“(A) direct acquaintance of the Russians with the islands occurred only in June 1804, when the ‘Hope’ and ‘Neva’, under the command of IF Krusenstern and Yu. F. Lisyansky, visited the archipelago in during his world tour.”
“Although Lisyansky was in the Hawaiian Islands for less than two weeks (from June 8 to 20, 1804), he managed to compile a very thorough picture of the state of the economy, trade, customs and life of the islanders, as well as the successful activities of the energetic King Kamehameha I.”
“Neva visited Otuwai Island (Kauai), where the Russian ship was visited by the King of Kaumuali‘i (To-Mari), speaking in English, complaining that Europeans seldom visit his possessions.”
“Lisyansky gave him a ‘flannel blanket and many other trifles,’ but the king was interested in the strip iron, paints, and most importantly – in defense from his opponent Kamehameha.”
“‘It was advisable for him,’ wrote Nikolai Korobitsin, the steward of the Russian Cancer Institute, ‘that we land our ship to his island to protect Evo from King Tomiomi, for which reason he even expressed the desire to “agree to act as his island in Russia’s citizenship’”.
“During the stay of the “Neva” in Hawaii, trade ties were established between the team and the islanders. Russian sailors exchanged clothes, axes, and iron for pigs and fruits, fully appreciating the importance of the archipelago as a food base for Kamchatka and Russian America.”
“The participant of the expedition VN Berkh noted later that every autumn it would be expedient to send a ship from Kamchatka to the Hawaiian Islands, where he could stay for the whole winter, and in May he could go back with a load of food.”
“According to contemporaries, Kamehameha had a special passion for the acquisition of naval ships. At his disposal were fifteen different ships, among which were not only small boats and tenders, but even large three-masted ships. He showed a keen interest in establishing trade relations.”
“Having learned that the Russian colonies lack food, the king let know AA. Baranov that he is ready every year to send a merchant ship with the cargo of pigs, salt, sweet potatoes and other food products to Novo-Arkhangelsk, if in exchange they receive ‘skins of sea otters at a reasonable price’”. (Bolkhovitinov)
“In 1813, just after the war between the United States and Great Britain, the governor of the Russian colony at Sitka, Alaska, purchased the Atahualpa, a ship that had been engaged in the naval activities of the war.” (He renamed it the Bering.)
“Previous to the discharge of the American captain and crew the ship was sent by the governor on a voyage to the ‘Sandwich Islands.’ Having sold a goodly portion of her cargo on the other islands, she visited Kauai for the purpose of trading with the natives.” (Mid-Pacific Magazine)
The Bering made its last stop at Waimea, Kauai, on January 30, 1815. At 3 am, the next morning, the ship ran aground in Waimea during a gale. (Mills)
“Most of the cargo on board was saved, and this was taken ashore and committed to the care of Kaumuali‘i, then the reigning chief of Kauai. He stored the goods, raised a little white flag to show that the building and its contents were tabu, and pursued the even tenor of his ways in peace.”
“In 1815 the Russian governor sent an agent, one Doctor Schoof (Schäffer,) to secure the property. He came to the islands as a passenger on the American ship Isabella. Captain Tyler. The Isabella was not bound for Kauai and the doctor landed at Kailua on Hawaii. After some weeks he secured passage to Kauai on the Millwood. Captain Eddes.”
“Kamehameha, then the king of the group, sent a messenger with Doctor (Schäffer,) with orders to Kaumuali‘i to deliver up the Russian property. He had kept it safely and delivered it promptly.”
“Although the bulk of the cargo consisted of powder and shot with some small arms, and notwithstanding that powder was in great demand for the killing of game, Kaumuali‘i held his trust sacred.”
“Shortly thereafter the Discovery, another Russian vessel, arrived with about 30 Kodiack Indians, half of whom were females.”
“The Governor of Alaska had heard there was an island northwest of Kauai, where there were herds of fur seals, and he had sent the Discovery and her crew on a sealing trip.”
“He failed to find either island or seals, and returned to Waimea. The captain had orders to leave the Indians in care of Dr. (Schäffer,) in case he failed to find the island and the seals, and proceeded on his voyage. It is not unreasonable to suppose that some of these Indians intermarried with the Hawaiians.”
“The Russian ship Myrtle, Captain Young, arrived shortly afterward, and also a Russian brig. These anchored at Hanalei. The arrival of these several Russian vessels caused the Hawaiians to believe that the Russians were preparing to seize the islands.”
“This suspicion was strengthened when Dr. (Schäffer) commenced to build a fort at Hanalei, where he had mounted several cannon.”
“(Schäffer) sold some powder to Kaumuali‘i, however, in exchange for sandal wood, and gave him a number of trifling presents.”
“A short time after the Doctor left, another Russian vessel arrived at Waimea. The captain was allowed to secure fresh water and purchase supplies but was advised that the climate of Kauai was not conducive to the health of Russians. He left.” (Mid-Pacific Magazine)
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