HISTORY OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS – CHAPTER 7

1794, Honolulu harbor discovered – Murder of Messrs. Brown and Gardner, January 1, 1795 – Capture and recapture of the Jackall and Prince Le Boo – Troubles in Kauai – Maui, Molokai and Lanai subdued, 1794 – Oahu invaded – Kaiana's defection, rebellion and death – Visit of H. B. M. ship Providence, Captain Brougkton – Marines slain at Niihau – Kamehameha’s proposed conquest of Tahiti – Completes his conquests – Kauai submits – Humane policy of the conqueror – Government – Courtly etiquette – Laws – Internal regulations – Foreign policy – Trade – Preparations for conquest of Kauai – 1802 – Great tality – Character of Kaumnalii – 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 – Liholilio, his heir – Birth – Character – King returns to Hawaii – Public works – Attempt of Russians in Kauai, 1814 – Kotzebue, 1816 – Birth  –  Kamehameha's desire to hear of the Christian religion – Death, May 8th, 1819 – Sacrifice of dog – Native account of his funeral obsequies

On the departure of Vancouver, warlike operations were resumed; the superior discipline and equipments of Kamehameha's forces, led by chiefs of tried courage and military skill, assisted by foreigners, and headed by the best general of the group, gave the invaders a decided advantage.

Kaeo and Kahekili united their forces at Oahu, and sailed with a large number of canoes for Hawaii. The naval force of Kamehameha, the flag-ship of which was the schooner Britannia, armed with three brass cannon taken from the Fair American, met them off Kohala, and in an engagement destroyed or dispersed the combined fleet. The vanquished chiefs fled to Maui. Kahekili, worn down with age and misfortunes, foreseeing the ultimate triumph of his foe, pleaded for a truce. In a message to Kamehameha, in reply to a challenge to battle, " Wait till the black tapa covers me," said he, "and my kingdom shall be yours." His death soon took place. Kaeo of Kauai, unmindful of their common enemy, and exasperated by a plot to assassinate him, laid claim to his dominions, in defiance of the legal rights of his nephew, Kalanikupule. Kaeo at first met with some success, and several foreigners in the service of Kalanikupule were slain. But the latter, with the assistance of Mr. Brown and his crew, was ultimately victorious, and slew him in an engagement at Kalauao in 1794.

Brown was master of the English ship Butterworth. The same year he discovered and surveyed the harbor of Honolulu, which he called Fairhaven. It was first entered by the schooner Jackall, tender to that ship. On the 1st of January, of the ensuing year, 1795, Brown was in this harbor with two vessels, the Jackall and Prince Le Boo; the Butterworth had sailed for England. The American sloop Lady Washington, Captain Kendrick, was lying in the harbor at the same time. Captain Brown on his return to Honolulu from fighting in the ranks of Kalanikupule, fired a salute in honor of his victory. A wad from one of his guns entered the cabin of the Lady Washington and killed Captain Kendrick, who was at dinner. Captain Kendrick was buried on shore, and the funeral service at his interment was the first Christian rite of the kind witnessed by Hawaiians. They looked upon the ceremony as sorcery to compass the death of Captain Brown. The grave was rifled the same night to procure the winding sheet. The Lady Washington sailed soon after, leaving Captain Brown at Honolulu, who furnished Kalanikupule with fire-arms and contracted a great intimacy with him.

From the assistance he had rendered Kalanikupule, and the general good feeling which a long intercourse had engendered, he felt secure from any treachery on his part, and abode with him in an unguarded manner. A petty chief suggested to Kalanikupule a plot to cut off Captain Brown and his vessels. At first he opposed the treachery, but finally consented, and a plan was concerted to capture both vessels. On the anniversary of the new year, the crews were ashore, engaged in pleasure, and in preparing stores for their voyage. Taking advantage of the defenseless condition of the vessels, the natives flocked off. Brown, and Gardner the other commander, were instantly murdered; one by being precipitated through the hatch with sufficient force to dislocate his neck; the few remaining individuals were wounded, and the possession of the decks secured. The pirates then took the vessels out of the harbor, into Waikiki Bay. The seamen ashore receiving intelligence of their capture, assembled and pushed off in their boats;  by a vigorous attack, the natives were overpowered, and driven overboard; having regained possession of the vessels, the survivors of the crews sailed without delay for China. It is remarkable that these piratical attempts should have been committed within two miles of the spot of, and not long after the execution of the murderers of Lieutenant Hergest and Mr. Gooch.

Kamehameha supported in his ambitious desires by the last words of Kahekili, set out with all his disposable force, said to have amounted to sixteen thousand men, to subjugate the neighboring islands. Young, Davis and a few other foreigners, expert in the use of fire-arms, accompanied him. Maui, Lanai and Molokai were quickly overrun, suffered all the horrors of savage warfare, and were effectually subdued. Oahu, to which the heir of Kahekili had retired, was his next aim. In February, 1795, he prepared for this expedition, and landed upon that island with one detachment of his army, leaving the remainder under the command of Kaiana, with orders to follow without delay. His arrival was impatiently awaited, that an attack might be made upon the enemy, who had made preparations for a vigorous defense. Kaiana, thinking this a favorable opportunity to crush his rival, embarked for Oahu; and avoiding the camp of his king, deserted with all his forces to Kalanikupule. He was aware that if Kamehameha could be destroyed by their combined exertions, there would be no chief left of sufficient energy and resources to compete with him, and the authority to which Kamehameha aspired would be his. But his treachery proved his ruin. Kamehameha, nothing dispirited by the news of his defection, marched to the valley of Nuuanu, where the two chiefs were encamped. Their position was on the steep side of a hill, about three miles in the rear of the present town of Honolulu: a stone wall protected them in front, and the steepness of the ground availed them against an assault. Believing themselves secure, they defied their enemies with insulting gestures and bravados. A field-piece, which Young had brought to bear upon them, knocked the stones about their heads, killed Kaiana, and so disordered their ranks that they broke and fled. The forces of Kamehameha charged; in the onslaught many of the Oahuans were slain, and the rest pursued with great slaughter, until they were driven to the end of the valley, which terminates in a precipice of six hundred feet, nearly perpendicular height, forming a bold and narrow gorge between two forest-clad mountains. A few made their escape; some were driven headlong over its brink, and tumbled, mangled and lifeless corpses, on the rocks and trees beneath ; others fought with desperation and met a warrior's death, among whom was Kalanikupule, who gallantly contested his inheritance to the last. The bodies of the slain were sacrificed, and their heads impaled upon the walls of the heiau at Waikiki. Three hundred perished in the fight; but numbers escaped to Kauai, among whom were two high chiefs. This decisive victory put the conqueror in possession of all the group, except Kauai and Niihau. These he prepared to attack, and embarked for that purpose; but a violent wind drove him back, and obliged him to suspend his designs.

