Sandwich Islands  Contents  Source  Whalesite

Hawaiian
Historical Society Reprints
(1787, 1788 and 1789)

CONTENTS.^*

Preface

      In presenting this reprint to our Members we have arranged the text so that the parts dealing with the Hawaiian Islands come first. All other parts, having an indirect bearing on the History of Hawaii, will be found at the end, in the Appendix.

      The detailed account of Kaiana, and his voyage to and from China, together with an account of the ships trading with the Northwest Coast of America, many of which touched at these Islands, have been placed in the Appendix.

      We have inserted, in brackets, the modern Hawaiian names after those given in the text, whenever possible. Where we have not been able to translate the names we have left parentheses in which they can be inserted. Arranged and indexed for the Hawaiian Historical Society by Bruce Cartwright Jr.

MEARES' FIRST VISIT TO HAWAII

      On January 20th, 1786, two vessels were purchased in India one of 200 tons the "Nootka," and the other of 100 tons, the "Sea Otter." The former was put under the command of John Meares and the latter under the command of William Tipping, a lieutenant in the Royal Navy. They started for a trading voyage from India to the northwest coast of America. They went north to Alaska and after meeting with many misfortunes the crew began to suffer from scurvy, so they proceeded to the Sandwich Islands, where they arrived about the first of August, 1787. The voyage from the Northwest coast to Hawaii, is described as follows:

      "A Northerly wind now sprung up, and brought clear weather along with it, which continued until we made the island of Owhyhee (Hawaii). Our passage from the continent was fortunately very short; but if we had not been blessed with a continuance of fine and favorable weather, the state of the ship was such, as to make it a matter of doubt whether we should have reached the Sandwich Islands. Still however the horrible disorder beneath which the crew had so long labored, continued to accompany us, and one man died before we gained the salubrious clime whose zephyrs may be said to have bourne health on their wings; for in ten days after we had reached the islands every complaint had disappeared from among us.

      "We remained here a month, during which time the islanders appeared to have no other pleasure but what arose from showing kindnesses and exercising hospitality to us — They received us with joy — and saw us depart with tears. Among the numbers who pressed forward with inexpressible eagerness to accompany us to Britannee, Tianna (Kaiana) a chief of Attoi (Kauai) and the brother of the sovereign of that island, was alone received to embarke with us, amid the envy of all his countrymen.

      "On September 2nd we left the Sandwich Islands, leaving behind us, I have every reason to believe, the most favorable impressions of our conduct and character, with the inhabitants of them."

      The "Sea Otter," Captain Tipping, was never again heard of after leaving Prince William's Sound.

MEARES' SECOND VISIT TO HAWAII

      On the evening of January 22, 1788, the ships (the "Felice" and "Iphigenia") set sail from China, sailing southeast along the western shores of the Philippines as far as New Guinea, and then

proceeding north along Japan to Alaska and the northwest coast of America, the "Iphigenia" finally arriving off Maui about December 6, 1788. The "Felice" arrived off Hawaii about October 16th, 1788, a month and a half ahead of the "Iphigenia." Both ships experienced very heavy weather and met with misfortunes. Scurvy made its appearance before the "Iphigenia" arrived at Alaska, and before the "Felice" arrived at the northwest coast of America. Many of the live stock which were intended for Kauai were killed by accident or for food. The "Felice" was in command of Wm. Douglas and the "Iphigenia" in command of John Meares. When they reached the northwest coast of America they changed ships.

THE VISIT OF THE FELICE, CAPTAIN MEARES

      Oct. 17, 1788 (Friday). "At five o'clock, on the morning of the 17th, to our infinite satisfaction we discovered land, bearing from East South East, to West North West, at a distance of six leagues: but it was so very hazy, that the island was imperfectly discerned: in clear weather, the high land of Owhyhee (Hawaii) can be seen at a distance of twenty leagues.

      "We (the "Felice") had, indeed, good reason to rejoice at the sight of this island, as we were greatly reduced in the article of provisions. We had given so large a portion of our stores to the "Iphigenia," and our passage to the islands not being so quick as we had expected, the idea of that plenty, and those comforts, which as it were, waited our arrival there, filled every heart with joy and gladness.

      "As we approached the island of Owhyhee (Hawaii), a person who had never visited this part of the globe, would have seen nothing by which he could be led to suppose that it was the seat of luxurious abundance. — The high, mountainous appearance of the land, and the blackness cast over it from the fog and vapour, threw such a gloom on the whole scene, as to afford no expectation of hospitality from the inhabitants, or refreshment from cultivation.

      "It was too late in the evening to close in with the land; we therefore hove to for the night, at about the distance of four leagues from the shore, and waited with extreme impatience for the morning.

      "On the 18th, at day-break, we bore up, and proceeded under a gentle sail to close in with the land, which we accomplished about nine o'clock; when the late barren and unfriendly prospect was succeeded by a scene that might suit the fablings of poetry and romantic fiction. The haziness of the morning did not ob-

scure the varied landscape before us. The great mountain, or Mouna Kaah (Mauna Kea), which is situated on the North East part of the island, was clothed in clouds, which seemed, as it were, to be rolling down its declivity; while its summit towered above the vapours, and presented a sublime object of nature from its base to the sea was a beautiful amphitheatre of villages and plantations, while the shore was crowded with people, who, from the coolness of the morning, were clothed in their party-colored garments. Some of them were seated on the banks to look at the ship, while others were running along the shore towards the little sandy patches where their canoes were drawn up, in order to come off to us. We now hove to in the entrance of Toe-yah-yah Bay (Kawaihae Bay) which is situated on the Western side of the island, and consequently defended from the violence of the trade winds; nor was it long before a considerable number of canoes came off to the ship, with hogs, young pigs, taro-root, plantains, sugar-cane, and a few fowls.

      "It was my intention to draw the supplies of pork from this island, and then proceed to Oneeheow (Niihau), to procure a sufficient quantity of yams for the remainder of our voyage. In consequence of this determination, a very brisk trade was carried on with the natives, and before night upwards of four hundred hogs were purchased. The decks were loaded, and the boats filled with them and the vegetables, which also made a part of our present traffic. Indeed, such was the profusion of these articles which were brought to us, that many of the canoes returned without being able to dispose of their cargoes.

      "Among the multitude which visited us on this occasion, I observed but one person of rank: he came in a double canoe paddled along by twelve men, and accompanied by his wife and two young female children. He brought very large hogs, and a large quantity of ccooa-nuts which he ordered on board the ship, and immediately followed his present, accompanying it with the most friendly expressions and offers of further service. — We were not dilatory in making him a suitable return; and having thus won his confidence I enquired of him concerning the present state of the island, with a view to the advantage of Tianna (Kaiana).

      "He very readily informed me that old Tereeobeo (Kalaniopuu) had been poisoned, and that his successor was Tianna's (Kaiana's) uncle. He also added, that in consequence of this revolution, a very fierce war had taken place between the inhabitants of Owhyhee (Hawaii) and those of the island of Mowee (Maui), of which Titeeree (Kahekili) was reigning sovereign.

      "In answer to his information I thought proper to inform him that Tianna (Kaiana) would shortly return to Atooi (Kauai) in

such a ship as mine and that I had a present from him to the sovereign of Owhyhee (Hawaii), which I desired the chief would take upon himself to deliver, as a mark of Tianna's (Kaiana's) attachment to his uncle. By such well-timed act of regard, I hoped to perform a good office for my friend; and I have since understood that it produced effects equal to my most sanguine wishes. But in order to give certainty to my commission, I made my request and delivered the present before a great number of the natives, which was also publicly tabooed; this arrangement was made in order to prevent the chief from keeping the present himself, or substituting another of inferior value.

      "By sunset we had purchased a sufficiency of fresh provisions to last us to China ; we therefore prepared to make sail, in order to proceed to Atooi (Kauai) and Oneeheow (Niihau); but the number of natives, and the women in particular, were so great, not only covering the decks, where there was any room, but even clinging to the rigging, that we were under the necessity of bribing them with presents of some kind or other to procure their departure. Some of the women took to their canoes, but the greater part plunged into the sea, and swam to the shore. — The ship was no sooner cleared of its visitors, than it began to blow very fresh, when the top-sails were reefed, and we stood under an easy sail for the island of Mowee (Maui).

      "We now immediately set to work in killing the hogs, and salting down the meat for sea-store. We followed the mode prescribed by Captain Cook, who would deserve the gratitude of his country, of every maritime people, and of humanity at large, if his discoveries had been confined even to those improvements he made in the interior government of ships and their crews.

      "Oct. 23, 1788 (Thursday). Light winds prevented our reaching Atooi (Kauai) until the 23rd at noon, when we anchored in Wymoa-bay (Waimea Bay). As we passed the other islands, canoes continually came off to us with young pigs and sugarcanes, which gave us an opportunity of completing our stock of the latter. It was indeed fortunate that we had laid in our stores of fresh provisions at Owhyhee (Hawaii); as, on passing Mowee (Maui), Ranai (Lanai), Morotoi (Molokai) and Woahoo (Oahu), not one large hog was brought off to us ; — in all probability there was not sufficient time for that purpose as the ship was passing:

      "At Woahoo (Oahu), indeed, we understood that the hogs, for some reason or other, of which we were not informed, were at that time under the taboo,-a kind of religious interdiction.

      "We had no sooner cast anchor in Wymoa-bay (Waimea Bay) that it began to blow so very strong as to prevent any canoes

from coming off to the ship. — Indeed I had no other motive for stopping here but to inform Taheo (Kaeo), the sovereign of it, that his brother Tianna (Kaiana) would shortly return, and to make him such presents, and take such measures as might be of service to the chief, on his arrival at his native country, which had been for some time in a state of distraction, from the tyranny of its present government.

      "Thursday, Oct. 23, 1788. During the whole of this day not a canoe appeared; but in the morning of the 24th though it continued to blow very fresh, a canoe came off with two men and a girl; they brought a small pig and some cocoanuts; now was I a little surprised when the two men, on entering the ship, began to embrace my knees, and to cry out 'Noota’; the name that I have already observed, by which I was known in these islands, as well as on the American coast. They then burst into tears, and enquired after Tianna (Kaiana).

      "From these people I learned that Taheo (Kaeo), growing infirm, suffered himself to be entirely governed by Abinui (.....), who has been already mentioned in the memoir of our first voyage, and was the deadly foe of Tianna (Kaiana), Namaate-haw (Namakeha), another brother of Tianna (Kaiana) and who was esteemed, after him, the bravest warrior of the Sandwich Islands, had flew with his brother's wife and children to a distant part of the island, to escape from the cruel power of Taheo (Kaeo); and that some part of their force was at this time in arms.

      "It was, therefore, a very natural measure for Taheo (Kaeo) to forbid all communication between his subjects and us, as he believed that we had brought back Tianna (Kaiana) again: and an inhuman proscription had been published, threatening him with instant death, if he should land on that island. But, notwithstanding the taboo, these faithful people had ventured to come off to us, in order to inform Tianna (Kaiana), whom they supposed to be on board our ship, of his danger.-Besides the artless manner in which these men told their story, other circumstances occurred to convince us of the truth of it. No canoes visited us, and we heard the conchs resounding from the distant hills,-a certain prelude of war.

      "Situated as we were, and without any other communication with the island but that which the zeal of these two men had led them to risk from a principle of affection, we could only, by their means, inform Tianna's (Kaiana's) wife and brother of the approaching arrival of that chief, who would shortly return in a situation to support them and himself against the unnatural proceedings of their tyrannic brother, and his inhuman minister.

