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TYPEWRITTEN JOURNAL OF CLARISSA G. ARMSTRONG
CONTENTS
Introduction
Journal, 1831-1838
'0 .
Section 1
from New Bedford, Mass. to Sea
Nov. 24, 1831 - Dec. 9, 1831
6 pages
Section 2
At Sea
Dec. 23, 1831 - Dec. 24, 1831
2 pages
Section 3
from Sea to Honolulu
May 1, 1832 - Nov. 23, 1832
62 pages
Section 4
from Honolulu to MarquesasIslands
Aug. 18, 1833
^
2 pages
Section 5
from Marquesas to Honolulu
March 28, 1834 - Oct. 9, 1834
39 pages
Section 6
Wailuku, Maui
April 13, 1833 - Sept. 21, 1833
19 pages
Section 7
Wailuku, Maui
Nov. 12, 1833 - Nov. 6, 1836
32 pages
Section 8
Wailuku, Maui
Dec. 18, 1837 - Nov. 1, 1838
28 pages
Letters, 1839-1889
HAWAilAr-1 M tSbi'iN CmLDHEN'S SOC!ETY
hi.-RAxY
�INTRODUCTION
Clarissa Chapman Armstrong was b o m May 13. 1803 in Russell,
Massachusetts.
Clarissa's father was a farmer; her mother was Hannah
Ferguson Chapman, of Blandford, Mass.
Clarissa's maternal grandparents
were Revolutionary Mar Colonel Ferguson and his wife Dorothy.
Her father's
parents, Rev. and Mrs. Benjamin Chapman, were from Southington, Connecticut.
Clarissa grew up in Monson, Mass.
She had an older sister,
Caroline, who went to an Academy in a neighboring town.
Caroline married
at the age of 20 and died, apparently when Clarissa was still young, and
was buried with her infant son.
Clarissa's only brother Reuben married
a girl named Elizabeth and he became Chief Justice in Massachusetts. At
the age of ?0, Reuben travelled for his health, and died in Switzerland.
His remains were brought back to Springfield, Mass., where he had been a
prominent member of the church.
(from "Eighty Years", Clarissa C. Armstrong, May 13, 1883.)
Excerpts from the following letter to a girl friend, dated Bridge
port, Conn. Sept. 23, 1831, describe part of Clarissa's life before beginning
her adventurous life as a missionary:
"...I must be brief— in telling you where I have been, (as you may
wish to know) & where I am, & going to be &c.
Feb.
In April left my father's for N. York.
I staid in Monson till last
Spent 6 weeks there, & then
came to Bridgeport where I have been engaged in a school.
I will say here
that one year ago, the first sabbath of last October— I publicly dedicated
myself to God, by uniting with Rev. Ely's church in Monson.
I had indeed
delayed doing it, for a long time, but when I took the vows of God upon me,
I was decided. My faith seemed immoveable— It has been growing stronger &
stronger, & now is so firm, that I have given my life, to God.
I expect
soon, to leave my native land forever, to labor, toil & died in heathen lands.
�INTRODUCTION (continued)
Page 2
The trial of leaving friends is of no ordinary kind— it tears the
heart asunder.
Without grace, I could not endure it-- But I must forsake
all for Christ— therefore must leave my dear parents & only brother, even
if it be as painful as plucking out an eye, or severing a limb from my
body.
It is a bitter trial to forsake, even for a short season, the
things we fondly cherish, but to forsake all that we hold dear on earth,
never to see the dear objects again, this side of the grave, is far more
trying...
Tomorrow evening in church, I expect to become the wife of Rev.
Richard Armstrong, & on Monday morning start for N. York— from thence to
Princeton, then to Baltimore, Philadelphia & other parts of Pennsylvania,
then to N. England— to visit my friends— shall probabLy visit Monson...
Sail from Boston, or ijn that region for the Sandwich or Marquesa Islands...
I have boarded with Rev. Blatchford's family, all summer & am
still with them— they are very kind...pray much for me..."
Clarissa graduated from Westfield Normal School, Massachusetts,
and taught in a Pestalozzian Infant School in Brooklyn, New York, before
her marriage.
On Sept. 23, 1831 she married the Reverend Richard Arm
strong in Bridgeport, Conn., and two months later they set sail from New
Bedford with seventeen other missionaries to become part of the 3th mission
ary company to the Hawaiian Islands.
They sailed on the whaleship Averick
with Captain Swain in command, arriving in Honolulu on May 17, 1832,
nearly six months after leaving America.
Along with the missionary
families of Alexander and Parker, the Armstrong's went to the Marquesa
Islands in 1833! where their attempts to establish a mission station were
unsuccessful and they returned to Hawaii a year later.
(Missionary Album, pp. 30-33.)
�INTRODUCTION (continued)
Page 3
Clarissa Armstrong became the mother of 10 children between 1832
and 1843, two of whom died a year after their births.
Clarissa left Hawaii forever in 1880, sailing with her daughter
Ellen to San Francisco.
more than fifty years.
In 1887 Clarissa went on her first trip East in
Among other places, she visited Boston and her
son Samuel's Hampton Institute in Virginia.
While living in San Francisco
Clarissa ran a Sunday School for Chinese children.
She died on July 20, 1891,
probably due to a fall from a carriage a year earlier.
In 1892, a memorial
service was held in her honor by the Chinese congregation "whose school she
so long ministered, on the anniversary of her death."
(from "Clarissa Chapman Armstrong," Helen W. Ludlow.)
The following typewritten journal takes us through Clarissa's
earliest experiences as a missionary, beginning with her departure from
New Bedford, Mass. in November, 1831.
Several journals were kept through
out the years and sent to her family in New England, sometimes specifically
addressed to her mother, father, brother Reuben and his wife Elizabeth.
A
person named Sally also figures prominently in many of these early letters.
It has been deduced, through the brief mentions of Sally throughout the
journal, that she was probably a child.
Sally lived with the Chapman's
in Massachusetts ajid may have been Clarissa's niece by her older sister.
"
Several pages are missing from the original journal.
An attempt
has been made to keep the pages numbered according to their original num
bering.
However, compensations for irregularities in the handwriting size
have been made in the numbering of the typewritten pages, so that continua
tion of the same page number on a separate page refers to the original page
number given by Clarissa.
�INTRODUCTION (continued)
Page 4
Little editing has been done.
made for easier reading.
Occasionally, paragraphs have been
All the original spelling and grammar has been
retained, with some words clarified in brackets for spelling or usage
corrections.
Some of the original pages are in poor condition, with holes t o m
in the paper or words faded and indistinguishable.
In these instances,
deletions have been made, with the reason stated in brackets.
Words not
legible, but which appear logical are followed by a question majsk in paren
theses, and identical misspellings are indicated by an exclamation point in
parentheses.
Each section of the journal has been outlined in a brief intro
duction.
The journal, as available in the Hawaiian Mission Children's
Society Library, ends in 1838, but letters beginning a year later and
ending in 1889 have been excerpted to provide a more complete look at a
fascinating life.
Barbara G. Louie
January, 1981
�SECTION 1
from New Bedford, Mass. to Sea
Nov. 24, 1831 - Dec. 9, 1831
A detailed description of the departure scene of the missionaries
is given in this section, along with a first look at life on board ship,
and the sickness that went with it.
�Nov. 24, 1831
CLARISSA CHAPMAN ARMSTRONG JOURNAL
Page 1
New Bedford, Nov. 24th 1831—
The time at length has nearly arrived when I must bid adieu to
the shore of my beloved country.
me to go.
Yes, I must go— duty to my God compells
While love to the Savior & the souls of men constrain me to go
cheerfully— the blessed promise contained in the bible, lead me on fear
lessly.
In the strength of my Redeemer, I go under his banner & fight &
He, I trust, at last will bring me off conqueror— The Lord has supported
me in the trying hour of leaving dear friends— although the separation was
Rke tearing bone from bone, yet the Lord sustained us all & will continue
our helper if we trust in Him.
& direct us in all our ways.
0 may he be on our right hand & on our left,
May He be the support of my dear parents &
brother, & guide them safely through this wearisome life & then recieve (!)
them into his bosom.
0 may I be more entirely devoted to the will of God—
help me to tie to thee— May my dear husband & myself be objects of thy care,
& be useful in thy service.
do.
0 God I give myself to thee 'tis all that I can
Thursday eve.
Dec. 9th 1831.
On board the Averick
Latitude 29*^
Longitude 4 9 ^
Seated upon the floor in one c o m e r of the deck, with a hogshead
of water upon one side, & the helm upon the other I commence for the first
time, since our embarkation from America writing in my diary.
In con
sequence of excessive vomiting my strength has been so entirely pros
trated, that my whole system is yet quite debilitated.
Yet I would bless
the Lord, that I am so far recovered, as once more to able to wield my men(!)
/peiy'even with a trembling hand.
Probably while I am sufficiently warmed
by the rays of the sun, my dear friends are shivering with the cold,
�Dec. 9, 1831
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
scarcely fire enough can be made to keep them comfortable.
Page 2
It is now
I suppose quite early with them— perhaps not their breakfast hour— But
I must go back to the time of our departure, & recall as many events as
my detritaled mind will permit.
Nov. 26th
the morning we left New Bedford I well remember.
It
was a cold morning & assembling at so early an hour as 7 on the wharf— our
feet became cold & our bodies quite chilled, but our hearts I trust were
warm with love to our God & our Redeemer.
A large number of people of
men, women & children assembled to witness the solemn interesting sight
of the departure of 19 missionaries, I felt no regret at taking the last
step upon my own dear native land.
I know not how it was, but I left it
as willingly as if I expected again to retrace my steps.
We were all
cheerful & happy— & after entering the sloop which was to bear us 3
miles to our vessel, Rev. Mr. Green stood upon the wharf & prayed, which
was succeeded by a hymn sung by the missionaries "Blest be the tie that
binds" &-- sung "Old Hundred."
Then many a parting hand & kiss was given—
& we, accompanied by several Bedford people, soon made our way to the
ship, which stood with her majestic head raised, to recieve us.
Soon those
few friends left us— & as the sloop hastened away from us, I could not
prevent nature from letting fall a tear.
They were not tears of sorrow
for my new situation, but such as often involuntarily fall, when we are
about to absent ourselves from dear friends for a short time.
Rev. Mr.
Holmes with his wife & daughter, under whose roof we had been kindly
entertained several days, were those I felt ardently attached to.
friends whom I loved were of the number who left
Other
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Dec. 9, 1831
Page
us in the vessel. A Pilot accompanied us several miles. While he was
with us, I was quite free from sickness— Immediately after he left, I
was obliged to take to my birth (!)
in order to keep warm— & in a
short time was seized with sea-sickness which kept me confined to my
birth ten days, during which time I felt too weak to raise my head.
I could not have done it had it not been through necessity of vomiting--Four days my stomach would recieve nothing but a little wine & water &
could retain that but a short time— At length with great exertion, I
could take a little water gruel, but that too seemed determined not
to stay with me.
The other missionaries suffered severely at the same
time— some however much less than myself— others probably as much— I do
not say more, for all admitted that my sickness was very severe---Yet I
can truly say it was no more than my spirits needed to humble them.
I
felt more than ever my entire dependance on God! & doubtless this was
the means he intended should bring it about— But the cause of so much
sickness I have not told-Well I will go back again to the first day of our voyage--Soon after our friends left us, the sails were spread, & a gentle wind
wafted us smoothly on during the day— at night the winds & waves began
to rise— & the vessel to rock— which continued to increase till the
whole vessel was in commotion.
Even when we entered it, nothing was
in order, & sickness & storm prevented any arrangements for the better
being made for a long time.
constantly
During the frequent gales, the waves were
dashing & foaming against the sides of the ship & frequently
the deck would be all afloat.
When the water would pour down the gangway
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Dec. 9, 1831
Page
in such quantities as to come into some of our state-rooms & cabin &
quite often had to be pumped out.
Here I should gratefully add that
our room was not drenched with water, although some of our things
suffered severely by the tossings of the vessel.
A large trunk sent
me by the ladies of Germantown filled with delicacies recieved much
injury.
All that remained unbroken was 4 bottles of lemon syrup, 3
jars of pickles, 1 of cranberry sauce.
&c, were lost.
Other nice sweet-meats, jelly
The greatest loss to us all was our Oil.
Every barrel
of ours was dashed to pieces & most of the Capt.'s was lost also.
This
causes us to suffer much inconvenience, owing to the darkness of our
rooms & our hard beds, which gave our bones considerable pain during
such long nights.
Notwithstanding our weakness we were tossed about in our
births as much as their narrowness would admit.
The closeness of
our rooms would have rendered them uncomfortable even with a free
circulation of air, but then they were exceedingly offensive.
On
account of the storm the gangway could not be opened, & nothing but
filthy bilge water, tar, & the confined offensive air of our room could
we for one moment inhale, except when on deck, & most of us could not
enjoy that because of excessive weakness.
Even the offensive smell
of the vessel would be sufficient to keep any person vomiting almost
incessently, if there were nothing else.
P.M.
Since I commenced writing I have changed my seat no less
than a dozen times.
I now am stationed in a boat attached to the vessel.
Well, I will try again.
I think last Wednesday was the first pleasant
day we have had, since the day of our embarkation.
�Dec. $, 1831
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
For several days there was nothing but a succession of glales(!).
as if the conflicting elements had met.
Page 3
It seemed
The vessel seemed to be tossed
upon the foaming billows, & not infrequently in the position of the
plate /state/ of a vessel in Mr. Stewart's first journal.
To speak
within bounds, the Capt. says the waves rise 30 feet & he thinks nearer 30—
Amidst those scenes of confusion & distress, we passed the wreck of a
vessel which probably had been lost during those gales— I felt a strong
desire to see the wreck, but my strength would not permit.
In imagina
tion I could behold it & then raise my soul to heaven in gratitude &
love to that being who had saved us from suffering the same fate.
The
same God who kept Daniel from the mouths of the raging lions, preserved
us from being swallowed by the mouth of the mighty deep.
That God who holds
the winds and the waves in his fist, calmed the raging water by his power— he
spoke— commanded silence & all is now still.
Calmly we glide along upon the
smooth surface of the water, which is bearing us to our place of destination.
Gladly would those poor men who now drowned in the deep water, have shared
our fate— Gladly too would we have recieved them into our habitation.
The
Capt. intended doing it, if any were to be found— but alas, not one of the
crew could be seen— Their souls were ushered into the presence of their judge,
& perhaps their bodies devoured by monsters of the deep.
constant readiness for death.
0 the importance of
Feel the need of it, yet feel my unfitness.
0
may grace be given me in large supplies, to live solely to the glory of God.
My strength which has been quite prostrated is rather gaining.
in consequence of \omiting every day.
only in the morning.
afflication(!).
Yet I am weak
To day have kept down my dinner— vomited
Hope soon to be released entirely from this painful
�Dec.
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
1831
Page 6
My dear husband who has suffered from sea-sickness has nearly recovered—
His strength was very much reduced, yet his kindness & attention to me
were not slackened.
He often expressed a desire that I might recover,
without seeming to regard his own sufferings.
The Capt. & whole crew
were exceedingly kind to us during our sickness.
All that could be
furnished us was readily granted & provided for us all.
The Capt. & as many others on board as can conveniently,
attend morning & evening prayers.
I have been able to attend 3 or
4 of the last times— when we have sat upon deck.
Since I have been
upon the water I have not unfrequently dreamed of being at home (home
I shall ever delight to call my father's house, although the waters
of the Pacific roll between us).
Have dreamed of seeing my dear
Mother preparing food for me but before I was ready to take it
something would happen to prevent my eating it.
Often I have taken
a tumbler of American water in my hand which seemed the greatest
luxury I could enjoy, that too I did not drink.
Once being in a
state of extreme debility, I dreamed of being pillowed in my Mother's
Rocking-chair, with Mrs. Holmes standing by just ready to comb my hair
which was then quite a mat not having been combed for a week.
There
was no one but my sick husband to do it, & had there been, my strength
would not have been sufficient to endure it.
At length I could put
my head upon the board at the side of the birth long enough for my
husband to comb it a little.
The next day he combed it all back as
I still wear it,— though I now comb it myself.
little stronger I hope to comb it more decently.
When my arms are a
In my sleep my
friends seem often to admit relief to my wants— to cool my parched
tongue, &c.
�SECTION 2
At Sea
Dec. 23(?), 1831 - Dec. 24, 1831
Two unnumbered and incomplete pages relating to a Christmas
season on board ship.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
flew upon deck.
Dec. (?) 1831
Mr. A. caught it & had it cooked it for my breakfast.
was about the size of a brook trout.
the trout.
Page 1
It
The meat was very sweet, something like
We not unfrequently see a bird flying near* & hovering over the ship.
I cannot but hail them as the friends of my own dear country.
has dealt kindly with us.
He has provided kind friends who have furnished
many things for us that we could not have expected.
better than I expected.
Thus far God
Our food has been far
No serious accident has happened.
We are all by the
Goodness of God alive, & many of us comfortable.
Evening.
wife's cake.
I have had a fine luncheon to day on some of my Brother's
Mr. A. partook with me.
Dec. 24—
It was delicious indeed-I heated
We now feel the tropical sun.
upon us as it does in a hot summers day.
the Capt. has been to
busy to tell us.
The heat pours /fown/
The latitude I do not know, for
We have remained stationary &
probably shall tomorrow, which will be our Christmas day.
been caught & are now attached to the vessel.
2 whales have
Every heart seemed cheered
in the morning by the delightful prospect of catching one of thoes monsters
of the deep.
Their nearness is ascertained by their spouting the water.
ThB was discovered probably 3 miles distant.
The vessel was stopped & 4
boats lowered, the oars being in readiness, muffled, &c. & most of the crew
were soon hastening rapidly toward the spot, the boats appearing & disappear
ing as they were tost upon the waves.
near & at a distance from us.
There were whales in abundance, both
We were all gazing with intense interest upon
the scene yet occasionally a chill of horror came over me as /paper t o m / a
dangerous one.
call sport.
I feared some poor soul might be lost in the midst of what they
But God preserved them all & we have abundant cause for gratitude.
Now we shall be kindly supplied with oil which we have been wholly deprived.
Our scanty lights were from burning a little butter or lard.
enough to get into my birth by.
a small shark caught by the Capt.
I have had only
I have just been interrupted by many to see
They
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Dec. 24, 1831
cluster around the whales to drink the blood.
Page 2
They are about the size of
a large Porpus(t)of a kind different from the monsters we hear so much of being
much smaller & less voracious.
Tomorrow will be a busy sabbath with the sail
ors & we shall be strongly tempted to gratify curiosity.
us to resist it.
May grace enable
Will write more of the whale when I know more of it.
To
day have felt quite well, have been able to stand or sit by Mrs. Lyman &
fan her— for 2 days have not been sick.
hkd. in cold water.
Some of the ladies washed several articles but I had
not strength to do it.
washed one also.
The water was caught during the last rain.
Mr. A.
It is now eve & I am curled up upon the floor of my little
room, quite uncomfortable.
dim.
Yesterday was able to wash a pocket
Had a fine supper of mush.
My light of lard is
�SECTION 3
from Sea to Honolulu
May 1, 1832 - Nov. 23, 1832 (incomplete)
Reminiscences of friends and family are frequent throughout
this section.
The landing of the Averick in Rio de Janeiro provides a
number of fascinating descriptions of life in this unusual port in the
early 1800's, as well as a visit to the island of Juan Fernandes.
Life
on board ship, including problems with the crew, eating and living con
ditions, and the more uncomfortable conditions of seasickness are also
described here.
Finally, on Thursday, May 17, 1832, this fourth company of
missionaries arrived at the Sandwich Islands.
Hawaii, home on dry land,
and the meeting of Hawaiian royalty are discussed.
Clarissa's purpose in coming to Hawaii was to teach.
In July,
1832, Persis Thurston, daughter of missionaries Asa and Lucy Thurston,
wrote in her journal, "Mrs. Armstrong introduced the Infant School system,
& had occasional aid from Mrs. Alexander, Mrs. Lyons, Mrs. Tinker, Mrs.
Gulick, Mrs. Bishop & Mamma /Mrs. Thurston/.
children to sing.
Mrs. Armstrong told the
If they couldn't sing, they must make a noise.
So we
had a noise..."
On page 21 of this section. Clarissa talks about a fire, with
losses running up to $13t000.
Her estimate was a bit high.
Levi Chamber
lain, secular agent, wrote about the same fire in his journal of May 12, 1832,
with a little more accuracy:
"...The store house for lumber took fire this
evening through the carelessness of Mr. Abbott the carpenter who lodged in
the building and all the lumber stored in it whc. cost about $1200, was
consumed..."
Pages 23-48 are missing from this section.
Armstrong's first child, Caroline, was bom.
During this time, the
�May 1, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 31st, 1832 /probably May 1/.
Pacific Ocean.
Page 1
Latt. 72* - Long 121^.
Once more, through the goodness of a past and still under the kind protection
of an overruling providence, I am permited(!) to enjoy the sweet priviledge of
writing my dear friends.
It is a priviledge I think, that we do not feel
sufficiently grateful for, that there is a way provided whereby we can make
known to each other feelings, views and peculiarities of circumstances &c.
The art of writing we are too apt to contribute to the ingenuity of man, in
stead of ascribing all to the goodness of God, without whom nothing can be done.
Let us dear friends with thankful hearts, embrace every opportunity for
gratifying each other and ourselves in this way.
Although the wide waters
of the Pacific roll between us, we can hear from each other, and so extremely
solitious am I to hear from you, that I imagine letters of yours are
now on thdr way to me.
Do not wait for remarkable occurinces(!) before
you write me, but write everything— you know what I mean by this.
I
wish you would keep a journal, & often sketch things that you would not
otherwise think worth mentioning.
am far-far from those I love.
All would interest me, who like an exile
You can send by private conveyance to Boston,
as often as you desire, as men of business in your region often go there.
do entreat my parents to write me without delay.
I
Do not say I can not, for
I care not for the elegance of letters, if they come from those I love.
I
shall depend of R. & E.'s writing me & shall claim letters from Sally, who
is affectionately remembered,
I am extremely anxious to know whether you
are all professors of that religion, which I hope alone induced me to leare
�May
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
1, I832
Page
you all, to labor, toil and die in a land of strangers & barbarism.
Do not fail to inform me respecting this, and I do not indulge the
pleasing hope that the intelligence will be such as will give us
great joy.
Mr. A. & myself often speak of you with feelings of
deep interest, & our greatest anxiety is to know of your spiritual
welfare.
But we must wait patiently for the arrival of tidings from
friends, & perhaps never hear what we most desire.
till the judgment day.
We may never know
Above all things I do most earnestly entreat
of you to make all necessary preparations for death & the judgment.
In saying this to you, I am not without fears on my own account, lest
I should at last become a castaway.— The work is between ourselves and
God, therefore I say let us see to it without delay.----------------As I have not written a letter since we left Rio, & but little
in my journal, I will just go back there and tak:e my start.
I suppose,
notwithstanding my dream to the contrary, that you have recieved my
letters of 34 pages besides a single letter.
to Mrs. Williams.
Also a single letter
All from Rio. my letter that was sent last, was
finished by Mr. A. while I was at Mr. Rer's.
You learned from him
I suppose, something respecting myself, that in my letters was pur
posely concealed in order to prevent anxiety respecting me.
I feared
my dear Mother would feel quite anxious about the delicacy of my
situation, therefore did not intend making it known, till some future
time— I have said enough now, but probably before I send this, if my
life & health are spared I shall tell you something more, if not, you
will hear from others.
I feel much need of divine grace, and often
adopt the language of Hannah in the last part of the 11th ver.
�May
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
of the 1st chapt. of 1st Samuel.
1, 1832
Page
While I was at Mr. R.'s after Mr. A.
sent my last letter, I had a delightful ride horseback of which you have
not heard.
Well, I have already told you of our friend Mr. Wilson, who
left his business to escort me about the hills and valleys.
was there, but unable to ride.
Mrs. Lyman
Well, after breakfast I was mounted on
a new side-saddle, and galloping horse that Mr. R. had purchased for
his wife, and with Mr. Wilson on a mule by my right-side, we set off,
full gallop.
We rode over hills, through vallies, and winding paths
with often only room for one animal to pass at a time.
The wildness
& variety of scenery, together with the fragrance of the air, made
time pass rapid & pleasantly.
After passing a high hill, we came to
a valley, & after passing the ruins of a fortification, we made our
way to the beach, which was covered with very beautiful white sand,
which had been washed by the surf till it looked too nice to step
upon.
Mr. W. proposed riding through it, so on we went, our beasts
sinking in the sand nearly a foot at every step.
I was often left in
the rear, for it seemed as if the mule could travel through the hot
sand better than elsewhere.
I could not but wish that Mother & E. had
some of that fine sand to scour with.
Mr. W. I hare told you was pious,
& he was far from his friends, so we found enough to talk of, for be
assured that absent friends are never forgotten.
We could look too
"through nature up to nature's God"— Thus we chatted along, not unfrequently interrupted bylihe obstinacy of the mule.
When we were
ascending quite a steep place, Mr. W. would dismount in order to relieve
the beast of his burthen, but the foolish & obstinate creature would
not go forward, but stand still or go backward till
�May 1, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
his rider was on his back.
The animal was "obstinate as a mule."
Page 4
On
our return we met several black's with large baskets upon their heads,
filled with very fine pine apples.
Mr. W. got some, and when we came
to a cottage, got a knife & under a shade we enjoyed them.
seated upon my horse.
Our next course was to a botanic garden, owned
by a Mr. Harris of England.
friends.
I was still
Several N. American plants I met as old
Mr. Harris & sons are employed by the English government to
procure natural curiosities & the father was absent on such business,
I think, gone to the interior of Brazil.
and then left for home.
We saw several curiosities,
On our return, we passed through quite a
village & attracted no little attention from the villagers.
One
cause of this, was probably owing to my calico frock & calash, instead
of a long habit & man's hat ornamented with black feathers.
We should
have extended our ride, but in consequence of former illness I had be
come almost exhausted, so we galloped home, and were met at the great
black gate by the servants with the keys ready to let us in.
I was
satisfied with the ride without tiying the mule— for as soon as
possible I was on the bed, warm & tired.
has had a horseback ride in Rio.
you about Mr. R's cold bath.
occupied, stood a large tray.
only larger.
So you will say, our C.
I do not recollect whether I told
In one corner of the large chamber we
The same as mother's large bread trough,
In it was a large sponge, & when we wanted water the
servants filled a cask & water-pot, so we used it as we pleased— you
cannot think how muchie enjoyed it after w a g i n g 7 weeks in salt water,
of a few drops of fresh.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May
1, 1832
The manner of living I could not like, altho some things were very
good.
I thought a woman was needed very much, to direct, &c.
To
gratify my own appetite & please Mr. R. & W. I cooked a little.
Prepared some codfish as is veiy common with you, vis. soaked &
buttered— This seemed to please them being a new dish, but I thought
the fish & butter very poor.
delighted with.
I made some nut-cakes, that Mr. R. was
I made them without perlash, for they had nothing
of the kind & the servants did not know what it was.
The Rio
lard is poor indeed— is never tried til used.
While there, I ascertained the process of washing in Rio.
I have not told you.
I think
In the first place they get a quantity of
manure from a horse-stable and throw it into boiling water— let
it stand over night & then strain it.
in this water about 24 hours.
Then the clothes are soaked
Then soaked & r u t ^ d in clean water,
without any soap, then spread upon the grass or sand as is most
convenient, til ready to iron.
through with the process.
It requires a week or more to go
You may judge how the clothes looked.
Mr. R's wash woman brought home clothes when I was there, and through
Mr. W. I told her our manner of washing.
She seemed quite astonished
when I told her we frequently washed, starched & ironed in one day, &
that our clothes looked nice, or that we often did it in two half days.
She seemed quite pleased to learn from me, & I was not a little amused,
in hearing from her.
I saw at Rio a washing establishment, where
men, women & children were employed— it was too ridiculous, like many
Page 3
�May
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
other things to describe.
1, 1832
Page 6
I tell you many things that I would not
mention to others, neither would you hear them from any other source.
They will afford you some amusement.— There are many little things
that I intended telling you, but it is so long a time since they
took place, that I cannot recollect all.
Perhaps I have repeated what
I had before written, for I have been sick, & thought so little of it
since, that I am sure I do not know.
Our last visit at Mr. R's was pleasant— My dear husband was
rather ill, & we spent the night there.
Rather than have us go to the
ship in the evening, Capt. Hardie, our Baltimore friend insisted upon
calling for us in the morning with his boat & men.
So we bade adieu to
our hospitable friend Mr. Rer & to the shores of Botafogo, but not with
out some feeling of regret in prospect of never seeing him & his mansion
again.
I think our whole company will remember Mr. R-C & W. with much
gratitude & pleasure— I think I have told you about our visiting other
ships than. ours, & the kindness with which we met from officers &c.—
You will find in Stewart's journal accounts of the publik places we
visited, besides some more.
The Academy of Arts & sciences was shut
when it was convenient for us to have entered it.
The botanical gardens
of which he speaks we did not see, neither did we see the number of
slaves that he did, but we saw wretchedness enough.
The last time we
visited the city, was on St. Sebastian's day, when there was a great
parade, in displaying ornamented churches, & in chiming of bells.
The carpets of churches were strewed with cinnamon leaves, & the place
occupied by the priest was ornamented with vases of natural & artificial flowers.
�Journal, Elarissa Armstrong
The air was very fragrant.
May
1, 1832
People of all color & size came to worship
in their own way, & it seemed like such dreadful mockeiy, that I could
not bear to stay.
place it was.
We visited a monastery upon a hill, a most gloomy
In it we walked over slabs of marble that covered the
dead, passed through dark & gloomy rooms, & had some lovers mat In
some of the dark comers, or some novel like transactions taken place,
I could have imagined myself in the midst of scenery described in The
Children of the Abbey.
We found it necessary to purchase some articles
at Rio. that had been neglected vis some cloth for short coats for Mr.
A. &o. &c.
The prices of some things was unreasonable & coats were so
much so that I proposed making some myself.
We got light colored
doth for 3 roundabouts, & I have made one that sets quite well.
So you will perceive that I keep my old trade of making whatever
we need.
We purchased some dry-goods of which I intend to send you
samples.
Our fund
of money is nearly exhausted.
I intended to
have kept most of it till we reached the islands as I was told to
do, but could not conveniently do it.
Several causes detained us
several days at Rio, longer than we expected, one of which was the
sickness of our Captain, which occasioned no little anxiety on our
part.
Our anxiety was doubtless selfish, for we were convinced
that without him, our fare would be rather hard.
He recovered,
but not perfectly, till 3 or 4 weeks after we left.
For 3 or 4
mornings we were expecting to leave quite early, & several Capt.'s
came with their boats to accompany us a few miles, but were finally
disappointed.
Nr. Wilson came with peaches, Tamarind
Page 7
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May
1, 1832
Page 8
sauce, Gwaver (!) jally, cauliflowers pickled, pine apples, 3 bottles of ale,
2 of french brandy for sickness, sugar & several other things from Mr. Rer to
the ladies.
We were all ready to share them with our husbands.
Anley & some other pious friends came to our ship
with us & also to take leave of us.
Mr. W. Capt.
3 evenings to sing & pray,
Had our number been smaller, we should
have fared much better or should have been entirely away from our ship.
No
one family could entertain so many of u s .
Our Capt. boarded & stayed on shore the most of the time, & the crew
were permitted to go each in his turn.
I do not think that from the oldest
sailor, down to our cabin boys, there was one (to speak in short) that did
not get drunk.
John, one of our boys, together with an Indean, were imprisoned.
The latter remains there yet probably.
We do not know what they were taken for.
John said for nothing, & the keepers gave some trifling reason.
When John re
turned, his head was more abundantly than ever supplied with live creatures.
I learned one thing that I had not suspected of our kind Capt., vis. that the
curse of those who follow strong drink rests upon him.
It pains me to say it—
& I fear the habit will soon be confirmed, & he^ lost forever.
He has not, as
we have seen, been intoxicated, but sometimes feels quite merry.
good & kind to us all, that we cannot but love him.
He is so
As soon as he learned
that our cabin boys were saucy & disobedient to us during his absence, he whipped
them severely, & was soi^y that he had not known it before.
John is a very
ugly boy, & the Capt. can keep him regular only by applying the rope.
His
father sent him to sea because he was unmanageable at home.
The crew was
different after we left Rio from what we had ever seen them
but now our
feelings are less tried.
We haye learned that they are very profane, but
not in the Capt's presence.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
1, I832
May
Page 9
Capt. S. says that officers of ships dread going to port because it makes
the sailors behave as badly.
After we left Rio. he said he believed no one
ever had a more drunken crew than his— he did not know but they would rise in
rebellion against him.
He was quite tried with them, but still maintained
his station with a mild firmness, & now all goes well.
Rio. on the 4 of Feb. /I832/.
May 7th.
Latt. 14.
After saying we left
I must stop---------
Long— 132.
Mr. A. and myself have just finished our morning exercise of reading
several chapters in the bible, with explanations from him.
Never did I so much
see the need of bible knowledge, never saw so much excellency in it, partic
ularly the historical parts— never did I see myself so ignorant of the contents
of that holy book. We have resolved to make it a study through life.
Should
our lives be prolonged many years, may we continue happy in each other & be
made useful servants in the Lord's vineyard---After the operation of a dose of salts (which is quite a common mess
to me) I feel quite well.
Have just been thinking how I should enjoy a dinner
with Father, Mother & Sally, of cow-slips, my favorite greens.
I am sure you
will remember me when eating them.--- You will perceive from my date, Latt.
&c.--- that we are near the place of our destination.
order, painted &c., for entering port.
The/ship^is nearly in
2 small cannon are all ready to warn
the people of our arrival, as is the usual custom on entering port.
The miss,
are probably expecting us, as they are doubtless informed of our embarkation,
by a ship which left Boston 4 weeks before we sailed.
We expect to land at
Honorura, Isl. of Oahu.
Now I will skip back again to a few brief sketches in my journal.
Feb. 3 days from Rio.
The weather has
�May 7 , 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
been calm, & we have moved slowly.
Feb. 12th
Latt 36 .
Page 10
Have been sick a very little.—
Temp. ? L
The old habit of vomiting has returned again, but not quite so violent as
before.
I have found french brandy the best remedy.
One swallow of it
has often prevented vomiting but it burned my throat prodigiously.
The
peculiarity of my situation causes some anxiety, & requires some care.
Distressed & pained as I often am, my lot would seem hard, were it not
so ordered by our heavenly father.
In times of distress, I can look
away to Calvary, to the scene of a suffering Savior, & then with gratitude
exclaim why are my sufferings so light.
If I were afflicted according to
my transgressions, it often seems that I should at once sink under it.
I
need more patience & holy resignation to the will of God.
It was proposed in Boston & N. Bedford, that those who had state
rooms should exchange them for birth's in the cabin, when we should have
gone half way to the Islands.
This is somewhat trying to me, as it will
doubtless increase sickness, by the addition of the fore & aft motion of
the ship.
But I must go, (or be thought selfish) & risk the consequences.
I must cheerfully submit to inconveniences.
the blessings that I do enjoy.
I know I do not deserve half
I often feel that I deserve the everlast
ing displeasure of God, & 0 it is through his mercy alone that I dare to
hope for pardon.
me.
The sins & follies of my youth rise up & almost overwhelm
I must have been exceedingly hateful in the sight of God, & in the
sight of my parents.
If my life could be recalled, I feel as if I should
live in such a manner as to need less forgiveness from my parents & my
God.
But "the heart is exceedingly deceitful above all things."
�May 7, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 11
The weather is now quite cool & reminds me of N . England autumn
when people are preparing for winter.
I often think of my father's warm
fireside, & they,/my parent^ I suppose as often think of me.
The
clear blue sky & waning moon, reminds me of the delightful evenings
I have spent in that dear land.
That azure sky which overspreads
the
heads of my friends, & the moon that I so dearly love to gaze upon &
associate with former scenes, may perhaps shed her pure rays upon the
graves of my dear parents.
But I picture to myself other scenes, such
as my parents in as good health as when I left them, & with Sally's
company, far happier than when I left them.
Happier I say, for I
imagine that morning & evening they assemble around the family altar,
& live in the constant enjoyment of our heavenly Father's presence.
I am
sure Clarissa & her dear husband will not be forgotten in those hours of
devotion.
I have often thought how painful it would be for Mr. A. & myself
to be separated by death, & as often think it may soon be the case, we are
so much inclined to idolatry.
enable us to overcome.
This is a sin, that I hope grace will
I sometimes think, my time here will be short,
that the termination of my present situation will end my existence, but
it is enough for me to know that I am in the hands of the Lord.
Now I must leave my writing to eat some of Mother's dried apples.
A few that I brot in a pillow-case, & how delightful to eat anything from
home.
We are bearing on fast to the cape.
l$th
Latt. about 41. Temperature 63 .
Have been & still am quite distressed with sea-sickness.
The last 3 days we
have remained about stationary, being opposed in our progress by strong head
winds.
Mrs. Chapin is quite sick with a bowel complaint.
have had a touch of it since we left Rio. probably
Most of our number
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 7, 1832
in consequence of drinking water & eating fruit.
Page 12
Calomel relieved me.
A. was quite sick a few days, but recovered perfectly.
Mr.
My stomach is so weak,
that I cannot retain food any time scarcely.
Our food is too hearty.
sanguine & crackers suits me tolerably well.
To day a little peach-sauce
relishes well.
Brot a few dried peaches from Penn.
Feb. 22.
are quite sick.
Weak
More rapidly.
Mrs. Emerson, Chapin, Spaulding, & Lyons
Mrs. C's case, rather alarming.
so little & seldom, is because of sickness.
Scarcely a day passes without
my vomiting & suffering much pain otherwise.
March 6th near Staten land.
The reason of my writing
Sit up a very little.
This morning washed myself in snow.
The pleasing associations connected with this made it truly delightful.
made me think of home, of which I dream almost every night.
is about 32 in our birth.
in a continual bend.
It
The temperature
When writing my stomach is quite sore from sitting
We are in the cabin, & have to climb about 3 feet to
get into our birth, & often there is such a rocking, that we have to hold
on with all our might.
So much climbing I fear will injure me, for it often
seems as if my weak frame could not endure it.
March 29.
Latt 30.
Long 196.
Now in stght of Massafuero.
Our
passage of about 16 days around the cape has been very short & favorable.
No severe storms or boisterous winds for that region; we had a small cooking
stove for our comfort & convenience.
The dead lights were closed, & we had
no lights in the cabin except from lamps.
In about 10 days I was unable to
leave my birth, was very seasick, besides having a violent head-ache, & much
other pain.
Took medicine almost every day.
I cannot describe to you my
sufferings upon the water, & will leave the subject.
for a moment & sent in much mercy.
to read so little.
Afflictions are but
I regret very much that I have been able
My next date will take us on to the last of March.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
March 31st.
To day we are lying near Juan Fernandes.
day, calm & warm.
Selkirk.
May 7, 1832
Page 13
A most delightful
Our husbands have gone to the celebrated residence of A.
Our boats are constantly going to & from the Island, but our hus
bands do not return for us & we are contented to remain on the ship.
have had chocolate with milk in it for dinner.
bread & butter, which has been our dinner.
We
0 how palatable with warm
The Governor has sent us 4 bottles
of cow's milk as good as any I ever tasted in N. England,
(it was not like
Rio milk, made of chalk, water & a little milk with them.)
He also sent a
few apples that were brought from Chili.
The apples were fine.
I had a
little bread & milk in a teacup, with some peach from the Island in it.
how delightful it was.
It was more than I ever expected to enjoy upon the ocean.
Sabbath eve— On our way again.
pork & string beans.
share with me.
0
Have had a fine dinner to day, of fat
I thought of my dear friends and vainly wished them to
It is not our custom to have much cooking done on the sabbath,
but to day had our beans cooked to save them.
I had the pleasure of seasoning
them, as I have been mistress of ceremonies in my turn the last week, such as
pouring tea & coffee, directing the cookery, & perhaps making a pudding occa
sionally.
The cabin was cleaned last Monday, & the dead lights taken out, so
we could inhale the fresh air once more.
Monday April 2d.
My health has been quite comfortable.
On Saturday about sunset our husbands returned
from Juan, bringing as many good things as they could find.
During thar
absence Capt. Merchant of ship friendship, from Fairhaven, who has been
sailing near us 8 weeks.
He sent our Capt. some crockery, such as plates,
platters, cups & saucers &c.
This was very acceptable as our table fumature(!)
was almost exausted(!), not having a plate & cup apiece.
ate from one broken plate.
Two of us often
Our stove was recruited at Rio, but
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May ?, 1832
was unfortunate enough to get broken.
to our ship for oil.
the Governor of Juan.
Larien.
Page 13 (continued)
Captain Merchant had before sent
Our Capt. & husbands were very kindly received by
He is a Chilian by birth by the name of Joseph
He speaks a little english, but conversed with our company
through an interpreter, who resides there for the purpose of taking seals.
Our company dined with the Gov. on ham (imported from N. America), fried
eggs, fresh bread, very good butter, & excellent lettuce.
was their drink.— poor wine, but very good water.
about a year.
Wine & water
Gov. L. has been there
When told that there were females on board the ship, he
seemed quite desirous of seeing us, & wished to have us sent for, to go
to his house— but as we were to sail as soon as Capt. Swain returned,
the time was too short for us to go.
Mrs. E. S. & C. could not have
gone, being confined to their birth's as they had been for several
weeks.
After dinner the Gov. took an excursion with our Capt. &
husbands into the mountains, where they saw caves dug into the sides
of the mountains, for the confinement of convicts sent there for
various crimes from Chili.
The Island at present seems to be a
place devoted to the banishment of criminals.
Of these there are
130 . & nearly all of them were on the mountains in pursuit of wild
goats.
Some of the caves were 120 ft. long, & perhaps 20 ft. high.
In one of those Mr. A.
�May 7, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
says he saw a blacksmith at work, which was a ludicrous
Page
sight indeed,
the whole aparatus partaking of the character of the early ages of the
world, when civilization was in its infancy, & the arts were unknown.
Another cave was used as a carpenter's shop, but as in the former every
thing was in a rude state.
One cave was occupied as a Chapel.
In it were
a few crosses, candlesticks & I think there are 3 priests, but not a bible
on the isjand.
In some of the caves were a few women & children.
After leaving the Gov. they traveled over mountains, through
valleys in search of fruit.
good clingstones.
things they found.
Peaches are very abundant, and were pretty
Our husbands did not forget to bring us of the good
The peaches I enjoyed very much.
They brought us
quinces, which were quite good— also herbs, such as /Illegible/, spearmint,
balm, &c.
Dr. Chapin got some peaches for our company, so we have had
some peach pies, sauce, & dumplin.
me, that I enjoyed very much.
Mr. A. got 2 fine white radishes for
Boiled the tops & had a little mess of
greens. So when I was eating greens, you were probably shivering with
cold.-- I intend sending you some peach-stones, & radish seed from Juan.
I regret that Mr. A. did not get some onion & lettuce seed, that I might
send you some.
Onions are very large & fine.
The plants of Juan are
very large, the soil being a rich black loam; the sides of the mountains
were covered with a variety of beautiful foliage.
Sandalwood was formerly
very abundant, but now only a few dry sticks remain.
Our company ob
tained one stick of the Gov. & divided it amongst themselves.
Since
then the Capt.'s turning lathe has had full employ, & even before it
had little rest.
Some of the brethren have been turning trinkets of
sandal-wood to send their friends— such as salt cellars, an inch high
or less, pin boxes, &c.— & each of themselves a sand. box.
I have
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 7, 1832
Page 14 (continued)
several little salt-cellars that I intend to distribute among my friends—
Of course Mother, Elizabeth & Sally will have the first choice.
The wood
& place from where it came, together with the distance & many other cir
cumstances connected with it, I think, will make you value such a little
affair.
There are good Irish potatoes in abundance there, but some are
quite small.
Should you see me devour a dozen of them at a meal, you
would not call me a gormandizer— as you might if I should eat that number
at home.
Some of them are of a pretty
small walnuts.
good size, & some no larger than
There are also plenty of beans, pumpkins, cabbages, peas,
figs, &c. but a manifest want of cultivation.
Capt. Merchant who was
there several years ago, says things are degenerating fast.
are less abundant, & dearer.
Vegetables
Onions are 8 cts each— potatoes from 3 to 4
dollars per bushel— There are cows, sheep, hogs, goats, both wild & tame—
asses, mules, & fine fowls, also pigeons in abundance.
Capt. S. got a few
fowls, for something less than usual price, which is one dollar each.
3 cts. each.
Eggs
A few were got for our sick ones.
The whole number of inhabitants is 388— 73 females— 103 prisoners,
43 soldiers— 2 officers— over one hundred farmers &c.
They appear to be
inaolent & dirty, go with unshaven beards & filthy clothes.
There are
only 23 houses or huts made of poles &c— &they stand near each other in
the town of St. John the baptist, the only town there.
The highest
mountain is 4 or 3<000 ft. above the level of the sea.--
�May 7 , 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
The whole Island is a
Page
cluster of mountains, composed of red
stone trap & Basalt.
April 5th— We are sailing at the rate of 10 knots an hour,
towards our destined home— For several days our variety of fresh pro
visions & fruits seem to have revived us, but alas I fear there is too
much ingratitude in our hearts— 0 the hardness & wickedness of my own
heart.
I feel unfit to carry the message for which I am sent.
"0 for
a closer walk with God."
April 18th; Latt 3-
N<
Long-103.
To day have passed a whaling ship from N . Bedford— ship from
Sima Capt. Winslow.
All were eager to speak to dear friends at home
again & embraced the opportunity.
Though we had but a moment to write—
could only say we were pretty well & still prospered in our voyage.
I
was rather ill that day, & when it was said, "Sail ho" & that we could
send home, I sunk on my pillow for a moment overwhelmed, & burst into
tears.
Not that I wished to return to my native land, but a certain
something— perhaps a thought of my parents rushed into my mind, & over
cast it with a melancholy that I had not power to suppress.
However, in
a moment I was calm again.
I have written a brief description of Juan, because I think
you will hear more from another source.
Mr. A. is going to send a des
cription of the Island to Philadelphia, for the Presbyterian, a paper for
which he is to write.
I have desired him to request the Editor to send
you one paper containing it.
You will also see (if it reaches the board
of Missions), a joint letter of our company, to the Capt.
One is to be
given to Capt. S. & a precise cqpy of the same sent to the board.
Mr.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 18, 1832
Alexander has written it & we all sign it.
Page 13 (continued)
Also a letter to the board
of M. containing a brief account of our voyage you will probably see
in the Herald.
May 9th Latt 16=9— Long 139-
Temp, in birth 73—
I have just been looking over what I have written, & had I
time, conveniences & strength, would send it in a better form, & written
more
inteligibly.
But I shall venture to transmit it to you, confiding
in your willingness to overlook such mistakes, as you well know I have,
in former times, been guilty of.
If you cannot read my writing, just
bring it to the Sandwich's, & my cabin door (if I have one) shall be
open for your reception, & I will not only read, but tell a thousand
things that I cannot afford to write.
Mr. A. & myself have often talked
of you, & frequently imagine how happy we should be, if so situated as to
recieve our parents as members of our family.
Sally should not be rejected—
I do not know til since I left home how much I loved her.
But as a thorn is
conseded in every rose, if we were so situated, something would doubtless
mar our enjoyment.
I cannot be with them, & here too, & with all the
prospects of future felicity there, & of trials & privation in the land
to which I am going, I would not desire to change my course.
You do not
know how many painful emotions, sleepless nights, & tears the separation
of myself from parents & other friends has cost me, & that before I left
my native land.
Few nights have passed since our embarkation, that somnus
has not carried me to my mother.
I dream of her more than any other one.
Father & Sally— R. &. E. are often present— I seldom dream anything un
pleasant respecting you all.
We often talk together of my voyage, &
once I told you quite a story of Rio.
I have in my dreams, rode in
father's old wagon with mother, have rode the old horse, seen the cows
& sheep & all about the farm, & enjoyed it well.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May $, 1832
Page
Not unfrequently have I enjoyed a visit in Mother's buttery— & the cellar,
has accommodated me too with good things from the cupboard.
you know I cannot forget, whether awake or asleep.
