History of the Hawaiian or Sandwich Islands, from the earliest traditionary period to the present time

Front matter

The d e alb place o ] Cook! E2^1®» 3F THE sv////r.j is. y<-///i.j ' ja is*. IP MB 0.0*8 ME IS ©Y TsAPIPAW & sSEMWET. IS HISTORY OF THE HAWAIIAN OR SANDWICH ISLANDS, EMBRACING THEIR ANTIQUITIES, MYTHOLOGY, LEGENDS, DISCOVERY BY EUROPEANS IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY, RE-DISCOVERY BY COOE, WITH THEIR CIVIL, RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL HISTORY, FROM THE EARLIEST TRADITIONARY PERIOD TO THE PRESENT TIME. BY JAMES JACKSON JARVES, MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN ORIENTAL SOCIETY. BOSTON: TAPPAN AND DENNET. 1843. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1843, By James J. Jarves, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. printed by wm. white and h. p. lewis, Spring Lane, corner of Devonshire Street. TO THE HON. ABBOTT LAWRENCE. THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY HIS FRIEND, THE AUTHOR

Preface

The author deems it proper briefly to state the causes, which have led him upon venturing to in trude before the public, a narrative of a nation so youthful in annals, which constitute claims to the appellation of history in its most dignified sense. If he had been more ambitious of the credit of an his toriographer, than desirous of presenting in their true light, the historical incidents of an interesting though humble people, a field of greater events and more storied interest would have been selected. But deeds are not always to be judged by the extent of the territories which gave them origin, or princi ples, by the degree of the individuals who were the means of their dissemination. Both must be tested by their relative effects. The record of the spread of moral worth and political freedom in a nation, how ever puny, is deserving of far more attention, than the tales of a lawless ambition, whose spirit is death, and whose path is misery and ruin. The author fain

PREFACE.

. VI would trust that some of the interest and instruction, which he, himself, has derived from studying the ac tual condition of heathenism as it existed among the Hawaiian nation, its Providential overthrow, and the gradual and increasing ascendency of Christianity and civilization, despite many reactions and unceasing hostility, will be imparted to his readers. The Christian community have long looked with kindly interest on this experiment ; their gifts, labors and prayers have nourished its growth ; but to the re mainder of the world, it has appeared more as an imperfectly finished picture, in which light and shade were inharmoniously blended, than as a beautiful illustration of the power of " God unto salva tion." In this work, it has been attempted to trace the courses and results of the antagonistic efforts of the several influences which have been brought to impede or accelerate its progress, and also to pre serve in a popular form, the records of an age which were fast disappearing.

In the traditions and cus toms of their earlier existence, much will be found to gratify the spirit of curiosity and research; at least, they possess the merit of forming a portion in the general catalogue of human events, while without them, an additional page would be num bered among the already too numerous blanks in the history of mankind. The author, in pursuit of health and recreation, first landed on the shores of Oahu in 1837, imbued with much of that spirit which erroneously pervades

PREFACE.

. VII the interesting narratives of a Beechey, a Kotzebue, and others, who fancied themselves honest searchers after truth. From his course of reading and inqui ries among those, whose opportunities had allowed them to form correct opinions, (had not their preju dices been too deep to be eradicated by reason,) he had formed the opinion, that the Hawaiians, though bettered in morals, were a priest-ridden people ; that sectarianism and worldly aggrandizement were the cogent motives of their spiritual teachers, and that they had succeeded in establishing a system of government, which for influence and secrecy of design might justly be compared to the dominion of the Jesuits in South America. A close examination it was expected would confirm these views. How far these opinions have been retained, the following pages will show.

They are the results of convic tions derived from a nearly four years' residence at these islands, with a diligent study of their ancient history, and its connection with the political and religious changes. If the writer were of the same sect as that body whose missionary labors have been instrumental of so much good, he might be accused of a bias toward them. But such is not the case ; he feels it a duty frankly to bear testimony to truth, in whomsoever it may appear, and whatsoever may be its shape. Had his former views been established, they would have been as freely proclaimed ; his earnest desire being to contribute even a mite to the pages of history.

PREFACE.