This consolatory and encouraging intelligence they undertook to deliver, with certain presents to Namaatehaw (Namakeha), and the wife of Tianna (Kaiana) and having received such as were provided for themselves, they took a hasty leave, and paddled swiftly to the shore.

      "Till the 25th (Saturday), at noon, we remained in expectation of receiving some intelligence from the island; when not seeing a single canoe in motion, we weighed, and proceeded to Oneeheow, (Niihau) where we anchored about six o'clock in the evening, nearly in the same position which we had occupied in the preceding year.

      "On arriving off this island we did not experience the operations of any prohibition against us; on the contrary, we were surrounded by a crowd of natives, among whom were many of our old friends, whom we perfectly recollected, so that the ship was very shortly filled with visitors of all ages and both sexes. But among several who expressed their joy to see us, and who retained the remembrance of our kindness to them, was that affectionate islander to whom some of our officers had formerly given the well known, and I may add, honourable appelation of Friday'; and if any of the companions of my former voyage should peruse this page, they, I am sure, will recollect with somewhat of a grateful remembrance, the friendly and faithful services of honest Friday. Those services he now repeated; indeed, on the first sight of the ship, he swam off to make an offer of them, and they proved of the utmost importance to us.

      "We had at this time neither bread or flour on board, and depended on procuring a quantity of yams sufficient to supply our wants during the remainder of the voyage. But as this was not the season for them, and they were too young to be dug up, we should have found it a matter of great difficulty to have obtained a sufficient quantity, if our friend Friday had not undertaken the important negotiation. We therefore provided him with such articles as were the most likely to forward our purposes; and, by his influence and perseverence, assisted with the bribes in his possession, he persuaded many of his friends to dig up the largest yams they could find, and bring them to market; so that we at length obtained several tons of these most necessary provisions by the morning of the 27th; and at noon we prepared to put to sea. I am really at a loss how to describe the very marked concern, both in words and looks, that the inhabitants of this island expressed, when they were informed of our approaching departure. Friday, however, remained to the last, and with him I entrusted a letter to Captain Douglas, with the strictest injuncion to deliver it into his own hands, whenever he

should arrive; which commission he readily undertook, and faithfully performed, as will appear in that part of the Iphigenia's voyage which relates to the Sandwich Islands.

      "The subject of this letter was to inform Captain Douglas of the political state of Atooi (Kauai), and to recommend such arrangement respecting Tianna (Kaiana), as might tend to reinstate him in his rights, or place him where he might be secure from the menaced injuries of his unnatural brother. Nor was Friday forgotten, whose fidelity and attachment were already known to Captain Douglas, who was an officer on board my ship during our first voyage. I now presented that good fellow with such articles as I well knew would afford him the satisfaction he deserved; when after securing them in his maro (malo) which is a cloth that these people wear around their middle, he plunged into the sea; and as he swam towards the shore, from time to time turned his head towards us, and waived one hand, while he buffetted the billows with the other.

      "The wind blew fresh from the East North East, when we weighed anchor, and very soon lost sight of the island of Oneeheow Niihau).'

VISIT OF THE IPHIGENIA, CAPTAIN WM. DOUGLAS

      The voyage of the "Iphigenia" is now given from the time of her separation from the "Felice" on Tuesday, February 12, 1788, in the Philippines. She proceeded to the northwest coast of America, with King George's Sound as a rendezvous, touching at Johnsons Island and other islands on the voyage.

      "On Sunday, March 16, 1788, 'Tawnee' (Kane), a Sandwich Islander from his watchful care and anxiety during Tianna's (Kaiana's) illness was now sick himself. Several others of the crew were also sick. Tianna (Kaiana) was now entirely recovered, and owed the re-establishment of his health to the Peruvian bark, which operated almost miraculously upon the chief of Atooi (Kauai).

      "The poor amiable islander (Tawnee) at length baffled all the care which was bestowed upon him.-A continual bleeding at the nose was the first symptom; and when that stopped, a fever succeeded, which seemed for some short time to yield to the bark; but the disorder at length triumphed, and Tawnee (Kane) was the victim. About one o'clock, on the 23rd, he quitted this world, and was consigned, with the regret of every one on board, to a watery grave.

      They arrived at the North West Coast and cruised along

same until on Thursday, Aug. 28, 1788, they met the Felice in Friendly Cove.

      Monday, Oct. 27, 1788. The "Iphigenia" remained in Friendly Cove after the departure of the "Felice," till the 27th of October, the interval of which was employed in fitting the "North West America" (which they had just built) for sea and making such other preparations as their approaching voyage rendered necessary.--At noon, on that day, they quitted Nootka Sound, and proceeded on their way to the Sandwich Islands ;-at day light on Dec. 6, 1788, the "Iphigenia" and her consort ("The North West America") were in sight of Hawaii.

      "The West end of the island then bore South South West, three quarters West, distant nine or ten leagues; and the island of Mowee (Maui) bore West, distant seven leagues. The wind having drawn round to South South West, occasioned them to run over to the South East side of Mowee (Maui).

      "Tianna (Kaiana) whose impatience since the "Iphigenia" left Samboingan, had sometimes broken forth into violent anger, and might have been expected, on approaching his native country, to have assumed the shape of most violent joy, became grave and thoughtful; and any occasional eagerness which animated his looks and actions, when they drew nigh to the Sandwich Islands, rather implied the anxiety of expectation, than sensations of pleasure. — He knew enough of the situation of his country to cause a very powerful contest between hope and fear in his bosom ; and those apprehensions of danger which weighed nothing with him when sailing over distant seas seemed, in some degree, to oppress his spirits, when he was about to encounter it. It was certainly a period of most painful suspense, as he was uncertain whether the treasures he possessed would be employed to elevate him into consequence, or to purchase his safety ;-whether they would be allowed to enrich himself, or seized, to form the wealth of others. — He had left his island in a state of peace, but he had every reason to fear that he should find it in a state of war; — or at least under the government of an usurped power, which he could not for a moment suppose would be friendly to him. Such appeared to be the state of Tianna’s (Kaiana's) mind on arriving among his native islands.

      "We had no sooner appeared off Mowee (Maui) than a great number of canoes came off with hogs, yams and plantains.-On this side of the island there is a large town, the residence of Titeeree (Kahekili), the sovereign of Mowee (Maui), who was at this time on a visit to Taheo (Kaeo), king of Atooi (Kauai), in whose absence the government was left to the care of Harwallenee (                        ), brother in law of Tianna (Kaiana), of

whose arrival he was no sooner informed, than he ordered a present of hogs for the ship; but before it arrived Tianna (Kaiana) had observed his brother on shore, and having dressed himself in his best apparel, desired that a message might be sent to invite him on board. — On his arrival they met as brothers should do after a long separation; the whole of their conduct to each other was affectionate; — they melted into tears, and almost drew the same from the eyes of those who beheld them. After their first emotions had subsided, the chief requested Captain Douglas to remain with him for a few days, and engaged to supply him with any quantity of provisions that might be demanded; but as he saw no place where they could come to anchor in safety, the surf at the same time beating with great violence, and an heavy swell with the wind blowing in shore, Captain Douglas was under the necessity of declining the invitation.

      "Tianna (Kaiana) being extremely anxious to visit Owhyhee (Hawaii), they wore, and stood at noon for the North West point of that island.

      "At noon on the 7th (Sunday) a canoe from Owhyhee (Hawaii) came along side, with a friend of Tianna (Kaiana), who had heard in the course of the night from Mowee (Maui), of his arrived. — In the afternoon several relations of Abinui (...........) came on board, and in the evening Tianna (Kaiana) dispatched a friend to Tome-homy-haw (Kamehameha), to give him notice of their approach.

      "On the following morning (Monday, Dec. 8, 1788) a great number of canoes came off from Toe-yah-yah Bay (Kawaihae Bay), with hogs, fowls, and taro-root.-The winds were light and variable, and the latitude, by observation, 20° 11' North. At sun-set the extremes of Owhyhee (Hawaii) bore from North to South by North, distance off shore three leagues.

      "At two in the morning there was a heavy rain, with thunder and lightening. At day-light they had lost sight of the North West America'; but at nine saw her close in shore. At eleven they hove to till the schooner came up. At noon they were only four miles off shore, and the observed latitude was 10° 44' North. In the afternoon several of Tianna's (Kaiana's) relations came on board; and so liberal was he disposed to be to them all, that if he had not been checked in his generousity, the whole of his treasure would have been divided among them.

      "The king also sent a present to Captain Douglas, accompanied with a message that he would pay him a visit as soon as he had come to anchor in the bay.

      "The current having sent them a considerable way to the Northward (Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1788), at day-light they made sail

for the bay; and at noon the latitude, by observation was 19° 35' North.

      "Tianna (Kaiana) now dispatched one of the chiefs who had come to welcome his arrival, to invite the King to come on board; and at two in the afternoon he made his appearance in a large double canoe, attended by twelve others of the same size, beautifully adorned with feathers. As soon as he came on board, Captain Douglas saluted him with seven guns. After crying over Tianna (Kaiana) for a considerable time, the King presented Captain Douglas with a most beautiful fan, and two long-feathered cloaks. The light winds and number of canoes hanging on the ship, prevented her from making any way through the water; so that it became a matter of necessity to request his Majesty to taboo the ship, with which he readily complied, desiring permission, at the same time, for himself and several of the chiefs to sleep on board.

      "(Thursday, Dec. 11, 1788.) They continued working into the bay till two o'clock in the morning; when they dropped anchor in 21 fathoms water, at the distance of three quarters of a mile from shore. The King professed the warmest friendship for the Captain of the 'Iphigenia,' — declared that the island should belong to him while he remained there, — and, to prove the sincerity of his regard, exchanged names with him. But however flattering all these attentions might be, Captain Douglas thought it not impossible but that some attempt might be made to seize the schooner, as she appeared to be small, and her crew few in number; he therefore in the evening, carried the King on board the 'North West America,' when by saluting him with all her guns, and other explanations concerning the possibility of defending her, when attacked, by retiring to close quarters, the difficulty of getting possession of her must have appeared very evident to the royal visitor.

      "When, however, Tianna (Kaiana) explained to him the manner and time in which she was built, he entreated that a carpenter might be left at Owhyhee (Hawaii) to assist Tianna (Kaiana) in forming such another; and, indeed, so earnest were the requests of them both on this subject, that it was necessary to make something of a conditional promise, at least, for their present satisfaction.

      "(Friday, Dec. 12, 1788.) On the morning of the 12th the Captains of both ships accompanied the King and Tianna (Kaiana) in the jolly-boat, on shore. They were met on the beach by three priests, who chaunted a kind of song, and presented a small hog and cocoa-nut; the former of which was given by the King to Captain Douglas. — This ceremony continued about ten min-

utes, after which they were introduced into a large house spread with mats, and a kind of party-colored cloth; when, after the repetition of these ceremonies, and the priest had chaunted a third song, two baked hogs were brought in, of which the English gentlemen alone ate, and then proceeded to take a walk, in which they were not interrupted by a single person, as all the natives were tabooed on the occasion, and, of course, confined to their houses.