The apples
You will begin to
say that I am looking back to the "leeks & onions", but remember it is
when I am in the embraces of somnus.
I once dreamed of returning after
an absence of several years, & on entering the home I left, strange
faces were before me, and all wore a new aspect— & then I thought— "They
have changed it all at my early home
The hearth where I used to sit,
And the threshhold where the moonbeam's come,
Are troden by other feet."
And there was still a deeper change, for my parents were gone to their
graves & as I walked from room to room I saw some of Mother's furniture
scattered around, but neither parents or Sally were to be seen, in the
anguish of my soul, while tears were fast rolling down my cheeks, I
exclaimed, 0 that I was far away from this forsaken gloomy cottage.
My
mind was so clouded with melancholly, that I soon awoke & rejoiced to
find it was a dream.
Should an opportunity be offered me to return,
when my parents were no more, & my dream could be realized, I should say
let me rather die on some barbarous Isle of the Pacific, than realize the
sad emotions of a visit to a desolate, forsaken home.
But if my "Master's
call should make the duty plain", then I would go fearlessly.
Possibly I
may be required to pass through the same scenes I have described, if so I
am ready to go at any time.
I hope ill health will not occasion a return.
I am hoping
that a change of air, diet, & room for exercise will give me better health.
Although I have been severely afflicted with sickness (which has doubtless
been greatly increased by another cause), yet I have great cause for
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May $, 1832
gratitude that I have no seated disease.
Page 16 (continued)
We have had an uncommon share
of sickness on board, aside from S...sk. /i.e. sea-sickness/---Mrs. Lyman
was brought very low with a bilious fever.
her case was quite alarming.
The first part of our voyage---
She is now one of our most healthy ones.
Mrs. Chapin, Spaulding & Emerson, have been dangerously sick, & without
medical aid, it seems that we must have been separated from them.
The
other females were ill more or less, & could do but little for the sick.—
so that husbands had to be nurses— & they proved to be pretty good ones.
They in turn did the watching.
Sometimes one would watch with two sick
ones, & keep going from cabin to stateroom constantly.
We should doubt
less have been more comfortably situated had our number been smaller, yet,
rather than go in a ship without a physician, I would try to submit to
the same again.
pounds.
The other day we were weighed.
I have lost several
You never saw me as thin in flesh as I am now.
Now I can read,
write or sew but a short time without lying down to rest.
When I can do
it without holding on, or being in danger of falling, I sit or lie on the
transum by our birth.
Sometimes I am obliged to lie down, to prevent my
bones & the board from coming in contact.
quite a relief to us in sitting.
Our camp-stools & cloaks are
I would exercise more than I do which
would be far better for me, but the vessel rocks so much that I am in danger
of falling.
I seldom walk without hanging on to my husband's arm.
Fortunately
I have not caught a fall yet, but I am sure you would laugh to see me walk
as I do like a drunken man, catching hold of whatever happens to be nearest
me.
Others make a bad work of it, as myself.
We have had some ludicrous
scenes indeed, which afforded us no small amusement.
I dare not use many
sailor phrases, lest you should think me one of the number.
There are a
few, however, that I think we shall never forget, some of which I may
mention.
During a storm (not violent) or whenever the vessel rocks, something
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
often happens to make sport.
May 9, 1832
Page 16 (concluded)
Once a plate of fried pork with all
the grease fetched away, onto Mr. Emerson's lap & soiled his pantaloons
somewhat.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 9, 1832
Page 17
Perhaps the tea-pot or coffee-pot would tip over, & those upon
the lee side of the ship were obliged to bestin /i.e. bastion/ themselves
to prevent a scalt from the hot tea or coffee that had already drenched our
table cloth.
Here I would tell you what for a looking thing that cloth is,
if I could give you a good description.
about it.
But I will tell you something
It was once I suppose, unbleached cotton cloth, as it somewhat
resembles that in some places, when it is washed, which is seldom.
Its
general complexion resembles a cloth greased in spots, stained & kicked
about in the dirt, too filthy I once should have thought for the pigs to
lie upon.
Its perfumery answers to its complexion.
Unless some of us
see to it, it is wraped like a dish-cloth instead of folding.
The dishes
are washed in salt water, & never wiped till set on the table for use, & then,
if you could see the wiping cloth!!!
The knives, forks & spoons, never used
to be washed or scoured, only wiped on a piece of dirty sail cloth, that
the boy found under foot or just where he could get it.
bright & clean, only the wiping cloth!
Now that are kept
Dr. Chapin has gradually produced
something of a reformation in regard to neatness, but the Steward & boys are
too wise to be taught much, so we get along somehow.
You know it would not
do for us to complain much, if we would live peaceably among ourselves, &
with others.
I trust.
Here I am happy to say that we are all united, & of one heart
In many respects we have been far more comfortable than I expected
we could be on board ship.
Wherein we have not, I need not tell you all—
enough for us to know-----
Since we passed the cape we have had very good
bread most of the time, generally warm.
had enough of it.
Our butter has kept well, & we have
The ship was to furnish us with vegetables, so we had nothing
tut some poor potatoes.
But have had Indean rice, flour, or sea-bread pud
dings in abundance, with butter, sugar & Molasses enough.
have some roast potatoe that relished well.
Sometimes the water has been
pretty bad, but with something in it goes tolerably well.
of cider were put up for u s , which with
When sick could
Several boxes
�Nay 9, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
water was very good.
Page 17 (continued)
We have now very nice ham & dried beef, good pot.
& beef— beef tongue & Mackerel.
Dried apples were put up for us, but they
have not been found, as nothing was packed in order.
We borrowed a few of
the ship, but they scarcely tasted like dried apples.
I still wish that I
had brought some from home, for our own use on the Isl.
speaks of the excellency of Elizabeth's mince-pyes.
making them.
sure.
Mr. A. frequently
Thinks she excells in
E. you will value a compliment from so great a distance I am
E. I will tell you how our steward makes dumplins sometimes.
He
made one for the mates, & when they came to eat it, Mr. Chadwick cut off
a piece, & in attempting to get some apple with it, pulled out the whole,
for they were boiled on the string.
his cooking.
This is only a little specimen of
I suppose we have much more filth on board a whale
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
ship than any other.
May 9, 1832
Page 18
We have had much less filth the last part of the voyage
than we had at first, & I find we can bear it much better.
You cannot con
ceive how my stomach used to heave at the very things I must eat or go hungry.
I do not say this to complain, only to give you a faint idea of the contrast
in my situation & yours.
The resolutions we formed before we left our
country we have been enabled to keep-- & harmony on board has been the
result.
Again I rejoice to say that we are near* our place of destination,
& harmony pervades our breasts.—
But I have not told you much about our fetching away.
Well,
sometimes the vessel rocked so that half a dozen males & females were
clustered up in one corner of the cabin, treading on each other's toes,
reaching for something to hold by.
The table is fastened to staples in the
floor, & holding onto that prevents many a fall.
Sometimes a quick motion
of the ship has brot some of the brethren prostrate on the floor, to the no
small amusement of our company.
One morning, Mr. Forbes was shaving himself,
when the first he knew, he was out from behind his curtain, in his shirt
alone, on his hands & feet on the cabin floor.
many a fall.
Dr. Chapin is lame, & has
He once stewed a few peaches that he got at Juan, for sauce
for his sick wife, & set them upon a little shelf he had put up near the
head of the birth, thinking them secure.
Soon a sudden rock of the ship
tost them on her face, as she lay in the birth & caused quite a blister.
Vessels of liquid matter had to be well secured, or the whole contents were
emptied into the birth.
Once while several of our number had commenced
worship of the sabbath on deck, a large wave broke over the side of tire
ship, in the midst of their singing, which produced quite a scattering.
Some of them came down drenched in salt water.
If I were to see you I
could tell still queerer things that are not worth sending so far.
The Capt. always attends prayers, but the crew do not.
Several
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 9, 1832
Page 18 (continued)
of them are usually present during worship on the sabbath & sabbath
evening.
Some of the brethren have 2 bible classes at the forecastle
every sabbath.
A pretty good number attend.
There is one real old infidel
whom we think is an injury to the crew, in religious affairs.
There has
been no religious excitement on board that we know of— yet we have some
times thought Capt. S. did not feel quite easy in his present situation.
Mr. Chadwick, the first mate has had considerable ill health, & at times
appeared quite anxious, as we have suspected.
We do hope & pray that the
good word has been sown in their hearts, & will yet spring up, & yield
fruit to the glory of God.
If we labor years without witnessing any good
from our labors, yet we must not be discouraged.
Read Ellys' /i.e. Ellis
Polynesian researches, & you will see the perseverance & patience that is
required of a missionary.
Those books (3 volumes) will give you a more
full account of Miss. & the Islands of the Pacific than Stewart does.
A. says he hopes you will not fail to get them.
missions.
Mr.
Also Swan's letters on
We are very anxious to know how you feel now on the subject of
Missions— we wish you to write all about it.
Do— do— write particulars
of all you know would interest me of temporal & spiritual things.
The
latter I hope we shall be permitted to talk of soon to each other, in
the world of spirits.
I forgot to request you to send me the Westfield
papers, from the time I left home.
To you they are not valuable, neither
were they to me, when with you, but now they will be, as I could gather
general information from them of affairs in that region.
Indeed the
paper itself will be of use to us, being rather scarce at the Isl.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 9, 1832
Page 19
The Springfield papers, or any that you would send us, would be very
gratefully recieved.
If it would not be asking too much I would be
very glad if you would send me a journal of matters
if it should be brief.
if time is to
& things, even
I presume you will plead a want of time, but
short for your labors, what can you expect of a missionary.
There may be things that I shall need from home— If so, I shall not
hesitate to tell my parents,
them.
& they can act their pleasure about sending
I do not know what our fumature is yet, neither do I know that it
is not spoiled.
packed.
Many things have been injured for want of being well
After we unpack— I will give you some directions about sending
things so far, even if you never do it.
sionaries.
first.
It may benefit some other Mis
Things may be sent safely to the Isl— s. if well secured at
We have some boxes of clothing on board, together with other things,
sent by friends to individual missionaries, which are nearly spoiled, merely
through ignorance in packing.
Merely a wooden box is not sufficient.
water & air must be excluded, and all will be safe.
Water tight casks,
fir things that may be injured by air & damp, are by far the best.
tell you more about these things another time.
about Mr. A.'s bedstead.
The
Will
Now I must just tell you
Instead of a door, he has fixed a board, so that
one end rests on the transum, & the other upon one leg.
bedstead with one leg only.
So he sleeps on a
This is for warm & calm weather.
just wide enough for one to sleep in very comfortably.
The birth is
The Capt. often comes
around to each birth in the morning & says, My son "come out here," or "it
is time for you to look at the rigging."
seen him otherwise.
He is always pleasant— have never
One morning when we were off the cape, he came near
our birth, & reached around the curtain a large snow-ball.
some of it, & then too I thought of home.
in snow.
It was reviving.
I took & eat
The same morning we all washed
No whales have been caught since those I told
�May 9, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
you of, though some have been seen.
Page 19 (continued)
I did not tell you that the Gov. of
Juan, proposed our stopping on the Isl. with him a while, & he would send
us on in his ship.
It was not best for us to accept the invitation.
Here
I am saying things that I might not think of again, or should not have
time to mention when we arrive at the Isl.
We may have an opportunity
to send our letters, immediately after our arrival —
will be ready.
our voyage.
at all events, we
If we do not, we shall have enough to write about besides
One or two things more & I have done for the present, for we
must make arrangements for landing.
I would like to know how my portrait
suits, where it is, just where it hangs, is it framed &c.
finished.
Was my miniature
Wish I had father's, Mother's, Elizabeth's & Sally's profiles.
It affords me much pleasure to look at Reubens.
I recollect Mother's
saying one time that ministers would not send their children on missions.
One of our number is the only daughter of a minister.
Ursula Newel /Mrs. Emerson/ of Nelson New Hampshire.
my age.
I presume Father knows her father.
Fouthington Conn. was his native place.
has preached in Nelson 3? years.
Her name was
She is about
His name is Gad Newel,—
Is about my father's age.
He
I mention this because I think father
would like to hear of an old friend, as I presume he was.
Our singing
& meetings have continued as I told you-- We have 2 female meetings a
week.
One hour each.
Don't know as I shall write any more till we land.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 13 —
May 13! 1832
This is my birth day.
Page 20
0 the changes, changes that have
taken place in relation to me since my last birth day.
Then, I was skipping
about the city of N. York, not suspecting what changes were so near me.
Now I am upon the trackless ocean, far from my native home, & near the
land whither we are going.
What will be the changes of another year, is known
only to him who knoweth all things.
Enough for me to know the present.
may I rely upon God, who alone can keep me from falling.
in the strength of God, begin a more holy life.
0
0 may I this day
The present emotions of
my soul I cannot describe, as we are hourly expecting the cry of "land ho",
to burst forth from some of the crew.
The land we expect to see, is Oaho—
yesterday & today we have all been quite busy in packing to land.
0 may
the spirit of the Lord go with, & ever accompany us.
May 21st /I 832/ — Mission house at Honorura—
Well my dear friends, my desires are granted in part— I am on
heathen ground surrounded by thousands of natives & now I want to labor
among them.
I desire to be able to tell them the way of salvation & point
them to the Savior who taketh away the sins of the world.
Now I will go back a few days, as this is the first I have written
since we landed.
from the deck—
On the morning of the 16th we heard the cry of "land ho"
All who were able, ran upon deck, & saw something that
looked like a distant cloud which we supposed to be Owyhee.
to be Maui.
It proved
We passed Moroki & at evening came in sight of Oaho,— lay to
til morning, & before light passed diamond point, & when we arose, had the
pleasure of gazing upon H----.
It gave me sensations which I cannot describe.
Early in the morning, our American flag was seen from the mission house, &
immediately after breakfast, several of the miss, brethren came to our
ship, vis. Mr. Whitney, Green, Dibble, Ruggles &c.
It was a joyful,
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
tut affecting meeting.
May 21, 1832
Page 20 (Continued)
They brought with them some very fine water-melons.
This treat we enjoyed well.
Our trunks were ready, & ourselves to land.
A pious whale capt. came with his boats, & we were soon at the wharf,
where hundreds of natives had assembled to welcome us.
I had supposed
they were most of them decently clad, but many of them were nearly naked,
with only a blanket of native cloth, or a shirt to cover their nakedness.
Before we left the ship they surrounded the ship, with their little
canoes, saying to us "aloha" (love to you), with a very pleasant smile.
We soon learned to return the
salutation.
pleasure of meeting Mr. Bingham & others.
At the wharf we had the
Hundreds of natives had
assembled on the wharf to see us-as we got out of the little boat &
steped(!) upon land the poor nearly naked creatures gathered around us
to shake hands, constantly repeating "aloha".
I was somewhat shocked
at seeing some of them although their external appearance is far better
than when the first missionaries arrived.
naked. -----
But few of them were entirely
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 21, 1832
Page
Some of the females rode in a waggon to the mission house,
others walked.
The distance being short, I rode— we were drawn by
natives, who seemed almost overjoyed to see us.
From grey headed old
men to children, were running by the sides of the wagon, & the street
was filled /on/ each side with natives bowing & welcoming our arrival
with smiles & salutations of native language.
We were soon at the mission
house where Mr. Chamberlin resides, the secular agent— This is a large
two story house, built of coral, with glass windows & plaistered walls.
It is not completed, & probably will not be very soon, as the Miss, met
a very serious loss, the Saturday night previous to our arrival.
The
old mission house, containing all the lumber owned by the Miss, was
burned to ashes.
to the board.
The loss is estimated at least at 13,000 dollars,
To us who are here, the loss is much greater.
The house
was a native one, and caught fire from a lamp which the carpenter was
using— He is not thought to be careless-- The native houses b u m easily,
& very quickly.
All the lumber that the board sent a short time before
our embarkation was consumed.
Well, we came here, & were very kindly
welcomed by several of the Miss, ladies.— The miss, are collecting from
the different Islands for the general meeting, & we see many more of them
than we other wise should.
After we had all assembled, we sang a hymn &
offered thanks to God for his goodness unto us.
Our meeting was truly
affecting— every heart seemed full, & almost every eye was wet with
tears.
It called fresh to my memory, the parting scenes with dear friends
in America— a subject that always gives me pain.
heard of here 3 months after we left N. E —
Our embarkation had been
by means of conveyance across
the continent.— So we were expected, & arrangements were made for our
accommodation.
Mr. Alexander & Lyman with their wives, Mr. A. & myself
remain at the mission house, others are scattered in other Miss, families,
�May 21, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
& all very comfortably situated.
Alexander one joining it.
May 28th.
Page 21 (continued)
We are to occupy a large chamber &
Will tell you more another time.
I have been so busy from
unpacking, airing & repacking
my things & for want of strength have worked so slowly, that I have not
written at all.
The friday morning after our arrival all of us who were
able, called upon the King, Queen, &c, &c.
We first went to the King's
& were first introduced to Kauikeaouli (the King) who was dressed in
military similar to American style.
Blue broadcloth coat, &c.— The next
introduction was to Kekauluohe & Kekauonohi, wives of the former King,
alos Liliha wife of Boki.
The King is about 18— looks quite young & is
rather genteel— The females were quite fleshy — should think they had
never seen corsets.
One was dressed in red & green changable silk, red
bel t ribbon, & a collar of french work— hair done up in puffs, with combs
like our own.
Another had on purple silk & fancy hkd.
Another purple silk
trini^ed with blue flounces, & a large white cotton shall thrown about her.
The females all had on thick-soled leather shoes.
The native house was
large, & I need not describe it particularly as you have read of them.
The ground was covered with native mats, & the chairs were mostly wooden
like American chairs, except the King's which was rather superior.
tell what it was— I suppose brot from China.
I cannot
We were very cordially recieved
with a hearty shake of the hand from each, & the King welcomed us as messengers
of the Gospel of Christ, to his nation.
Said without Miss.-- his people would
not be enlightened & taught the way of salvation.
friendly to the Miss.
Bingham as interpreter.
He is not pious, but very
It fell to Mr. A.'s lot to address him through Mr.
The next place we
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
called
May 28, 1832
was at Queen Kaahaumanu's (!).
recovery is very doubtful.
& to the Missionaries.
Page 22
She was quite ill & still is— her
Her death would be a very great loss to the nation,
She is a mostdevoted Christian, & views her sickness
with a calm resignation.
She was sitting in a large rocking-chair, with a
white loose gown on, white crape cap & thick leather shoes.
She gave us each
a very affectionate shake of the hand, & was affected to tears when she saw
us.
She could say but little & that was to congratulate our arrival.
Gov. of Maui was there.
The
A room was curtained for her with such cloth as is
used for bed curtains in America.
The ground covered with mats &c.
We did
not stop long— After an address of a few words to the Queen we left.
On Saturday was quite busy in airing my bed-clothes &c...found them
all safe.
They had gathered a little dampness from the voyage, but not enough
to injure them.
My things have been left very well.
considerably injured.
Some of the others are
All the ladies who had blue-black silk dresses, found
them very badly spoted^)
Mine are jet black & in good order.
never send blue-black things to sea.
black ones were spoiled by spots.
So you need
Ribbons of that color put up with jet
They change to a kind of redish
brown.
I had a present of 12 prs. of gloves in Boston— most of them were a dark purple
& I found them very spotted.
pr. of blue ones.
Indeed all were except a pair of jet black & one
I have given several pairs to the ladies here, but they
are not the most valuable articles of clothing.
particular with their hands, as in America.
The ladies here are not so
Liman gloves & mits would be
very good, when any are needed to keep the hands from burning.
I have only
a pair of old nankin mitts, that I made in Monson, & a pair of silk ones given
me in Baltimore.
Our beaureu's (!) are very plain, with locks & wooden handles.
I wish for no better one.
bedstead.
Each one has a plain workstand & table, & a field-
The latter will be good in native houses, if we could have curtains
to keep off the
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
insects.
May 28, 1832
Page 22 (continued)
I regret very much that I did not accept of Mother's kind offer,
of her curtains, or else have got some cheap cloth for the purpose.
I
have nothing but sheets & can get nothing suitable here short of 50 cts.
pr. yard.
uable.
Goods are very high priced here— so that money is indeed val
Had I not wanted many necessaries, I should have kept the money
given me in Monson, but what I got with it would purchase little here.
Foreigners are unfriendly to the Missionaries, indeed they are their most
bitter enemies, & seek every opportunity to injure them, & of course will
hold their goods very high, rather than accommodate them.
I do not know
how long we shall remain here, neither do I know what I shall need that I
have not got—
Mother, I will tell you this another time.
Indeed, "we want
but little here below, nor want that little long"—
Now I will tell you something about my room that you may in
imagination see it.
In the east c o m e r stands my bedstead, covered with
a quilt that I made at home.
Sleep on matrasses— not on Mother's soft-bed.
On the ship we had to put one matrass upon the other
here they are side by
side & make a bed of comfortable width-----At the foot of our bed stands
Reuben's little blue chest, a very valuable & useful thing.
if it had passed through the hardships of a sea voyage.
It looks as
Next in the south
corner stands my large box from Westfield, & one from Bridgeport on the top of it-
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 28, 1832
Page 23
on the top of that our tin oven, which is perfectly free from rust, & by
the side of it, a bandbox containing my leghorn bonnet— is very yellow, &
considerably marked— But I can fix it.
camp-stool, &c.
Next a trunk & then the door,
In the west c o m e r my red chest from home, then a
large trunk, then the beaureau, my leather trunk & others &c.
Each
of us have a little square looking-glass, besides a very pretty large
one.
We have put up the little one over the bureau & by the side of
it hangs Reubens profile & I wish I had father's & Mother's with it.----On Sabbath morning I was at the native worship with others of our
company— heard Mr. Bingham preach, in native language.
I will not attempt
to describe his church, for that Mr. Stewart has done.
Between 3 & 4,000
natives were present, mostly seated upon the mats.
Some half naked, some
decently clad, & others very well dressed & seated in chairs.
The first
hymn was sung in my favorite tune Greenville, by the natives.
We joined
them, as we could easily do after hearing it read once, but we could not
understand a word of it.
The service was truly solemn, & affecting.
that one of our number preached to the Miss.
After
I was too much fatigued to g o .
I did not go out much during the week, for I cannot at present bear the
exercise— consequently can tell you nothing yet of the Island, from what
I have seen.
Have taken tea at Dr. Juds(!) once, a few steps from here, &
been to Mr. Bingham's, 2 or 3 times in the same house with Dr. Judd.
Yesterday went to the English worship, & just at night to Mrs.
Bingham's sabbath school of 130 scholars.
I was struck with the order of
the little natives who are entirely undisciplined at home.
The school was
very interesting, & Mrs. B. looks indeed like a careworn pilgrim, so also
her husband.
She is tall & poor like Mrs. Dr. Whitaker of Monson.
children with her.
Has 3
I verily believe she is a faithful steward in her master's
business, & Mr. B. the same.
I feel quite acquainted with Mrs. B. from
knowing so many of her friends.
Mr. & Mrs. Gulick have arrived from
�May 28, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 23 (continued)
Mowee & have taken a native house till after the general meeting.
was from Westfield & I can tell her much of her friends there.
She
Mr. A.
& myself are invited to take tea with them this eve, tut as our Capt.
is coming here we cannot, so till another day.
children.
Mrs. G. has 3 sweet
My knowledge of the infant system of education will te some
what useful here— together with the school tooks I trought.
I want
health & knowledge of the language to reduce the system to practice.
Indeed there are white children enough for quite a school.
missionaries are pretty thick.
The young
I /had/ supposed they were all black
little creatures, tut they are as fair as American children.
The
natives are veiy kind to the white children, & think it one of the
greatest of heaven's blessings to have children.
As the people become
civilized the population will increase probably.
Native help can be
obtained in abundance, merely for their board.
They have nothing to
do, & like to be employed by the Miss.— The natives have done all my
washing, which consisted of nearly 200 pieces.
poorest we had, & somewhat injured by lying.
is very good to drink but not for washing.
the mountain & wash in cold water.
The garments were the
The water at this station
They carry the clothes to
They do not look very well when
they have been very dirty, however, we intend to wear ours till worn
out, & then take new ones.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 28, 1832
Mother you asked me what I expected to do without milk.
Page 24
It was
hard to do without it 6 months— but since I came here I have had several
tumblers of it, & drink milk & cold water in preferance to tea & coffee.
This is delicious fare.
I shall not probably have it at a new station.
Since we came here we have had cabbage, salt pork from America & fresh
pork of the Islands.
Salt beef from A. & fresh here, a kind of oysters
that are different from what you have.— They are small & dark colored.—
I love them very much.
Fresh fish, sweet potatoes, & to day Irish
do /ditto/.
Green c o m squash, tarro,bannanas, onions, mince pye & dried apples, &
meat, custard, rice pudding, & wheat bread, also a kind of gooseberry pye.
Some things are rather scarce,— vegetables are brot by the natives for
books.
Wheat flour is very valuable & scarce.
mill is building /[i.e. being built/ to grind it.
0 how much I should value some rye bread.
think much of— If we go to the Marquesas,
the Miss.
Some c o m is raised & a
It will be a hand mill.
But these things I must not
seems to be the intention of
If any are sent, we shall know soon at the general meeting.
If we go there, doubtless our trials will be severe.
I have no will about
it— the Lord will order all things well & thus I leave it.
/Ma^/ 29th.
Several chiefs have called upon us, & appear very
well, though they are some of them rather ungenteel.
One chief from Mowee
was the largest person I ever saw, & when she moved gasped & grunted like a
fattened hog just ready to kill.
her monstrous feet were bare.
She had on a faded calico, loose dress, &
Others were dressed & appeared quite well.
Several pioud ones called— one in particular I noticed, who is married & had
his wife & child with him.
They were very sedate & dignified in appearance.
They, I am told, express a willingness to go to the Marquesas, if any are
sent.
The only objection offered was by the wife, & that was, the trial trial (!)
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 29, 1832
Page 24 (continued)
of taking her children to heathen lands, yet if it should be God's will
to send her, she would go cheerfully.
I am told they are very exemplary
Christians— The Miss-ys. could scarcely spare such useful teachers as
they are.
Such facts are worth telling in a Christian Church.
A few
years ago, poor degraded heathen, now willing & even desirous to com
municate the truth to those in the wretched condition they once were—
Let Christians think of this and blush at their own slothfulness, &
indifference.
I cannot realize that I am on heathen ground, thousands
of miles from my parents.
But here I am, & compassion for the benighted
heathen will cause me to remain most cheerfully.
My feet swell and are
so painful every day that I do not walk out at all— and have not been
into a native hut yet.
May 28th— Last night at 2 o'clock Mrs. Hitch
cock, one of our company, became the mother of a fine lit*Be boy.
I have
got no time to write letters yet, so much is to be done if I am so unable
to do it.
Am learning a few native words &c.
Mr. & Mrs. Gulick have arrived
She seems to me like an old acquaintance, although a stranger.
her of her friends in Westfield, &c.
/the journal skips to page 49; pages 23-48 are missing^/
I could tell
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Sept. 24, 1832
Page 4$
Sept. 24th 1832.
Joyful day indeed— Letters from America have arrived by the ship
Ranselar.
Letters from Mr. Anderson &c.— Husband has one from sister Mary
A.-- but none has come for me.
Why do not my friends write?
them a letter to day and will say no more here.
I have written
If I do not stop writing
they will have no patience with me when this reaches them.
I have written
more than 40 pages before I was aware of it.
Sept. 26.
Mr. A. & myself have just dismissed our school.
a class of men, & I a class of children in the morning.
He has
Mr. A teaches
geography & Arithmetic— I teach arithmetic, reading, spelling & any thing
I can which is but little, but I have little knowledge of the language.
(Little C. lies on the bed, sucking her thumb & kicking her feet.)— I will
not describe my scholars here, it will be done in a letter to Sally.
I
have also a class of women 2 or three times in a week, to read &c.— At first
I commenced going to school, but found the heat of the sun too much for my
self & babe, also that I could take care of her, & do more for the scholars,
at home than in school.
language.
Teaching & talking is the best way to l e a m the
We can read as soon as we get the sounds of the letters— but do
not know the meaning of many words.
We ask the natives the meaning, & they
express it by signs & talking— in this way we catch several words in a
sentence, & learn how to arrange them.
If we do not fully understand,
repeat the question to some others, & continue to ask till we get the same
explanation several times from different natives.
Then try to explain it
to ourselves, when they are pleased to help us, for they are delighted to
have us learn their language.
Sometimes in walking out, I have commenced
asking some native questions, such as— what have you,— or the name of a
thing.
He would set down his calabash & begin to talk, others seeing us
talking would come & talk too, till I found myself surrounded by nearly
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Sept. 26, 1832
Page 49 (continued)
unclad natives. I suppose Elizabeth & Mother would be frightened at such a
sight— & so should I once have been, but now I feel safe, & can look at
them with composure.
amused with them.
Mr. A frequently has such interviews, & is quite
How I should love to walk out with you my friends in
Honolulu I introduce you to some of the natives in their own dwellings.
Some of them live quite comfortable— & some live like the pigs.
I will
picture some of the houses for you sometime.— Yesterday one of the chiefs
sent us 4 old roosters, so we can have some cooked fowls.
Here I will men
tion a delightful ride horseback, which I took on Monday, together with Dr.
Judd, Dr. Chapin, & Miss. Prescut.
you could ride some
of the galloping horses.
a beautiful grey colt.
natives riding.
Husband took care of Caroline.
They are fine indeed.
I wish
I rode
I often think of the gilpin racgr, when I see the
They ride with all their might, bear^headed— a piece of
native cloth about them, flying gilpin like— Those I speak of are of the
lower classes.
The chiefs & all who can get clothes dress in American style.
Husband is engaged on the subject of temperance these days.
�Sept. 26 , 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 50
Caroline has just got a new cradle.--
Sept. 27th.
Thursday eve 10 o'clock—
Have just finished a letter to Julia Brown, Monson.
Have felt
rather sad to day— Those with whom I came here, hae recieved letters, papers,
journals, &c, &c. from their friends, some of whom live much farther from
Boston than mine.
They arrived last Tuesday in the ship Ranselar-----
Most of them recieved answers to their letters dated at Rio— &
here I am without a word from any one.
Am I forgotten?
0 if my friends
knew the joy it gives Missionaries to hear from America, I am sure they
would write often.
Mrs. Alexander has as many as 12 letters, besides
journals & newspapers.
Even her old mother wrote her.
She has been feasting
upon them all day— I will not despair of hearing from home— hope I shall have
a feast of letters ere long-- 0 how I long to hear— My dear husband has gone,
to Mr. Emerson's station, 30 miles from this— & expects to return on Satur
day.
I feel quite lonely without him.
company.
Sweet little C. is pretty good
Mr. Bingham has spent a part of the evening with us— Said he
came to see the 3 widows— vis. Mrs. Tinker, Alexander & myself.
quite pleasant & agreeable.
talking of America.
quite fresh.
He is
I like him very much-- We had a fine time
Letters & papers from the board makes the subject
We regret to hear the death of the excellent Dr. Cornelius-----
A paper of printed questions has arrived for each of us to answer & return
to the board— We are to write the answers under the questions— & return them
to the board, where they will probably be kept.
They wish to know the time
& places of all the births of all the missionaries, when & where educated,
when & where hopefully converted— Who are our connexions & where residing,
their names in full-- & numerous other questions-----.
The object of this I have not yet learned.— Now I must retire, may guardian
angels watch around our bed & keep us from all harm-----
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Sept. 26, 1832
Page 30 (continued)
Sept. 28— evening— Am engaged writing to Arabella Ely of lyme Conn.
Perhaps a letter there may do some good—
My health is very good indeed— Little C. grows more lovely every
day.
This little rose may die soon.
the progress of death.
Our fondness for her cannot arrest
She is a very forward promising babe----May her
life be spared & may she yet do much good in the world.
returned yet.
I wish very much to see him.
would like to see him too.
Mr. A. has not
My parents, brother & sisters
We often think & talk of you-- I visit you oc
casionally in my sleeping hours.
Yesterday an interesting female came to
me to tell her "manau" (thought) as she said.
It was this, to ask what she
must do to be saved— I could not tell her— 0 that my tongue was looseuin
this language— Capt. Hinkley & wife have come to reside here a few years.
They arrived last tuesday & a Miss. Davis with them.
Shepherd & myself have called upon them this eve.
before.
Mr. Bingham, Mrs.
Others had called
Miss. D. I believe is pious— hope she is decidedly so.
I am told
she came to meet & marry her lover-- will tell more of her when I know
more.
She appears well.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Oct. 2d.
Oct. 2, 1832
Not very well to day— but have had school & go on as usual.
Caroline is very good to day.
Yesterday she cried a great deal.
Am about
making out a package of letters for America— & find it no small job.
times I have to stop before half a sentence is written.
short ride horseback before breakfast.
week.
Page 51
Some
This morning took a
Mrs. Alexander is doing the work this
Now baby cries & I must stop a fourth time since I commenced this.— Now
will write again.
This morning we had a good cup of coffee & some American
Mackerel— boiled rice for dinner— & griddle cakes for supper.
with us.
Mr. Clarke is
Will probably stay a few weeks, while Dr. Judd is at Mr. Emerson's.
I suppose you could almost see how I look if I should tell you I had on my
orange coloured frock, that I used to wear so much— & my checkered apron.
Oct. 4th.
2 of our natives have just been quarelling— & one came to
me with a complaint & bloody nose-----1 cannot talk very well, so I referred
him to Mr. Clarke for a settlement----I am not well to day— but baby is very
good----She laughs & plays very prettily.
care of her.
Have a native woman to help take
Her name is Nahamolale— she is a member of the church.
Alexander is doing the work this week.
Mrs.
Mackerel for breakfast— rice for
dinner— How I should like some good bread & butter for tea, that my mother
made, & a bit of cheese with it.
good price for some rye flour.
If I had money I am sure I would give a
The missionaries generally prefer wheat,
but I am a farmer's daughter, & like rye & indean.
sent as well as wheat.
I suppose it might be
My scholars begin to come----
Sabbath morning 7th.
^ past 11-- All have gone to meeting.
have a severe cold, & am ill otherwise, & do not feel able to go--
Have just been reading the funeral sermon of Dr. Cornelius—
written by Dr. Beacher, & preached on the funeral occasion.
sketches at the close of his life.
Also the
When I read of such pious persons,
I
�Oct. 7, 1832
Journa, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 31 (continued)
I feel disposed to imitate them— but at the same time am so forcibly struck
with my own wickedness, as to be astonished at the forebarance(!) of God with
me.
0, that I live, so that when my mission on earth is finished, I may join
the society of that holy man.
I feel impressed with the belief that my mission
will be a short one— & the necessity of constant readiness for the call of
death.
I feel an unusual weight /of/ sin to day---the language of my heart
is behold I am vile— 0 Jesus condescend to reign in my heart.
Oct. 11th.
To day Mrs. Sheppard sent us a fine head of lettuce— a rarity—
fine indeed.
I am engaged writing letters for America but do not progress
much, I find so many other things to do.
Evening— Word has just come that a vessel is bound for America
& is to sail within a few days.
Will I have something to send, because
I did not wait till the opportunity arrived - before I made preparations-- .
I want to write a great deal more.
has Caroline.
I am not well— have a severe cold— so
I have put her in bed, & there I suppose she will lie as
usual until morning, then wake very early to laugh & play.
She is very pretty indeed.--
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Oct. 12, 1832
Page 32
Friday morning— A chiefess has just been here to ask me to cut a
dress for her— but as I am in a writing mood to day-- I put her off a few
days.— Shall do it next week.—
Evening— we all took tea with Mrs. Chamberlain.
She gave us some
very fine stewed apples— they were sent by her friends in Pennsylvania.
They were sent in a small keg, which had formerly been used for ardent
spirits.
This I am told is the only safe way of bringing fruit safely---
either put it into such a cask, or sprinkle spirits on it.'—
Monday eve 15— 9 o'clock— Little C. is sleeping very sweetly— My
dear husband has had a severe pain in his bowels for several hours— 0 may
he soon recover his usual health & strength.
it was a few days ago.
My own health is better than
I take a raw egg & wine every morning.
to the people of Monson for the wine.
I got
I am indebted
it with money they gave me— got
it at Rio.
Tuesday eve— Mr. A. was very much troubled with a diarrhea during
last night— & this morning.
Last night his flesh was quite hot, with a fever.
To day he is better, but exceedingly weak.
Hope through the interposition of
a kind providence he will soon be quite well.
One of my scholars called to
day, to bring me some shells— so, I shall have some things to send home some
time.
Have just finished a letter to Rev. S. Holmes of N. Bedford.
Thursday eve— Every day brings its cares & labor.
is now a prominent part of my labor.
Writing letters
The las^tj I wrote was a long one to Rev.
Mr. Holmes of N. Bedford, which makes 11 written....The next I shall direct
to Rev. Simeon R. Colton, Amherst.
fall.
Shall if possible write 20 or more this
Have just returned from the Johnston's— where Mr. A. & I took tea—
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 52 (continued)
Oct. 18, 1832
Sometimes I drink tea & coffee & sometimes milk & water.
Take more tea
than I should if it were not for the babe-- Yesterday had the pleasure
of cutting a dress for a native woman — beside writing to Miss B. B a m e s .
Here I will add, that the conduct of our Captain while in port
the last time is exceedingly trying to us.
Has been here more than a
week, & is now in the Village drinking, carousing & practicing other
wickedness.— Such conduct astonishes us, since his kind treatment to us
on the ship.
When in port before he called upon us & appeared friendly,
& before he left, brought us a box of Lemon Syrup.
His conduct in the
Village then was exceedingly improper /i.e. proper (?)/.
Now he has
called upon us but once— this we do not think is owing to any ill will
towards /us/, but owing to the influence of foreign residents who are
great foe$to missionaries, also to the influence of ardent-spirits.
The
latter is what Mr. A. is preaching & talking against, with all his might.
The foreigners abuse the 7/th/ commandment shamefully.
Mrs. Tinker, who is not in our family, was a Miss Wood of
Chester, a cousin to Alva Ferguson's wife.
Amanda.
She desires much love to
Mrs. Tinker /has/ a very fine little son, called Samuel.
You
will remember me to all of my cousins, uncles, aunts & acquaintances.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Oct. 21st
Oct. 21, 1832
Pag3 53
Sabbath eve.
Am quite alone except Caroline— she is asleep.
consequence of fatigue.
Do not go out in
Mr. A preached in native to day for the first time.
I felt quite disappointed in not hearing him.
Just before he commenced
Caroline began to cry & had to go out, with her, & before I could quiet
her he was done.
She is a little comfort, although she often disturbs
my enjoyment at Church & at home.
I had got quite exhausted with C. but
as Mr. Bingham was going to preach in english I made an effort to go.
that went to the native Sabbath school— consequently am quite
obliged to take C. wherever I go.
After
exsusted.
Am
She is growing quite heavy, & fatigues me
considerable.
Where are my dear parents this evening?
What is their employment?
Are they still in the cottage upon the hill, engaged in the same round of
labour as when I left, or are their bodies in the grave, & their occupations
those of departed spirits?
0 that my eye could reach them, as quick as my
thoughts, & I would gaze upon them once more— y e s , twice & thrice.
If my
wicked heart does not decieve me (as I often fear it does) I shall hope to
meet them, soon & be forever with them & the Lord----
Monday P.M.
here.
Kenou--a ruler of the nation has just gone from
She is very large & fat.
large native kapa.
4 attendants.
Had on a very pretty calico slip & a
She wanted some needles which I gave her.
She had
A large fish & some irish potatoes have just come.
Very
acceptable, for we had not a potatoe or fish, except Mackerel.
Vegetable
food, such as we buy of natives for books, are very uncertain.
Sometimes
we have enough, & sometimes none.
Do not have cellars filled with stores
as you have----
Tuesday P.M.
I have been out to day looking for curiosities to
�Oct. 23, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 33 (continued)
send home— got one kehili & a bed spread-- Have also finished a letter of
$ pages to Mr. Blatchford.
Had boiled cabbage & pork for dinner— &
of
an irish potatoe.
Thursday /Oct^/ 23th— Not very well to day— have written too much
lately.
Have been out again after curiosities— they are scarce, the old
missionaries have gathered most of the pretty native clothes before we
came here.
Capt.'s of vessels also get them----Yesterday, three master's of vessels took tea with us.
them have recently been at the Marquesas Islands.
Two of
Capt. Basset of N. York
was there a year ago last March, & went on shore alone, & was sick among
them 40 days.
He gives the most flattering accounts of them— their kind
ness &c...but says he should not like to take his wife there.
Capt.
Griffith of Sag Harbor has a favorable opinion of them— & thinks he
should like to live there.
The natives asked them to send Missionaries
there— & said if such came, they would stop their wars & fighting & build
houses for them.
Capt. B a m i e of London thinks them the most savage
creatures, cannibals, & all that is bad— said he would as soon shoot
his wife as take her there.
But the latter is very unfriendly to
Missionaries & all that is good.
They all say the climate, productions,
water &c. is good.— Now what shall we think-one day we hear the most un
favorable accounts from there & perhaps the next day, something to con
tradict it.
But when the deputation returns we shall hope to know the
truth— & nothing but the truth-----
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Oct. 26, 1832
Page 34
/0ct^7 26— With night clothes on write a few words— Have had a very
strange feeling in my head to day.
Did little at writing in the morning— had
chicken & string beans for dinner— the latter is a rarity.
with Mrs. Shepherd to punaho...had four natives to draw us.
better after it.
This P.M. rode
Feel somewhat
Had a female meeting this eve.
Oct. 27— Capt. Grennel, Ship Comodore Rogers, is to sail on Monday
& will carry this to N. Bedford.— My last conclusion was to put this into a
box which I am preparing to send— & thus save the postage, thinking it not
worth what it will cost.
Husband is writing Reuben, & refers him to my
journal for particulars, thinking it not worth while to repeat them...& he
says to me that my friends would rather pay the postage of this, than wait
perhaps 2 or 3 months for it, when they have heard it was on the way.
So
I venture to end it & if I tax you with too much postage tell me, & I will
lessen it.
The probability is that I shall in future have more to write
than I have now— I intend to write nearly every day, at least a few lines,
& hope for a more decent journal.
part of this over— but I cannot.
My hope was, to have written at least a
I have so many letters to write.
You see the roaches are beginning to eat the c o m e r s of this.
are very troublesome indeed.
They
They eat clothes, books &c.— we ought to keep
all in tight trunks or chests— I regret not having brought chests instead of
rough boxes containing my clothes &c.— The red chest I brought from home, &
Reuben's blue one, together with what trunks I have are very good indeed-Mr. A. needs his writing desk— & I have been sorry again & again, that I
did not accept of yours Reuben.
We have not tried the tin oven yet, for there is a good oven in
this house-- I would not take 20 dollars for my rocking chair— no, not 40,
if I could not get another.
to sit on at home.
I miss my little chair very much, that I used
Sally, can you spare it.
I will tell you more of this
�Oct. 27, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
language—
"Mamuli" (by & by).
Page 34 (continued)
Love to all of my acquaintances--
"Aola paha" (perhaps) I shall write by the next ship.
Others will
doubtless leave here for America this fall— you will hear from us again
probably.
returns.
We hope for an opportunity to write after the departation
We have a heathen god living in our room.
It is a lizzard—
It is like to little evets (!)
as we used to call them, that are
frequently seen after a shower.
The size & shape are the same, but the
color is dark brown.
Caroline weighs 12^ lbs.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Oct. 29th
Oct. 29, 1832
Page 53
To day Mr. A. & myself have sent each of us 12 letters
to America— or put them on board ship.
My box is not ready, & I thought
best to keep my journal, to put in it.
So you may think us rather fickle
minded perhaps.
this ship.
Mr. A. has written Reuben, & I have written Father by
We intend sending some letters to you by eveiy Ship.
by whom I expect to send my box, is Capt. Brayton of Nantucket.
rather interesting.
He is
Since he left America, he has become hopefully pious,
& is now an active Christian.
He is very kind to the Missionaries, &
spends most of his time with us, while in port.
I have had 2 native women
here to day making native dresses— Fear I spend to
nowadays.
The man
much time in America
While at the supper table, I was reminded of a little affair
that might perhaps amuse you.
I will mention it.
Soon after we came here,
Mr. A went to meeting, & the time was past & the bell not rung.
to ring it himself, then come & preach.
So he had
It would seem rather queer in
America, for a minister to ring his own bell-Another thing I will now mention, vis. the strange feeling in my
head, of which I have spoken sometime since, has entirely left me.
Oct. 30—
I feel quite smart with my little purse of money.
Have
been to Capt. Hinkley's store & bought Caroline a pair of shoes, cloth for a
frock, & a piece of light cloth to throw over her when sleeping.
I want
something prodigiously to keep the flies from her, they are very thick
indeed— You have no idea how troublesome they are.
at quite reasonable prices.
before.
Capt. Hinkley has goods
So money is better to us than I have told you
All the shoes I brought here are too small for me.
2 pr. with Capt. H. who seems very kind to us.
interesting time among the natives.
I have exchanged
There is now at Kauai
a very
Prospects of a powerful revival of religion
Mr. Whitney has gone away & Mr. Gulick is alone & not well, so Mr. Bingham
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
started for there yesterday.
Oct. 30, 1832
Page 55 (continued)
This is Wednesday & marrying day.
Mr. Chamberlin
/5hamber]ajj/& Dr. Judd cannot do it, so Mr. A is going to read the ceremony.
It is customary for those who are going to be married to come in the A.M. &
give their names.
An old man I should judge 60 years old, & a girl perhaps
18, have just gone from here.
They came to give their names.
The old man
had on an old shirt & a piece of native cloth about his shoulders & an old
hat on.
The girl a dirty undergarment. & a piece of white cotton cloth
tied about her, & a native bonnet.
A native came with them
�to bring the marriage fees.
give what they please.
Pag3 36
Oct. 30, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Not that any thing is ever required, but they
This old man brought 2 hens, & a few Irish potatoes.
It was ludicrous to see them, he with his great bare legs, & she bare feet—
Yet it was solemn.
The old man said his wife was dead, & this girl wished
to marry him— said he did not care about being married, but the girl wants
to be.
are.
Said more than I cannot tell you.
Poor thoughtless creatures they
0 that they knew themselves-- They need instruction.
wish you were here to help us Reuben.
our dear parents, will you?
I cannot but
But no, do not come, never leave
If I could always be as comfortably situated
as I am now, I could make them comfortable here— but probably our situation
will be exchanged for a worse /one/--
/Oct_^/ 31st.
Mr. A. returned from meeting & somehow one couple
missed being married— So they came here & were married.
The groom I should
judge to be 30 or more years old, & about the size of Hiram Carter.
bride was probably 12 years old, a slim modest looking girl.
The
They sat
upon a chest in the cook room, & several natives squat upon the floor to
witness the ceremony.
I could not but smile, solemn as it was.
It was the
4th couple Mr. A married yesterday— I wonder what my friends would say to
see Mr. A marry an old man in his shirt-flaps to a girl of 18.
yesterday in church.
To day I have been very busy indeed.
had a chicken pye of wedding fees.
This he did
Have baked, &
By the way only one brought anything.
Kenow /Kinau/ & her husband have taken tea with us.
I wonder how Elizabeth
would like to have a great, fat, black woman by her side at the tea-table.
Mother, the tea-waiter that you gave me was honored with the presence of
Kenow who is at the head of government.
not return from a ride in season.
Stewart speaks.
We expected the King, but he did
The husband of K. is the general of whom
He has been to London— speaks a little english.
He is
agreeable & a fine looking man— & very handsomely dressed in white pantaloons,
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Oct. 3 1 . 1832
Page 56 (continued)
blue broadcloth coat, striped stockings &c.— & carries a splendid gold
watch.
K. had on a very pretty striped muslin frock (no corsets) a belt
ribbon, Morocco walking shoes, lilac /illegible/ hkd. - green gause(!) cap
& two strings of orange coloured ornaments about her neck— picked from a
tree.
whole.