. VIII It was designed to interweave with the civil and political account of the nation, a series of sketches illustrative of their present life and condition, and other interesting points which would have enlivened a bare narrative of facts ; also to have pictured the wondrous natural phenomena of that prolific portion of the Pacific; the great volcanic eruption of 1840, and a full account of the mightiest of craters, the gigantic Lua Pele, or Kilauea, in Hawaii. But it would have swelled the volume to an unwieldly size, and the author preferred, by giving the political his tory of the group by itself, to test the perhaps too partial opinion of his friends, who opined that the value of the subject would of itself insure the work a fair circulation. Should this be verified, at an early period will be presented an additional volume, which, without being connected with the present, will give in detail all that is necessary to form a correct view of the Hawaiian Islands, their condition, prospects, the every-day concerns of the people, and missionary life as it now exists ; the two to form a succinct whole, illustrating each other.

To the valuable labors of the Rev. William Ellis, author of " Tour Around Hawaii," the author has been greatly indebted, and is happy to be able to verify the general accuracy of his statements. His former position as editor of a weekly paper at Hono lulu, " The Polynesian," and his relations with all the parties of that place, his acquaintance with the chiefs and natives, and with others whose personal

PREFACE.

. IX knowledge of historical events extended beyond his, enabled him to collect much valuable information ; this, since his arrival in Boston, has been carefully arranged and collated, with all the works of author ity relative to the islands, including the expensive foreign editions of early voyagers. Information has been derived from individuals who early resorted thither for trade. Accuracy in all statements has been diligently sought, and, as all the events are of comparatively recent occurrence, it is believed, obtained. The translations from " Ka Mooolelo Hawaii," or History of HaAvaii, written by the scholars of the High School at Lahainaluna, were made by the Rev. Reuben Tinker, late a missionary, and may be depended on for their fidelity. As many of the individuals whose conduct has had an important bearing upon Hawaiian policy and re form are still living, and holding the same relations as formerly, statements which affect them have been made only when necessary for the exposition of political movements ; and then only upon indisputable evidence.

The history of the government is so intimately involved with the unprincipled movements of a few characters, that to delineate the former, it was impossible to avoid picturing the latter ; while the natural delicacy of unobtrusive good, prevents a more public acknowledgment of the quiet yet effective exertions of individuals whose visits or residences have been peculiarly beneficial. If the secret springs which have moved many more prominent B X

PREFACE.

. countries to war or anarchy were exposed, avarice or sensuality, envy or revenge, would be found prime movers. History pictures the barbarous Ha waiian court, with its internal foes of white skins but black hearts, in all its naked deformity. Could the deceitful veil be thrown aside, which screens the vices and deformities of prouder courts, whose out ward lustre dazzles the eye, and whose power affrights the timid in truth, scenes would be dis closed, which might justly be paralleled with those of the former. The selfish passions and dark de signs of weak and semi-savage royalty, would be discovered to be but an epitome of the secret springs which move the machinery of strong and civilized monarchism. The strictures upon the conduct of the Roman Catholics at the Hawaiian Islands, will doubtless, at first glance, appear unnecessarily severe, to the numerous class of that denomination in the United States and Europe.

At the same time, it is to be hoped that the candid and enlightened among them, will, after a careful scrutiny of the facts, unite in condemning measures founded in fraud and violence, which, though they may be temporarily successful, must ultimately recoil upon their authors. If otherwise, the opprobrium must rest upon a system that nourishes means so foul to effect its ends. It has been a matter of some perplexity to gene ralize the information sufficiently to make a readable volume for the public at large. All facts of impor-

PREFACE.

. XI tance have been related ; and while the resident at the islands may miss the records of some petty oc currences, which in his little world appeared of great interest, it will be found that nothing, which was necessary to form a general and connected whole, or possessed historic value, so far as authorities could be depended upon, has been omitted. To add to the utility of the work, some valuable documents have been added as an appendix. From the general want of an accurate knowledge of the physical features of the Hawaiian archipelago, it was thought desirable to commence this work by a brief outline of their prominent characteristics and capabilities ; as an acquaintance with the nature of the ground would render the historical portions more easy of elucidation. Much interest and sympathy have been felt on the subject of the rapid decrease of the savage races when brought in con tact with civilization.