In January, 1796, Capt. Broughton, commanding H. B. M. sloop Providence, of sixteen guns, anchored at Kealakeakua Bay, where he remained three weeks in amicable intercourse with the natives. His wants were liberally supplied by the lieutenants of Kamehameha. Leaving this place, he spent a few days at Lahaina, where the same hospitality awaited him. He then anchored at Waikiki Bay, where he received a message from Kamehameha, inquiring if he should salute the ship with his heavy guns. Provisions were abundantly sent on board, and the usual presents of feathered cloaks. His next visit was to Kauai, where he saw Kaumualii, who was endeavoring to suppress an insurrection, and urgently solicited a supply of powder. Broughton exerted himself, though vainly, to appease the hostile parties.

In July, after a cruise to the north, he returned to Hawaii; and being in want of water, was obliged to pay at the rate of one hundred nails the hogshead, it being brought five miles in calabashes, from a scanty source. He found the cattle and poultry left by Vancouver had increased rapidly. This was the period of the rebellion of Namakeha, brother of Kaiana, who had overrun a part of the island, and was fast gaining ground. In one battle a European was killed. The officers of Kamehameha were in great trepidation, but vigorously endeavored to stem the efforts of the traitorous chief, while they sent dispatches to inform their king of the unexpected revolt. At the same time, Broughton sailed for Oahu, where he arrived on the 25th of July. The island was suffering all the miseries of protracted warfare; provisions were exceedingly scarce; many natives had starved to death, and some had been burnt alive by their chiefs for stealing food to supply their famishing families. Kamehameha was said to have already lost six thousand of his troops; the losses of the enemy had been far greater. Probably at no period had depopulation been going on at a more rapid rate, especially at the leeward islands. War, famine, pestilence and oppression, with all the attending evils of an unsettled community, bore heavily upon the nation.

At Kauai all provisions were tabooed, except for powder. Broughton finding it impossible to obtain supplies from the larger islands, sailed, July 28th, for Niihau, to procure yams. On the 30th, he sent a party ashore in a cutter, with only two armed marines. The crew being incautious, were suddenly attacked ; the marines killed for the sake of their accoutrements; the botanist knocked down, and, with the remainder, narrowly escaped being murdered. Their situation being seen from the ship, assistance was sent. The detachment fired upon the natives, without, however, harming any. Having landed, they burned all the houses within their reach, and destroyed sixteen canoes. Not being able to obtain further satisfaction, the ship sailed on the 21st. This is the last of the wanton murders which stain the earlier Hawaiian annals.

It was Kamehameha's desire, after completing the conquest of Kauai and its tributary island, to have sailed for Tahiti, and carried his arms to the south of the equator. This scheme was suggested by some natives of that island with him. It would indeed have been a singular spectacle, to have witnessed this triumphant chieftain embarking the flower of his forces on board of his fleet of canoes, or tiny vessels, chartering perhaps some of a larger size, for an expedition against scarcely known lands, thousands of miles distant. The design was worthy of his ambition; and had he been able to have extended his conquests over the boundaries of Polynesia, he might have sighed for "new worlds to conquer," and the petty leader of a barbarian tribe have become master of the Pacific. But his destiny was to found a less extended, though better consolidated power.

News of the reverses in Hawaii having reached him, he promptly embarked for that island, where his presence soon decided the contest. Namakeha, the head of the conspiracy, was slain, and his followers subdued.

This was the last war in which he was actively engaged; all opposition to his authority was now over. His original territory was Halaula, a large district on the northeast coast of Hawaii, which he inherited from his parents. During the lifetime of Kalaniopuu, he acquired a portion of Kona; and it was the war which arose in consequence of the attempts of his cousin to dispossess him, that developed his martial energies, and step by step, led him on until he was master of the group. His talents were no less conspicuous in establishing his power, than in acquiring it. Towards the conquered families he practiced no unnecessary severity; the principal, by alliances or gifts, were firmly bound to his interests. He espoused Keopuolani, grand-daughter of Kalaniopuu, who became his prisoner at the conquest of Maui. As she was a lineal descendant of the ancient kings of Maui and Hawaii, this marriage strengthened his title to the throne. Kalaimoku, now his trusty counselor, had fought in the ranks of Keoua at Keei, was made a prisoner and owed his life to his clemency. Although allied to the royal family of Maui, he became strongly attached to him. The descendants of Kahekili were liberally cared for. The beneficence and humanity of the conqueror, left chiefs and people nothing to regret in the change of masters. He had the faculty of inspiring those about him with generous sentiments, and creating in them a resolution and energy of purpose, second only to his own. An almost intuitive perception of character, enabled him to secure the affection and co-operation of the best of his countrymen.

The nominal submission of the king of Kauai contented his ambition as to the dependencies of that chief, though he never lost sight of their ultimate conquest. He remained at Hawaii four years, and afterward spent much time at Lahaina, occupied in establishing his power on a permanent basis. The political axiom upon which his legislation was framed, was that all the lands in the group were his. This principle had been before acknowledged, though not in so complete a sense. To their old custom, he added the cogent argument of conquest, in right of which he claimed to be the sole lord and proprietor of the soil. This was apportioned among his followers according to their rank and deserts; they holding it on the feudal tenure of rendering military services, and a proportion of its revenue. It was generally confirmed to their heirs, but

this depended upon the will of the king.

His authority was absolute; dispensing with his own regulations as his interests dictated. But such an event was rare; and under his reign the ancient traditionary laws of the kingdoms were so arranged and executed as to have all the force of a written code. Each island or cluster, had a governor; he, with the approval of the king, appointed chiefs of districts; head men, who presided over villages; tax gatherers, and other petty officers. Beside the general proprietorship of the soil, the king held certain districts which were his private property, and under no authority except his own. Favorite chiefs sometimes received lands in this way, independent of the governors. No regular amount of taxes was enforced. The governors were accountable to the king for the amounts apportioned lo them; they regulated theirs, by their desires or the resources of the people; the chiefs required another, and the lesser officials left but little to the poor tenants. Lands were sometimes leased upon regular agreements as to the amounts of the crops. Those who were deficient in their rents, were turned from the land, and their property transferred to others.