She appears rather haughty, I think— however, pretty well upon the
They walked arm & arm, & a servant walked close behind them
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Oct. 31. 1832
holding a parasol over them.
turned.
Page 57
6 or 7 natives followed & stayed till they re
Sometimes they eat enormously, but I suppose they were pretty well
stuffed with 'poi' before they came.
good & took another.
He took 3 cups of tea & said it was very
Mr. A. gave K. some sauce, & then offered some to him,
but he very politely refused taking it til after
A. & 7 were helped.-----
Yesterday Dr. J. Mr. C. & Armstrong commenced a station school for teachers---Mr. A. will have to attend to it principally while he stays.
Vessels coming
in every day some full & bound for home-- I want to write more, but have not
time.
0 you cannot think how rich I am.
Capt. Brayton has given me a little
beer cask— it holds 6 quarts— Nothing could have been more acceptable.
wanted to ask you for one, but did not like to.
been & is to u s , in supplying our wants.
have some beer now a working.
is more unwell than usual.
I
0 how kind providence has
The board have sent out hops— & I
I should like to give you a drink.
Mr. Shepherd
His disease has already reduced his body to a mere
skeleton,— we think he cannot live many months.
His wife if left a widow, I
should think would return to America.
Oct. /i.e. Nov// 2d.
Friday eve— To day has been, as Dr. Cornelius
proposed, a day of fasting & prayer among missionaries.
He proposed that
friday previous to the monthly concert should be observed as such among
Missys.— that they might increase in holiness &c.
interesting day.
It has been a solemn but
My sins have arisen like mountains before me, & it seems as
if I should sink under their weight, but Mercy, 0 sweet word— Mercy is a glorious
theme.--------------- 0 the bounties of a kind providence.
In addition to our
comforts, Mrs. Hinkley has sent us 3 or 4 pounds of old cheese— it is a treat
indeed.
It is more than I deserve, to be so richly supplied with the things
I love.
You my friend, might think it of little value— but to us, who are
destitute of such good things it is highly valuable.--
�Nov. 3, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 57 (continued)
Nov. 3th
I had a most delightful time with mother last night, at her own home.
I passed along the foot path up the little hill to the house— & the grass by
the sides of the path was up to my waist.
On entering, everything wore a
most pleasing aspect— Mother looked healthy & was as lively as I ever saw her.
Nov. 5, 1832
Page 58
She went about preparing me some food, but as Mr. A. was dreaming something
at the same time, he spoke & awakened me.
& playing— she is as fat as a pig.
Caroline lies on the bed, kicking
0 dear, how I want our folks to see her.—
She is very healthy, takes no medicine— but eats, cries, sleeps & grows—
P.M.
A distressing occurrence has just reached my ears.
Yesterday
a sailor had been breaking the 7th commandment & left the house where were
several femalb natives-- A native man stepped behind him, struck him with a
stick, & the man, dropjpjed down & expired in a few hours.
So on that holy day,
a man of my own color, in the midst of a sin, was launched into eternity— I am
distressed to think of it.
will be taken care of.
tainty of life.
The laws of the land forbid murder, & the native
0 the uncertainty of all human things— & the uncer
In a moment, when death appears at a distance, it may be
near & cut us off in the midst of life.
Nov. 8.
of Maine.
He is
The man of whom I have spoken was 29 years old, a native
said to be intemperate.
The native who committed the crime
is sentenced to banishment— I suppose his intentions were not to murder,
therefore I suppose it would be called man-slaughter.
The murdered man was
buried by the foreigners, without sending for a missionary to perform funeral
ceremonies--
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
0
Nov. 8, 1832
Page 58 (continued)
my friends, if you knew how much your writing would contribute
to the happiness [ofj missionaries, & how much harm your failure causes us,
no vessel would sail without letters for us.
We heard from Hilo a few days since— Mrs. Lyman writes that the
outbreakings of sin are numerous there.
in worshipping an idol.
One man was detected not long since
This god consisted of a handful of earth, one small
smooth stone about the size of a hen's egg, several bitter roots, one pepper
pod, & a handful of castor beans.
They were kept in a calabash, which was
so sacred, that if a person eat out of it, he would surely die.
dared to do it.
So no one
On one hand it is ludicrous to think that a person possessed
of one spark of reason would worship such a man as that.
On the other it is
painful to think man is so fallen.
Another man she wrote was practicing a certain kind of ploy to
deceive the people— The chiefs had just heard of it & were searching for
him.
We know not the result--
�Nov. 8, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 39
Yesterday we had the pleasure of seeing Capts. Green & Morgan,
from London.
pleasant.
They are pious, whole capts.
Their call was short, but very
We meet people of our own color, from different parts of the
world, as old acquaintances.
0 what a feast to see a pious Capt.
This morning had breakfast of wedding fees— vis. chickens— How
good some of Mother's butter would be in cooking them— but instead of butter
I use a bit of pork.
We make a very little butter, just to set on the table,
but have not a might for cooking— If Mother lived near us, I know she would
love to send us some.
This is a most delightful day— not a cloud to be
seen, in the blue arch above us.
I am sitting with open doors & feel very
comfortable, while my friends may be gathering around the stove— Caroline
is very costive most of the time-- I want a syringe for her, more than 10
would be worth in America.
I know father would send me one if he could— I
wish he could see his little granddaughter.
She is so fair & healthy---
Costiveness is what children are apt to be troubled with here— I say so much
of C. that you may perhaps guess, we think her a wonderful forward child—
Well, what you guess, we know to be true.
We think she will have them soon.
My box is made to send home.
She has signs of cutting teeth—
I am sorry to have them come so soon—
The bottom & cover
is made of New
Zeland
pine— I am gathering things to fill it— I feel almost too selfish to spare
the box, because it is so valuable— If I were to fix off again I should take
chests, instead of rough boxes-- We want to keep our things very close here,
or the cock-roaches will destroy them— We shall look for the deputation soon—
& must leave this & finish a letter to Mrs. Porter--
P.M.
I have just thought of another thing— Last Saturday eve, a
foreigner came here with a native woman to be married.
Mr. A. was not acquainted
with the rules in such cases, & went out for Mr. Clarke, who was then in the
neighborhood— So I was left alone with them.— except Mrs. Alexander— The man
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Nov. 8, 1832
sat upon a chair & the woman on the floor.
told her to sit there.
a word of it.
Page 39 (continued)
I placed a chair by his side &
I could talk some with her, but he could not understand
I noticed her & placed her by him on purpose to shame him but
he did not suspect my plan— He was very smooth & clever, & amidst the con
versation made some apologies for her being so homely— I replied that I
supposed he married for love rather than beauty— We talked considerable,
& told him what I thought of people of different colors uniting & he took
it all very well.
Mr. A. & C. came & when the man found he could not get
married, left the house in a rage, declaring he would violate the ?th com
mandment.
Such cases frequently occur— The missionaries do not like to marry
them, because they so often leave females in distress & never return to them.
Yesterday Mr. A. married 8 couples of natives.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Nov. 8, 1832
Page 60
Evening.— There is now an interesting state of things at Kauai—
There is quite a revival of religion— Mr. Gulick is ill— Mr. Whitney gone,
so Mr. Bingham has gone there for a short time.
Also, quite a revival among
seamen at Lahaina-----0 glorious times----
Nov. 13th, 1832.
Dear me what shall I do— So much is to be done
that I know not where to begin-- I am tired of writing letters, but have not
got through yet— Sea captains are constantly calling-- but they are kind—
Capt. Bray ton has given me some pieces of sails, for house cloths,. &c-Reuben's profile hangs in my room & seems to be quite a curiosity to the
natives— They often ask who it is— & when I have told them, they immediately
ask if he is a negro— They think so because the profile is "ei^ieli" (black).
Wednesday evening 13th
I have gathered all the curiosities I can— here.
If I could go to
some other stations, probably I could get more— Perhaps I shall send more at
some future time.
It will depend something upon my hearing from you— If you
are all pretty good & write me, I think you will hear from me again in this
way.
I would be glad to send something to all the good people of Monson who
so kindly gave me money— I now enjoy the things I have purchased with it--The shells you will know now to distribute if you do not want them.
I should like to send Chauncey Hall something as he is quite a naturalist.
Perhaps I shall at some future time.
I intended writing Mr. Ely & his church
this fall, but perhaps I shall not until we are settled at our station— I have
written till they all say stop-- Dr. Judd & all---you know writing is hard work--I doubt whether you can read what I have written-- Expect this will go next week.
Thursday 14th.
for the last time.
Joseph Smith a sailor, called her last evening
He is a member of Mr, Holmes church of N. Bedford— He seemed
truly grateful for any favors-----It is a pleasure to see any one from our own
country— & a pleasure to do anything for them--
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Nov. 17, 1832
Page 6l
Saturday morning 17 Nov.— The packet is in sight!
Sabbath P.M. 18— You will see the news of yesterday's day & what,
my friends, will you say?
Clarissa expects to go amidst ignorant degraded
filthy beings, & more than all they are cannibals— 0 may I live, as though
every day might be my best.
We are to go to the Marquesas Islands— & who but
God knows our future prospects?
I do not desire the future to be unfolded to
my view— enough for me to know, what daily occurs.
These may be the last letters
I shall ever write my friends— My life may be destroyed by cannibals, but no
matter if I am prepared to die...Take my_ life 0 ye blood thirsty men, but spare,
0 spare my husband & my child.
I put more than ever the need of a holy heart—
the necessity of being constantly prepared to meet death.
"Create in me a
clean heart 0 God & revere a right spirit within me"— 0 may we go with right
hearts & labor for the Lord, that in the day of Christ we may rejoice that we
have not run
in vain, neither laboured in vain--
Caroline calls for me-- Pray for me dear friends---pray for us--------A men.
Mr. A. has gone to preach on board a ship--
Thursday Morning 20th
I have a family of six to wait upon, besides
my baby— & feel that my strength is failing.
I shall be obliged to go to a
cooler station & get recruited before going to the Marquesas-- I have the
same fault of doing with all my might that I used to have.
You know we are
connected with Alexander, & I suppose you would like to know something about
his wife-- I do not wish or intend to say much about Missionaries for our
wicked hearts do not become altogether good, with changing lattitude & longitude.
Mrs. A. is a very clever woman.
God.
She is, I believe truly pious, & devoted to her
She is naturally amiable, but very, very moderate.
By kindness & affection, she
�Nov. 20, 1832
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 62
will contribute to her husband's happiness, but will never probably be a very
great help meet in labor.
She knows nothing about teaching.
Miserable as I am, I shall have to lead in that.
Her advantages
for improving the mind have been rather limited— & a want of smartness will
ever prevent making amends for it.
She has not been brought up in wealth,
but ease, therefore, if work goes on, all is well, if not all is well with
her.
I will work.
I cannot help it, therefore my course will be finished
the quicker— & 0 if I were sure of heaven, happy shoud.^)l be in prospect of
a short life.
My dear friends I have but a short time to labor, I often think
my life will be short— & then I think too of my babe— but God will take care of
her-I wish you knew something about the missionaries at the Society IslandsIf I had time I will tell you— one thing I will mention— They have formerly
thought best to keep their children with them, but that they find will never
do.
One missionary has a daughter who is a common prostitute— another has a
son who is equally as bad— Thus the hearts of tender parents are t o m by the
wicked conduct of their children.
0 may heaven protect my child from all harm--
Caroline was 4 months old last sabbath.
She can bear her weight,
her gums are swollen with teeth that are scarcely visible— in fact I suppose
you will say wonderful, wonderful babe.
She is a dear babe to us— but what
awaits her in future we know not either wish too--
Nov. 23— Mr. A. is going away this morning to some other islands on
business, to be gone a fortnight— & my box must be packed this morning— Take
this box of things from Clarissa----May heaven bless you my dear friends is
the prayer of your absent children--Clarissa.
�SECTION 4
from Honolulu to Marquesa Islands
Aug. 18, 1833 (incomplete)
These two pages, numbered 11 and 12, are all that was found
of a passage that apparently was written in the Marquesas, and tells
of their arrival there.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
We hope to land tomorrow.
Aug. 18, 1833
Page 11
Hapi is sick but very kind to us so far.
August 18th /l833/.
At length we have reached our earthly home.
This
is the first sabbath that ever was attempted to be kept on the shores of Nuhahiva,
I suppose.
We came on shore last Wednesday, but I have not got a moment to take
my pen, before this & now I would not do it on this holy day, but for the oppor
tunity of sending to the society isls by Capt. Bancroft.
I shall not apologize
for the sad aspect of these sheets for circumstances are all I could offer.
When
we reached the shore, we got quite wet from the surf, & as we walked on a few rods
to our place of residence, the natives thronged us & almost deafened us by their
noise.
C. was frightened & cried in earnest.
thronged also.
We got to our home, & that was
The chiefs of course were permitted to go in & we could do nothing
for several hours, for want of room & air & strength.
We left the ship after
dinner & as our husbands had been obliged to work very hard at night felt the
need of some refreshment.
get it.
None of our provisions were opened.
accessable & that was all.
a fire
The question was what it should be, & how we should
I had a bottle of black tea
Mr. A. got the tea-kettle & our native man kindled
not far from the house & boiled some water & I made some black tea in
a little brown stone pitcher.
it but salt.
Then I made some peas & had nothing to season
So our supper consisted of starch & tea.
I cannot relish the
pea at all without milk or sweetenings, of course did not eat— took a cup of
tea only & that you know I am not remarkably fond of.
I was hungry,
&
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
had to remain so.
Aug. 18, 1833
Page 12
Beside this supper on the table was a great dish of poi,
that was brought by the natives, also many other things we had set there.
The calf had taken all the milk, & C. was crying with hunger & would not
eat pea.
I felt more for her than myself, but could not relieve her.
The surf was roaring like thunder a short distance from us & the noise
of the natives almost deafened us— Much was to be done, &ws were all fatigued—
& weak.
Mrs. P. & myself, particularly so, being in like circumstances /I.e.
being pregnant/, & having been very sick on board ship.
Had I been at my
fathers, I should thought myself unfit to do the least thing, but go to bed
& have the best of care.
I had scarce time to think of other circumstances,
but did many things with my poor hungry babe.
prostrate but was enabled to totter about.
sent in by Hapi.
It seemed as if I should fall
We had no lights, but some nuts
Our natives held them while we all worked with our might.
We were obliged to improve the time, when the natives were asleep, although
they did not leave us at an early hour.
'0 the scenes of that day!'
I felt
that my life was in my hands, that I was a missionary, & indeed on heathen
ground.
I was too sick & tired to sleep or pray.
C. rested well.
Early in
the morning our visitors came again & like the day before almost suffocated
&stunned us.
Had salt pork & bread-fruit for breakfast.
strength to get dinner, so went without.
day before— I think.
Had not time or
The day passed as confused as the
I know something of the trials of the flesh, but little
/This section ends here, as the rest of the pages are missing^/
�SECTION 5
from Marquesas to Honolulu
March 28, 1834 - Oct. 9, 1834
The difficult task of trying to run a mission in the Marquesa
Islands, and the despair of having to give up their station, is recorded
here.
By May, 1834 they were already back in Hawaii.
The Armstrong's second child, William Nevins, was b o m during
their stay at the Marquesas.
On page 13 of this section, Clarissa talks about John Toohane,
as an acquaintance of her brother and sister-in-law.
John Toohane was a
native Hawaiian who became a member of the sixth company of missionaries,
returning to his home in Hawaii in 1833-
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
March 28, 1834
Page 1
March 28, 1834 /Marquesas/-Yesterday I sent a journal of 80 pages, together with some pictures
to my friends— Capt. Basset took them & said he expected to see a Capt. at
Tahaiti(!)T3°und direct to America— so in haste I sent it, & forgot to send a
letter I have ready for Mother & Elizabeth---
March 2$th— Yesterday P.M. Mr. A. returned & says the people at
Napo are
f e w — Mr. Alexander has also returned from the Taipijs& says they
are few & far between— The mountains are such, between the valleys, that he
had to pull off stockings & shoes to climb up & down perpendicular
/(?)— paper tom / .
Everything in regard to supporting a/6p,ssion/(?) here is
dark.
/A/ sick man left us yesterday, much better than /when/ he came
here— The capt. was very anxious to /paper torn/, but we would receive
nothing— The pleasure /paper torn/ good is pay enough— The Capt. has been
/reas/onable with us— has sold us provisions quite /gave/
Ms several
things— He sent me a cheese, /paper t o m / piece of dried beef, several pounds
of butter, /loaf/ of sugar, chocolate, a broom, 12 plates, some /paper torn/ &
/some/ savory &c— for which we are truly grateful (?).
They are divided among
the 3 families-/Ft is/(?) custom among some missionaries to/sbaiV (?) presents —
we do so— He has given to us all, /a/ barrel of oil & one of salt & a musket to
Mr. Alexander.
March 31st— Mr. A. & Parker have gone to day /to/ one of the Taipii
valleys— so I have festened /i.e. festinated/ the /paper torn/ home
(?) with
my babies— sweet company too.
/Paper torn & faded/ with some whales teeth, & N. is kicking and
giggling (?) on the bed— I will improve the day in prayer (?).
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 4, 1834
Page 2
April 4th— I feel sometimes as if my life was only digging out—
when I feel fatigued,
exausted, & as if my last step had been taken before
resting, something will call me to action again, & it is a drag, drag, drag—
My feelings can only be known to myself— Although others may sympathize with
us, they cannot suffer with us.
My health is pretty good, or I could not endure
what I do— Who can labor under such disadvantages & not be wearied?
My feelings are so exceedingly tried (?), that I cannot rest nights—
The reason when told may surprise my friends— It is this, that we have decided
to go to the sandwich Isis, to abandon (?) this field of Missionary labor.
We
do not decide /paper torn/ from dangers that may attend us or from any
other cause but the fewness of the people, & the difficulty (?) of access to
them— There are small valley/s on/ this island, separated by mountains that are
hazard(?)-ous
to pass, on account of their rough /paper torn/ & the passages by
water are some of them very (?) difficult.
— So that if they have the gospel,
missionaries must live among them, & the people /are/ too few in each valley
for one missionary-- "Where (?) are so many fields ready for missionaries that (?)
one man could preach to a vast multitude, our (?) husbands, after much prayer &
reflection, do not /think/ it their duty to stay, where there is a prospect of
doing so little good, when instead of preaching to a handful of people, they
might preach to /paper torn/ thousands, & how much more good they /might do/.
Surely it is better for five than one to be saved, twenty than ten— yet one soul
is of vast
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 4, 1834
Page 3
importance— I feel for this people, we all feel for them— I feel reluctant
to leave them.
if we go.
How can I go & leave a generation, who will doubtless perish
If we stay they may perish, but there would be more hope for them—
We dare not tell the people of our intentions lest they should rob or kill us
A Capt. is in this bay, who said he was going to the Sandwich Isis.— but since
he can get a recruit here, has concluded not to go— We spoke to him for a
passage— but cannot get one-- Our prayer is that if our decision is wrong,
that the Lord may frustrate our plan.
The decision was made after a day of
fasting & prayer— I sometimes think we had better go to America— perhaps we
could be more /use/ful there, than elsewhere, since we have /bee&/(?) in the
midst of heathenish abominations— /May/ heaven direct us in the path of duty
/paper torn/ we delight to walk therein-Last Monday Mr. Armstrong & Parker visited /paper t o m / of the
Taipii valleys— Collins & the young /paper t o m / went with them— while they
trembled with /paper t o m / turned back as they were going up the valley (?).
Mr. A. went on alone, to explore & get the /paper torn/ of the people— They
are few— few— & surround rough
high precipices— & at present we think, it
/would/ not be safe for a missionary to reside /among/ them— If any one
would like to be /killed (?)/ & eaten, he had better go to one of the
Taipii /vall/eys & live.
I cannot walk today— I scratched my foot a little & after a hard
days work yesterday, it became inflamed & swollen, & with all quite painful.
It is poulticed now—
Yesterday I saw one of the chiefs if any such there are here, who
said he was going to america in one of the ships— He & another man had been
�Clarissa Armstrong Journal
April 4, 1834
Page 4
quarreling & he in anger threatened to go away— It was several days ago—
at the time of the quarrel he said he would kill us, although we were not
concerned in the matter at all.
He looks so angry that if I had not lived
with such wretched beings, I should fear him— I asked him yesterday if he
would cary
letters to my parents— he said yes— I asked him how he could
talk in America, for he would not l e a m the hamani (book) & he would be
a horai (fool) when he got there— He laughed & said how indeed.
We are
truly like travellers in a thorny wilderness— but there will be an end---I have no school for women, & we have
no
schools, for
the natives are so taken up with the ships— The women have full employ— We
/paper torn/ them, one with a new cotton handkerchief /paper torn/ then
another with a string of beeds (!), &c. &c— all /paper torn/ the rewards
of wickedness— this is the /way(?_)7 white men conduct, when far from their
homes /&/ friends—
April ?th.
Last Sat. P.M. I went with /paper torn/ to see a
wooden god— It was lying on the ground,
/it was in/ the form of a man,
& partly decayed— Perhaps I should make it on paper— We also went to a
great koeka /paper torn/ ground— where they formerly had their feasts—
There /were/ several platforms of stones, all beautifully spaded by bread
fruit & cocoanut & Pacific chestnut trees— I have /been/ so long confined
to one little spot of ground, that /m^/ eyes were weary of looking day
after day upon the
same
scenery, & I had almost come to the con
clusion that there was nothing grand or beautiful here— but when I walked
out last Sat-y, it appeared as fine as ever-- We entered a pretty neat
native house & near it stood a tabu house, where no women are permitted
to enter— They consented I went in & when I came out told them to come
to meeting the next day
�Clarissa Armstrong Journal
April 7, 1834
Page 3
& see if I was dead— They replied I would not die in consequence of entering
the house, but the women of Nuuhiu must not go in or they would die—
We are still tried about leaving this place— We cannot get a
passage— the Capt. who expected to sail there has concluded not to go.
must say that I do /not/ feel quite ready to go.
/away/— then
I
If we should be driven
duty would be plain— We leave it with the Lord, & often pray
for direction---- I have just finished a drawing of my ikoa (namesake) to
send home— I never have practiced drawing from
nature & it cannot be ex
pected to be correct— It is said however to resemble her.
mere chance for /_I
am
This must be a
horai (a fool) at drawing— I have also been
tak/paper torn/ of Niuuhiva, to send the board of missions John has gone to
wash, Mr. A. has gone to the ship & here I am with my two babies— great fat
N. is sleeping on my bed, & C in her cradle— She is quite ill with worms—
I feel the need of some frocks for C— hers are faded & nearly worn out---She
has to be changed quite often, when her bowels are irregular— She wears no other
garment except a frock & Nevins nothing but a frock & diaper.
It is necessary
to keep as cool as possible & few clothes save work--
April 11th
Yesterday was a day of joy to us.
Capt. Green arrived
from Oahu, & brought us letters &c &c— All of mine from America were dated in
March & April 1833— Reubens & E's were written before the box I sent arrived—
It seems you had looked in vain for letters— Well my friends, let us resolve
to write all we can, & be /as patient/ as we can, until they reach us—
/i wa^/ so glad to hear from friends that /I can(?_)y not express
my joy— & perhaps had better keep silence— I have said that we resolved to go
away— letters from the board throw us into difficulty again-- we wade in deep
water all of the /time/.
They say, if the mission is not taken,
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 11, 1834
Page 6
stop where you are— but we have taken it— & now, if we forsake it, it may
throw a damp/er/ upon the churches that will not be soon nor easily erased—
I must say, that with all our trials here, I had rather stay than go.
If we
die in the field of battle, it may do more good to the Christian world, than
we could do among another people.
husband's.
His however wavers.
But my judgment must of course yield to my
I have been so tried in regard to leaving
this people, though few, to go down to eternal death that it has disturbed
my rest nights.
Our feelings are tried on all /sides/— & amidst it all,
tidings from America, /paper torn/ come to me that distresses me exceedingly.
It is that Julia Williams has become a universalist.
Poor weak girl— influenced
to sell her soul, through the influence of a wicked man— 0, Julia, how shall I
meet her at the awful but sure tribunal of Jehovah.
I must write her, before
any other one— I must warn her across the mighty ocean to forsake her abominable
sins— I must write to the man who has ruined her— I cannot hold my peace.
distressed for her.
After hearing the sad news, I could not eat— I could only
vent my sorrow & grief in a flood of /tears/.
If I had heard she had become a
/ink faded/ to become a missionary, I should not have been surprised.
I have heard!!!
I am
But what
/San/ it be true?!!------ 0 God save her— save her— before it be
everlastingly too late---
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 11, 1834
Page ?
Letters from our brothers & sisters at the Sandwich Isis, have
cheered us very much— It is a source of great pleasure to hear from them.
I am glad we know them— We have also letters from many of the natives whom
we knew, they show much kind feeling toward us & much pitty (!) --We females have received each of us pretty gingham dress, & some
very pretty blue cotton handkerchiefs, some pretty gingham for children,
coloured cotton thread & each a few yards of curtain calico from Brinsmaid
& L a d d , the new merchants of Oahu—
From N. Hampshire we have received a small box of /things/— such
as remnants for children's clothes, a bed-/quilt/ of cotton cloth &c. &c.
Capt. Green has given us a
spy
glass, which is of great value— If
I should meet with a writing desk from some quarter I should be exceedingly
glad—
Monday 13th at sea on board the Benjamin Rush.
This morning is calm & pleasant & I am not sick, but troubled
somewhat with a dizziness in my head, owing to the motion of the ship.
C.
is running about, N is sleeping on the settee, & I have a borrowed desk &
am writing beside him.
I will go back to the 13 th of this month & tell
particulars, so far as I can recollect.
I will say first that Capt. Coffing
had changed his mind again & concluded to go to Oahu & John & David our men
were going with him, but he said he could not take us for want of room in
the ship.
I cannot say that I was sorry that we could not go with him,
but I did feel sad at the thought of parting with John---how could I do
without him?
I was obliged to work /alone/ as it was— Well, on the 13 th
Sabbath, we had
crews were there.
faded
at our house, & the Capt. with some of /"their/
The Capt. stayed to tea— While at the table, it was
proposed that Capt. C. should take us to Oahu, & Capt. Green take our
goods /to/ the Society Isis— to be sent to Oahu the first opportunity
perhaps sent on a whale ship, on a cruise
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 13, 1834
Page 8
to reach us we knew not when---It was consented to on all sides, & we were
to go on board on Monday & sail early on Tuesday morning.
We omitted all but work of necessity, but was quite busily employed
most of sabbath night in preparing to leave— I did all of mine sabbath eve
knowing my two children would occupy most of my time on Monday— Had not our
circumstances been such as they were, I could not have worked on the holly (!)
sabbath eve.
Our whole mission worked most of the night— but fatigued as we
were, we had no rest the next day— Before light on Monday work was commenced
again— but it was not known to the natives until carpenters came from the two
ships, to make boxes for bureaus &c.
should plunder, & perhaps kill us.
We dare not let them know it lest they
When we told them that we were going, they
began to flock around our houses, & some came in far greater numbers than we
could ever gather on the sabbath.
children.
Our houses were surrounded by men, women &
Our houses were kept fast or I know not what they would have done
to u s — The men came with war spears, clubs, &c & c ---Mr. A. kept his musket
standing near him & frequently took it up & looked at it.
with all his might.
to him.
Mr. Alexander also had one, which I suppose was a guard
Mr. Parker had not procured one.
without glass.
He kept at work
He had cut windows & put in sash,
The natives soon scaled the f e n c ^ & were at our windows.
At
Mr. P's they reached in poles & sticks & stole many things, bedquilts & c —
At length they became so fierce that they pushed in the sticks at the back
sides of his house & stole stole s t o l e .
They stole when Mr. P. was looking
at them— One savage looking fellow put his war spear into the window & was
getting something from it, when Mr. P. went towards him with a stick— the
blood thirsty, daring wretch immediately pointed the deadly weapon at the
breast of Mr. P. with a countenance that showed he would gladly spill his
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 13, 1834 Page 8 (continued)
blood— Mr. P. turned away & let him /stealy^.
One time they were quarreling among themselves, & such was the
noise & confusion that I must say that I thought we were soon to be plundered
& what more I knew not— They seemed to be preparing for a battle, but
somehow it subsided.
Chiefs, if such any may be c/alled/,
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 13, 1834
were as bad or worse than any— There was none to protect us.
Page 9
We were able
to buy more spears, cl u b s , and other curiosities than ever before— Indeed
we could get none before & then we could not get the war dress.
The sailors
came on shore to carry our things, but many were stollen, I cannot mention
all— A chest of Mr. P.'s was broken open & a bedquilt stollen out— 2 bedquilts stollen in one day.
stollen.
Wash-bowls & all they could lay hands upon was
Probably we shall not know all until we come to want the things.
The Capt.s thought the females & children had better go before the guards (?).
We went & were accompanied by many native females.
me to the boat—
she
Hape's wife took my hand & led
seemed quite affectionate— In the morning, w h e n c e first
learned we were going, she caught Mr. A. by the hands & stood without uttering
a word, with /Ris/ hands pressed in hers, & her eyes filled with tears, at
first, some women who had collected seemed quite affected & repeated
kanot-m
to us many many times— & said don't go away— They called me to the window,
to bring the children, & I could not refrain from weeping, to see so much
affection expressed, & more than all to see the poor creatures whom I expected
soon to leave for time, never to meet them, until I met them in eternity---It was well for us perhaps that we had no time to feeL,for it was a most
trying hour— But I said we went to the ship.
& there we had our hands & hearts full.
We went about 4 o'clock P.M.
Mrs. A., a child, Mrs. P a crying
babe, & I with my two— C. afraid of the water.
We were somewhat solicitous
about our husbands, as they were amidst covetious, wicked natives.
get away, & without a great deal of trouble.
some of the time very rude.
They did
But they said the natives were
Collins fired a small cannon, which he had,
several times, which seemed to quiet them a little.
The fences were broken
down around our houses, & they were tearing & pulling the houses.
At dark our husbands came.
When Mr. A. came I was sitting on my
rocking-chair, holding my two children, so much exhausted that I felt as if
I couE
sit no longer—
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 13, 1834
Page 10
There was not wind & we did not sail in the morning— Our husbands
went on shore, & with some sailors, got the cow & our other cattle.
calf the natives had eaten.
The
The cow we have, & get milk for our children—
the others have been killed on board.
Moana the young King, if there is any,
was very anxious to go with u s — He came to the ship, but the natives soon
came after him.
He did not go— while the Gapt's were on shore the natives
surrounded them with spears, clubs &c &c— & threatened to bind them if they
did not bring them Moana.
They promised, or I think perhaps they would have
been killed— The natives were all in a tumult, & ready to fight— Moana was
/sent(?}/.
Honolulu May 17th.
Saturday eve— & 9'o'clock.
opportunity for writing since the above so abruptly closed.
This is my first
I am seated in my
rocking chair with a small box on my lap for a desk— I have only time to say a
few words— & that is, that I am almost vexed with Reuben, for letting my
letters be published.
They seem to me so flat, & not worth reading—
Here
after, please to keep my journal confined to our own family, & particular
friends---good night---Monday morning 19th.
city here.
It is indeed true that we have no abiding
It is emphatically so with regard to myself— Since my departure
from America I have been tost upon life's raging billows & as yet have not
found a home.
When we entered Massachusetts bay I supposed that my voyages
at sea were at an end— that my next removal would be to that world from whence
no traveller returns.
But you will have learned before this reaches you that
that is not my home— Although I am not yet settled, but voyaging from place to
place, time does not wait for me.
I am hastening to the grave— where my grave
be is known only to him who overrules all things, & in whose hand are the
issues of life & death.
will
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 19, 1834
Page 11
Once I supposed my body would probably slumber in my own native
land— but since I left that, I have felt that it might be swallowed by the
great deep, or be devoured by monsters in human form, & my bones scattered
& left to decay & be troden upon by cannibals— But through the tender mercies
of a covenant keeping God, I am alive & well.
A m refreshed by the society of
dear fri ends, & nourished by the bounties of my Heavenly Father—
It is evening now & I am alone in a pleasant chamber with my dear
babes sleeping near me.
Husband has gone to the seamens consert for prayer—
In looking back upon the past, particularly the last year, my life is but a
checkered scene of joys & sorrows.
It has been something like what I ex
pected a missionaries life must be, so that the light afflictions I have
experienced have not produced sadness, or discouragement, but 0 may they
"work out an exceeding & eternal light of glory &c"— may a recollection of
them, ever lead me to the cross on Calvaiy, to him who has suffered & died
for a polluted world.
In him, may I ever trust— & with him 0 may I dwell,
when time shall be no longer— The reasons for our leaving Nuuhina, I shall
leave for husband to relate in a letter.
Tuesday 20th.
I have so many interruptions, that I cannot get
along with anything—
Now I will go back to Nuuh rsa & hastily trace our voyage here— I
have told of our leaving but my feelings respecting it I cannot tell— I sup
posed that it was best for us to come, but had feeling been my guide, I
certainly should have remained, whatever the consequences might have been.
The people were few in number, but their souls are precious in the sight
of God.
The thought was overwhelming, that their candlestick must be removed
from them, & they left to go down to eternal death.
This generation at least
must be in a hopeless condition if we left them— but at the Sandwich Isis there
are far greater numbers without the gos p e l , & must perish if it is not preached
to them.
Never shall I forget the moment of our departure from that land of darkness.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 20, 1834
Page 12
I knew we must meet again in eternity & probably not till then.
There I must be accountable, for all my conduct, thought & words towards
them.
They too in all probability must be lost.
They who had been told
of Jehovah & his word, who had treated his name with the most perfect
contempt, & would not believe in him, must be accountable to the very being
they despise.
They had treated us, who went as ambassadors, for Christ with
contempt & abuse, but our heavenly father did not suffer a hair of our heads
to be hurt.
I have told in the course of my journal of our trials, dangers &c.
therefore shall not review them—
Our mission at the Marquesas is at an end, but I shall not cease to
think of it, or pray for them.
While life remains— I feel how as if I had
rather be there— I have, since we were appoin^d to that mission regarded it
my home & field of labor, & am not a little disappointed in being deprived of
it.
My health for a time was such that I could not do much, but when it became
better, I was happy at least in making some efforts, although unable to ac
complish much--That people we leave with God— what means he shall use for their
benefit is known only to him.
He is a merciful being & will deal mercifully
with them.
Our voyage was upon the' whole pleasanter than former ones.
The ship
was large & we had our big settees, of which I have spoken before, on deck to
lie upon---John had to stake the place of steward & we had no help from him.
Just as we were ready to sail the steward belonging to the Capt. swam on shore.
I did not vomit at all, but was very weak & had a dizziness in my head.
excitement of leaving, & preparing to leave had quite exhausted me.
Nevins was a very good baby & gave little trouble.
that she wanted constant watching.
The
Little
C. was so mischievious
She troubled William very much.
The state
rooms were so warm, that we laid our mattrasses on the cabin floor & there
slept— It so happened that my bed was in the middle & so short that I could
not stretch myself out---
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 20, 1834
Page 13
I lay below with baby & husband on deck with Caroline— all the rest
below---Sometimes I was at a loss to know whether I was sleeping alone or
with Mr. Alexander or Parker— We were stowed close enough.
We laughed at
ourselves, when stacked out upon the cabin floor---Instead of two weeks as
we expected, we were 4 in sailing to Oahu— We reached here on the 12th to
the no small surprise of the Missionaries.
Mr. Alexander came on shore first,
& when they saw him they were very much shocked.
The first thought was that
he alone had escaped with his life---Just at night we all came on shore &
found most of our friends in comfortable health— Mr. Shepard still alive
but very feeble— Cannot continue long---We are at Mr. Johnstone's, in a very pretty coral house, built
since we left.
The contrast between this & Niuuhiva is so great that, I
f e e l , in some respects as if in a land of civilization---But still it is
very far from that.
Wickedness abounds & the love of many waxes cold---
The external appearance of things has changed since we left— A
new seamen's chapel & some other improvements, gives the place a new aspect--Thursday 22d— I sit down to write to day with no ordinary emotions
of feeling.
In consequence of getting no sleep last night I feel quite
exausted (!)— but the scene of suffering I witnessed has done more to
weaken me than the loss of sleep.
I sat beside the bed of Mrs. Rogers,
while a lifeless infant was taken from her by instruments.
the fourth day since her last sickness commenced.
Yesterday was
The child had probably
been dead two days— Her situation has been a most trying one.
On account
of her age difficulty was apprehended, & such has been, & is the result.
She now lies in a helpless state— the placenta is not removed, & death is
probably near.
If she is a Christian as we do hope & trust, no matter when
she dies— It is no matter when & where Christians die.
The Lord's time is
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 22, 1834
Page 13 (Continued)
the best time— 0 may she & we all feel his gracious presence.
She is
almost or quite senseless—
Father in heaven be thou near unto u s —
I have not yet spoken of the joy & gratitude we felt, when we read letters
& papers from home, which we found waiting here for us.
Our hearts are
filled with gratitude, for the request which the Lord has put into the
heart of Reuben & wife respecting our dear C...— 0 that moment of separation—
Can it be that my dear little C. must if s p a r e d , go far away— 0 God prepare
us for the event.
I am thankful for the favor, but the very thought rends
my heart strings.
Trials we must have— Amen.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 27, 1834
Tuesday /May/ 27th
speak of joy & sorrow—
Page 14
Since I last wrote we have had occasion to
Of sorrow for the sufferings of a fellow being,
of joys that she is in heaven.
Yes, we trust that Mrs. Rogers is in heaven.
/May 23, 1834/— I wrote last on Thursday.
Mrs. R's situation I
told then— But the night before I was there, the Dr. tried with instruments
to take the child away alive, but did not succeed.
On Thursday night the
placenta still remained the same— no change— medicine produced no effect—
& inserting the hand was the last resort.
It was done, & dreadful to tell,
there was found in her another lifeless child.
The thrill produced in the
bosom of the sufferer & those who stood by her, I need not attempt to des
cribe.
Besides the females present was Dr. Judd & Rook (an Englishman) Mr.
Bingham & Mr. Armstrong— Her sufferings were extreme, & every heart present
was /melted/ to tenderness.
They united in prayer before commencing— Another
child was taken from her, & then both placenta's were removed without dif
ficulty.
But her sufferings had been so great & continued so long that she
was exausted---Strength then seemed the only thing needed— as it was, a glimpse
of hope appeared— but ah it was soon gone,— her pulse ceased to play, her
breath failed, her eyes closed, & her soul, we trust was with God.
I have
been remind/ed/ of the mother's death bed so beautifully & touchingly des
cribed by Pollock— The circumstances were not quite the same— but the closing
scene, I have more particular reference too— when he says, "her eyes grew
bright & brighter still, too bright for ours to look upon, they sit as sits
the morning which goes not down behind the darkened west, nor hides obscured
amid the tempests of the sky, but melts away into the light of heaven."
Here
I should say, that, when her sufferings were ended, or when the difficulties
were all removed, Mr. B. asked her if they should pray again.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
0
May 27, 1834
Page 14 (continued)
yes was the reply— praise the Lord— praise him for his mercies
to me— & pray that the sins which have caused me so much suffering may be
forgiven— praise the Lord.
These I believe were nearly or quite her last
words---She has read the bible & places are found marked by her hand.
One
is--My heart & my strength faileth, but the Lord is my hope & my portion
forever &c— "
She seemed to have been anticipating death— with what feelings
we know not, but we trust not with terror or dread.
day PM— 3 o'clock.
She was buried on Thurs
The same P.M. before she was interred a girl who had been
one of the King's mistresses was also interred.
She was the daughter
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
of Governor Adams.
May 27, 1834
Page 15
She has been for a considerable time, given up to wicked
ness— drinking &c...(but this must never be told in print— remember)
supposed she died in consequence of wicked conduct.
It is
2 nights & days we were
deafened with the heathenish wailings of a large company of natives— we are
very near the house where she died.
What I am going to speak of is..the
contrast between the two characters— One p i o u s , the other given to wicked
ness.
The one put into a vault with great pomp & spendour, the body in a
coffin of red velvet, richly ornamented— Wailing, firing of muskets, & music
were heard on the day of her burial---The other was laid in a plain black
coffin, without even a name upon it, & all the mourning was conseded in hearts
that loved her— it was not false mourning— the musick was confined to a few
vices of the brothers & sisters of this station.
A prayer was offered & in
silence her body was laid in the earth, with the two infants by her side—
there to be until the resurrection.
On that tremendous day their characters
will be unfold/ed/— they will appear, as they are— I have never in my life
seen anything that so strikingly reminded me of the parable of the rich man
& Lazarus--Mr. Rodgers (!) remains, to mourn & weep over his loss for one he
loved, the partner of his youth, but at the same time is comforted with the
hope that she /is/ at rest in the bosom of her Lord---
On sabbath eve Mr.
Bingham preached the funeral sermon at the Chapel from Philipians 3d-20th
For our conversation—
I am not very well— probably somewhat excited the last week.
has been rather ill but is better---
C.
Perhaps my dear f r i ends, or Reuben &
E. in particular will be surprised to /hear/ that John Toohane is near the
close of life— .
Friday eve 30th—
All are at meeting this eve— a preparatory meet
ing for the communion of our Lord.
Messrs. Bishop, Thurston, Forbes, Lyons,
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 27, 1834
Page 15 (continued)
Lyman, &c. with their families arrived to day.
I am glad to see them.
My heart feels heavy, although
Last year we parted never to meet again, but in eter
nity— But here we are— & 0 where are the dying Marquesians!
On the 27th I commenced telling about John Toohane— but stoped to
go & see him.
to see him---
Mr. A got a horse & waggon & we went to Waitiitii 4 or 6 miles,
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 30, 1834
Page 16
When we returned from our mission tour, & enquired for John, we learned that
he had been married, was unhappy in his wife, was dejected & sick.
His wife
was something of a chief, a member of the church, & as was supposed a good
woman— I knew her, as she was once my schollar— She has gone astray, & been
excluded from the Church.
She is with John now I believe—
J. called to
see us, & I should not ha/e known him, had I not been told he was here.
His
emaciated frame, & seated cough testified that he must soon die of a pulmonary
disease.
He was poor— said he had on all the clothes he owned— I gave him a
new shirt— & we told him, that as soon as
we
got a station, he might if he
choose go with us, & we would try to make him comfortable.
heard he was dying & hastened to him.
Last Tuesday, we
We found him in a native house, lying
upon mats, & comfortable as the natives could make him.
He could speak only
in a whisper— His mind seemed to be in a comfortable frame.
We talked with
him & with other things enquired if he had any messages to his friends in
America, to Deac. Haskell— Yes, was reply.
them.
I have many things to say to
Tell them I die in faith &c...Mr. A. will write particulars & I
shall leave them for him.
He conversed with difficulty— Mr. A. prayed
with him.
I told him I was sorry we were not so situated as to help him,
& he seemed quite grateful for our attention &
little favors.
him I thought he was near death, but if he was a Christian it
matter when he died.
I told
would /be/ no
He said n o ----- & seemed to think as I did---
Mr. Bingham, Diel & Dr. Judd have also visited him— I wish very
much to do something for him, but am deprived the privilege.
Would see him daily if I could walk to him.
0
how I want to see father & mother, & Sally, Reuben & Elizabeth—
What are they about now?
I long to have them see our sweet babes— C. is
very lively— she is a persevering little character— (Has been quite ob
stinate, but is now quite well subdued---)
changing circumstances so
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 30, 1834
Page 16 (continued)
often is unfavourable to government---Sometimes I am not able to govern her.
There is a maternal society formed here— & we want publications from America
to assist us.
Some have been recieved— & I must just say to Reuben, that he
must help us in this way to train
up
is healthy— her eyes are growing dark—
his little Caroline- Now a dark grey.
She
Mrs. Diel came
into our chamber the other day & took up Reuben's profile as it stood upon
the window & said who is this, Caroline is just like it— Little N. is fair,
& has fine blue eyes— he is sweet---
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
June 4th /1834/.
June 4, 1834
Page 17
I am quite fatigued this eve—
It would hardly be expected that I should have an infant school in
chargey besides my two babies^ but such I have****commenced yesterday
more than 20 missionary children.
& have
General meeting also commenced yesterday.
Little C. goes with me— she can clap her hands & lisps tay away (stay away— )
0 is it not a pitty &c—
Baby goes too.
May /June/ 13th
I ha?e not written— not because I had nothing to
write, but because there has been so much to occupy my time daily.
The
infant school I cannot do much for, with the care of my 2 children---I am
ve^y much confined at home.
Diell—
The last week have visited Mrs. Hinckley & Mrs.
Several of the sisters of the Mission have been quite ill so also
have the children.
a drove of children.
meeting.
There are 26 missionary families at this station now, &
Some are crowded enough.
This we expect during general
There were several feeble ones among us, & some nearly helpless.
Mrs. Spaulding, Mrs. Chapin, Mrs. Smith, & Mr. Shepard, can do nothing, or
sit up much.
Mrs. Bishop, Thurston & Lions /Lyons/ appear to be the healthiest.
There seems to be several classes among us in regard to health— I belong to the
class of lean ones, & perhaps the 2d class in regard to health, if we divide
them into 4 classes.
Mr. A. to the first, or healthy class, Mrs. Hitchcock,
a very dear friend of mine, stood on the 1st class, the first year, but now
in the 3d.
I seem to have a pretty good constitution yet, & probably all my
111 health since I came here has been owing to over-exertion.
impossible to avoid many times.
This it is
When I get a little rest, & some recruited,
1 feel quite well---I wish I had some of Dr. More's essence of life to
strengthen me when exausted.
grave.
I do not expect much rest, until I rest in my
I have been tossed about so much that without a pretty good constitution,
I must have been helpless before this— after all my constitution is not strong,
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong June 13, 1834
but has a kind of toughness about it.
Page 17 (continued)
The first year we were here I hurt
myself in writing— had nothing but a low
stand, & had to sit upon a half
bend— I have never had neither have I yet conveniences for writing.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
June 13. 1834
Page 18
I have needed a desk more than the value of 10 would be in A m erica---C & N have had sore eyes— C is learning to talk quite fast.
She tries to speak
sentences, but makes many of the words as she goes along.
We go to native meeting, also to English at the seamens Chapel—
It is pleasant to see so many white faces--June 24th Tuesday eve—
to write a few lines.
makes me glad.
is like it.
Have just got my babies asleep, & sit down
My head is crazy, because I am so glad— News from home
I am so glad— so thankful— so happy---
What earthly pleasure
Letters from the following persons— Father, Sophia Shirtliff,
Rev. Daws Clarke, Mr. Davis, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Simeon Collins, Mrs. Taylor,
Milton Knox, Angeline Case & her sister, Andrew Porter, Reuben & Elizabeth—
I rejoice & am thankful for them all.
The said Chest has arrived & in p er
fect order— every thing verry- verry acceptable—
& just what I want.
The bonnet is very pretty
C is pleased & calls it bo n n e .
very pretty & acceptable.
The frock & frock patterns
I think Mother's taste is pretty good.
The bonnet &
frock good taste— the prettiest I have seen or that is to be seen among us all.
So says Mrs. Johnstone, with whom we are stopping---The chest we shall value
very much.
It is not defaced much.
shoes, & everything just right.
The spoons, spirit gum, sugar's— flannel,
Thanks for the corsets, for they are the
only ones I now have— through a mistake mine are all left behind to come here
after.
spruce.
The stock is beautiful, & makes husband hold up his head
& look quite
The gridiron &c. have been exibited & was quite a curiosity— veiy glad
of toys, they do not grow here---
Had there been some fine muslin I should
have liked it, but this wish was unknown— the coarse muslin comes just right
for a baby cover---
We were glad of all the letters, but none gave us more
real pleasure than Father's excellent letter.
from writing us, at least every year.
He cannot be excused any more
But I am disposed to lecture mother a
little— She has been very kind in sending us things, but where is her letter?
Sally's presant (!) was acceptable very, & her pieces
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
of calico—
0 the diapsr
has an Edwin Armstrong.
June 24, 1834
thanks thanks for it.
Page 1$
Who is the Mr. Russell who
I must write them— love to our namesakes— I will
write their parents to Clarissa C. Bradley.
