Economy | Page 154 | Images of Old Hawaiʻi

Captain James Hunnewell-(MissionHouses)

June 2, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Oregon Territory

The Sandwich Islands, from 1778 on, figured in all the voyages of exploration to the Northwest Coast of America. Going out from England or from Boston and New York, ships took in supplies at Hawaii. Likewise, on the return trip.

Captains Portlock and Dixon in the King George and Queen Charlotte (they were on Cook’s voyage) made the trip to explore the fur trading country, sailing from England in 1783.

In 1786-74 John Meares made a trip from India to the coast of America, probably Alaska, and returned to Canton by way of Hawaii. He then planned a second voyage for the fur trade and other purposes.

Early on, no permanent settlements were made on the northwest coast; but a lively exchange of commodities took place on the decks of the trading vessels.

They took knives, iron, copper pans, and trinkets from Boston, got furs for them on the Northwest Coast, completed their cargoes with sandalwood from Hawaii and exchanged everything for teas, silks, etc in Canton.

John Jacob Astor was long engaged in this trade, and in 1810, for the purpose of securing such a control of that trade as to lessen the danger of rivalry by the Northwest Fur Company, he organized the Pacific Fur Company, and planned a permanent American settlement at the mouth of the Columbia River.

Shortly thereafter, he went to the Islands and brought a supply of hogs, several goats, two sheep and some poultry to stock his base at Astoria – likewise, twelve Hawaiians signed on to work for three years.

Vancouver, on his way out to explore the western coast of North America, provisioned at the Hawaii in 1792.

From this time onward, American vessels, in their voyages to/from the Northwest Coast, frequently stopped at Hawaii for refreshments and repairs, and for the restoration of health to their crews, who became worn out by the long and stormy passage around Cape Horn and by the watchfulness and anxiety in guarding against the Indians when the ships were trading along shore.

By 1840 there were between 150 and 250 English and American residents of Honolulu alone. There were a number of whites outside of this town. The Oregon country contained about a hundred families in the same year.

Considerable trade between Oregon and Hawaii developed, the former sending wheat, beaver skins, salmon, and lumber to the islands and receiving in return sugar, molasses, tea, coffee and commodities brought there from China, England and the Eastern US.

As an example of the business carried on, there appeared in the Honolulu Polynesian of August 31, 1844, an advertisement of Albert E Wilson, general commission merchant, Astoria, mouth of the Columbia River, offering to buy the products of the Hawaiian Islands and to sell merchandise and products from the Oregon country.

On September 28, 1844, the same paper states: “The riches of the Sandwich Islands lie in the soil. A continent lies near us, rapidly filling with Anglo-Saxon sons.”

“Sugar, coffee, indigo, tobacco, cotton and cabinet lumber will be the staple articles’ the islands would produce for export, along with yams, arrow root, hemp and raw silk.

“These islands will become the West Indies of the Northern Pacific; the trade will naturally go forward to Oregon, and if we do not hasten operations the demand will exceed our means of supplying it.”

The existing trade between the Columbia River and the Sandwich Islands was evidenced by an advertisement in that week’s sale of the arrival for sale of 107,000 feet of lumber, 300 barrels of superior flour, 300 barrels of Columbia River salmon, etc.

Coral brought from the Islands were used in constructing the ‘fort’ established at Vancouver on the Columbia River and in building chimneys for the settlers.

Honolulu became a depot for fresh supplies, repairs, and after whaling began (1819), for temporary storage of whale oil. In 1820 the United States appointed John C. Jones as an agent for commerce and seamen. (All here is from a summary by Bennett.)

The Oregon Territory stretched from the Pacific coast to the Rocky Mountains, encompassing the area including present-day Oregon, Washington, and most of British Columbia.

Originally Spain, Great Britain, Russia, and the US claimed the territory. In 1819, under terms of the Transcontinental Treaty, Spain ceded its claims to the territory to the United States.

Shortly thereafter the United States contested a unilateral Russian move to grant its citizens a fishing, whaling, and commercial monopoly from the Bering Straits to the 51st parallel.

In 1823 President Monroe promulgated his doctrine, which put Russia on notice that the United States did not accept Russian attempts at monopoly.