The districts were divided into towns or villages, and these subdivided into farms or plantations; to which a definite portion of mountain land, valley and sea shore, with right of forest and fisheries, were attached. The tax gatherers, though without a knowledge of writing, kept true records of the various lands, their resources, and the amount of taxes rendered, by lines of cordage of several hundred fathoms in length. The several districts were distinguished by knots, loops and tufts of various sizes, shapes and colors. The different taxable articles and their rates were marked upon it, in an equally ingenious manner. Beside the stipulated rents, presents of the first fruits of agriculture or the fisheries, were required to be made to the chiefs. Certain lands, the gift of favoritism or the reward of distinguished services, were held free from all rents or taxes, although it was customary to make presents; the value and frequency of which were optional with the giver. From the most faithful of his warriors, his governors or counselors were selected, and he seldom decided upon an important measure without their advice. A certain number constituted a regular cabinet, and enjoyed his full confidence. Merit, more than rank, was the passport to his favor. Keeaumoku, a chieftain of prodigious personal strength, who had rendered distinguished services, was at the head of his council.

He was the father of a son of the same name, heir to his titles, afterward known as Governor Cox, and of Kaahumanu, Piia, Kuakini and Kekauluohi, the late premier. Kalaimoku, Manawa and Kameeiamoku, were also particularly distinguished. Besides these, he had a number of " wise men," who assisted ! him in the organization of laws, and regulating the minor affairs of his kingdom. So perfect was the order preserved by his agents, that the anarchy which had laid waste lands and destroyed people, was entirely checked. Peace was everywhere firmly established.

Laws were enacted prohibiting murders, theft, oppression and the usual crimes of a disturbed country. So complete a change was effected, that old and young, the innocent and helpless, I abode in comparative security. Contrasted with former disorder, it may with propriety be termed a golden age. Kamehameha permitted no crimes but his own, when his interests were net too deeply involved. To consider actions sanctioned by their customs from time immemorial, a blot upon his character, would be unjust, however arbitrary they may appear to those whose lot has been placed in a land of freedom. They were merciful in comparison with what the islanders had undergone. No penalty could reach an individual screened by ! the favor of his chief, and the favorites of Kamehameha enjoyed the exemption common to successful courtiers.

Those chiefs, whose ambitious views he feared might disturb his newly acquired power, were retained about his | person, and obliged to follow in his train wherever he went. By this means they were kept from their hereditary domains, where they might have excited discontent, and were always under the observation of faithful attendants, by whom any symptom of dissatisfaction would have been detected. The most powerful provinces were placed under the charge of those whose fidelity was undoubted. Young, who was not liable to become involved in the intrigues of I the native princes, was left in charge of Hawaii, a station which he filled for many years, to the satisfaction of the king, foreigners and natives. Davis remained about the person of the sovereign and enjoyed extensive possessions, free from taxation. They both accommodated their modes of living to the manners of the natives, and from their I humanity and usefulness became deservedly popular. As his power grew more firmly established, the king affected greater state; consequently the people had less access to his person. The foolish and arbitrary customs of the ancient kings of Hawaii were rigidly enforced, with such additional ceremony as was calculated to increase the awe of his own subjects, and his importance in the eyes of foreigners. Whenever he passed, heads and shoulders were to be uncovered; the same was required on approaching his residence, or any house which he had honored with his presence. When his food was carried to or from him, every person within hearing of the cry uttered by the menials, was obliged to uncover and seat himself after the native manner, by squatting on his hams.

Before any article could be touched, the attendants were obliged to strip to the malo. Neither the shadow of the king nor of his house could be crossed. His drinking water was brought from particular springs, many miles inland, reserved for his use; and as the carriers ran past, the same humbling ceremony as for his food, was required. To be above him, was the highest crime. Not a subject dared appear on the part of the deck of a vessel under which he by chance might be. The etiquette required from chiefs varied according to their rank, but was of the most obsequious character.

The attention required to religious duties was equally rigid. By this system of uniform despotism, of which he formed the sole head, the condition of the people was greatly ameliorated, for it broke the power of the petty lords who heretofore, like locusts, consumed all that the storm had spared. Chiefs were provided with retinues suitable to their stations. Laws, regulating the fisheries and agriculture, were promulgated; in both these pursuits he set a laudable example of industry, by working with his own hands. By suitable rewards, he encouraged the skillful in the various handicrafts. No object, however trivial, was beneath his notice, provided it added to his wealth and resources.

His vessels were free to his subjects, and on the whole, taxes were not onerous. His soldiers were well disciplined, and were divided into various bodies; some of whom were his body guard, while others were appointed for his wives; principally as checks upon illicit intercourse. If they failed in their duty, they were punished with death. His partial native biographers thus feelingly sum up his excellencies, the more prominent from the contrast with earlier and subsequent reigns; and they illustrate the nature of the extortions too often practiced.

"He did not become involved in debt, nor exact much silver from his subjects; he did not cut from a division of land on this side and that, till only a circular and centre piece of the original field remained; he did not by petty taxation collect all the hens, ducks and turkeys; nor appoint days in which his subjects were all to labor for his exclusive benefit; his measures were generous and constant, not fickle and oppressive."

In his foreign relations his acts were characterized by equal liberality. In the infancy of his power he was in the habit of procuring from commanders testimonials of his honest and hospitable conduct; but this was relinquished as soon as his reputation became established.

