Missionaries | Page 29 | Images of Old Hawaiʻi

May 5, 2017 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Kapiʻolani Breast Cancer

“Kapiʻolani was born at Hilo, Hawaii, in the year 1781. She came into the world at a time when Kamehameha was engaged in his struggle for the conquest of Hawaii. It was not until she was fourteen years old that, for the first time in Hawaiian history, there ruled over all the islands, except Kauai, one king; and Kauai was soon to fall under the sway of the mighty Kamehameha.”

“Her father was Keawemauhili, one of the very highest chiefs known to the heralds. He was half-brother of Kalaniʻōpuʻu, king of the island of Hawaii.”

“The earliest incident on record of Kapiʻolani is her narrow escape from death, as a baby in arms, at the time of Kamehameha’s contest with the chiefs of Hilo. The little girl’s guardians, fleeing from the battle, in order to hasten their flight, threw her into a clump of bushes.”

“The story of her rescue, by an old native chronicler, tells that a certain man, named Ha‘aiawi, “passing that way, heard the voice of a child crying. He stood to listen, and being assured of the child’s voice, he drew near and looked, and behold there was his chiefess in the bushes, deserted by her guardians. His compassion was aroused and he hurriedly grasped the child and fled to the mountains.” (Morris)

“Kapiʻolani was one or the most distinguished of the female chiefs of the Islands. She was the wife of Naihe, a high chief on the island of Hawaii, who was an early convert, and became one of the most influential Christian chiefs, and one of the ablest counsellors of the missionaries.”

“The conversion of Kapiʻolani, and her elevation in character, is perhaps one of the most delightful instances of the results of missionary labour.” (Lucy Thurston)

“She told the missionaries she had come to strengthen their hearts and help them in their work. They rejoiced in the salutary influence which she exerted in favor of education and reform, an influence felt at once and happily continued when she had returned home.” (Bingham)

“Kapiʻolani was early converted to the truth, – applied herself to study, – readily adopted the manners and usages of civilized life, – and soon became distinguished for devoted piety, for intelligence, and for dignity of manners.”

“She took a bold stand against the vices and superstitions of her people, and exerted a decided influence in favour of Christianity.” (Thurston)

She won the cause of Christianity by openly defying the priests of the fire goddess Pele in 1825. In spite of their threats of vengeance she ascended the volcano Mauna-Loa, then clambered down to the great lake of fire – Kilauea – the home of the goddess, and flung into the boiling lava the consecrated ohelo berries which it was sacrilege for a woman to handle. (Tennyson)

Kapiʻolani, for more than a year before her death, suffered from breast cancer. “She came to Honolulu about the 20th of March by the advice of Dr. Andrews her Physician to be operated on”.

“It lasted about half an hour, and the ordeal was endured by this heroic woman without a tremor. During the course of the operation, Dr. Judd asked her if it pained. She replied, ‘It does pain, but I have fixed my mind on Christ, thinking of his pain on the Cross for me, and I am thereby enabled to endure.’” (Morris, Thrum)

“She bore the operation, which was severe, without manifesting the least symptom of pain. Her breast as she afterwards expressed it was with Jesus …”

“… and so vivid was her sense of the Divine presence that she seemed to be almost unconscious of what she was suffering. She was ready to die, and equally ready to live if that were the will of God.” (Judd, Report to Sandwich Islands Mission, 1840-1841)

“Both Dr Woodd & Dr Fox surgeon of the Vincennes united in opinion with me that the disease was removed & we might expect a perfect cure.”

“The wound healed kindly & at the end of a fortnight was really closed. She attended meetings & at the Poalima was very animated in her arguments with her sisters on the subject of their old superstitions about ghosts and pule ana‘ana which she had determined to refute as long as her life should be spared her.”

“About six weeks after the operation deeming my attendance no longer necessary I gave her permission to visit Maui as soon as she could procure a passage, and in preparation for leaving she took a long walk in the heat of the day which brought on a pain in the side.”

“The next day Apl 29th she visited each of the missionaries at their houses including those from other islands. Erysipelous now made its appearance which after two or three days by Metastasis affected the brain and she sunk away into palsy (paralysis with involuntary tremors)”. (Judd, Report to Sandwich Islands Mission, 1840-1841)

“The day before her death, those around the bed asked her, ‘To whom shall we attach ourselves if you die?’ meaning what chief should they follow. She replied, ‘Follow Jesus Christ.’”