So general has been their de struction, that many fanciful theories have been formed for its solution, and, with many, it has the force of an unchangeable axiom ; a decree of the Creator of both races, that the weaker is destined to perish from off the earth, to give room for the stronger. Consequently, a spirit of apathy, or per haps it may with more propriety be termed fatalism, has arisen, which strongly tends to quench the de sires and exertions of benevolence. Like any other of the natural laws of an All-wise Being, the author believes it susceptible of reasonable exposition ; and

PREFACE.

. in the last portion of the appendix he has endeav ored to state the causes which will account for its activity with the Hawaiians, and the means for ar resting its progress. Compared with the specula tions of philosophers, desirous of erecting a showy fabric, and apparently regardless of the unsubstantial nature of the materials used, the reasoning will ap pear simple, and perhaps ineffective. But evidences derived from years of actual experience with the race in question, are more to be depended on, than the isolated cogitations of a study. Summer St. Boston, *) February 20, 1843. ) LIST OF PLATES AND ILLUSTRATIONS. I. Frontispiece. View of Kealakeakua bay, Hawaii, where Captain Cook was slain. II. Vignette Title Page. Head of a Hawaiian chief— 1799. III. Map of the Hawaiian Archipelago.

Improved from the latest surveys, by the author. IV. Male Idol, 4-4 V. Female do, --------- cc VI. Kalaipuhoa — Poison god, - 45 VII. Image of the god Lono, ------ 45 VIII. Interior view of a heiau or temple, on kauai, 1778, 61 IX. A wailing scene, ------- go, X. A musician, --------- 72 XI. Dance of children, ------- i< XII. Double canoe with masked rowers, - - - 74 XIII. Water calabash, -----..75 XIV. Manner of carrying burdens, ... 85 XV. Interior of a chief's house, ----- gg XVI. Priests sacrificing swine and fruits to Cook, - 114 XVII. A melo-dramatic dance, - 136 XVIII. House of Keave, the tomb of the kings of Hawaii, at iionaunau, -------- i3g XIX. Dance of females, ----_._ 17^ XX. Portait of Kamehameha, (from the original in the Boston Athæneum,) -------- 206 XXI. Portrait of Kamamalu, queen of Liholiho, - - 251 XXII.

" " Liholiho — Kamehameha II. - - 254 XXIII. Full length representation of Kaahumanu, in the original royal Hawaiian costume, aged about 30, - 29G XXIV. Young girl of Hawaii, (ancient costume,) - - - 360 XXV. A common Hawaiian of 1820, ... « These embellishments have been prepared with much care and expense, from original designs, or have been reduced and otherwise altered from the drawings of Mr. Webber, the artist of Cook's third voyage, and may be depended on for their fidelity and spirited illustration. The alterations in the relative bearings of the mountains of Hawaii, from what they have previously borne on maps and charts, are the result of observations taken by the author from the summit of the highest, Mauna Kea, and from other positions. Some other discrepancies may be noticed between his statements, and previous authorities, as to distances, measurements, etc. but they are the fruits of actual observations, and may be relied on as accurate. in v xin CONTENTS. Dedication, Preface, -. List of Plates,

Chapter I

Sandwich Islands. True name. Situation. Geographical importance. Number and extent. Reefs. Growth of. Harbors. General appearance and structure. Rain. Windward sides. Leeward sides. Minerals. Salt lake. Soil. Vegetable productions. Insects. An imals. Fishes. Climate. Meteorological tables. Winds. Storms. Diseases. Earthquakes. Phenomena of tides. Meteoric showers of 1825. Water spouts 1

Chapter II

Early Hawaiian History. Former intercourse between the Hawa iian Islands and the Tahitian. Samoan and Marcpiesian groups. Beautiful superstition of " youth renewing fountain." Creation of first inhabitants. Flood. Origin of the world — of Hawaii. Ancient Hawaiian Kings. Government. Common law. Cruelties. King ly power. Police. Chiefs. Retinues. Rank — how derived. Or ders of nobility. Homage. Public councils, and meetings. Con duct of superiors towards inferiors. Litigation. Ordeals. Praying to Death. Sorcery. Soothsayers — or Magicians. Character of re ligion. Notions of future state. Hawaiian Hades. Ideas in regard to souls. Milu. Idols — different classes of— male and female. God Lono. Goddess Pele and her family. Hawaiian centaur. Fabrica tion of idols. Temples, or "heiaus." Ceremonies attending con secration.