The US claim was based on the explorations of Lewis and Clark and on the establishment of trading posts set up by John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Company, such as Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River. Great Britain based its claim, in part, on James Cook’s exploration of the Columbia River.

By 1843, increased American immigration on the Oregon Trail to the Territory made the border issue a burning one in Congress, where jingoists raised the slogan of “54 degrees 40 minutes or fight.”

President James Polk, a supporter of Manifest Destiny with an eye also on the Mexican Southwest and California, was eager to settle the boundary of the Oregon Territory and proposed a settlement on the 49 degree line to Great Britain. (State Department)

Oregon_Country

May 31, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

David Gregg’s View of the Islands

David Lawrence Gregg arrived in Honolulu December 19, 1853 and lived there for about ten years, first as the diplomatic representative of the US, next as the Hawaiian Minister of Finance, and finally, for a short time, as a practicing attorney. The following are some extracts of correspondence he wrote, giving insight into the Islands at the time

“The King – Kamehameha III – is a very clever sort of personage, about 40 years of age, good looking, shrewd, and far more intelligent about political affairs than might be expected from one just emerged from a savage state.”

“He would, by no means, disgrace the society of his brother monarchs in Europe, and I am very much disposed to think that in point of natural capacity, he is superior to them all except Nicholas & Louis Napoleon.” (Gregg to RS Blackwell, February 1, 1854)

“He is of good size, & fair proportions, – of a dark olive complexion & fine appearance & bearing. He speaks English tolerably well, but on official occasions employs an interpreter. In shrewdness & intelligence, even on general subjects, he is not behind many of those who have had the advantages of early education, & a wide field of literature.” (Gregg to Forsyth, March 20, 1854)

“There are but few young men any where, superior to Prince Alexander. Though only twenty years of age, he is well educated & intelligent, and would acquit himself creditably in the best circles of society. A few years ago he travelled in England, France and the United States, & improved his opportunities of observation to the best advantage.”

“You need not be astonished to hear of him, some day, in Washington, as a member of the House of Representatives, or perhaps the Senate! If his complexion is of an olive cast, the first gentlemen of our country, would have no occasion to be ashamed of his society.” (Gregg to Daniel McIlroy, February 3, 1854)

“The American Missionaries have been badly treated by the Cabinet & by the King acting under its influence. His Majesty is conscious of the error, & has to my knowledge, expressed regret for it.” (Gregg to W. L. Marcy (Private), June 5, 1856)

“The American Missionaries deserve the highest credit for their untiring perseverance in, the work of elevating and reforming the savages of the Hawaiian Islands. It was their effort which laid the foundation of the order and peace which now prevail.”

“They established a polity almost republican in its character, and differing but in few particulars from our own institutions.”

“Naturally, the advisers of the King and Chiefs, they counselled judicious reforms, & did much to lessen & finally abolish the absolute dominion which trod the unfortunate masses under foot.”

“If they sometimes committed errors, it was because they lacked knowledge in political science, and gave too little heed to considerations of worldly policy. Thus it was, that morals were sometimes enforced by severe royal and legislative enactment, and, thus it now is, that trade is fettered by restrictions, which in the general estimation, are regarded as injudicious, and unwise.

“While I see some things to be censured, I find much to praise, and I trust that no consideration will ever prevent me from giving credit where it is justly due.” (David L. Gregg, United States Commissioner to Hawaii, to EW Tracy, (Private), February 3, 1854)

“(T)he results of Missionary teaching & American influence and of themselves, are sufficient to disprove the wholesale allegations of such persons as take it upon themselves to represent that the efforts of our countrymen to carry the lights of civilization to savage lands, have been without avail.” Gregg to Marcy, June 14, 1855)

“You will not consider it improper for me to add a few words to what I have already said in regard to the character of Judge Lee. His position here is peculiar, but not less honorable to him than creditable to those by whose confidence he is sustained.”

“He was on every occasion of importance the adviser of the late King (Kamehameha III), and maintains the same position with the new Sovereign (Kamehameha IV).”

“All classes of people in the Kingdom respect him & rely upon his judgment as affording almost a conclusive presumption of right. I know of no man any where who enjoys so large a measure of respect, or who has so few enemies.”