“Thinking she had misunderstood, the question was repeated, but she again made the same answer. Kapiʻolani died about 11 am on May 5, 1841.” (Morris; Thrum) In communicating the intelligence, Mr. Forbes writes: ‘The nation has lost one of its brightest ornaments.’”

“’She was confessedly the most decided Christian, the most civilized in her manners, and the most thoroughly read in her Bible, of all the chiefs this nation ever had, and her equal in those respects is not left in the nation. Her last end was one of peace, and gave decided evidence that your missionaries have not laboured in vain.” (Thurston)

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook

Follow Peter T Young on Google+

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

Cheifess_Kapiolani

May 4, 2017 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Initial Homes for the Missionaries

“The Hawaiian mode of building habitations was, in a measure, ingenious, and when their work was carefully executed, it was adapted to the taste of a dark, rude tribe, subsisting on roots, fish, and fruits, but by no means sufficient to meet their necessities, even in their mild climate.”

“Round posts, a few inches in diameter, are set in the ground about a yard apart, rising from three to five feet from the surface. On a shoulder, near the top, is laid a horizontal pole, two or three inches in diameter, as a plate; on this, directly over the posts, rest the rafters.”

“A point of the post, called a finger, rises on the outside of the plate, and passes between two points of the rafter projecting over the plate and below the main shoulder.”

“The joint thus constructed is held together partly by the natural pressure of the roof, and partly by lashings of bark, vines, or grassy fibres beaten, and by hand twisted and doubled into a coarse twine, and put on manifold, so as to act as four braces – two from the post, and two from rafter, extending to the plate, all being attached six to twelve inches from the joint.”

“Three poles or posts, about three times the length of the side posts, are set in the ground, one in the centre of the building, and the others at the ends, on which rests the nether ridge pole, supporting the head of the rafters.”

“These crossing each other, the angle above receives the upper ridge pole, which is lashed to the nether and to the head of the rafters.”

“Posts of unequal length are set at the ends of the building, sloping a little inward and reaching to the end rafters, to which their tops are tied. A door-frame, from three to six feet high, is placed between two end or side posts. Thatch-poles are bed horizontally to the posts and rafters, from an inch to three inches apart, all around and from the ground to the top ridge pole.”

“At this stage the building assumes the appearance of a huge, rude bird cage. It is then covered with the leaf of the ki, pandanus, sugarcane, or more commonly (as in the case of the habitations for us) with grass bound on in small bundles, side by side, one tier overlapping another, like shingles.”

“A house thus thatched assumes the appearance of a long hay stack without, and a cage in a hay mow within. The area or ground within, is raised a little with earth, to prevent the influx of water, and spread with grass and mats, answering usually instead of floors, tables, chairs, sofas, and beds.”

“Air can pass through the thatching, and often there is one small opening through the thatch besides the door, for ventilation and light.”

“Such was the habitation of the Hawaiian, – the monarch, chief, and landlord, the farmer, fisherman, and cloth-beating widow, – a tent of poles and thatch-a rude attic, of one apartment on the ground-a shelter for the father, mother, larger and smaller children, friends and servants.” (Hiram Bingham)

When the Pioneer Company of American Protestant missionaries arrived in the islands (April, 1820,) through the kindness of some of the traders living in Honolulu three grass houses were offered to the five families. It is believed that these houses stood near the site of the McCandless building, at the corner of King and Bethel Streets.

The Binghams occupied one of these, which consisted of a single room, one corner being partitioned off by mats, providing a little privacy. (Restarick, Sybil Bingham Journal)

“April 23rd, (1820) Sabbath. With what interest would our friends in America look upon us to-day, could they cast an eye over the wide waters and behold I The season is truly an interesting one. Probably the first sabbath in which the worship of Jehovah was ever observed in these pagan Isles.”

“We have had divine service to-day in our own dwelling—our straw-thatched cottage—the congregation composed of white residents and Commanders of vessels now lying at the harbour, with many of the natives seated on the mats and surrounding the door.” (Sybil Bingham Journal)

About 3-months after their arrival, Boki began building hale pili for the missionaries. There were three hale connected by a long covered lanai with a fourth hale used as a storage room, separated from the rest.