      "Nothing was seen in this little excursion worth repetition, but a clump of cocoa-nut trees, whose trunks were pierced by the balls of the 'Resolution' and the 'Discovery" (nine years before, in 1779). It being extremely hot they returned and dined with the King, on fresh fish and potatoes. — The other chiefs sat at some distance during the dinner, and then made their meal on roasted dogs, taro-roots and potatoes; as at this season of the year even the chiefs are forbidden to eat hogs and fowls, from the King down to the lowest Eree (Alii). In the evening the King and Queen returned with Captain Douglas on board the 'Iphigenia,' as they considered it to be a luxury of no common description to sleep in his cot.

      "Saturday, Dec. 13, 1788. This day was chiefly employed in killing and salting down hogs; but as the coppers on board for heating the water were very small, they made but slow progress in this necessary occupation.

      "At three in the morning of the 14th, the schooner came under the stern of the 'Iphigenia,' when Captain Funter gave the very disagreeable information that she had parted her cable. — After having moored her to the 'Iphigenia,' Tianna (Kaiana) was requested to go on shore, and entreat the King to send off his divers, in order to recover the anchor; and at 8 o'clock he came off with them. The schooner having lain in thirty fathoms water, and not having left more than three or four fathoms of cable, a very great depth must have remained for the natives to have explored, in order to succeed in the business about which they were to be employed. The following ceremony, however, was to be performed, before they entered upon their search ; — When their canoes were arrived at the place where the anchor lay, several calabashes with Taro-root were presented by a chief to six men, who employed about half an hour at the repast; when one of the chiefs who accompanied them gave three loud yells, and waved a piece of white cloth over his head; at this signal the six men plunged into the sea, and disappeared in a moment.-Four of the six remained beneath the water about five minutes; the fifth continued about a minute longer, and when he came up was almost exhausted; two men immediately seized and dragged him to the

boat; — In the mean time there was no appearance of the sixth, who was considered as lost, when he was seen near the surface of the water, but sinking down again; three of the divers, however, plunged instantly after him, and brought him up, but in a senseless state, and with streams of blood issuing from his mouth and nostrils. It was some time before he was sufficiently recovered to inform them that he had not only got hold of the cable, but had cleared it. This man, according to the account of Captain Funter of the 'North West America,' was beneath the water the space of seven minutes and a half. It appeared, however, that the anchor was in too great a depth of water to afford any prospect of its being recovered. — These people were amply rewarded for their exertions.

      "Captain Douglas having given orders to right the anchor, thought it prudent to move further in toward the village of Kowrowa (Kailua) and dropped anchor in twenty fathoms water, about a quarter of a mile from the shore ;-but, finding it to be bad ground, a warp was run out, and the ship hauled into 14 fathoms water.

      "Monday, Dec. 15, 1788. At day-light the jolly-boat was sent to sound, when, on its being discovered that the ground was by no means clear of the coral rock, on the Kowrowa (Kailua) side, they weighed anchor, and warped the ship opposite Sandy Bay, on the Karakakooa (Kealakekua) side, where they dropped the bower anchor in 20 fathoms water, with a bottom of grey sand; the two points which form the bay, wearing West half North, to South one quarter West, distant off shore about one mile. The evening was employed in killing and salting provisions.

      "Tianna (Kaiana) had now determined to remain at Owhyhee (Hawaii), as Tome-homy-haw (Kamehameha) had given him a large tract of land in that island, where he would live in a state of honour and security which the reigning distractions and jealousies of the government of Atooi (Kauai) would have denied him; besides, it was a matter of no great difficulty to get his wife and the rest of his family from thence to his new settlement.

      "Friday, Dec. 19, 1788. The weather having been very squally to the Westward for some days past, Captain Douglas was apprehensive of a gale of wind blowing from the sea; he was therefore determined to get under way, and go in search of some place, among the other islands where the vessels might lie in safety. In the morning, therefore, they unmoored the ship, but in heaving the small bower they found the cable had parted.-On the very instant this discovery was made, the King and his chiefs secretly quitted the ship and paddled hastily to the shore. — As the clinch was cut, to all appearance by design, there was little doubt on

whom to fix the mischief: Tianna (Kaiana), therefore, was sent to inform the King of the circumstance, as well as the suspicions connected with it, and that if the anchor was not found, his town should be blown about his ears. This threat had the desired effect, for in a short time Tianna (Kaiana) returned with a party of divers, who, after a repetition of the ceremonies already described, leaped into the water and disappeared, but no anchor was to be seen. — They were sent down the second time with the same success.-At length the buoy-rope was hooked with a small grapnel, so that the divers had now no excuse whatever as to the uncertainty where the anchor lay; accordingly two of them went down with a three and half inch rope, and bent it in twenty fathoms, as well as if they had been on shore, so that this important object was fortunately recovered; the loss of which would have been very distressing, as they had only one bower left, and a heavy sheet-anchor, but without any cable of sufficient strength to bring the latter to the bows.

      "In the morning (Sunday, Dec. 20, 1788) they had light breezes from the land, and as they were heaving up the anchor, in order to get an offing, an heavy squall appearing to be brewing from the Westward, the King, accompanied by Tianna (Kaiana) and several chiefs, came on board; but the former, when he found that we shot out from the bay, thought it time to depart, and accordingly left the ship, attended by upwards of an hundred canoes.

      "As soon as they had an offing, they hove to, and the squall clearing away, Tianna's (Kaiana's) treasures were ordered to be brought upon deck. They consisted of saws of different kinds, gimblets, hatchets, adzes, knives and choppers, cloth of various fabrics, carpets of several colors, a considerable quantity of China-ware, and ten bars of iron. — These riches, for such they may be truly denominated to the owner of them, were not to be trusted in one bottom; and as there yet remained about the ship several double canoes that carried each from 40 to 50 men, his trunk was handed into one of them, the bars of iron into another, and so on, till he had no less than 5 canoes charged with his treasure, which was securely lashed to them. — Tianna (Kaiana) after intreating Captain Douglas again and again to bring his family from Atooi (Kauai) to Owhyhee (Hawaii), took a most affectionate leave of him and the whole crew, who had so long been his constant companions and friends; nor were the latter without their emotions of regard, when they saw the chief, whose amiable disposition and superior qualities had won their sincere esteem through the connection of a long and dangerous voyage, about to be seperated from them.-As Tianna (Kaiana) left the ship, accompanied by a numerous train of his relations in their

respective canoes, Captain Douglas ordered a salute of seven guns, as a mark of esteem to that respectable chief, and immediately made sail to the North West."

      Though several European vessels have been off the island, yet as the 'Iphigenia' alone had anchored in Karakakooa-bay (Kealakekua Bay), and Captain Douglas and his people were the only Europeans who have ventured on shore at Owhyhee (Hawaii) since the unfortunate death of Captain Cook, the changes which have taken place in the island since that lamentable event, as far as they came to the knowledge of Captain Douglas, may be considered, perhaps, as a matter of sufficient curiosity to justify a cursory mention of them.

      Many of the chiefs whom Captain King thought proper to particularise, are no more; and among them the friendly Kaireekeea (                         ) and the treacherous Koah (Koa);but Eappo (Hiapo) the faithful Eappo (Hiapo), who may be remembered as having brought the bones of the illustrious navigator to Captain Clerke, and who had married Tianna's (Kaiana's) sister, was now on board the 'Iphigenia,' where he had lived ever since her arrival off the island. As to the revolution in the government, the most accurate account, in the opinion of Captain Douglas, was as follows:

      About 3 years after the death of Captain Cook, Maiha Maiha (Kamehameha), — for that was the name which Tomehomy-haw Kamehameha) then bore, — has occassion to send a message to Tereeoboo (Kalaniopuu) who, for some reason which did not appear, thought proper to put the messenger to death. — But Maiha. Maiha (Kamehameha) being a very powerful chief, and possessing a bold and active disposition, contrived to unite the greater part of those of his rank to join with him in forwarding his revenge. He, therefore, went immediately to the King, who became so irritated by his provoking accusations, as to resent the insult by a blow. On this act, which we must suppose to have been considered as in the highest degree criminal in the King himself, the Chiefs of the island sat in judgment during three days, when it was determined by the council, that Terecoboo (Kalaniopuu) should suffer death. A cup of poison, therefore, was instantly prepared, and being given to Maiha Maiha (Kamehameha) was presented by him to the King, who refused it twice; when being informed that another and more dishonourable mode of punishment was at hand, and in observing that an executioner stood by his side, in a state of preparation to knock out his brains, the wretched sovereign, in an agony of despair, drank off the deadly draught, and in a few moments fell from his seat and expired.

      The same power which doomed Tereeoboo (Kalaniopuu) to death, deprived his son of the royal succession, and Maiha Maiha (Kamehameha) was proclaimed King, by the name of Tomehomy-haw (Kamehameha).

      Such was the most probable history of this revolution ; — though the King himself took no common pains to persuade Captain Douglas that Tereeoboo (Kalaniopuu) was poisoned for having encouraged the natives to the murder of Captain Cook.

      Tome-homy-haw (Kamehameha), however, appeared to be rather an object of fear than love among his subjects.-As far as could be observed, he was of a tyrannic disposition, and possessed few of those qualities which gain a sovereign the first of all titles, — the Father of his people. Captain Douglas mentions a circumstance which proves at least, that if a blow from the hand or a weapon was considered at Owhyhee (Hawaii) as capital offence even in the King, the same violence from the foot was, by no means, considered as partaking of the same criminal nature.Some of the chiefs proposing, on seeing Captain Douglas shaving himself, that the King should undergo the same operation, his Majesty thought proper to kick them all, one after the other, not only without fear, but without mercy, Sunday, Dec. 21, 1788. On the 21st the ships made sail for Mowee (Maui) with the wind from the South. At noon the observed latitude was 20° 36' North, distant from Mowee (Maui) 4 miles.

      A fresh gale springing up from the Southward they ran up to the head of the bay, and had regular soundings from 13 to 5 fathoms of water over coral rock, with some spots of sand, where they might have anchored with safety to their cables, if the wind had not blown so fresh from shore. They, therefore, hauled out of the bay, and steered for the West point of the island. At 6 in the evening, they dropped the small bower anchor in five fathoms and an half of water, over sand and shells, and moored with the stream anchor, half a cable each way.

      No material occurrence took place from the 21st, but an attempt of the natives to cut the cable while the "Iphigenia" was at anchor off the Island of Mowee (Maui), for which one of them received a very severe correction. They had continued for several days to beat about in search of a good anchoring place; and on the 30th, they worked round the South East end of the Island of Woahoo (Oahu) and at 8 in the evening were close in with a large bay. The following day (Wednesday, Dec. 31, 1788) at noon, on finding that the current set them down towards a shoal, which the sea broke over with great force, they made sail and pushed out from the land, when they had 5, 4 and 3

and an half fathoms of water about 4 miles from shore. At 4 in the afternoon they tacked and stood in, to try for anchorage; but the wind blowing too fresh on land, and a number of shoals and banks being under their lee, they were obliged to put about.

      Jan. 1, 1789, Thursday. Having stood off till 4 in the morning, the wind drew round to the Eastward, and brought clear moderate weather. They were now informed by the natives that Titeeree (Kahekili), the King, lived on the East side of the bay. The jolly-boat was, therefore, sent to sound opposite a sandy bay, while the "Iphigenia" stood off under an easy sail. At noon the jolly-boat made signal for anchorage, when they accordingly run in and dropped the stream anchor in 11 fathoms of water, over sand and shells, at the distance of about 3 miles from a village, and 2 from an high bluff land on the Eastern side of the bay. The two extreme points which form this large bay, bearing West half North, to East South East. It is called by the natives Witetee (Waikiki), and the only good anchorage appears to be on the Eastern side; while the trade winds blows, a vessel may ride in safety; but if the wind varies to the South East or West, it then becomes dangerous, on account of the number of shoals and banks which it contains.

