Text
Christian Advocate
January 1825 (p. 36-41)
Religious Intelligence.
SANDWICH ISLANDS.
BETSY STOCKTON’S JOURNAL.
( Concluded from p. 566 of Vol. II.)
On the 16th of February, we saw Cape Noir, and were obliged to tack, to prevent being driven on it. The
wind was against us; and the 3d of March we were again near the same place, only a little to west. On the
Sabbath, Mr. Richards preached in the cabin, from these words: “Though you make many prayers I will
not hear”—warning those that refused to hear the calls of God, of that day when God would refuse to hear
them. Oh! how appalling is the thought, that the day is coming, in which we must rise as witnesses
against them, or they against us—if we have been unfaithful to them. We still retire for fifteen minutes,
every evening. directly after publick prayers, to pray for them—I say retire, that is, we go to different
parts of the ship; some of us into the rigging, some out in the boats, and others on the spars; yet in all
these places we can find our God.
We are now to bid farewell to high wind and dark blue water. I hope soon to be in that part of the Pacific,
which deserves the name; for in this part Terrific would suit it best. Indeed it is so terrible, that neither
sun, moon, nor stars, condescend to visit it often. Its constant companions are rain, hail and snow.
March 4th.-—We have completely doubled Cape Horn; the sea is much smoother—I saw nothing
remarkable during the day. My own health and that of the family is pretty good; it is a source of comfort
to me that Mrs. and Mr. S. enjoy their health so well: I have learned to love them, and they richly deserve
it. My heart must be dead to every virtue, when it ceases to beat with gratitude to them. When I took the
last look of those dear young gentlemen, with whom I had spent my days of childhood and folly, and my
more sober years of reflection, my soul sickened within me as I said—“Can I hope ever to find friends
like these ? Can I ever find those who will take so deep an interest in my welfare, and with whom I shall
spend such happy hours ?” Yes, I have found such friends. When you think of me as a stranger in a
strange land, think of me still as one who has kind friends, to guide and protect her. ’Tis true the
endearments of home cannot be forgotten. My mind often returns to your family altar. There I have often
left my burden, and I cannot forget that consecrated spot. Nor can I forget the dear little boys, I have so
often held in my arms—I comfort myself by thinking that I shall hear from you all while in life, and with
the hope that I shall meet you after the hour of death.
5th.—The weather much pleasanter than it has been. We are getting into the Pacific. Lat. 46° 11', lon. 82°
30' W.
7th.—The weather not very pleasant, but much better than Cape Horn.
9th.—Sabbath. In the morning we had prayers in the cabin, and in the afternoon Mr. Stewart preached
from Genesis vi. 3. “My spirit shall not always strive with man.” I have seen nothing since I came on
board that has appeared to produce so much effect. The Spirit of the Lord seemed striving with at least
some of the sailors. They have been constrained since to say, what shall we do ? and I hope some have
fled to the only sure resting place for poor perishing souls. Lat. 46° 22', lon. 80° 35'.
10th,—Pleasant weather—all going on well. We are steering up the coast of Chili. It is remarkable that
off this coast it never rains; nor is it clear weather; it is always a little cloudy. The air is very refreshing at
all times, but particularly so in the morning and evening. Our deck presents a very odd appearance this
morning. The fore-hole, the middle-hole, and the run are all open. The things that have been wet are
airing in every direction; our medicine chests are unpacking, and the sailors are sending up the fore and
mizen, royal and top-gallant yards. Picture to yourself our situation, when in the midst of all this, we
heard the well known cry—“There the blows;” this was repeated every minute or two for some time. The
lines and water were hurried into the boats, and every thing was soon in readiness. The sailors waited
impatiently for the command to lower. Those in sight were sperm whales, at four miles distance. The
wished for orders were at length given, and in five minutes the boats were seen gliding over the waves.
How changed the scene; thought I—Four months ago, these boats would not have been lowered without
having our ears assailed with oaths—Now not a profane word is heard. They pursued the whales some
distance, but could not come up with them. The captain seeing this, hoisted the signal for return; the poor
fellows were obliged to obey, and thus ended the chase—and my day must end with it. The lat. 39° 16',
lon. 80° 40'.