Poor Julia Williams.
is pained for her— I will write to Sophia S h i r t l i f f .
My soul
Thanks for her apron
& bag— Mr. A. ha^ recieved a barrel from his friends containing dried apples,
pe a c h e s , a small jar of preserves, & a small box in the Barrel containing a
black fur hat, a calash for C, Cloth for / a / pr. pantaloons & a pair of shoes
for myself— all in perfect order.
I never ta^ed better fruit in my life.
was put into a brandy barrel— It is delightful.
It
Brothers & sisters eat with
us, as there is no dried fruit in the mission except what is sent by friends--I think much of our friends in Pennsylvania.
are they the most illiterate.
They are not literary, neither
They manifest much kindness towards us.
Mary
writes very interesting letters & seems to be growing in grace & knowledge.
From Westfield a box came directed to Mr. A.
Bingham, Gulick, Baldwin, & myself.
containing bundles for Mrs.
There were also articles made by a
sewing /class/ in the Academy & sent to us, who have mention of that school.
Many articles were of unbleached cotton— just right— we can hire natives to
work for us with them— & thus save our own strength for other purposes, clothe
the natives & make them industrious.
iosities to that school.
As soon as I can I shall send some cur
0 how I feel, to know that friends are so kind.
feel unworthy of it all— I hare not earned what I have recieved.
better God is to us than even our dearest friends---
I
But how much
Little C. is talked of
much & has many presants, but little N has not even one kiss— But he was unknown
when they were written.
of him than of C.
If Miss Trescot were to see him she would say no less
He is now as pretty as C. was, & as sweet— .
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
June 24, 1834
Page 20
He is a stout fellow— has fallen from the bed twice, can say dad dad dad &
is going to have teeth soon---
C. is learning to talk quite fast, & tries
to call her grand-parents, uncle & aunts by name.
sewing & says for a needle to sew teedle a to—
She is quite fond of
The bundle from Blandford
I was glad of & think much of it, as it was made by those little misses
whom I knew.
The quilt is now on my bed, & all the girls have been talked
of, who made it.
I shall write them— I think there had been some sugar plums
in the bundle which /illegible/ & spoiled all the remnants of calico but one.
The Westfield box was much injured— particularly the books & letters.
things were cotten.
Some
It had not been taken care of I suppose, on the ship.
Several other individuals had boxes, the contents of which were much injured
or entirely spoiled.
The book from Mr. Davis I am very glad of— We want the
new publications, to keep up with the times, or we shall degenerate.
There
is a greater tendency to it /in/ heathen lands than elsewhere— everything
around us is darkness, when at our station, & we become indifferent to our
selves— which is not right.
When at this station it is necessary for us to
pay more regard to dress, than when at our station alone, but I think at no
place, we should become quite regardless of it, for our influence would be
less & less beneficial to natives.
June 2$th
At best they are slovens.
0 how rappidly time rolls away, & as rappidly are we
decending (!) to the grave, & the judgment.
Death itself & the grave have
no terrors to me, but E t e r n i t y , 0 Eternity— that will surely come.
am I prepared for it.
state— I see so much
How illy
I often fear respecting my preparation for a future
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
June 29, 1834
Page 21
sin remaining in my heart, that I am often cast down on account of it.
My
purpose is to live for God, & my only hope is in his mercy, through the merits
of his son.
Mr. Shepard is still living— one day is confined to the bed, the
next perhaps walks out.
It matters not how soon he dies for we believe his
lamp is burning— he is ripe for heaven.
Mr. Gulick is feeble— disease in
his head— I do not think he will labour much more.
Our children are troubled
with sore eyes & diarhea— (I will mention that the King is in a terrible state—
He has attempted taking his own life— Upon peril of live/life/ do not publish this
hint.)
Letters ha?e come back here in papers, that were written by individuals
to private friends, without the least expectation of their being published—
Some of the foreigners have told the King & chiefs about them, & as they are
respecting
their own characters, they are somewhat amazed— I know not what the
result will be.
It is dangerous to have any thing published that is unfavorable
to the foreign residents here, or to the natives, because it is used to injure
the progress of Christ's cause.
You my friends are comeing (!) to the true
state of things here— you & the world have seen only the bright side.
The
board in their publications respecting the S. Islands, have more correct views
than formerly.
Last Wednesday we females met & formed ourselves into a maternal
association.
Friday evenings & Saturday P.M. we have prayer-meetings---
Nevins says dad dad dad— C. tries to talk— much business to do,
among the gentlemen---Some is trying.
Missionaries have many unlooked for,
trials, such as our friends cannot know & sympathize in.
Grace grace is what
we need--July 2d
I have just been down stairs to cut a shroud for John Toohani—
yes, John has gone to his eternal home— & 0 may his soul rest in peace.
July 4th
Jones.
To day I have attended an American Celebration— speech by
A famous dinner by foreign residents was prepared
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 4, 1834
Page 22
but no missionaries except Mr. & Mrs. Johnstone were invited.
Dined at Dr.
Judd's & at 5 o'clock, saw John Toohani put into his narrow house, to rest
until he is summoned to the general judgment--July 5th
have been looking over some Springfield papers— & saw an
account of "the Devil's deacon"— I think he is probably my old neighbour, &
the buyer perhaps Ben Noble.
There is a temperance writer in that region,
it seems his sitnature is R— .
Well our station is appointed at last on Maui— 4000 people- Monday morning 7th
Last Saturday evening I
saw
&
heard the
most interesting sight my eyes ever beheld, or my ears ever heard— It was a
dying Christian.
It was Mr. Shepard on his death bed—
He has been ill a
long time, & several times, it has been supposed he was near the end of
his life.
But strangely he has survived.
His complaint was consumption—
several years sickness must of course reduce his flesh, & leave a mere
skeleton.
His sickness has been so long, that he was well ripened
prepared for death.
&
When I saw him he was labouring for breath, but yet
conversed with some effort, & seemed to be swallowed up in God's will.
We went in & Mr. A. as Mr. S reached out his hand took hold of it
& said brother I am sorry to see you so much distressed— he replied why so
if it is God's will— His will is the best & desire to be swallowed up in it--His language was all submission, & peace.
He conversed much—
Some one
said his pulse flutters— he said, soon the golden bowl will be broken, &
the silver chord
loosed, & then all its troubles will be over.
us to sing, Sweet is the word.
He requested
My God my king & then asked Mr. A.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
to pray—
July 7, 1834
0 it was a happy sight.
I loved to look upon him, & regretted
that we could not sing the dying Christian.
than I did his--took my hand.
Page 23
I never envied a situation more
0 may I remember & proffit by what he said to me as he
He says Mrs. A. you must soon be brought to this state— &
see that your work is done quickly.
I stood by him some minutes, while he
held my hand— & as he was panting for breath, I said "cease fond nature,
cease thy strife & let me languish into life"— He continued to converse—
& when told it might hurt he said no it will not hurt me I love to talk---For
me to live in Christ & to die is /illegible/ he said with a smile as he looked
up at Mr. A.
We left him before 9— & at midnight word came that he was dying.
Mr. A went & also other members of the mission.
distressed.
yield.
His death was a struggle
Happy thrice (?) happy man.
his Lord, who shall be?
He was senseless & much
it seemed as if nature would not
If he is not happy in the bosom of
Last night Mr. A sat a part of the night by the
corpse— to day at 4 o'clock it is to /be/ buried.
July 17th
Since my last date, some changes have taken place with
regard to myself— I am now occupying a small house that was built for Mr.
Fuller.
grass.
It is perhaps 4-feet sqr—
Has 3 small windows & a door.
or any being, except my 2 children--house, in a c o m e r of his yard.
Is made of dobies, & covered with
I am here too, without a husband
The house stands near Mr. Rodger's
Mr. R. is absent, so I am quite alone,
except an old native man & his wife & child, who live with Mr. R.
from Mr. Johnstone's to day.
Moved
Mr. Gulick & his natives helped me—
Husband left last eve for Maui— He has gone to see Hana our appointed
station, & make some preparations for us to go get a
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
house ready &c—
July 17, 1834
Page 24
Cannot calculate how long he will be absent— perhaps 4
weeks or 6— & perhaps more.
I expect to be quite lonely— but since it is
necessary for him to go away, I prefer staying alone, & intend to write as
many letters as I possibly can, for we expect an opportunity to send to America
in a month---
Husband has left letters ready for home one long one for Reuben-
Think I will perhaps send my journal— perhaps not.
How I should love to run home & stay while my dear hus. is gone,
& then return— 0 it would be too much for me to enjoy--The generall (!) meeting closed yesterday & the missionaries have
gone home.
I have been so busy to day that I have not felt lonely— that is to
come.
C. is quite good company now— she talks most of the day except when she
takes her nap about eleven.
She grows fast---There is not a more healthy child
in the mission than C. & surely not one so full of life.
Mrs. Thurston & some
of the ladies had a party last friday of little folks in Mrs. Bingham's yard.
C. had a note with an invitation, & I glad enough to be released from her a
little while, sent her in good season.
plain cake.
They had bread, milk & water & some
After that they had a fine play— & C. got the name of being
the wildest & most lively of all.
She plays with all her might, & if she
falls down & get a pretty hard bump, she jun^gs up & says "pall down"
down) & goes at it again.
I have my hands pretty full.
If I had not two
children, I should think that I could not take care of them.
very strict with myself in regard to C.
(fall
I have to be
I do not wish to make an old woman
of C. while she is a baby, but must restrain her, watch myself, &c—
She is
quite a little character for imitation & will take as much liberty as she can
get.
0 may her heart early be a subject of savaing /saving(?)y grace is my
daily prayer— I sometimes feel that it will be so - -
Our little N. that
was called by his father so coarse when little, is now said by many to be
the prettiest babe in the mission.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 17, 1834
He is indeed a sweet babe— sits alone now.
speak so of my children.
inable sin.
Page 25
I know it appears like vanity to
It is foolish— & 0 may I be saved from that abom
If my children are b o m of the spirit of Christ, it is enough.
0 may it be so in regard to them---
They are now sleeping sweetly.
I must
retire— so good night dear friends--July 20th
enough.
Do not go to meeting to day, because I do not feel well
A m not as well lately as when I came here.
The climate of Oahu I
think is not good for me,— I feel the loss of my dear husband, but otherwise
am glad to be alone.
enjoy it.
It is such a rare thing to have retirement that I do
When we get to our new station I shall probably have solitude
enough.
Yesterday we heard the most distressing news from Hawaii— vis. that
Mr. Douglas of whom I have spoken, was found dead in a pit with a wild b u l l .
Mr. Diell wrote us & said that darkness was resting over it all— That he is
dead is certain, but the circumstances of his death we have yet to learn.
was a man of much intelligence & information.
with him.
He
Mr. A. was quite acquainted
I have seen him often & our little Nevins has had many a fine
tossing from him— I can see how his body looked, but I cannot now see in
imagination his soul.
He lived without God & died without him.
He troubled
himself very little about serious things, but now he sees the folly of neglect
ing his soul, rather than worldly objects.
July 27th
Saturday eve—
Have got along through the week, & about
all I have done was tend babies & lie on the bed.
is too debilitating for me.
A m not well.
I have been quite alone.
quite ill, had a high fever, & slept very little.
This climate
One night C. was taken
I got along as well as I
could through the night, & early in the morning sent for Mr. Bingham, several
rods from here.
while some
oil
(Dr. Judd was gone).
He gave her a dose of calomel & after a
& she got better.
On Thursday night about midnight, I was
taken very sick & distressed at my stomach, with vomiting & purging---It was I suppose a
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 27, 1834
sleight (!) touch of the chorea— Others have had it.
Cholera, yet many natives have died with it.
in the morning sent for Dr. Judd.
took her home with him.
Page 26
Not the real Asiatic
It is a little like it.
Early
He gave me some medicine, dressed C. &
I succeeded in dressing myself & Nevins, & made my
bed, but not without much pain & distress.
A native woman came in after a
while & took care of N. while I lay on my bed.
The medicine relieved me, &
the pill of opium I had taken made me feel quite bad (?)— The disease we re
moved, but I was so sick that I could not sit up a minute, or take any food.
C. cajne home & I then thought of home.
Sick & unable to
stir.
husband gone & on me was resting the care of my two children.
was obliged to get off from the bed, to wait upon my babes.
fed.
My
Sometimes
N. had to be
Towards noon Mrs. Smith heard I was sick & came in— she was not well,
but fed N. took C. home with her, & sent me some food (but I could not eat
it).
She has been very attentive & kind & I shall ever feel grateful for her
kindness.
She is the Miss Davis of whom I have spoken before, who came out
with Capt. Hinckley, & married here.
She came to meet her lover here.
Smith is now quite lame with the rheumatism.
Mr.
They are a few rods from us.
They expect sometime to go home— I do not know how soon, perhaps in 2 or 3
years.
I will write her place of residence when I learn it.
It is in Mass-ts.
Well, so I continued through the day— a native woman slept in the room at
night.
I rested pretty well & to day have been better, but am weak— feel
quite fatigued.
All the writing I have done this week has been a letter to
Sophia Shirtliff & one to Father— Children asleep— but my dear husband has
not returned.
I shall hope to see him next week.
Mrs. Smith has just sent me a bit of beef for a stake (!) in the
morning.
But I should mention that we have heard of another distressing
death this week.
Capt. Dowset, from England who has been here with his
family two or three years, has gone out recently in pursuit of shells— The
vessel touched at some recently discovered island & went on shore armed— The
natives were so kind that the 3d time they they (!) went unarmed &
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 27. 1834
Page 27
somehow got into difficulty with the natives, & some of the crew were killed.
Some escaped, & say that the natives were beating Capt. D. & killing him.
When the news came, Mrs. D. (she has 3 children) was almost crazy— but I
suppose she is better without than with him.
happy together.
Neither pious & not veiy
Those who returned in the vessel give different accounts
of Capt. D. & it is thought he may /be/ living yet.
send a vessel immediately there.
Poor man!!
So they are going to
If he is dead, he was illy
prepared for it, & if living I fear will be no better prepared— 0 that
the affliction may be a blessing to the souls of his wife & children.
�July 30, 1834
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 28
/Note:
This page was continued on the back of page2$ by mistake, as noted
later in this passage
Tuesday /Jul y / 30th
Quite lonely to day— have been reading over
E's journal which commenced last May.
seem almost to talk with her.
A m glad she writes so many little particulars—
otherwise I should not get them.
her this evening if I can.
I see her when I read her journal, &
Miss P. Hamilton is mentioned & will write
I received a letter from her by Mr. Diell.
Husband
d.oes not come home yet— I have been quite ill since he left--But I find I have made a mistake— The next page should take the
place of this— but I must go on for babies do not allow me to write much.
An English Man of War is here, & two natives are to be executed on
board to day for killing an English Capt. on some Island a year ago--The wind blows most terribly & the atmosphere is filled with sand.
It is now PM. & have continued to read letters from home when babies
were still.
I always cry when I read letters & journals from friends.
not because I am sorry to hear, but because I cannot help crying.
unworthy of so much kindness.
It is
I feel
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Tuesday August 4th
August 4, 1834
Mr. A returned August 1st.
Page 29
I was just getting
my children to sleep, not at all expecting their father until morning, when
suddenly he came in.
We were glad enough to see him.
I had not even seen
the vessel coming in.
August 23d
What few things we have are now on board the Packet,
& in a few hours we expect to sail for our station.
I have at length got a desk, & if ever one was glad I am, for I
have been put to so much inconvenience for want of one.
It is a splendid
one too, a Chinese one— different from any one I ever saw.
It is quite
large and a good deal of brass trimming on it— besides the usual places
in a desk— there is a part that stands up when open & in this is a fine
portfolio.
There are also 3 small drawers extra.
good an one, but could get no other.
The price was 18.00 seed, handed—
gave Mr. A's old watch & 4 of his shirts.
now & I had his.
I do not deserve so
I almost wish Reuben had it
I have also a clock— for which I gave a gold chain
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
August 23. 1834
and the musket we had at Nuuhina.
Page 30
It is a large wooden one— 3 fet. long
perhaps— a pretty face— & a looking glass in it which I value— strikes &
has also an alarm.
The case is beautiful— was made to stand on a shelf, or
something like it.
I have also a side-saddle for which I exchanged my l e g
horn bonnet.
There I could scarcely spare it, but as the people where we go
are scattered, I thought it better to do without a bonnet, than not visit
the people.
My calash is nearly worn out, but shall get along somehow.
leave a few letters to go home soon.
I
The ship is just in sight & bound to
America.
Sabbath P.M.
Haiku, Mauii.
Perhaps I can say I have at length got home.
Yes, we are now at
our appointed station, & Mr. A. preached this morning to more than 1000 people—
do not know what our regular congregation will be.
they can be persuaded to come.
There are people enough if
There is something pleasant in the thought of
being at home, however homely &or lonely it may be.
After being tossed about
as I have been, from place to place, & in such uncomfortable circumstances, it
is indeed pleasant to get home.
But I need not be dissatisfied even without an
earthly home, for our blessed Master had not t h a t .
may mine at length be there.
His home was in heaven & 0
0 the responsibility of my situation!!
Thousands
of immortal souls, will be looking to me for an example, in temporal & spiritual
th ings.
On me in a great measure will depend
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
their future destiny.
August 24, 1834
Page 31
My conversation should be in heaven, & my life one
devoted to Godliness. May the Lord give me grace & wisdom to perform the
part which is allotted me, in a manner that shall be acceptable to him.
0
may I do it, so that I shall be able to render an acceptable account unto
him of my stewardship when I shall be no longer in his service.
0 may I
be the humble means of pointing many female heathens to that salvation which
they shall obtain & which alone can make them wise here & happy hereafter—
Amen & A m e n .
Sept. 12th
Oahu.
I will now give a brief outline of our voyage from
We left August 23d on Saturday 4 o'clock.
We had gathered what things
we could to keep house, & from the herd of cattle at Oahu, we were allowed a
poor cow & calf, & a young heifer.
Our expectation was to have gone direct
to our station, but our passage was so rough, that we thought best to stop
at Lahaina.
We were in sight of the high school sabbath eve but were becalmed
& did not come to anchor until Monday about 10 o'clock.
one, but very rough.
Our passage was a quick
We were in the Packet, & had a pretty good rocking.
We
had not been on board long until I had to take my birth which I did not leave
until we got to anchor.
As usual, I had a real time of vomiting & took nothing
but cold water until we got on shore.
it with our two babies.
Husband was sick too, & we had a time of
They were both sick, & vomited, but soon got over it.
I do not know of anything that makes one feel so indifferent to life & every thing
else, as sea sickness.
It makes one spew at everything.
it know nothing about it— It is horrid!!
thing is so uncomfortable, dirty &c.
Those who only read of
Besides, on a small vessel, every
One may expect to eat, smell, & lie in
dirt, which of itself is enough to make one sick.
A small craft, crammed full,
pigs, cattle & lousy, noisy negroes, & as many other
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Sept. 12, 1834
Page 32
dirty things as could be got would be some things, like a vessel belonging
to the natives.
I have sometimes thought of food, which if cooked clean I
could eat, but when brought me, it only sets me a vomiting--was never made for a sailor.
We stopped at Mr. Richards.
I am sure I
We made prepara
tions for going a part of the way by land, & a part in a canoe, & send the
Packet on with our goods.
But the wind was so strong that Mr. R. thought I
could not go, & the conclusion was, that Mr. A. go & return in a week for me.
But we were so unfortunate as to loose our heifer.
She got hurt on board
the Packet, & to save the meat she was killed at Lahaina.
I spent a week
very pleasantly at Lahina (!), but was quite anxious to get to our station.
Called on Mrs. Chapin & Mrs. Spaulding frequently.
heart to see them, both so helpless.
It always pained my
Mrs. S. has a child younger than C.
running about without a mother to watch her infant steps.
Mrs. C-on her
bed- Mrs. S's disease is in her back, & Mrs. C's in the intestines.
will ever, probably, have good health---
Dr. C. thinks of going to America.
I think both he & Mr. S. ought to go with their families.
there is little prospect of their ever having health.
they stay?
Neither
Physicians think
If so, why should
If they could have the kind attentions of a mother or sister,
& be treated as such feeble ones should be, they might have health, at least
comfortable.
Now if they wish to ride, instead of an easy carriage,as they
should have, they must either be carried by natives, or lie on their beds.
Their husbands have the care of them, the housework & children— & Mr. S. has
the care of one child & will soon have to take charge of another.
he do for the heathen in such circumstances?
What can
& what can a husband do to
gratify the appetite of a very weak & delicate stomach?
A wife would rather
suffer than call upon a husband constantly— It seems to me to be a plain matter
of duty to go to America, when in
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
such circumstances.
Sept. 12, 1834
Page 33
I hope & pray it may never be my duty to go home, & yet
shall not go probably unless such are mine & my husbands.
I have cause for
gratitude that my own health, that of my husband, & children is so good— Ny
feeble health since we came to the islands, I attribute to hard work, & u n
comfortable circumstances.
Yet I must admit that I do yet feel the effects
of my voyage from America.
Mr. S. & C. will yet go to America with their families.----------Well,
the week passed pleasantly in Mr. R's family— They have 7 children.
Mrs. R.
is rather feeble, but with help from natives & Miss Ogden they get along
very well.
Have a convenient house & all things convenient around it, which
seems to be even more necessaiy here than in America.
Their house is nearly
covered with grape-vines, which are filled with beautiful grapes once a year.
The season was just past when I was there.
Sept. 2d.
Mr. A. returned & on the 3d we left early in the morning
for Wailuku, Mr. Green's station.
& natives to rowe (!).
We were in a single canoe which had a
sail
It proved to be leaky & the only way I had to keep my
feet from the water was by breaking a stick of sugarcane & laying them across
the canoe, just above the water.
I sat upon a board across the canoe, until
I had vomited & was so sick I could sit no longer.
Then I got down upon the
sugar cane & there sat until my limbs were so tired that I began to fear they
would not be easily straightened.
It was like sitting in a half bushel.
Nevins was on my lap a part of the time, sick as I was.
take care of him, & Mr. A. kept C.
A native woman helped
They were not sick but slept a good deal.
Thus we sailed 13 or 18 miles & 0 how tired I was.
cart for us, which was waiting at our landing place.
Mr. Green had sent an ox
I was glad to change
my position, but that soon became wearisome to me, having to sit like a
monkey squat on the bottom, or with husband's old cloak under me.
rode 12 miles farther.
The oxen were
Thus I
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Sept. 12, 1834
Page 34
old & the natives that drove them awkward, & I had to ride slow, besides having
a thorough jolting.
It /was/ sometimes as if I should fall to pieces.
The
fields through which we passed were level, but there /were/ some stones &
,ocks & ditches to pass.
The scenery was fine— Large beautiful fields & the
prospect of the mountains & hills were fine, all was green.
goats were grazing in different places & some cattle.
Large flocks of
The large fields re
minded me of the extensive fields of grain which I have so often seen waving
in my native land, but they were all covered with grass instead of grain.
About 2 o'clock we got to Mr. Green's where we were recieved kindly & our
appetites were satisfied with some good bread & butter, hogs rib, sweet pota
toes, squash, potatoe pie & Ohahu (!) pie.
0 it is pleasant to be recieved
kindly by friends & partake of the bounties which providence gives them, when
we are wearied with travelling.
should ever keep it in mind.
All this kindness comes from the L o r d — & we
We spent 2 nights there—
Mr. G. has been build
ing a very pretty stone house— a two story one, so they are quite comfortable.
He labors hard for the heathen.
& does what she can.
station.
Mrs. G. has scholls (!)
On friday morning we set out again in the cart for our
We also took a horse & I found it more comfortable riding on the
saddle than in the cart.
of the children.
to pass.
Is a very active man.
Mr. A & I rode alternately in the cart & took care
Thus we rode through fine scenery but had some deep ditches
Most of the way it is level.
We found our house on the side of a
hill, where the cold bleak wind sweeps by it, & gives us a touch as it passes.
From the sea, it is perhaps ten miles to the top of the /mountain/.
Most of
the way a gradual ascent— /We/ are not far from the water, but out of its
�Sept. 12, 1834
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
noise & unpleasant smell— perhaps a mile from it.
& west, it is level, with now & then a hill.
Page 33
On each side of us east
The scenery is beautiful, &
hope I shall sometime on paper give my friends an idea of the beautiful
landscape which is spread around us.
eter stands at 80 to day.
It is a carpet of green.
The thermom
The cool wind is blowing & I have to keep the doors
shut— clothing that would burthen me at Oahu, makes me only comfortable here.
The change of climate affected me so much, that a few of the first mornings
made me shiver with the cold.
ing.
I find a flannel shirt comfortable every morn
It is sometimes much cooler than it is now, so we shall find use for
thick clothing, though ours is not all here.
frock— hope it will /come/ this f a l l .
use now.
I feel the need of my sircassian
The flannel that mother sent comes into
I have just taken off a blanket for baby, of it.
Our house is smaller
than the house we had at Nuuhiya, & leaks badly when it rains, for which I am
sorry— It is a new house.
The floor is of mats laid over stones & grass—
Partitions mats— We are so much more comfortable than when we landed at
Nuuhina, that I think we are well off.
We have enough to eat— such as berries (?), fowls, sweet potatoes,
taJ3&, bananas, fish &c.
The shrimp, such as C.S. Stewart said jumped down
Capt. Finch's throat are plenty here, & much loved by the chiefs.
cooked some, & Mr. A. eat them—
relish them.
I have
They are so much like bugs that I cannot
There is a kind of lobster twice or three times as large as
the lobs&er in America, which I am very fond of.
small kind of fish which are fine.
Also a large kind, & a
Also a kind of shell fish, resembling
in taste & appearance /ink faded/ clam.
They are fine.
I have some of the
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Sept. 12, 1834
shells to send home, with other presants (!).
strung on grass.
Page 36
We had some grass-hoppers
They are very much like the large green grasshopper that
I used to see at home— The natives love them very much.
& plenty of fine onions & cabbages.
We have some eggs—
Twice in the year, there is for a short
season a berry called Ohahu— It is we think equal to the American whortle
berry (or hudleberry).
They grow on the mountain, & we can get them.
pig has been given us, but it was so poor that we did not kill it.
one for cloth, & kill it this P.M.
those days are past.
One
We got
Once hogs would have been given us, but
The first thing eatable, that I saw after our arrival
was a few eggs, for which the man asked 29 cts.
money, but the word of God.
We told him we did not bring
The latter he did not choose to take.
shall have our food all to buy as they do at Oahu.
I fear we
We have but little fur
niture, & have room for but little— My desk stands on two rough boxes in my
sleeping room.
I have a large coarse table, which I had made for ironing & c —
On one end of that we eat, while my two bucks of water stand on the other.
Four natives are with us, but awkward enough.
hope after a while.
They will l e a m to work I
The man that will hold the office of cook, has no shirt
on & I dare not give him one yet— Natives are so deceitful that we have to
look out for them.
I never worked harder in my life than since we came here,
yet I have often as hard.
I get so tired that I cannot rest.
things in order, so that I can have a school f<car-the women.
&c to do, & am quite behind hand in writing letters.
also
I want to get
I have mending
I must drive at that a while,
�Sept. 12, 1834
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
the language— I see so
Page 37
much to do that I know not haw or what to do first.
I long to be doing something directly for the natives.
c&pends on me, & therefore must do much.
0 what can I do with my two babies—
Nevins I must wean— His teeth are troubling him.
chair— & is a fine little boy.
I feel that much
He creeps & stands up by a
C. is active as ever & talks quite prettily.
I must commence teaching her to read.
I must leave this & go to mending
stocking s .
Sept. 15th 1834—
I have just commenced to day writing letters for
America— but it is rather a late hour.
ably have much time to write.
time.
Nevins is not well & I shall not prob
I have not had a good night sleep for a long
N. is so restless.
Have just been sewing together my journal to send— by & by— I want
to take a view of our station to send home, but shall not probably this fall.
Sept. 21st sabbath.
To day have attended meeting at an old shell
of a meeting house a few rods from u s , where the natives have held m e e t i n g s .
There were probably 1000 people, & not near all in the house, for want of room.
The people sit on the ground, as we should have to if we did not take chairs.
Mr. A. is pouring over the language, preaches twice'on the sabbath & has a
sabbath school, also preaches on Wednesday.
soon.
We both hope to commence school
0 that we could /have/ all this people turn to the ways of righteousness
& be saved.
It must be remembered that this is a time in which many who for a
time have done weLl, are now doing wickedly.
the people.
ly small.
The wickedness of the rules affect
The number who attend church here & in other places, is comparative
0 different is the sabbath here from what it need to be at home.
was order & neatness (I do not mean in Russell)
sabbath schools, &
numerous religious priviledges— here all is dark & lonely— A t meeting here
are dirty beings squat upon the ground, & when I get home find myself tor
mented with lice & fleas.
But there are small things /if/ the people will
There
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong Sept. 21, 1834
only become good.
They are dropping off one after another, yet they seem /to
think no more of death than the beasts.
want of sleep & rest.
station.
Page 37 (continued)
I do not feel remarkably well, for
Hate not slept well a night since we came to our
Little N. is not well— I have just got through weaning him &
his food is now goats milk.
I have to get up nights
& warm his milk but
am so fortunate as to have a nurse lamp which the board put up far me.
have to put on a cloak (a borrowed one) it is so c o o l . My throat gets
sore, & I get chilled
I
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Sept. 21, 1834
Pagp 38
Well, if I had sufficient rest, think I should feel very well.
Here the
thermometer stands from 73 to 80, but there is a cold bleak wind which
sweeps over the plain & touches us as it passes.
It also rains frequently.
I cannot keep my thought/s/ from my dear native land even on this holy
sabbath.
There are times when I cannot easily keep my thoughts here.
But
I shall never see that happy land, but my dear children may—
Sept. 22.
America this fall---
.
I am driving with all my might to get letters off to
Caroline looks at R.'s profile as it hangs & says
uncle L u b e n . She cannot say Elizabeth & says aunt Miz.
Calls her grand
parents by name— She is very busy eating sugar-cane - -
N is asleep— I have
just finished a letter to Mrs. S. R. Collins—
Sept. 27th
Little N is ill— He does not like to exchange his
best food for goats milk.
Poor little fellow it is hard —
syringe of great service to us now.
one.
Me find the
Reuben has done a great favor in sending
All the letters I have written to America this fall is 13— & have now
more than that number to write.
I feel just like it.
fortable.
If I were near home, I should go there to day.
Not very lively to day— A leaky house is not very com
Our floor will be
damp.
It would even in a tight house.
It is
not very favorable to the constitutions of f e m a l e s , to live on a damp floor—
Stoves, grass & mats, will be damp.
But so it must be— offers are not many
in the mission so— However some are.
How I should love to be at home a few days with my dear children,
&how my parents would like to have us with them— But such pleasure is not
mine to enjoy.
C is a veiy queer little miss.
& can imitate them well.
She loves to be with the natives,
She tries to do e?eiything I do.
busy, when I call her, she often says Caroline b u s y .
If I tell her I am
It is true for she is
always busy when awake— She cannot spend time to sleep in the daytime - -
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong Sept. 27, 1834
Page 38 (continued)
When I sew she sews— when I write she writes, when I read she reads, sings,
&c...
She must have a baby too, to rock to sleep as I do Nevins.
Sept. 30th
shall soon have more.
Have just returned from a school of 22 women— Hope I
We were in an old shell of a native house, & sat on
the ground— It was the church.
The fleas troubled me with their sharp teeth,
& the hogs with their presence— 0 how ignorant, deceitful & wicked they are--Took C. with me, because I knew
not what else to do with her.
still ill— looses flesh— I smetimes fear his life will be short.
Little N. is
He is not
so wild as C— not so lively, but there is something uncommonly interesting
in him.
He is a very sweet babe---I can neither pray that he may live or
die, for I know not what is best for him or me— only let the will of the Lord
be done.
Mr. A. is trying to make a table to eat upon, that we may take our
food more comfortably.
Is making it of a door---
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Sabbath eve
Oct. 6, 1834
6 Oct.
Page 39
Thus am I spared until another October.
4 days this week have had a school of women, between 20 & 30— hope I shall
soon have more— But they are scattered.
I have just heard some painful news.
Some will probably move near us.
That at Hanah /Hana/, the place where
we thought of going, the people have turned back to their abominations— such
as drunkeness, adultry &c— 0 when will the sun of rightousness dispell all
the darkness of this people?
Have not been to meeting to day, because Nevins was too ill to be
carried.
I fear that my staying at home will have a bad effect upon the people
In some things they are ready to imitate us, & will be likely to do as I do
about going to church.
Poor little N — he is feeble.
been ill ever since our arrival here.
He is quite thin, having
His tongue is sore, probably his teeth
are troublesome, has a diarrhea, vomits & sometimes a little fever.
I feel
somewhat anxious about him, but I dare not pray that he get well, or that he
may not; I can only say the will of the Lord be done.
If he should die now
I should have no doubt but he would be forever happy in the bosom of our Lord.
If he lives he may be a prostigater /i.e. p r o p a g a t o r ( ? y or he may be the
means of doing much good—
Since I know not his lot, I can only say the will
of the Lord be done—
He is in my arms while I write, & has been most of the day.
my parents could see the sweet babe.
me as if they asked for relief.
head on my shoulder.
0 that
His little blue eyes often look up to
He loves to lie on my
bosom
& lay his
Tomorrow expect Mr. Green's wife .& two children to
come & spend a night with u s --Mrs. Chapin's Cloak on.
It is rainy & cool this eve.
I sit with
The goats & kids are bleating, & I am reminded of
days when we had rain at home, & father had to watch the sheep & lambs, &
sometimes in a cold storm brought them into the house.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Oct. 8, 1834
Tuesday /Oct^y 8th
came to visit us.
Page 39 (continued)
Yesterday Mr. & Mrs. Green & their 2 children
Came in an ox-cart, as far* as they could, & we sent a
horse & my saddle to meet them.
sadly, from living alone.
Had a pleasant visit.
He feels most
We gave up our bed to them— I slept on the
settee, & had not clothes enough to keep me warm.
Mr. A. on the floor with
C . & he was cold.
If my goods
It was one of our cold n i g h t s .
I shall have a plenty to keep us warm.
ever
arrive
My lungs are constantly affected
from the dampness of our house, & I am somewhat fearful what the result
will be.
But the m ^ i o n allow us no boards, so there is no remedy.
Wednesday 9th
I will send this now as a ship is to sail soon
from Lahaina to America— N. is a little better, but not well.
cold & so have I.
C. has a bad<
I will write again in a few weeks.
I remain as ever your affectionate sister & child,
Clarissa.
(Write often all of you)
�
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SECTION 6
Wailuku, Maui
April 13, 1833 - Sept. 21, 1833
William Nevins, b o m in the Marquesas in 1834, died in 1833 of
the croup.
Later that same year another son was born, given the same name
as his dead brother.
The baby Clarissa refers to in this section is the
second William Nevins, born in 1833 in Hawaii.
She also writes of a visit from a cousin, Wills Hamilton, and
the arrival of another missionary company from New England.
-l^W A itA N M tSS!O t^CH !LD RdN 3
�April 13, 1833
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 1
Monday April 13, 1833
Have just packed a journal of 40 pages for home.
I go to Mr.
Spauldings to day for a visit.
Thursday eve l6th
Am back again in the chamber where dear baby
died— I can be more retired here than at Mr. Spauldings, which is the cause
of my returning.
Have not got my strength yet.
husband who is absent at our station.
Have just written my dear
Hope he will return soon for I am
very lonely.
Caroline is busy most of the time— She puts her baby into a box
or whatever she can get, & calls it Nevins grave.
She buries her baby often,
& calls it dead.
Sabbath l$th
horses as at Honolulu.
A pleasant day & all is silent.
Baby's mouth is a little sore.
husband & no dear Nevins.
No riding of
Still lonely— no
The former I hope will return tomorrow— but dear
baby I can never see, until my flesh is in the ground, & my spirit in another
world.
I would not consent to have my dear husband go away & stay, were it
not for the hope of his doing good.
0 that we were all more diligent in our master's business.
1 have just been down stairs rubbing Mrs, Chapin's feet.
She is
very much troubled with cold feet— she is quite feeble & gets no better.
Cannot sit up a moment yet, & can hardly bear to be raised in the bed.
23d Evening
Last eve a letter arrived from husband.
longer.
He is going to stay a week
Well, I have no right to complain since he /is/ about his master's
business.
to see him.
Nuuhivians
Capt. Brayton arrived on Monday morning, & we were all glad enough
3 months ago was at Nuuhiva— Another Capt. has arrived & sa3ss the
have been killing foreigners— Perhaps we escaped in the right time.
�April 23 1 1833
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 1 (continued)
God knows.
/April/
23th
Bed time—
I am quite tired— Hae been sewing & teaching
natives how to sew for Mrs. Chapin as she can do nothing herself.
Within
a few days I have cut 16 children's frocks, for Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Spauld
ing & Mrs. Chapin.
Richards
With help from my native woman have made 3 for Mrs.
& am still at work for her.
of & needs help.
She has 7 children to take care
I am happy to
April 23, 1833
render her any assistance, since they were so kind to us in our sickness.
No husband yet.
Hope before many days to see him.
Capt. Brayton thinks
we shall not get our furniture, &c very soon if ever— It almost makes me
feel blue— for time is too precious to work so much to disadvantage.
Page 2
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Monday eve
May 4, 1833
Page 3
Molokai May 4th 1833—
Here I am again, in the very same little stone house, which we
used to occupy when here before.
What strange, what indescribable sensations
fill my breast, when I think of the way in wh.
the Lord has led us since I
entered this roof as I supposed for the last time.
Well I remember the time.
After our bed & what few things we had with us were carried out, I came in
alone & closed the door & raised a desire to God for guidance & protection
in future.
We have since wandered in a path which we knew not— sometimes
the way has seemed dark & we knew not where to go until guided from on high.
Sometimes we seemed to have been led almost by a pillar of fire by night &
cloud by day, & again we would fall into darkness—
But the Lord has led
us on thus far in a strange wilderness, & brought us again to a land we
never expected to behold.
the promised land of Israel.
0 may He still be our guide to lead us to
He has alone been with us in sickness & distress.
When his hand has been laid heavily upon us, he has in tender mercy removed it.—
& when He has sent death to tear away one of the tenderest objects of our love,
he has sent us also the balm of consolation, & enabled us to say "tho he sley (!)
me yet will I trust in him."
Blessed ever blessed be his name.
Last Monday Mr. A returned to
Lahaina, rather sooner than I expected, but no sooner than I wished to see him.
On Wednesday morning we arose early, & before light was on our way to Molokai.
Had a tolerable pleasant passage so far as the wind was concerned, but to
ourselves it was sickish enough.
In 6 hours from the time we got into the
canoe, we met with a most cordial reception from Mrs. Hitchcock— & soon Mr.
H. returned from visiting & examining schools, & was no less glad to see us
than was his wife.
We were truly glad to see them again at their own house.
Mr. A. returned on friday, & Saturday went to Wailuku- - from thence proceeds
to our station & takes a tour round that part of the island— will probably
be gone 2 weeks.
I stay here
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 4, 1835
Page 4
until he returns to Lahaina & writes me— I shall get natives to take me there,
& not have husband come after me, he suffers so much from voyages.
lonely without him, but still it is all for the best.
I am
I trust to have him
about his work.
One year ago, I was upon the water, on my way to Oahu, & dear Nevins
was a fine healthy babe— now his body has returned to the dust, & another
Nevins has taken his place.
sweet babe at my breast.
The one a sweet spirit in heaven, the other a
The one
living has mild blue eyes, & a sweet
countenance like his departed brother, is quiet & often reminds of him for
whom I traveled in birth a 2d time—
Caroline is a fine healthy girl sleeping on her little pulu bed,
in the room where she learned to go alone.
Mr. H is building a very pretty
& convenient stone house— It will soon be finished.
He has a good stone
school-house— roof of grass— & to day the natives have commenced a stone
meeting-house.
20 members.
A church has been formed since we left, consisting of about
Most of them appear well.
The principal man here is a member
of the church but does not wear well— evidently thinks more of clothes &
property than of good things.
This we fear is the case with too many.
Mrs. H. is in feeble health & unable to attend school.
I am engaged sewing,
so that when we go to our station I may be able to attend school again.
I
intend taking a sketch of this station for the Board—
Mrs. Dibble we hear has a son.
Wednesday eve 6—
My dear children have just fallen
& then lay & kicked until he fell asleep.
Has blue eyes & is rather pretty.
asleep— Baby took his supper
He is a quiet, sweet little fellow—
Think he resembles his dear brother.
Caroline put her arms around my neck & kissed me, after praying & said
good-night dear Mama, & now she is sound asleep----
�May 6 , 1835
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
She is quite well again.
Has fine times with David /Hitchcock/.
they are happy & sometimes quarrel like most children— so it goes.
Page 5
Sometimes
She is
a veiy dear child to us— we love her much, & I know not how we can part with
her.
But the Lord will give us grace to endure it I trust.
He has ever been
a Father & friend to us, & in each event of my life, I can trace his ruling
providence—
"In each event of life, now clear
Thy ruling hand I see!
Each blessing to my soul most dear,
Because conferred by thee.
In every joy that crowns my days,
In every pain I bear,
My heart shall find delight in praise,
Or seek relief in prayer."
Saturday eve 9th
Still I am alone with my sweet children.
Their papa is absent— Mr. & Mrs. H— good company.
While getting my children
asleep to night my thoughts were involuntarily led to think of my dear
parents.
I thought they would be so happy to see my dear babies— I hope
they will see them in heaven.
Two nights in succession this week, I have
dreamed that my father was dead.
run.
It may be even so, for his sand is almost
He has lived almost man's appointed time.
I long to know how my dear
parents feel about dying— 0 that they would tell me, with their own hands.
I want to rest assured that they are going to heaven.
soul asunder to think they were to be lost.
0 it would tear my
I cannot indulge the thought—
No— no— I must think while I live that they will
be with our dear boy in the saviour's bosom.-How much I have desired to dream of seeing & conversing /with/
my dear parents & other dear friends, but my wishes are vain— Dr.
Young says wishes are folly, & I know it is true, nevertheless I do often
wish—
A ship at Lahaina direct from America— no missionaries yet.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 6
May 11, 1833
Wednesday eve 11th
I have great cause to rejoice in the good ness of God this eve
in preserving alive & unhurt my dear* babe—
Mr. A. fastened a line for me
before he went away to hang my clothes on— one end was tied around a stone
which we supposed to be fast, the other to a nail— just at eve as baby lay
on the bed, the weight of my clothes which have been ironed to day, caused the
stone to fall, & it fell with considerable force within an inch of the head
of my dear babe.
It was so large that had it fallen on him, it would picbably
have killed him.
Oh how great is the loving kindness of the Lord to us.
Lahaina 16th
& Mrs. Clarke.
Yesterday morning we were surprised to see Mr.
Mr. & Mrs. Lyman at Molokai— came in a vessel & I retired
with them, being told that I had a cousin here on board a whale ship— who
should it be but Wills Hamilton.
possible thought I.
cousin.
0 how it shocked me to hear it.
Is it
He inquired of Mr. Spaulding for me & said I was his
I am distressed when I think of him.
On board a whale ship & a
common sailor exposed to evils innumerable— I fear he is ruined.
Why is
he here-- I am constantly expecting him to see me, having sent for him.
We left Molokai at 6 o'clock & at 12 landed.
I was sick-sick
& vomited but had my two children to take care of, besides the f]eas tormented
me so that I could have no peace.
Tuesday eve l$th
I am still alone but am happy to hear that my
dear husband is coming tomorrow.
0 if I had dear little Nevy how much company
he would be for me— It makes me feel sad when I see children of his age.
Wills N. Hamilton has been with me this P.M. & several times before
has called— Sabbath went to meeting with me.
He is a great fellow & fat.—
looks quite like a sailor— wears sailor clothes.
I have talked considerable
with him & told him take much pains to do well & please his
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
May 1$, 1833
captain— To study navigation & get a good knowledge of whaling.
do his best, & he will soon be promoted.
Page 7
In all things
Probably if he does well this voy
age, through the influence of the Capt. he may next be first mate or the
third voyage Captain.
But this depends very much on himself.
the business thus far, & intends to pursue it.
I have given him a bible,
with a request that religion may be his great concern.
it.
He likes
Says he will read
I want to see the Capt. for I feel deeply interested for Wills.
He is
a serious man, & a kind Capt.— crew all like him— But religion is wanting.
0 may he seek & find it.
power for Wills.
many changes.
It is a temperance ship.
I shall do all in my
He has told me many things about my acquaintances— of
I think he intends to do well, & feel much better since seeing
him than I did when I first heard he was here.
Think I shall write his mother.
The general meeting of missionaries is changed to Oahu again, &
we shall go soon.
So I cannot go to Hawaii as I would like.
1 look quite old— have changed faster than Reuben
23d
Wills says
has.
My dear husband returned on Wednesday eve, & has not seen
Wills— The ship left on thursday morning.
Friday I visited on the Hill at
Mr. Clarke's, Andrews & Dibble's.
Went horseback.
visit the grave of her dear Maiy.
It is a dear spot to her as is the grave
of Nevins to me.
Went with Mrs. C. to
We could mourn & sympathize together.
Sabbath 24-
Today the Princess is excluded from the church— a
painful task no doubt to Mr. Richards.
She still cleaves to wickedness,
& is now given up— Husband has gone to Olualu a few miles from here to preach
to day.
Tomorrow we hope to sail for Oahu.
�June 4, I8 3 3
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 8
Thursday morning June 4.
Last Friday evening Mr. Lyman & wife, Clarke
& wife, Spaulding &
wife, & Miss Ogden, with husband & myself, went on board the Missionary Packet
& Saturday morning came like a bird into the port of Honolulu.
/Brinsmade/ was Capt.
time I was not sick.
Mr. Brinsmaid
Mrs. Spaulding was carried on a settee— For the first
We stop at Mr. Chamberlain's.
the other brethren with their wives arrived.
Yesterday morning all
We are thick enough— General
Meeting commenced to day, & they conclude to send the Packet immediately for
our goods at Huahina—
We cannot well live another year as we have the last.
Monday 8th June—
On the 6th last Saturday, the missionaries so
long looked for have arrived— Eight in number— two unmarried females.
0 with
what joy we received them— & how much we anticipated in hearing from friends.
A few letters have come on shore.
The missionaries came on shore in boats,
but the vessel is not yet at anchor.
A. letter from Elizabeth & from R. dated
August, Sept. & Dec. have come to hand.
never have.
So E. has seen Mrs. Ruggles but I
I cannot tell how much pleasure it gives us to hear from friends.
Our dear parents are well for which we are thankful & rejoice— but why no letters
from their own hands ?
I wish for their own writing.
R. is going to Spring
field— Well, it is all right I trust— but I long to hear he is settled some
where.
He is kind in taking such a deep interest in our dear little C.
can I part with her ever.
an active little miss.
How
She spells very well in words of 3 letters, & is
Baby is growing & a very sweet boy.
folded in the Saviour's arms.
Dear Nevins is
How little do my friends think of this, little
do they anticipate hearing of his death— but dear babe— he is gone— yes, gone
forever.
Our brother Anthony Armstrong has lost his wife we hear.
& another is falling & soon we shall fall--
Thus one
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
June 8, 1835
Page 9
Another letter from Mr. Anderson says that we have done right in leaving
Nuuihiva— says it is a relief to them.
It chews (?) our hearts, when he
tells us that the churches will not disapprove of what we will done—
Had some of our brethren here, foreseen the views of the board.
They would have spared our feelings, & received us more cordially— But it
is all done now, & we labor happily with our dear brethren here.
Saturday 14— eve
Am not very well— Yesterday got the box from Westfield & have divided
its contents— some letters— all well.
How kind friends are to remember us.
How much pleasure they can afford us.
While I think of it will just say that
Mrs. Thurston has a brother-in-law at Springfield by the name of Silas Mosman—
Is one who has been reformed by means of temperance efforts.
We do not & can
not forget our dear Nevy— He sweetly rests in the Saviour's arms, while we are
tugging & toiling here below.
the dear boy—
0 that I were in constant readiness to follow
But I fear fear— often fear there is not a spark of vital
piety in me— 0 Lord create me anew in Christ Jesus-- May I be truly b o m again-
June 18th
prayer.