“His characteristic reputation is that of an honest man and I am satisfied that he most fully deserves it. He is by birth an American and I think, a native of New York.”

“In taking up his residence here, he was influenced by considerations of health. When he consented to hold a public position under a foreign government, it appears to have been with a firm determination to devote all his energies to the promotion of its interests …”

“… and in doing so he is persevering and consistent. But this has not interfered with the preservation of a proper respect & veneration for the institutions under which he was educated.” (Gregg to WL March, March 17, 1855)

“I attended the Supreme Court in this city where cases between natives were on trial. The proceedings were all conducted in the Hawaiian language, and a degree of good order & propriety prevailed which both gratified and surprised me.”

“The lawyers, witnesses, jurors, and one of the Judges on the bench, were Hawaiians. After the evidence was closed, speeches were regularly made as in our courts, and in manner, at least, I should call them fine specimens of forensic eloquence.”

“One of the officers of the Court interpreted the proceedings for me as they progressed, thus enabling me to conclude that shrewdness as well as eloquence was a characteristic of the native Hawaiian bar.”

“The appearance of jurors and spectators was just such as might be expected in our Courts at home, and they exhibited even a higher degree of decorum than I have sometimes seen in American Courts.” (Gregg to John Moore, January 21, 1854)

“The present inclination of the Hawaiian mind is to look upon the United States as the stronghold of hope for the future of the Islands….”

“… The British & French Governments are evidently doing all in their power to convince the Hawaiians that they are their best and most disinterested friends, & that in them alone can any well founded reliance be placed. It is our policy to prevent any such idea from obtaining credit.” (Gregg to WL Marcy, March 19, 1856) (All from Report of the Historical Commission, Territory of Hawaii, 1925)

David_Lawrence_Gregg-WC

May 30, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Early Inter-Island Ferry

All of the following is from a Supplement of the Report of the Minister of Foreign Relations; it is dated as having been given to the Kingdom Legislature in 1856.

“Besides, political reasons, for a mission to foreign parts which may arise, there are others intimately connected with our internal prosperity, for instance …”

“… we may have to contract a foreign loan to carry out the large improvements of the Harbor and Reefs which we have undertaken and we may have to introduce into the King’s waters one or two paddle-wheel Steam-boats or Steam-propellers, on government account.”

“The relative position of our islands to each other and to the prevailing winds, renders inter-island steam navigation an indispensable element of our progress. We cannot otherwise develope our rich internal resources and trade. Upon this subject, the following are the opinions expressed by me, in note No. 58, published in the Friend of 4th September, 1844:”

“As soon as the traffic of the islands in goods and passengers can support the expense, an iron steam-boat — of say 300 tons — with a light draught of water, would be a great improvement. I am not sure, that if well and economically managed, it would not pay, at the present moment.”

“It would do away with two or three small vessels, at present kept for the use of the King and government. The transportation of goods, produce, cattle and passengers, from one island to another, must amount to a very considerable sum in the course of
the year.”

“The certainty and quickness of a steamer would increase the transportation — a visit to the great volcano of Kilauea in Hawaii
— and a tour amongst the islands would become more fashionable than at present …”

“… the prices of produce and labor would become equalized — the knowledge of every local improvement would become extended — and the efficiency of the government would be greatly increased by the more prompt propagation of the laws, and transmission of its orders.”

“Coals could be easily had from New Castle, New South Whales.”

“Vessels from thence, of which we have had five since February, would bring them in ballast, and carry away their value in the salt, sugar, or molasses produced on the islands.”

“In cruising among the islands, a steamer would make many trips as a sailing-vessel, with the trade-wind, which blows here strongly, and the consumption of coal would be further economized by frequent stoppages at the different ports.”

“A steamer, therefore, would not cost so much by the year, as might, at first sight, be apprehended; and I believe the earnings
would exceed the expectations of those who are unaccustomed to the effect of steam-boats and rail-roads in increasing, and even creating traffic.”