No chief was better acquainted with the real character of foreigners, and the purposes for which they visited his dominions. To the war-ships, or those that came for scientific purposes, he showed himself the hospitable prince; to traders, a merchant not excelled in sagacity by the keenest, nor in reputation by the most honorable. He made himself well acquainted with weights, measures, currencies and proportionate values, and monopolized the most profitable sources of trade. His equitable I regulations induced ships to visit his shores; while his extended power insured them an equally welcome reception in all portions of his kingdom. No port in the Pacific was better known than Honolulu. By his energies, a petty fleet of foreign built vessels was collected; soldiers were drilled, equipped, and dressed in a motley uniform; batteries of heavy guns mounted; rude forts erected; and a corps of foreign artisans and sailors, received into his service, well treated, freed from the vexatious etiquette required from the highest of his own race, but compelled to preserve order, and render due obedience to the authority which supported them. His own subjects, by his encouragement, manifested an aptness in acquiring civilized arts, that alarmed many of these foreign mercenaries; even Isaac Davis, with an illiberality that dishonors his general good conduct, sought to prevent the extension of knowledge among them; observing, " they will soon know more than ourselves." All his subjects were required to keep their weapons in perfect order, so as to be ready for war at the shortest notice.

His observations of foreign manufactures and customs denoted an inquiring, intelligent mind. No idea or circumstance that could be made serviceable escaped his notice. He took great delight in visiting fine specimens of naval architecture. His arrival was sometimes announced in form, and the visit conducted with ceremony; but friendship once formed, artificial restraint was thrown aside, and he would put off by himself in a canoe, and go on board in the most unceremonious manner. In 1801, a fine Boston clipper-built ship, commanded by Capt. William Sturgis, was lying in his principal harbor, and as she was engaged in the Indian trade, martial order was preserved on board. Kamehameha coming off alone, was repulsed by the sentinel, who did not recognize his person. He then gave his name, and with the permission of the officer of the deck, was admitted. So far from feeling chagrined at this want of respect, he complimented the captain upon his excellent discipline, and called the sentinel a "worthy fellow."

In 1801, Kamehameha returned to Oahu, to prepare for the conquest of Kauai. This occupied him two years. He raised seven thousand warriors and fifty whites, mostly armed with muskets. Beside these, he had forty swivels, six mortars and abundance of ammunition. A fleet of twenty-one schooners, from ten to fifty tons each, some of which carried guns, and were commanded by Europeans, and a vast number of war canoes, were prepared to convey this force, against which the Kauaians could have offered but faint resistance. At this time, 1804, he added to his navy the American ship Lilybird, mounting twenty guns. She had got ashore, and he purchased her by exchanging one of his schooners, and paying the difference in dollars. Before he could embark his forces, an epidemic broke out among them, of a peculiar character, which spread over the island and proved very fatal. Multitudes perished; among them some of his chief counselors. Three hundred dead bodies are said to have been carried out to sea from Waikiki in one day. He was himself attacked, but recovered. The sons of the deceased chiefs succeeded to the offices of their fathers, but never acquired as much influence as those who had shared all his perils.

Kaeo, king of Kauai, had been succeeded by Kaumualii, his son. The bright parts and generous spirits noticed by Vancouver, had been fully sustained. His subjects were devotedly attached to him, as were also a number of foreigners, who had enlisted in his service. Like his rival of Oahu, he was friendly to strangers, and encouraged trade; possessing equal humanity and intelligence, he was deficient in the martial talent and iron will which characterized Kamehameha. Fear and courage alternated; supported by the generous devotion of his people, he had energetically prepared to resist attack. His warriors were well armed, and a store of European arms and ammunition had been provided, sufficient to have protracted his fate, if he had vigorously opposed the invader.

With the capricious spirit of one of his disposition, encouraged by the long delay which had attended Kamehameha's operations, he sent him repeated messages of defiance, and finally threatened to invade Oahu. But this bravado was not borne out; for fully appreciating the great resources opposed to him, he caused the mechanics in his pay to prepare a vessel, in which, as a last resource, he with his family, could fly the island, and abandoning themselves to the wide Pacific, find such a home as the winds and waves might provide them. This was an idea worthy of his genius, in the composition of which, much that was chivalrous entered. Without a knowledge of navigation, but possessing the compass, he could easily have carried his fortunes to some of the groups further to the leeward, and there founded a new dynasty.

The vastness of Kamehameha's preparations showed his opinion of the importance of the conquest, and argued considerable respect for the military skill and resources of Kaumualii. The disease which destroyed the flower of his troops, did not check his ardor. Turnbull, who arrived at this juncture in an English ship, was importuned by Kamehameha to take him, and an officer of his army, to Kauai, that they might themselves see the condition of the island. This bold request was refused.

An American captain then in port, whose interests would have been greatly jeopardized by the war, volunteered to sail for Kauai, and induce Kaumualii to return with him, and enter into negotiations at Oahu. As the presence of Kamehameha was necessary at Hawaii, where a deficiency in the revenue had occurred, he consented to this measure.

The captain sailed for Waimea, and by leaving his mate as a hostage for the safe return of their king, a measure, without which his subjects would not have permitted his departure, Kaumualii embarked. In the word of his enemy, | pledged for his safety, he had entire confidence ; so greatly was Kamehameha respected by those to whom treachery had, not long before, been far more common than truth. He was received and entertained with princely greeting; festivity, shows, and every profession of friendship attested the good disposition of his royal entertainer. Won over, he ceded to Kamehameha his kingdom; this was generously relinquished, and an agreement made, by which the leeward king was to hold his islands in fief from Kamehameha, retaining all that was legitimately his own, and in addition receiving the protection of the greater power. In this manner the islands were nominally united under one sovereignty, while each king ruled in his appropriate sphere; the treaty thus peaceably agreed upon, gave mutual satisfaction, and was faithfully respected during the lifetime of Kamehameha.

Some of his enemies give a different, but highly improbable version of this negotiation. They state that the death of Kaumualii was designed; and that the welcome he received was intended to allay suspicion. The time of his fate was fixed, but the American captain getting wind of it, went on shore, brought the king off, and sailed immediately for Kauai. If this were true, the friendship which afterward existed between the two is unaccountable, and is sufficient to disprove the statement. A more probable version is that his assassination was proposed to Kamehameha by some of his petty chiefs, or if that failed, by means of sorcery. Kamehameha in his indignation slew the proposed sorcerer.

The chiefs then plotted secretly to kill him, but Isaac Davis hearing of it, informed Kaumualii, who immediately went on board. This occurred in 1809. Davis dying in April, 1810, his death was attributed to poison administered by the disappointed assassins.

Kaumualii's wife, Kapuli, better known by her baptismal name, Deborah, then young and attractive, exercised great influence over his mind. This occasionally gave umbrage to the government at Oahu, and word was sent him to put her away; but paying no heed to it, she was suffered to remain without further remonstrance.