13th.—Steering N. by W. Nothing occurred until 1 P.M. when we came up with and spoke the English
brig Tiber, from Valparaiso, bound to Valdivia. This was by far the handsomest foreign vessel we had
seen, since we left America. The captain was very much of a gentleman. The conversation, as near as I
can recollect it, was as follows:—Englishman— What ship is that ? American—The Thames, of New
Haven. E.—How long have you been out ? A.—One hundred and ten days. E.—Are you bound to
Valparaiso? A.—No sir; I am bound to the Sandwich Islands. How long have you been out, and where
are you bound ? E.—I have been out eight days; I’m bound to Valdivia. Valparaiso is in a state of
revolution. The Royalists have been defeated. The Franklin 74 is there. What success have you had in
fishing ? A.—I have caught nothing. E.—I am sorry for that. I wish you success. Sir, what is your
longitude? A.—81° 40'. What is yours, sir? E.—80° 10'. A.—I thank you, sir. I wish you a prosperous
voyage. All this passed in three or four minutes.
20th.—There is a sameness in every thing that passes, which makes it almost impossible to write; unless I
should give you a very minute account of every little incident that has occurred. This I will not attempt,
for fear I should aim at something out of my reach. Mr. Stewart will give you a full account of every thing
that you would wish to know. We are sailing slowly along the coast of Peru. The lat. is 20° 38', lon. 91°
52'.
24th.—The morning was pleasant, but I could not enjoy it—I was wretched—I could not enjoy my
friends, because I could not enjoy my God. The captain wishes to make a respectable appearance when he
enters the port, and so he is painting the ship all over. Our lat. 15° 29', lon. 96° 47' W.
25th.-Still dark in mind myself, but the family all in motion.-Some packing clothes, some writing
journals.—I just began to transcribe mine for you. You would scarcely believe that so many different
occupations could be carried on, on board a ship.—The painters, the carpenters, and the blacksmiths are
all at work. This morning Stephen and Cooperree caught a Skip Jack, as they call it; I believe the proper
name is Bonetta. Its flesh has a very pleasant taste, and the fish, altogether, resembles a mackerel very
much, only it is round; and when taken out of the water has some of the hues of the Dolphin.
26th.—Nothing worth noticing occurred during the day. Painting, and tarring, and writing, were carried
on, as they had been for some time past. Towards evening, the dark cloud was removed from my mind,
and I felt as peaceful as the ocean with which I was surrounded. There not a wave was seen rising
abruptly, from any part of our ship; all rolled smoothly and gently along. The succeeding night was
beautiful beyond description; and all was peace within. I thought of St. John’s “sea of glass mingled with
fire,” when I beheld the ocean. Our tarring and painting had been completed; our studding-sails were
spread; the full moon shone brightly on us, without one intervening cloud, while our vessel was wafted
gently on the surface of the deep. It will be long before the impression of this evening will be erased from
my mind.
29th.—I still enjoy peace and comfort. The day has been much warmer than usual. I think I have not
suffered more with the heat since I left America. The appearance of the crew has not been so favourable
to-day as it was last Saturday. The strong man armed is keeping his palace, but blessed be God there is a
stronger than he. Oh! that it would please him to come down and show his power amongst us.
30th.—Sabbath. The first thing I heard in the morning, was that whales were seen spouting, off the stern.
The captain ordered the course altered, and for two hours all was confusion and noise. Alas! how unlike
those Sabbath mornings I have spent beneath your roof, where all was quietness and peace. No spouting
whales, no playing dolphins, no rattling ropes, nor hoarse commanding voices, were there heard.
—Nothing there prevented our meditations, till the well known bell told us it was time to offer the
morning sacrifice. But I am indulging myself too much in such recollections. I would not, I could not, I
dare not, look with longing eyes towards my native land. No sir, my hand lies on the plough, and if my
poor wretched heart does not deceive me, I would not take it off for all the wealth of America. It is not the
“leeks and the onions” of your land that I long after, but for one such sermon as I have heard from Dr. A.
