SANDWICH ISLANDS. 
The Sandwich Islands have made such a very rapid pro¬ 
gress towards civilization during the few years that have 
elapsed since their discovery by Captain Cook, that they 
might claim sufficient interest to make a sketch of their 
history acceptable from that consideration alone. But the 
very singular circumstances attending the visit of their late 
sovereigns to this country, and their death while here, render 
such a sketch necessary as an introduction to the account of 
the Voyage of the Blonde, which was despatched by this 
Government for the express purpose of conveying their bodies 
to their native Islands, together with the chiefs who had 
accompanied them, and by that mark of respect drawing still 
closer those bonds of confidence and good w ill which have 
always united the Sandwich Islanders with this country. 
The names of seven of the kings antecedent to Teraiopu 
or Terreeoboo, in whose reign Captain Cook discovered the 
Islands, have been recorded by various navigators who have 
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