This day is set apart by us all as one of fasting &
It is a sweet season to us.
Mothers meet & pray for the children
of the mission, while some one of the brethren is giving them (the children)
religious instruction.
We believe the spirit of the living God is near, &
operating in some of their hearts.
& languid.
May we all be revived for we are too cold
A protracted meeting is held among the natives.
0
how my bowels yearn over our dear Caroline.
deeply implanted in her nature, the sad affects which I see daily.
The seeds of sin are
She is old
enough to repent— & if she does not in her mother will be found the fault.
Tremendous my responsibility— to train a being for time & eternity— Lord teach
me to pray & act.
May my faith be so strong & my prayers so fervent that dear
little baby shall be sanctified in infancy.
his dear brother.
He is a sweet child— the image of
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
June 18, 1833
I have been reading some in "The Mother's Magazine".
Page 10
Mrs. Judd
recieves it yearly— she had a few odd numbers & has given me 3 or 4— I am
gLad of even so many.
I need counsel, & how shall I get the Mother's Maga
zine for a helper— I want very much to read all the numbers, but cannot un
til they are sent me.
at home.
I long to see all of Abbot's works— I have the Mother
The Mothers friend, & the Teacher— they were kindly sent me.
When 0 when shall we find rest— never perhaps until we rest in our
graves.
They talk of calling us back to Oahu to teach a boarding school— we
feel that education is too much neglected among this people & unless it is
taken hold of in earnest nothing will be done— not a school at Honolulu &
why not with all the missionaries.
I am pained to think of it.
recommend strongly boarding-schools.
The board
Difficult & trying as it would be,
husband & myself are willing to take charge of one.
It is time the exper
iments were tried, & unless somebody takes hold education will be as it has
been neglected.
be done.
We know it would be exceedingly difficult, but the work must
We never shrink from duty.
But I should be glad to rest— to find
a place to call home even in this heathen land--
I have been roving about
for several years, & know not but I shall in future.
is best for me.
The Lord knows what
I wish to know his will & do it.
/June 21, 1833/
Saturday eve—
have just returned from Mr. Rodger's, where all
of our reinforcement who were able were collected together with our children.
Dr. & Mrs. Chapin, Mr. & Mrs. Hitchcock & Mrs. Spaulding absent— Mrs. S.
still is confined to her bed.
My heart aches for her & for her little girl
who seems like one motherless.
Thanks to God that I am able to take care
of mine.
Mr. S. feels afflicted.
heaven be merciful to them.
singing & prayer together.
They are an afflicted family indeed— may
We have had a pleasant season of conversation,
Last year when we all met dear little Nevins
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
June 21, 1835
Page 10 (continued)
was in my arms, now another bearing his name has taken his place-is dear Nevy?
I am happy to think he is in heaven.
Where
Mr. Forbes & Spaulding have
also lost children the last year.
Last eve all of us missionaries attended a party given by the King—
bad as he is— I never attended a more expensive party probably in America,
& in some respects no more splendid--
I will not describe lest I give wrong
impressions— some few things awkward but in the same style of our parties in
America.
Tea served round & fine cakes too— & custard.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
June 23, 1833
Wednesday /June 23/—
Yesterday I visited at Nr. Ladds.
Page 11
To day
we have our Maternal meeting.
Dear little baby is well & veiy good— has on the little blue frock
that E. made for Nevins, & one of the little check aprons of R's cravat.
I
love to see him wear* them & all the things which E. sent & 0 how glad I would
be to have her see him.
brother.
A sweet baby indeed— All say he is like his little
Dear Nevy I can never forget him.
Sabbath eve 28—
gone.
The chapel bell is now ringing.
Husband just
I am rather indisposed & do not go this eve— have been to the chapel
once to day & to native meeting twice.
G. is asleep & baby asleep— & now
how I should like to see some of my dear friends.
& how are they?
Where are they if living
My parents sit on sabbath eve & perhaps listen to the whip-
poor-will's song— perhaps talk of their two absent children & little grand
children— but they do not talk of dear baby, for they have not heard of him,
neither do they talk of little Nevy in heaven, for they do not know he is
there— unless they are there too.
I can amagine (!) just how they look, how
& where they sit— Mother near the window, & Sally leaning her head on grand-ma'
lap— & Father rocking back his chair
between the cellar door & window, & poor pussy in the corner. It is still
& lonely.
ones.
0 how I should love to step in & cheer them, & show them my little
Such pleasure I know nothing of & probably never shall— but no matter
if they see me & mine & I see them in heaven— we shall soon be there I hope—
& then— 0 then we shall see dear Nevins.
His name is a sweet morsel under
my tongue— the thought of him is precious, tho painful.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
June 28, 1833
Page 12
R. & E. I cannot think of as I wish— They are in a strange house—
how does it look?
if they live.
my soul.
If dear Cary /Caroline/ lives, she will see them.
0 (?)
The thought of parting with her, runs like an arrow through
Still I think it is the only safe course to take with her.
Mrs.
Thurston thinks, & is strong in the belief, that children should not be sep
arated from their parents, & acts accordingly.
America with her children, & stay with them.
She expects to return to
Perhaps in 3 years.
eldest daughters are suffering for refined society.
brought up in a Mother's bed-room?
but awkward in their address &c.
through a subject.
subject
Her two
What can children be,
They are fine girls, minds not neglected,
Mrs. T. is a pretty keen woman, & looks
Still I do not agree with her yet— we talk much on this
& if she makes a convert of me, & husband also, then we may go to
America once more.
I sometimes feel as if I should go there sometime, but
as yet I do not wish to.
The distance seems shorter & shorter.
Communica
tions are so frequent— yesterday Mr. Stephen's of whom I have spoken before,
left for Canton, & would forward letters to Mr. S.
tunity— we have not yet written.
Husband will I think write R.
recently sent my journal that I shall not write.
days to send home of houses &c.
with us.
Tomorrow another oppor
I have so
I am taking drawings now/a/
We are stationed at Wailuku, & Miss Brown
I feel somewhat disappointed in not having a boarding school as
was contemplated about 3 miles from this.
Such a school is now I think ours.
I was near saying only hope— . We must have such schools if we would succeed
in instructing the people rightly--
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
June 28, 1835
Page 13
A school of children is what we have contemplated but cannot get a vote of
the mission for one.
to teach it--
Several are quite strong for it-- & we are chosen
The board urge such school, but it will not go.
It is
after mature & prayerful deliberation that we have concluded to take it,
& partly because others do not feel willing to undertake it— so strongly
do we feel on the importance of good schools, that Mr. A. offered to become
a teacher & preach but little, but the mission, or a part say no.
not all see the importance of it, but will by & by, no doubt.
They do
The board
urge such measures.
How I should like to go into Mother's buttery.
Tuesday eve 30th—
back.
Am very much fatigued after a long ride horse
Most of the Mission with children have been to ride— some in wagons &
some on horseback.
Mine was a gay, & beautiful horse.
was carried in the cradle.
Capt. Hinckley's baby
C. rode in a wagon— I should love to tell my
friends about the grand scenery— It is the same place I went to the first
year we came here.
August 6th Wailuku—
We have at length got home again— I mean we eat at our own table,
but our home is in another place.
grass.
Are in a small doby cottage covered with
Only one room— But I feel so happy to be at home again.
But afflic
tion still follows us— Dear baby has a mild but obstinate dysentery.
On the
6th of July, we left honolulu, & on the 8 supposed we were in sight of Maui,
but soon found to our disappointment that it was Oahu.
We went into the
harbour, but it was thought not expedient to land, so we sailed again & on
the 11th reached Lahaina.
It was a most tedious passage, & has done a good
deal towards undermining my constitution.
I was too sick to take nourish-
�August 6 , 1833
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
ment, & had nothing for baby, so he had to eat nothing but pia.
Page 14
The vessel
was so crowded that I had to lie on a chest a part of the time, & the rest
of the time where I could find a place.
Could I have taken lodgings in my
father's stable, upon two rough boards, with a blanket spread on them, &
baby by my side, I could have done it with a thankful heart.
The chest on
which I lay was short— only my body rested upon it, while the remainder of
my length hung down in the door way, to be tramped on by those who passed.
I had a mattrass to be sure, but the rocking of the vessel made it almost
impossible to keep it in place.
I had to hold on by the sides of the cabin,
& hold baby by my side— My bones aching, & my body so weak, that had not ne
cessity been my master, I could not have moved
a limb.
The worst of
all was, to see dear baby suffer— he was patient & did not cry much, but the
consequences I dreaded & now realize them.
Others were as badly off as my
self, except a nursing babe— Mrs. Green had a babe, but she was not sick &
/had/ enough for her child to eat.
tried, but he refused.
She kindly offered to nurse mine, & often
As soon as we got on shore we saw he had a dysentery,
ty his bloody discharges & other symptoms— I had also to feed him cows milk,
which was unfavourable.
soon be better.
Dr. C. attended to his care, & we hoped he would
I stoped (!) at Mr. Hitchcocks where they had come to be
near* Dr. C. in Mrs. H's confinement.
She wished me to stay until it was
passed & I wished to, so husband went to bring our things from Haiku to Wai
luku & prepare a place for me & family— but in a few days I had to dispatch
a messenger for him, as dear baby grew woarse, & feared we should lose him.
(but I have not said that husband & C. were both sick on the voyage & lay
where they could find a place— sometimes on the floor)
Mr. A. came & when
baby appeared better, we concluded to go to our home, & one night at 2 o'clock,
just as we were ready to sail in a canoe, Mrs. H. called out for help— I
stoped & husband went.
The next day Mrs. H. had another fine boy— In a few
days I took another early start in company with Mr.
�August 6, 1833
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Rodgers.
Husband was waiting at the bay for us.
Instead of seeing us at
day light as he expected, we did not arrive until 10 o'clock.
exausted (!) again, after another tedious voyage.
Page 13
So I got quite
We had some breakfast with
us, but it got wet with salt water, so we had to go without, famished & feint
as we were, until after a 12 mile
we got to Mr. Green's.
ride in an ox cart, over stones & ditches
I was prostrate & baby worse.
twice a day & I the remainder of the time.
bowels— dear baby he suffered from it.
well— C & myself have had sore eyes.
nothing scarcely.
Mrs. G. nurses baby
The other day we blistered his
I am gaining strength again— husband
Some better now.
2 days I could do
Yesterday we commenced housekeeping— It was pleasant, but
some painful reflections connected with it.
The last time we ate together at
our own table was last December— Dear Nevins was with us.
N. & that one is no more.
circle.
Now we have another
Since then sickness & death have entered our little
We pray that it may not take also this sweet babe, "but the will of
the Lord be done"— He is fair as a lilly (!), & has mild blue eyes, yet full
of life & animations when well.
I never saw twins more alike than our two
sons, both in features & disposition.
We often feel towards this one as
we did towards the other— That he is not fit to remain in such a wicked
world as this, but better fitted for the enjoyment of saints in heaven.
If
he should live doubtless the seeds of sin will soon develop shoots of depravity
in this dear boy.
Friday /Aug^_/ 14th
Have just got my morning work done.
C. had
pia. We had coffee, mackerel, sweet potatoes & taro— The mackerel is from
America— very good if broiled, but I have no gridiron, & have to boil them,
but do not like them so well.
are crowded enough.
Ere long, my gridiron will come I hope.
We
Our house is 26 by 11, all in one room, except a cur-
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Aug. 14, 1833
tain, drawn across when I wish to screen myself.
& have business enough on hands.
we get from natives.
Page 13 (continued)
We are preparing to build,
The lumber came from America, except what
All we get from them is at a dear* rate.
They have got
so, that they cannot lift a hand for us, without a most extravagant price.
One thing we notice is, that they never ask too little for a thing.
times 2-^ $ for a days work, which is not more than half a days work.
lie & decieve us in every possible way.
Some
They
They have no more concience (!)
than the Nuuhivians, with all the light they have.
0 how much we see every
day, to convince us that nothing but the spirit of God can change this dark
hearted people.
Our labours are in vain without their efforts.
Evening—
I am alone— baby asleep in his little cradle, the
same in which his sick brother lay so many weeks & months.
better we hope.
Dear boy he Is
C. is sound asleep— she lies on her pulu bed which is spread
on a mat— no room for her little trundle bed.
Husband is a few rods from
this, in a small doby house which he uses for a study.
I am fatigued &
rather lonely— fatigued, for I have to cook where the sun shines upon me
very hot.
with u s .
A foreigner is working for us (building a necessary) & boards
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
August 14, 1833
I am thinking much of dear Nevins to night.
Page 16
It has occured to me
that I will write mother Brown & ask her to write a piece of poetry on his
death.
Sabbath eve /August/ 16th
I have been waiting with my supper,
to be spread, for three hours, constantly expecting Nr. A.
Baby was kept
awake to see him & Caroline running to the door often to look for papa until
it was so dark she could could (!) look no longer.
She was hoping to say
the verses to him that she has been trying to l e a m to day.
I will write
them—
Tell me mama, if I must die
One day as little Nevins died;
And look so very pale and lie,
Down in the pit hole by his side?
Nust I leave dear Papa and you,
And never see you any more?
Tell me mama, can it be true?
I never knew it was before.
She is always doing something when awake— she has a pencil now
in her hand, making mark on paper.
a corner of it.
Sits on a trunk by my desk & occupies
She has just given me a Kiss— How sweet it would have been
on her grand-parents lips.
I trust they will yet embrace her before they
die— I have thought much of stray (?) baby in heaven to day.
It is sweet
to think of him— I long to dream of him, that he may be more vivid in my
recollections.
Have had a feast to day, in reading Abbot's "Fire side piety".
It makes me feel more the importance genuine piety, & being more faithful with
our dear C.
It is now 8 o'clock, & husband does not return.
a little anxious, as he is generally punctual to return.
has befallen him.
I am lonely, &
I trust no ill
Do not love to have him absent every sabbath, but as he
goes to tell of Jesus, I cannot object.
0 if my dear parents could come in
& stop with me to night— or Sally how pleasant it would be.
Nay the dear
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Aug. 16, 1833
Page 16 (continued)
Saviour be near us all to night & shine upon us in the morning with the
brightness of his Father's gloiy.
/Xugust/ 20th Thursday eve.
Do not write often, for I have stockings to mend, & many other
things to do, which keep me very busy.
ing)
(Husband came home on Monday morn
I feel very anxious about C— her character is now forming & an important
time it is with her.
She needs much care & instruction. She is a peculiar
miss— Never did a child require more care— constantly in motion, doing some
thing.
She will be something or nothing— & very much depends on me-- I feel
it, & pray over it.
I pray with her daily & talk about God & heaven &c.
She often says she does not wish to pray, & shows a dislike to serious things.
I try to interest her.
Teach her to pray in simple language, when she has
done wrong talk with her about it, & teach her to pray for forgiveness, &
help from God.
her food.
She does not love it.
0 that she would love it as she does
I have been so situated, & obliged to neglect her, & I see the
sad effects of it.
She cannot read much yet— "I can hop"— "See the boy"
& a few such simple sentences are all.
It is a task to her to read.
0 for
wisdom to teach her in a proper manner.
Dear baby is rather better.
for his nurse.
She nursed him, but he did not like the looks of thing. &
grumbled some about it.
the time.
She comes 3 times a day, & I nurse him the rest of
She lives near.
best we think.
Yesterday Mr. A. came in with a native woman
It is rather trying to me, but it is for the
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
/August/
21st
August 21, 1833
Evening & babies sweetly sleeping.
Page 1?
How glad Mother
would be to know that we have a plenty of milk, & make plenty of butter.
Never have had enough before.
We have a pretty good cow, & have one to
milk belonging to Mr. McLane, a foreigner.
such a genius as Henry Hughs—
Old Billy milks— he is something
Have a plenty to eat.
Pretty good flour—
Lard & eggs, & pia a plenty— also ohelo's, & molasses enough to make them
into sauce.
The dried-apples from Monson are delightful.
other good things I am thankful for.
The nutmegs &
I use the crockery that came from there.
The other day we killed a hog & I made some sausages & seasoned them with
some of Mrs. Haskell's sage & somersavery.
(The former we can raise, but
know of none of the latter on these islands)
of them.
Wish I could send Mrs. H. some
The cup-board made by Dec. Haskell, stands by the foot of my bed
for a bureau— The little blue chest that was Reuben's, & the pretty red one
he sent me, my black leather one & some of husband's stand in the room.
have not much light when the door is shut.
We
There is a window in each end
of our house, containing 4 pains (!) of glass each— One in the front side
with six lights, & none in the back side.
I see something every day to
remind me of people in Monson— something they sent me.
How much more
pleasure we take in using things, when we know where &iho they came from.
Baby wears the clothes that Aunt E. sent to his little brother.
The little
aprons made of Reuben's cravats make me speak of R. often— I did not think
when I hemed (!) those cravats, that my babies would ever wear them.
I wish R could see little N.
Sweet babe, we love him I fear too much.
we be saved from making idols of our children.----
How
May
I have just looked off
from my paper, & cast my eye on Reuben's profile which hangs near— just like
him.
The natives often ask if he is a negro ("nika") I sometimes cut a profile
& hold it on white paper & then on something black— to show why it is made as
it is.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Aug. 21, 1835
Page 17 (continued)
The musquetoes (!) have got here & are increasing fast.
Here I
will just mention that Nr. A. has a namesake at our old station, called
"Mr. Armstrong" (MikaLemaikaika").
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
August 27, 1835
/August/ 27 evening—
Page 18
To day I have made some bread & custard—
would liked to have had father & Mother R. & E. taken supper with me.
In
the box from Westfield was a book, giving an account of Jane C. Rider, the
Springfield somnambulist— suppose it is true for it comes from good authority.
Friday Sept. 11th
We are jogging on yet— husband full of work—
to day has gone to our old station, not to return until sabbath eve or Monday.
I want to go there, as I feel a strong attachment to our people.
though much better, we think could not well endure the jaunt--
Baby, al
Caroline
wished to go with her papa, & I asked her who would take care of mama if
they both went.
She replied "God will take care of you"— I then asked her
who would take care of papa & she answered "the natives can."
She is con
stantly busy about something, but does not yet like much to read.
simple sentences.
She reads
Is learning to sew now— she sits on my lap when sewing,
& talks much about her work.
When she commenced she said she was making a
bag for Grandma Chapman, & now is making one for aunt Libez (Elizabeth).
She does not consent to make the last for Grandma, but insists upon sending
the first one-- She says grandma will be very happy when she gets Caroline's
little bag, & will put her books in it.
We are pleased with our new associates— & we can never forget those
were associated with us at Nuuhiva.
Dear sister, Mrs. Hitchcock we heard had a fever— long to hear
from her again.
She is a dear sister to me— I love her very much.
from Mrs. Whitney— perhaps not living now— Long to hear- -
Sad news
she is a fine
woman.
Sabbath eve /Sept. 12/—
I am alone— husband not yet returned.
Miss Brown has been kind & stayed with /me/ often when he is gone, but she
is not well & I will not send for her to night.
Like her well, quite motherly.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Sept. 12, 1833
Page 18 (continued)
Little folks asleep, & I am comfortable, enough to eat, drink & wear, & com
fortable room to live in— but is dirty enough— dirt constantly falling from
over head, dead cockroaches & other filthy things, but I have a piece of
tapa fastened up over the bed & table.
/Sept^y l6th
Just heard that Mrs. Whitney & Hitchcock are better.
Mrs. Judd has a pair of twins, a son & a daughter.
with a broken arm which he has set.
acquainted with such business.
Husband is in trouble
Has no books to consult, & is not
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Sept. 21st
Sept. 21, 1833
Page 19
I shall close this now to /go/ by Dr. Chapin, who I
expect will deliver it in person— so there will be no heavy postage for which
I am glad.
I send with it some pictures.
I have taken old Hopiili & wife
on paper but husband thinks they must go to the board.
I send to mdther a sketch of the scenery around Nevins grave.
journal is to parents brother & sister alone.
This
I hope my journals are seen by
no others, for there are often things in them which should be seen by no others.
I believe I have
taxed
you heavily with pictures & letters, &
begin to think I must be more moderate.
quite done, to aunt E.
I send C's little bag which is not
She has an apron like each of them.
The other I send
to grandma because it is her first sewing.
Why don't Father & Mother write?
All write us— won't you—
We are all well, & still love you
Clarissa.
I conclude not to send the drawing to Mother now— Mr. A says I
must take a coppy (!) first
send only two.
/journal ends here^/
�SECTION 7
Wailuku, Maui
Nov. 12, 1833 - Nov. 6, 1836
Life in Wailuku, its winter season, the illness and hard work
are described.
Boarders have been taken into the Armstrong home.
Adding
to their cares is the birth of Mary Jane Graham, on June 2, I836 , causing
a trip to Honolulu for the event.
is also detailed.
Clarissa's health following the birth
More information about Sally is revealed in this section.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Nov. 12, 1833
Page 1
Wailuku Maui Nov. 12th 1835
Several weeks since I sent a journal of several pages home, & have
delayed commencing another, because I find when my packages are ready to go,
they are large, & the expense of their conveyance to my friends is more than
the matter they contain is worth.
heretofore.
So now I resolve to be less tedious than
I conclude to mak;e another beginning, for if I do not write in
the form of a journal, when the time arrives to send home, I shall not be
able to recollect all I shall wish to say.
A circumstance has occured since
my journal has gone, which I should insert, & one which shows how uncertain
is life.— How uncertain are our lives who often sail upon the deep waters.
Not long since Messrs. Andrews, Clark & their families were on
their way to this station.
Were sailing on a calm sea, under a light full
moon, enjoying the sail, when suddenly they were all in the water, & the
canoe bottom upwards—
They were sailing too near the surf, & were in the
midst of it before they knew it.
One moment in apparent safety, the next,
lifting their hearts to God, expecting soon to appear in his presence.
Husband, with Miss Brown & Miss Ogden were in another canoe near, & with
the help of the natives, all were saved, even the least of the 3 children.
"Bless the Lord 0 my soul for his wonderful works to the children of men."
They came & spent a week with us.
building a house.
The visit refreshed us much.
We are now
A white man is stoning the cellar, which is small.
man is here & he is making me something with drawers in it.
Another
I received some
calico the other day from the depository, & shall let him have that if he
chooses for his work.
I shall be glad enough, for anything like drawers.
Capt. Rice & Gardner it is said have brought our goods from Nuuhina.
We
have got one trunk which contains shirts & under-garments for myself, & some
other little things.
They are injured some, not badly.
The trunk was covered
with fur, but now has not a particle of leather on it— Nothing but the rough
boards are left.
Eaten by roaches or mice.
Even the hinges are gone.
We
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Nov. 12, 1833
Page 1 (continued)
have also got a few of our books, which are not much injured.
The rest I
suppose will come in due time.
Our schools have stoped (!) for a few days.
be pleasant to visit home, during vacation.
liged to quit school for the present.
But that cannot be.
I am ob
I have not strength to take care of
workmen, with so few conveniences, & teach besides.
troubled with a rash.
A vacation— It would
Think he will soon be better.
Baby is not well— Is
I feed him some & his
native nurse gives him some food— at night I nurse him.
Often reminds us of our other sweet babe.
Sweet baby he is —
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Nov. 12, 1835
Page §
Baby sits at table in a high chair, which Dr. Chapin made for Caroline.
We
often say how pleased Father & Mother would be to sit at the table with their
little grandchildren-- Nevins plays & pats on the table, & Caroline takes
her meal.
C. is getting to be quite a little reader.
She spells quite
well, words of two sylables (!), she spells all she reads aloud. I shall
teach her to pronounce loud only, before long. She knows all the
figures— Can make triangles squares, &c &c. & sews some. She is all anima
tion .
I don't know as she ever sat still a moment, when awake if well.
requires more care & attention than I am able to give her.
She
If she were now
in a good school, I think she would learn fast- - But she cannot be & it is
well.
It may seem foolish for me to say so much of her, but I think those
who are to be her parents in after life should know her early history.
deed I would keep a journal in reference to her if I could.
/Nov^/ 13th
In
I must try.
Yesterday Elizabeth's journal dated Ware (?) Village
J. 1834 reached us.
It was directed to Nuuhiva, & has been sailing on the
ocean ever so long.
It is truly interesting if it is old. One thing is
mentioned in that Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Porter wish to assist in educating our
dear Caroline—
Such kindness is more than I deserve.
How kind is our
Heavenly Father to raise up such friends for our dear little ones.
I trust
such friends will be increased, & the hearts of bowed down missionaries will
be cheered from their sadness, as they look upon their offspring— & feel that
they will not be left in darkness, & friendless, while their parents are
toiling for others.
Nov. 29th
Sabbath eve—
Cold enough—
I sit by my desk with Miss Brown's cloak draped around me.
Our
goods have not come yet, & our winter has commenced, so I expect another
cold time.
Not quite equal to our old station however.
Mr. A. has been
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Nov. 29, 1835
Page 2 (continued)
absent a week since I last wrote, at our last year's station.
to be a widow so often.
timber for our house.
I do not like
The reason he was so long was, that he was getting
Has to buy all— some shirts, & some shifts— & cloth.
Cotton cloth is in great demand---- We have to get it of our agent.
are in bed— Nevy in his cradle & C. in her little trundle bed—
Babies
I have
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
/been/ somewhat ill.
Nov. 29, 1833
Page 3
Have caught cold since our winter has commenced, &
was somewhat threatened with a fever, but medicine has relieved me.
cold & wear a clock, while others are only comfortable.
I am
Wish I had some
thing warm for children— bombazette or something— also coloured flannel.
Dec. 3th
Saturday eve—
Here
I sit with a cloak on, & an old
tin pan in the middle of the room with a fire in it.— So
plenty.
How
I have smoke a
I should love to sit down by Father's stove this eve, with
Father, Mother, Sally & the cat— fa?I am quite cold.
Haiku, & guess he will be cold enough.
Husband has gone to
Baby is tucked up in the cradle,
& Caroline has just done her lesson, & curled under her ragged quilt— I have
borrowed a quilt & flannel blanket, which together with my quilt, makes my
bed comfortable, sometimes Miss B's cloak helps.
bed & house than a manger— far far better-uated,
But how much better is my
After telling how we are sit
I sometimes feel regret that I have told it, lest our friends should
think me complaining.
tell because
I
That is not my object, however it may appear- -
I know they wish to hear all about u s . I did not expect to
find such weather as this, but last year at our station it was even worse.
I suppose our friends scarcely expected we should tell so much of cold weather.
Oh, how
I long to hear from home again.
Are our parents dead or 3.1 i
haps they may yet live to see their daughter before they die.
— per
I know not,
for my path in life has been a winding one, & it may yet lead me to my own
dear native hills again.
But
I do not expect it.
May the Lord direct my
steps, & give me wisdom & grace to walk in the way which he appoints.
I am now seated with my own cloak on, which has at length
Dec. 16th
arrived, together with a few other things.
accomplish nothing.
along here.
church.
I am busy all the time, yet seem to
Have 3 boarders— one is Mack, from Monson who has strayed
He knew me but
Remembering it
I did not him.
He is a member of Mr. Ely's
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Dec. 16, 1833
Page 4
is well to entertain strangers, we took him in,& hope to find an opportunity
soon for him to go home.
This is our winter weather— the wind is veiy strong & often the
door flies open, &the wind blows things upside-down.
I can not do much but
prepare food, (& often have to go out in the rain), take care of my children,
& keep the door.
Indeed when the door is shut, the house is so dark that I
cannot see to read or sew, if I had time.
Our little house leaks in a dozen
places, & last night it sprinkled my face.
I am trying evenings to read the memoirs of Miss Jane Graham— it
is a most excellent work.
The wind whistles & blows, & the rain beats upon our "cottage of
content".
Feb. 5th /18367
A long time indeed since I wrote in my journal,
& even since I I (!) have begun, have stopped to read a letter, which says
that Mr. Hitchcock & family are on their way to visit us—
are coming, but scarcely know what to do with them.
Glad enough they
Have two boarders, &
myself not able to sit up much, having been laid by a week with a most tedious
cold.
I have had enough to write, but no time to write.
sick, & strongly threatened with a fever.
all well now.
Building a house now.
Husband has been
Nevins has also been sick, but
Mack is still with us, could not go
when he wished.
/The following line was written on the side of the page^_/
Our boarders vary from 2 to five.
/Feb. 20j/ The day of the month I do not know, but it must be near the 20th
& it is the first moment I could get to write since the 3th.
Had a pleasant
visit from Mr. H. & family, but the weather was most tedious, having had
another of our winter rains— They could scarcely find a dry place to sit,
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Feb. 20(?), 1836
Page 4 (continued)
& went away much excited about the safety of our family.
deed exposed.
Our health is in
Dear Caroline & Nevins have had bad colds, & we were quite
alarmed lest they should have the croup & used jjg remedies in season.
They are
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Feb. 20 (?), 1 8 %
Page
both better, & praised be the name of the Lord, for sparing the dear ones
to us.
C has commenced the 2d book onlhe soul to day.
for such a 1 ittle miss.
Can read figures quite well & make some, but her
fingers are too little to make many yet.
to teach her.
She reads finely
She would learn rapidly had I time
But as yet gives no evidence of being b o m again.
Nevins is
a sweet little remembrance of his dear brother, who has lain in the dark
grave nearly a year— I love to think of his sweet spirit, & anticipate its
felicity in heaven.
We can never cease to love that darling boy, tho his
little form is turned to dust, yet it lives & ever will live in the memory
of his fond parents.--with cares.
heart.
I seated myself to write with a heart oppressed
Last eve I could not restrain the tears which flow from a sad
We have three boarders, & my situation is such as to unfit me for
so much care & hard labour,
with so few conveniences we have.
Last night
just at eve a sick foreigner came & cast himself upon our charity.
Before,
I had just as great a weight as I thought I could bear, & when he came my
hands hung down— but I cast myself anew upon the care of the Lord, & cried
out in the heaviness of my soul, in thee is my strength.
I feel different
from what I should to take a sick man in America, for here, they need not
stay, & are often worthless men.
But the sick we cannot refuse
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Feb. 20 (?), 1836
Page 6
& in the strength of my heavenly Father shall try to perform my numerous &
pressing duties.
Our building is oppressing both for soul & body.
Strange
as it may seem, yet true, I have neither time or place to pray— but God will
accept the desires of the heart whenever & wherever raised to him.
I have
much more to write but must stop. My cold has nearly left me, but has been
a most tedious one.
A word more— I have thought more of tale (?) of the shortness of
time, & why should I not for even grey hairs compel me to see that my sand
is running fast.
I long to hear from home again, but sad may be the tidings.
March 6th.
My limbs are pained & my flesh is sore with fatigue.'
I long to have our house finished— wicked & difficult men to board, are sources
of vexation & trial, but such we must have in this land.
It is vexatious.
distracting, & wearing to the constitution, to build in this land.
we could be freed from it & labor entirely for the people.
Oh! that
My health is
pretty good, but my circumstances are such as to unfit me for what I am ob
liged to do, but God always gives me strength according to my day, & on this
hope I daily live.
In about 2 months, we expect to be obliged to go to Hono
lulu for Medical aid.
Let females be thankful when they are not compelled
to go after medical assistance, & at a time too when they are most unahLe
to bear fatigue & inconveniences.
�March 7, 1836
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 7
My heart sinks within me when I think of what is before me, but
blessed be God, there is strength in his arm, & benevolence in his heart,
& on him I rely for strength & support.
Oh, that I could have assistance
from my dear Mother— she would be as glad to bestow it, as I would to recieve it.
How she would leap for joy to see our dear little ones, & take
them in her arms, when first they breathe the atmosphere of this sin tainted
world.
Nevins is now quite well, & runs alone.
C. is well & grows finely,
is nearly through with the 2d book on the soul— she reads finely— Has
/The sentence ends abruptly here, and she continues with the next entiy^/
March 27th
My journal is so seldom seen or written in, that
I know not what is in it.
Well, my friends will have a lighter tax upon their
patience next spring, than usual.
But my heart is sad-- Mrs. Dibble was very
suddenly seized a few days ago with a fit of apoplexy.
but lies on the borders of the grave.
people are about to be called home?
She is still living,
Why should we feel sad, when God's
It is for the Survivors we mourn, while
we lament our own loss, but rejoice that a soul is going to rest.
0
may this sudden affliction, however it may terminate, be blessed
to the souls of us all.
What a blessing this is!
My health is now good— children & husband well.
Husband & I have just commenced reading the 2d
volume of Mrs. Hannah More.
just before retirement.
to read this.
Only get time to read evenings a short time
One reads, while the other listens.
0 what a lovely saint Hanah (!) More was.
It is pleasant
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
March 27. I836
Have only 3 boarders now— Mack is one.
are gone, & we feel relieved of a great weight.
Page 8
The two very wicked ones
The walls of our house are
up, & the people are gathering leaves to cover it.
0 how rejoiced & thank
ful we shall be to have a comfortable house— but it is more than such a sinner
as I, deserve.
sins deserve.
The Lord is kind & merciful to me, & deals not with me as my
A critical period is approaching, & I feel the need of having
my lamp in readiness, for we know not what the result will be.
I feel un
prepared should death come soon, yet I desire to have the Lord's will
done.
My mind has been too much distracted with cares, to leave it in a proper state
for heavenly meditations—0 for a clean hea,rt.
A few days have passed since the anniversary of the death of our
dear N.
It was a solmen (!) day to me— I tried to commit our remaining little
ones, unto the care of Jesus their best friend.
We do not cease to love our
sweet N. altho he has gone to a better country where we cannot see him.
Our
remaining son is a sweet little boy, is now playing about the room, while C
is nursing her doll.
April 10th perhaps— or 1 3 th 1836.
A few days since Reuben's & E's letters came, dated Springfield,
from Jany to May 1835.
Had not heard of our dear N's death.
A letter
from
Deacn. Haskell also came, in which he says he had just recieved a letter from
R., saying we had all been sick— so our letters have reached them.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 10 (?), I836
Page
I am so busy in preparing to go to Honolulu, besides the care of my
children & boarders, that I have no time scarcely to write— however shall
try to get off one letter to R. by a vessel which is to sail in a month for
A-a /America/.
July 21st
"Bless the Lord 0 my soul & forget now all his benefits".
Yes, "I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being".
The Lord has
been with me, & saved me while in the deep waters, & has led me safely to
my home again, with another sweet babe in my arms.
it be thine 0 Lord, which is all I desire.
Precious charge, may
Precious Saviour, take all our
little ones in thine own arms, & bless them.
Nothing has been written in my journal, for a long time— but now
I begin to think of preparing letters for America— & this comes up first.
I look forward, & with all my little ones & other cares, do not see how I
am to prepare any letters for home-- How can I?
I will pray for help, &
this shall accomplish my purposes.
About the first of May the Packet came for us, which was only 2
or 3 days after our boxes from America arrived.
With all my cares, preparation
to go, feeble health &c. I had no time to write, & only time to cast an eye
upon what was sent us, take what seemed necessary for us there, & hastily
read our letters & be off.
Have since read them with much pleasure.
Our
house is not yet done, & we are obliged to let things lie in the boxes &
live "all in a heap"— I will speak of the articles as they come in use here
after.--
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 21, I836
We left Wailuku about noon & reached Oahu the next morning.
a comfortable passage tho we were all sick, & I did not sleep at all.
ren both sick.
Page 10
Had
Child
Nevins was quite ill, & had been so sick in consequence of
teething the /that/ we were almost afraid to take him.
But the change of
climate, together with warm bathing was of great service to him.
became quite well, & grew fat.
He soon
Had other ill turns but is now very well,
& we hope his trouble with teething is nearly past.
I should say that Miss
Brown went with us, sooner than she would have done, but for my situation.
It was not thought by our associates safe for me to go without female as
sistance, & my confinement was so near, & might possibly happen on board
the Packet.
0 that Mother's in America knew how much some of us have to
suffer here, from inconveniences.
Just before confinement, a time when we
are most unfit for it, we have to gather a few things, (& as few as possible,)
on account of the difficulty of conveyance, & go on board a filthy vessel,
& go hundreds of miles to a physician, & then settle down in some little
hot place, with room enough for a bed table & a few other things & keep house,
with almost no inconveniences /i.e. conveniences/, because we cannot carry
them, & surely when we most need them.
a family all this time.
Then to be sick & have the care of
Now this is all right & have no thought or desire
to complain for it would be sin, but I would say to females who can stay
at home, & have a physician come to them, & have their
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 21, I836
Page 11
Mothers, aunts & sisters to nurse them & take care of their families, be stillcomplain not of your pains & sufferings— do not dread to have a Dr. come into
your room, but be thankful that you do not have to go to him.
we do?
Now what shall
Only one Physician for all these Islands, & he cannot go to all, it
is impossible.
Some must go to him.
Life is at stake if we go or stay--
Were it not for the consolations which the gospel affords, my hands
woud (!) hang down & my soul would sink within me.
0
that I could speak, so that pious physicians could not resist
the call— but I cannot—
We must suffer, our husbands must leave their people
to go with us, because no medical aid can be obtained otherwBe— & we shouB
have it if possible is clear enough, & when I tell my own case while at Hono
lulu it will be still more plain.
A female of our number said to me, "I am
truly thankful you are near a physician for these ill turns might & probably
would have cost your life."
July 23d
Sabbath eve—
Little ones asleep, except one who will
never more sleep, but sing the song of Moses & the
Lamb, forever & ever. Precious thought. May these remaining ones be pre
pared to follow him.
return tomorrow.
in the rear.
Husband is at Haiku but if spared will
I must now go on with my journal lest it should fall quite
Well, we got to Honolulu, took breakfast at Dr. Judd's & then
went to our own temporary home.
It was a grass house I should think 12 or
14 ft. square, & when our bed table &c were in there was not a great deal
of room for exercise left.
Across one corner hung a sheet, behind which
was my pantry— cooked out of doors.
& covered it with
Husband built a study about 6 ft. sqr.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
rushes.
house.
July 23, I836
Page 12
It was flat on the top & when a shower came he had to run into the
The lady residents all called upon us.
British consul's wife & all.
I will just say now that Mrs. Charles Smith (Miss Davis of whom I have be
fore spoken) is a lovely woman, & is with her husband very kind & friendly
to us.
I can never forget their acts of kindness to me when I have been sick,
near them.
I think she is a Christian.
Mrs. Hinckley is a rank Unitarian,
& appears to me much less interesting than she once did.
The middle of the month was the time for my confinement— but in
stead of that my health grew better, & I gained strength fast— was able to
visit all the mission families, the other lady residents, go to church, &
even walked to the Chapel.
Before this had been scarcely able to walk.
Nevins grew better & gained flesh, & we had quite a pleasant time.
confined until the 2d of June.
Was not
In the morning called at all the mission houses,
went home with the expectation of being sick that day.
Mrs. Hitchcock, a very
dear friend of mine, came in, & returned to come again when called for.
was about the house all day as usual, but not well.
I
Towards night grew worse
when Mrs. H. & Mrs. Alexander came— soon after dark Dr. Judd was called &
about eleven, another daughter was b o m unto us.
Had what is called a pretty
comfortable time, but not easy, for such a thing cannot be.
About 12, all
went away, & husband lay down on a settee which he had previously made, &
on which I was confined, & then moved to my bed.
Again our hearts were made
glad, & our responsibilities increased— Again was I preserved in distress, &
had new cause to sing of the mercies of the Lord.
In the morning Caroline & Nevins awoke, & their joy I cannot express.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 23, 1836
Page 13
C. could hardly contain herself at the thought of having a little sister,
a thing she had much desired.
Nevins, poor baby! was glad, & without envy
seemed to welcome the little stranger, tho he could do it in no better way
than by patting its head.
The native who nursed Nevins went with us, to be my nurse, & a girl
who has been with me several months took care of N.
natives, but at best are poor help.
to wash & iron.
They both do well for
But such we must have or none.
One to cook— & one to wash dishes— such was &
One man
my help.
One would think I might live easy, but tho they help me, they also require
much care.
my sickness.
With such help I commenced housekeeping, & continued it through
Mr. A. was so engaged in general meeting that I had little
help from him & the consequence was relapse after relapse.
C as I have often
said requires much care, & instead of natives assisting to take care of her,
I have constantly to keep an eye upon her lest they teach her evil, which
she is quick to leam.
Three or 4 days passed very well, tho I could get
no rest days from my cares & the continued noise & confusion about me, &
none nights from my excessive pains.
C read to me & I tried to teach her
while on my bed, as that seemed the easiest way to take care of her.
Mrs.
Hitchcock dressed by babe every morning, & would have stayed with me but had
two children & one quite ill, so that I could not bear the increase of cares.
The sisters sent what food I wanted, but all had children so I must be alone
with mine or have the noise much increased which I could not bear.
direction from me our native worked for Mr. A— &c.
With
What Mother in Spring
field would think of keeping house from the moment of her confinement & under
such circumstances—
constitution here.
She would not— she need not & it doubly effects the
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 23, I836
Page 14
I cannot tell how trying it is, for our friends cannot possibly
conceive the reality.
Our house to was most unfavorable— small, & every
thing done in the room, besides grass houses are easily penetrated by heat,
& also by cold.
So that in the middle of the day it was like a furnace, &
at night the change was so sudden that I was exposed to take cold.
account one is likely to lose health by living in a grass house.
also penetrates quickly.
mendous .
On this
Dampness
My after pains continued a week & some were tre
I suffered as much or more with them as I did at the birth of my
child, not with each pain, but with their severity & long continuance.
0
how my dear Mother could & would have relieved me of cares & of sufferings
which were increased by cares, had she been with me.
I often thought of
her, but as often thought it was the Lord's will to have me far from her,
& it was right.
Who knows but her spirit was hovering about me & that of
my dear Father's too?
Whether I caught cold & what the occasion was. I know
not— flowing ceased entirely & I was in great agony in my stomach.
begun to swell & probably there was danger of inflamation.
Bowels
The Dr. came,
& could not relieve me for several hours, indeed I had a distressed day &
a critical one to.
Here again I was spared— In a few days after was taken
with chills & fever, which hung on several days, & did not leave me until
I was bled & reduced quite low.
Then I could not have cared— husband took
C to genl meetings, & took N some but he was mostly with the native girl.
He get sick again, cried after me— & suffered much from his teeth.
trying to my feelings, but it was right.
0 it was
Baby all the time quiet— fine &
healthy. Some of the time, some one sat with me but most of the time I was alone
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
except natives.
July 23, I836
Page 15
I gained none, but seemed rather to be going back, when for
some reason for which I am truly thankful, it was though/t/ expediant to move
me from that house & from all care, so much as could be.
Mrs. Bingham came &
kindly invited & insisted upon our going to their house, & we thankfully ac
cepted the invitation.
My babe was three weeks old & I was carried on my
settee, & laid on Mrs. B.'s bed.
fatigued me exceedingly.
The distance was short but so little effort
When I had got a little rested was carried into her
children's sleeping room which she had made ready for us, & laid on my settee
again.
The cool fresh air, relief from family cares, together with retire
ment seemed to revive me at once.
My flowing was so profuse & my weakness
so great, that the Dr. ordered me put into a cold bath daily.
refreshing.
I also had wine to drink.
This was most
We need wine, & a good kind at such
times— I have been tempted to ask my friends to send me some for my own use.
I so often need a little— It is sent out by the Board to be sure, but to the
Dr. only for medicine-- so I do not take it, as I should if it were more
plenty.
But I would be a "temperate drinker".
I gained rappidly (!) & soon
got so that I could ride a short distance in a little waggon drawn slowly
by natives.
N had another ill turn which kept me back some.
0 how important
to us slender females are good houses in this climate-- It should be the first
thing a missionary does if circumstances will permit, to build a comfortable
house— Not merely large enough to squeeze into, but large & airy, which is
very important.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 23, I836
I continued to gain & when baby was
& called Mary Jane Graham.
Page 16
weeks old was baptized by Mr. Bingham
A long name our friends will say— Maiy & Jane
are for two of husband's sisters, & by adding the last name, we give her
the name of Miss Graham, whose memoirs & writings we so much admire.
We did not expect to be able to return to our station very soon,
but thought of going out from Honolulu about 2 miles, to stop until I should
be able to go home.
Stayed at Mrs. B's several days & then returned to our
grass house expecting to leave Honolulu the next day, tho I was still feeble.
But Providence prevented & a mysterious way & in one most unlooked for.
Green & family lived quite near us.
Mr.
Tuesday little Emily Green age 18 months
was at our house in perfect health— went home & we soon heard she was scathed.
This was 4 o'clock P.M.
A native boiled some milk & sat it on a chest— she
ran to it, caught hold of it, & spilled it boiling hot into her bosom.
suffered until the next day about 4 o'clock, & died.
tion to her dear parents.
They felt most deeply.
She
0 how keen the afflic
What a sudden change from
hea1th to death. She was a sweet child, & I had anticipated much pleasure
for her & our dear N. when our yard should be fenced & they have a place to
play— but she is gone--- gone to join our other sweet boy in heaven.
babe was 3 weeks old the day she was burried.
Our
The next tuesday the Packet
was coming to Wailuku, & we concluded to come home with Mr. Green, tho I
feared some for my health.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 24, I836
Monday /July/ 24—
Page 17
We left Honolulu on tuesday about noon &
reached Wailuku friday noon— soon after we went on board & set sail we all
began to vomit & were sick enough— towards night I had a turn something like
cholera, & for a time it seemed as if I must die.
I got out of my birth &
lay down on a mat which was spread on the cabin floor & took my babe by my
side— could not ra^e my head without vomiting, yet was obliged to get up
frequently.
All sick & none to help me— had to nurse baby all the time I
lay down for she was getting quite hungry.
But I got so much distressed
that I had to leave her, for husband to crawl out of his birth where he had
N. & take her.
We had a bottle of wine of which I drank— & some of Dr. Moores
essence which was all the medicine accessibLe.
Got relief but was weak, &
expected every moment my old complaint would come on (flowing). But it did
not.
All the nourishment I took after leaving Honolulu til we reached Wai
luku was two biscuit about the size of small crackers, & a bit of dried beef.
Drinks were my nourishment.
Limes grow at Oahu & I obtained some for the
voyage, which furnished me pleasant drink.
made.
Also a little beer which I had
We had a goat on board which furnished a little milk for N. & baby
was fed once.
By some means I had enough to keep her comfortable.
quiet & slept most of the time.
of Wailuku again.
She was
We were glad enough to step on the shores
I was so weak that felt unable either to ride on a horse
or in the cart, but took the former.
We were about 2 miles from our home.
The horse walked all the way, & the cool air, together with a good
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 24, 1836
drink of milk at the end of the journey revived me some.
came on.
Page 18
My old complaint
Spent a most restless distressing night in consequence of of (!)
eating supper— My stomach was so weak that I could bear nothing scarcely &
what little I did eat gave me much pain.
The next morning my difficulty
had much increased & I was obliged to keep my bed— & in the same room had
3 men to take breakfast which husband & the natives had prepared.
It was
sad times & my dear friends will think it is always sad times with u s , for
I tell so much of them.
thus with us
But I do not & cannot tell all— Providence is pleased
& it is well.
It was now plain that our boarders must be disposed of— I could
not take care of them.
Mr. McLane who took care of them in our absence has
got a house near us & boards them all— & 0 what a relief it is to me!
This
we should have done last winter, but the expense would have been great.
No
doubt, my health would have been much better— my body & soul would have been
better.
My flowing continued & neither cold bathing or other meaens used
stoped it— I grew weak fast, & grew worse, when Mr. A gave me sugar of lead,
which stoped it at once, & I am now quite well & gaining strength, with a
fair prospect of enjoying good health.
Our house is not done.
Mack & Blake are at work but are very slow
or it would have been ready for us.
have her perfect work" in this land.
In all things we must "let patience
We live in our old shelter, which is
bad enough, but the rainy season is past so that we can stay in it.
When our house is done it will be a good one & a
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 24, 1836
Page 1$
convenient one & 0 how thankful we shall be-- We shall be quite comfortable.
My mind has been relieved of a great burden, this spring.
I have
read the letter of Mr. Dwight & Temple, in reference to the labour of the
wives of missionaries— & have recieved one from Mr. Davis on the same sub
ject.