One part of the Bingham’s hale was to be used as a schoolroom and meetinghouse for Church. The Bingham’s lived at one end of the three connected ones, the Loomises in the middle one, and Daniel Chamberlain and his family in the last one. The missionaries quickly set about preparing the hale pili for their use:

“Mr. (Ruggles) and Capt. (Chamberlain) fitted up the schoolroom for school and meetings (church services,) hanging the walls and covering the ground with mats and making commodious seats …We felt the need of lumber, an article most difficult to be obtained here.”

“It would hardly be possible, at any price to purchase a sufficient quantity of plank for seats in this public room. Some of the timber brought with us will answer very well for temporary seats, placed around the room double and covered with hay and mats.” (Thaddeus Journal, September 16, 1820; Mission Houses)

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook

Follow Peter T Young on Google+

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

Missionary Row-Chamberlain-Oct 11, 1820-TheFriend Oct 1925

Bingham’s_Thatched_Home-(Damon)-1820

L2R Ellis, Richards & Stewart-Stockton; Frame House-Kawaiahao

MISSION HOUSE AND CHAPEL-from ‘Eveleth’s History of the Sandwich Islands,’ Philadelphia-(LOC)-1831

MISSION HOUSE AND CHAPEL-from ‘Eveleth’s History of the Sandwich Islands,’-1831-400

May 3, 2017 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Humehume

He was born on Kauai in about 1797 to King Kaumuali‘i and, apparently, a commoner wife. For the first six years of his life he was known as Humehume. At the time of his birth his father, the young king, is believed to have been about eighteen years of age.

His father, King Kaumuali’i, suggested he be called George (after King George of England) when he went abroad. (Warne) During his short life, this son of King Kaumuali‘i was known by at least five names: Humehume, Kumoree, George Prince, George Prince Tamoree and George Prince Kaumuali‘i. (Spoehr)

King Kaumuali‘i had early in his reign established friendly relationships with British and American sea captains. He was a genial and helpful ruler when ships called at Kauai for supplies.

Kaumuali‘i decided to send his son to America, at least, in part, to receive a formal education. King Kaumuali‘i provided Captain Rowan of the Hazard with, reportedly, about $7,000 to $8,000, an amount the king felt sufficient to cover the cost of his son’s passage and the expenses of his education.

George was about six years old when he boarded the Hazard that ultimately sailed into Providence, Rhode Island on June 30, 1805 after a year-and-a-half at sea. Over the next few years he made his way to Worcester, Massachusetts.

Tamoree eventually enlisted in the US Navy and was wounded during the War of 1812. After the war ended, Tamoree was again thrown upon the world and without any means of obtaining a livelihood, or any one to care for him, ragged, dirty, and in want, he was again enlisted, and employed as a servant to the purser of the Navy Yard in Charlestown.

Humehume was “discovered” and taken under the wing of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM). He was sent, along with Henry Ōpūkaha’ia and other Hawaiian youths, to be educated at the Foreign Mission School at Cornwall, Connecticut. (Warne)

“We thank Providence that I have fallen into the hands of Christians. I hope it will be provided so that I can go back to my country and do good among the people.”

“Here is one my countrymen lives with me. His name is John Hoonoore (John Honolii,) he says that he wants religion. I believe we are in a fair way of getting it, if we try for it. But if we do not try we must not expect it.” (Tamoree (Humehume;) Stauder)

Humehume left the Islands as a young child and spent years around English speakers; he lost the knowledge of speaking Hawaiian.

With this interaction with the Hawaiians at the school, He began “learning the Owhyhee language. This friend that lives here with me is a great benefit to me, for he can learn me the Owhyhee language. I can learn him the English language.” (Tamoree (Humehume;) Stauder)

Three years later, on October 23, 1819, the Thaddeus carried the Pioneer Company of American Protestant missionaries to Hawai‘i. There were seven American couples sent by the ABCFM to convert the Hawaiians to Christianity in this first company. With them were four Hawaiian, including Humehume. They arrived in Kailua-Kona on April 4, 1820.