It is spiritual food I want. Excuse me, sir, when you remember that I have been spoiled at home. After two
hours detention, we changed our course, and again pursued our way. At 10 we had our prayer meeting in
the cabin; and in the afternoon Mr. Goodrich preached from Gen. xix. 17.—“ Escape for your lives.”
There was not many of the sailors present. Satan is very much out of humour; he is either losing, or
securing, some of his people on board.
31st.—The morning pleasant—the weather quite warm. Such sudden transitions from heat to cold, and
cold to heat, have a very unfavourable effect on my health. They make me weak and dejected.
April 1st, 1823.—All fools day; but we I hope have laid aside our folly. The weather so warm that the tar
is dropping from the rigging, and the water from my face; the ship almost in a calm, and we under a
vertical sun—I am ready to think I have seen some new things under the sun, if nobody else has. Lat. 3°
25', lon. 108° 30'.
2d.—The weather very warm, and scarcely any air stirring. About 11 o'clock we had a shower, which is
the first we have had since we left Cape Horn. In the afternoon our captain indulged us with a view of the
ship. He had promised me a ride, (if you please to call it such) in one of his little boats, the first calm day;
so I reminded him of it today, and he ordered a boat lowered, and he, with four or five of the mission
family and myself, went out in it. The women get into the boat before it is let down into the water. This
requires some fortitude —for the moment the boat touches the water, it is thrown up two or three yards by
the swell, and it requires great dexterity to manage it so as to avoid the danger of being stove against the
ship, while the men are getting in at the chains. I enjoyed the excursion very much. We went round the
ship twice; which having been painted lately makes a very beautiful appearance. Her bow, catheads, and
stern, have images on them, and all looked clean and cheerful. On the flying jib-boom sat Stephen, the
Tahitean youth; and on the bowsprit Cooperee, who is a diverting fellow, and in his quizzing way, hailed
the captain as he passed. The quarter deck was filled with our family, whose eyes followed us as we
passed bounding over the waves. When we returned to the ship I felt quite elated: it was the first time I
had been abroad since we left New Haven, which is 132 days—a great while for me to stay at home, at
one time.
4th.—Nothing but pleasant weather followed, until we came in sight of Owhy-hee (Hawaii). We then had
frequent squalls of rain, and hard blows; but not so as to make it uncomfortable. On the 11th Mrs. Stewart
presented us with a fine boy, which I consider as my charge. The little fellow beguiles many of my lonely
hours; and you must excuse me if my journal is now weekly instead of daily. From the first moment that I
saw the little innocent, I felt emotions that I was unacquainted with before. This, no doubt, arose from the
peculiar situation in which I was placed, and from my attachment to his parents. It was one in the morning
when I saw Mr. Stewart up in the cabin. Sleep forsook my eyes, and with a heavy heart I asked— what is
the matter ? The answer was just what I had been fearing—that Mrs. Stewart was unwell. I had hoped and
prayed that the winds might waft us to our destined port, before her day of affliction should arrive.
Although I knew that the sea would give up its dead at the command of God, yet the thought of
entombing one that I loved so tenderly beneath its billows, was to me more than I knew how to bear. I
was soon, however, delivered from all my fears. Her hours of suffering were not many. At half past nine,
we had our little stranger in our arms, and his mother in a comfortable situation. The wind blew so hard
all the time, that it was impossible to set down a cup, or any thing else with safety. Her bed was at the
windward side of the ship, and it required some exertion to keep her in it. Yet she felt no inconvenience
from the circumstance, and suffered as little as if she had been provided with every convenience. Mr.
Stewart and myself were her nurses. One of us sat up the fore part of the night, and the other the latter, for
two weeks. The little boy had good health, and we got along very well. Most of my time was spent below,
and I heard nothing that was passing on deck. I was happy to have it in my power to be of some assistance
to my best friends. I found employment enough to engross all my attention, and nothing occurred worth
mentioning. On the 24th, 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, 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, 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.