Duty was not quite plain to me, I knew not where to draw a line be
tween my labor at home & among the people.
But now it is plain— I must not
neglect my own family & soul of my children— must do all I can to relieve my
husband of family cares, so that all of his time can be given to his mission
ary work.
If I have time & strength to do more it is my duty to do it.
I
know that so much is expected of missionaries wives, that we are often at
a loss what to do.
But I rejoice to l e a m that the opinion of some is changed.
I do not blame any one, but it is a mistaken notion that we have not much else
to do but missionary work among the people— We do not spin & weave & make
cheese for our families, but we have to guard them against sin which seems
to taint the very atmosphere.
I cannot say what I feel or what I wish.
I have been much interested in some papers handed me by Mrs. Bing
ham called the "Advocate of Moral Reform"— I have also the 2d annual report
before me.
I am deeply interested in it & if I can possibly get time shall
write to some of the managers & state some facts which have fallen within
my observation in these dark lands. Let me ask who the young lady was from
Westfield, who was seduced while on her way to New York?
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 24, I836
Do tell me & who was the vile seducer.
Page 20
Mrs. B. & I talked about it & con
cluded the seducer might have been "Tom Ashley".
Husband has returned & I must get him some dinner.
Evening—
little C.
Now I will talk about babies.
Just about R's & E.'s
After I had washed her & put on her night-gown, she proposed
having a school & meeting— N & baby asleep.
She was the teacher.
She first
wished me to read "Robert Stanhope", as she calls the childs book on the soul.
I read, & then she put out words for me to spell.
Then we sung— She said we
had not got the tune so I stoped for her to begin & then stuck in with her.
She knows no tune regularly but I think has a fine voice.
She then prayed
as usual, kissed me & thanked me for taking care of her to day & then went
to bed where she is now sleeping sweetly.
Often in talking with her, I find her concience (!) tender, at
other times it seems almost impenetratable, or else she is so given to play
that she is inattentive.
Often when she has done wrong, & disobeyed me,
she asks if God is angry with her, & will send her to hell.
The thought
of dying is terrible to her, & she often weeps & says she does not wish to
die.
I think she fears the grave more than death or judgment.
When I tell
her what will fit her for heaven & that I wish her to be good & go there,
she asks if Grandpa & Grandma Chapman will be there— She asks many questions
about God & heaven— wants to know if she can have a trundle-bed if she goes
there &c &c.
While at Honolulu, Mr. Coan met the children every morning &
talked with them an hour, & gave them much good instruction.
She was, after
a few of the first times much averse to going, & on inquiring the cause, she
said she did not wish to go because Mr. Goan said she must die.
Death is
made an unwelcome subject by us all, but one with which we must be familiar.
Sweet son is sleeping in his cradle & loved enough by us both.
& his feet are swift to mischief.
sweet little boy.
He is well,
Has a fair skin, blue eyes, & is a very
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 24, I836
He loves his little sister &
kisses her often.
Page 21
Begins to talk a little,
lisps "see there pretty" to anything that pleases him.
Often points to baby
& says it.
Baby too is sweet enough— A good sized baby & growing finely— very
quiet.
Has a fair skin blue eyes, & is quite pretty. She is our fourth child
& was six weeks old when C was four years old.
Wednesday eve /July/ 26th
ings of Genl meeting yet.
Is not this rappid increase?
I have said nothing about the proceed
I lost all the eloquence & arguments, plans &c.
by being sick— however heard through husband some.
when convenient.
The mission ladies attend
Last year & this there has been much said about our having
a boarding school for children, & establishing it at ponehou/Punahou/ about 2 miles
from Honolulu.
We feel that such such (!) schools are the principal hope
for the nation & would gladly engage in it, arduous as it may be.
men are of many minds".
But "many
The school does not hiki (go) yet.
Poor Mrs. Bingham had set her heart upon it & is disappointed.
She has done good & still desires & tries to /do/ good to this people.
She
is withered like a fallen rose, but ere long I trust will bloom anew on the
banks of Jordan.
No school there yet, but same say it must go next year—
I felt desirous to have the matter settled this year, for the thought of
moving again is tedious to me, for besides, it is
quite time such schools were in operation. Well, thus it ended this year.
Mr. A-g is appointed pastor of Wailuku Church, & Mr. Green is to establish
& teach a boarding school here.
Husband has taken his charge & commenced
teach-g & Mr. Green is building & preparing for his school.
my friends that much good may be done here.
0 pray for us
Mr. Smith is stationed at Oahu
as a teacher, on account of the ill health of his wife, who is almost help
less .
Mrs. Spaulding still confined
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
to her bed— poor afflicted woman.
July 26, I836
Page 22
Mrs. Richards is troubled a little with
a cough & they feel quite alarmed & think of going to America & returning.
They have eight children & intend leaving some in America.
If they go, as
probably they will, my friends will probably see him.
Don't know what account he will give of us— for he is one of those
who considered us as deserters from our post at Nuuhina.
But he is a good
man & we love him, & shall ever feel gratefull for his kindness to us in
sickness.
Mr. Tinker wants to go home.
I hope this spirit will not rage
so much as to cause us to leave our master's work.
The mission voted to
have Mr. Richards or Mr. Tinker go home.
August 6th
It is Saturday evening & I am alone except babies
& they asleep, & Katuha the woman who nursed Nevins, has come to lie in the
room with me.
Will say a few words of her.
When she first came to our house,
her hair was loose & bushy, & she had but one dirty garment— she wears combs
& her head is kept in order— her body is kept clean & she has 4 or 3 garments
& a good bonnet.
Her clothes I gave her— the bonnet I taught her to make.
It is in imitation of what is called-- well I cannot think— no matter— I
never tried to sew a bonnet in America, but now make out very well.
sionaries wife ought to know how to do every thing.
A mis
I have felt thankful
many times that I was a farmer's daughter, & that I had to do as much for
myself as I did.
It is a privilege to be obliged to help ones self— for
then we are better prepared to meet extremities.
I have spoken of Katuha (spit) to show what can be done for this
people.
Her husband is one of our best men, but is poor— we think he is a
�July 26, I936
Journal, Llsrissa Armstrong
They have one child— him I clothe.
Christian.
Page 23
They have lost 3 children—
I have now two very good girls, have better help than I ever had, since we
parted with that good John.
of remembrances yearly.
He now lives on Kauai.
I send him some token
I have two girls, perhaps one is 12 the other 14
years— they are comfortably clad & clean.
Nevins is as fond of Kahuna the youngest girl as ever any child
could be of his nurse.
She is lively & pleasant & tries to please him.
other girl takes care of Jane.
The
My natives are all what we call good here,
yet I can never believe a word they say, or trust them with what is not com
mitted to th&ir care.
But I am abne this eve.
My dearest friend has gone to Haiku & from
thence in company with the Governour proceeds to take a tour round the Island,
to preach & - I
am quite lonely— do not know how to have husband gone any better
than I did the first year we were married— indeed not so well.
With all my
babies I feel that I am alone-The Lord will I trust return him to us in due season.
just read the temperance tales by M. Sergeant of Boston.
ingly-- for temperance here.
carousing at a great rate.
I have
We like them exceed
The king is now at Wailuku, drinking rum &
Since he came here, a foreigner by the name of
Paty has brought rum to him in a vessel, from Oahu.
0 that the wicked in
fluence of foreigners could be destroyed— 0 if I could see my friends, I could
tell things that make them shudder— but it must not go on paper.
Moral reform
societies are needed here, yet who would join them but missionaries?
our two Consuls would not— but I have said enough.
Surely
The judgement will dis
close all. Mr. A & I have often talked of Reuben as American consul, for a
good man in that station
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
July 26, I836
might do much good, as much as a wicked one does evil.
Page 24
A good man would not
keep concubines & live in daily transgression of the 7th commandment.
But
R. must not leave our dear parents— that is clear enough. He will not, I
know he will not-- Perhaps I shall yet return to them— tho I do not desire
it.
My work is here, & here let me die.
If this population continues to decrease as it haE done,
in a few years it will be extinct— Now is the time to work here.
Sabbath /August/ 7th
I did intend going to meeting but N got
so sleepy that I concluded to stay at home.
& the morning service commences at 11.
10 in the hour for him to sleep,
I cannot be very quiet with 3 little
ones, yet I have more peace of mind than usual to day— I have greater long
ings after holiness, & greatly desired to walk nearer to God.
I have been
thinking of some of our past trials & have derived comfort from the follow
ing lines—
Why should I complain
Of want or distress,
Temptation or pain?
He told me no less;
The heirs of salvation,
I know from the Lord
Through much tribulation,
Must follow the Lord.
Though dark be my ways,
Since he is my guide
'Tis mine to obey
'Tis his to provide;
this way was much rougher
And darker than mine
Did Jesus thus suffer
And shall I repine.
His love, in time past
Forbids me to think
He'll leave me at last
In trouble to sink
Though painful at present
'Twill cease before long,
And then, oh, how pleasant
The conquerer's song.
Through grace may I sing the conqueror's song".
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Aug. 9, I836
Page 23
Tuesday eve /August/ 9th
"My soul is sick, my ear is pained
With every day's report of wrong
and outrage, with which earth
Is filled."
The King & his train are here, drinking
& carousing.
It is said that the King & Princess were both drunk yesterday.
The King seems determined to go headlong to ruin.
changed.
Unless his course is
May the Lord take him out of the world, for he is leading a large
company with him down to the gulf of despair.
A young man of his train has
been buried to day in consequence of a drunken frolick— where Oh! where is his
spirit now!!
If we believe the bible, we believe his soul is in torment—
to those who bring rum to this land.
Wo(!)
The Princess will be confined soon.
The King is oppressing the people greatly— He had given out word
that every hog in Wailuku should be brought to him.
Some of the lower chiefs
were indignant, & many of the people would I believe had they dared to have
done it, rebelled.
Mr. A. had just bought a hog with cloth, & sent word to
the King that he might have it, if /he/ would not oppress the poor people,
& we would do without.
been taken.
It has not been sent for, & the hogs have not yet
This is not written for the public.
I
will mention now, that a certain letter in the N. York Observer
came out last year, which made quite a bustle.
King, &c.
The chiefs were quite displeased & threatened to send away the mis
sionary who wrote it.
is sometimes imprudent.
the letter.
Something was said of the
We strongly suspect that Dr. Chapin wrote it, for he
But he was gone— No missionary on the ground owns
It never should have been printed, & ought not to have been
written as it was.
Some of the foreign residents take fire at everything &
are ready to push on the chiefs or any others to mischief.
All this must be
read in the bedroom & never told out of it, lest it should reach these Islands,
& then the missionaries would be blown sky high.
0, that foreigner residents
would help as much as they hinder the progress of the gospel.
�Aug. 9, I836
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 26
Here I will just say, that sometime since I wrote to Phebe Hamilton,
& directed my letter to Buffalo supposing she was there— probably it has never
reached her.
Do tell her of it & ask her to write me a letter to pay for it.
I have also written to Linus B. B a m s in answer to a letter recieved from him—
directed mine to Blandford, tho he had I suppose gone to albany(!)--
If it
has never reached him, please tell him it was a long letter & must be answered
so I shall expect one from him.
I am now trying to gather things, so as to
make out a box full for Reuben this fall.
an ivory comb for each.
Bought two marrows to day.
Gave
Intend to have a little native house built & furnished
in native style & send it.
To day have written to Mrs. Pritchard of Tahaiti(!) —
tomorrow hope to write Mrs. Barff & then proceed to write letters to America.
Have about 80 to answer.
Dear me, when shall I answer them all?
Wednesday eve /Aug^/ 10th
This P.M. Mrs. Green, Miss Brown & myself have comenced(!) our maternal
prayer meeting.
It was a precious season to our souls.
was naughty & I punished her.
Just at eve Caroline
I then talked with her in as solmn(!) & impressive
a manner as I could, in language adapted to her capacities.
much affected, or manifest so much tenderness of conscience.
Never saw her so
We knelt &
prayed together.
She prayed first in her own simple style & asked as usual
for a new heart.
I never prayed for her with so much faith as then.
We arose
& she was quite affected, came & kissed me with more than usual affection &
tenderness, then thanked me for taking care of her to day.
lap, & talked more to her.
She then with much tenderness put her arms around
my neck, kissed me, & went to bed.
I could hear her sobbing while on her
little bed, tho evidently trying to suppress it.
a new life in her.
I took her on my
0 may this be the dawn of
May this dear child be a true convert in word, deed & truth.
Amen._____
�Aug. 11, I836
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 27
Thursday eve.
Have "been looking over my box to day
from Springfield.
Had a variety of sensations & with all the rest, was almost
vexed, & should have been quite, could it have relieved me, for the naughty
cock-roaches (a large filthy destructive bug) had destroyed the greater part
of my nice rasins(!).
Perhaps it is well for me, for I had anticipated much
pleasure in using them.
They were delightful when they came.
We sweetened
our mouths well, & then left them as we thought secure & concluded not to get
them out until we should get out of this filthy house.
And so!
they are gone!!!
Poor me, can't go to the store & by(!) more— but I am foolish & will stop.
Caroline was no less disappointed than her mother.
To day have found a little bundle tied up veiy snugly, containing
some bits of calico, & letters from Sally.
She has done well, & I thank her
very much for writing me, & will write her in return.
When she writes me
again, she will take pains to separate her words & then I can read it with
less difficulty.
Could not read all she wrote, but as near as I could make
out, she said mother would come & visit me.
If she comes, Sally must come
too & ride on the old horse, & bring the cat, & some cheese.
Should be very
glad to see Sally here— If she comes I shall want her to take care of Mary
Jane, & keep house for me a while, so that I can teach school.
Now I shall
expect Sally to keep a journal of Russell affairs, & tell all about home, &
about Hiram Carter too.
I often think of Sally, & as often think I should be
happy to have her in our family if we were in America.
see her.
Perhaps I shall yet
There is a native boy living with us, who walks like her— has a
hump on his back but no sores.
He washes for us.
I often feel sad, when I
look at him, his form is so much like hers.
I
have concluded to write as much as I possibly can in my journal,
for I do not intend sending it by mail— but in a box to Reuben, so it will not
cost according to weight.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
August H. 1836
Page 28
Oh, how happy I should be to receive letters from my dear mother—
but if she does not write, she does not forget us.
A native woman has just
been making the bed ticking she so kindly sent me.
Now I would like feathers
to fill it— We find the pulu is too hot & unhealthy, but under mattrasses it
answers very well.
Am going to fill my new ticking with pulu, & am gathering
hen's feathers for pillows.
Our mattrasses on which we have slept ever since
we left America are very hard— They have been wet over & over with salt water
& fresh— & nothing ever seems fresh & clean that has been wet with salt water.
— Mr. A. has written to Mr. Anderson for some new ones, so we hope to live
very snugly by & by.
Our dear friends have done much for our comfort but we cannot be
much benefitted by many things until we have a place to put them & ourselves.
The carpenter is intolerably slow, & our house would have been ready for us
before this.
I fear it will not be ready in season for me to take a sketch
of our station as I wish this fall.
Is "old grey" alive?
OH!
I thank old Mrs. Hughs for the towel-
Does the old Deacon drink rum— or will he not be the
"Devil's deacon" any longer?
August 26th
I want to hear about every family in Russell.
We have sent away one of our boys who lived
with us— He was so saucy, rougish & lazy that we could do nothing with him.
Have got 4 more, two men & their wives— probably the women may be 33 or nearly
40 years old.
Have been trying to teach one to sew— but dear me how awkward
she is— can scarcely hold a needle.
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Smith from Honolulu, with their child /have/
recently spent a week with us.
We are not very well situated to entertain
such genteel company, but get along somehow.
�August 26, I836
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 29
Mr. Smith's object in coming was to view the land in this region,
& if he can obtain some, to bring his family here & settle.
manufacture silk, cotton &c &c.
think a Christian.
boy,
He intends to
Mrs. S. is a pleasant genteel woman & we
Mr. S. a very pleasant man, & they have a sweet little
Mrs. S. has a brother & Mr. S. two sisters, all single, who will settle
with them I suppose.
Mrs. S. is the Miss Davis of whom I have spoken before.
I spoke of Mrs. Whitney & Dibble, sometime since in my journal.
They are quite feeble now.
Mrs. D. will probably never be restored to health.
Her mind is effected by the shock recieved.
Mrs. Spaulding still on her bed,
& probably will never leave it for any length of time until the grave becomes
her bed.
Mrs. Smith, confined to her bed most of the time.
"God moves in a
mysterious way his wonders to perform."
My own health is pretty good— When I have no family but our own, &
no school but teaching C. I feel very well— but a little extra labour brings
me down at once.
Mr. & Mrs. S family left, I was nearly prostrate, but a
little freedom from care & fatigue has restored my health again.
convinced that it is not my duty to teach school.
girl, & a very sweet babe.
Sept. 1st
A's study.
I am now
Mary Jane is a fat little
At least we think so--
I have just thought that I have not described Mr.
It is built of dirt (doby we call it) & covered with grass— mat
floor— A doby partition separates him from the natives— but their fish & poi
smell so intolerably, & are so noisy that one can hardly stay under the same
roof.
They have a habit of talking very loud— half a dozen of them in common
conversation, make as much noise
�Sept. 1, 1836
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 30
as I ever heard at a / b a m / raising in N. England.
Sept. 12—
A thing so novel has happened this morning that I must
record it in my journal.
I have just eaten some hasty pudding & milk.
Meal
fresh from the mill yesterday!!
Now will explain it.
Mrs. Green had planted a few hills of c o m
& when ripe, her natives ground it in the coffee-mill.
but I am sure, never was there any better.
taste with me.
me.
Oh, it is delicious.--
Teaching her to work.
a curiosity.
It was not boutted,
I would like to have all my friends
I have got an old woman living with
She made a shirt for her husband which was quite
I had half a mind to send it home as such.
as if it were a crow-bar.
She uses the needles
She is now ironing— Improves some.
We hope soon
to go & spend a few days at Haiku.
Haiku
Sept. 28th
I am now seated by the table we used to eat on nearly two years
ago, & in the house where we have had so much sickness & so many sorrows.
We came last Saturday, it is now Wednesday. We came in the ox cart. Mr. A rode on
horseback, except a while with the children, when
I rode on the horse to rest myself. C. & N. enjoyed the ride finely. N.
begins to talk & talked about the cows all the way— he calls the oxen cows,
& the horse also.
C thinks we might go to see grand-pa & Grandma— &uncle
R & Aunt E. in the east.
We reached here on Saturday PM.
When we came in
sight of the house, & indeed on our way here former scenes were brought fresh
to my memory— The manner in which we left this region not quite two years
ago I can never forget— & my recollections
�Sept. 28, I836
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
are quite as vivid as I could wish.
Page 31
What changes in our family since!
has been taken from us & two given us.
One
The spot where I*sat alone with, as
I supposed a dying child in my arms, & the spot where his cradle used to
stand when we watched as we supposed over his dying pillow— the room where
I have spent so many sleepless nights, watching & walking with our distressed
boy, the places where his clothes used to hang & the places where he used to
creep—
The settee on which he was b o m —
the table where his little hands used to pat, & many other things revive re
collections of our dear departed boy— but Oh! his sufferings!! & the anguish
of his parents hearts!!
It is more than I can tell—
house, where Mr. A. was sick &-since then—
We are now in the same
But Oh how many mercies have we recieved
Our hearts should overflow with gratitude.
We brought our bed,
& camp down on the mats, with our chiHren— brought 2 cups & saucers, 2 knives
&c., a teakettle— but the native through carelessness have broken the latter
all to pieces, so we boil our water for tea in a tin sauce-pan.
We have another
teakettle at Wailuku & if we had not could get one at Honolulu.
Natives break,
tear & destroy a great deal for us, & we have to submit patiently.
Sept. 30th
saddle.
Yesterday I had a fine ride on horseback, on my side
Rode about 3 miles.
Mr. A walked, the natives carried C & N, baby
stayed with her nuise— an old woman.
tutui /kukujJ7 trees.
The scenery was most delightful— large
The tutui is a pea green, & at a short distance resembles
an apple tree in blossom.
The different shades
�Sept. 30, I836
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
of green make a most beautiful appearance.
of the peach & other trees.
Page 32
I was not unfrequently reminded
Indeed I sometimes quite forgot where I was, &
found my mouth watering for some fine fruits which I could scarcely persuade
myself was not there.
The air too was most delightful.
live in very pleasant places— for we always choose
Missionaries do not
the spot where there are
people, instead of one where there is fine scenery.
I am writing with the paper on my lap.
Just before the door where
I sit are two night-blooming ceres (!), which will I appose bloom to night
sb midnight.
We planted it when we first came to this station.
"T'will many
a flower is b o m to blush unseen, & waste its sweetness on the desert air."
We went out by lamp light to see those beautiful flowers.
reminded me of our sweet little N.—
those fair flowers.
They
He bloomed as fair, & fell as soon as
But I trust he now blooms in an unfading clime, & a bright
halo of glory is shed around the sweet flower whose memory I love with sad
ness to cherish.
I did not mention, that when I took that pleasant ride, we went to
a place which is called the flying road.
It is a ledge of rocks, in some places
30 & 40 feet-high— at the bottom of which is a small beautiful lake of water.
This place has in former times, been a place of resort by chiefs— where they
would plunge into the water from the rocks above, & thus sport, hours in suc
cession.
Several boys plunged from the rocks 30 feet high, to let us see
them do it.
Some of them I should think no more than 8 or $ years old.
�Sept. 30, I836
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 33
They as early accustom themselves to playing in water & swimming that they
are almost amphibious.
Oct 4th
I suppose that place has constant visitors.
We set our faces homeward.
We were to take an early
start, to enjoy the cool of the day— so we made arrangements the night pre
vious.
Mr. A had been at work very hard, besides preaching & teaching during
our stay there, had been buying timber for Mr. Green's boarding school house
& the day before we left he worked in the water to make a raft of the timber
& send it to Wailuku.
He had a burning fever all night & complained of being
cold, & I strongly suspected that he would be sick, so I got up at day break
& roused the natives that were to go with us fully expecting that he could
do nothing.
We got ready, without waiting for breakfast, for Mr. A wanted
none, & I am sure I did not, & we were off in good season.
Mr. A. rode on
horseback, ill as he was, for I was obliged to be with the children, & the
cart was filled with mats &c. & left but little space for us.
In the PM. took some refreshment at Mr. Green's & felt better.
quite well again.
He is generally quite healthy.
We got home,
Mr. A is now
Mr. Green painted our house
while we were absent— I mean the inside— the outside is rough stone.
(Mr. G.
was once a painter by trade.)
Well the next day, we commenced moving.
It is now Oct. 13th & this
is the first moment I I (!) have got to write & now my limbs are pained & my
flesh is sore with fatigue.
We have at last got a house, & are safely lodged
in it— & how shall we, how can we feel sufficiently grateful for it?
We do
not deserve so good a house, but we have it— & I am constantly thinking how
grateful we should be for it.
But the kitchen is not finished, & our carpenter
is sick with rheumatisms— Have to cook in the same old place— it is several
rods from us & tires me exceedingly to go to it so often, tho we cook but
two meals in a day- - breakfast, & dinner at 3-
�Oct. 13, I836
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 3^
What goods reached us from the S. Islands were so very dirty, & all
we have was dirty, we had lived so long in such filthy wet places.
had a thorough cleaning— Natives have helped me---
I have
I am so tired & sleepy
that I must go to bed— I sleep on pulu, & the ticking that mother sent me,
which I value much. My mattresses are taken apart to be washed— no small job.
Oct. 6th
Alljatigue & excitement to day— Natives making doby
fence, carpenter putting up doors to cupboards &c—
for hymn book.
natives constantly coming
We have to plan something for them to do, or take potatoes
or something, for if we give them books, they will not value them.
With
regard to giving them books, I have often thought of the saying, "What comes
quick goes quick"—
of them.
If they work for their books, then they will take care
My feet are swollen & sore with fatigue, but my health is good.
Never was better in my life perhaps, tho I have a great fat baby to nurse.
Had a native nurse for a while, but she was taken sick, & since I have got
my strength, have enough to satisfy baby.
Oh, how comfortable we are!
It
is such a strange & entirely new thing to have a dry, good house, & a clean
one also, that I feel as if it were too good almost— It is plain however—
plaistered inside, & the wood work painted green.
With regard to clothing
& furniture I sometimes think I shall never want anything more, for we have
enough— enough to keep us warm in the wet season which is approaching— but
clothes wear out fast- - things get broken, t o m & lost— natives are very
careless with them— yet we must have natives about us.
Miss Brown lives under the same roof with us— Keeps house.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Nov. 6, 1836
Page 33
Nov. 6th
Babies just lodged safely in bed, & I take up my pen to write, after
one month's silence— Not entirely silent however, for I have written several
letters to America— The last fortnight hate written none. Mr. & Mrs. Parker
with their children have been with us— Left this P.M. came in a vessel,
return to Lahaina & there stop a few days & then go to Oahu in some whale
ship.
The last week has been one of intense interest to us all.
Our visit
has been pleasant, particularly so, as Mr. & Mrs. P. were with us at Nuuhina.
Those of us who were there, are bound to each other by peculiar ties of love—
I need not tell why, for friends know that we endured trials together.
Another
reason why the visit has been pleasant is because the last week has been de
voted to the people in an unusual manner—
We have had a protracted meeting.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith have been at Mr. Green's— Four praachers have devoted all
their
time & strength to the people.
I have done what I could— Prepared food
for those who laboured, went to meeting some, & talked with the people when I
could.
We do believe the Lord has been very near us, & is still near us.
Several we hope are b o m again & many more are anxious.
when one hopes he is b o m again.
themselves & lie to God.
We tremble because they so often decive
We tremble when a person comes with a thought (as
they call it) for his soul.
They decieve s^o skillfully— & the more we know
of them, the more we fear to believe them.
were their God's.
We always tremble,
Many live as if they thought we
If they can only please us, no matter how much they de
cieve, or how abominable in the sight of God.
When I write again, 0 may I
have glorious things to write— even the true conversion of many.
Nov. 6, 1836
Page 33
The time has arrived to send my journal & letters. All things are
ready to put into the box.
My journal looks badly but no time to coppy (!) it.
_
/Journal ends here— unsigned^/
To our parents
R & E--
�SECTION 8
Wailuku, Maui
Dec. 18, 1837 - Nov. 1, 1838
During the year lapse between this section and the one previous,
a fifth child was b o m to the Armstrong's, Richard Baxter, in 1837 in Hawaii.
This section deals mainly with reports about life as a missionary
on Maui.
With this last section, the journals of Clarissa Armstrong end.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Dec. 18, 1837
Page 1
Wailuku Maui Dec. 18th 1837How very thankful I should be that I have been able to get off all
df my American letters, as I wished, & a box to Mr. Andrew Porter besides.
My hands have been, & are still full, but I never got along with my letters
easier than I have this year.
How it helps one to get through with difficul
ties, to go with them to God, before commencing them, & ask his aid.
I hope
to write more this year in my journal than I did last, but perhaps I shall
not.
Our dear babe /Richard Baxter/ continues to be afflicted as he has been
with a sore head— The top of the head is covered with a scab.
what that it may prove bad for him.
He is restless days & nights.
have a steady good woman who takes care of him &
he sleeps, & rocks a little when he wakes—
& reads a good deal.
We fear some
Days, I
sits by the cradle while
She keeps her testament by her
Nights, he does not cry, but is restless, & keeps me
from sleeping, so that I do not feel well days.
Have a dizziness in my head.
I ride on horseback when my head gets very bad— A few rides will cure it,
until brought on again by fatigue.
About sunrise I ride about half a mile
up by the side of a valley where the cold bracing wind comes down from the
mountain.
I find it necessary to wear quite warm clothes.
long from my little flock, & hasten back to release Mr. A.
he can fry tallo cakes without me.
I cannot be absent
We have a cook, &
We boil the tallo, pound it, let it stand
over night, & then it is light & ready for breakfast.
barrel of flour which is quite musty.
We have just opened a
Perhaps it is well for us that we can
not get any rye bread from home, for our flour would then be less palitable
than it is now.
All asleep but Caroline.
She sits reading "Peter Parley's
magazine," but will soon go to her trundle bed.
I design to tell more about the people this year than I have usually
done.
Our feelings are often severely tried with them, & our hearts almost
discouraged.
A short time since, one of our teachers of a school of children,
who has a wife & two small children
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Dec. 18, 1837
Page 2
was in repeated instances found to have been guilty of adultery with the young
girls in his school.
man.
He was educated at Lahainaluna & was a promising young
Some months since he gave some evidence of being b o m again.
In the
midst of his adultery, he came to Mr. A. saying that he had resolved to
service Christ & wished to unite with the church.
In a few days his iniquity
was revealed.
How much time, strength & money has been bestowed upon him, &
all is lost!
And for ought we know his poor soul will be lost!
nally!
Lost eter
We are pained because the church members are so hard & close with us.
A chief, a member of the church at Honolulu, will not let us have a piece of
land to ra$e food forthe boarding school, without $1000 dollars per year for
the use of the land— land that lies unoccupied & entirely useless.
more & more hard with us.
They grow
A short time since Mr. Baldwin purchased a barrel
of lamp oil for Mr. Green, gave $16. for the oil & sent it by natives in a
canoe from Lahaina.
The probability is, that the natives kept the good oil
& brought a barrel of poor oil to Mr. G.
G. received oil that is not fit to use.
Mr. Baldwin sent good oil, & Mr.
It was not sent by a church-member.
Sometimes, in sending bundles from one station to another they are lost.
The natives can easily deal thus with them for they can lie to us, & no law
can injure them.
Dec. 27.
This has been a painful day to me.
is relieved in having done my duty.
Tho my conscience
Last eve, Caroline told a falsehood to
her Father, a thing I have not known her do
for a good while previous.
As
a punishment, we have kept her up chamber all day, & allowed her only bread
& water to eat.
so.
We have tried to be faithful to her, & shall continue to be
She has felt it very much, but what the result will be God only knows.
I pray that her heart may not grow hard in sin.
Baby is better— I have a severe cold.
A letter from Honolulu
says, that Mr. Macintosh, editor of the S.I. Gazette has got the Delerium
Tremen's . Such is the
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Dec. 27, 1837
character of a man, who has nearly filled his sheet with
this mission.
Page 3
vile trash about
The character cf the man will show whether his trash is true
or not— Poor sinner!!
I fear his end will be a hard one.
May the Lord spare
him, & he repent of his wickedness.
Dec. 31st sabbath eve
Farewell to the dying year— I feel peculiarly solmenn (!).
as if parting with a friend.
but it will bring no more.
The year has brought me both joys & sorrows,
Farewell Farewell.
Jan 10th 1838.
bed.
I feel
All asleep but Garry. & she is in her
Last week on tuesday I took G. & baby, & went to Haiku to visit Mrs.
Smith— returned on friday.
Mr. McLane a foreigner went with me— I rode some
on hrseback & some in the cart. When baby slept, he lay in his cradle which
was snugly fixed in the cart, & then I rode on the horse, but at his call
I would leave & ride in the cart.
A native drove the oxen— or I had 3 drivers.
It is quite a distinguished office to drive the oxen.
When one gets a little
experience, he has one or two under him who drive & he struts along like a
King & looks on occasionally.
No matter how many drivers there are, we give
the same price as if there were but one.
He can divide it if he choose—
When the most experienced gets lazy, he is turned off & another rises, & so
it goes on, one after another.
Wm. Nevins & Mary Jane stayed with their father— I left them well,
but on my return found M.J. quite sick & unable to sit up a moment.
lost flesh, & was quite changed for so short a time.
She had
Her sickness was very
strange & unaccountable— was taken vomiting & continued to vomit all night
on Wednesday night.
We fear she had eaten something bad—
one day & taken ill at the same time with M.J.
N. is well.
Nevins was ill
M.J.
is better,
but is very irritable indeed.
We have just sent of a man who was my assistant in the kitchen—
he was a very wicked fellow.
We send him away for adultery— but he was al
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Jan. 10, 1838
together bad. Has been very contrary & saucy to me.
knew his duty well.
May the Lord cause him to repent.
Page 3 (continued)
He was a smart man &
We are pained be
cause he is so hardened after recieving so much instruction.
�Jan. 10, I838
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
But my visit was a charming one.
Page 4
Being a few days released in part from
cares, I am much better in health than when I left.
The dizziness in my head
has not yet returned, tho I expect it daily & am so closely confined with
babies, &c. &c.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith are Unitarians, but I could see nothing,
& learn nothing from his prayers,
ter.
inconsistent with a true Christian charac
They have recently lost a child, & were they not Unitarians, we could
say that nothing could have appeared more consistent than their aonduct during
their afflictions.
It was consistent, but in reality they deny the Lord who
died to save their child—
I cannot but love Mrs. S.
& I hope & pray that she may love the Saviour.
in about two years.
She is a lovely woman,
They think of going to America
They live in a most delightful spot— The birds sing so
sweetly, among the groves of trees.
Jan 13th
It seemed like a paradise to me.
Were I in my own dear native land I should probably
sit shivering with cold— & perhaps should be riding in a sley (!)— but here
we have no cold Boreas, & the flowers are in full bloom.
The 4 o'clock flowers
are abundant around our house & fill the air with their sweet perfume.
lavendar also is sending forth its sweet fragrance.
growing abundantly in our yard- -
The
The sweet potatoes are
Yesterday I had company to dine with us—
Miss Brown, Miss Ogden & Mr. McDonald who is here at Mr. G's on a visit.
Had
a baked hog's rib, squash that I raised in our own yard & green c o m also.
Tomatoes too— These all I am sure our dear friends do not have— c o m & to
matoes, but they have turnips, beets, &c &c. which are better.
almost done for the presant (!).
to send 2 miles for it.
Our milk is
Mr. McLane lets us have milk, but we have
An old man who lives with us goes for it.
I feel pretty well - - -
Well in body, but my soul is sleeping.
It is time to awake, for it appears that the Lord is about to send his spirit
upon our station.
There is a movement among the people here.
work we hear is going on.
0 for more faith &love.
when the Lord shall convert these isles to himself.
At Hilo a great
May not this be the time
�Jan. 26, I838
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Jan-y 26.
Page 5
We are now in the midst of a protracted meeting.
There is for once, a shaking among the "dry bones".
We have abundant evidence
that the Lord is in our midst— Many appear hard & impenitent, but a good num
ber are compelled to yield.
We hope & tremble for the natives.
deceitful— But God knows their hearts.
They are so
A most painful case of native decep
tion was disclosed to us, the day before our meeting commenced— A young female
the wife of a very clever good native, who assisted Mr. Green in the boarding
school.
In a protracted meeting held here a year ago, she gave most decided
evidence of being converted— The youngest & first young person converted here.
She was perhaps 13 or 14 years old— was quite intelligent for a native, & ap
peared extremely well.
we all loved her.
Mr. A recbwi her to the church.
She appeared well &
When Mr. G. commenced his Boarding school, she & her husband
were taken as assistants.
She as a schollar (!) also— under a gale of hypocrisy
she has been practicing deception, stealing, lying; & very much that was bad
among the scholars.
She has done more injury by her influence, than Mr. G.
can counteract in a long time.
Not long since Mr. G. wrote an account of her
conversion & sent it to the publisher of .the Youth's companion— 0 how he was
decieved!
We all feel bad— exceedingly bad— But she is in the hands of a
merciful God.
Mrs. Green Miss Ogen /Ogden/ & I have held meetings 3 times a day
with our children—
Our bowels yearn over them.
in his own precious blood.
to attend the meeting.
May the Saviour wash them
Lorrin Andrews (9 years old) came with his father
Mr. Andrews assisted
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Jan. 26, 1838
husband, & Mr. Green does what he can.
We expected Mr. Hitchcock & family,
but they were prevented coming by ill health.
preached since the meeting commenced.
Page 6
I have not heard one sermon
Have been to meeting 3 times, but
little Baxter was so talkative & Mary Jane so full of play that I had to
leave & come home, lest the natives should bestow more attention upon our
children than the sermon.
I am quite confined to the house— but not my chair- -
0 how I long sometimes to sit & rest my weaiy limbs.
We took supper with Miss
Brown this eve— After we had all eaten, the children, Mr. Green's & ours,
sat down, & to please them I seated little Baxter among them in a high chair,
that a foreigner had recently made for him.
& scarcely deserves the name of chair.
The chair is a most awkward thing,
But I stood near him— somehow he gave
a spring, & the chair fell back & he with it.
Dear babe, he was frightened,
& we feared hurt— but we hope not badly.
I must retire— & rest— for I have some labour to perform these days.
L. Andrews has been here a fortnight, which has increased my cares some.
0
few hours.
if I could go to the rocks back of my Father's barn, & spend a
There I have spent some of the sweetest moments of my life—
There I have knelt so often in prayer, & felt tiat none but God was near.
But
he is here too.
Feb. 4.
0 how swift days, weeks, months & years pass away.
Soon, very soon, time with us will be no longer.
Ogden & Miss Brown were here to a prayer meeting.
Just as we had closed, the house shook, the doors
A few evenings since, Miss
We had it in my bedroom.
�Feb. 4, 1838
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
rattled, and the earth felt the same motion— It was an earthquake.
a sleight (!) shock, but enough to show the wonderful power of God.
Page 7
It was
How
small & insignificant it makes one fell (!), when the mighty power of God
is thus displayed.
This is sabbath eve— 16 natives have been added to our church today.
One lives with us. We have had a shaking among
the "dry bones" here. Apparently, quite a number have turned from sin into
holiness.
But 0 how many remain unreconciled to God, & ho*t; many try to de-
cieve us! In the midst of our protracted meetings, when many apparently
were bowed under a sense of their sins, quite a number wept, & pretended to be
seeking the salvation of their souls, while at the same time they were living
in iniquity, breaking the 7th commandment.
A girl who lived with us, more
than 2 years, & then left to find a husband, has recently been married, & she
too was among those who professed to be repenting of sins— but it proved to
be merely a cloak for her iniquity.
Marriage is no security against that sin.
We tremble when we hope for this people.
No less than 9, quite young girls who
attend meeting regularly— who hear religious instruction every day, have been
guilty of adultery.
Sabbath eve
Feb. 1 1 .
Two days have stood by the bed side of a dying Christian.
lepolepo is about to enter his eternal rest.
fixed on God^ through the merits of a Saviour.
Kauai-
His mind is calm— his hope is
During his illness, he has
appeared well— has left much written good advice for his two little children.
He has been a lovely man for a native.
Surely nothing but grace could make
him what he _is— 0 how different from the death of Ha.pi at Nuuhiva!!
The spirit of God is still with us—
Frequent new cases
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
of conviction.
Feb. 11, 1838
Page 8
0 that it may continue to increase, until all this people
are gathered into the field of Christ.
Thursday 13th /Feb^y
This PM. have attended the funeral of
Kauailepoleop— He died not as a fool dieth but as the righteous fall asleep.
His end was peaceful & calm.
His hope in the merits of Christ's
until his senses were drowned in death.
blocrcf
He has written much during his ill
ness— Among other things some valuable & excellent advice to his two young
children.
His wife is a poor stupid creature.
Me have not seen him much
for several weeks, as he has been several miles from us--
A few days since
he returned, I went to his house one day, intending to try to sketch his likeness
either with the eye, & by a camera obscura (belonging to Mr. Andrews) but could
not attempt it, as Mr. A. could not release me from my little flock long enough
to do it.
Should have done it before if he had been at home.
He was a rare native.
& a good mind.
We all loved K.
Was educated at Lahainaluna— A man of noble appearance,
We feel the loss his death has occasioned— When I wished to
ride on horseback, he would accompany me if I wished.
him to draw & paint.
Once I began to teach
He succeeded very well, but was called away to visit
the king & there it ended.
To day have been reminded of him more particularly
at our dinner table— as soup was our dinner, which he was fond of & often
shared with us, when ill.
But his wants are at an end— I trust he is now singing the song of
the redeemed in heaven.
�Feb. 13, I838
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 9
I am just now interested in reading the memoirs of Mrs. Ellis.
I
feel ashamed, guilty & condemned for my stupidity & inactivity in the cause
of Christ, when I read of such Christians.
soul - -
0 for the love of Christ in my
0 that my will were swallowed up in God's will.
Feb. 23d.
On the 20th my husband left for Lahainaluna to attend a protracted
meeting.
Do not expect him home until the 23th.
A letter from him to day
says that there is some feeling manifested among the scholars.
filled with a Saviour's love.
spirit on that school.
He has gone
We pray & trust that God will pour out his
Mr. Hitchcock attended the meeting, & after preach
ing, once his lungs failed & he returned home.
How frail is man!
is near.
How very lonely I am— Husband gone & death
Yesterday attended the funeral of one of Mr. Green's little scholars.
She died with dysentery.
in that school.
obstinate.
That disease prevails at this time— particularly
It commences with swelling in the face & limbs, & is very
Several are now sick & some dangerous.
Our dear Mary Jane had
some unfavourable symptoms this PM., but I have applied remedies which I hope
& pray may prevent its progress.
She is a dear child to us, & if she should
be taken away we should feel the loss keenly.
&
beguiles
She is a bright little jewel
many a weary & sad hour of her parents.
So we may say
of all our dear precious babes— We love them & 0 that we could know them to
be children of grace.
C. appears more indifferent about serious things than
ever before— My bowels yearn over her.
I feel my responsibility.
The care
of children is thrown upon the mother here, & 0 how she feels under the weight
of responsibility.
from God.
Immortal souls given to her care—
0 for Grace & wisdom
We observed the day of fasting which 33 observed by Christians through
out the world, for seminars of learning schools &c.
I met the female members
of the church, & we had a precious meeting— God was with us.
�Feb. 2 3 , 1838
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 10
67 ° (?)
Feb.
Cool weather here— we sleep under two quilts & a woollen blanket.
I have cut up a large quilt to make small ones for our dear children.
Letters just arrived from dear America.
none for me.
One from Mr. Adger & Myma.
much to say of Mr. Bames.
Several for husband but
One from Mr. Junkin who has so
One from Princeton.
One from Mary A. his sister.
One from a student in Dr. Beecher's college &c. &c.
my dear parents & others.
I longed to hear from
I /2m/ sometimes feeling a longing wish to be with my dear
parents, that I might do something for them, to show them that I love them,
& feel grateful for what they have done for me.
I know a parents love, since
so many precious babes are given me.
But I do not wish to leave this dark & lonely place as long as duty
says stay.
Glad as I would be to see my dear parents, I am content to remain
here— & wish to stay, if I may do anything for the advancement of Christ's,
cause.
I sometimes feel, that since I can do so little as I do fcr the
I might as well be elsewhere.
heathen,
But then duty says do the work which is given
you, tho it may only indirectly benefit the heathen.
I know that the example
of a Christian family is of unspeakable advantage to them— & 0 what labor my
husband performs!
I would stay for the sake of having him work for them, &
for his master.
0
that my dear babes might early be members of Christ's family, &
in instructing them may I do good to those who shall live after me.
�Feb. 23, I838
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
But this mission has a letter from the Board of Missions.
dark times— Times of distress in America.
& 0 the poor heathen!
Dark,
The rich becoming poor, &c &c—
Must they suffer too?
benefit be suspended & they go back!-!
Page 11
Must our apperations for their
What is before us we know not!
The
times are dark, but God can change them to light.
March 2d
about
4 ndJss
Yesterday I went with husband to Waihea (?),
distant to attend a meeting.
Rode on horseback.
with her papa, & R. Baxter was carried by the natives.
stayed with Mrs. Green.
Mary Jane rode
Caroline & Nevins
We rode on the shore of the Pacific some of the way—
trotted along just by the edge of the water, as the sand was more solid than
at a little distance from the water.
The surf was waving & foaming near us.
Sometimes the heavy surges looked as they moved rapidly towards us, as if
they would swallow us in their rage, amidst their white foam.
who has s M
We remembered
"& here shall thy proud waves be stayed" so we rode on in safety,
admiring the grandeur of the scene.
There is something awfully grand, to one
gazing upon this great mass of waters.
Its constant motion, waving & foam
ing, which is said to be a fit emblem of the wicked, almost fills one with
terror.
How many sinners sail upon the restless ocean, & how many find their
graves in its deep caverns, yet when living never dream that it is a fit repre
sentation of their own wicked hearts— Man is blinded by sin!
When riding in a more quiet place, we talked of home.
Talked of our
parents, & expressed a wish that they could be with us, in our happy little
family.
Talked of brothers & sisters— Father & Mother, who may now be lying
in the dark cold grave, we (?) talked of more than others.
We reached the
school house which is built of mud, & is very comfortable.
A mat was spread
on the ground on which I sat with my two babies, while husband stood on the same
mat to preach.
out mat.
I sat down flat having no chair & nothing to sit on but the spread
Mr. A. told them about the goodness of God— They gave good attention,
& some wept aloud.
�March 2 , IS38
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 12
Meeting closed & we set out for home with a large company of natives
all around us.
They began to leave us, & before we got home, we were quite
alone.
Got home safely - - found C & N. glad to see us— had a supper of
fried tallo, warm water & milk sweetened a little (We do not take tea.) & then,
after babes were asleep read the Herald.
To day I have made some pumpkin pies— Have pumpkins growing in our
yard also beautiful long crooked neck squashes.
March 26.
Babes all asleep in their accustomed places— all perfectly healthy.
Baxter is not yet rid of his irritation but appears well.
makes an effort to creep.
over 6 months old.
with all his might.
He sits alone, &
He is a fine stout boy— had 2 teeth when a little
The dear Father of these sweet babes is not well— He labours
The Lord has thus sustained him most wonderfully to me.
I have sometimes felt that he was doing his last work, before entering into
eternal rest— God only knows.
among this people.
Such a time
His labours are blessed.
There is a shaking
We hear the same report from Molokai, Hawaii, Oahu & Kauai—
as never was known.
Has not the year of jubilee come?
are repenting by hundreds, & yes, by thousands.
Sinners
The work is great & it is
glorious— I sometimes feel a longing desire to be out among the people, to
be in the midst of the work.
& I must not forsake it.
But my Father has given me work to do at home,
Shall this work go on & shall the children of Hawaii
rejoice in the Lord & our dear ones be cast out!!
Lord let it not be so, but
save our children .
Sad news from Hana— The extremity of this island, where Mr. Ivesr &
Conde are settled.
Their houses were all destroyed by fire a few days since.
Grass houses are extremely combustible.
&c. but Mr. Conde
Mr. Ives saved all of his furniture
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
lost a good part of his.
March 26, 1838
Page 13
It is a loss indeed— a loss in these poor times.
God will overrule it for good.
I must stop writing, for a small kind of
Miller is so thick around me as to trouble me in writing.
March 31-
Just at eve a letter arrived from Mrs. Jonathan Taylor -
2 sheets full, & a small bundle of things with it.
remember me, I do not deserve it--
How kind in her thus to
An interesting letter Death's & marriages.
Ruth Knox is married— Is she a Christian, my heart inquires?
married!
Caroline Collins
My good friend Mrs. Medad Fowler is dead, & shall I meet her in heaven?
Mrs. T. speaks of seeing my dear Father several months previous to
her leaving Westfield. Speaks encouragingly of him as a Christian— Let me know
that my parents are Christians, & my soul will magnify the Lord.
I am alone— My dear husband has been absent 4 days at Haiku, to hold
a protracted meeting.
A line from him this morning.
The Lord is with him.
The holy spirit among the people— Has not the day of Jubilee at these Isis,
commenced.
A work, such as never has been known before, is now in progress—
None but God could do such mighty works.
God's servants are awake.
Mr. A.
has labored so much & so earnestly, for several months, that I really am anxious
about his health— He is wearing out fast.
But souls are b o m of God.
I know
the Lord will take care of him & there I leave him.
Miss Brown is quite ill— has frequent ill turns.
be better.
Hope she will soon
She is a most industrious laborious woman— Her work progresses,
tho of necessity slowly.
Dear little R. Baxter is somewhat afflicted with teething— several
appear to be just ready to appear & he is not 8 months old.
little white teeth that are several weeks old.
Nathan Mack is married to a heathen!
An unconverted heathen!
He has now too (!)
