The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1840-08-01

/
the northern and southern extremities. II is
nearly opposite from Jedo, the capital, and
probably about in north west direction from
it. They say that Iko is one hundred miles
from JedO, and it takes them ten davs TO
travel 1t on foot. Its situation may be known
by that OF the island of Sodo, which is north
OF the above mentioned bay, and is seventy
miles, or one days sail from Iko. The island
OF Sodo abounds in gold and silver
The ChoaJamur was engaged, it seems, in
the coastIng trade. They had on board
rice, an intoxicating liquor made of rice,
and dried fish. They had proceeded up the
western coast of Nippon, and passed through
the straits on the north of the island, i. e.
between Nippon and the island of Iesso. or
Matsmai. Here they were overtaken by a
violent gale from the west, which drove them
INTO the Pacific, out of sight of land and dis
masted their vessel, leaving them but a
wreck, The hull of their vessel does not.
however, seem to have been greatly injured
or at least, was not very Iea>y afterwards.
They must have known pretty well the d.
rectlon of the land after the gale, as the old
man had small compass, which he ordered
t. be brought to me after his death. They
had also c"ntrvcd to erect something like a
Jurymast IN order to manage the vessel But
owing, probably to the insufficiency of their
sPars and rigging, to the untavorable winds
and frequent western blows which prevail in
that part OF the ocean, during winter. they
were unable to make the island again: but
continued to be driven farther and farther
east. 1t must have been about the first of
January, 1889. that they met with their first
disaster; as they were floating in this sad
condition Tor five long and weary months,
until they fell IN with the James l.oper. on
the sixth OF June following, about half way
from Nippon to the Sandwich Islands A.
short time before they fell in with this ship,
their supply Of water failed; and six DAYS
they were without any thing to drink, watch
ing the heavens for signs of rain. Their
rice was gone, and nothing but their fish re-
NAMED. All their number, which was ten
at the commencement of their voyage, had
survived all hardshps, till this overlook them.
Their sufierings, during this period of thirst,
were intense. They speak of putting pieces
of silver into their mouths to cool their parch-
ed tongues. Three of the ten died during this
period; and the remaining seven were re-
duced to such weakness. that not one ofthem,
no not even the sturdy Ijero, could stand
diohc, VI w any tnlnS Dul crawl ABOUT the
deck. AT the end of six days, they were re-
lieved by fall Of rain which they caught, at
first in their hands, and afterwards in such
containers as they had This furnished
them supply till they were taken from the
wreck These are the most important par
ticulars which occur now to me respecting
their disaster.
There are many interesting items which |
gathered respecting their country. One is,
that they themselves know nothing of the
name Japan, by which we designate their
islands. Their largest island they call Nippon,
accenting the last syllable The island north
they usually call Matsmai, but are acquaint-
ed with the name of Iesso. The place on
kiusiu at the south, where the Dutch are
allowed to trade. which is called on all our
maps, Nangasaki, they call only by name
of Nanasig, accenting the second syllable
There is place, probably in Corca, where
many Of the Niponese junks 90 to trade,
which they call Chusing, and which is two
days sail from Nippon.
Another item of information learned is.
that very great proportion of the people of
these islands are G ven to excessive intern
perance. They say, they do business in the
forenoon, and lie drunk the rest of the day.
The liquor they use is made by the fermen-
tation of rice, in immense cisterns made for
the purpose. The process for making it,