      After they had dropped anchor, Captain Douglas dispatched a present to the King, accompanied with an invitation to see him on board, and at four in the afternoon he paid a visit to the "Iphigenia" (Thursday, Jan. 1, 1789). The sovereign of Woahoo (Oahu) was saluted with the discharge of five guns on his arrival on board and a second present of adzes, choppers and knives was offered to him; when he readily promised that the taboo should be taken off the hogs, as far as it related to them, and that they should be plentifully supplied from the islands of Mowee (Maui), Ranai (Lanai), Morotoi (Molokai) and Woahoo (Oahu).

      Friday, Jan. 2, 1789. In the morning the King repeated his visit, bringing a present of hogs, taro-root and potatoes, with a. turtle, and some fish of the trout kind. Early in the afternoon he went on shore, and soon after Captain Douglas followed him in the jolly-boat. He was received very cordially by Titeeree (Kahekili) who took him round the village, showed him several plantations, and conducted him to some large ponds, which appeared to be full of fish. He mentioned also some others where he had a quantity of turtle, and promised to bring some on board the next day.

      Saturday, Jan. 3, 1789. The next morning Titeeree (Kahekili) visited the ship, with a present of a turtle and some hogs. About 10 o'clock a double canoe, schooner rigged, came round

the East point of the bay. The natives were deceived as well as the people in the ship; for they all imagined it to be the "North West America," which had not been seen for some days, till the canoe came within a short distance. She had got jib, main-sail and fore-sail as well as those of the schooner.

      On the 10th they were joined by Captain Funter (of the "North West America"), who had been beating off the West point of the island for several days past, without being able to join the "Iphigenia."

      Nothing of material occurrence took place during the time which the vessels remained at Woahoo (Oahu), except the loss of both their anchors; which Titeeree (Kahekili), who, in every other respect, behaved with the greatest kindness, contrived, though it blew a gale of wind, to heave up and get ashore, with their cables. As this was a loss of the utmost consequence, and, situated as they were, would have prevented their future progress, it became absolutely necessary to be very serious in their endeavors to recover them. The King did not attempt to hide the theft; and the people whom Captain Douglas sent to him to demand the restoration of the anchors and cables, saw them lying in his house. Indeed, they seem to have been taken with no other view than to compel Captain Douglas to leave some of his armourers at Woahoo (Oahu), as the condition of their being restored. However, the anchors, etc., were regained, on presenting the King with a pistol, a musket, and a small quantity of ammunition; accompanied also with some very necessary menaces, that if he did not restore the articles he had taken, his town should be laid in ashes.

      Sunday, Jan. 25, 1789. After having laid in such a stock of provisions as it was in their power to purchase and having filled some of the casks with water, at half past five in the afternoon of the 25th, the two vessels got under way, and stood out of the bay.

      At noon of the following day, the observed latitude was 21° 23' North; and the extremes of Woahoo (Oahu) bore from East by South, to North West by North, distant from shore about 4 miles.

      Monday, Jan. 26, 1789. At two in the afternoon of the 26th, they saw the island of Atooi (Kauai), bearing West by North half North; and in the course of the night had a strong current setting against them, with the wind from the Westward. At noon of the 29th they dropped anchor in Wymoa Bay (Waimea Bay), in 23 fathoms of water, over a muddy bottom. The two extreme points which form the bay, bearing from East South East, to West North West. The Morai (Heiau) on shore, bore North East half North.

      On the arrival of the "Iphigenia" and the "North West America" off the island, Taheo (Kaeo), the King, and all the chiefs,

had gone to a considerable distance up the country, dreading the effects of Tianna's (Kaiana's) anger, who, they had been informed, was on board one of the vessels, and had tabooed everything on shore; but as it was understood that the chief, whose vengance was so much dreaded, had been left at Owhyhee (Hawaii), messengers were immediately sent after Taheo (Kaeo), who in consequence of this information, returned in about 3 days to Wymoa (Waimea); and on his arrival, several canoes were sent off with hogs, potatoes and yams, for which a most exhorbitant price was demanded. A couple of hatchets, or 18 inches of bar iron, was expected even for a hog but of a middle size.

      This exhorbitant disposition arose principally from the suggestions of a boy, whose name was Samuel Hitchcock, who had run away from Captain Colnett, and was become a great favorite with Taheo (Kaeo) himself. Indeed, so great was his influence with the King, that one of the natives having stolen from him a small piece of cloth which he wore round his middle, Taheo (Kaeo) ordered the culprit to be pursued to the mountains, whither he had fled, and when the wretched creature had been taken, both his eyes were torn from their sockets, a pahoo (pahoa) was then driven through his heart, and his flesh stripped from the bones, as a bait for sharks.

      But though Taheo (Kaeo) returned to Wymoa (Waimea) he was by no means without apprehensions as to his safety; nor would he accept of Captain Douglas's invitation to come on board the "Iphigenia"; feigning as an excuse, that he had been ill used by the crew of a ship some time before. This alarm, indeed, in a short time subsided, and he paid his occasional visits to the ship, and a friendly communication, at least to all appearances, took place between the natives and their European visitors.

      At the same time it was hinted to Captain Douglas to be continually on his guard against the designs of the King, and of Abinui (........) his minister; and he was also informed of a poisonous root well known to the inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands which when ground to powder, might be easily scattered about the ship, or thrown upon their clothes, without being observed, and whose power is of such a deadly nature, that if the smallest quantity of it should be inhaled by the mouth or nostrils, the consequence is immediate death ; Captain Douglas, therefore, although he did not very much suspect any murderous intention in Taheo (Kaeo ) or his people, thought it a prudent precaution, at all events, to make known his intention, if any attempt was made to poison any of the provisions sold to them that he would not leave a native alive whom he should find within his reach.

      But though the quantity of hogs and roots which they could obtain on Atooi (Kauai), were by no means equal to their expectations or sometimes even to their immediate necessities, opportunities were taken of doing considerable service, by making such repairs in sails, cordage, and other articles, which were essentially necessary to the condition of both the vessels. It was therefore determined to proceed to Oneeheow (Niihau); and as Namitahaw (Namakeha), with six of his relations, and four women, expressed their wishes to accompany Tianna's (Kaiana's) wife and child to Owhyhee (Hawaii), he took them all on board, in the expectation that they would be of very great service to him in procuring such provisions as he wanted, in the island he was proceeding to visit.

      Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1789. At two in the afternoon of Wednesday, the 18th of February, both vessels got under way; and at sun-setting, Wymoa Bay (Waimea Bay) bore North East. At noon the following day (Thursday, Feb. 19, 1789) the South West end of Oneeheow (Niihau) bore West, at a distance of one mile. But strong gales coming on from the North West, and finding that they drove a considerable way to the Southward and Eastward of Oneeheow (Niihau) and Atooi (Kauai), and there being every appearance that the wind would continue to the Westward, Captain Douglas determined to run over to Woahoo (Oahu), in order to get a fresh supply of provisions, as they had killed their last hog. Accordingly on Saturday the 21st, at four in the afternoon, a fresh gale springing up from the North North West, they bore away for Woahoo (Oahu). At noon on the following day (Sunday, Feb. 22, 1789) they past the Western point of Witetee (Waikiki) Bay, the sounding being from 14 to 3 fathoms of water, and distant 5 or 6 miles from the shore. Captain Douglas observes that this shoal runs out further than any he had encountered among these islands, and that lies in the latitude of 21° 22' North, and the longitude of 202° 15' East of Greenwich.

      In the morning of the 23rd they came to their former anchoring ground; and at nine, Titeeree (Kahekili) came on board, and some of the passengers having informed him of the price paid for provisions at Atooi (Kauai), he was disposed to imitate the exorbitant demands of the neighboring island; and no inconsiderable quantity of powder and shot, for those were now become the favorite articles, was demanded for a single hog; so that very peremptory methods were obliged to be employed in order to procure the necessary supplies.

      (Tuesday, Feb. 24, 1789.) A fresh breeze springing up from the Westward about noon, on the 24th, Captain Douglas em-

braced the favorable occasion to get over to Owhyhee (Hawaii), where he hoped to find greater plenty, and more reasonable demands.

      At noon on the 2nd of March, Owhyhee (Hawaii) bore from North half West, to South East by South, distant from the shore about two leagues ; and very shortly after Tianna (Kaiana) came on board from a part of the island called Toee-Hye (Kawaihae), and when he had indulged himself for some time in the oppressive joy of yearning nature at the sight of his wife and child, he conducted the ship into a bay called by the natives Tiroway (Kailua) and at four in the afternoon, they anchored in 16 fathoms of water, over a fine sand, the two extreme points bearing from South South East half East, distant from shore about a mile and a half.

      In the evening, by the provident care of Tianna (Kaiana) they received considerable quantity of refreshments. Early the next morning (Tuesday, March 3, 1789) the jolly-boat was sent to sound the Bay, when good ground was found all across it, from 14 to 22 fathoms of water, over a fine brown sand.

      The King having been on a fishing party, he did not arrive till 4 in the afternoon; when he came, accompanied by his Queen and daughter, in two dispatch boats, having quitted his heavy canoes and attendants. He appeared to be overjoyed at their return, -expressed his hopes that Tianna (Kaiana) had paid them all proper attention in his absence, and assured them that his power in the island, and all he himself possessed in it, was at their command. Indeed, the quantity of provisions with which he caused them to be furnished, and his anxious endeavors to forward the wishes of Captain Douglas in every thing, proved, beyond doubt, the sincerity of his professions.

      The next day (Wednesday, March 4, 1789) at an early hour, Tome-homy-haw (Kamehameha), Tianna (Kaiana), and several other chiefs came on board the "Iphigenia," and soon after the whole company was dismissed by the King, except Tianna (Kaiana); and having thrown a feather cloak over Captain Douglas, the chief, in the name of the sovereign and himself, began to enfold the secrets of their political situation.

      He stated that Taheo (Kaeo), king of Atooi (Kauai), and Titeeree (Kahekili), the sovereign of Mowee (Maui), Ranai (Lanai), Morotoi (Molokai) and Woahoo (Oahu), had entered into a compact with Terremoweeree (Keawemauhili), the surviving son of Tereeoboo (Kalaniopuu) who lived on the weather side of the island, to dispossess Tome-homy-haw (Kamehameha) of his rank and power for no other reason but because he had permitted Tianna (Kaiana) to fix his settlement at Owhyhee

(Hawaii); — That Taheo (Kaeo) had been furnished by Captains Portlock, Dixon, etc., with a quantity of arms and ammunition, on an express condition that he would not afford any supplies whatever to Captain Meares and his associates ; — for the truth of which information, he appealed to the reception which that gentleman had lately found on putting into the island of Atooi (Kauai), where he could not obtain any refreshment of any kind. And Tianna (Kaiana), with tears in his eyes, and the most affectionate expressions, declared his apprehensions of the distress which Captain Meares and his crew must have suffered from the want of provisions before he reached Macao, if he should have been able, by any means, to have completed his voyage to China. The speech, which was of considerable length, concluded with entreating Captain Douglas to leave two of his men behind him, till his return from America, together with a swivel gun, his own fowling piece, and whatever other arms and ammunition could be spared by him.