“The nearly twelve years that I have resided on the islands, since i emitted these opinions, have only confirmed them in the main. I prefer an iron boat as being proof against the worm, and from its superior cheapness and durability, if the bottom can be kept clean ; and I think that a Propeller would be more handy, and answer better than a Paddle-wheel boat.”

“We might commence with one Propellor of 500 tons, and corresponding horse-power, but it is my belief that the wants of the
islands, windward and leeward, will require two boats of such dimensions and power.”

“The boats ought to be built in perfect adaptation to our seas, harbors, roads and bays. We can only obtain such in the United States or Europe, and by having them built to order, according to clear specifications by some firm of well-established character.”

“Even supposing that we should have to borrow the money to pay for them, the benefit that they will do for the islands, yearly, will far exceed the amount of the interest, and in a few years the boats would pay their own cost.”

“Besides procuring a suitable steamboat, and other things conducive to our prosperity, many other advantages might arise from a foreign mission.”

“It is not my habit to regulate my expenditure, by the amounts appropriated, but to save all that I can. The Legislature may, therefore, rest assured that although they vote the $10,000, it will not be called for unless it can be applied to useful purposes.”

Akamai_(steamer),_c._1853

Edward_T._Perkins-_Honolulu-_1854

View_of_Honolulu_Harbor_and_Punchbowl_Crater._(c._1854)

May 28, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Edmund R Butler

Edmund R Butler “arrived at these Islands in the year 1813 from Boston Mass. Shortly afterwards Kamehameha 1st granted him a farm called Kawaiiki, near Honolulu, O‘ahu, in the district of Kapalama.”

“Afterwards in the year 1817, Kamehameha 1st further granted (Butler) a district of land on the Island of Maui, situated between the village of Lahaina and Lahainaluna called Pū‘ou.”

“(He has) continuously occupied these lands until this time, except some portion of the second named land at Lahaina, which was taken from him by the Donor, and conferred upon the seminary at Lahainaluna.”

“The first mentioned land called Kawaiiki, was again assured to the Claimant by his present Majesty (King Kamehameha III) in the year 1831.” (LCA-32 Testimony)

To help tell his story, the following are snippets of the diversity of Butler’s involvement and interests and his time in the Islands …

On August 17, 1818, Hipólito (Hypolite) Bouchard arrived on ‘La Argentina’ at Kealakekua Bay. He found the Argentine corvette ‘Chacabuco’ (‘Santa Rosa’) in the Bay and learned that the crew of the Santa Rosa had mutinied near Chile’s coast and headed to Hawaiʻi, where the crew had attempted to sell the vessel to the Hawaiian king.

King Kamehameha bought the ship (for “6000 piculs of sandal-wood and a number of casks of rum.”) Bouchard found things to trade (reportedly Bouchard gave Kamehameha the honorary title of colonel together with his own uniform, hat and saber (nava-org)) and he took charge of the Santa Rosa, which he had to partially rebuild.

During negotiations with King Kamehameha, he also signed and Kamehameha placed his mark on an agreement.

In part, the agreement set to “consign to Senor Don Eduardo Butler, resident of the Sandwich Islands, the offices of agent of my nation with full authority in national matters, political affairs, national commerce and in mailers of the Cabinets”.

It also noted, “… when ships from the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata arrive in that dominion that this gentleman (Butler) have authority, in company with Your Majesty Kamehameha, over all matters pertaining to the Government of the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata … I beg Your Majesty to recognize Senor Don Eduardo as agent of the Government of the United Provinces”.

Reportedly, in the memoirs of Captain José María Piris Montevideo (member of the expedition) Bouchard asserts that Kamehameha signed a Treaty of Commerce, Peace and Friendship with Hipólito Bouchard, which recognized the independence of the United Provinces of Rio de la Plata. (Some suggest this was that document.)

Edmund Butler briefly operated a tavern in Lahaina, Maui, as early as 1819. However, the governor of Maui, strict Christian Hoapili, curbed the sale of liquor on that island. (Hibbard)

Butler was present at the first printing by the American Protestant missionaries, “January 7, 1822 … A day of spiritual interest. Commenced the first printing ever done in the Sandwich Islands, the operators of the printing press having fitted up for the purpose one of the thatched houses built for us by the government.”

