Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1850-01-26
Government should support and defend, as
vital to the greatness and prosperity Of
nations.
From . Boston Paper.

SANDWICH IsLANps-Rem EN- ;niscenses. lit is
now upwards Of sixty years since the ship
Columbia, Capt. Kendrick, and the sloop
Washington. Of only siriy tons burthen, as
tender TO the ship, were fitted out at, and
sailed from Boston, on a voyage Of trade and
discovery round the world This was the
hrst enterprise Of the kind, and was crowned
with success. There are circumstances at
tending 1t that are fresh in our memory, and
worthy of record. When the expedition ar
rNed at the North West coast, Capt Ken
drick turned his back on his country
prevailed on a number of seamen To Join
h'm, took possession of the sloop Washington,
and refused to return. Capt Robert Gray
then took command Of the Columbia, and
continued the voyage. On his return he
called at the different clusters of Islands in
the South Seas, and among the rest at the
SANDWICH, where, as well as in other places,
he met with the most friendly attentions from
the natives, particularly at Owyhee, where
their King resided Such was the confidence
placed in Capt. Gray, both by King and
people, that they permitted him to bring away
with him to Boston, their crown prince, fully
relying on his promise to return him to them
The ship was absent upwards Of three years,
and had not been heard from for large
portion of the time, when in the summer Of
l79O, IN fine afternoon, we had Just arrived
at Boston from Worcester, when strange
snip bearing the stars and stripes Of our
country, arrived abreast Of the castle and
flred national salute, which was promptly
returned by that fortress.
The firing was distinctly heard and seen
from Boston, but no one could imagine what
ship it was, bearing our country's flag. and
DONG and receiving such high honor. The
inhabitants swere all in motion, and coming to
The long wharf by thousands in the interim
the ship was recognized, and the artillery or.
dered out. As she came TO anchor off the
end OF the wharf, the delighted multitude
rent .he arr with Joy il,l accamations, while
salvos of artillery shook the neighboring
hills. and the astonis led people hurried into
the city 10 join in The general Joy. The ship
having returned the salute Of the city, the
Custom House barge was manned, when the
venerable General LINCOLN, Collector OF the
port, with the owners of the Columbia, re-
paired on board, and after bidding a hearty
welcome to Capt. Gray and his princeIy
passenger, they all returned to the wharf
together, when the air again rang with loud
acclaim, and the artillery again poured forth
its thunder. The prince, who was an Apollo
in personal symmetry and beauty. was dressed
in helmet of the ancient Roman form,
covered with small feathers Of the most beau
tiful plumage, which glittered in the sun,
while on his body he wore close dress, not
visible except the sleeves, and over it large
and flowing robe, in the form of the togo,
made of cloth, covered with feathers pre-
cisely like the helmet In this splendid
costume he took the arm OF Capt Gray, and
a procession being formed, they marched to
Governor Hancock's, who had sent his Ad-
jutant- General to bid them welcome. After
residence Of some months, the ship was
reftted, and with the same commander re-
turned the prince in safety to his country
and friends. From thence sprung all that
friendly intercourse between those happy
Islanders and the United States, to whom
they are indebted for civilization, and the
useful arts, which are making rapid progress
among them.