The chiefs were usually very strict with their females; but Kaumualii in his easy nature allowed Kapuli all the latitude with his friends, that the most ardent disposition could desire. Kamehameha put to death a near relative, for taking improper liberties with his favorite, Kaahumanu. In June, 1804, Lisiansky, in the Russian discovery ship Neva, arrived at Hawaii. Young was then governor, and showed him many civilities, In his intercourse with the natives, he had occasion to perceive the extent to which the king undertook to regulate trade.

Certain necessary articles could only be obtained by giving in exchange bar-iron, of which he was greatly in want. By such restrictions he was enabled to provide himself with many useful things, which the whites would not otherwise have sold. Lisiansky found the knowledge of prices and the art of bargaining well understood among all classes, but speaks favorably of their honesty and friendly behavior. The value of dollars was well known, and trade generally had assumed more the character of regular mercantile transactions. Lisiansky departed without seeing Kamehameha.

The majority of merchant vessels that frequented these islands at this period, were from Boston; like the savages of the Northwest Coast, the islanders spoke of Americans generally as Bostonians, and regarded them with great favor. On the 23d of January, 1803, the first horse was landed from a Boston vessel; its mettle and beauty created mingled terror and admiration; but the arrival of others from California, not long after, made them soon cease to be objects of curiosity. Kamehameha became the fortunate possessor of several, and was fond of displaying his horsemanship.

At this time an attempt was made to convince him of the truth of the Christian faith. After listening to the arguments, which, unfortunately, were not skillfully adduced, or so arranged as to appear in the most favorable light to his thinking mind, he replied, " by faith in your God, you say anything can be accomplished, and the Christian will be preserved from all harm. If so, cast yourself down from yonder precipice, and if you are preserved, I will believe." Some Botany Bay convicts having made their escape to Oahu, were received into the service of the king, and small allotments of land given them, on which they raised sugar-cane, and contrived a still to manufacture ardent spirits. .Neglect of work, riots and quarrels soon followed. Kamehameha at first remonstrated with them, but his leniency produced no effect. They finally maltreated some natives, when he sent them word that at their next drinking and fighting bout he would be present. This hint humbled them at once. It was from this worthless class of whites that the natives derived the greatest injury.

In addition to the useful articles of foreign manufacture, such as cloths and hardware, which were greatly in demand, navigators, in accordance with the spirit of the day, traded in rum. Fortunately for the nation, it was in general monopolized by the king, who would occasionally join in a revel with his wives and favorites. The disputes which arose, in consequence of too great indulgence among the women, afforded the chiefs whose heads were more potent, much amusement. Kamehameha was quite regular, though not intemperate in his potations. His subjects acquired a fondness for its use, which, however, during his reign, was duly restrained. Peace being now universal, munitions of war had lost their former value.

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

So favorable an opinion had been formed of the character and capabilities of the islanders, and of the good influence exerted by comparatively uncultivated white settlers, that Turnbull, as early as 1803, suggested the speedy establishment of missionaries among them. He judged the situation and advantages as infinitely superior to the field occupied by his countrymen at Tahiti. The suggestion, however, fell upon unwilling ears, and America was left afterward to reap the rich reward of disinterested benevolence. The number of natives who had been in foreign countries, acquired the English tongue, and had become partially weaned from their superstitions, rendered the enterprise most favorable.

The greatest obstacle would have been the strong religious tendencies of Kamehameha himself; but could these have been rightly directed, as there is little doubt they might have been, they would have exerted an activity in the cause which would even have surpassed the late efforts of Kaahumanu, who gave it an impetus which revolutionized the nation. As it was, he continued his devotions to his idols to the last, though acknowledging their worthlessness. He doubtless viewed the system as a powerful engine of government, and more of politics than piety mingled in his later views. His stern bigotry did not always get the better of his humanity.

A boy whom he loved, was doomed for sacrifice by a priest, when very low, and expected to die on a day sacred to his god. A crime so heinous could only be obviated by an earlier death. The priest told this to Kamehameha, but he sternly ordered him to bring the youth to him. By his care he recovered, and ever after was one of his family. The saliva of the king was carefully preserved in a spittoon, around the edges of which were set the teeth of his ancestors. If his enemies got possession of any of it, they were supposed to have the power to occasion his death by sorcery and prayer.

In 1809, a Russian ship arrived at Honolulu, having on board Archibald Campbell, a sailor who had been shipwrecked at Sannack. At his wish he was taken into the service of the king, in which he remained upwards of a year, and was treated with much kindness, and had a farm given him. His narrative was subsequently published, and contains many interesting particulars of the domestic life of Kamehameha, related with an artlessness which attests their truth. He speaks in grateful terms of the friendship received "from all ranks, from my much honored master, the king, down to the lowest native."

He states that Kamehameha generally conformed to the customs of his own country in regard to food, adopting only such articles of foreign dress as were suitable to the climate; although on some occasions he wore a uniform, of which he had a number of beautiful suits. The whites about him were served more in accordance with their civilized habits, being provided with plates, knives and forks. In March, 1810, Campbell left for England in the whaler Duke of Portland, Captain Spence, by whom Kamehameha sent a feather cloak to the king of England, with a dictated letter, in which he reminded him of a promise received from Vancouver, that a man-of-war, with an armament of brass pieces, and loaded with articles of European manufacture, should be sent him. He expressed his regret that the distance prevented him from rendering service to him in his wars, and assured him of his regard. Although Kamehameha learned to converse in English with tolerable fluency, he never acquired the art of writing.

Don Francisco de Paula Mann, a Spaniard, had settled many years before, at Oahu, and made himself useful by the attention he paid to agriculture and cattle. He introduced many plants, fruits and vegetables, and at one time he was in the confidence of the king, being employed as interpreter. In 1810, the number of whites on Oahu alone amounted to sixty; some of whom were sober and industrious, and much respected by the chiefs; but the generality were idle and dissolute, held in restraint only by the authority of the king. The number of half-breeds was considerable. This unfortunate class received little attention from their parents, and grew up in vicious ignorance. Many of the natives had become tolerable carpenters, coopers, blacksmiths and tailors. Kamehameha by his trade in sandalwood and pearls, and various monopolies, acquired considerable wealth. His stores of European, American and Chinese goods were extensive and valuable. Arms and ammunition he possessed in great abundance, and his coffers were well filled with dollars. A number of small houses, erected after the European manner, had been built for him, but he preferred the straw habitations of his country.

