The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1828-01-16
SatSCeIla4yp.
THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.
From Mr.. .Steioarts Journal, lately pub
tiShed IN .Ne,o York.

From Mr.. Stercart's Jo1rnGl,-lateIy 0ub-
taShed IN .Ne,o York.
FRIDAY, APRIL IS. The appearance of
Hawaii, this morning, was exceedingly beau
tlful. We were within few miles of the
shore and the whole of the eastern and
northern parts of the Island were distinctly
in view, with an atmosphere perfectly clear
and sky, glowing with the freshness and
splendor OF sunrise. When first went on
deck,the gray ofthe morning still fingered on
the lowlands, imparting to them grave and
sombre shade; while the region behind, ris-
ing into broader light presented it's preci-
pieces and forests in all their holiness and
verdure. Over the still lOftier heights, a
broad mantle of purple was thrown; above
which, the icy cliffs of Mouna-kea, at an ell
ovation Of IL or $4,000 feet blazed like fire
from the strong reflection of the sun beams
striking them, long before they reached us
from their watery bed. AS the morning ad-
vanced, plantations, villages, and scattered
huts were distinctly seen along the shore :;
and columns of white smoke1eg to rise.
here and there, from the early fires of the
inhabitants.
At nine O'Clock, the breeze being light,
boat was sent off from the Thames for re-
freshments. Not long afterwards, the deck
Of our ship echoed with the cry, ga canoe !!
a cGaOe !"-and one of the rude banks of
the natives was seen rapidly approaching u.s.
Every eye was instantly fixed on it, with in
tense observation; and / fastened to assist
H from her state room to the cabin
windows, to view the uncultivated BEINGS
with whom we are to spend our lives. At
first sight of these wretched creatures was
almost overwhelming. Their naked figures
and wild expression Of conference.-the
black hair, streaming in the wind as they
hurried the canoe over the water with all
eager action and muscular power of savag-
esther rapid and unintelligible exclama-
tons, and the whole exhibition of unciviliz-
ed character, gave to them the appearance
Of being half man and half beast, and ire
slstably pressed on the thoughts of the que
ry-" Can they be MEXICAN they be ,oomlen I!
do they not form a link ia creation connecting
man ,Uith the brute % This indeed, seemed
to be the general impression; and, the Off
Ger heading the boat, sent to the shore, on
his return, exclaimed as he assembled the
deck, +" well, if never before saw 6rutes n,
the shape Of man, | have seen them this
morning :" and, addressing himself to some
( of our company, added, you can never live
| among such a people as his-we shall be
| obliged to take you back with usn
Other canoes soon arrived, and many
gathered round us to CRAFTY their curiosity,
and dispose of fish, water-mellons, bannas,
sugar cane and sweet potatoes. They re-
named an hour or two, and notwithstand-
ing our first impression, greatly commend
ed themselves to us, by their artlessness
and simplicity, and an apparent sprightli-
ness, and intelligence of mind. They seem
ed reIolced to know, that more Missionaries
had arrived on hearing it, addressed one
another with great animation, exclaiming,
".nl&dnere-maitai, maitdi-nui, nue. mai
ta' "-.NlSS'onGry-gOod, good-uern Uery
good" They informed us, that the Mission
ares of the Islands were all we'll; and
were with the King and Chiefs, at Ohau.
AT twelve O'Clock, we entered the chan
mel between Maui and Hawaii, and ran
close along the north shore of this last ISL
and. Every thing here exhibited great pow
erty. The mountains were covered with
clouds, ard not tree or shrub was to be
seen. The whole surface of the country
was spread with dark rocks; and the little
grass perceptlble was scorched and sun
burnt. The huts seen scattered along the
beach. looked more like the styes and ken
nels of pigs and dogs, than the abodes of
men: and the whole appeared, something
like the Hawaii, | had pictured to my minds
eye, when l first thought seriously ofdevot-
ing myself to the Missionary work in these
Islands. Yet the sight made me almost
draw back from a home SO barren and SO
miserable.