Human sacrifices. Victims. How obtained. Animal and vegetable offerings. Diviners. Priesthood. Ranks. General character. Taxes of priesthood. Remarkable privileges. Tabus. CONTENTS. XVI Origin and meaning of the word. Present application. Penalties at tached to violation of tabus. "Pahonuas" or cities of refuge. Com parisons between the Religions and Governments of the different groups. General character of all, previous to the introduction of Christianity. .......-•■• '.'4

Chapter III

Warlike weapons. Armor. Feather cloaks and helmets. War preparations. Militia. Camps. Mode of sighting. Victors and vanquished. Truces. Peace. Festivals. Orators and Bards. Songs. Wailing. Games. Dances. Mourning ceremonies. Arts and Agri culture. Houses — Ceremonies before occupying. Clothing. Food. Fisheries. Commerce between different islands. Stated Fairs. Meth od of computation. Knowledge and practice of medicine. Origin and cure of diseases. Modes of burial. Division of time. Hawaiian dialect. ........... 62

Chapter IV

Physical appearance of the Hawaiians. Chiefs — Habits of. Common people. Women. Marriage. Affinities of blood. Friend ships. Salutation. Cannibalism. Intemperance. Treatment of sick. Lunatics. Aged. Infanticide — Examples of. Treatment of women. Tabus of food. General character of the Hawaiians previous to contact with the whites. . . . . . . . 86

Chapter V

Visits to the Hawaiian Islands previous to Cook. Anson's Chart. Spaniards acquainted with Hawaii. Traditions of a priest — His character. Landing of Europeans between 1535 and 1650. Ship wreck at Kealakeakua bay. Ships seen. Tradition of white men. Other evidence. First appearance of Cook. His reception. Aston ishment of islanders. Their opinions. Effects of visit. War on Maui. Cook's re-appearance. First notice of Kamehameha. Cook's arrival at Kealakeakua bay. His deification. Worship paid him. Remarks. Native hospitality. Thefts. Cook's desecration of a temple. Govving dislike of natives. Ships sail — Return. Succeed ing events. Cook's death — Ledyard's account — Native do. Review of proceedings. Recovery of bones. Peace. Departure of ships. Touch at Oahu. Arrive at Kauai. Wars. Attacked by natives. Visit Niihau. Final departure. ....... 98

Chapter VI

1779. Unfavorable opinion entertained of the islanders in consequence of the death of Cook. Death of Kalaniopuu. War of sue- CONTENTS. XVII cession. Victories of Kamehameha. King of Maui succors Keoua. Kamehameha conquers Maui, Lani and Molokai. Account of Kiana. Arrival of Captains Portlock and Dixon. Trade opened. Mears's visit. Kiana goes to China. General trade. La Perouse visits Maui,17S6. Remarkable destruction of an army. Keoua conquered — Assassinated. Maui, Lani and Molokai rebel. Arrival of the Eleanora. Metcalf— Capture of his boat and murder of a sailor. Met calf s bloody revenge. Metcalf s son murdered at Hawaii. Sch. Fair American captured. John Young and Isaac Davis made prisoners. Difficulties between traders and the islanders. Kamehameha's indig nation at the capture ofthe Fair American.

Treatment of prisoners. Kiana's ambitious views. Attempts on vessels. Vancouver's arrival. First notice of Kaumualii, prince of Kauai. Origin of sandal-wood traffic. Dædalus arrives at Oahu. Massacre of Lieutenant Hergest and Mr. Gooch. Avarice of chiefs. Trade. Kamehameha's inter course with Vancouver — His character. Kaahumanu, the queen. Princely hospitality of Kamehameha. Jealousy of other chiefs. Cattle first introduced at Hawaii. Discipline of ships. Orders of the King. Widow of Kalainopuu. Sham battle. Present to King George III. Transactions at Maui. Attempt to restore peace. Mur derers executed at Oahu. Large canoe. Festival of Makahiki. Law of retaliation. Benevolent efforts of Vancouver. Theatrical enter tainments. Cession of Hawaii. Departure of Vancouver. Expected return. ............ 137

