“The Governor of Woahoo (Boki) is brother to the minister Pitt (Kalanimoku); and following his example, as soon as he was informed in what consisted the ceremony of baptism, he also became a Christian, and returned on shore with a full sense of the advantage he had derived from it.”
“The occupations of this Governor are surprising; they scarcely leave him a moment’s time to give to strangers who have to treat with him.”
“In the morning he intoxicates himself with ava; in the evening, and during the night he does the same: during the intervals of these copious libations, he proceeds reeling to the square of Anourourou, with an ample supply of knives and fish-hooks …”
“… there, in the midst of the numbers who are subject to him, he joins in the different. games, and lays bets with such of his officers as will take them.”
“He never recollects his rank but when the chances are unfavourable to him; then, under some pretext or other, he contrives to obtain restitution of part of the property which he has lost at play.”
“With the great, it is said often to be the wisest part to allow one-self to be in the wrong.”
“Commerce has attracted to this place some Americans, who, in the hope of speedily making their fortunes, established themselves here several years ago.”
“I cannot say that they carryon any regular trade here, but rather contraband: they can obtain whatever they want at so cheap a rate!”
“In the morning they take half a dozen of wine to the Governor, and the good sow is soon stretched at their feet: they make presents of a few hatchets and muskets to the principal Chiefs; all the rest of the population are then quite at the disposal of these gentlemen.”
“Some strong and active men are sent to the mountains; the forests are examined, and some sandal-wood trees are cut down: these are conveyed to the water’s edge at night by about twenty women, who are paid for either carrying or dragging them along, with a few ells of European cloth or linen; thence to be embarked on board a vessel that is always stationed in the harbour.”
“On the arrival of spring, their correspondents on the North-West coast of America come here with a cargo of furs, to obtain provisions, and increase their rich ventures with the acquisitions of their partners …”
“… and, sure of an immense profit, they push on to Macao, or Canton, to sell their cargoes to the lazy Chinese for dollars, sugar, or silks, which they know how to transmit speedily to Europe.”
“However lucrative this species of commerce may be in appearance, it has great drawbacks; nor do I know to whom the perilous activity of some, or the long solitude of others would offer attractions.”
“We are all of us much delighted with the Sandwich Islands; some new object present itself every day: we study the manners, and customs of this singular people; and the moments of relaxation which our occupations leave us, are never long enough to allow ennui to have any share in our excursions.”
“But how soon would this life of uniformity become tiresome to us; how disgusting would be these savage customs; how gloomily would pass our days, how mournfully our nights! – not a soul with whom to share our pleasures …”
“… not a friend whose cares we might alleviate; and our country, that expects us! – how much more attractive to me is a moderate fortune in my native land, than the greatest riches on a foreign shore!”
“Remote from the paternal soil, the air is frozen, nature discoloured, the fruits tasteless, even the very waters bear with them a slow poison.”
“The sky, the earth, the trees, the clouds, every thing presages evil, and seems to attack the springs of life. The most trifling event is regarded as an extraordinary occurrence; the fruit that withers, the leaf that falls, congeals your soul …”
“… the lessening sail seems to bear away your last hope; and you die, vainly calling upon a country, which you are destined never to see more. Alas! What must be the sufferings of an exile!”
All is from ‘Narrative of a Voyage Round the World’ by Jacques Arago (March 6, 1790 – November 27, 1855), a French writer, artist and explorer who joined Louis de Freycinet on his 1817 voyage around the world aboard the ship Uranie.
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