After the Thaddeus departed, George remained in Kailua-Kona and took Betty Davis, the half-Hawaiian daughter of Isaac Davis, as his wife, or his “rib” as he described her. In a short time they rejoined the missionary party in Honolulu. (Spoehr)

On May 3, 1820, Humehume returned to Kauai and was reunited with his father after many years apart. “At 11 o’clock came to anchor at Wimai opposite the fort. A canoe came off to us with several of the king’s men, one of whom could speak English.”

“George had kept himself concealed in the cabin, until we told him that one of his father’s favorite men was on board, and we thought best that his arrival should be made known to him.”

“We then introduced him to the young prince; he embraced him and kissed him, and then without saying a word, turned round and immediately went on deck, and into his canoe, telling his companions they must go on shore, for their young master had come.”

“A salute of 21 guns was soon fired from the brig, and returned from the fort. … When we arrived at the house, Tamoree and his Queen were reclining on a sofa; as soon as George entered the door, his father arose, clasped him in his arms, and pressed his nose on his son’s after the manner of the country; both were unable to speak for some time.”

“The scene was truly affecting, and I know not when I have wept more freely. When they had become a little more composed, Tamoree spoke and aid his heart was so joyful that he could not talk much till to-morrow …” (Ruggles Journal)

Shortly following the death of King Kaumuali‘i (May 26, 1824,) Humehume joined a group of Kauai chiefs in an unsuccessful rebellion. The insurrection began at Fort Elizabeth and ended about ten days later in Wahiawa (Kauai.)

George fled to the mountains and in two months was captured. According to Samuel Whitney: “Some days before my arrival Karaimoku (Kalanimōku) left Waimea to go in search of GP Tamoree who was wandering about in the mountains on the Eastern part of the Island”

“On the morning of the 16th (September) he was found in the most wretched situation. In a dreary wilderness, alone, destitute of food, without the least vestige of clothing, half intoxicated and his only weapon a joint of bamboo filled with rum.” (Whitney; Spoehr)

The closing year and a half of George’s life were spent in Honolulu under the custody of Kalanimōku, prime minster of the kingdom. A victim of influenza, George died on May 3, 1826, six years to the day of his return to Waimea, Kauai.

“Geo. Taumuarii was interred this afternoon in the common burying ground. His funeral was attended by his wife and thirty or forty natives … All that remained of this once favored youth – of high hopes and flattering prospects was then committed to its narrow lodging …”

“… and dust to dust pronounced by the hollow echo of the coffin as the earth was quickly thrown in upon it by the many hands that had been waiting around the grave during the exercises to perform this last office.” (Chamberlain) His final resting place is not known. (Spoehr) (Lots of information here is from Warne, Spoehr, Damon and Stauder.)

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook

Follow Peter T Young on Google+

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

George_Prince_Kaumualii-Morse-1816

April 27, 2017 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

William Richards

William Richards, the seventh child and third son of James and Lydia (Shaw) Richards, was born at Plainfield, Massachusetts, August 22, 1793.

His grandparents were Joseph and Sarah (Whitmarsh) Richards, and Captain Ebenezer and Ann (Molson) Shaw. The Richards family is descended from William Richards, who came to Plymouth before 1633, and ultimately settled in Weymouth, Massachusetts.

William’s father was a farmer, but was also a teacher and held many public offices. His mother is described as a most excellent woman. The parents gave to their children the best of pious instruction.

William was a younger brother of James Richards, Jr. In the summer of 1806, in a grove of trees, in what was then known as Sloan’s Meadow at Williams College, James Richards, Samuel John Mills, Francis L Robbins, Harvey Loomis and Byram Green debated the theology of missionary service.

Their meeting was interrupted by a thunderstorm and they took shelter under a haystack until the sky cleared. That event has since been referred to as the “Haystack Prayer Meeting” and is viewed by many as the pivotal event for the development of Protestant missions in the subsequent decades and century and catalyst to formation of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mission (ABCFM.)

At the age of fifteen, William became hopefully pious, and three years later he united with the church in his native place, under the care of the Rev. Moses Hallock.

His desire to become a missionary was, probably, awakened by his older brother, who, about the time of his graduation, disclosed his plan for life to the younger brother.

As his brother had done, William entered Williams as a Freshman in 1815. He had as classmates two sons of his pastor, Gerard and William Allen Hallock.

