NARRATIVE 



THE EXPLORING EXPEDITION. 



CHAPTER I. 



HAWAIIAN GROUP. 

 184 0. 



The king, Kamehameha III., who had given orders that he should 

 be sent for as soon as the Vincennes arrived, reached Honolulu on the 

 29th September, from Maui. The next day I waited upon him, ac- 

 companied by our consul, Mr. Brinsmade, and by many of the officers 

 and naturalists, at his quarters near the fort. A soldier dressed in a 

 scarlet uniform stood on guard at the door. We were ushered into 

 the audience-chamber, and presented to the king, whom we found 

 seated in the midst of his retinue. The apartment was composed of 

 two large rooms with low ceilings, communicating by folding doors. 

 On the right of the king was Kekauluohi, a daughter of Kamehameha 

 I., who acts as prime minister ; and there were also present, among 

 others, Kekuanaoa, the governor of Oahu, Mr. Richards, who is the 

 king's interpreter and adviser, Haalilio, John Young, and the officers 

 of the body-guard. 



The king was dressed in a blue coat, white pantaloons, and vest. 

 We afterwards understood that he had prepared himself to receive us 

 in full costume, but on seeing us approaching in undress uniform, he 

 had taken off his robes of state. 



