HONOLULU. 409 



Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold was directed to touch at Tahiti, 

 and thence, after surveying Penrhyn and Flint's Islands, to return to 

 Oahu before the 1st of April. 



With the Vincennes, it was my intention to proceed to Hawaii, 

 there to ascend to the top of Mauna Loa; to make the pendulum 

 observations on the summit and at the base of that mountain ; to exa- 

 mine the craters and late eruptions ; and after performing these duties, 

 if time allowed, to proceed to the Marquesas Islands, and thence to pass 

 along the magnetic equator to the meridian of the Hawaiian Islands, 

 whither it was my intention to return before the 1st of April, to 

 meet the Porpoise, and proceed, in company with her, to the North- 

 west Coast. I deemed the time from the 25th of November would be 

 amply sufficient, with proper attention, to enable us to perform these 

 duties, and also afford sufficient relaxation to the officers and men, 

 from their long confinement on board ship. 



The tender was overhauled in a few days, when Passed Midship- 

 man Knox was again put in charge of her, and the naturalists sent 

 on an excursion to Kauai. After their return I again despatched 

 those who were attached to the Peacock in her to Hawaii, being 

 desirous that they should have an opportunity of visiting as much 

 of these islands as possible. 



On the 28th, I had the honour of an official visit from the governor, 

 Kekuanaoa. He is a noble-looking man, upwards of six feet in 

 height, and proportionately large. He was in a full dress uniform 

 of blue and gold, and was altogether very striking and soldier-like 

 in his appearance, and pleasing in his address. He was received 

 by the officers and guard of marines, and with manned yards. He 

 was self-possessed, and appeared quite used to the etiquette on such 

 occasions. He had been one of the suite of King Liho-liho on his 

 visit to England, and speaks a little English. I entertained him 

 with a collation, and paid him the other marks of attention to which 

 his rank entitled him. He is one of the highest chiefs, and was the 

 husband of Kinau, the sister of Kaahumanu. His children are now 

 the heirs apparent to the throne ; they are at school under the care of 

 Mr. and Mrs. Cooke. Kekuanaoa is now governor of the island of 

 Oahu, and is possessed of much energy of character, of which I shall 

 have occasion hereafter to speak. 



The house which I occupied was in the eastern suburbs of Hono- 

 lulu, near the residence of the missionaries, and in connexion with 

 the school of Mr. and Mrs. Cooke for the chiefs' children. The 



vol. in. 103 