Chapter VII

1794, Honolulu harbor discovered and surveyed. Murder of Messrs. Brown and Gardner, January 1, 1795. Capture and re-capture of the Jackall and Prince Lee Boo. Troubles in Kauai. Maui, Molo kai and Lanai subdued, 1795. Oahu invaded. Kiana's defection, rebellion and death. Visit of H. B. M. Ship Providence, Captain Broughton. Marines slain at Niihau. Kamehameha's proposed conquest of Tahiti. Kamehameha completes his conquests. Kauai submits. Humane policy of the[conqueror. Arrangement of Govern ment. Taxes. General peace. Courtly etiquette. Laws enacted. Internal regulations. Foreign policy. Trade. Anecdote. Preparations for conquest of Kauai. 1802. Great mortality. Character of Kaumu alii. His preparations. Final settlement of difficulties. Arrival of Lisiansky. 1804. Young, Governor of Hawaii.

Attempt to convert Kamehameha. Sydney bay convicts. Foreign settlers. Number. Campbell. Death of Davis, 1810. Kamehameha's wealth. Queens. Liholiho, his heir. Birth. Character. King returns to Hawaii. C CONTENTS. 210 Proposed royal alliance between Tahiti and Hawaii. Public works. Attempt of Russians in Kauai, 1814. Kotzebue, 1816. Birth of Kaui keouli. Nahienaina. Voyage to China. Establishment of harbor fees. Kamehameha's desire to hear ofthe Christian religion — Death, May 8th, 1819. Sacrifice of dogs. Native account of his funeral obsequies. ........... 173

Chapter VIII

1819. Consequences of the death of Kamehameha. Scepticism. Occasion of. Abolition of idolatry. National character. Rebellion of Kekuokalani — Defeat and death. 1820. Arrival of American missionaries. Reception. Hostile intrigues. Kindness of Kaumu alii. Of foreigners. Tyranny and dissipation of Liholiho. Gradual improvement of Nation. Voyage of Liholiho to Kauai, July, 1821. Kaumualii's hospitality. Treachery of Liholiho. Keeaumoku made governor of Kauai. Kaahumanu's marriage to Kaumualii and his son. First church erected at Honolulu. Increased taxation. January, 1822, first printing at the^ islands. State of education. Arrival of English deputation— Results. Present of armed schooner. First Christian marriage. Hoapili appointed governor of Maui. New missionaries. Increasing favor of government. 1823.

Festival in honor of Kamehameha. Illness and death of Keopuolani. Foreign hostility to missions. Marriage of Hoapili. Liholiho and train embark for England, 1824. Death of Kaumualii. Rebellion at Kauai. Final subjugation. Last heathen sacrifice performed by one of the royal family. 1824. Conversion of Kalaimoku and Kaa humanu. Character of their administration. News of the death of the king. Arrival of the British consul and family, April, 1825.

Chapter IX

Liholiho's passage to England. Attention shown to the party. Death of King and Queen. Boki's interview with George IV. Blonde frigate. Arrival at Lahaina. Honolulu. Funeral obsequies. Council of state. Speeches. Kaahumanu and Kalaimoku proclaimed regents. Idolatry existing in Hawaii. Courage of Kapi olani. Singular creed. Outrages of foreign captives at Lahaina. U. S. schooner Dolphin in Honolulu, 1826. Triumph of liberal party. U. S. ship Peacock. Origin and structure of parties. Char acter of English consul — His policy. Death of Kalaimoku, 1827. Laws enacted. Opposition to foreigners. ..... 252

Chapter X

1827. Arrival of Roman Catholic priests. Their history. Re- CONTENTS. XIX ception. Policy. Opinion of chiefs. Foreigners. Spread of Pro testanism. Boki's rebellion. 1S29. Conduct of the King. Legis lation. Hostility of foreigners — Causes of. Visit of U. S. ship Vin cennes. Fatal expedition of Boki. Persecution of Papists. Liliha's attempt at revolution. Removal from office. Kuakini appointed Governor of Oahu. Jesuits sent away. Death of Kaahumanu. 1832. Succeeded by Kinau. Kauikeouli assumes the government. His abolition of tabus. Effects. Reaction. 1834. . . . 275