      The preparations which Captain Douglas had seen at the other islands, and the great demand he had experienced for powder, shot and muskets, induced him to give some credit to the scheme which Tianna (Kaiana) had just mentioned; he, therefore, complied with that part of the request which related to the fire-arms, and immediately ordered the carpenter on shore, to form a stage on one of the largest double canoes, to receive the swivel.

      In the afternoon of the following day (Thursday, March 3, 1789) the carpenter having finished the canoe, she was brought alongside the "Iphigenia," when the gun was mounted; but it was with great difficulty that the King could prevail on his people to keep their paddles in their hands while he discharged the piece.

      At six in the morning, the wind being from the Southward and Westward, a signal was made for the King to come on board, when they got under way, steering for the bay of ToeeHye (Kawaihae).

      The King was accompanied by his Queen, Tianna (Kaiana) and other principal chiefs, while those of an inferior rank attended the ship in a fleet of 30 canoes. Tiroway-Bay (Kailua), which they now quitted, is superior in many respects to that of Karakakooa (Kealakekua), the ground being extremely good, with not a spot of coral rock in any part of it; besides, vessels may lay at such a distance from the shore, that if the wind 'blows, they can clear the land with safety. The latitude of the ship at anchor was 10° 4' North. At half past five in the afternoon, the best bower anchor was dropped in 10 fathoms of water,

opposite the village of Toee-Hye (Kawaihae), the two extreme points of this large bay bearing from South West by South, to North West by North, distant from the shore 3 miles.

      (Sunday, March 7, 1789.). In the evening, the King and his company went on shore; and on the following morning sent off a present of 30 hogs, a quantity of salt, cocoa-nuts, potatoes, and taro. As the trade wind was now blowing fresh, Captain Douglas requested that he might, if possible, be favored with immediate supplies, as he was in haste to sail for America. Tomehomy-haw (Kamehameha), therefore, dispatched messengers up the country, with orders for everyone who had an hog to bring it immediately to the village, on pain of death; and at ten the next morning, he himself came off with a present of 50 hogs, some of which weighed 15 stone. In the course of the day other necessary articles were sent on board; and amongst other things were 12 geese. It may be a matter of curiosity to mention that, at the same time, a boat came into the bay with a cock and hen turkey. These animals were going round to breed at the village of Wipeeo (Waipio). The hen, we were told, had already sat twice, in different parts of the island, and reared her broods to the number of 20; so that in a few years there will be a great abundance of that species of fowl in these islands. In the evening Captain Douglas, after presenting some fire-arms and ammunition to the King and Tianna (Kaiana), took his leave of them; and at midnight they got under way. Their latitude at noon, on the next day (Monday, March 9, 1789) was 30° 21' North. They now proceeded to Woahoo (Oahu), where having got a considerable quantity of wood, and made some addition to the stock of taro and sugar-cane, they continued their course to Atooi (Kauai); and in the evening of the 12th came to an anchor about two miles to the Eastward of the anchoring ground. At daylight on the 13th, they got the boats out, and towed the ship into her former berth. Taleo (Kaeo) and the other principal chiefs were gone to Punna (Puna) and Abinui (... ) was the only person of consequence remaining at Wymoa (Waimea), who sent a present of an hog on board, but did not think proper to accompany it.

      In the morning the long boat was sent on shore for water, when the men on duty got to quarrelling with so much violence, as to draw their knives against each other; and when Mr. Viana attempted to part them, a seaman, of the name Jones, threatened to knock him down. As such a disturbance, if not checked in time, might have been attended with consequences that would • prove fatal to the voyage, Captain Douglas ordered Jones to immediate punishment; to which with the most horrid execra-

tions, he refused to submit, and run for the fore-top, in expectation of meeting with the blunderbusses which were generally kept there primed and loaded, in case of an attack from the natives, but was prevented from gaining his object by Captain Douglas, who fired a pistol over his head, and threatened him with a second discharge if he proceeded another step. But as it was very evident that several of the ship's crew were disposed to support him, he was ordered either to deliver himself up to punishment, or instantly leave the ship; when he chose the latter without the least hesitation, and tranquality was immediately restored.

      Having completed their watering, at five in the afternoon they got under way for Oneeheow (Niihau), in order to obtain a supply of yams. But being prevented by adverse winds, and a current running strong from the Northwest, to make Yam Bay, they were forced to avoid being driven to the leeward, to bear up for the other bay; and in the afternoon of the following day, they dropped anchor in 13 fathoms of water; the bearings of the two points being from South by East, to North by East; the small island of Tahoora (Kaula) bore at the same time, South South West half West, distant from the shore one mile and an half. In the evening Captain Douglas being informed of a design agitated by several of the seamen to go off with the jollyboat, gave orders to the officers to keep a strict watch; nevertheless, during the night, the quarter-master and two of the sailors had got on shore in some of the canoes that were alongside. They had formed a plan to get off with the boat, and at the same time to set fire to the ship; but being prevented in their diabolical enterprise, they had taken an opportunity to escape to the island. Two of them, however, by the active zeal of honest Friday, a native of Oneeheow (Niihau), who has already been mentioned in these pages with the esteem he so well deserves, were shortly brought back to the ship; but the quartermaster, who was the ring-leader in the mischief, could not be brought off on account of the surf, and was therefore left behind; for such was the situation of both vessels, being in want of many necessary articles, — the "North West America" having also lost her anchor, that though, according to his instructions, Captain Douglas was to have proceeded to the Northward, he was made under the necessity of disobeying them, and proceeding immediately to the Coast of America, where he had every reason to hope he should meet with a ship from China.

      The "Iphigenia" and the schoonér had now been near 4 months among these islands; and it is to the honour of Captain Douglas, that he conducted himself with that prudent at-

tention to circumstances as to have avoided any serious dispute with the natives of any of them.

      Having got about a month's store of yams, the 2 vessels set sail; and having lost sight of the island of Oneeheow (Niihau) on the 18th, they proceeded in company to the North West, with the wind from the North North East. At three the next morning, land was seen ahead; and at four, being almost close up with it, they hove to till day-light.

      This island or rock, bears the form of a saddle, high at each end, and low in the middle. To the South it is covered with verdure; but on the North, West and East sides, it is a barren rock, perpendicularly steep, and did not appear to be accessible but to the feathered race, with which it abounds. It was therefore named Bird Island. It lies in the latitude of 23° 07' North, and in the longitude of 198° 10' East, by a medium of several observed distances of the sun and moon.

SECOND VISIT OF THE "IPHIGENIA," CAPTAIN DOUGLAS

      Saturday, July 18, 1789. The "Iphigenia" now proceeded on her way to the Sandwich Islands, without the intervention of any occurrence that merits a particular relation; when it appeared on the 18th of July, by a medium of several observations, that she was in the longitude of 206° 20'. And at sun-rise of the 20th, the extremes of Owhyhee (Hawaii) bore from the North East by North, to South half East, two leagues off shore.

      The second visit of Captain Douglas to these islands had well nigh completed the misfortunes of his voyage ; — as a plan had been formed by the chiefs of Owhyhee (Hawaii) to cut hini off with his crew, and then to rob and destroy the ship :-Indeed it was in a great measure owing to the manly and prudent conduct of Captain Douglas that this scheme, which was regularly formed and adjusted, proved abortive. This design was to have been executed on board the "Iphigenia"; and the treacherous chiefs who were to have taken the lead in the business, had already introduced themselves into the ship. One of them had got a pistol, others had daggers in their hands; and, as it may be supposed, all were in some way or other secretly armed, because, as it afterward appeared, each had his allotted part to perform in the intended massacre. The king's elder brother (Kalaimamahu) and Aropee (                              ) had engaged to kill Captain Douglas; Pareeonow (                              ) was appointed to stab Mr. Adamson, the principal officer; Tereametee (Keliimaikai), the younger brother of the king, was to perform the same inhuman

office for the boatswain, and the other chiefs had each his murderous work assigned to him; which being completed a signal was to have been given for the natives, who lay in their canoes, to get on board, and to throw all who remained alive into the sea. The vessel was then to have been pulled in pieces, and carried up into the mountains, in order to prevent any suspicions of what had happened from alarming such strangers as might visit the island at any future period.

      Šuch was the account which Tianna (Kaiana) gave to Captain Douglas, with tears and lamentations, of the intended tragedy; in which thought he could not prevent the design, he refused to coöperate and had employed his servant to give notice of it; but the man had been so closely watched by some or other of the chiefs, that he had not found an opportunity to make the proposed communication.

      When, however, Captain Douglas saw the chiefs armed, and found that the Queen had been secretly conveyed away from the ship, he began to suspect mischief, and acted accordingly. He took care in the first place, not to betray any signs of apprehension of alarm; and very properly conceiving that if he should call his people up to prevent the apparent danger, it might drive the insidious people to some act of despair that might produce very fatal consequences to the ship, he determined to try a more tranquil method, and under various pretenses, got a pistol from one of the chiefs and a dagger from another, and being armed himself, he waited with impatience for the arrival of Tianna (Kaiana), who was on shore, to determine in what manner he should finally proceed. In a very short time that chief came on board, and Captain Douglas taking him alone into his cabin, and bolting the door, he insisted upon being informed concerning the intentions of the King and his people, when Tianna (Kaiana) threw himself upon the floor, in an agony of distress, and unfolded what has been already related, laid the whole blame on the King and recommended that he should be instantly put to death. Captain Douglas immediately jumped on deck, with a loaded pistol in each hand, which had such an effect on the chiefs, who were assembled there, that they quitted the ship in an instant and drove their canoes swiftly to the shore.

      Such an hostile and treacherous conduct in the king and his attendants, as we have just related, might be supposed to have broken off all intercourse between the ship and the natives; but as it was absolutely necessary to procure provisions for the future part of the voyage, an humiliating apology was received from Tome-homy-haw (Kamehameha), for what had passed, who laid all the blame on his chiefs; and a communication was

renewed with the natives, which produced great plenty of hogs and fruit, as well as grass-rope, the latter article being provided on account of the miserable state of the cordage, etc., on board the ship.

      (Monday, July 27, 1789.) On the 27th, Captain Douglas, after having left letters for myself (Meares) and Captain Funter, in case either of us should touch at Owhyhee (Hawaii), quitted the island. Tome-homy-haw (Kamehameha), to the last, intreated forgiveness, and expressed the deepest concern for the alarm which he and his chiefs had occasioned; and Tianna (Kaiana) with all the sensibility of an honest and ingenious mind, continued to lament it. Indeed, ich was their conduct and behaviour when the moment approached for the "Iphigenia" to depart, that there can be no doubt but that British ships will hereafter find in this island, all the comfort, protection, and friendship, which Tome-homy-haw (Kamehameha) and Tianna (Kaiana) may have in their power to procure them.

      (Tuesday, July 28, 1789.). On the following day they came to an anchor in Witetee (Waikiki) Bay, in the island of Woahoo (Oahu); but every article of trade being now expended, the armourers were ordered to cut up the rudder chains, in order to purchase the provisions with which several canoes had come laden from the shore.

      Monday, August 10, 1789. After touching at the other islands for water, yams, etc., on the 10th of August they quitted the Sandwich Islands, and made sail to the Westward.

APPENDIX

TRADE IN THE NORTH PACIFIC.

