Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1850-04-24
RICHMOND, WAYNE COUNTY, INDIANA APRIL 2

turned IN for the night for night il began TO be
under a cocoanut tree, where l slept soundiy
until II or O'Clock when awoke : stiff with
cold and sore from my bruises that could
iy move. To my great JOY discovered fire
about half mile to the west. 1t proved to be
village Of the natives (Kanakas) who, on learn
ing by signs my misfortune, stirred up the fire,
gave me some boiled pork, bre al fruit yams and
variety Of eating matter. After had dispos-
ed OF this turned in on some mats where
slept soundly until SUNRISE. when arose.
"After | had made my toilet | was introduc-
ed to the chief Of the village. He is of high
rank and much respected. His name is kanni
and he is related to the King of the Isla nds.-
lie was very polite, spoke English fluently, Of
fered me II house, some land and his daughter in
marriage, if | would live with his tribe and in
struct them, as far as was able, in the arts of
civilization thanked him for his offer and told
him that | would think over The matter.
"After this interview, l went down to the
beach, accompanied by party Of the natives,
TO look after the wreck, but nothing could be
seen the spar which ashore
W hen discovered the sad result of the storm
sat down the beach and wept like "A child
had lost the only friends that have had since
left my home. But tears are of no avail, so !
made up my mind to bear it. and to accept the
offer of the chief and become his accord
ingly. on my return to the village informed the
chief that | would accept his offer. He imine
dIately introduced me to the faiI one. Her name
is Niaara Nary She is of light copper
lor, fourteen years old. ) feet 4 inches h gh,
small hand and foot, black hair and eyes, aud
above all very atfectiona.e. Her dress consist
ed of faded blue satin skirt, coming no lower
than the knee, mOccasins aud leggings. aud
curiously wrought beed head dress. She
By no means btshfui and none too modest
She sat my knee and kissed me, and when
asked her if she would marry she said yes
without the slightest hesitation, and expressed
wish that the ceremony should take place on
the following sunday, saying that missionary
would be there that day. This agreed to.
when she rewarded me with kiss, and Oft
to her father.
''The following day / visited the capital and
purchased the wedding dresses for my lady aud
myself, together with some presents for the
tribe, and Oh Sunday "we twain were made one
hes.''
.'On Monday my fa,her-in-law. at my request
nut logs to build my house, and in the course Of
ten days very substantial dwelling. AZ feet
front, % feet deep, and % feet high, was COM
pleted. This is the only building Of the kind
in the village, all the others being built Of reeds
and mud. The chief is very much pleased with
it, and hope that within a year the whole viii
iage will be Of log houses. have offered to
furnish and all other tools, and think the
natives Will build themselves better houses.
IL am perfectly contented with my situation,
and think that mine is a peculiar happy lot, af-
ter so long struggle with the worid--"poor as
a rat,'-sticking type for lving-to be cast
ashore with pocket full Of rocks among friend
ly sarages, in this lovely climate.
81 still good Wing, and il my second
girl turns out TO be boy, he shall be called
Henry Clay. By the way, | think Of agtatIng
the project of the annexation of his Hawaain
majesty dominions to the United Ssates.''