CHAPTER XL

1836. Further history of the Jesuits. Arrival of the French sloop-of-war Bonite. H. B. M. Ship Acteon, Lord Edward Russel. Diplomatic intercourse. Treaties. Return of priests from California, 1837 — Ordered on board the Clementine. Abandoned to govern ment. Burning ofthe flag by English consul. Armed interference of Captains Belcher, of the Sulphur, and Du Petit Thouars, of the Venus frigate. Account of official intercourse. Treaty negotiated. Arrival of Imogene frigate. Another arrival of priests — Sent away. Edict against Romanism. Further persecution. Religious toleration proclaimed by the King, 17th June, 1839. Proceedings of for eign residents at Honolulu. Admixture of religious and political movements of the French in the Pacific. Policy. Arrival of L' Artemise frigate, Laplace, commander.

Blockade of the port of Honolulu. Manifesto. Demands — Agreed to. History of com mercial treaty. Interview with King. Arrrival of French bish op. Deaths of Kinau, Kaikoewa, and Liliha, 1839. Progress of Roman Catholicism — Probable results. Fresh difficulties incited, 1842. Visit and demands of the corvette L'Embuscade, Captain Mallet, September. Designs of the French upon the Hawaiian islands. Change of governmental policy — Character of — Causes. Con stitution of 1840. Laws— Supremacy of. Treasury system. Duties. Religious knowledge and condition. Credit due American missionaries. Comparison between the reigns of Kamehameha and Kauike ouli. Commerce and Christianity. Mechanical advancement. Agricultural. Capability of Hawaiians. Influence of foreign families 303

Chapter XII

Mercantile Statistics. Shipping of various nations. Comparative amounts. Imports and Exports from 1836 to 1842. Number of for eign families. American population. Value of property. Amer- CONTENTS. XX ican enterprise. English jealousy. Comparison between official conduct of the representatives of both nations. Citizens and sub jects. Hudson's Bay Company — Their Commercial conquests and designs. National spoliations of England and France in Polynesia. Probable destiny of the Hawaiian archipelago. Vast importance to American commercial interests if allowed to remain independent. Consequences if seized upon by a foreign power. Present national policy. Commendable exertions for education of chiefs. Present nobles. Rank. Emphatic language of the President of the United States, a guarantee of their independence. Probable course of England and Russia. France. Note. ...... 361

Appendix

. I. Extract from Captain Finch's Report. ..... 379 II. Articles of arrangment between the United States and the Sandwich Islands 387 III. Treaty between Great Britain and the Sandwich Islands. . 389 IV. An ordinance rejecting the Roman Catholic Religion. . 390 V. Letter of the United States Consul to the King. . . . 392 " the King to the United States Consul. . . . 393 VI. Treaty between France and the Sandwich Islands. . . 396 VII. Article on population. Captain King's estimate, 1779. Why erroneous. Great mortality — Causes of. Census table for 1832, 1836, 1840. Probable results. ... HISTORY OF THE HAWAIIAN, OR SANDWICH ISLANDS.

Chapter I

Sandwich Islands— True Name — Situation — Geographical Importance — Number and Extent — Reefs — Growth of— Harbors— General Appearance and Structure — Rain— Windward Sides — Leeward Sides — Minerals — Salt Lake — Soil — Vegetable Productions — Insects — Animals — Fishes — Climate — Meteorological Tables — Winds — Storms — Diseases — Earthquakes — Phenomena of Tides — Meteoric Showers of 1825 — Water Spouts. That important cluster of Islands, situated in the North Pacific Ocean, generally known as the Sandwich Islands, Avere so named by Captain Cook, at the date of their discovery by him, in honor of his patron, the Earl of Sandwich, then first Lord of the Admiralty. Their legitimate appellation, and the one by which they still con tinue to be distinguished by the aboriginal inhabitants, is Hawaii nei, a collective term, synonymous with the Ha waiian Islands.