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

Kaahumanu, Wife of Kamehameha I

Kamehameha consorted with Kaahumanu from affection and with Keopuolani from policy. The latter might be termed his official wife. The custom of the country relative to the royal family, required him to visit her monthly, immediately after her purification, of which she gave him notice. In marriages of this political character, the royal parties usually lived apart, both being furnished with partners of choice, who abode constantly with them. In this sense Hoapili was the husband of Keopuolani, by consent of Kamehameha. When he visited her it was in great state, and if by water, in a canoe, the paddlers of which were dressed in a rude uniform, made by winding completely around their bodies cloth similar to that of their malos. Kamehameha always treated Keopuolani with superior deference, as of the most exalted rank in the kingdom. Her children, and not Kaahumanu's, are heirs to the throne. When the queen was in labor, the king's own idol was brought immediately into the room, in the presence of which the child was required to be delivered. Should it not arrive in season, the navel-string remained uncut until it was brought in, which done, the child was considered as the legitimate heir.

Kekauluohi, daughter of Kaiana, the late premier, was one of the wives of Kamehameha, having been educated for him when a child, as a royal virgin, in the greatest seclusion and care. After their quasi marriage she was sedulously restrained from all society, and diligently taught the genealogies and ancient lore of the country. Upon his death she became the wife of his son, who, however, provided another husband for her. Liholiho, his eldest son, was born of Keopuolani, on Hawaii, in 1797. Kamehameha, to establish the succession in his family, in 1809 invested him with royal honors, by which he became entitled to the same etiquette as himself, but the government continued in its customary routine. The prince was an indolent, pleasure-loving youth, of a frank and humane disposition. His manners were generally dignified and agreeable; his mind inquisitive and memory retentive. Circumstances might have made him worthy of his parentage, but his high station, and freedom from care, made him reckless and dissipated. He was fond of liquor, but, until his accession to the throne, was under the same powerful influence which held all, from the highest to the lowest, in complete thraldom.

Kamehameha remained at Oahu nine years; he then embarked with his suite on board of some foreign vessels, and accompanied by a large fleet of small craft and canoes, sailed for Hawaii, touching at Lahaina, Molokai and other places, to dispose of sandal-wood and other products, which had been collected by Keeaumoku, governor of that portion of his dominions. Kalaimoku was left in charge of Oahu. The king lived at Hawaii, principally about Kailua and Kealakeakua, until his death. In his hereditary possessions he was greatly revered. During a famine, he labored for his own food, and compelled his followers to work likewise. The spot of land which he tilled is pointed out to this day as a mark of his benevolence. With a providence unusual to his nation, he allowed none of the young sandalwood to be cut, observing that such wood was to be preserved for his successors. Neither would he permit the birds which were caught for their feathers to be killed; but ordered them to be set free, after they were plucked of the few that were wanted. The bird-catchers, with native logic, inquired "who will possess the birds set free? You are an old man." He replied, new feathers would replace those plucked, and the birds would again be useful.

Like civilized conquerors, he delighted equally in overcoming obstacles of nature as of men. Undertakings which had been considered impracticable he accomplished.

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

In 1814, a ship owned by Baranoff, the governor of the Russian colony at Sitka, was wrecked at Waimea, Kauai; the principal part of the cargo was saved, and entrusted to the care of Kaumualii for the owners. In 1815, the .Russian governor sent a German physician, by the name of Scheffer, to take possession of the wrecked property. He arrived at Kailua in the American ship Isabella, Captain Tyler, bringing with him a quantity of powder and clothing. Kamehameha received him in a friendly manner, and sent orders to Kaumualii to deliver the property into his charge. After a few weeks stay at Hawaii, he sailed for Waimea, Kauai, landed his goods, built a house, and commenced trading. Kaumualii purchased the powder, and some other articles, for sandalwood. Soon after, a Russian ship, the Discovery, arrived with thirty Kodiack Indians, a part of whom were females, from an unsuccessful search for a seal island. By the orders of the governor of Sitka, these Indians were left with Dr. Scheffer, and the vessel returned. In the meanwhile two Russian vessels, the ship Myrtle, Captain Long, and a brig with an American captain, arrived at Honolulu. Their crews numbered near ninety men. They immediately commenced erecting a block-house near the water side, on which they mounted a few guns and displayed a flag. This aroused the fears of the natives and the jealousy of foreigners, and word was immediately forwarded to Kamehameha.

His policy under such a suspicious act on the part of foreign power, was characteristic of that which has ever since prevailed. He sent Kalaimoku to Oahu with the following judicious orders: "Go and observe the conduct of the Russians, but be slow to oppose them. If they commit outrage upon the people, exhort the people to bear it patiently. Bear ill-treatment with forbearance, but be ready, notwithstanding, in case of absolute necessity, to make a firm resistance." Immediately upon Kalaimoku's arrival, the vessels sailed for Kauai, when the American captain having quarreled with Scheffer, who was agent for both, was removed from the command. The vessels were ordered to the Bay of Hanalei, on the north side of the island, where they remained during the winter. The doctor built a slight fort on a cliff commanding them, and had a few cannons mounted.

Kaumualii being anxious to secure his services, in superintending the building of a stone fort at Waimea, gave him the fertile valley of Hanalei and other valuable tracts. This excited his cupidity, and he plotted to secure the whole island. He presented a schooner, with many other articles, to the king, and in return, it is said, obtained a lease of the whole island for a long period. The fort was sufficiently completed to mount a number of guns on one side; a magazine was built, and a flag-staff erected, on which the Russian colors were occasionally displayed.

According to the natives, Scheffer laid a plot to cut off Kaumualii and his chief men, at a feast to which he had invited them. The American captain revealed it to the king, who, however, attended, with the precaution of a guard sufficient to prevent any nefarious attempt. Nothing transpired to confirm the report.

Scheffer made himself obnoxious by his arbitrary conduct, and reports were carried to Kamehameha that the Russians were preparing to invade his dominions, and had already obtained possession of Kauai. Much alarmed, he sent word to Kaumualii to drive them away. Accordingly, Scheffer was compelled to embark with his Indians without delay, on board of the brig, which was at Waimea. The next day his property was taken off to him. He then sailed for Hanalei, rejoined the ship, and both left for Honolulu. Upon arriving here he was requested to depart, which he did, but the Myrtle proving unseaworthy obliged him to put back. She was condemned at Honolulu, and the Russians allowed to remain until an opportunity offered for leaving.

