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August 3, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Day 081 – January 11, 1820

January 11, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 11th. What can I say to my sisters, this morning? I can tell them, could the eye glance across the great waters and catch the little bark, ascending and descending the mountainous waves, which contains their dear sister, their hands would be involuntarily extended for her relief, and their cry would be save her! The sea runs very high, while the wind roars through the naked riggings as you may have heard it, in a November’s day, through the leafless trees of a majestic forest. The dashing of the waves on deck, the frequent fall of something below, the violent motion of the vessel, going up and then down, would seem to conspire to terrify and distress; yet I feel my mind calm as if by a winter’s fire in my own happy land. Is it not of the mercy of GOD? I feel it is. But, 0, the poor returns I make! We are approaching Cape Horn. What terrific scenes await us there, we know not. Sufficient for us, our Pilot is divinely wise, divinely good. Sabbath was a peaceful day. me angry ocean, these many days enraged, seemed to regard its sacred hours. I think it was a day of more than usual enjoyment in my own mind. Brother T— preached from these words, “Other sheep have I which are not, etc.” We have no appearance of a revival at Sea. How does the Holy Spirit dispense his favors as he will, but, 0, to stand in a waiting posture! (Sybil Bingham)

Jan. 11. – We are now experiencing another gale equal in violence to the one on the 7th. Surely there is a meaning in all this. I fear we are not prepared for the work of evangelizing the heathen. Stay thine hand O God we beseech thee: say unto the elements it is enough. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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August 2, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Day 082- January 12, 1820

January 12, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 12th. We were called on deck to look at something new to us among the numberless works of the great Creator. A whale had made its appearance, lying along side of the vessel. It sported about in the water, one side and the other, presenting, at short intervals, its huge back upon the surface, for a considerable time. We were as much amused as children, while it spoke that entreating hand, By whom supported still, we stand.” The commotion of the sea is a little subsided, tho’ yet very rough, and the wind piercing. (Sybil Bingham)

“Cold, stormy day, off the coast of Patagonia, opposite Cape St. Joseph’s Lat. 42°-40”. Begin to feel the effects of C. Horn.
Cold. blustering winds and high seas which seem as if they would throw poor Thaddeus on her “beam-ends” as the sailors say. Not unfrequently a sea takes her broadside, and breaking, overflows the whole deck, sweeping all before it – and one time came well-nigh taking our Captain overboard. It might be called a hairbreadth escape. The report is “like the thundering cannon of the day of judgment.”
I sometimes feel a little afraid because there is danger of our masts being taken away- but generally feel composed, and as safe as on Terra-Firma. He “who holds the seas in his fist and taketh up the Islands as a very small thing,” can, and will surely protect all such as put their trust in him.
My health is better to-day than it has been in a month past. I am consequently very happy – I have learned 6 sentences in Owhyhee, read 2 pages in the “Materia-Medica,” written 3 pages in my journal, drank a toast with Capt. Blanchard, besides spending a half hour in idle chit-chat with Mr. Loomis about our want of room and convenient accommodations, as our neighbors have, our station being in the cabin where all the commotion and news of the day is passing. I have accomplished all this since breakfast and is the greatest day’s work done since I came on board. Dined on baked pork and beans – nothing wanting but a good appetite and a thankful heart.” (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

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August 1, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Honorary Member of the Mission

In 1840, a land dispute between Mr. Richard Charlton, the first British ambassador to Hawaiʻi, and the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi would spark the infamous “Paulet episode” which led to the forced cession of the Hawaiian Islands to Britain in 1843. (KSBE)

“Admiral Thomas, immediately on hearing of the usurpation by his inferior officer, without waiting for instructions from his government, hastened to the Islands, resolved to atone for the indignity done to the king and his people as effectually and speedily as possible.”

“The king was at once, in the most formal and honorable manner, reinstated in his authority. This was on the 31st of July, 1843. The king and chiefs then repaired to the great Stone Church to offer thanks for the gracious interposition of Providence.”

“The deportment of Admiral Thomas toward all parties, while at the Islands, was honorable to his character, and he has ever since been gratefully remembered.” (Anderson)

“The restoration of the Hawaiian Monarchy in July 1843 – ending the five-months-long illegal seizure and occupation by the Englishman, Lord George Paulet – created the chief, and indeed the only, notable site in Kulaokahu‘a.” (Greer)

It was later (1850) named Thomas Square.

“The king made a short address, stating that according to the hope expressed by him when he ceded the Islands, ‘the life of the land’ had been restored to him…”

“… that now they – the people of his Islands – should look to him, and his rule over them should be exercised according to the constitution and laws.”