      In January, 1788, Captain Meares and several British merchants of India purchased the "Felice" and "Iphigenia," the former of 230 tons and the latter of 200 tons, for a trading voyage to the North West Coast of America, intending to winter in Hawaii.

      The crews of these ships consisted of Europeans and Chinamen (mostly the latter). Captain Douglas commanded the "Iphigenia" and Captain Meares commanded the "Felice." There were a crew of 40 men on the "Iphigenia" and 50 on the "Felice." Besides trading, an object of the voyage was to take back those people who had been brought from America and the Sandwich Islands."

      Captain Meares says: "A certain number of cattle and other useful animals were purchased, for the purpose of being put on shore at those places where they might add to the comfort of the inhabitants or promise to supply the future navigators of our own, or any other country, with the necessary refreshments.

      "In fulfilling his pleasing duty to these children of nature, whom a curious spirit and unsuspecting character had led to such a distance from their native country, a very marked attention was paid to Tianna (Kaiana), a prince of the island of Atooi (Kauai), a chief of illustrious birth and rank, who in the year 1787 was carried by me to China and who now afforded us the pleasure of restoring him to his country and kindred, with a mind enlarged by the new scenes and pictures of life which he had beheld and in possession of various articles of useful application, or comparative magnificence, which would render him the richest inhabitant of his native islands."

      "————It would not be doing justice to this amiable Indian if he were not represented as possessing many of those sentiments which do honour to the most cultivated understanding.--Mr. Cox, a commercial gentleman of China, manifested the greatest interest in the honour and happiness of Tianna's (Kaiana's) future life by the generous consignment of a considerable quantity of live cattle and other animals to the island of Atooi (Kauai) — and also appropriating a sum of money to be expended as his own untutored choice or wayward preference should direct."

      His European friends, however, "directed the expenditure of the allotted sum, to procure him those valuable comforts and advantages which might last during his life, and tend to improve his nation."

      "When he was assured of the return to Atooi, the idea that he should again embrace the wife whom he loved, and the children whom he doted, with all the added consequence which would accompany him, from the knowledge he had acquired, the wealth he possessed, and the benefits he should communicate to the place of his natividity produced those transports which sensible minds may conceive, but which language is unable to describe."

      "When he first beheld the chips at Wampoa (near Canton, China), his astonishment baffles description and he emphatically called them the islands of Brittannee (Britain), but when he had surveyed their internal arrangement, with all the various apparatus they contained, the immediate impressions they occasioned on his mind were those of dejection; he hung his head in silence, and shed an involuntary tear, as it appeared, over what he conceived to be his own inferior nature. — But the same spirit which urged him to quit his native country, in order to return with knowledge that might instruct, and the arts that might improve it, soon aroused him into an active and rational curiosity.

      Indeed he very shortly manifested no common degree of intellectual exertion, by discriminating, as occasion offered, between the people of the several European nations, whom he daily saw, and those of England, whom he always called the men of Britannee (Britain).

      The natives of China he considered with a degree of disgust which bordered on extreme aversion ; — their bald heads, distended nostrils, and unmeaning features, had raised in his mind the strongest sensations of contempt ;- Indeed it might be owing to the addition which the natural dignity of his person may be supposed to receive from such a prevailing sentiment, whenever he found himself amongst them, that the Chinese appeared to regard him with awe, and that, whenever he turned, the timid crowd never failed to open him a ready passage.

      Tianna (Kaiana) was about thirty-two years of age; he was near six feet five inches in stature, and the muscular form of his limbs was of an Herculean appearance. His carriage was replete with dignity, and having lived in the habits of receiving respect due to superior rank in his own country, he possessed an air of distinction, which we will not suppose could suffer any diminution from his observation of European manners. He wore the dress of Europe with the habitual ease of its inhabitants, and had not

only learned the use and arrangement of its various articles, but applied his knowledge to the uniform and most minute practice of personal cleanliness and decorum. The natural habits of his mind, however, ocasionally recurred, and the childish fancy of his native state would sometimes intrude upon and interrupt the progress of his improvement. He could not be taught to understand the value of our current coin, and when he wanted anything that was to be purchased by it, he would innocently ask for iron; which being the most valuable metal in his eyes, was naturally considered by him as the medium of barter among the nations.

      To return Tianna (Kaiana) to his native island, operated very powerfully in forming the arrangements of the voyage before us; — his original design and inclniation was to proceed to England; and Captain Churchill, of the "Walpole," East Indiaman, offered, in the kindest manner, to take him under his protection, now could he have found a better protector; but to consign him to another's care and to send him to a country from whence there might be no future opportunity of returning to his own was a business that his friends could not reconcile to their feelings. The permitting him to leave Atooi (Kauai) was considered an unreflecting act; and it was now determined that Tianna (Kaiana) should return thither, if not, in reality, happier than before, at least possessed of treasures beyond any possible expectation of his unexperienced mind. But of all the various articles which formed his present wealth, his fancy was most delighted with a portrait of himself, painted by Spoilum, the celebrated artist of China, and perhaps the only one in his line, throughout that extensive empire. The painter had indeed, most faithfully represented the lineaments of his countenance but found the graceful figure of the chief beyond the power of his genius. The surprise that Tianna (Kaiana) expressed, as the work proceeded, was various and extreme, and seemed to follow with continual change every added stroke of the pencil. When this painting was presented to him, he received it with a degree of solemnity that struck all who beheld it; and then, in a state of agitation in which he had never been seen by us, he mentioned the catastrophy which deprived the world of Captain Cook. He now, for the first time, informed us that a fierce war had been waged throughout the islands, on account of a painting, which he called a portrait of that great man, and which had been left with one of the most potent chiefs. This picture, he added, was held sacred amongst them, and the respect they paid to it was considered by them as the only retribution they could make for their unfortunate destruction of its original.

      It may not, be though improper, if a short digression is made in this place, in order to state, that during our former stay among these islanders, we had every opportunity of estimating their feelings with respect to the lamented fate of Captain Cook, and we have every reason to believe that these distant inhabitants of the water waste, accompanied with fierce sorrow the regret of Europe.- The numbers of them which surrounded the ship, with a view to obtain permission to go to Brittannee (Britain), to the friends of their beloved Cook, are incredible. They wept and solicited with an ardour that conquered every previous aversion.

      Presents were poured upon us from the chiefs, who were prevented by the multitude from approaching the vessel, and the clamorous cry of 'Britannee, Britannee', (Britain, Britain), was for a long time vociferated from every part, and without ceasing ; nor can their silent grief be described, when it was made know among them, that Tianna (Kaiana), a prince of Atooi (Kauai), was the only one selected to the envied honour of sailing with us.

      Previous to our departure, Taheo (Kaeo), the king of that island, paid us a visit, accompanied by all his chiefs. As they believed that the commanders of every European ship who had touched at their islands since the death of Captain Cook, were the sons of that illustrious navigator, they, in the most affecting manner, deplored that event; and while each of them was solicitous to assert his innocence, they united in representing the passions that had urged them to commit the fatal deed — which would be a subject of their eternal contrition — as a punishment inflicted upon them by their gods. After these, and many similar declarations, they renewed their offers of friendship to Britannee (Britain), and departed; nor have we the least doubt but that future navigators, who may chance to stop at these islands, will find there a secure and welcome asylum.

      The other natives of the Sandwich Islands and America, who were received on board, had been brought to China, by different ships, rather as objects of curiosity than for the better motive of instruction to them, or advantage to commerce ;--they consisted of a woman of the island of Owhyhee (Hawaii), named Winee (...... .), who was in a bad and declining state of health ; a stout man and boy from the island of Mowee (Maui), and a native of King George's Sound.——

      On board of each ship were embarked six cows and three bulls, four bull and cow calves, a number of goats, turkeys, and rabbits, with several pair of pigeons, and other stock in great abundance.

      Unfortunately it was not in our power, at this time, to procure

sheep; but several lime and orange trees were purchased and destined for Atooi (Kauai), as Taheo (Kaeo) the sovereign of that island, possessed all the power necessary to protect such valuable property. Had we been so fortunate as to have landed all the cargo prepared for the Sandwich Islands, they would have become the most eligable places for refreshment in the whole extent of the Northern Pacific Ocean. If, however, the American commerce should be pursued, very confortable advantages will be found to result even from that part of our design which was completed."

      On the evening of January 22, 1788, the ships set sail from China sailing South East along the Western shores of the Philippines as far as New Guinea and then proceeding North along Japan to Alaska and the North West Coast of America. The "Iphigenia" finally arriving off Maui about December 6, 1788. The "Felice" arrived off Hawaii about October 16th, 1788, a month and a half ahead of the "Iphigenia." Both ships experienced very heavy weather and met with misfortunes. Scurvey made its appearance before the "Iphigenia" arrived at Alaska, and before the "Felice" arrived at the North West Coast of America. Many of the live stock were killed by accident or for food.

      Our friends from Owhyhee (Hawaii) had suffered severely during the passage across the China Seas. Tianna (Kaiana), in his constant attendance upon Winee, had caught a fever which with the humane anxiety he felt on her account, confined him for some time to his bed. — But the poor unfortunate women justified our fears concerning her, that she would never again see her friends or her native land. She every day declined in strength, and nothing remained for us, but to ease the pains of her coming dissolution, which no human power could prevent. Nor did we fail, I believe, in any attention that humanity could suggest, or that it was in our power to bestow. She had been for some a living spectre, and on the morning of the fifth of February she expired. At noon her body was committed to the deep; nor was it though an unbecoming act to grace her remains with the formalities of that religion which opens wide its arms to the whole human race, of every color, and under every clime, to the savage as well as to saint and the sage. Tianna (Kaiana) was so much affected by the circumstance of her death, that we were for some time under very painful apprehensions lest his health might suffer from the feelings of his humanity on this occasion; as he possessed in a very great degree, that delicacy of constitution which discriminates the chiefs

from the vulgar people, and is perculiar to the great men of his country.

      Thus died Winee, a native of Owhyhee (Hawaii), one of the Sandwich Islands, who possessed virtues that are seldom to be found in the class of her countrywomen to which she belonged, and a portion of understanding that was not be expected in a rude and uncultivated mind. It may not, perhaps, be uninteresting to mention the cause of this poor girl's departure from her friends and country, which it was her fate never to behold again.

      Captain Barclay, who commanded the Imperial Eagle, was one of those adventurers to the coast of America who made a very successful voyage. Mrs. Barclay accompanied her husband, and shared with him in the toils, the hardships, and vicissitudes incident to such long, as well as perilous voyages; but by no means calculated for the frame, the temper, or the education of the softer sex.

      This lady was so pleased with the amiable manners of poor Winee, that she felt a desire to take her to Europe; and for that purpose took her, with the consent of her friends, under her own particular care and protection. On Mrs. Barclay's departure from China for Europe, Winee was left, as we have already mentioned, in a deep decline, to embarke for her country, with the rest of the natives from the Sandwich Islands.

      On the morning of her death, she presented Tianna (Kaiana), as a token of her gratitude for his kind attentions to her, with a plate looking-glass, and a basin and bottle of the finest China; to these gifts she also added a gown, an hoop, a petticoat, and a cap for his wife; the rest of her property consisting of a great variety of articles, she bequeathed to her family; and they were deposited with Tianna (Kaiana), to be delivered to her father and mother.

      Nor let fastidious pride cast a smile of contempt on the trifles that composed her little treasure. They were wealth to her, and would have given her a very flattering importance, had she lived to have taken them to her native island.

