282 
SOUTH SEA 
—indeed he appeared the largest man I had ever seen, 
and, like “Parkee/ 5 another chief, but much younger 
than he was, as much beloved for the goodness of 
his disposition as the greatness of his frame,— a great 
proof of the nutritive qualities of their sour paste and 
raw fish. I also enjoyed the opportunity of waiting 
upon the present young king, who has been named 
after his father “ Tameehama/’ I found his Majesty 
amusing himself in a truly English manner with the 
boxing gloves, and I was informed that at times he 
also essayed fencing and other such exercises. He was 
dressed in the English mode, and his manners were 
extremely free and affable, possessing a sufficiency of 
good sense to make him aware of his real situation, and 
to cause him to act in a manner becoming it. It was 
stated of him at the time I visited these islands that he 
was studious, and that he had acquired considerable 
information, particularly in the art of navigation; and, 
in fact, the natives of Oahoo altogether have made 
great progress in civilization within these last few years, 
owing in a great measure to the free intercourse which 
they enjoy with the respectable white residents of the 
place. Many of the young chiefs write excellent hands ; 
an alphabet, and even a grammar, have been formed of 
their language, for which they have to thank the mis- 
sionaries. Subjoined is a copy of an apologetic letter, 
with its translation, from a young chief to Dr. Rooke : 
Na Ruka, Hido , Oho 31 st, 1830. 
A loha nui oe e kau ai kane aloha mai manao oe ua 