“His intellectual powers were of a high order. When at college, he excelled in mathematics, natural and intellectual philosophy, and logic, while, in the languages and belles lettres, he scarcely rose above the common average.” (Gerard Hallock; Hewitt, Williams College)

In college he was a member of the Mills Theological Society, and also of the Philotechnian Literary Society, of which he was, for a time, president. He was a superior student, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa rank. At Commencement, he had a Philosophical Oration, the subject of his address being “The Nature and Effects of Dew.”

After graduating in 1819, Richards pursued his theological studies at Andover. In February, 1822, the ABCFM having planned to reinforce the mission at the Sandwich Islands, Richards offered himself for that service and was accepted.

He was ordained in New Haven, Connecticut, on September 12 of the same year, with two other missionaries, the Rev. Dr. Miller of the Princeton Theological Seminary preaching the sermon.

On October 30, 1822, Mr. Richards married Clarissa, daughter of Levi Lyman, of Northampton, Massachusetts. On November 19 he, with his wife, joined the Second Company of American Protestant missionaries to Hawai‘i.

After five months at sea they reached Honolulu on Sunday, April 27, 1823. The missionaries were most cordially welcomed, not only by their future associates, but by several chiefs of the island.

Richards describes his first Hawai‘i home, “We are living in houses built by the heathen and presented to us. They are built in native style, and consist of posts driven into the ground …”

“… on which small poles are tied horizontally, and then long grass is fastened to the poles by strings which pass round each bundle. We have no floors, and no windows except holes cut through the thatching, which are closed by shutters without glass.”

In May 1823, Keōpūolani (wife of Kamehameha I and mother of King Kamehameha II & III) and her husband Hoapili expressed a desire to have an instructor connected with them and asked that a Tahitian, Taua, do so.

The mission approved, and Taua resided until the death of Keōpūolani. He proved a faithful teacher, and by the blessing of God, we believe, he did much to establish her in the Christian faith. (Memoir)

Keōpūolani also requested that missionaries accompany her. As Lahaina had been previously selected for a missionary station, the missionaries were happy to commence their labors there under such auspices. Richards and Charles Samuel Stewart therefore accompanied her. (Memoir)

On their passage, she told them she would be their mother; and indeed she acted the part of a mother ever afterwards. Immediately on their arrival, she requested them to commence teaching, and said, also, “It is very proper that my sons (meaning the missionaries) be present with me at morning and evening prayers.”

Soon after landing in Lahaina, Richards wrote: “The field for usefulness here is great; and I have never, for a moment since I arrived, had a single fear that my usefulness on these Islands will be limited by anything but my own imperfections. …”

“It is enough for me, that in looking back I can see clearly that the finger of Providence pointed me to these Islands; and that in looking forward, I see some prospect of success and of lasting usefulness.” (Richards, August 30, 1823; Missionary Herald)

By 1825, there was strong interest in the message of the missionaries. Richards wrote, “As I was walking this evening, I heard the voice of prayer in six different houses, in the course of a few rods. I think there are now not less than fifty houses in Lahaina where the morning and evening sacrifice is regularly offered to the true God.”

“The number is constantly increasing and there is now scarcely an hour in the day that I am not interrupted in my regular employment by calls of persons anxious to know what they must do to be saved.” (Richards; Anderson) In 1831, Richards and Lorrin Andrews helped to build the high school at Lahainaluna on the slopes above Lahaina.

In 1837, after fourteen years of labor, he made a visit to the US, accompanied by his wife and the six oldest children. The health of himself and his wife made such a change desirable, and he wished to provide for the education of his children there.

On his return to his post in the spring of 1838, the king and chiefs, who felt the need of reform in their government, asked Mr. Richards to become their teacher, chaplain and interpreter.

With the consent of the ABCFM, he accepted this position and resigned his appointment as missionary and then spent his time urging the improvement of the political system.

He prepared a book No Ke Kalaiaina, based on Wyland, Elements of Political Economy. This book and Richards interation with the king and chiefs helped shape the initial Hawaiʻi Constitution (1840). (Lots of information here is from Hewitt, Williams College.)\

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook

Follow Peter T Young on Google+

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

William_Richards

April 24, 2017 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Betsey Stockton Arrives in the Islands

“On the 24th (of April, 1823), we saw and made Hawaii (Owhyhee). At the first sight of the snow-capped mountains, I felt a strange sensation of joy and grief. It soon wore away, and as we sailed slowly past its windward side, we had a full view of all its grandeur.”