      But when we consider the sufferings of her mind, on the reflection that she should never behold her country again ; — when we see, as it were, the disappointment of an inoffensive pride preying on her spirits ;- When to these causes of dejection and added the pains of incurable disease, increased by the tossing of the billows, and the violence of tempestuous seas,-humanity must feel for those miseries which haunt every corner of the

earth, -and yield a compassionate tear to the unfortunate Winee (..........).

      Tianna (Kaiana), and Comekala, the man from King George's Sound, were since the death of Winee (..........), the only persons of their respective countries on board the "Felice"; the rest of them were on board the "Iphigenia," to which we now consigned the amiable chief of Atooi (Kauai), as her course comprehended his native islands; (this was at the Phillippines on Feb. 10, 1788) Comekala remained with us as the destination of our voyage was to his own country.

      Tianna (Kaiana) had been so sensibly affected by the death of Winee (..........), as to produce a considerable alteration in the state of his health ; his fever continued, and baffled all our attentions to relieve him. The same fate that had separated for ever his unfortunate countrywoman from her friends and native land, pressed home upon his reflection. — He may be supposed to have felt, and sometime, perhaps, expected that he might hear no more the tender names of father or of husband; — that he might share with Winee (.......) a premature grave in the bosom of the ocean. —— He was therefore consigned to the care of Captain Douglas, with the hopes that the remaining on shore till his departure, with the novelty of the scenes around him, might abate his disorder, and recrute his spirits with a sufficient degree of strength to bear out the remainder of the voyage.

      Mention is made here of the ships "Experiment" and "Captain Cook," which made a trading voyage to the Northwest Coast of America in the year 1786, but does not state whether they visited Hawaii.

      March 3, 1788, the "Felice" entered a storm which destroyed plants and animals which were to have been landed at Hawaii. There however yet remained alive one bull and a cow, and one cow calf; but the goats were all killed in one day by a sudden roll of the ship. "Of the plants, we still possessed a lime and an orange-tree in full vigour, with six cinnamon, and several smaller plants of various kinds."

      Mention of other voyages to the North West Coast of America are reprinted herein, as many of the vessels touched at Hawaii.

      "On our arrival with the "Felice" in China, in the autumn of 1788, the agent of the merchants in England, and the agent of the merchants in India, formed a union of interests, and associated themselves under a joint stock company, to carry on the furt trade of America. They accordingly equipped a ship called the 'Argonaut,' under the direction of Mr. Colnett, a lieutenant in

His Majesty's navy, and who had commanded in the years 1787 and 1788, the ship "Prince of Wales" of London, belonging to the merchants trading to America. This ship had performed her voyage to the coast, and returned to China with a valuable cargo of furs in 1788. — Mr. Colnett quitted the "Prince of Wales" in China, to command the "Argonaut" and take charge of the associated merchants property on the coast of America, he accordingly prepared the "Argonaut" for sea, and the "Princess Royal" of London, a vessel belonging to the same commercial society.

      The "Princess Royal" therefore sailed in February, 1789, and did not reach the coast of America in less than sixteen weeks,whereas the "Argonaut," a prime sailer, left China the 26th of April, 1789, and arrived in King George's Sound the 3rd of July (1789).

      The "Imperial Eagle" was a ship employed to collect furs on the Coast of America, in the year 1787.

      The ships "Captain Cook" and "Experiment" had been equipped under the direction of Mr. Scot — from Bombay to America for the purpose of collecting furs, — They arrived on the coast in the year 1786, and left Mr. Maccay, the surgeon's mate on board one of them, with his own entire consent and approbation, under the protection of Maquilla. Mr. Strange, who had the superintendence of these ships entertained an opinion that very great commercial effects might proceed from leaving Mr. Maccay with the natives of King George's Sound, to learn their language, customs and manners. He was therefore, accordingly left in the year 1786, and continued with them until 1787, when he embarked for China on board the "Imperial Eagle." Mr. Maccay left a journal of his experiences.

      In August, 1786, they met the "Princess Royal" near Port Cox, (King George's Sound) under command of Captain Duncan. The "Princess Royal" was of fifty tons burden manned by 15 men, she had come around Cape Horn and navigated the North and South Pacific oceans. She had been twenty months from England and reported meeting the "Queen Charlotte," Captain Dixon, bound for China. The "Felice" and "Princess Royal" separated on Aug. 9, 1788, the latter "proceeding to the Sandwich Islands, to take in refreshments, in order to return to China with her valuable cargo of furs." The "Felice" going South along the American Coast.

      On Aug. 27, 1788, in Friendly Cove the "Iphigenia" met the "Felice" Tianna (Kaiana) was overjoyed to see his old friends. "Nor were we insensible to the pleasure of seeing him restored to

us, so entirely recovered from a disorder which had filled us with apprehension that we should never see him again. Indeed, from the general change in his looks, and still wearing his fur cap and other warm clothing, with which he had clad himself, during the cold season, while the "Iphigenia" was in Prince William's Sound and Cook's River, — we did not immediately recognize the chief; but the violence of his joy soon discovered him to us; and though it might be more expressive it was not more sincere than our own. Indeed, such had ever been the conciliating power of his manners, that there was not a seaman in either ship, that did not love Tianna (Kaiana) as himself.

      We had supposed that his satisfaction on seeing us once again was complete; but we found it still capable of increase; for when he was informed that we proposed, in a very short time, to proceed to the Sandwich Islands, his expressions of delight knew no bounds; — they were wild, fantastic and excessive; and it was sometime before they sunk into that state of moderation which qualified him to receive any fresh impressions of pleasure. The new vessel ("The North West America") was reserved for that purpose; and when it was pointed out and he was made acquainted with its object, he regarded it with such a firm and fixed attention, as if his eyes would have darted from their sockets to the vessel ; and till she was launched, he continued the constant companion of the carpenters examining their operations and observing their progress. We encouraged this disposition; and it is scarcely to be credited how much of a carpenter's profession he learned during the short time we remained at King George's Sound." Some of the natives returned from a war trip carrying baskets containing 30 heads.

      The Sandwich Island chief did not, as we first expected, discover any surprise at the sight of Maquilla and his army; but the frequent communication of the "Iphigenia" with the natives along the coast, from Cook's River to King George's Sound, had rendered them and their manners no longer an object of novelty, as they had never been an object of consideration in the eyes of Tianna (Kaiana). Indeed, when he, with his colossal figure, stood by Maquilla, who was rather of a low stature, the difference was such, as not only to strike every beholder, but even to affect themselves with the different sentastions of an exulting or a wounded pride, which would prevent any very cordial affection from taking place between them. Tianna and Comekela were old acquaintances, but by no means intimate friends, as the former held the latter in a very low degree of estimation; and, accordingly, we did not observe any very cordial appearance of

joy at their present meeting. As Comekela had been at the Sandwich Islands, on his first leaving America, the ship having stopped there for refreshments, he was qualified to give Maquilla an account not only of Tianna (Kaiana), but the country from whence he came, and he did it probably to the disadvantage of both. At all events, Tianna (Kaiana) held the customs of Nootka in detestation; and could not bear the idea of their cannible appetites, without expressing the most violent sensations of disgust and abhorrance. Indeed there was no comparison to be made between the inhabitants and customs of the Sandwich Islands and those among whom we now resided, or of any part of the continent of America,- The former are their superiors in everything that regards what we should call the comforts of life, and their approach to civilization. They attend to a circumstance which particularly distinguishes polished from savage life, and that is cleanliness ; They are not only clean to an extreme in their food, but also in their persons and houses the same happy disposition prevails ;- while the North Western Americans are nasty to a degree that rivals the most filthy brutes, and of course, prohibits any description from us. Besides, their being cannibles, if no other circumstance of inferiority could be produced, throws them to a vast distance from the rank which is held in the scale of human being by the countrymen of Tianna (Kaiana); nor should we pass over in this place the frequent and solemn declarations of this chief, that the natives of the Sandwich Islands possess the most abhorrent sentiments of cannible nature; and though they may immolate human beings on their altars of their diety, they have not the least idea of making such a sacrifice to their own appetites. Indeed, we trust, it will not prove a vain hope, that these amiable people may soon be taught to abandon even their religious inhumanity and that near half a million human beings, inhabiting the Sandwich Islands, may one day be ranked among the civilized subjects of the British empire.

      Sept. 17, 1788, the sloop "Washington" from Boston, arrived at King George's Sound. She was of about 100 tons burden.

      "Mr. Grey, the master, informed us, that he had sailed in company with his consort, the "Columbia," a ship of 300 tons, in the month of August, 1787, being equipped under the patronage of Congress, to examine the coast of America, and to open a furtrade between New England and this part of the American Continent, in order to provide funds for their China Ships, to enable them to return home teas and China goods. These vessels were separated in a heavy gale of wind, in the latitude of 59° South, and had not seen each other since ;- but as King George's Sound

was the rendezvous appointed by them, the "Columbia," if she was safe, was every day expected to join her consort.

      On September 20, 1788, the "North West America," the first ship to be build in this part of the world, the work being done by Chinese carpenters, was launched. "Tianna (Kaiana) who was on board the vessel at the time of her being launched, not only saw but may be said to have felt the operation, as if it had been the work of enchantment; and could only express his astonishment by capering about, clapping his hands, and exclaiming "Myty, Myty (Maikai, maikai) a word the most expressive in the language of the Sandwich Islands to convey wonder, approbation, and delight..

      On September 24, 1788, "the 'Felice' being ready for sea, the orders marked No. V in the appendix were given to Captain Douglas, to direct his future proceedings ; — The 'North West America' was added to his command, and Tianna (Kaiana) once more embarked on board the "Iphigenia," as she was destined to carry him to the Sandwich Islands.

      This arrangement was preferred after some deliberation; for I myself felt a strong inclination to restore the amiable chief to his country; but as I could not remain more than a few days at the Sandwich Islands and as the "Iphigenia" was destined to winter there, it was thought a more expedient measure to send him home in her; as it would, in a particular manner attach him to her people, and, of course, promote their comfort and security during the time, which would probably occupy several months, of their stay there. These reasons were sufficient for us, on account of the general interest of the expedition, to return Tianna (Kaiana) to the "Iphigenia;" but there were also other reasons for pursuing this measure, for his own sake.

      We had been informed by one of the vessels which returned to China from the Sandwich Islands, subsequent to us, that Tianna's (Kaiana's) brother, Taheo (Kaeo), sovereign of Atooi (Kauai), was become so fearful of the power he might acquire from us, as to meditate his destruction; and that, in all probability, some secret attempt would be made on his arrival to cut him off. It was necessary therefore, for the preservation of Tianna (Kaiana), that he should be taken back in that vessel, which, by her long stay there, might ensure his safety, till the jealous fit of his tyrant brother was passed away, and a perfect reconciliation had taken place between them.

      "In the evening the officers, etc., of the "Iphigenia" and the "North West America" came on board the "Felice" to bid us farewell. Tianna (Kaiana) was not the last to show us that

mark of his regard ; — and indeed to do justice to his amiably disposition and friendly nature, whenever kindness could be shown, or generosity expressed, he was among the first. Nor could he say adieu to "Noota," the name universally given me both in America and the Sandwich Islands, without a frame almost convulsed with agitation, and tears gushing down his cheeks. — Nor could I, though proceeding to complete my voyage with the fairest hopes of success, take my leave of that worthy man, and the companions of our toilsome enterprise, without emotions that required all my resolution to suppress.

