Year: 1859


Maury is related by Mr.. Willis in his last weeks
Home Journal: s


In the earlier days of bis professional career the
present Commander was midshipman on board
one Of the soopsofwar sent to cruise in the Pacific
The duty being mainly to give authoritative counte
nance to the merchant vessels in those seas much of
their time, Of course passed in the anchorage OF
the different islands; and Maury having always q
taste for languages, had employed his many-an.idle
hour, as coxswain Of go ashore boat, in mastering
the dialects of the natives. So successful had he been
In this volunteer study that be became at last the
regular interpreter and the main channel of COM
munication between the Commodore and the petty
soveregns of the islands.


The thing he most struggled with in those days
was constitutional bashfulness, and he was not a
little fabbergasted, therefore, when he was sum-
moned to the quarterback one bright morning to
interpret between the Commander and young
Owyhe princess, the fayorite daughter of the Chief
OF the island where they were anchored. She bad
now stood in all her tropical foreseence, an ex.
quistely developed young woman of sixteen, draped
mainly in her flowing tresses and her unconscious
modesty, and gesticulating in the most lively manner
to the very great admiration of the officers and crew
She had evidently a message of Importance to com,
municate.


Obedent to the summons of course, the god.laced
cap of the young nterpretermiddy made its appear.
ance, and be proceeded to open communication with
the fair Undine-getting side intimation from the
officers audienced about on the gun.carriages and
portfolios that the dialogue of inquiry should be pro-
longed as far as possible.


He was not long in learning her errand but how,
with his bashfulness to translate it to the Commo-
dore and those groups Of listening lieutenants? It
was no less than authoritative expression of the
islands admiration of his superior knowledge as
showntn the mastery of their language, and pro-
posal for the honor of bis hand The girl had swan
off, as her fathers ambassador, to make the offer Of
herself-the answer being awaited on shore in full
council of warrior Chiefs


The difficulty of maintaining the proper quarter
deck gravity, or of so repressing the mirth of the
surrounding epaulettes not to give ofense to the
native pride Of the auto questionpopping Princess,
was considerable Maury has no recollection at pre-.
sent whether he himself stood on his head or on his
heels during the interview. The Commodore was
discreet, however, and it was soon understood that
the egate of foreign power was to be treated with
respect, whether the diplomatic drapery were more
or less entire and the proposal to be respectfully
received. The ward room boat was meantime or.
dered to be manned, and the ships newest flag
spread in the seats to envelop the royal uncad on
her less waterdraped return. Maury was to 90 as
coxswain, and restore the lady to her parents but
his orders were discretionary. He to make every
assurance of amity between the United States and
the Pacific and get clear, if he pacically could but
on no account to make any such rejection of the
posed honor as would lead to misunderstanding.


1t was pull of mile or two, the sea smooth
and the tars willing for once to sit with their backs
to the bow. The officer and his flag enveloped pas
senger had the conversation all to Themselves and
he was busy cogtating, in the bashful back parlor
of his mind, how he should behave under the pro-
bable circumstances 1st, I'd or 3d-when the
young lady unexpectedly jumped overheard and
the rest of the way to the beach, taking to her
heels, on arriving at the sand, with celerity for
which he could in no way account. Was she angry
Was there probability of his being disemboweed
and burnt if he should try to overtake and explain
he concluded that it best, on the WHOLE to carry
out the Commodore's policy; and, by following up
the fugitive, to get chance perhaps to pacify the
papa. So, leaving the boat drawn upon the beach,
be took his way alone to the chiefs bungalow.


1t was some little distance inland, and, on arriv.
ing, he found he was considerably expected. There
was every appearance Of preparation for festivity
the tables spread for royal banquet, and the fruits
and drinks in abundant prodigali,y. The chiefs were
already in state of excitement, which precluded
all explanation or modification of plans. There was
nothing to do but to yield to circumstances. He
must marry "a la Owyhee,) in order to keep the
peace and protect the commerce of the nation.


The delays were apparently inconsiderable. In a
very short space of time the runaway bride appeared
dressed in all manner of Pacific ornaments attended
by her mother and bevy of sister isandresses The
Commodore was either not expected, or not missed
the ceremony was performed (what there was of it)
with only native witnesses, and things proceeded as
usual


For the remaining winter months the soop was
anchored at the same island, and Prince Maury, of
course, had nice opportunity of becoming ac-
quainted with the manners and customs. His copper
colored papa proved very gentlemanly, and as long
as he stayed he was most afectionately treated His
subsequent half century, as the world of science 80
well knows has been devoted to the study of nature
more universal unexpectednesses- charm of this
first lesson acting, perhaps, as an initiative relish
but, whether so or not, the Owynee romance, as a
prelude to very distinguished mans lifelong pur-
SUITS is well worth preserving for his bographer."