“Governor Cox (Ke’eaumoku, Governor of Maui), who seems to take as friendly an interest in our work as any of the chiefs, was present and assisted with his own hands in composing a line or two and in working off a few copies of the first lesson of Hawaiian syllables, having the composing stick put into his hands and being shown when to take and how to place the types and then to pull the lever.”

“Several gentlemen, also, were present, Captain Masters, Captain Henry, Mr. Hunnewell from America, and Mr. Butler, a resident of Maui, who also took an interest in this novel scene, while one of the highest chiefs of these islands aided in commencing the printing of his native tongue.” (Gulick)

In 1823, when the Second Company of missionaries arrived, and Taua, Reynolds, Stewart, Loomis and Betsey Stockton escorted the ailing Keōpūolani to Lāhainā, they noted …

“The settlement is far more beautiful than any place we have yet seen on the islands. The entire district, stretching nearly three miles along the sea-side, is covered with luxuriant groves …”

“… not only of the cocoa-nut, (the only tree we have before seen, except on the tops of the mountains,) but also of the bread-fruit and of the kou, a species of cordia, an ornamental tree, resembling, at a distance, a large and flourishing, full, round-topped apple-tree …”

“… while the banana plant, tapa, and sugar-cane, are abundant, and extend almost to the beach, on which a fine surf constantly rolls.”

“On coming to an anchor, Karaimoku (Kalanimōku) expressed his regret that there was no house at the disposal of himself or the queen, suitable for our accommodation: and wished us to procure a temporary residence with Mr. Butler, an American established here, till houses could be provided for us by Keōpūolani.”

“We were soon met by Keōua, the governor of Lāhainā, to whom I delivered a letter of introduction from his friend Laʻanui, at O‘ahu, and proceeded in search of the plantation of Mr. Butler.”

“We found his enclosure pleasantly situated about a quarter of a mile directly in rear of the landing-place, and were received by him in a kind and friendly manner.”

“When acquainted with our object in coming to Lahaina, he proffered every assistance in his power, and tendered his best house for the reception of our families.”

“His civility greatly prepossessed us in his favour, and made us almost forget that we were in the land of strangers.”

“He returned to the barge with us, to bring the ladies on shore; and early in the afternoon our whole number were comfortably and quietly settled in the midst of his luxuriant grounds.”

“The thick shade of the bread-fruit trees which surround his cottages – the rustling of the breeze through the bananas and the sugar-cane – the murmurs of the mountain streams encircling the yard – and the coolness and verdure of every spot around us …”

“… seemed, in contrast with our situation, during a six months’ voyage, and four weeks’ residence on the dreary plain of Honoruru, like the delights of an Eden …”

“… and caused our hearts to beat warmly with gratitude to the Almighty Being, who had brought us in safety to the scene of our future labours, and had at once provided us with so refreshing an asylum.” (CS Stewart)

“October 1823 was a dangerous time to be at O‘ahu. The king had been tricked into another drinking bout by American traders while he was at Lahaina in September.”

“As a result, some of his chiefs spread tales around Honolulu that all the white men would be expelled from the island. Then Liholiho and his chiefs took an extraordinary step: they stopped trading and refused to permit any of their people to trade.”

“A report circulated that the king and his chiefs would not pay their sandalwood debts. Talk of rebellion made the gossip rounds, and Edmund Butler, an American resident, warned the king on October 16 that ‘the gentlemen’ (meaning whites) were going to kill him.”

“Clearly, threats against him from members of the American trading community had reached the point where Liholiho needed to take bold, decisive action. It may not have been coincidence that on that same day Starbuck ordered the ship’s company to return from shore duty and put L’Aigle in shape for a long voyage.” (Corley)

Butler’s daughter, Hannah (Hana), was the first wife of James Campbell. In 1850, after several years in Tahiti, Campbell boarded a whaling ship which brought him to Lahaina, Maui. (CHS)

Campbell made a good living as a carpenter and made a fortune investing in sugar production and real estate investing after inheriting property from his first wife, Hannah, in 1858. (Roth) In 1860 James Campbell, with Henry Turton and James Dunbar, established the Pioneer Mill Company, which became the basis of Campbell’s fortune.