu from affection and with Keopuolani from policy. The latter might be termed his official wife. The custom of the country relative to the royal family, required him to visit her monthly, immediately after her purification, of which she gave him notice. In marriages of this political character, the royal parties usually lived apart, both being furnished with partners of choice, who abode constantly with them. In this sense Hoapili was the husband of Keopuolani, by consent of Kamehameha. When he visited her it was in great state, and if by water, in a canoe, the paddlers of which were dressed in a rude uniform, made by winding completely around their bodies cloth similar to that of their malos. Kamehameha always treated Keopuolani with superior deference, as of the most exalted rank in the kingdom. Her children

Don Francisco de Paula Marin, a Spaniard, had settled many years before, at Oahu, and made himself useful by the attention he paid to agriculture and cattle. He introduced many plants, fruits and vegetables, and at one time was in the confidence of the king, being employed as interpreter. In 1810, the number of whites on Oahu alone amounted to sixty; some of whom were sober and industrious, and much respected by the chiefs; but the generality were idle and dissolute, held in restraint only by the authority of the king. The number of and not Kaahumanu's, are heirs to the half-breeds was considerable. This un

*Voyage Round the World, from 1806 to 1812, by Archibald Campbell. 12mo. Edinburgh: 1816.

throne. When the queen was in labor, the king's own idol was brought immediately into the room, in the presence of

After

which the child was required to be de- | him when a child, as a royal virgin, in livered. Should it not arrive in season, the greatest seclusion and care. the navel-string remained uncut until it their quasi marriage she was sedulously was brought in, which done, the child restrained from all society, and diligently was considered as the legitimate heir. taught the genealogies and ancient lore Kekauluohi, daughter of Kaiana, the of the country. Upon his death she belate premier, was one of the wives of came the wife of his son, who, however, Kamehameha, having been educated for provided another husband for her.

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Liholiho, his eldest son, was born of Keopuolani, on Hawaii, in 1797. Kamehameha, to establish the succession in his family, in 1809 invested him with royal honors, by which he became entitled to the same etiquette as himself, but the government continued in its customary routine. The prince was an indolent, pleasure-loving youth, of a frank and humane disposition. His manners were generally dignified and agreeable; his mind inquisitive and memory retentive. Circumstances might have made him worthy of his parentage, but his high station, and freedom from care, made him reckless and dissipated. He was fond of liquor, but, until his accession to the throne, was under the same powerful influence which held all, from the

highest to the lowest, in complete thraldom.

Kamehameha remained at Oahu nine years; he then embarked with his suite on board of some foreign vessels, and accompanied by a large fleet of small craft and canoes, sailed for Hawaii, touching at Lahaina, Molokai and other places, to dispose of sandal-wood and other products, which had been collected by Keeaumoku, governor of that portion of his dominions. Kalaimoku was left in charge of Oahu. The king lived at Hawaii, principally about Kailua and Kealakeakua, until his death. In his hereditary possessions he was greatly revered. During a famine, he labored for his own food, and compelled his followers to work likewise. The spot of

land which he tilled is pointed out to this day as a mark of his benevolence. With a providence unusual to his nation, he allowed none of the young sandal-wood to be cut, observing that such wood was to be preserved for his successors. Neither would he permit the birds which were caught for their feathers to be killed; but ordered them to be set free, after they were plucked of the few that were wanted. The bird-catchers, with native logic, inquired who will possess the birds set free? you are an old man. He replied, new feathers would replace those plucked, and the birds would again be useful.

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Like civilized conquerors, he delighted equally in overcoming obstacles of nature as of men. Undertakings which had been considered impracticable he accomplished. Some of the most conspicuous and extensive heiaus, fish-ponds, and other public works were erected by him. At Halaua, his patrimonial district, he dug through a ledge of stone from a perpendicular height of one hundred feet, making a good road with a gradual descent to the sea-side. At another spot, he endeavored to procure pure water, by digging through the several strata of lava; after penetrating to considerable depth, through compact rock, he was obliged to relinquish the enterprise, from want of gunpowder and suitable tools. At Kiholo is another monument of his enterprise, in a fish-pond two miles in circumference, formed by a strong stone wall built across a small bay. It is half a mile long, six feet high in parts, and twenty wide. Several arches, closely guarded by strong wooden stakes, allow egress to the water, but prevent the fish from escaping.

In 1814, a ship owned by Baranoff, the governor of the Russian colony at Sitka, was wrecked at Waimea, Kauai; the principal part of the cargo was saved, and entrusted to the care of Kaumualii for the owners. In 1815, the Russian governor sent a German physician, by the name of Scheffer, to take possession of the wrecked property. He arrived at Kailua in the American ship Isabella, Captain Tyler, bringing with him a quantity of powder and clothing; Kamehameha received him in a friendly man