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 4, 1838
March /i.e. April/ 4th
hand.
Yesterday a few American letters came to
Also a letter from Mr. Richards who has been to America & is at Oahu—
perhaps at Lahaina ere this.
comes to my school every day.
Their two children are at Mr. Green's.
Olivia Flynt is dead!
Hellen
I had a letter from D.M. Lord, Edward Taylor
& Mrs. Dewey- - love from our good sBter Mary Armstrong-world!
Page 14
Changing, changing
Well, how true that all must die, & no less
true that death comes like a thief in the night.
I hope for more letters--
same from our dear parents & others.
Miss Brown has been quite ill the last few days.
Confined to her
bed— I rejoice that I am able to do something for her relief & would be happy
to do more— but my children are at my heels.
Why should they not be, for they
are not allowed to go from me except to Mr. Greens.
Miss B is better— we have
feared a fever.
April 13th
Mr. Richards has been here after his two children—
Djnsd with us, & called in stoped (!) at Mr. Green's with his children.
he took tea with Reuben & Elizabeth.
Is it true!
It seems like a dream which
soon passes away, since I saw him leave for America!
have arrived.
I have feasted on them to day.
fall, had not reached them— I fear it is lost.
this reached them.
Says
Reuben & E's journal
The box I sent a year ago last
But still I hope it has ere
I think it was sent from Honolulu in some ship.
I will
write to Mr. Chamberlain & inquire— I spared no pains in preparing the box—
& thought I had gathered all the curiosities I could find here— & must stop—
sent a native house &c— all furnished.
Glorious times sure sp<bken these days here— yesterday nearly fifty
persons, from children to grey heads were baptized— tomorrow they are to be
recieved to
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
the church.
April 13, 1838
I have been preparing for communion
a time from the right hand of the Lord—
spoken".
— bread &c.
Page 13
It is truly
"Glorious things of the/e/ are
I must stop & go on with Mr. Thompson's journal in the Herald, which
contains the awful account of an earthquake.
The wind is so high that we cannot get our box from Lahaina.
Reuben.
But I know what is in it.
Sory(!) the box which contained my journal
had not reached before this was sent.
it— I know I do'nt.
Box from
0 how kind friends are!
Thanks be to God for what they do for us.
I do not deserve
We live com
fortably & happily.
April 28—
After waiting a fortnight the box from Springfield
has arrived safely & in perfect order.
It was directed to the mission, & Mr.
Chamberlain opened it, took out R & E's journal & sent it to us.
The unpacking
afforded us much pleasure, & our hearts were filled with gratitude.
Nevy was
delighted with the drummer & M. Jane with the bird - -
N. with his cap & C
with her bonnet &c.
The articles not
It is a good & very valuable box.
directed to us, lie for dttribution.
as soon as convenient.
I shall attend to that with pleasure
The other box is from Westfield to this mission.
All
that is directed to individuals I have separated, & the remainder lies to be
distributed with the Springfield box.
Have had a feast in our letters.
How
good it is to hear from home!
Father's letter exceeded all— Good very good—
Mr. A has read it with
pleasure & I have read it several times, & now comes Caroline's turn to read
it.
I intend to have her write to her grandparents, uncle & aunt this year.
She writes to her papa, when he is gone from home.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 28, 1838 Page 16
We shall have good news to write home this year.
Even of the wonderful workings of the Lord here.
There is a great & a glorious work, & it does not abate.
It is like a
gentle breeze, that does not cease to blow, & 0 may it never cease until
this whole nation is b o m again.
It is so expensive, & since our mission is so large, assembling for gen
eral meetings, that this year it has been given u p .
There are meetings on
the different islands, & delegates appointed from each island.
The island
meetings have been held, the meeting of the delegates remains.
Mr. Green's
family, Miss Ogden & Mr. A. have been absent several days at Lahaina to attend
the islajid meeting.
Miss Brown & I with my babes remained at home alone.
I have not been very well.
I find I cannot endure much fatigue.
in which we have formerly lived has unfitted me for it.
my head.
The manner
Noise effects /affects/
The noise & clammor of the natives often effects my head most keenly.
The constant care, & being with my 4 babes from daylight in the morning until
they go to sleep at night fatigues me.
Mr. Green
&
I have school for C & N every day.
family have not yet returned.
at L, with irycipalas(!).
is at times quite alarming.
Mrs. G. has been quite ill while
She has been much troubled with it many years— It
I expect it will sometime cut her down suddenly.
Well more talk about our removing to Honolulu.
The whole mission agree
that the chiefs must have a teacher— to teach them both law & gospel.
A was talked of.
Mr.
Indeed it seemed so probable that we should go, that we
felt not a little tried about it.
It would be a difficult station to fill.
No one knows what people we have to deal with, but ourselves.
I prayed that
I might have no will of my own about it, but that duty might be made plain to
us .
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
April 28, 1838
Page 17
It was concluded to leave it to the Chiefs to choose who they would have—
Mssrs. Andrews, Richards & Armstrong were the ones they chose to select from—
& which to choose they knew not.
the matter stands.
to go yet.
At length Nr. Richards was chosen— & there
I must say that I am not without fears that we shall have
I do not mean to say that I fear to do my duty when it is plain,
but I should dread such an undertaking.
I should fear the warm climate for
one thing- - Wailuku is cool in winter & suits me well.
We should feel ex
ceedingly sorry to part with our associates— still, we wish to do just what we
should do.
to him.
The King is very fond of Mr. Armstrong, & sends for him to preach
Mr. A has been very faithful & plain with the king of late, & he is
now in an interesting state of mind - Caroline is not very well— do'nt
am quite confined to the house.
feel better.
0 that the Lord would convert him.
know what ails her.
I am not very well—
If I could ride on hose-back no doubt I should
But what can I do with my children?
Ca'nt(!) leave them with
natives, & Mr. A. works from morning til night among the people.
I have been
expecting for several months that he would fail, but the Lord has given him
strength.
April /May/ 26—
Yesterday I wore mother's Mirino dress— I had strange
emotions of pleasure & pain when wearing it, sometimes found myself looking
at it, as if I wished to talk with it, & I am sure if it were not inanimate,
it would not get much rest until my questions were all answered.
long & large for me, but I can easily maJte it fit me.
It is rather
I am pleased with the
present from Mother, but fear she has put herself to inconvenience by sending
it to me.
Mother's dress & shoes, Father's & Sally's letters are valued much.
Babies all well— Bachy creeps all about the house, & out of the door on
my nice grass carpet.
My head is not strong— I am too closely confined to domestic cares to
enjoy very good health just now.
no doubt
If I could take a short jaunt somewhere,
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
I should feel better.
May 26, 1838
Page 18
I never was comfortable without exercise in the open air.
I must go to tilling the ground again.
May 18— (?)
Days I get no time to write & evenings of late, have felt
too lifeless to write a word.
Children pretty well now.
smart little fellow— will walk soon I presume.
Is nine month's old.
husband is gone again to Haiku— to be absent 3 nights.
when he is gone!
ment there.
But I would not prevent his going.
The spirit of the Lord is there.
Richard B. is a
My dear
It is so lonely here
There is great excite
His work is wonderful, & yet
he is able to do much more— even to turn every hardened sinner to himself.
Mr. C&rk & his family are at Mr. Green's.
All dined here to day— Mr.
& Mrs. Green Miss Ogden & Miss Brown— quite a company, little folks & all.
We had a little pig baked whole, & vegetables enough— with pumpkin (or squash
pie).
I raise vegetables enough for us, & for Mr. Green's family a part of
the time.
We have some to buy.
We had no flour on our table except the crust
of a plain squash pie— Flour is scarce.
I feel the need of change.
But the Lord will take care of us.
Day after day, the same round of duties follow,
& are not interrupted except by company now & then— & I am almost sure to be
prostrate a few days at least, after having a family with us— so our changes
here do not recruit us much.
If we go from home, the voyage makes me feel
worse than if I had stayed at home alone(?).
long.
I think to stay a week or two.
But we shall go to Haiku before
We can go there in the old cart.
wonder how Reuben & Elizabeth would like to take a ride with me in the ox
cart, & jolt over the stones.
Life will soon pass away— & then what!
I
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Kay 26, 1838
Heaven or Hell is our portion— and shall I ever enter heaven?
when I think of it.
June 15th
I fear & tremble
0 for a better, a more holy heart.
0 how rapidly time passes away.
care of children, steals away time most rapidly.
afflicted.
Page 19
Our little schools & the
My left eye has been quite
Husband came home from Lahaina, & while here cuped(!) me, & my
/eye/ is getting quite weLl.
Instead of a genl. meeting of the mission, there
is a meeting of delegates, now at Lahaina, delegates from each island.
Mr. A
is delegate for this island.
I feel sad these days, tho I have company enough.
Husband has been absent
nearly a fortnight, with the exception of riding home once, & then came on
business.
Miss Marcia & Lucia Smith have been here several days.
/Locke/ left yesterday.
Mr. Lock
Mr. Knapp spent two nights here so we have company
enough— quite as much as I feel able to wait upon.
the mission are about to remove us to Lahaina.
But why am I sad?
Because
We have just got comfortably
fixed, & the thought of breaking up & beginning again, makes my heart feint
& my hands hang down!
Where is my strength sufficient for it!
our duty to go the Lord will give me strength.
fore I hesitate.
But if it is
Duty is not plain to me, there
There are many, veiy many objections to our going, if it
is not absolutely necessary.
But if we remain our associates will be taken,
& that will be about as bad— Don't wish to exchange old for new associates.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
June 15, 1838
Mr. G. & Mr. A. are both at Lahaina.
ing the changes which we expect.
we do not wish to be separated.
Page 20
Mrs. G. & I remain at home, dread
We understand each other so well now, that
Mary & Caroline are happy together— Porter
& Nevins are fine play mates, & read together— Mary is more than a year older
than C. but they go on in their studies & play as if they were of the same
age.
Porter a year older than N. but they are happy together.
panions for each other, keeps them from the natives.
dear children if they were separated.
Being com
I should pitty(!) the
They would feel it most keenly.
Have just been called away by natives.
The people do not like the prospect of our leaving.
tached to Mr. A & he is to them.
them he might perhaps leave them.
They are strongly at
The church members all cried when he told
I have been so confined with my family, that
I see them but little, consequently shall feel less at parting with them, but
I chose to stay if it is the will of God, if not I chose to go.
hear soon the decision about the matter.
to do anything—
I hope to
I have neither courage nor strength
My heart is so feint.
June 18 —
My dear dear babes are all asleep.
day about noon, saying that we are stationed at Lahaina.
tho I was in some measure prepared to hear it.
Mr. Green returned to
It gave me a shock,
I have cried most of the af
ternoon— natives have kept calling— would shake hands in silence & weep.
it is no hard matter for me to cry just now, I wept too.
most sadly.
They love Mr. A & he loves them.
up all, with such a
company
The natives feel
0 the thought of braking(!)
As
�June 18, I838
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
of children, & my strength so easily exausted, makes my heart feint.
Page 21
May
the Lord put underneath his everlasting arm.
June 26—
A few days after we were stationed at Lahaina, we were
stationed at Wailuku again.
The train of events which brought it about are
too numerous to write— But our hearts were made glad by the last decision.
Mr. Thurston & Mr. Whitney & Mr. Lyman spent a night with us.
come here are delighted with Wailuku.
unlike any other one in the mission.
fortable.
It is plain, yet very pleasant & com
We are as pleasant & comfortably situ
ated as we can perhaps be in such a land as this.
But 0 how our people have
They had church meetings among themselves (300 members) & say they
will support us.
wept a great deal.
weep.
With vegetables
All who come here say, 0 how much this re
minds me of my own dear native land.
felt—
who
Every body likes our house, tho it is
We have a fine large yard, covered with green.
&c, besides some trees & vines.
AH
It has /been/ a trying time to us all.
The natives have
Some would come in & kiss Mr. A. say nothing but sit &
They have appeared very affectionate.
The excitement a.bout our leaving
will doubtless do them good, & we pray it may do us good.
July 12.
Am not well but will write a line.
have had company constantly.
The last fortnight
Mr. & Mrs. Smith & their child were here several
days, having left Haiku in consequence of improper conduct from the natives.
They have returned again to their home.
room some of the time while here.
Mrs. S. was feeble, confined to her
Mr. & Mrs. Hitchcock & their 3 children
came & stoped(!) with us several days longer, & I am nearly prostrate.
not set up much the last 3 days since
Have
�July 12, I838
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
they left.
Page 22
To day I have been riding on hoseback with husbands company— I
can ride & be benefited by it, when I am scarcely able to sit up.
I am now
going to look over & arrange my letters from America, & commence answering
them, for I can not write much at a time.
Since we have made up our minds to part with our dear C. a year from
next fall, I am thinking much of it.
how could we do it!
past.
It is plainly our duty to send her.
0
She has been rather ailing, tho not sick, for some time
She is anticipating writing some letters to America— One to her grand
parents & one to Uncle R & aunt E.
She writes to her father when he is absent.
July 20This P.M. a boy 8 or 9 years old was brought here by natives.
He had
left the school to go & play, & in frolicking about the cart & oxen got his
right thigh broken— I prepared the bandage &c. & Mr. A set the bone.
Mr. A.
has become quite famous for curing sores &c. ,So a missionary must do every
thing whether he knows how or not.
July 27—
On the 23 Mr. A, in company with Mr. Andrews & Miss Ogden
left here for Hana to be absent 10 days.
meeting.
Have gone to attend a protracted
On-the 24, Miss Brown was taken quite ill with fever.
She is now
a little better, but probabLy she will never labour much, if any more— I am
not well, &
I live on the promise "as the day is so shall thy strength be."
Miss B. is her own physician, so I feel relieved in that respect.
July 31"Wednesday eve
Mr. A. returned yesterday with Miss 0 & Mr. Andrews.
stay with us until Saturday & then leave for Lahaina.
an American dined here to day.
to be absent 3 or 4 weeks.
The two latter
Mr. Steell a stranger
Mr. Green & family left yesterday for Haiku
Mjbs B. still feeble.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
August 7th
Page 23
Mr. Green & Mr. Baldwin were here to breakfast & dinner.
The latter stays a few days.
takes away my strength.
neglected.
Aug. 7, 1838
The weather is warm, & working by the stove
When we have company, my children are of course
May I do my duty with patience, & in the fear of God.
August 10.
Have read to send to Lahaina in the morning, a letter to
R. & a report of Wailuku station with two or three other letters for America,
by a ship which is to sail soon.
a little better but feeble.
Mr. Green & family still absent.
Miss Brown
I am quite fatigued having attended a female meet
ing to day, & assisted husband in writing which presses hard just now.
August 14—
Alone with my dear children to night.
to day for Haiku to attend the examination of schools.
with Mr. Green & family.
Mr. A. left
Will return tomorrow
I will retire soon, for I was waked before light
this morning, when Mr. A left, also Mr. Gulick who came here yesterday.
is feeble &iis on his way to Hawaii.
Last eve I read letters to him from West
field, also one from Mrs. Taylor, of Boston.
correspondent.
He
She is a faithful & valuable
But I must not retire I must commence writing to her.
August 16—
Have had a short ride on horseback to day— Last eve
was quite fatigued, having prepared dinner for Mr. Green's family.
Am easily
faituged.
18th-
This eve I am alone— Children just gone to sleep.
A in company with Mr. Clarke & Diell.
All took breakfast here.
per.
Mr.
Left at sunrise this morning for Haiku.
Mr. C. & D. have returned, & gone to Mr. G's to sup
Mr. Diell will return & lodge here.
Mr. A. stayed to preach at Haiku.
Now I must write to Mrs. Jonathan Taylor.
Mr. Diell & Clarke came yesterday
& will return on Monday.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Monday eve /August/ 20th.
early breakfast, for Mr. C. & D.
this week.
Aug. 20, 1838
Page 23 (continued)
My eyes are half closed, as I got up quite
Think I shall go & visit Mr. & Mrs. Smith
I need a little rest exceedingly.
Sat. eve 23th
Have been trying every day this week to get off to
Lilikoi, but ere I am still hoping to go next tuesday.
Mr. Davis came & spent last
�Aug. 25, 1838
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
night with us & left to day after dinner.
Page 24
Mr. A left to day to spend the
sabbath at Honuaula, & hopes to return on Monday— so I am often left alone.
But it is all well if Christ is glorified ttareby.
Miss Ogden came from La
haina to day & brought us some grapes— 0 how delicious they are.
Grape vines
are growing in our garden.
Sept 7 -
Have been to Haiku— went on tuesday & returned on Saturday.
Had a pleasant visit & was recruited by it.
Mrs. Smith is feeble— very feeble.
Mr. Smith has concluded quite recently to give up his undertakings & go to
America— & remain there.
the natives.
of farming--
I suppose he is poor— does not succeed at all with
Has done nothing scarcely since he went there.
He knows nothing
I cannot but feel glad that they are going to quit.
Mrs. S.
is too delicate a flower to live alone.
The next tuesday Mr. Richards & family came to Wailuku to stay I do not
know how long.
They stop at Mr. Green's— but are here also.
that Mr.Andrews & family are coming here next week.
Have just heard
Mrs. Andrews is feeble
& needs recruiting— May I have strength given me according to my day.
I
visit none— scarcely - - I cannot feel that I ought to take my family &
recruit on the strength of any feeble sister, & none in the mission are veiy
stout.
In going to Mr. Smith's I visit to benefit my health, but leave a part
of my family behind.
Besides, they visit us, & it is pleasant.
These weaiy
limbs of mine will soon rest from toil. My soul is but prepared to rest in the
bosom of God, no matter how much toil & fatigue I endure here.
to day, friday, to stay at Haiku until sat. eve.
Mr. A has gone
The people are building a
meeting-house there & Mr. A. has all the care of it— besides one here— both
stone.
The natives working like little children, & need constant watching.
0 what a work it is— But the houses are for God.
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Sept 16th
Sept. 16, 1838 Page 25
Sabbath eve—
of Kailua on Hawaii.
A letter has just come in from Dr. Andrews
He writes that Mrs. Thurston has a paryletic shock, &
more than once was thought to be dying.
of our mission.
She has been one of the most healthy
0 what a loss it will be to her family, & to the mission— I
have ever loved her much, from our first a^uaintance.
Should she be called
away now, no doubt her exchange of worlds will be a happy one.
Mr. A. had
written to Dr. Andrews to visit us, but the answer is in the negative.
our prospect for a physician in time of need, is rather dark.
So
This is a trail
that females in America, know not of— I hope they may never know from experience.
The Lord will take care of u s .
Sept. 22d.
On the l$th Mr. Charles Smith and family came here, & I
do'nt know how long they will stay.
This is probably our last visit from them,
as they have quit their place & intend to go to America as soon as convenient.
Mr. A. has been troubled /with/ hoarseness for several days, & this eve he is
laid by, threatened with fever.
I have water now warming to bathe his feet,
& he will take medicine & 0 may the Lord restore him to health.
25th evening—
Mr. A is confined to the bed with cough & fever.
Has a prospect of being ill as he was some 3 or 4 years ago.
quite sick last night— kept me awake, is ill now.
teething.
I think his is owing to
He has 11 teeth, & more are probably on their way.
prepare us for what is before us.
R. Baxter was
May the Lord
May our wills be swallowed up in his.
Brown is feeble, but takes care of herself.
Miss
Mr. Charles Smith & family are
still with us— Mrs. S. is feeble— Mrs. Green is quite ill just now.
Sept. 30th
On the 2?, Mr. Smith & family left for good.
better except his cough.
Mr. A is
Baxter is better, after having had quite an ill turn.
The school for our children is suspended for a while at the request of Mr. &
Mrs. Green.
Having little sleep at night, & so much
�Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Sept. 30, 1838 Page 26
to do days, my strength has been nearly exausted.
me through as he has done before.
But the Lord
has helped
I feel the loss of our schools very much.
To be released from the care & instruction of C & N.— one or two hours in a
day, has been a great help to me.
I feel that I have a great work before me—
tho I do nothing for the heathen.
As our children grow older they make great
demands on my time for instruction &c. besides my strength is called for too.
When Mr. A. is well, he has so much else to attend to, that he now seldoms
hears even C's latin lesson.
Oct $th eve—
On the 6th Mr. A. & Miss Brown left here for Lahaina,
from thence to Oahu.
Both have gone for the benefit of health.
May the Lord
bless them & restore health— I have been ill ever since Mr. A left, & have
not been able to sit up half the time.
stays with me nights.
It is lonely here, but Miss Ogden
0 if my dear Mother could be with me a few days.
Miss 0. is engaged all day in her school.
Mrs. Green is not well, so I see
no one but my children & the natives, through the day.
These are trials
learned only from experience, but such as the missionary must necessarily
have— It is well.
Oct. 20th
in this.
Sat eve—
Just a fortnight this eve since I have written
Indeed I have done nothing but take care of my children, & was un
able to do that.
Mr. A. returned on the 17th.
A's absence & bled me.
Mr. Baldwin was here in Mr.
I have been quite ill— & am feeble yet.
husband cuped me on my neck-- To day I have felt better.
Yesterday
My dear children
have sometimes cried for food & it pained my heart to see them, & when I
prepared something for them, it caused me much suffering.
for gratitude that it is & hasten no worse with me.
& coughs some.
I am anxious for him.
engaged in school.
But have cause
Mr. A. is still hoarse
Mrs. Green is feeble & Miss Ogden
�Nov. 1, I838
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
Page 27
Nov. 1— evening
Our dear little ones are sleeping soundly & all well.
Mr. A. is not
relieved of his cough & hoarseness, which to me are rather alarming.
A ship
is at Lahaina & one at Oahu just ready to sail for America, so I conclude to
send this now, & by some of the latest opportunities write Father & Mother
& Sally.
A letter is now on its way to you.
I have some beautiful large
shells I wish to send you, but may not this fall— I want to get a nautalus
to send with them.
can.
Mr. Diell will get me one of some ship this fall, if he
We were pleased with Father's letter, & hope he will not fall to write
us often while he lives.
It is perfectly plain, well written for an old man.
Mother does not write, but we shall write her no less for that— I believe I
have spoken of the things she sent me— I frequently wear her dress.
Sally did
very well— I could not read all her letter, so she must write again.
I hope
the box we sent last did not fail to reach you.
like if I can get them.
I told freely what I would
I will just mention now boys clothes a pr. bellows,
some crape or something fine to make a sieve*— Our flour
worms in it.
has large & small
School books for little children— Emersons Arithmetic 2d part—
sponge— childrens shoes— braid ior shoe-strings.
Ginger— I will not mention
more for you seem to know what we need.
I
do think of more— some cotton check for aprons, cinnamon, Sun-bonnets
for children, for my eyes are weak.
me & little folks.
Caroline & Nevins wish very much for Noah's Ark— perhaps
it does not cost much.
*
Some yellow nankeen for petticoats for
It would assist me in teaching them.
The wire sive(!) I use first, & then want something quite fine as
small worms fell through the former.
�Nov. 1, I838
Journal, Clarissa Armstrong
I
Page 28
have a jar of tamarinds ready to send you— They grew on Tauai & are
preserved in molasses made here.
They are merely taken from the shell & put
in the molasses— & will keep 20 years.
They are fine in sickness.
We have
a tree growing.
Caroline continues to work on her quilt, which she says is for Grandma
Chapman & Nevins has commenced one which he says is for Grandma C.
Jane will soon begin hers.
Little
I shall close this without saying much more.
Have
a picture of Bartimeas, a blind pious native which I shall finish for Reuben
& send.
This may be my last letter to you— I expect to be laid aside from my
labours again, in Dec.
be spared longer.
It may be my last illness/i.e. pregnancy/— And I may
For the sake of my dear babes I could wish to live longer.
Mr. A's cough does not leave him yet.
He should go from home & be released
entirely from his labours, but cannot leave his family just now.
You will hear from us again by the latest ship's that sail for America.
I wrote & sent some 3 or 6 weeks since a report of Wailuku station, which I
thought would be interesting.
Whether I ever write you again or not, I remain
a believer in Christ, & hope to go to him when I die.
Affectionately yours
Clarissa.
To Father Mother
Sally
Reuben
&
Elizabeth.
P.S. Mrs. Green is quite ill, so that I may be quite alone with my husband,
in my approaching confinement.
Mr. Baldwin may come & may not.
/The following lines were written on the sides of the pagej^
Caroline wishes to write, but my journal is so bulky that she will not.
This paper was made & sent us by Jessup & co. Westfield.
�LETTERS
*
To supplement the information found in her journals, excerpts
from letters written by Clarissa Armstrong between 1839 and I889 are in
cluded with this collection.
These letters provide family and other
information not found in her journals.
As the letters go beyond the date
of the last journal, they also provide additional facts of her life in
Hawaii and, later, in California.
Most of the letters are addressed to Mrs. Lucia Lyons, second
wife of Lorenzo Lyons, who still lived with her husband at Waimea, Hawaii.
Several letters written after I878 are addressed simply to "old shipmate
on the Averick".
These can automatically be discounted as being sent to
Mrs. Lyons, who was not on the Averick.
Those missionaries who sailed on
the Averick in 1831, who were still alive in 1879) included Mr. Lyons, Mrs.
Emerson, Mrs. Hitchcock, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander, and Mr. and Mrs. Lyman, all
of whom still lived in Hawaii.
Clarissa was not particularly close with the
Alexander's, as indicated in her journal when they traveled together to the
Marquesas (see Section 3 )*
She mentions only briefly the Lyman's, does not
talk of the Emerson's, but does correspond with Mrs. Hitchcock occasionally,
so the recipient of certain letters in this collection has been merely sup
position on the part of the]gsearcher.Brief descriptions of these letters follow:
1839
Clarissa's health at the approaching birth of Samuel Chapman is
discussed.
Caroline left for America on Aug. 4, 1840, in company with the
Bingham family and others.
Clarissa laments the upcoming trip in a letter
to her friends, months before the actual departure.
The actual parting
with Caroline was an extremely difficult time for the Armstrong's.
They
�Page 2
LETTERS (continued)
placed the child under the Bingham's care while on the ship, Flora.
Another passenger on that ship, Persis Thurston, was sailing to the
mainland with her mother, brothers and sisters, and describes the fol
lowing scene in her journal in thA summer of 1840:
"After bidding farewell to our friends who left us before
the vessel unmoored from the wharf, we retired below, where in one
of the staterooms a scene of sorrow met our eyes, in which we deeply
sympathized.
Nr. & Nrs. Armstrong were embracing their dear Caroline.
They were all overwhelmed with grief.
Poor Caroline sobbed as though
her heart would break..."
1841
Another birth is approaching, that of Clarissa Hannah, who was
b o m Oct. 27) 1840.
Amos S. Cooke, in his journal of Oct. 1, 1841, talks of affairs
in the Armstrong family at this time:
"This morning bro. Armstrong called
& requested me to take some of his children into school to day & to morrow
as Mrs. A. had a sore face, & he wished to go to Kaneohe to a protracted
meeting now in process...
Four of his children came to school, but all but Nevins soon
withdrew & none but N. came this afternoon.
Samuel the youngest of the
three that returned this morning, climbed up a dobie-fence this afternoon
& fell & broke his arm.
They have sent for bro. A."
�Page 3
LETTERS (continued)
1844
Reuben Chapman was b o m at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 6, 1842; he died
almost exactly a year later.
According to Amos Cooke's journal of Oct.
26, 1843, "...bro. Armstrong's child /very sick/"; at 3 a.m. on Oct. 28,
1843, he was dead.
A letter written at the beginning of 1844 talks about
a baby, presumably Reuben.
Another letter talks of general, health and Maiy Jane's illness.
The "confinement" Clarissa speaks of
would be with Ellen Eliza, b o m Aug.
1 3 , 1844.
1847
Amelia Hamilton was b o m at 11 a.m. on Nov. 4, 1843-
After two
years, Clarissa had her hands full with caring with seven of her eight
living children aged 12 years and under.
1859
Talk of religious affairs in Honolulu and Hawaii
dominates the
letters written in this year.
1860
This letter was written by Mary Jane (Jennie) Armstrong to Mrs.
Lucia Lyons, including news of her sister Caroline, her brother-in-law
Edward Beckwith, and the health of her mother.
1862
Clarissa is more concerned than ever with the state of the "poor
ignorant natives" and tries to do what she can to help them.
On page 2,
�Page 4
LETTERS (continued)
"E & A" refers to Ellen and Amelia (also known as "Mela" or "Mila"); Clara
is the nickname for Clarissa Hannah.
1864
The first letter deals with news about the children and Clarissa's
work.
In the letter written in May, Clarissa clearly states her anger
and sarcasm in not being allowed to teach native men.
She compares the
teaching of native Hawaiian men with the teaching her son Samuel was doing
with Negroes at his institute in Hampton, Virgina.
186$
Here Clarissa relates daily events of life in Honolulu, five years
after the death of her husband, as well as accounts of her health and news
of her children.
1878
Reminiscences of the ship Averick and more news of her children
are gone over in this letter.
she had broken her arm.
Clarissa also recalls an accident in which
This letter was written exactly one month before
her 73rd birthday.
1879
More tales of the Averick are recalled here, in a letter written
either to Mrs. Hitchcock, Mrs. Emerson or Mr. or Mrs. Lyman, who were all
fellow passengers in 1832.
Another letter, written to Mrs. Lyons the same
day, indicates that the first letter was apparently not sent to her.
�Page 5
LETTERS (continued)
A letter written a few days later, agaijn to Mrs. Lyons, talks
of the health of both herself and Mary Jane (Jennie).
This letter also
mentions the death of her three sons, two as children, the last, Richard
Baxter, at the age of 34 in 1871.
A letter written later in the year, again to a "Shipmate in the
old Averic" was either sent to Mr. Lyons or Mr. Lyman.
1880
Missionary work is discussed in this letter, particularly about
an incident from 1847, in which Clarissa was supposedly reproached by other
missionaries for her work with native men.
It is a fascinating letter,
stating quite strongly her belief in women's rights.
Through further
research, it was discovered that the incident referred to by Clarissa
apparently occured in December, 1847/January, 1848, when her husband
was travelling in the outer islands.
In his journal, Amos Cooke mentions
the Rev. Armstrong being at Lahainaluna, but the only remark he makes
about Clarissa is on Jan. 11, 1848:
"Sister Armg. thinks quite an
awaking among the drunk members."
The "Banning's" referred to on July 8, are the family of daughter
Clara and husband Frederick Banning.
In a letter written in September by daughter Ellen Weaver to
Mrs. Lyons, Clarissa's mental as well as physical state is mentioned.
1881
This unsigned letter, written in February, was found in the
Castle Collection, but it was apparently written by Clarissa Armstrong.
.
It was written to Mary Tenney (Mis. Samuel) Castle and talks of religious
and other affairs in California.
Clarissa also talks about her eye problem
�LETTERS (continued)
Page 6
and cataract operation.
Nr. Weaver, mentioned on page 6, is her son-in-law,
Ellen's husband, Philip.
This letter also makes reference to her son William Nevins, who was
traveling around the world at this time with King David Kalakaua.
Clarissa's signature at the end of the letter written in April is
the Hawaiian version of Armstrong— Lemaikaika— with "wahine" (woman) attached.
Her husband was known to the natives by his Hawaiian name.
1882
News of grandchildren is prominent in the letter written in January,
as well as memories of days long ago on the Averick.
Here is also a colorful
description of her favorite rocking chair, which dates back to 1831, and is now
part of the Mission Houses Museum collection.
In May, a letter written to Mrs. Castle speaks of mutual friends.
A letter written in June may have been directed to Mrs. Hitchcock,
as it repeats many of the items mentioned in the letters to Mrs. Lyons and
Mrs. Castle, including another description of the "cannibal chair".
1889
This letter, written two years before her death, may be one of the
last letters written by Clarissa Armstrong, as her eyesight was decreasing,
due to cataracts.
It is a summary of her life as a missionary, written to
three Hawaiian ladies, an appropriate end to the story of a missionary.
The original of this letter is not included in the iHMCS Library collection;
a photocopy of a typed copy is included here.
�Sept. 6, 1839
Missionary Letters
Honolulu Sept. 6th /l839/
Dear Sister L—
...I now expect to be laid aside again in a few weeks.
quite swollen.
My limbs are
My hands are so much so, that it /is/ not easy for me to
write or sew— I trust ere this you have passed the hour of trial & anguish
& recovered your health again...
/to Mrs. L. Lyons, Hawaii; probably on the approaching birth of Samuel
Chapman Armstrong^/
Wailuku Oct 30th 1839
Dear Sister L
...Our eldest child is nearly ready to sail for the USA— with Mr.
Thurston ma /i.e. and family/.
The thought of parting with her, is the
keenest trial we have ever known.
support.
To God alone we look for comfort &
Pray for us & for our dear child, who is about to leae us...
/to Mrs. Lorenzo Lyons Waimea. Waimea (!) Hi^/
�Feb. 27, 1841
Missionary Letters
Honolulu Feb. 27 /l84l/
Dear Sister Lyons
A long time have I been in your debt, & probably should continue
so, if my health was no better than when on Maui.
Perhaps you may not have
known how miserably poor it was, therefore could not account for my silence.
I am pretty well now, better than I have been for two years past.
Not very
stout to be sure, but feel quite well.
Attend a female (native) meeting every friday & visit the people some.
This, besides the care of 3 small children & other domestic concerns, is as
much as I dare undertake.
Our dear Caroline you know is far far from us.
0 the strength of a Mother's love!
My heart clings to the dear child.
Mrs. Dimond expects to be confined in a few weeks.
April I think— Mrs.Hall in June I think.
Mrs. Judd in
We have a sweet little daughter,
Clarissa— a quiet healthy babe...
/to Mrs. Lucia Lyons, Waimea, Hawaii^
/Clarissa Hannah was b o m October 27, 1840 in Honolulu^/
�Aug. 1, 1841
Missionary Letters
August 1st
Dear Sister Lyons
...Wish I could have seen more of you during Gen'l mtg.
must attribute in part to a lazy naughty cook.
had strength to do.
female meeting again.
That I
I had to work more than I
Have now a new one, & I am better, & go to my native
I visit the females in the Govt.(?) occasionally.
Hope to commence visiting the people soon at their own Houses...
/to Mrs. Lucia Lyons, Hawaii
�Jan. 24, 1844
Missionary Letters
Honolulu January 24/44
Dear Sister L
...Our jaunt around Hawaii was very beneficial to my health, & more
time would have made it still more so.
Mr. A. was much benefitted also.
Besides the advantages from travelling, it did us good to see our Brethren
& sisters at their own homes.
It makes us love them more &c— & feel more
interested in the different stations.
Well we returned— Reached the Wharf
at mid night, & as the moon shone in all her glory, we came on shore & lodged
in our own house.
Our children were glad to see us, & we no less, to see them.
Baby /Reuben Chapman/ was brought home.
My(?) child seemed more dear after
a separation.
We were obliged to thatch & shingle our house, to shelter ourselves
from rain, during the approaching rainy season.
for me.
The noise &'Qonfusion were bad
The house was so much out of order that we got quite tired of repair
ing broken windows &c. &c.
Baby was teething & required much care, my children's clothes were quite
worn, & I felt a multitude of cares & labors pressing upon me, yet not able
to perform much.
I was obliged to leave the babe with his Father nights, &
go away alone, that I might sleep.
ill.
My health wag poor.
Baby was taken more
The effort of teething was more than he could bear after having been
so much reduced before, & when the 2 stomach teeth were nearly through, which
made 16 teeth, nature sunk under the effort & he fell asleep into the bosom
of the Saviour as we trust.
He was with us long enough to excite anew our
sympathies, & bind him more closely to our hearts.
was very affectionate & mild.
He was a lovely babe,
When his feet & hands were cold in death, he
looked upon us all with a tenderness & affection that we can never forget.
The children mourn for their dear brother.
We feel smitten, yet we feel that
it is well with us, & well with our dear babe.
this world of sin & sorrow if we could.
We would not call him back to
We trust he is happy with his sainted
�Jan. 24, 1844
Missionary Letters
brother.
Page
The hand of the Lord has been laid heavily upon us for months past
But it has been well.
At times I have been enabled to feel thankful for
afflictions— I know a kind Father has sent them all.
My health has been more comfortable since the death of our babe.
I do not know as I have felt well a day.
Yet,
Since his his (!) death, I have
met the native females once every friday, in the Church— we have had
some pleasant meetings ...
Our three eldest children board at Punahou, & come home on Saturday &
return on Monday morning.
You have heard of Mr. Locke's sudden death— An
infant of Mrs. Castle's was laid in a coffin by the side of our babe on a
table, & we had assembled at the funeral, when word came from Punahou that
Mr. L. was dead.
our midst.
He died just 12 hours after our babe— L'eath was indeed in
0 that it might do us all good, & make us more diligent in pre
paring for our latter ends t.
/to Mrs. Lucia G. Lyons, Waimes., Hawaii/
�Aug. 3, 1844
Missionary Letters
Honolulu Aug. 3th/44
Dear Sister L.
2
hours since I was lying on the settee, & thinking of you off alcne at
Waimea with your sick child, & for aught I knew, your dear child was in the
dark cold grave & your hearts smitten with grief.
My feelings of sympathy
were excited for you, for experience had taught me how to feel for the
afflicted.
When we lived close at Haiku, we watch over a dying child,
as we supposed, ceased to give him medicine, &c.
For a long time he had
been sick, & we inexperienced in the care of children & medicines, had the
responsibility of all to bear, entirely alone.
that we know how to feel for you.
I mention this to show you
To our surprise our child was spared,
that time, but afterwards died with another disease.
While thus thinking
of you, a letter came from you & one from your husband.
I was rejoiced to
see your name & hear from you, but read the letter with fearful aprehensions(!) that it might communicate the news of death.
to l e a m that your dear child is spared to you.
But 0 how thankful
Yes, how thank-full we
should be for such mercies!
...Yes, we too have been afflicted.
indeed.
Our dear Mary Jane was very sick
The fever ran sixteen days, & she was delirious much of the time.
Nights it was difficult to keep her on the bed.
tentive, which was a great comfort to us.
while you had none.
Dr. Smith was kind & at
Three other Doctor's came in--
The families had not all gone to their stations, for
which we had cause for much gratitude, as we had need for watchers.
A. was up the most of every night besides.
Mr.
I could do nothing for her nights
& not much days, which was trying to me, when I saw my dear child so sick.
was obliged to sleep alone in the spare house, as she screamed so much from
distress & delirium.
In the midst of it all, I wag daily expecting to be
I
�Aug. 3, 1844
Missionary Letters
confined, & one night supposed the time had arrived.
But I still move about
in pain, & a burden to myself, expecting hourly to need medical aid.
night
Page 2
Last
retired, expecting to /[be/ disturbed before mom.
The promise "as the day so shall thy strength be? was verified to me
during MJ's sickness.
slowly.
She now sits pillowed on a chair, & is recovering
She is a mere skeleton.
May both yours & ours be spared, & may we
all as parent be better for having been afflicted.
Saviour would not have sent it upon us.
We needed it, or the
During MJ's sickness I did not feel
so anxious for her recovery as for evidence that she was converted.
When she
had her reason, she would reply, I am too sick to pray, or too sick to talk.
Mile praying that she might not be taken away without a new heart(?), I would
adopt the language of Jacob, "I cannot let thee go except thou bless me" & I
felt a confidence that she would not be.
we trust.
Two of our dear ones are in heaven
Our eldest we hope has been b o m again...
We have prayed for you, & you for us I presume.
Yours
/to Mis'.. Lycia Lyons, Waimea, Hawaii/
Clarissa C. Armstrong.
�Missionary Letters
March 13, 1847
Honolulu March 13th/47
Dear Sister L
...Well, I have my hands full of babies as you well know, & with them
numerous cares.
4 years past.
Not very good health either but better this winter than for
Still, I dread the warm weather, for with it I fear my former
debility will return.
some words.
Our baby, Amelia, runs all about the garden, & speaks
Ellen & baby are so near of an age & their wants
that they require much care & attention.
children at our table every day.
Both are quite well.
so similar,
We have 7
Mr. A. is not well just now, complains of
pain in his side...We all are jogging on about as usual & ere long shall ar
rive at our long home.
Mrs. Dr. Andrews & Mrs. Paris have already arrived
there, & are now free from sin sorrow & pain.
behind are desolate & sad!...
/to Mrs. Lucia Lyons, Waimea, Hawaii/
The dear ones they have left
�March 13, 1839
Missionary Letters
Honolulu March 13,/39
Dear Sister L,
...You have no doubt heard of the religious interest at Punahou.
a number are soon to join the church.
induce caution.
Past experience it would seem, might
I hear your children well spoken of, Fidelia in particular—
whether they are to join the church I know not.
are I hear.
Quite
Some quite recent converts
My Ellen & Amelia have been serious, & hope they are Christian.
If indeed they are such now, it will most likely continue.
If it is mere
sympathy, will pass away.
Were the church in a wakeful state, were she free from numerous worldly
snares & temptations, I should feel that the lambs might be safer there, in
her fold.
"In early times, to be a Christian, was to be introduced into the con
fidence,
the warm affections & the tender love of the household of faith.
All were bound by the same cord of eternal love.
But now how changed, How
often at this day, are the feelings of Christians enstranged from another.
How often does the follower of Jesus now stand unloved & uncared for in the
midst of his own Christian church."
"If there is anything that will cause the heart of the disciple to ache
& bleed, to mourn in secret places, it is the cold contemptuous treatment of
his fellow Christians."
How lamentably this spirit early crept into this mission, & to so mourn
ful an extent, displaced true friendship & regard.
We hear of numerous & wonderful conversions abroad.
Isis, the promised Inheritance of the Prince of Peace,
Spiritual desolation reigns.
visible good results.
Shall these fair
be left desolate.
Months of "union" meetings produce no
Ah, must not the church arise & shake hersalf from
the strong fetters of worldliness & sin, & then humble herself before God,
�March 13, 183$
Missionary Letters
Page 2
& implore a baptism of fire.
Not only foreign churches, but n±ive, seem spiritually dead.
Our new
minister preaches well, & is caressed by those who caressed Mr. Strong ^i.e.
Armstrong/ at first.
Time alcne, will reveal the future.
Some church members
attend prayer meeting & the house of amusements just as inclination dictates.
My native meetings continue weekly, from year to year.
Sometimes they
seem to rouse up, & then again fall asleep.
There are, I think a few praying women(?).
The mission cemetery looks neat & clean compared with former years.
graves are all regular green mounds, covered with grass.
green carpet, free from weeds.
glory.
The
It is now a beautiful
The plants flourish well, emblems of increasing
The trees around the stone church, flourish as well as as (!) in a
bleak place & upon soil, could be expected— The place is much improved.
Mary Jane has leave of absence for one term, that she may rest from
teaching.
Has got rather weary...
/to Mrs. Lyons, Waimea, Hawaii/
�Missionary Letters
June 1, 1839
Honolulu June lst/39
Dear Sister L,
...Cook been sick several weeks, just got back.
my back cry out!
The long stairs make
It takes a long time to get rid of such bad feelings, when
my system has been overtaxed...
I do not go to Genl meeting, so don't know what is done.
suspend my labors among native, of late, which I regret.
Christians are.
Have had to
0 how dull & stupid
Must these beautiful Isis, the promised inheritance of the
Prince of Peace be left desolate!
The Holy Spirit is in California, but not without previous united effort
of Christians.
Mr. Clarke gone for a wife— This church is desolate, prostrate indeed.
Foreign Christians seem about the same.
Fashions & pleasure seem to reign
in the hearts of many, even of profound Christians.
If any seek for higher
Christian attainments, a persecution of words follows.
Perhaps God is about to scourge this nation & all of us, by the Catholics.
They seem to feel strong just now...
�July 10, 1860
Missionary Letters
/The following letter was written by Jennie (Mary Jane) A r m s t r o n g ^
Sacramento July 10, i860
My dear Mrs. Lyons;
...I have not been long in Sacramento and Carrie having made a great
many acquaintances before me of course there has been a great deal of writing
to do besides the sickness in the family.
You must have heard through some
of your Honolulu correspondants that Mr. Beckwith has a California son as well
as a Hawaiian one and that his name is William Chapman.
The poor little fellow
has been very sick for some weeks in consequence of feeding on cow's milk which
did not seem to agree with him but since his diet is changed to goat's milk
he is much better.
Carrie was also very unwell for some weeks after she re
covered from her confinement now with her weak nerves would be likely to be with
a sick child but her general health is far better than it was at the Islands and
we all think she bids fair to enjoy good health in future.
We both feel more
thankful than we can express for the great blessings of comfortable health
which was so long denied us and both bless the day when we first saw California
shores.
It seems to be fairly proved that cold weather is our medicine and while
we feel thankful for a pleasant home here, regret deeply the necessity which
compels us to turn our backs toward our native land and our faces turned toward
America.
There is no place half as dear as Hawaii Nei and I for one find I
love it more and more every day.
I try to forget the dear ones left behind
in my gratitude for so pleasant a home in this fine country ajid this charm
ing climate.
Mr. Beckwith intends to stay here until the close of the year
or until Mr. Benton returns when he will hasten home to commence his theological
studies in Andover leaving Carrie and the children with his parents and perhaps
�July 10, I860
Missionary Letters
his sister although my plans are not yet made.
Page 2
The people here are exceed
ingly anxious to have him settle but he finds it such arduous labor to preach
without the necessary study that he has made up his mind to resist all entreaty.
This is a particularly discouraging field— for the religious element in
this country is very small and the people almost dead to serious things.
So
much money and so much love of it seems to have crowded out God entirely leav
ing even among Christians nothing but a cold formality.
Mr. Beckwith has been
very earnest in his labors and it has not been all in vain although the results
have been small.
I see by the Honolulu papers that Mr. Lyons has dedicated
more than one new church in his parish since I left.
I remember well how we
watched the growth of the one near your home in our evening walks and can
scarcely believe that it is more than three years since then...
Our mother writes us that she has thought some of visiting you this year.
If she does you will both enjoy it no doubt for mother knows well how to sym
pathize with the afflicted...
All the Beckwihs send their kind remembrances to you and yours.
Ever sincerely your friend
Jennie Armstrong.
/Mr. Beckwith is Edward Griffin Beckwith, Caroline's husband^/
�Missionary Letters
April 26, 1862
Stone house
April 26/62
Dear Sister L.
...Poor natives!
Sin holds them back.
Wicked men hold them back.
Alas, hoM many who profess to love Christ hold them back.
How many hold
them back, because their prejudices say, women should not lead men to
Christ.
Better let them stay away, than that a woman should tell poor
ignorant native how to get a passport to heaven, & take them by hand &
lead them through the dark path of sin, until they can catch a glimpse of
heavenly light:
let women keep silent— they may teach women, but never
tell tell (!) men, however ignorant, hungry or thirsty men may be, never
/let/ a woman point them to Christ, the cleansing fountain for all sin.
Such seems to be, is, the expressed sentiments of some who profess to love
the souls of the heathen, of all mankind.
sentiments.
But Christ does not teach such
A day of reckoning comes, will soon come, for all things.
How are natives with you?
Not as stupid, hardened as here I hope.
Abel Harris, a champion in sin, will not I trust pollute your island more.
He is, I hear, very sick in Hospital.
Christ to his distorted vision.
Mrs. Crabb goes to see him, & presents
The Holy Spirit has such wonderful power,
that even A . Harris may be moved by i t ...
There is more than an ordinary amount of sickness here.
/Clark/ has typhoid fever.
I have been battling with symptoms of fever, for
several days, & hope to conquer.
So to conquer sin, we have to fight.
Your Curtiss is better, I hear, but feeble.
pretty well, & my pen is kept moving for them.
lessons in drawing at Coopers Institute.
is very well.
Mrs. E. Clarke
Nevins in N. York.
My four children in states
Jennie is in N. York taking
Sami is to graduate in August.
Beckwith, & family still in Andover.
He
Most
people think he can preach well enough, without N.E. Theology to help him,
if he would only believe it.
Punahou prospers------.
�April 26, 1862
Missionary Letters
Page 2
I desire to thank Mr. Lyons, & you too, for you are both one, for $3.00,
handed me by Mr. Cooke, to be expended in Mission Cemetery.
It has not been
easy to get cash for that purpose, & natives wont work without pay.