They are so called from the largest of the group, Hawaii ; from which the reigning family originated. This term is now gradually taking the place of the former in charts, maps, and books, and with reason. If the appellation of a race or country is not derived from the inhabitants themselves, no uniformity can exist. The numerous groups of Polynesia, exhibit evidence, in this respect, of the caprices of their discoverers; who, regardless of their aboriginal designations, bestowed upon them such as their fancies suggested. Much perplexity and confusion have resulted from this species of robbery, which the better judgment of the present age is endeavoring to correct. Thus, the Navigator group is becoming better known by its aboriginal name, Samoa — and the Friendly, by the Tonga ; while others, such as New Zealand and the Marquesas, will be perpetuated by those cognomens.

If the change could be universally accomplished, the conflicting claims of rival nations for the honor of conferring their titles upon the many disputed points of discovery, would cease, and they be known to the world by their rightful terms. Ignorance of the structure of the Polynesian language, led Cook into error in regard to the proper names of many islands. Hawaii, he called Owhyhee, Kauai, Atooi ; Niihau, Onehow; substituting compound words for single terms. The mistake was a natural one, though the more correct ear of Ledyard, seems to have detected the difference. The O is the sign denoting the nominative case, answering to the question, who or what, and not part of the proper name. Thus — if he asked what land was that, the answer would have been, "O, Hawaii," Hawaii. No Hawaii, of or belonging to Hawaii, is the possessive, and I or Mai Hawaii, to and from Hawaii, the objective.

If he inquired the names of the group, the answer would have been, O, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu a (and) Kauai — a being the copulative conjunction, and necessarily placed before the last named island. This, probably, was the occasion of its being prefixed to Kauai. Onehow was formed the same as Owhyhee — Otaheite for Tahiti. The disagreement in spelling is owing to the English sound being given to Hawaiian vowels. This orthography is still retained by some of his countrymen, in blind respect to his memory. POSITION. 3 The peculiar situation of the Hawaiian Islands in the vast North Pacific, is of great importance to commerce, and marks them as a general resting place in that portion of the great highway of the world, and the embryo depot of a vast and flourishing trade. Their extremes of latitude are from 18° 50' to 22° 20' north, which brings them upon the borders of the Tropic of Cancer; and of longitude from 154° 53' to 160° 15' west from Greenwich.

Their position is central to both the neighboring conti nents ; being nearly equi-distant from Central America, Mexico, California, and the Northwest Coast, on the one side, and the Russian dominions, Japan, China, and the Philippine Islands, on the other. When a civilized and enterprising population shall have developed the resources of these countries, these islands will bear the same relative importance to them, in proportion to their extent, that the West Indies now do to North and South America. The lesser Southern groups, he also within a few weeks sail, and much of their commerce must eventually centre here, though a long period must elapse before their full value and importance become thoroughly developed. To the whaling interests they are invaluable; the ocean on every side, from the equator to the pole, and between both continents, abounds with favorable cruising grounds, and these islands afford the advantages of good harbors, abundant supplies, and a healthful climate, in the immediate vicinity of their dangerous labors.

If the ports of this group were closed to neutral com merce, many thousand miles of ocean would have to be traversed before havens possessing the requisite conven iences for recruiting or repairing shipping, could be reached. This fact illustrates their great importance in a naval point. Should any one of the great nations seize upon them, it might be considered as holding the key of the North Pacific— for no trade could prosper in their vicinity, or even exist, while a hostile power, possessing an active and powerful marine, should send forth its cruisers to prey upon the neighboring commerce. Their isolated position, in connection with their reef or precipice bound shores, would add greatly to other local advantages of defence, and a military colony once fairly established, might surely put at defiance any means of attack which could be brought against them.

Including Bird Island, which was well known to the others prior to their discovery, in 1778, the group consists of twelve. This island lies one hundred and twenty miles to the northwest of Kauai; it is a barren rock, rarely visited ; the resort, as its name indicates, of vast quantities of birds. Three ofthe others are, likewise, mere rocks ; Molokini, which rises from fifteen to twenty feet above the ocean, and lies between Maui and Kahoolawe ; and the other two off Niihau — the larger, Lehua, (Egg Island,) a mile to the west of Niihau, has an elevation of one thousand feet, and is covered with a small growth of shrubs, and a stunted vegetation, which affords sustenance to a flourishing colony of rabbits. An excellent spring of water exists upon it. Kaula, the other, is of less extent, and lies a few miles to the southwest of Niihau ; it abounds with sea-fowl.