January 1825 (p. 36-41)
Religious Intelligence.
SANDWICH ISLANDS.
BETSY STOCKTON’S JOURNAL.
( Concluded from p. 566 of Vol. II.)
On the 16th of February, we saw Cape Noir, and were obliged to tack, to prevent being driven on it. The
wind was against us; and the 3d of March we were again near the same place, only a little to west. On the
Sabbath, Mr. Richards preached in the cabin, from these words: “Though you make many prayers I will
not hear”—warning those that refused to hear the calls of God, of that day when God would refuse to hear
them. Oh! how appalling is the thought, that the day is coming, in which we must rise as witnesses
against them, or they against us—if we have been unfaithful to them. We still retire for fifteen minutes,
every evening. directly after publick prayers, to pray for them—I say retire, that is, we go to different
parts of the ship; some of us into the rigging, some out in the boats, and others on the spars; yet in all
these places we can find our God.
We are now to bid farewell to high wind and dark blue water. I hope soon to be in that part of the Pacific,
which deserves the name; for in this part Terrific would suit it best. Indeed it is so terrible, that neither
sun, moon, nor stars, condescend to visit it often. Its constant companions are rain, hail and snow.
March 4th.-—We have completely doubled Cape Horn; the sea is much smoother—I saw nothing
remarkable during the day. My own health and that of the family is pretty good; it is a source of comfort
to me that Mrs. and Mr. S. enjoy their health so well: I have learned to love them, and they richly deserve
it. My heart must be dead to every virtue, when it ceases to beat with gratitude to them. When I took the
last look of those dear young gentlemen, with whom I had spent my days of childhood and folly, and my
more sober years of reflection, my soul sickened within me as I said—“Can I hope ever to find friends
like these ? Can I ever find those who will take so deep an interest in my welfare, and with whom I shall
spend such happy hours ?” Yes, I have found such friends. When you think of me as a stranger in a
strange land, think of me still as one who has kind friends, to guide and protect her. ’Tis true the
endearments of home cannot be forgotten. My mind often returns to your family altar. There I have often
left my burden, and I cannot forget that consecrated spot. Nor can I forget the dear little boys, I have so
often held in my arms—I comfort myself by thinking that I shall hear from you all while in life, and with
the hope that I shall meet you after the hour of death.
5th.—The weather much pleasanter than it has been. We are getting into the Pacific. Lat. 46° 11', lon. 82°
30' W.
7th.—The weather not very pleasant, but much better than Cape Horn.
9th.—Sabbath. In the morning we had prayers in the cabin, and in the afternoon Mr. Stewart preached
from Genesis vi. 3. “My spirit shall not always strive with man.” I have seen nothing since I came on
board that has appeared to produce so much effect. The Spirit of the Lord seemed striving with at least
some of the sailors. They have been constrained since to say, what shall we do ? and I hope some have
fled to the only sure resting place for poor perishing souls. Lat. 46° 22', lon. 80° 35'.
10th,—Pleasant weather—all going on well. We are steering up the coast of Chili. It is remarkable that
off this coast it never rains; nor is it clear weather; it is always a little cloudy. The air is very refreshing at
all times, but particularly so in the morning and evening. Our deck presents a very odd appearance this
morning. The fore-hole, the middle-hole, and the run are all open. The things that have been wet are
airing in every direction; our medicine chests are unpacking, and the sailors are sending up the fore and
mizen, royal and top-gallant yards. Picture to yourself our situation, when in the midst of all this, we
heard the well known cry—“There the blows;” this was repeated every minute or two for some time. The
lines and water were hurried into the boats, and every thing was soon in readiness. The sailors waited
impatiently for the command to lower. Those in sight were sperm whales, at four miles distance. The
wished for orders were at length given, and in five minutes the boats were seen gliding over the waves.
How changed the scene; thought I—Four months ago, these boats would not have been lowered without
having our ears assailed with oaths—Now not a profane word is heard. They pursued the whales some
distance, but could not come up with them. The captain seeing this, hoisted the signal for return; the poor
fellows were obliged to obey, and thus ended the chase—and my day must end with it. The lat. 39° 16',
lon. 80° 40'.