“This address was followed by the interpretation of Admiral Thomas’s declaration; after which John Ii delivered an animated address suited to the joyful occasion.”

“He referred to the gloom which had shrouded the nation, and the despondency which had brooded over many minds; these were now dispelled; joyful hope had sprung up, making every thing around bright and smiling.”

“He referred to the auspicious event of the restoration as of the Lord, who had been mindful of the nation in its low estate, and as demanding from all grateful thanks and praise.”

“The whole deportment of Admiral Thomas while at the Isl. ands, towards the king and his people, and the mission, was of the most courteous and honorable character …”

“…and his example, counsels, and influence will long be gratefully remembered. Law and order were restored, the nation has been inspired with new courage, and all measures for its improvement have received a fresh impulse.” (ABCFM, Report 1844)

“Hawaii’s sovereignty had been restored.” (Greer)

“‘Her Majesty’s Government, we learn in a letter from the Earl of Aberdeen, ‘viewed with the highest approbation, the whole of his proceedings at the Sandwich Islands, as marked by a great propriety and an admirable judgment throughout …’”

“‘… and as calculated to raise the character of British authorities for justice, moderation, and courtesy of demeanor, in the estimation of the natives of those remote countries, and of the world.’” (Polynesian, August 3, 1850)

“Richard (Darton) Thomas was born at Saltash, county of Cornwall. … This officer entered the navy the 26th of May, 1790, on board the Cumberland 74, Captain John M. Brule, and sailed in the course of the same year with a squadron under Rear Admiral Cornish, for the West Indies”. (Polynesian, August 3, 1850)

“The King too, Kamehameha III, moved by gratitude, intimated a wish that the Rear Admiral would sit for his portrait in full uniform, that His Majesty ‘might have and preserve in his palace the likeness of a British officer who …’”

“‘… in restoring to him his kingdom, dared to act on his own sense of right, counting upon the approval of his magnanimous, Queen, in which he was not disappointed.’” (Polynesian, August 3, 1850)

“No nobler men ever touched those Islands, than some of the officers of the American and English navies.” (Richard Armstrong)

“(Armstrong’s) home ‘Stone House’ was named after the English residence of Admiral Thomas, of the British Navy, who restored the national flag which his subordinate, Lord George Paulet, had, in his absence, hauled down, taking possession of the Islands in the name of the Queen.”

“Lord George was compelled by the Admiral to restore the flag and salute it with his own guns. The day was thereafter kept as a national holiday, and the name of Admiral Thomas is held in grateful remembrance.” (Richard Armstrong)

“(T)he Rear Admiral (Richard Thomas) received the thanks of the Government of the United States for his conduct relative to the American residents in the Sandwich Islands; and that he was elected an ‘honorary member of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.’” (Polynesian, August 3, 1850)

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Admiral-Richard-Darton-Thomas

August 1, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Day 083 – January 13, 1820

January 13, 1820 – A school of whales appeared, extending along two miles, sporting and spouting and making the deep to boil like a pot. Heavy gales from the S.W. have given several of the family severe colds.
Lat. 42 (Thaddeus Journal)

13. – Yesterday the store moderated, but today we are threatened with another. This morning I was much amused by the sport of whales. After breakfast I went aloft & on looking to the windward, saw 50 or 60 of the huge creatures drawn up in a line so if for battle. They spout the water into the air several yards, which at a distance resembles smoke from a cannon. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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July 31, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Day 084 – January 14, 1820

January 14, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 14th. Feeling this evening a little unpleasantness at stomach, and having at hand some sugar and peppermint, as I was taking it, I felt, with some force, what I feel more or less, every day, that it was unreasonable. ever to speak of the lack of one comfort, when we have so many. I was grieved at the thought of a remark in one of my letters, which would remind my sisters, when enjoying little comforts, that Sybil was destitute of many. I beg you would strive to forget every sentence which may have been bordering that way, as also, all others which may inadvertently slide in.
I am indeed dealt with kindly. If I could count over the outward comforts I have, you would join me in saying so. My health is excellent. Perhaps, never better. Yesterday, took up my pen, at ten in the morning, and did not lay it down till the dinner bell rang at one— then went to the table, enjoyed my meal,—immediately attended to the recitation of my class, then to my pen till six, when the bell rang for tea, after which, I washed up my two cups and spoons,–put on my great red cloak (you must know we have a Patagonian summer) went on deck, walked three quarters of an hour, holding on too by a rope. At the call of the bell, went down to the cabin to family prayers—then into our little room, where, after uniting in our social devotions, went quietly to rest. These things I mention to show you GOD gives me health. (Sybil Bingham)

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