ner, and sent orders to Kaumualii to deliver the property into his charge. After a few weeks stay at Hawaii, he sailed for Waimea, Kauai, landed his goods, built a house, and commenced trading. Kaumualii purchased the powder, and some other articles, for sandalwood. Soon after, a Russian ship, the Discovery, arrived with thirty Kodiack Indians, a part of whom were females, from an unsuccessful search for a seal island. By the orders of the governor of Sitka, these Indians were left with Dr. Scheffer, and the vessel returned. In the meanwhile two Russian vessels, the ship Myrtle, Captain Long, and a brig with an American captain, arrived at Honolulu. Their crews numbered near ninety men. They immediately commenced erecting a block-house near the water side, on which they mounted a few guns and displayed a flag. This aroused the fears of the natives and the jealousy of foreigners, and word was immediately forwarded to Kamehameha. His policy under such a suspicious act on the part of foreign power, was characteristic of that which has ever since prevailed. He sent Kalaimoku to Oahu with the following judicious orders. 'Go and observe the conduct of the Russians, but be slow to oppose them. If they commit outrage upon the people, exhort the people to bear it patiently. Bear ill-treatment with forbearance, but be ready, notwithstanding, in case of absolute necessity, to make a firm resistance.' Immediately upon Kalaimoku's arrival, the vessels sailed for Kauai, when the American captain having quarreled with Scheffer, who was agent for both, was removed from the command. The vessels were ordered to the bay of Hanalei, on the north side of the island, where they remained during the winter. The Doctor built a slight fort on a cliff commanding them, and had a few cannons mounted.

Kaumualii being anxious to secure his services, in superintending the building of a stone fort at Waimea, gave him the fertile valley of Hanalei and other valuable tracts. This excited his cupidity, and he plotted to secure the whole island. He presented a schooner, with many other articles to the king, and in return,

it is said, obtained a lease of the whole island for a long period. The fort was sufficiently completed to mount a number of guns on one side; a magazine was built, and a flag-staff erected, on which the Russian colors were occasionally displayed.

some inquiries concerning Scheffer, purchased supplies, and then left.

Captain Kotzebue, in the Russian discovery ship, Rurick, arrived off Hawaii, November 21, 1816. He soon learned of the hostile feeling towards his countrymen, which at first placed According to the natives, Scheffer laid him in some jeopardy. He assured the a plot to cut off Kaumualii and his chief islanders of the kind intentions of his men, at a feast to which he had invited emperor, and that Scheffer's conduct them. The American captain revealed was the result of his own private amit to the king, who, however, attended, bition, and was neither countenanced with the precaution of a guard sufficient nor approved by his government. These to prevent any nefarious attempt. Noth- representations satisfied Kamehameha, ing transpired to confirm the report. and when the Rurick anchored at KeaScheffer made himself obnoxious by his lakeakua, he received him with his cusarbitrary conduct, and reports were car- tomary courtesy and hospitality. He ried to Kamehameha, that the Russians excused himself from visiting on board, were preparing to invade his dominions, by alledging the fears of his subjects, and had already obtained possession of whose apprehensions were not entirely Kauai. Much alarmed, he sent word to allayed. Kaumualii to drive them away. Accord- Kotzebue visited him at his palace, ingly, Scheffer was compelled to embark and there met with Liholiho and Kaahuwith his Indians without delay, on board manu, who made many inquiries after of the brig, which was at Waimea. The Vancouver. He remarked the general next day his property was taken off to use of tobacco, which was carried to him. He then sailed for Hanalei, re- such excess, from inhaling its fumes, as joined the ship, and both left for Hono- to produce partial derangement, intoxlulu. Upon arriving here he was request-ication, and often death. Even young ed to depart, which he did, but the Myrtle children indulged in the pernicious pracproving unseaworthy obliged him to put back. She was condemned at Honolulu, and the Russians allowed to remain until an opportunity offered for leaving.*

The acts of Scheffer, which seem to have had no other origin than a desire for his own aggrandizement, with the hope of being ultimately supported by the Russian governor, or perhaps the government, created a very unfavorable opinion towards the Russians throughout the group. Apprehensive of further attempts, the king caused guards to be stationed along the coast of Hawaii, with directions to resist any attempt at landing. The Diana, a Russian sloop-ofwar, arrived soon after at Waimea, made

* Robert Greenhow, in his historical memoir, gives a most singular and erroneous account of this affair, but does not name his authority. He states that one hundred Aleutians, sent by Baranoff, under the command of Dr. Scheffer, ravaged the island of Kauai for one year, without subduing it; they were then obliged to leave for Hawaii, where they entered the service of some American whalers, &c., page 149. For the correct particulars, see Hawaiian Spectator, vol. 1, page 219.

tice.

The Rurick was supplied with stores and refreshments gratuitously; in acknowledgment for which, Kotzebue gave Kamehameha two brass field-pieces, wire, and iron bars, which were highly acceptable. He then sailed for Honolulu, and the Rurick was the first manof-war that entered that harbor. Considerable excitement existed in regard to his intentions, which, however, subsided when Kalaimoku made known the king's commands. Two fine vessels bore the national flag, which had been adopted shortly before; it displayed the English union, with seven alternated red, white and blue stripes, emblematic of the principal islands. One was a ship, newly purchased, destined for China, with a cargo of sandal-wood, and the other a war-brig, the Kaahumanu, of eighteen guns, commanded by an Englishman, of the name of Adams. Wishing to survey the harbor, Kotzebue placed flags upon several different stations; the sight of them reminded the

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