13th.—Steering N. by W. Nothing occurred until 1 P.M. when we came up with and spoke the English
brig Tiber, from Valparaiso, bound to Valdivia. This was by far the handsomest foreign vessel we had
seen, since we left America. The captain was very much of a gentleman. The conversation, as near as I
can recollect it, was as follows:—Englishman— What ship is that ? American—The Thames, of New
Haven. E.—How long have you been out ? A.—One hundred and ten days. E.—Are you bound to
Valparaiso? A.—No sir; I am bound to the Sandwich Islands. How long have you been out, and where
are you bound ? E.—I have been out eight days; I’m bound to Valdivia. Valparaiso is in a state of
revolution. The Royalists have been defeated. The Franklin 74 is there. What success have you had in
fishing ? A.—I have caught nothing. E.—I am sorry for that. I wish you success. Sir, what is your
longitude? A.—81° 40'. What is yours, sir? E.—80° 10'. A.—I thank you, sir. I wish you a prosperous
voyage. All this passed in three or four minutes.
20th.—There is a sameness in every thing that passes, which makes it almost impossible to write; unless I
should give you a very minute account of every little incident that has occurred. This I will not attempt,
for fear I should aim at something out of my reach. Mr. Stewart will give you a full account of every thing
that you would wish to know. We are sailing slowly along the coast of Peru. The lat. is 20° 38', lon. 91°
52'.
24th.—The morning was pleasant, but I could not enjoy it—I was wretched—I could not enjoy my
friends, because I could not enjoy my God. The captain wishes to make a respectable appearance when he
enters the port, and so he is painting the ship all over. Our lat. 15° 29', lon. 96° 47' W.
25th.-Still dark in mind myself, but the family all in motion.-Some packing clothes, some writing
journals.—I just began to transcribe mine for you. You would scarcely believe that so many different
occupations could be carried on, on board a ship.—The painters, the carpenters, and the blacksmiths are
all at work. This morning Stephen and Cooperree caught a Skip Jack, as they call it; I believe the proper
name is Bonetta. Its flesh has a very pleasant taste, and the fish, altogether, resembles a mackerel very
much, only it is round; and when taken out of the water has some of the hues of the Dolphin.
26th.—Nothing worth noticing occurred during the day. Painting, and tarring, and writing, were carried
on, as they had been for some time past. Towards evening, the dark cloud was removed from my mind,
and I felt as peaceful as the ocean with which I was surrounded. There not a wave was seen rising
abruptly, from any part of our ship; all rolled smoothly and gently along. The succeeding night was
beautiful beyond description; and all was peace within. I thought of St. John’s “sea of glass mingled with
fire,” when I beheld the ocean. Our tarring and painting had been completed; our studding-sails were
spread; the full moon shone brightly on us, without one intervening cloud, while our vessel was wafted
gently on the surface of the deep. It will be long before the impression of this evening will be erased from
my mind.
29th.—I still enjoy peace and comfort. The day has been much warmer than usual. I think I have not
suffered more with the heat since I left America. The appearance of the crew has not been so favourable
to-day as it was last Saturday. The strong man armed is keeping his palace, but blessed be God there is a
stronger than he. Oh! that it would please him to come down and show his power amongst us.
30th.—Sabbath. The first thing I heard in the morning, was that whales were seen spouting, off the stern.
The captain ordered the course altered, and for two hours all was confusion and noise. Alas! how unlike
those Sabbath mornings I have spent beneath your roof, where all was quietness and peace. No spouting
whales, no playing dolphins, no rattling ropes, nor hoarse commanding voices, were there heard.
—Nothing there prevented our meditations, till the well known bell told us it was time to offer the
morning sacrifice. But I am indulging myself too much in such recollections. I would not, I could not, I
dare not, look with longing eyes towards my native land. No sir, my hand lies on the plough, and if my
poor wretched heart does not deceive me, I would not take it off for all the wealth of America. It is not the
“leeks and the onions” of your land that I long after, but for one such sermon as I have heard from Dr. A.