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

Captain Kotzebue, in the Russian discovery ship Rurick, arrived off Hawaii, November 21, 1816. He soon learned of the hostile feeling towards his countrymen, which at first placed him in some jeopardy. He assured the islanders of the kind intentions of his emperor, and that Scheffer's conduct was the result of his own private ambition, and was neither countenanced nor approved by his government. These representations satisfied Kamehameha, and when the Rurick anchored at Kealakeakua, he received him with his customary courtesy and hospitality. He excused himself from visiting on board, by alleging the fears of his subjects, whose apprehensions were not entirely allayed. Kotzebue visited him at his palace, and there met with Liholiho and Kaahumanu, who made many inquiries after Vancouver. He remarked the general use of tobacco, which was carried to such excess, from inhaling its fumes, as to produce partial derangement, intoxication, and often death. Even young children indulged in the pernicious practice.

The Rurick was supplied with stores and refreshments gratuitously; in acknowledgment for which, Kotzebue gave Kamehameha two brass field-pieces, wire, and iron bars, which were highly acceptable. He then sailed for Honolulu, and the Rurick was the first man-of-war that entered that harbor. Considerable excitement existed in regard to his intentions, which, however, subsided when Kalaimoku made known the king's commands. Two fine vessels bore the national flag, which had been adopted shortly before; they displayed the English union, with seven alternated red, white and blue stripes, emblematic of the principal islands. One was a ship, newly purchased, destined for China, with a cargo of sandal-wood, and the other a war-brig, the Kaahumanu, of eighteen guns, commanded by an Englishman, of the name of Adams. Wishing to survey the harbor, Kotzebue placed flags upon several different stations; the sight of them reminded the natives of Scheffer's acts, when he hoisted the Russian flag, and these were supposed to have been planted with a like intention. A commotion arose which would have proved dangerous to the surveying party, had not Young, who then lived on the island, overseeing the erection of the present fort, explained the cause, and substituted brooms for the obnoxious ensigns. Clothes were much in demand at this time among the chiefs, and their costume presented the same ludicrous mixture of barbarism and civilization that exists among th poorer classes at the present time. A lance fight was exhibited for the gratification of Kotzebue, which terminated in dangerous wounds to some of the party. The passions of the combatants, so long unexercised in war, on these occasions were apt to become exasperated, and the mock battles to terminate in furious and bloody encounters. Kamehameha seldom allowed them to take place, and then only under a guard of soldiers armed with muskets. On the 14th of December, the Rurick sailed; she was the first national ship that exchanged salutes with the batteries of Honolulu.

An attempt was made to cement an alliance between the royal families of Hawaii and Tahiti, by a double marriage. Gifts and friendly messages had been frequently exchanged between Pomare I. and Kamehameha, and finally it was agreed that a son of each should marry a daughter of the other. Kekauluohi was selected for Pomare, but his death broke off the matches, and the project was never resumed. Earlier than this, Kaumualii sent an agent to Tahiti, in a foreign ship, to negotiate with the reigning family for a wife for himself; but the man proved unfaithful to his trust, and seduced by the well favored beauties of that island, settled there.

On March 17th, 1814, Kauikeaouli, the present king, was born. Nahienaena, the princess, was born about two years later of the same mother, Keopuolani; so that their rank, and that of Liholiho, was derived equally from the past and reigning dynasties; consequently, by descent and conquest, they were heirs to the throne of the united kingdom. Kamehameha had made some overtures toward opening a direct trade with the governor of the Russian settlements, in the early part of his reign. However, but little resulted from them. Sandalwood had now become the great article of export, amounting in one year to near four hundred thousand dollars. While it lasted, it was a mine of wealth to the chiefs; but it engendered luxury and extravagance; and many rich cargoes were purchased at the cost of great labor and heavy taxation. They were frequently stored in unsuitable buildings, and there perished from neglect. Kamehameha, learning of the great profits derived by the merchants from their sales in China, determined to prosecute the business on his own account; accordingly he fitted up the ship before mentioned, loaded her with the wood, and under the direction of English officers, and a native supercargo, Kapihe, dispatched her for Canton; the first foreign port in which the Hawaiian flag was displayed. Extravagant port charges, and the dissipation of the captain and supercargo, ran away with the proceeds of the sales. She returned safely, but in lieu of the riches of the Celestial empire, the king found himself three thousand dollars in debt. The chief items of charges were pilotage, anchorage, and custom-house dues. This suggested to him the idea of raising a revenue in the same manner, and from that time harbor fees were established.

Though, toward the latter period of Kamehameha's reign, a general laxness in regard to the taboos began to prevail, yet every open transgression was severely punished. A woman was put to death for entering the eating house of her husband, though at the time she was tipsy. As late as 1818, three men were sacrificed at Kealakeakua; one for putting on the malo of a chief, another for eating a forbidden article, and the third for leaving a house that was taboo and entering one that was not. Kamehameha resided at Kailua seven years. The changes which had occurred at Tahiti, by the final triumph of the Christian religion, aroused his attention, and he made many inquiries in regard to the causes and results. He desired to be instructed in the doctrines, and to learn of the nature of the Supreme Being the foreigners worshiped. Unfortunately, the whites around him were little calculated to explain the sublime truths, or to tell him of the heavenly tidings of the Gospel.

On the 8th of May, 1819, at the age of sixty-six, he died as he had lived, in the faith of his country. It was his misfortune not to have come in contact with men who could have rightly influenced his religious aspirations. Judged by his advantages, and compared with the most eminent of his countrymen, he may be justly styled not only great, but good. To this day his memory warms the heart and elevates the national feelings of Hawaiians. They are proud of their old warrior-king; they love his name; his deeds form their historical age; and an enthusiasm everywhere prevails, shared even by foreigners who knew his worth, that constitutes the firmest pillar of the throne of his son.