“The tops of the mountains are hidden in the clouds, and covered with perpetual snow. We could see with a glass the white banks, which brought the strong wintry blasts of our native country to our minds so forcibly, as almost to make me shiver. But it was not long before objects that were calculated to have a chilling effect of another kind, were brought to our sight.”

“Two or three canoes, loaded with natives, came to the ship: their appearance was that of half man and half beast—naked—except a narrow strip of tapa round their loins. When they first came on board, the sight chilled our very hearts. The ladies retired to the cabin, and burst into tears; and some of the gentlemen turned pale : my own soul sickened within me, and every nerve trembled.”

“Are these, thought I, the beings with whom I must spend the remainder of my life! They are men and have souls was the reply which conscience made. We asked them where the king was at Hawaii, or Oahu? They said at Oahu.”

“We informed them that we were missionaries, come to live with them, and do them good. At which an old man exclaimed, in his native dialect, what may be thus translated—‘That is very good, by and by, know God.’”

“This beginning of missionary labours seemed very encouraging; and in a short time our unpleasant feelings were much dissipated, and we conversed with them freely, through the boys, who were our interpreters. We gave them old clothes; and in return they gave us all the fish they had caught, except one large one, which we bought.”

“They remained with us until our boat went on shore, and brought us some potatoes, taro, and cocoanuts, which were very refreshing to us after a voyage of five months; part of which time we had no other diet than meat and bread.”

“I brought my little boy on deck (she was caring for the new-born child of the Stewarts, born on the way to the Islands), who was two weeks old; some of them took him in their arms, and in ecstasy exclaimed, aroha maitai—very great love to you; and kissed him.”

“The last expression of affection we could have dispensed with very well; but we have to become all things to all men, that we may gain some. They then bid us many arohas, and took their departure.”

“On Saturday, the 10th of May, we left the ship, and went to the mission enclosure at Honoruru. We had assigned to us a little thatched house in one corner of the yard, consisting of one small room, with a door, and two windows—the door too small to admit a person walking in without stooping, and the windows only large enough for one person to look out at a time.”

“Near us was another of the same kind, occupied by Mr. R, and opposite one much larger, where Mr. B. and E. resided. Next to them stood another small one, in which Mr. Ellis, of the London Mission Society resided; and in the mission house (which at home would be called small) there were Messrs. Bingham, Thurston, Loomis, Harwood, Goodrich, Blatchley and Chamberlain.”

“The family all eat at the same table, and the ladies attend to the work by turns. Mrs. Stewart and myself took each of us a day separately. I found my time fully occupied during our stay at Oahu, which I was not sorry for.”

“Had I been idle, I should not in all probability have been so happy in my situation as I was. I was obliged to stay within the enclosure all the time, except on the Sabbath, when I went to church, which was a few rods off: and in the morning early I went three or four times, with Mr. Stewart, to Mr. Allen’s (another former slave), about one mile and a half from home, for milk.”

Mr. Allen was very kind to me, and seemed happy to see one of his own country people. I think he told me he had resided on the island twenty years, and had never before seen a coloured female.”

“His wife is a native woman, but very pleasant, and to all appearance innocent. The first time I visited her she presented me with a very handsome mat, and appeared happy to see me. They are in good circumstances, and friendly to the mission. I regretted leaving them very much.”

“On the 26th of May we heard that the barge was about to sail for Lahaina, with the old queen and princes; and that the queen was desirous to have missionaries to accompany her; and that if missionaries would consent to go, the barge should wait two days for them.”

“A meeting was called to consult whether it was expedient to establish a mission at Lahaina. The mission was determined on, and Mr. S. was appointed to go: he chose Mr. R. for his companion, who was also appointed the next day. On the 28th we embarked on the mighty ocean again, which we had left so lately.”

“In the morning of the 31st, we all came on deck, and were in sight of land. In the middle of the day we came to anchor; the gentlemen left the vessel to see if they could obtain a house, or any accommodations for us. They returned in a few hours with Mr. Butler, an American resident, who had kindly offered us a house.”

“In the afternoon our things were landed, and we took up our residence in Lahaina. We had not seen a tree that looked green and beautiful since we left home, until we came here.”

