April 4, 1820 – At 10 o’clock this morning, 163 days from Boston, we came to anchor in Kirooah Bay, about 1 mile from the palace. Crymokoo, who still seems friendly to our cause, was soon sent for by Reehoreeho and was soon followed by Brothers Bingham and Thurston, Capt. Blanchard and Thomas Hopoo, to lay before his majesty the plan of our enterprise. Found him bathing in the sea with his mother and his first wife, landed, visited John Adams, a native chief who has acquired something of the English language and manners, also John Young who has long resided here and is now acting secretary to the King. Then waited on the King with the most important message that could be sent to any earthly potentate. Read the letter of Dr. Worcester to Tamh. and the letter of Capt. Reynolds to Tamh. and Reehoreeho, and had them interpreted by Mr. Young and Thos. H. and through them made known to his majesty the views of the American Board and the wishes of the Mission family. He seemed pleased with the object laid before him, but far from being in haste to give an answer. All indeed, both king and chiefs, honorable women and common people, who spoke on the subject expressed their approbation the general term “Miti”, i.e., “it is good”. (Thaddeus Journal)
at 10 a.m. Tuesday came to anchorage there (Kailua). The Captain and some of the passengers then went on shore and visited the King, ‘a great number of natives, men and women,” meanwhile visiting the brig. During the next day she continued to lie there’ waiting the result of the grand council, which was sitting, consisting of the King and chiefs, respecting the mission.’ ‘They are undecided, but appear favorably disposed towards them.’ The chief, if not only, objection is said to have originated with an Englishman, who, formerly detained against his will at the Islands, had married a woman of rank, acted as governor of Hawaii, and finally became attached to his new life. The native chiefs and other subjects were evidently peaceable and fairly disposed, although not unnaturally inclined to be politic. The population, after passing through war and religious change, was in a quieted, receptive condition. (James Hunnewell)
April 4th. This morning, ten o’clock, having been 163 days on the bosom of the great deep, we anchored in the bay of Korooah, near the residence of Keehoreeho the king. Bless the Lord, O, our souls, for all his tender mercies towards us. My dear husband, with brother Thurston and Thomas, has gone on shore as heralds of the Prince of Peace and King of Kings, to have an interview, and transact business for their Master, with this heathen Ruler. How important the moment! The great Head of the Church give his servants wisdom, a sound understanding, and guide them in every step. The heart of this heathen king is in his holy hand and He can turn it as He will. O, I think, I do rest on this firm ground, that He will accomplish his blessed purposes and do all his pleasure. (Sybil Bingham)
4th. Arrived this morning in Kiarooah (Kailua) bay, in full view of the kings seat. Brother B. & T. have gone on shore with the embassy of peace and mercy to a people without law and without religion. It is an important moment with us. The grand council are to convene this evening to consider whether to permit us to land, or send us away. May the Spirit of God dispose their hearts to receive us and the word of life at our hands. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)
April 4. This morning anchored. The Chief, the two Queens, Captain B and several of the Brethren, have gone on shore to visit the King. This is with us, an important & eventful period. Two white men residing with the King have been on board; it is expected they came as spies. We have reason to fear they will endeavor to influence the King against us. But we have one consolation, Zion’s King reigneth. The hearts of all men are in his hands & he can turn them as he pleases.
I will now attempt to give you some particulars, respecting the dress, manner of eating etc. of the natives. The men, go almost naked. The usual dress of the women, is a tapper. It is a cloth wrapped round their body, and reaching halfway to their feet. Some wear ten thicknesses wrapped twice around them, others not so many. They have clothes; but seldom wear them, for they consider them a burden. They wear a string of beads round their necks and a wreath of feathers in the head. They usually wear their hair long on the back part of the head, cutting the rest short.
Their manner of eating is something singular. They spread a mat on the floor, then, seat themselves on it in a circle & eat with their fingers. They have three kinds of poe, which is made of tarrow. One is about as thick as starch which we use on muslin, and something resembles it. This is eaten with one finger. They get their finger in and turn it round to make it stick to it, then put it in their mouth and suck it off. When one has dipped in his fingers, the dish is passed to the next & so goes round. The second kind which is thinner, is eaten in the same manner except with two fingers. The third which is still thinner with three. With this they eat fish, hogs and dogs.
As to their manners, I believe it would be almost impossible to give you a just idea of them. As to any sense of shame or modesty, they appear to have but little more than the brutes. They are a very indolent people. They lie most of the time on their mats and sleet, or lounge around in idleness. They have Waiters to attend upon them, brush off the flies, a scratch their backs, etc. There fly bushes are very elegant, being made of feathers stripped from the quill, with a mahogany or whale bone handle.
4 o’clock. The brethren have returned with favourable intelligence, but no decisive answer respecting are having an establishment here. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)
4. – We have now anchored for the first time since we embarked. Brother B & T went on shore & conversed with the king on the subject of our introducing the Gospel. He appeared pleased but his power is so limited that he could give us no decisive answer about landing. (Samuel Whitney Journal)
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