It is spiritual food I want. Excuse me, sir, when you remember that I have been spoiled at home. After two
hours detention, we changed our course, and again pursued our way. At 10 we had our prayer meeting in
the cabin; and in the afternoon Mr. Goodrich preached from Gen. xix. 17.—“ Escape for your lives.”
There was not many of the sailors present. Satan is very much out of humour; he is either losing, or
securing, some of his people on board.
31st.—The morning pleasant—the weather quite warm. Such sudden transitions from heat to cold, and
cold to heat, have a very unfavourable effect on my health. They make me weak and dejected.
April 1st, 1823.—All fools day; but we I hope have laid aside our folly. The weather so warm that the tar
is dropping from the rigging, and the water from my face; the ship almost in a calm, and we under a
vertical sun—I am ready to think I have seen some new things under the sun, if nobody else has. Lat. 3°
25', lon. 108° 30'.
2d.—The weather very warm, and scarcely any air stirring. About 11 o'clock we had a shower, which is
the first we have had since we left Cape Horn. In the afternoon our captain indulged us with a view of the
ship. He had promised me a ride, (if you please to call it such) in one of his little boats, the first calm day;
so I reminded him of it today, and he ordered a boat lowered, and he, with four or five of the mission
family and myself, went out in it. The women get into the boat before it is let down into the water. This
requires some fortitude —for the moment the boat touches the water, it is thrown up two or three yards by
the swell, and it requires great dexterity to manage it so as to avoid the danger of being stove against the
ship, while the men are getting in at the chains. I enjoyed the excursion very much. We went round the
ship twice; which having been painted lately makes a very beautiful appearance. Her bow, catheads, and
stern, have images on them, and all looked clean and cheerful. On the flying jib-boom sat Stephen, the
Tahitean youth; and on the bowsprit Cooperee, who is a diverting fellow, and in his quizzing way, hailed
the captain as he passed. The quarter deck was filled with our family, whose eyes followed us as we
passed bounding over the waves. When we returned to the ship I felt quite elated: it was the first time I
had been abroad since we left New Haven, which is 132 days—a great while for me to stay at home, at
one time.
4th.—Nothing but pleasant weather followed, until we came in sight of Owhy-hee (Hawaii). We then had
frequent squalls of rain, and hard blows; but not so as to make it uncomfortable. On the 11th Mrs. Stewart
presented us with a fine boy, which I consider as my charge. The little fellow beguiles many of my lonely
hours; and you must excuse me if my journal is now weekly instead of daily. From the first moment that I
saw the little innocent, I felt emotions that I was unacquainted with before. This, no doubt, arose from the
peculiar situation in which I was placed, and from my attachment to his parents. It was one in the morning
when I saw Mr. Stewart up in the cabin. Sleep forsook my eyes, and with a heavy heart I asked— what is
the matter ? The answer was just what I had been fearing—that Mrs. Stewart was unwell. I had hoped and
prayed that the winds might waft us to our destined port, before her day of affliction should arrive.
Although I knew that the sea would give up its dead at the command of God, yet the thought of
entombing one that I loved so tenderly beneath its billows, was to me more than I knew how to bear. I
was soon, however, delivered from all my fears. Her hours of suffering were not many. At half past nine,
we had our little stranger in our arms, and his mother in a comfortable situation. The wind blew so hard
all the time, that it was impossible to set down a cup, or any thing else with safety. Her bed was at the
windward side of the ship, and it required some exertion to keep her in it. Yet she felt no inconvenience
from the circumstance, and suffered as little as if she had been provided with every convenience. Mr.
Stewart and myself were her nurses. One of us sat up the fore part of the night, and the other the latter, for
two weeks. The little boy had good health, and we got along very well. Most of my time was spent below,
and I heard nothing that was passing on deck. I was happy to have it in my power to be of some assistance
to my best friends. I found employment enough to engross all my attention, and nothing occurred worth
mentioning. On the 24th, 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, 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, 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.