54 
SANDWICH ISLANDS. 
for lie thought that the nation that could build such ships, 
and send such men and arms and merchandize all over the 
world, must be most wisely governed, and possess the best 
laws. To see this nation himself, to learn something of its 
means of greatness, and, if possible, bring to his own 
country some of its institutions, became a passion with him, 
and he could not rest until it was agreed that he and his 
queen should engage in the hazardous enterprise. 
At first there was considerable opposition to their wishes 
on the part of the great chiefs ; however, on their consenting 
that Boki, governor of Oahu and brother to Karaimoku, 
should accompany them, the expedition was agreed to. 
Karaimoku was appointed regent of the Islands during the 
king’s absence, and in case of his death, the regency w-as to 
continue in the hands of Karaimoku and the late king's widow 
Kaliumanu, during the minority of Iviaukiouli the youngest 
son of Tamehameha the First, and his sister the princess 
Nahienaheina. It was the wish of the king and the chiefs 
that the Rev. Mr. Ellis, the only English missionary, should 
accompany the expedition as interpreter, and any price was 
offered for his passage. The master of the vessel, the Aigle 
of London, which had been freighted for the king, was an 
American, though his owners were Messrs-. Boulcotts of 
Mapping-wall; and he, for some reason which never w r as 