“The water, too, is very good, and the house one of the best that I have seen on the island.—It is the same that Dr. Holman had while he was in this country. Mr. B. was very kind to us, and did ever thing in his power to make us comfortable.”

“His wife is a half-breed, and one of the prettiest women I have seen on the island. She understands English, but will not speak it. The next day, being the Sabbath, the gentlemen went down to the village in the morning, and preached by an interpreter.”

“The people were very attentive, and requested that their instruction might begin the next day; and accordingly the following day it did begin. Mr. Pitt dined with us the 2d of the month.”

“After dinner he said to the missionaries very politely, ‘I wish you much joy on the island of Mowee.’ He is a pleasant and sensible man, and the most influential of any on the islands: he favours the mission. The next morning Mr. Loomis and Mr. Butler accompanied him to Oahu, and left us with the natives and Mrs. Butler: William staid with the old Queen, so that we were quite alone.”

“Near the last of June I had another attack of the pain in my breast, with a little spitting of blood. At the time I was seized, we were without a lancet, or any means of obtaining one, except from a ship that had just come into the harbour.”

“Mr. P. sent to it and got one, and Mr. R. bled me. In a few minutes I was relieved, but was not able to leave the place until the 24th, when a brig came in sight.— Supposing it to have the deputation on board, I walked to the beach, and arrived just in time to see his royal highness land, amidst hundreds.”

“He appeared very well at the time, but we found soon after that he was in a frolic, and had left Oahu without its being known where he was going. The day previous to his arrival a schooner came in quest of him; and the day after, his own barge came, with two of his queens—he has four.”

“In his manners he is quite a gentleman. He reads and writes well. We regret very much that he is given to drink. He says he is afraid of the fire and has made several attempts to refrain, but has been unsuccessful.”

“The 29th was the Sabbath. I went in the morning with the family to worship: the scene that presented itself was one that would have done an American’s heart good to have witnessed. Our place of worship was nothing but an open place on the beach, with a large tree to shelter us: on the ground a large mat was laid, on which the chief persons sat.”

“To the right there was a sofa, and a number of chairs; on these the missionaries, the king, and principal persons sat. The kanakas, or lower class of people, sat on the ground in rows; leaving a passage open to the sea, from which the breeze was blowing.”

“Mr. R. addressed them from these words, ‘It is appointed unto all men once to die, and after death the judgment.’ Honoru acted as interpreter: the audience all appeared very solemn.”

“After service the favourite queen called me, and requested that I should take a seat with her on the sofa, which I did, although I could say but few words which she could understand. Soon after, biding them aroha I returned with the family.”

“In the afternoon we had an English sermon at our house: about fifty were present, and behaved well. In the morning one of the king’s boys came to the house, desiring to be instructed in English.”

“Mr. S. thought it would be well for me to engage in the work at once. Accordingly I collected a proper number and commenced. I had four English, and six Hawaiian scholars. This, with the care of the family, I find as much as I can manage.”

“July 3d,—In the afternoon I went, with a number of the natives, to purchase pine apples. After walking through Taro patches and water, we came to the pine apples, which appeared very handsome.”

“They grow on the edge of a pond of water; the fruit generally bangs in the water- one or two on a bunch—sometimes only one—which grows straight up on the bush. I obtained two apples, and seven plants, and returned home before night.”

“4th—In the morning, Mr. S. returned from prayers, with Mr. Ellis, the London missionary, who had just arrived from Oahu, on his way to Hawaii. I was very much disappointed to see him without receiving letters from America.”

“When we left Honoru, two vessels were expected ; one from New York, and the other from Boston. I often visited the beach to watch for sails: the vessel at last arrived, but brought me no letters. Oh may I be taught, to be submissive at all times.” (All from Betsey Stockton Journal; Christian Advocate)

Betsey, a former slave, was an American Protestant missionary to Hawai‘i. On the trip to Maui, she and the others joined Keōpūolani, former wife of Kamehameha and mother to two kings – Liholiho and Kauikeaouli.

Under the former traditional kapu, Keōpūolani was the highest-ranking person in the Islands; as a slave, Betsey Stockton wasn’t considered a person, rather property. The missionaries accepted her into the mission and was the first single-person to participate in the mission.

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook

Follow Peter T Young on Google+

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

Betsey_Stockton