322 FROM CALIFORNIA TO 



the twelve hours that we lay there. The whole 

 coast is surrounded by coral reefs, which in many 

 places extend for a mile or more into the sea*; and, 

 behind these, nature has formed the beautiful har- 

 bour of Hana-rura, which is protected by reefs on 

 the sea side against the fury of the waves, and 

 might be called the first in the world, if the en- 

 trance were not too shallow for large ships. As 

 soon as we had cast anchor, I went on shore to pay 

 my respects to Kareimoku, the governor j but 

 though Manuja had arrived there before us, had 

 declared our friendly intentions, and made the 

 king's commands known, all the inhabitants were 

 terrified and under arms at the sight of a Russian 

 ship of war. At the landing place I was received 

 by Mr. Young,* amidst the most frightful cries of 

 the armed islanders ; and when I hesitated coming 

 out of the boat. Young told me that I had nothing 

 to fear, and assisted me himself to come on shore. 

 Accompanied by a number of soldiers, to prevent 

 the importunity of the people, we went to a very 

 neat and pretty house, where Kareimoku and the 

 principal nobility soon after appeared. He, as well as 

 his suite, was dressed in the costume of the country, 

 consisting of a full white di'ess of a stuff made of 

 the bark of trees, and hung, after the Roman fashion, 



* Young, one of the principal confidants of the king, has 

 resided upwards of twenty years on these islands, and was 

 now sent to Woahoo to build the fort. His adventures are 

 well known from Vancouver's voyages. 