In lieu of human victims, a sacrifice of three hundred dogs attended his obsequies ; no mean holocaust, when their national value is considered. The bones of Kamehameha, after being kept for a while, were so carefully concealed that all knowledge of their final resting place is now lost. There was a proverb current among the common people that the bones of a cruel king could not be hid; they made fish-hooks and arrows of them, upon which in using them they vented their abhorrence of his memory in bitter execrations.

The native historians relate the circumstances of his death with a feeling and minuteness, which so well illustrates many of their customs, that the reader will pardon the insertion.

When Kamehameha was dangerously sick and the priests were unable to cure him, they said, "Be of good courage, and build a house for the god, that thou mayest recover." The chiefs corroborated this advice of the priests, and a place of worship was prepared for Kukailimoku, and consecrated in the evening. They proposed also to the king, with a view to prolong his life, that human victims should be sacrificed to his deity; upon which the greater part of the people absconded through fear of death, and concealed themselves in hiding places till the kapu, in which destruction impended, was past. It is doubtful whether Kamehameha approved of the plan of the chiefs and priests to sacrifice men, as he was known to say, "The men are sacred for the king;" meaning that they were for the service of his successor. This information was derived from his son, Liholiho.

 

After this, his sickness increased to such a degree that he had not strength to turn himself in his bed. When another season, consecrated for worship at the new temple heiau arrived, he said to his son Liholiho, "Go thou and make supplication to thy god; I am not able to go and will offer my prayers at home." When his devotions to his feathered god, Kukailimoku, were concluded, a certain religiously disposed individual, who had a bird god, suggested to the king that through its influence his sickness might be removed. The name of this god was Pua; its body was made of a bird, now eaten by the Hawaiians, and called in their language alae. Kamehameha was willing that a trial should be made, and two houses were constructed to facilitate the experiment; but while dwelling in them, he became so very weak as not to receive food. After lying there three days, his wives, children, and chiefs, perceiving that he was very low, returned him to his own house. In the evening he was carried to the eating house, where he took a little food in his mouth, which he did not swallow; also a cup of water. The chiefs requested him to give them his counsel. But he made no reply, and was carried back to the dwelling house; but when near midnight, ten o'clock, perhaps, he was earned again to the place to eat; but, as before, he merely tasted of what was presented, to him. Then Kaikioewa addressed him thus:

 

"Here we all are, your younger brethren, your son, Liholiho, and your foreigner: impart to us your dying charge, that Liholiho and Kaahumanu may hear." Then Kamehameha inquired, "What do you say !" Kaikioewa repeated, "Your counsels for us." He then said, "Move on in my good way, and ..." He could proceed no further. The foreigner Mr. Young embraced and kissed him. Hoapili also embraced him, whispering something in his ear, after which he was taken back to the house. About twelve, he was carried once more to the house for eating, into which his head entered, while his body was in the dwelling house immediately adjoining. It should be remarked, that this frequent carrying of a sick chief to and fro from one house to another, resulted from the taboo system then in force. There were at that time six houses connected with an establishment; one was for worship, one for the men to eat in, another for the women, a dormitory, a house in which to beat kapa, and one where at certain intervals the women might dwell in seclusion.

 

The sick king was once more taken to his house, when he expired; this was at two o'clock a circumstance from which Leleiohoku derived his name. As he breathed his last Kalaimoku came to the eating house to order those in it to go out. There were two aged persons thus directed to depart; one went, the other remained on account of love to the king, by whom he had formerly been kindly sustained. The children also were sent away. Then Kalaimoku came to the house, and the chiefs had a consultation. One of them spoke thus:

 

"This is my thought, we will eat him raw." Kaahumanu replied, "Perhaps his body is not at our disposal; that is more properly with his successor. Our part in him, the breath, has departed; his remains will be disposed of by Liholiho."

 

After this conversation, the body was taken into the consecrated house for the performance of the proper rites by the priest and the king. The name of this ceremony is uko; and when the sacred hog was baked, the priest offered it to the dead body and it became a god, the king at the same time repeating the customary prayers. Then the priest addressing himself to the king and chiefs, said, " will now make known to you the rules to be observed respecting persons to be sacrificed on the burial of this body. If you obtain one man before the corpse is removed, one will be sufficient; but after it leaves this house four will be required. If delayed until we carry the corpse to the grave, there must be ten; but after it is deposited in the grave, there must be fifteen. Tomorrow morning there will be a taboo, and if the sacrifice be delayed until that time, forty men must die."

 

Then the high priest Hewahewa, inquired of the chiefs, “Where shall be the residence of King Liholiho?" They replied, "Where, indeed? You of all men ought to know." Then the priest observed, "There are two suitable places; one is Kau, the other, Kohala." The chiefs preferred the latter, as it was more thickly inhabited. The priest added, "These are proper places for the king's residence, but he must not remain in Kona, for it is polluted." This was agreed to. It was now break of day. As he was being carried to the place of burial, the people perceived that their king was dead, and they wailed. When the corpse was removed from the house to the tomb, a distance of one chain, the procession was met by a certain man who was ardently attached to the deceased. He leaped upon the chiefs who were carrying the king's body; he desired to die with him, on account of his love. The chiefs drove him away. He persisted in making numerous attempts, which were unavailing. His name was Keamahulihia. Kalaimoku also had it in his heart to die with him, but was prevented by Hookio.

 

The morning following Kamehameha's death, Liholiho and his train departed for Kohala according to the suggestions of the priest, to avoid the defilement occasioned by the dead. At this time, if a chief died the land was polluted, and the heirs sought a residence in another part of the country, until the corpse was dissected and the bones tied in a bundle, which being done, the season of defilement terminated. If the deceased were not a chief, the house only was defiled, which became pure again on the burial of the body. Such were the laws on this subject.

 

On the morning in which Liholiho sailed in his canoe for Kohala, the chiefs and people mourned after their manner on occasion of a chief's death, conducting like madmen, and like beasts. Their conduct was such as to forbid description. The priests, also, put into action the sorcery apparatus, that the person who had prayed the king to death might die; for it was not believed that Kamehameha's departure was the effect either of sickness or old age. When the sorcerers set up by their fire-places sticks with a strip of kapa flying at the top, the chief Keeaumoku, Kaahumanu's brother, came, in a state of intoxication, and broke the flag-staff of the sorcerers, from which it was inferred that Kaahumanu and her friends had been instrumental in the death of Kamehameha. On this account they were subjected to abuse. – Hawaiian Spectator

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