The Thaddeus stays around Kawaihae – some missionaries and members of the crew of the Thaddeus go ashore there. The Thaddeus drifts and apparently does not anchor there.
March 31, 1820 – The interesting intelligence of yesterday is confirmed today by a visit of Mr. Ruggles, Tho. H. and Tamoree to the residence of Krimokoo where they were kindly received and entertained. The widow of Tamh. sent us a present of fresh fish, cocoanuts, sweet potatoes, bananas, sugar-cane, breadfruit, &c., expressing much satisfaction that we had come to teach them good things.
Several natives came off to the Brig in the canoes, with some little articles of provisions, of their own manufacture, shells, &c. for the purpose of traffic. of them we inquired whether they had learned anything about Jehovah who had made Owhyhee and all things. They replied, that Reehoreeho the King had heard of the great God of the white people, and had spoken of him, that all the chiefs but one had agreed to destroy their Idols, because they were convinced that they could do no good since they could not even save their King. idol worship is therefore prohibited and the priesthood entirely abolished. – Sing, O Heavens for the Lord hath done it. (Thaddeus Journal)
31st. ” Soon after meridian, on the 31st, the brig lay to off Towaihae (Kawaihae) Bay, on the west coast of Kohala, the northern district of Hawaii. An officer, Mr. Hunnewell, was dispatched in a boat with two natives to learn the condition of affairs onland. His journal states that “at 2 p.m. I went to the shore for information. I was informed that the King Tamehameha [1st], was dead, that Rehurehu [Liholiho his son] was head chief, that Krimoku [Kalanimōku] was second in power, that they ‘had caused to be burned all their wooden gods,’ that all the chiefs and natives had become Inores, that one chief, [?] refusing to give up his wooden gods, had been put to death. I returned to the brig at 4 p.m., where the news was gratefully received by our missionary friends’ told them in the words he used, ‘Kamehameha is dead, the gods and temples are burned— Owyhee’s idols are no more.” (James Hunnewell)
March 31st. I need not say this is a deeply interesting season. For a moment my heart has failed me. I have been these five months, bringing these scenes to my view, so much that I thought I should in a measure stand unmoved. But I am obliged to seek my little room and let the tears flow. Canoes of the naked natives are along side of our vessel and coming on board. 0, my sisters, you cannot tell how the sight of these poor degraded creatures, both literally and spiritually naked, would affect you; I say naked. They have nothing but a narrow strip, which they term a marrow, tied around them. (Sybil Bingham)
31st. Thomas and I had been on shore at Toahie (Kawaihae); Larokrimakoo (Kalanimoku) the head chief, and two of Tamahamaha’s (Kamehameha) widows; all seemed pleased to see us, and treated us with kindness.
The news which we heard yesterday was confirmed by them. Yes, beloved friends, “Owhyhee’s (Hawaii) idols are no more”. God has done a great work for us apparently without any human agency; a work to accomplish for which we expected to labour for years. Their high priests and now ranked among the lowest class of people. This revolution took place about the time we left our native shore, the time when so many prayers were offered up for us, and for this nation. They have now no worship but seem to be waiting for the law of Christ. While on shore I visited the ruins of the most celebrated Moral on the Island; saw the ashes of more than 300 human victims who had been offered in sacrifice to their dumb idols. The land on this side the Island is barren being almost entirely made of lava. The natives go naked except a narrow strip of cloth fastened round the middle. (Samuel Ruggles)
March 31. We have been becalmed near 24 hours. Early this morning one of the officers & several men went on shore, to invite the head chief and his lady, to come and see us. The men & boat have returned, and brought some of the productions of the Island, such as sweet potatoes, bread-fruit, plantains, cocoanuts, sugar-cane &c. I relish none except the coconut. Brother Ruggles was one who went ashore. They went to the house of the chief and were treated with great kindness and hospitality. The best of the house afforded was set before them. The natives cut their poe (or pudding) made of tarrow with their fingers; but perceiving Brother R chose not to eat in such a manner, they got him a spoon made of an elephant’s tooth. It was not customary for them to drink tea, but because they were white men, the Queen who was there, ordered some to be made it was poured into a China bowl and drank with a silver spoon; she taking a spoonful herself, then passing it around. When they first enter the house, the Queen was lying on a mat or the floor, with several attendants; some rubbing her, others keeping off the flies. They visited the Morai (heiau)& saw the ruins of idolatry. The bones of human victims with those of hogs and dogs, laid strewed upon the ground with the ashes of the idols. The reason they gave for burning their Gods was this, they said they could not save the life of Tamaahmaah (Kamehameha), nor of his father, therefore they were good for nothing. How surprising! That what we expected would be the labour of years, God has accomplished before our arrival. He orders all the events of providence in such a manner, that no flesh may glory in his presence. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)
31. – Have this day sent a boat to invite on board a chief called Krimahoo (alias Billy Pitt.) who is prime minister of state: but as he had gone a fishing he did not come. (Several canoes came full of natives, naked except a small piece of tappa about the loins. Here is a picture of human depravity without the covering of a civilized education.) (Samuel Whitney Journal)
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