      We now hove anchor and the crews of the "Iphigenia" and "North West America" gave us three cheers at our departure.

      In July, 1788, there had been a mutiny on the "Felice" and the boatswain and 7 others had been put ashore, being given their choice of landing or of being put in irons for the rest of the voyage. The boatswain joined the "Washington" the day after the "Felice" left the Sound, where he did duty before the mast.

      "Previous, however, to every other expedition, a vessel was equipped in China in the year 1785, by a gentle man of first mercantile abilities and reputation; the command of her was entrusted to Captain James Hanna, who set sail in her to seek the distant continent of America, to explore its coasts, and to open such an intercourse with its inhabitants as might tend to a future commercial establishment with them. The size of the vessel, which was under 70 tons, her equipment, which scarcely amounted to 30 persons, and every circumstance belonging to her, served to impress the minds of all concerned in the business with an high idea of the spirit of the man who had undertaken to conduct his little band of Argonauts in an almost untried course, and where dangers were not to be avoided, or prepared for by the communicated experience of preceding adventurers.

      Captain Hanna, on leaving China, proceeded past Japan to King George's Sound and then down the North West Coast. He left a journal which was "Very curious"

      His 2nd voyage to the North West Coast was made in the year 1786 and was purely of a commercial nature. He was preparing for a 3rd voyage when he died.

      It was in 1786 that different bands of trading adventurers started up, as it were, both in India and England, to prosecute this commerce. From India, the equipments took place at Bengal and Bombay, under the patronage of the respective governments

of those places. From the former sailed the "Nootka" and the "Sea Otter," from the latter, the "Captain Cook" and the "Experiment." At the same period another equipment took place, for the same purpose, in China, and the "Sea Otter" sailed from thence, and was joined by the "Lark," which was fitted out with that intention for the coast of America.

      About the same time certain merchants in England, and in particular, Messrs. Etches of London, engaged in a similar adventure. Having obtained license from the South Sea Company to carry on this trade exclusively, with regard to England, for the term of 5 years and having been favored with a permission from the East India Company to lade teas home from China, these gentlemen equipped the ships "King George" and "Queen Charlotte" in a very superior manner, and gave the command of them to Lieutenant Portlock of the royal navy and who had already been frequently employed by them as a master of a trading vessel in their service. These ships left England in the month of September, 1785, near 7 months before any of the equipments set sail from the different parts of India.

      The "Captain Cook" and the "Experiment," commanded by the Captains Lowrie and Guise, and under the superintendance of Mr. Strange, one of the Company's servants sailed at the close of the year 1785 or early in the year 1786. They were equipped in the best possible manner by the public spirit of David Scott, Esq., of Bombay who was the principal owner of them. etc They proceeded to Nootka and explored the North West Coast. The "King George" and "Queen Charlotte" were appointed with numerous crews and officers of every denomination etc. They spent quite a time on the North West Coast of America and then proceeded to China eventually returning to Europe.

      The "Imperial Eagle," Captain Barclay, we believe sailed from Europe the beginning of the year 1787 and arrived at Nootka Sound in August. etc In the year 1788 there were on the North West Coast the ships "Prince of Wales," "Princess Royal," "Felice," "Iphigenia,' "Columbia" and "Washington.' "The following is a list of the ships of different nations in the River of Canton, in the year 1789; which will give a precise idea of the present superiority of the British trade, over that of all other European nations;

      The English shipping at Canton in the year 1789 gave employment to nearly two thousand men and officers.

      "I shall only add, as it seems to be a link in that chain of commerce which it is the office of these pages, however imperfectly, to enforce, that Providence, by permitting Great Britain to make a discovery of the Sandwich Islands seems to have intended that they should become a part of herself. The situation, climate, and produce of these islands, may be made to answer very important commercial purposes, besides, the inhabitants are brave and generous race of people, susceptible to the highest mental cultivation, and worthy of sharing, as they are already ambitious to share, the fate enjoyed by British subjects. The well directed industry, and assured fidelity of half a million people, would surely add to the grandeur and prosperity of the British Empire.

      The following is from the Instructions of the Merchants Proprietors. To John Meares, Esq., commanding the "Felice" and "Iphigenia."

      "You will endeavor to propagate at Nootka, and at the Sandwish Islands, the breed of your poultry of every kind; also of hogs, goats, and sheep. On your arrival you will find Comekela, who is a native of the Sound, giving him such presents as you may think proper.

      On your return to the Sandwich Islands, you will land Tianna (Kaiana) at Atooi (Kauai), or any of the islands he may desire. You will also give him such presents as you think useful

or acceptable, and if possible, you will reserve some of your sheep and goats as a present to this chief, as by leaving them in his possession, there is a better chance of their being taken care of, and increasing, and thus rendering these islands the best place of refreshment in the world. We particularly direct, that you do not bring away any of the inhabitants of America, or the Sandwich Islands, as there is no certainty that there will be any opportunity of returning them to their own country.

      Orders to Captain Douglas. Extract of a Letter from Mr Meares to Capt. W. Douglas, commanding the "Iphigenia."

      "and it is my particular desire, that not even a curiosity be purchased on the coast of America, and as few as possible at the Sandwich Islands, such an intercourse only tending to gratify an idle and vain whim, at the expense of the infant commerce now about to be established.

      When you return to China, as you will touch at the Sandwich Islands, I recommend to you to fill all your casks with salt pork, which will sell well in China, or serve for sea store for the next equipment of vessels in your employer's service for the coast of America.

      From experience we know that most excellent rope may be made at the Sandwich Islands. You will prohibit all fishing lines being purchased by individuals and let them be bought on account of the ship, made into cordage, and the overplus carefully put by, that it may be returned into store.

      You will await my arrival in Friendly Cove, till the first of November, when on seeing nothing of me, on that day you will make the best of your way to the Sandwich Islands, and anchor in Wymoa-Bay (Waimea Bay), in the island of Atooi (Kauai), remaining there 12 days, when if I do not arrive in that interval, you will proceed to China, and follow the directions I have given you, leaving a letter with Taheo (Kaeo), or Abinui (............), communicating only your arrival and departure.

      You will be particularly careful to preserve a breed of the various animals put on board you for the Sandwich Islands.

      On no account are you to bring away any of the natives of America or the Sandwich Islands, or any other islands you may discover, except your reasons are so cogent and strong, as will ensure you the countenance of your employers.

      Extract from Mr Meares instructions to Captain Douglas, on leaving the American Coast.

      "I mean to proceed immediately on the launch of the 'North West America,' to the Sandwich Islands, and from thence to

China, the whole charge of the "Iphigenia" and "North West America" will consequently devolve to you.

      From the information which I have received from the "Princess Royal," I think it necessary to warn you of the dangers attending your stay at the Sandwich Islands, where a crew immersed in pleasure may become but too easy a prey to so daring and resolute a set of people. Your judgement will point out to you to draw your principal resources of provisions from Owhyhee (Hawaii), the windward isle. The danger of anchoring there, from the multitude of people, is but too evident. With the bay of Mowee (Maui) you are acquainted. Here I would recommend you to anchor, if a spot free from coral rocks can be found.

      For though Titerree (Kahekili) is sovereign of Mowee (Maui), Morotoi (Molokai) and the adjacent isles, yet the factions existing between the lesser chiefs will, in all probability, prevent their combining to commit hostilities on you. The distance also you lie from the shore of this island will, in some measure, tend to your security; and amongst the whole group of those islands, I know no place so eligible, provided good anchoring ground can be found. When the trade-wind blows it comes down in refreshing breezes from the summits of the mountains, and meliorates the scorching heat of the sun, every where so pernicious. If the trade wind ceases and the North West winds blow, you have several large and capacious channels to put to sea through, and the danger of a lee-shore is removed. mit me to observe that this is the only station you can occupy amongst these islands, where this danger is to be avoided, and it is a danger of such magnitude, that I must entreat you, the moment you see it blacken in the North West to put instantly to sea, as the only means of safety.

      The savage fierceness of the people of Wahoo (Oahu), will, I should suppose, render your stay at that island very short. The populousness of Atooi (Kauai) may deter you from making any long stay in Wymeo Bay (Waimea Bay) You will therefore finally close your route at Onehow (Niihau) where I trust you will guard carefully against the art and cunning of Taheo (Kaeo) and Abinui (..... .) for I think them dreadful, mercenary, artful villians. As they attempted to poison the crews of the "Prince of Wales" and "Princess Royal," you will guard against such a diabolical design, by inspecting the cocoa-nuts, yams, water etc making the seller taste each.

      From Tianna (Kaiana) we have a full knowledge of the ex

treme subtility of a poison in their possession, which operates instantaneously on the vital powers.

      Should you discover such an attempt, I recommend to you to seize those concerned; and as a transaction of this nature cannot take place without the knowledge of Taheo (Kaeo) and Abinui (........) such wickedness ought to be made an example of. The commerce that the natives of Atooi (Kauai) have had with Europeans, has operated so much on their natures, that too much caution or vigilance cannot be exerted.

      On no account suffer more than one or two on your decks at a time. Keep people constantly in your tops, with arms ready, your guns loaded and primed; and never permit the natives to swim about the ship; or most assuredly, you will have your cables cut.

      I trust that you will procure a good supply of cordage and I should imagine that their mats, cloth, etc., might be held in as much request on the Northern station of America, as they are on the Southern, you will therefore purchase as many as you think proper for the American Market.

      I have great hopes that Tianna (Kaiana) will be of service to you. To this chief I recommend you to be particularly attentive. The placing him agreeable to his wishes either on Owhyhee (Hawaii) with his relation Tome Tomy Hawa (Kamehameha), the sovereign of that island and Atooi (Kauai) or with his brother Nawmity Haw (Namekeha) and family, on the latter island, is a point that I feel myself extremely interested in. Whatever Tianna's (Kaiana's) ambition may be on seeing himself so powerfully supported, yet we must not lose sight of prudence in settling our friend, and we shall prove his truest and most faithful ones, in placing him in exactly the station we took him from. We must therefore not let his ambition stimulate us on the one hand, nor our desires on the other, to raise our friend to a station ever envied amongst mankind. Through the generosity of Mr Cox, he returns unboundedly rich to the circle of his friends. Though greatly deserving in himself, yet the line of prudence must not be passed, and the example of Amai (........) shows us the danger attending the smiles of fortune even amongst savage tribes. — You will therefore dismiss him with such presents, in addition to what he has, as you may think proper to confer on him, and as you know his language so well, I entreat you to meet his ideas of happiness as far as prudence permits, or circumstances put in your power.

      The island of Onehow (Niihau) furnishes the pearl-oyster. You will endeavor to make Tianna sensible of the treasures

they contain, and the importance of them to us, and I have hopes that during your stay you will fully ascertain this point.

      At Nootka I shall await Mr. Funter's arrival (in the North West America) until the 20th day of November, 1789; when seeing nothing of him, on that day I shall proceed to the Sandwich Islands, and wait your and his arrival in Wymeo (Waimea) Bay, on the island of Atooi (Kauai), or at the anchoring ground, the island of Onehow (Niihau) until the first day of January, 1790.

INDEX

John Meares.
      Extracts from Voyages made in the years 1788 and 1789, from China to the northwest coast of America.
  [Honolulu]: Hawaiian Historical Society, [1916]

      This reprint is available at Archive.org.

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