I have,
since receiving the $3.00, been up there, & put it in nice order again, &
get sick for going, not being well at the time.
It is a beautiful green
spot now, instead of the parched place it once was.
It seems appropriate
to lay the sainted dead among flowers, & under green foliage, as figurative
of their rest, "where everlasting spring abides
And never'fading flowers."
You would I think, be surprised to see the forest of Algeroba trees,
around Stone Church.
I hope they will hide its external deformities.
The
mside is shabby enough, & no prospect of improvement.
We trudge alon/g/ as usual— E & A go to school.
Clara had to suspend
hers, on account of her throat, but goes in again next week.
I have numerous cares & labors, but health generally quite good.
Had
boarders some two months, which added to other cares, made me very weary.
I still go out among natives, on friday & Sunday P.M., notwithstanding
some of our good ministers "had quite as like(?) "I" would not", not con
sidering me quite in my right mind.
Smith said I was pupuli.
Some natives came & told me that Mr.
I toldlhem he had forgotten the ninth commandment.
Efforts are being made to build a church & & (!) make ready for the new
Episcopal ministers.
Catholic, &c.
Solicitation for subscription from Missionaries,
Rather ludicrous it strikes me, to ask people to give money
to supplant their own labors.
Well, there are certainly odd things done in this little Hawaiian world!
You will be weary with my scrawl.
Please write.
Yours as ever
C.C. Armstrong.
�April 4, 1864
Missionary Letters
Dear Sis—
/Mrs. Lyons/
...Baxter came in one day, & told Clara, that if she desired to go to
the coast, he would pay her passage & board when there.
work & she is off.
again.
So then we went to
Mr. & Mrs. Brewster are off for the States, to return
So Ellen Armstrong & Emma Smith teach their schools.
is not in school this term.
Mela /Amelia/
Ellen has as much as she can do, without helping
me at home...Since the General Meeting, my women's meeting was given to the
Mission ladies, & I work just when I can.
I hear that they gave up giving
sometime since, & the meeting is nearly run out.
every Sabbath afternoon, &
places.
I go to Queens Hospital
meet with the sick & their friends from various
It is a better place for me than the womens meeting.
Mr. & Mrs.
Smith still seem to distrust my labors &c.
...Jennie is to leave N. York about May, to come home.
married, & now perhaps Missionary gossip will let her alone.
G. Beckwith is
Beckwith told
her, that, since providence had deprived him of the blessings of health, he
should never mariy, & so cast off Jennie after a more than 4 years engagement.
It happens he has married the first chance he got.
I will repay saith the Lord."
"Vengance is mine.
Jennie is glad she is not his wife.
A young man, an officer in the U.S.A. collored(!) troops
knows & speaks well of Curtis.
Aloha nui to all of your household.
/Unsigned_J/
with Sam,
�May 16, 1864
Missionary Letters
Stone house May l6th/64
Dear Brother & Sister /Lyons/
...You will, before this reaches you, hear what our King says of the
constitution!
He is not yet crowned!
people here have felt about things!
The commercial will tell you how
I reckon the King wo'nt (!) be crowned,
unless he hastens matters, for it is a current report among natives, that he
has the Chinese leprosy upon him.
matters on that account.
like it.
Perhaps the Anglicans wish to facilitate
I have no doubt the report is true, for he looks
The disease may be slow in its progress, but is sure to prove fatal...
Churches on Oahu still dead, except at Ewa, where Mr. Bicknell has been
working in that limited Rocky Moral soil.
God is blessing his labors, tho our
clergy consider him s.o visionary ...I regret exceedingly that he was not
placed at Honolulu as a city Missionary, where he would have a much larger
field.
I spoke to Dr. Anderson about it, & to several of the Missionaries,
but they did not favor it, or did nothing about it.
to do, & this floating population needs laborers.
Henry Parker has enough
Well, the Romanists saw
the door wide open, & improved the opportunity, & have worked perseveringly
& with success.
sible!!
lives.
They have things pretty much their own way.
Who is respon
The Reformed Catholics as a' mission do little, but their Political part
There is great need of laborers here among natives.
Mrs. Lowell Smith
teaches some 23 white chiRren, five days a week, of course cannot go out among
natives.
I have been shoved out of the womens meetings, but I go to Hospital
every Sunday P.M. go to Manoa, Waikiki & visit among natives, but have not
been able to get any tracts to distribute for months.
The natives continue
to die, & I heard a good man remark one day that Mr. L. Smith was helping
them die off, by his powerful medicines.
Still it passes on, is very well,
but let a woman teach men to read the bible, pray with or for them, & she
is denounced as pupuli &c.
Kentuck (?), who cares for Queen Hospital, & is
�Missionary Letters
May 16, 1864
Page 2
an ungodly man, has never opposed my labors there, & there is satisfaction in
going there...
Wonder how Miss Carrie Dickinson, who gives political lectures, even
in the Halls of Congress, would fare, if she were to lecture here.
How
the young lady from Wales, who has lectured on temperance in England, Ireland
&c. & now is in U.S.A. for same purpose, would fare in the presence of some
/of/ our Hawaiian divines?
Reckon they would tell her that Paul said "Woman
should not teach & usurp authority over men."
But then, they do'nt (!) teach
all religion & perhaps that makes the difference.
Still, I think that tem
perance & politics should be included in religious principles.
Perhaps not.
Sam's last letter reported him in Maryland, training Negroes.
them much— says they make excellent soldiers.
on (?) from Boston to teach the Negro men.
He likes
During the winter ladies went
The house, church, whatever called,
consisted of an old tobacco barn, cleaned, ventilated seated for 300 men.
ladies taught, & most likely prayed with & for them.
to teach men!
Yes,
Naughty women, to presume
Some of our good ministers, drilled in N. England Theology,
would tell them what Paul says, & tell them more too, perhaps, if they should
come here & teach men.
Well, perhaps it's only included in the general overturns of the age, & may
that some folks here will yet cease to feel that it is better to let native
men go untaught than to have instruction from some Priscilla, or Philip's
daughter.
Mr. L. Smith said in a monthly concert, that "God was overturning, &
by & by would bring things broad side up."
Maybe that Mr. Smith's own bitterly expressed opposition to women's
labors, will be brought broad side up, & surprise even his own biggotted
self!
Surely we do live in a wonderful age!
�Missionary Letters
May 16, 1864
Page 3
If there is any reproach attached to ladies for teaching men "niggers"
they may clear themselves by saying that Paul did not forbid women from
speaking in a tobacco b a m , if he did in a church.
Sam seemed to think all right.
He was under sailing orders, for Charles
ton or thought his next might be dated from Hilton head, which we are anxious
to know.
or not.
No letter from Jennie, so we dont know whether she has left N. York
Clara is enjoying cool weather in "Frisco" as you do in Waimea.
She
was sea-sick 11 days, & after that gained fast.
The Mills leave Punahou at the close of this term.
Then what of Punahou?
Get another teacher perhaps.
...Ellen is teaching & gets dreadfully tired.
the last term.
Aloha Noa a pau—
As ever yours C.C. Armstrong
Mela not been in school
�Jan. 24, 1863
Missionary Letters
Stone house January 24th/63
Dear Brother & sister L —
...We have weather cool enough to cause the doors & windows to be closed.
A severe winter thus far.
all over the globe.
I think astronomers have foretold a severe winter
What a terrible storm we have had!!
a hurricane I was in, once at sea.
Three large trees t o m up by the roots
on our premises, but we have enough left.
church was roughly handled.
It reminded me of
That beautiful grove around Stone
The trees in the Mission cemetery, I have had
sawed off & righted, & left to grow up again.
Sickness has prevailed— When
Ellen decided to leave, I concluded to take her school, & had taught a week
when she left, on our premises.
it had rained every day.
several years.
Then dismissed until the storm was over, for
Then I was taken sick, & have not been so ill for
Weeks passed, & I got slowly better.
Then a Chinaman who has
been with me some 3 years must leave & the school was given up.
At length
am better, the chinaman came back, & next Monday I open a small school, as
some of the scholars are scattered.
You may wonder why I do thus.
Why not teach natives?
Well, I love to
be among the people, & try to do them good, & it cost me a severe struggle
to give it up.
That Theology which is defined to be "think just as I do", has long reared
its hydra head of bigotry & prejudice, & wagged its tongue of scandal & ridicure(!) against the door of usefulness, as to cause it to move on its hinges,
& shut too...
Now I will report Jennie.
With Sarah Coan, she occupies a room thE winter,
in the confiscated house of the notorious pirate Semms, in Norfolk, Virginia.
She went to teach blacks.
&c.
J. says the little nigs are dirty, ignorant lousy
They think Massa Linkum /Lincoln/ is God.
At last date, Sam was a Col.
in the 8th Colored Reg. in the front ranks near* Richmond.
Nevins doing well
�Jan. 24, I 863
Missionary Letters
in N. York.
Baxter has sold his interest here, & leaves soon for the coast.
We shall miss him.
Some missionaries can now reserve their shafts of scandal
for some other object.
well.
Page 2
Clara m^r come in Whistler, & may not.
She is quite
We have heard of the arrival of Whistler on the coast, but nothing
from Ellen yet.
Mela is at home, gives some music lessons.
Belle Cornwall
still boards with us.
Jan. 30th
A letter from Sam by last mail.
Nothing from Jennie & Nevins.
Extracts will be in next advertiser.
Clara had engaged her passage in Whistler,
then had a good offer for spending the winter, & stop until Spring.
had a long passage over, but was well &
as my throat is not quite ready.
fat.
Ellen
Don't begin my school to day,
Next week may begin...
Rev. Mr. Snow preached, or talked last eve at stone church, about Micro
nesia, Mr. Bingham still feeble.
Reckon the Micronesians Mission would not
refuse help in their work, even from a woman.
family, expect to leave for States in April.
Rev. L. Smith D.D. with his
As he & she seems to be
stones
against the door of Missionary work, perhaps the door will fly wide open when
they go, & workers enter in.
May it be so.
of white children, & has made it lucrative.
Aloha ia Nou a pau
C.C.A.
She has worked well in her school
�Missionary Letters
April 13, 1878
Dear brother Lyons,
...Yes, the old Averick's company are passing away.
That old purgatory
of a ship has long since disappeared, after having doned /donned/ a new name
& new robe.
She was wrecked in some Island south of Equator.
Capt. Swain
long ago, fell overboard from a steamer into Long island sound.
Chadwick
the first mate left Honolulu, several years ago, a wreck of a man.
A few
of us remain...
...Perhaps it is just as well, for your pen to work, as the presence of
foreigners does not seem acceptab^ to the new generation of natives.
"A little
learning is a dangerous thing", is a maxim which applies to natives.
They
seem so puffed up with self conceit, as to ignore white people, & do not seem
to discriminate between friends & foes.
Only a few of the old natives remain,
& their influence is weak like their bodies.
The world seems in commotion,
& religious creeds share in the upheavings of human nature...
...My broken right arm is trying to perform its accustomed duties, but
is weak somewhat,
i/t/ was a sad accident to me, but followed with mercies.
Two days previous I had received
into my family, Dr. Eshleman & daughter of
Philadelphia, a son in law of Dr. Jayne.
improved.
The daughter an invalid, now much
He has kindly cared for, & watched over my broken arm, & for
tunately I obtained a good white woman to care for me& my domestic affairs
for six weeks.
Have suffered much less from this, than from my broken leg
at sea, where I had no medical aid.
came— so also now.
I looked upon aid for help then & it
I have directed domestic affairs from the first, but
found it wearisome to be confined, as my habits have been active.
arm was broken just beLow the shoulder, & the left wrist sprained.
days could not feed myself.
The right
For a few
My foot tripped in the fold of a bear-skin rug,
over which I have walked for many years.
Yes, Sam'l is doing a good work.
Nevins has bought land, in Hampton,
& gone there with his family to live, thought not connected with the school.
Sami's wife, it is feared has consumption.
So the rod of affliction hangs
�April 1 3 , 1878
Missionary Letters
over him.
He has two little girls, & Nevins has two sons.
I have 10 grand
children living, & some in the spirit land.
One T. Beckwith is to graduate at Yale College in June...
...Aloha nui a Nou to the den of Lyons,
as ever yours
CCA.
Page 2
�Sept. 3, 1879
Missionary Letters
Honolulu September 3th 1879
Dear Old Shipmate,
You do
of course remember the filth & lack of comforts on the Old Averic(!).
Her hulk has long since gone, dashed in pieces by the winds & waves.
So our physical hulks are, & have been, dashed amid the storms & tempests
of life, & ere long will find a safe haven in the bosom of Mother earth...
We are waiting, you & I.
Work & wait-- you make poetiy, open & close
mail bags, explain trumpets & seals, &c...
I putter along&do what I can.
I might have done much more, in simply explaining in a practical way,
God's word to the kanaka's, but bigotry has been an insurmountable barrier.
But I have lived to see the hulk of the old ship of bigotry, battered &
falling— not so much here, as abroad.
I go to Moilili & Waikiki sometimes
to have bible readings with some fifty natives of both sexes & all ages.
But few natives care for the word of God, or for those who love it, & would
have them love it.
The "Lei alii" I was much pleased to receive from the author, &
return him my hearty thanks.
Who of us shall reach 1882?
We may not again grasp the friendly hand
on earth, but may we not grasp spiritual hands in the better land, in the
land where "everlasting spring abides, & never fading flowers."
I am glad that Sami, is doing a great, a good work.
Yes,
He hopes to reach the
lajnd of his birth, about next june.
The experiment with Indeans(!) is thus far a success.
I presume Sami,
will try to call on all the Missionaries.
I am so glad you wrote me— I thank your poor weak eyes for helping you
to write.
more—
Aloha u'ne
I will stop, & not tax those eyes to read
Aloha from your friend
C.G. Armstrong
�Sept. 3, 1879
Missionary Letters
Honolulu September 3< 1879
Dear Sister Lyons—
Thanks
for your kindness in sending the prolapses(?) cure, which I now return.
am not cured, & probably never shall be.
case.
I
The cure is not adapted to my
I am greatly relieved by an instrument of Guttapercha(?), but not
cured. ..
How nice it would be, if wings were in vogue, then we could exchange
calls...
Honolulu December 11th 1879
/to sister Lyong/
...I have no pain, & am surprised that I am so well, a thing I did not
anticipate.
ary folks.
My constitution proves to be better than that of some mission
Who said it was such a pitty(!) for the board to send out such
feeble ones, to burden the mission.
I was numbered among the poor "critters
It was considered such a pitty that I had so many children to burden the
mission & the world with.
Perhaps my chiRren are as useful as the Chamber
lain, Judd's, Green's, Clarke's &c &c, & I have tried to bear my part of
mission work, & would have done more, if wagging tongues had not been stum
bling blocks in my way.
thing better to think of.
saying?
I remember these & many other things, but have some
Let them fly back to their source.
I sat down to write in haste, & have wandered.
But what am I
The reason why I
have recently done so much was that I might aid a dying child— Jennie is
passing away with consumption.
come here.
Is with ELlen on the coast, too feeble to
She fully appreciates her
condition,
& is calm, resting in
�Sept. 11, 1879
Missionary Letters
faith in the arms of the Redeemer.
What more could I desire?
Page 2
I have long
since ceased to feel, that it is sad to die, either for old or young.
Three
of my sons are safe in the fold /Richard Baxter died in 1871/, & Jennie will
ere long be there.
Then she will rest from the suffering Asthma.
I trace
back the beginning of her downward course, to over pressure at Punahou School
She has the best of care, with Ellen. I will aid in temporal
I can.
comforts, what
Ere long I shall go to those who are gone before...
Stone House December 11th 1879
Dear Brother in Christ, & Shipmate in the old Averic...
I have Clara's eldest boy with me, who is a day scholar at Punahou.
go to Clara's daily.
The child is very sick.
Delerium attends the sickness.
Yes, my son Sami, lost his wife with consumption the 10th of October
1878.
He fully expects to be here next June.
I
Intends to visit each Isl.
here.
Your old shipmate,
C.C. Armstrong.
�July 8 , 1880
Missionary Letters
Honolulu July 8th 1880
Dear Sister Lyons,
Your bit of a letter reached me in due time.
so am I.
You are ever busy, and
Should I leare these sunny Isles you need not feel sad, for I have
long since ceased to do the work I came to do, not willingly but overpower
ing influences have hedged up my way— a way which Providence made so plain,
that I could not mistake to walk therein.
Thanks for sending Mr. Lyman's
letter for perusal, though it is too late to be of any use to me.
Had such
sentiments been uttered in 1847, when Providence led me contrary to my judg
ment & education, to do a work I had not anticipated & then blessed my soul,
& my work abundantly.
couraged.
My heart & would (?) hands been held up, my heart en
In the temporary absence of Mr. Armstrong to Hawaii, the people
rus/h/ed to me to talk of religion.
The women said our prayers are answered.
For more than 2^ years at my regular poalima I had kept one things before
their minds, "pray for the descent of the holy spirit."
like a still small voice.
At length it came
I was not strong— Mila was a nursing infant.
I
applied to each missionary man to do something for the people, to lead them
on, until their Pastor should return.
reasons for them to decline.
wilt thou have me to do."
Too busy, too sick &—
were sufficient
Still the people rushed to.me— I said "Lord what
He did not speak to me, but inclined my heart, &
gave me strength to dig & water in his vineyard
My three older children had
entered punahou school, the three younger were with me.
I laid aside sewing,
& other work as much as possible, believing that if I helped God in his vine
yard, he would help me, in my family vineyard— & He did.
I planned meetings
for natives as they desired, & could not well do themselves in those days.
I met women in the Schoolhouse, & men gathered in the church to pray.
The
school house became more than full, so we went to the church when the men
were not there.
A few men came— I refused them admittance, saying this was
�July 8 , 1880
Missionary Letters
the women's hour for worship.
Page 2
Again & again men came, & I dared not refuse
them entrance, questioning in my own mind, what spirit sent them there?
did not invite them, & dared not refuse them.
King to the lowest subjects.
directed all.
application.
I
Then they all came, from the
The church was crowded.
I led the singing, &
Told them what scripture to read, & I made practical, persinal (!)
I did not venture then to ask a woman to speak or pray in the
presence of a man, though one woman, out of the fullness of her heart, did
pray.
I would ask the King if he desired to speak to his people of the King
dom of another world.
was a glorious work.
He did speak well, many times.
The work went o n , &
A native woman has called on me this morn, who seegs
much to regret that such meetings did not continue, as she was one of the
number.
She says those were good times.
me at the church.
My three younger children were with
Prayers were offered to spread the work— it did spread.
During these weeks, I noticed that missionaries kept aloof from me, except
Mrs. Castle.
But I was too busy to think much of it & kept at my work, though
I sometimes wondered at their unmanifested interest.
7 weeks passed & Mr. A.
returned, not having heard from home, as no mail had been sent to Hilo.
The
work passed into his hands, & I returned to the poalima, & to my home duties,
which seemed to progress, as though no interruption has come in.
Thus God
helped me.
Soon came letters from other isls.— of course in answer to letters
from here.
Mrs. Armstrong was dubbed as "Abby K&;[.y", as a term of reproach.
She had been into the pulpit, had prayed in public, &c &c.
Various sarcastic
reproaches were afloat, & she was considered as having done some great wrong,
"She had better wear* pants" &c were words from the lips of such as had for
saken all for Christ.
"She was insane" was a common remark & even uttered
from the pulpit of an apostle to the gentiles.
"She neglected her family &
children" &c &c— she was garnished with reproaches, while the work of the Holy
Spirit was left to languish.
Such a heretic must be put down, & no efforts
�July 8 , 1880
Missionary Letters
were spared to humble her.
evil?
The question arose in my mind, does God bless
No, my heart replied.
own soul.
Page 3
He had greatly blessed my efforts, & also, my
Yet Missionaries seemed to care more to ignore me & my work than
to take hold & help on what was bagun.
I desired to know the right— If I
had done wrong, I would do it no more.
If right, who should hinder me?
I
knew the Theology was "let your women keep silence", yet God had led me on
& greatly blessed me in breaking that silence.
My husband like others,
learned the same Theology, yet never reproached me for what I had done,
but encouraged me.
He was made chaplain of the prison, where mostly men
were confined, a few women.
He sartt me there repeatedly.
When Dr. Judd was
appointed M.D. there, my work was stopped, & not till then.
In seeking for
the right, I gathered what the bible said, by means of a concordance, & then
studied such passages, all the time asking God to make clear the way.
did make it clear.
He
I look back with satisfaction on those days, "except /acce
these bonds" as Paul said.
Words hurt more than blows— words were my bonds.
Well, I worked on four years, as appty (?) offered & enjoyed the work, as
the natives seemed to do.
Was dubbed as "Worn men's (!) rights" & various
other unchristian reproaches^,& cold shoulders &c were turned to me.
But I
held on until the efforts made among natives to prejudice them against me,
manipulated itself, & made it clear to me that my work must be dropped.
could tell much more, but will drop the matter.
I
Those who were so bitter
against me, for my works sake, have had their own way, & where & how are
natives now?
God only used me as an instrument, to test the faith of some
& of my own, perhaps.
So say now, in the present state of the church, better
let a woman work if she can, when no man can do it, is what?
Where 0 where are the poor natives?
what to believe.
It is too late—
Their minds are muddled— they know not
Some months after said meetings closed, in which time I had
�July 8, 1880
Missionary Letters
Page 4
often called in & talked with the King about the interests of his soul, he
requested me to renew said meetings.
I replied that I was willing, if he
could obtain the consent of missionaries.
They were not renewed— He went
into a dark way, & in time to death.
July 8th
I have often wondered why men who have studied for years, through
a course of Theology &c & never discussed the freedom Christ gave to women.
Did He not first of all, send a woman to tell of a risen Saviour— "Go & tell
my brothren]'
If I have been wrong in my wishes (?), it will soon be settled
at the court of heaven.
...The Bannings leave about the first of August for an indefinite time.
Perhaps not to return.
Shall I remain alone?
Could I do Missionary work as
in years gone by, I might be reluctant to go.
Nothing holds me back in that
respect.
I am only waiting times movements...
Children say go— I say go if the way is made plain.
Why should I stay
alone?...
Like the old Bible psalmist, I bemoan the goodly vineyard which the wild hear(?)
from the mountain, has trampled under foot.
Aloha ia olua— our journey will soon end—
Aloha
C.C. Armstrong.
�Sept. 13, 1880
Missionary Letters
/The following letter was written by Ellen Armstrong Weaver, probably to
Mrs. Lyons, about her mother, Clarissa.*/
Honolulu Sep 13th 1880.
My dear kind friend:
...Poor mother has been under a severe nervous tension so long that the
crisis will nigh cut her sight.
Parting with Clara was too much for her and the thought of looking no
more upon Jane quite unnerved her.
My good angel brought me here, and I cannot be too thankful that I did
persuade myself to break away from my three little ones and come to mother,
for since my arrival she has improved wonderfully and her eyesight is steadily
growing clearer; she is up and about and begins to feel that she has a hold
on life.
I thank God fervently that we may hope that she will see and read and
write in no time, the Dr. tells me that change of climate will do maps for
her in this respect than aught else.
We expect to take the steamer Oct. 26th for San Francisco.
Old "Stone House" has passed into other hands and mother will spend the
remainder of her days here with her children.
Soon only a few graves will be all that if left of the
kaikas
Limai-
in this fair land.
I am very glad Sam has made such a happy impression here, he is full of
grace and his work is a noble one.
Mother says give my love to Mr. & Mrs. Lyons and Felicia and tell them
I hope to write them some day in California.
Aloha nui loa to you all and many regrets that we may not meet.
Affectionately
Ellen A. Weaver.
P.S.
Jennie was much better when I left than she had been for many months.
�Missionary
Feb.
Letters
San
10,
Friend
and N e i g h b o r of
fly
t h e y ea rs !
"We
al l
"We
up
beautiful
t he y o u n g
fern s
up
§ scatters
silver
I would
you
a "poor
sea
A
O ur
kind
c it y ,
cable
it,
saying
journey
twice.
that
Holy
the hearts
Spirit,
St h a r d h e a r t s
There
sta y.
A
Mr.
(!)
of
all
comforts
as
to
what
I would,
§ t h us
they
is
are
inebriate
is
connect
o f s ou l s,
up
be
Parker's
at
A
part
to
go out.
than
K ey
by
hearts
speak
straight
are
quickened,
the
at
the
same
taxes
are
$ so protracts
his
the workers.
of
$ San
their
§ down
still
I hear,
among
to
you
body
a Moody
Christians
clergy,
encouraged
it h a r d
enabled
Sleepy
The
to
in r e m e m
in a r e m o t e
Went
seems
in v o g u e ,
abundant.
or July .
telegram
the brow,
a trip
in J u n e
express
ar e
5 I will
makes
a rich h ar v e s t
reformed
Being
better
on
in Mrs.
5 sympathy were
here.
th e
of w i n d ,
c l o s e by,
troubled.
Moody
now,
charming
decay,
children
as m y p o o r
particularise
as
are
§ charming
is u p o n me
was
of
A n d why not
§c.
1881
loss."
If w i n g s w e r e
I am.
bruises
of t h e p e o p l e .
are
is
breaks
our
the v e l o c i t y
as
1
swiftly
its
impressions
improved,
critter"
from
10,
footsteps
when
crowns.
so
H ow
running
a spiritual
into
numerous.
ru n
up,
travel w i t h
g r e e t e d us
I cannot
the
room
Feb.
grandchildren
$ time makes
o v e r h e r e,
5 a car not
is to
spring
I did not
Kindness,
with
time.
as
reception
car
meeting
so m a n y
T he w i r s t
c o u l d be.
most
the
after
about
l e tt e r.
little
see me,
soon
Our
on t h e i r
could
endured.
tell
threads
If m a t t e r
worthless,
has
maturity
f l y to t h a t
brances.
would
in to
th at
but
tottering
§ beautiful."
St.
g o n e by.
o f t i me
§ from the
§ plants
stretching
$ years
take no no ti c e
g r o w o l d a n d d ie
springs
da ys
Page
Francisco
Union
Dear
1881
C a me
from
the
�Missionary
e a st,
$ works
cently
had
to
Feb.
Letters
with
sing
a meeting
success.
salvation,
one.
blood
in a l o w state.
is
church
that
o ne
of all
The
cold
ages
hearts
envious
hence
s u c ce s s.
more.
had
Bu t
I must
a childs
A No.
my
it,
having
it
is m o s t l y
sy st e m was
M y M .D .
said that p r o b a b l y
its
results were
pressing
to
ease which
§ 4 weeks
winter
f or
it
doubt
gone,
feel
that
to m y
is m o d e r a t e
My
warm.
exposing
I thought
tis
in y e a r s
said,
skin p e e l e d
tendencies
My
pas t.
digestive
With
to
only,
organs
t h is
at
confined
of hair,
follow
Isis,
but
t he
continue
good weather,
t he
disease.
fever
$
it w a s
to
de
a dis
to m y
bed
The
cold most
not
a
My
in G r e e n l a n d .
I have
the
is
doubted
the
family
but
it
s o me
t he w h o l e
I f e lt
§
persons.
To me
off,
Illness
Some
after
I was
warm,
the w o r k , - -
I got
take
his
so
I have
before.
but
op en ,
th at
for me.
my
to
^ hear
to y o u n g e r
surely
but
$ see
heard,
Three weeks
of a good p o r t i o n
Dropsied
diminishing.
confined
I had been
a fresh b l o o m i n g youth.
r o b b e d me
H o w or w he n
to
Sixty persons
in w i t h
fever.
re
go
stand back
have
fatal.
h e re ,
do n o t
join
cared
to
door
fire.
2
Stebbins
The house was
I w o u l d be b e t t e r
I was
room.
the
in a c o n d i t i o n
than
often p ro ve s
a few weeks.
have
as
no
study
you may
M.D.
more
§ i n v i t e d me
day.
b ut
Mrs.
I c o u l d b e n e a r e r by,
scarlet
reduced
to
came
§ d a r k to me,
h is
clergy
Moody,
1 Homeopathic
as
go
Page
try h ard
called,
that
The
report what
disease,
mystery.
church
at Mr.
0 t h at
E, c o l d
leave
I could
w ere warm.
eyes
I shall
Hemphed
Said he w o u l d
in c h u r c h ,
look w i t h
the
Mr.
1881
Stebbins
i nd e ed helpers.
a chilly
u ni t ed w i t h his
§ Christian
5 Mrs.
for w o m e n .
churches
Sunday.
i f t oo
5 are
in a c h u r c h
the n ext
A Mr.
10,
come
keenly
out
of
5 fever here
ca ps
fever,
keep
which
in p e r f e c t
my
head
are
condition
I am g a i n i n g
stregnth.
�Missionary
Now
about
small
ful,
Letters
eyes.
cataract
but
Feb.
Went
on
advised
left
both
eye,
could be
e a s i l y be
absorbed
S a i d he
from my
of
feel
v i ew ,
could
save
t ha t
but w i t h
age.
that
bright
land with
I l o ok
to
o f old,
our
ask
c it y ,
c l a y,
to Hi m,
bright
$ I ask h i m
when
my
o f t h is
e yes ,
Jesus
Will
eyes.
to
you
s i g h t w as
anoint
ask him
all,
littles.
I cannot
rewrite
to w r i t e ,
little,
Repetitions,
as
without
there
s e w n on e,
is
mistakes
taxing
ey es
the
a dimness
of s ight.
nor need much
done.
Parker
read
to w r i t e
thi s.
I thank her
pretty
g if t
l e ft
sincerely
of a n e c k
this w eek
f or
thi s,
me.
tie,
China.
the
may
same?
I
shut
off
horizon
err
I
in j u d g e
is
in
spiritual
I applied
as
which
It
I write
good
effort
5 r ead but
at
her
rain,
namesake.
h e r now.
Coleman
letter
so m u c h
as
requires
little
write
reminds
pardon
is m y w o r k .
for m y
le t Mrs.
often
There was
y o u will
I cannot
Please
fo r h e r
I must write
Knitting
Please
so k i n d
a
ri gh t.
eyes with
too much.
worsted petticoat
been
f or
is p a s s i n g by,
my
$ blots
a blue
has
the
not
gone.
Am now knitting
let Mrs.
each
5 l ik e B a r t i m e a s
12th
by
in
I am n e a r i n g .
M an
of N a z e r e t h
examined
c ar e
I look b e y o n d
than
doubt
w o r l d m a y be
land w hich
oculist
to h e a l ,
sight.
first
but not
eye,
a
which might
l e ft
5 better
a higher
eye,
3
trouble was,
them with
unbeclouded
for h e a l i n g .
5 restore
the
He
s m al l
the
see
seemed
I did.
Said
in r i g h t
who
tho
Page
could
Could use
spiritual
the
so
a cataract
ripe.
1881
s a i d he
another,
the b e a u t i e s
$ view
ment,
see
blood vessel
at m y
sa d
to
who
an o c u l i s t w h i c h
Could
t i m e,
see
Went
removed when
of a small
sometimes
eye.
eyes.
a rupture
while.
an o p t i c i a n ,
consulting
thoroughly
which
to
10,
share
sea,
in
5 her
o f me.
that
She
Royalty
I saw
�Missionary
Nevins
only.
He
came
proposed
c a l l in g.
were
kept
all
in a m o r e
dence
was
shall
that
is n ot
position,
leave
th e
5 in b e t t e r
choice
When you
please
include
strengthen
in a c a r r i a g e ,
some
Nevins.
Let
as
It w a s
compared with
l i n es
I learned
"When
I the
had
stated
t h at
idea
o f a ny
so m u c h
a rich
in
an
caution
the
earth was
f ee t
to
How
almanac,
when
d oe s
care
The m oo n w i t h
a large
c al ls .
Wait
all
§ Mrs.
Ever
I was
Jennie
As
human
reminded
a ch il d.
for m e ? "
so
its
telescope
of y e a r s
Christian
S Isis.
I w as
§
He,
Lots
Mr.
Ellen
celebrated
God!
de
courage,
insignificant
from perdition(?)
to be
but
survey,
millions
of
good
the
of
good hope
fold,
I went with
hear
prayers
I have
of
results
I return no
is m y m o t t o .
their way
^c.
it t h r o u g h
swollen
to
choice
at y o u r h e a r t s
all be
e ve
Provi
the
true
go
in o r d e r p l a y ,
exclaims
saw
evil
God,
t reat.
old
expanse
of plants
dreaded.
as y et ,
5 for my
on
I o n ce
One
it w a s,
these wonders,
l a r g e m a ps ,
as w h e n
but
made
us
should
b ut
than
King
They
If a m o t h e r s
the m i g h t y works
vast
heart
to
the
Nevins
of C h r i s t ' s
talk
our hearts.
muddy
Proctor.
seems
Parker
that
Page 4
Kings.
a Christian.
ar e m e m b e r s
§ Mrs.
for
a ny m o r e ,
yet be
Who
is
to m e
will
of m y c h i l d r e n
$ said
surroundings,
Nevins
My humble
the
good
prevail,
a ll
o n ce ,
I would much prefer
Where numerous worlds
He
nerhaps
o f th e h ou se .
tronomer
He
than
s al e
God w i ll
of
more
in th e
sires,
ity
here
to me
Nevins.
5c.
not
o ut
Rain
going.
quiet
does
l e ft
Feb. 10, 1881
Letters
dark
in N H
old
^c.
ri ght.
Weston
g l a d to
settled
Ignored
which
ladies
here,
fair weather,
Prospects
goo d ,
c a l l e d here
see
1850.
of planets,
intelligent(?)
f or
in
craters,
them.
but
one
day,
Mr.
Burnham
�Missionary
called
me
5 e re
this,
yesterday with
g ood woman.
have
been
you may
lavishly
on
th e
You would
s pe nt
"to
view
t he
not
to me,
Being
landscape
over."
vision
snow
capped mountians,
Went
until
to
to
taken
to
the
in h e a r i n g m o r e
He
f aith,
cold
§ d is m al .
mortal
hope
in
parts,
yet
to
little
where
decay.
Yes,
for w h i c h
body
resting
I l ov e
so
when
the b r i g h t e s t
fully
think
long
spirit
could not
of Chri st i an
dark pall
of p r e j u d i c e .
burst
the
grave
Stone
House,
5 rise
is n o t
is
shout
My
to
s p ot
the home
o ut
graces,
is
in h o l y h o n o r ,
reclosed.
the
But
t h at
because
Mr.
greatly
life.
was
laid
away
in t h e
love
ones.
soul.
Armstrong
sale
been
his
has
Lack
Charity
covered with
Castle
to
spot
considered
o f the
I
it m a t t e r s
redeemed
Mr.
is
of B a x t e r ' s
Christ's
redeemed
§
from
of e a r t h w h e r e
is
sometimes
me
tomb
think
may have
f or
but
of his
The
resting
"saints".
steps,
remains
heart
ended.
as
tho some
to
the
h is
Neither
Baxter's
of m o r t a l i t y
T he p r o p h e c y
I trust
green
journey
the
away
fright
Redeemer.
of B a x t e r ,
among
could
I lo ve
lavished
on [ i l l e g i b l e ]
l as t m o n t h s
h is
I
where wealth
§ gr a nd ,
to b e
A
long.
I mounted
birth.
th er e.
c ar e d,
ere
threw
wild
waves
of the
garment
in H o n o l u l u .
who
5
surprised
Thousand were
tomb w h e r e
in a b r i g h t
Page
C anaan beyond.
land of his
life's
of a p l a c e
charity
oceans
Mix
dead,
place,
t he
in C h r i s t
off
to
taken his
S,c.
like Moses
behold
1881
return
The s c e n e w a s
dead were
o u r c a st
I have
not
of human
as
sl eep,
unworthy
I doubt
leaning
Many
tombs
recieving
comforted,
died
She w i l l
of B r oderick,
or cold
the
Mrs.
city of the
I seemed
10,
of m i n e
in a p r o m i n e n t
beautiful.
s ho r e .
t he
in h o n o r
spiritual
rested,
l i k e her.
in d e c o r a t i n g
with
the
s e e n him.
a neighbor
Hill,
large monument
i n a duel.
have
a c al l,
to S am e l ( ? )
is
life
Feb.
Letters
a
might
of
ill,
but
�Missionary
Letters
is b e t t e r .
I can
Ellen with
three
little
time
Bunson
is m o s t
copy [it] as
not
allowed myself
to
of the
insufficient
to
life,
growing
ar k
T he
me
u p o n me
e v e r y y ea r ,
in th e p o w e r
l if e m a y b r i n g ,
under
sanctuary.
is
of
ever
be m o r e
granted
has
[of] Baroness
that
I
through,
through, n o t
imposed,
but
strength
a feather,
$
confidence,
of going
Human
6
a feeling
of
going
the w e i g h t
life
so w e l l
unrestrained,
but
not
cares,
enjoy
that
th e m o u n t a i n w i l l
5 domestic
pleases
Page
read much,
to
the
ask,
cannot
5 feelings.
th e w e i g h t
ai d
1881
my views
support
but w i t h
10,
r e a d some.
extract
of the
mountain,
then
they
grows
whatever
of burden,
bearer
sa y
of
assistance,
a beast
An
expresses
Jennie
children,
snatches
interesting.
it so w e l l
Go ds
l i tt le .
healthy
By
I am thankful
joyful
is
bright
in t h e p r o s p e r i t y
with
as
read but
for it.
"I h a v e
which
Feb.
as
of
as
a
alone,
a
to
them
t ha t
oppressive
than
the
f e a t h e r ."
I want
forted,
that
Has
yielded
not
5 works
h er e,
tho
energy,
the
on.
l os s
to
Mr.
te ll
5 Mrs.
Parker,
that
nobly
endured
great
any b ad habits
$ keeps
up w o n d e r f u l
Weaver
to
Prospects
the h o u s e
5 t r i es
to
a Christian,
but
boy
old,
^ deportment
in
ha s
brighten
is
small
t rain her
of p r o p e r t y ,
12 y e a r s
you
will
d oe s n o t
A good
me w h e n e v e r
her.
iness
I want
matters,
his
w or k.
reverses
is w e l l
Ellen
in t he
Christian
a nice
boy
Christian,
Sam wr i te s
out
Sh e
often
is w i t h
for
th e
is
fortune.
I am
f u ll
of
I trust
W.
is n o t
efforts.
No.
of
that
is
Mr.
com
courage
r i g h t w ay .
in b l e s s i n g s .
a gold medal,
Mila
It
f am i l y .
children
oppose
5 is
from Mila weekly.
for o u r
result
now wears
school,
somewhat.
I am g r e a t l y
The
eldest
1 in
studies
of school.
I hear
ready
to
come
5 is p r o s p e r e d
Beckwith's
as
to
in b u s
they
�Missionary
desired
May
By
Letters
it.
Poor
Providence
last
was
Feb.
Clara
overturn
l e tt e r,
was
in Berlin.
I were
as
able
to w o r k ,
If
5 i n v i t e d me
school
who
could
often
pleasant
again?
in d a y
to v i s i t
I must
prospers.
once
see,
as y o u
but
c o me
g o n e by.
recently
"wa it ".
to
How
from those
bitter
to
until
is M i s s
here),
prejudices
them.
f e et
blind.
Will
Mrs.
She
are w e l l .
Bingham?
accept
Some
0 that
are n u m e r o u s
it
Hope
from one
Please w r i t e
reply promptly.
I love.
who
in w e a l t h .
l o st h e r h u s b a n d .
all w h o w i l l
I m a y no t
o ft en .
it all.
returned
is n o w p a r t i a l l y
tho
of
Alas !
n ot
Dolf.
Beckwith,
failed
out
(for t h e y
7
in valid.
have
her--must wait
S am e
can,
to h e a r
good
w h i c h has
ha s
Frank
Page
§ to
She w r i t e s
from
here
1881
to h e r
a comfortable
among pagans
Cowles
I cannot work,
the
as
Judge
h e r he re .
rich men
great
the good spirit,
Mrs.
c a me
May
strange
a visit
Beckwith
among n at i v e s
quenched
5 bring
how many
5 some not.
I did
in a l a n d
expecting
Carrie
0
good men
is
10,
It is
so
Coleman write
and a g a i n .
[Unsigned.]
Let
me
Mrs.
on
add,
th at
Ralston,
the
verge
of t h e
been
animal
She
took
it b y
ag ai n.
She w is h es
is
a cousin
to
try
the be n ef it
a Christian
has
alive
f or
others
is
greatly
be
has
last
thought
an a l i v e
might
of Sam's
The
The
chewing
She
lady,who
gr ave.
b lo od .
o f Mrs.
several
w as
fist,
at
not
We
an
that
seeing
hope
her
been
medicine
revolting
th e b l o o d ,
a wonder
of
I saw
invalid,
months,
first
5 is
lifted out
d e c e a s e d w if e.
C a st le ,
long b een
improved,
th us
Wm.
to
her.
then
to h e r s e l f .
infirmities.
to p e r s u a d e
S he
Jennie
it.
Y o u r M.D.
c an
gi ve
directions,
unless
anxious
to
supply
�Missionary
with
his
Letters
Feb.
10,
1881
Page
8
ow n m e d i c i n e s .
Love
to
good old
faithful
Bessie
$ to A ka m.
Please
report
both.
Please
write
her
ignore
As
yet,
it b e e n
my
M.D.
Please
she
as
the
g i ve m y
soon
sale
as
cause
d o ne b e f o r e
thank
kindly
I can.
of S t o n e
I see n o
All
l o ve
such
Mrs.
ha s
5 may not
regret
t he
illness
become
c a re
steps
might
§ say t h a t
have
5 daughter
t he
of t h o s e w h o
taken.
Had
been prevented--so
f or th e
Very useful--Also
I will
to h e a r me.
I have
Providence w o u l d have
Coleman
ga ve me.
Hitchcock
M a y b e , s he
House,
to
is ri gh t.
to Mrs.
says
it so.
f e lt
skirts
which
corsets.
[Uns i g n e d . ]
[The
following
li ne w a s
written
upsidedown
on
the top of
the
t h i r d p a g e :]
Tell
[The
me y o u r views
original
of Mrs.
of this
Judd's
book.
l e t t e r m a y be
found
Sami,
will
in the
send
Castle
it
to me.
Collection.]
�April 10, 1881
Missionary Letters
S . Francisco April 10 (81
Union St. 2120
Dear Brother Lyons,
My eyes are dim & yours are sore, but we shall soon lay aside these
garments of mortality...What wonderful capacity is concealed in mind & vision!
Vividly, in memories tablet is photographed scenes of years gone by.
The
company of missionaries on board the old Averic(!), stowed away like baggage,
looms up before me.
The vigor & strength of youthful hopes, with confidence
& trust in Christ our leader, banished darkness from our minds.
I seem to see yourslef, with your loved little Betsey, leaning on your
arm, walking on the deck.
How changed is the scene!
sleep— soon the remainder of us shall sleep.
Many of that company
The hulk of the old ship I saw
in the autumn of 49, going to decay near the shore of a dreary Isl.
So gener
ations come & pass away...
I trust you have more charity than to think that either Sami or his
mother did evil by selling Stone House as we did.
What else could be done?
I had made the matter one of special prayer, in which I believe.
asked God to send a purchaser, if it was best to sell it.
private sale & at auction.
& without delay took it.
sold but no creeds.
No one applied for it.
Had earnestly
It was offered at
At length a stranger came,
A piece of land, coral stones, mortar & wood were
We would have chosen a purchaser of another sect.
Providence would have it as it was.
Some considered Sami, as having done
great harm by selling to that sect.
Others pridicted(!) that Mr. Armstrong
might rise from his grave in holy horror.
Christian charity somewhere.
There seemed to be a lack of
All such things will be settled at the court
of Heaven, if conscience is lacking here.
We reached here in Nov.
fever.
In Jan. in some mysterious way, I had scarlet
None of the family had it.
having lost my hair & skin.
After that became very sensitive to cold,
The last weeks have had continued colds, in head,
�Missionary Letters
throat & lungs.
April 10, 1881
Page 2
Better now.
...I have much more to say, but eyes say stop.
Aloha— Aloha nui to my
old shipmate & his wife.
Lemaikaikawahine.
�April 22, 1881(?)
Missionary Letters
S.F.
April 22d
733 Brush St.
Dear Friend...
I seem to see you in your cozy home as you were the only time I ever saw
you there.
Cool & rainy, the beautiful
nasturtions(?) climbing over the
wall, where I gathered seeds to put into a bottle, & cover them with vinegar
when we reached home.
I was weary & care worn, having had changes, exposures,
&c. & the cool air & horseback rides in Hawaii relieved me much.
Others have
since been care worn & weaiy & had tired heads & not been called crazy either.
It was kind in you to take us in, & give us rest, as we were on a pilgrim
journey.
I can never forget riding on an old shaky horse, up the long road
to your place, wrapped in my husbands old cloak, which he brought from states,
& I used it for a bed sometimes on our way to the cannibal land, was useful
while there, & on the way back, & often used as a wrap or bed cover at Haiku,
during the rainy chilly winter we were there, in a leaky grass house, & had
much sickness in our little family.
Wrapped in the old cloak on our way to you
/illegible/ the "sleet" beat on my face, & my mouth was kept open mostly to
inhale the cool air, for I had so longed for cold.
husband inquired the distance to your place.
Met an old native, & my
He told just how far it was by
walking, but riding on horseback he did not know how far it was, not mapopo.
The simple natives as they were in days gone by; how I would love to be among
them as they were then.
Gould time turn backward in its flight, I would gladly
go ahead again among heathen & would hope to perform my part better, but per
haps should not.
While laboring with them at Honolulu, & both sexes came to
my bible readings, of their own accord & religious interest more used as I
visited them from house to house, & had religious gatherings with them, my
own soul was blessed, as well as theirs.
Those days I love to remember, &
love to hope that many, in those days, came into GhrM^'s fold.
Kauikeaouli
& Queen Kalama seemed like earnest seekers after truth, & were frequently
�April 22, 1881
Missionary Letters
present at such meetings.
Page 2
It was pleasant to see & talk with them in their
own cottages about the interests of their souls, which they seemed to enjoy.
When censured by hard words, which hurt more than stones, I wondered,
why such efforts should be abundantly blessed of God, if it were wrong for
a woman thus to work.
On searching the scriptures in particular regard to
that subject, all was made plain to me.
Christ told Mary to "go to tell" &c.
She told of a risen saviour, & so may others of her sex.
Miss Willard, three times, the famous
Well, I have heard
gospel temperance lecturer.
The first
time she sat surrounded by clergy, the eve of her reception here, who made
introductory remarks.
Her time came to speak.
It was a flow of simple Christian
eloquence, full of pathos, & it would seem, irresistable truth's.
grand.
It was
The various "Band's of Hope", children who are being taught Temperance
principles, were represented by two from each "Band", a girl & a boy, who each
in order presented her with a boquet(!) of flowers.
A wire frame stood near by
& some one received them & placed them on a the (!) frame, & when the last
flowers were given, there was a beautiful pyramid of flowers standing by her.
Harry Baldwin, son of Henry Baldwin of Maui, was one of the boys who presented
the flowers.
He boards with my Ellen & attends school.
Ellen is at the head
of a Band of Hope, of some ?0 boys & girls, who pledge themselves to abstain
from liquors, tobacco, profanity & vulgarity.
his pledge.
They meet once a fortnight.
Each wears a badge, a sign of
There is also a large S. School,
in which Ellen is very active, called a mission school.
are being formed all over the State.
from such efforts among the young.
the same purpose.
I write.
Dear me!
The "Bands of Hope"
It is hoped that great good may result
Kindergarten schools are increasing for
there are three persons talking in my room while
Well, how do conservative people compromise with St. Paul, in reference
to women's speaking in presence of men?
The time has come for women to prophecy
f it was ever right to have silenced them!...
�April 22, 1881
Missionary Letters
Jennie is indeed on Maui.
After groping her way so long on the shores of
the better land, she seems like one ressurected.
she hopes to be able to teach in a family.
is nearer to you than to me.
lessons &c.
his studies.
Her health is improved &
You may not see her, though she
Amelia is well, & ever busy.
We hear from Clara in Germany.
Gives some music
Her boy is getting on well in
Hope they will return ere long.
...A recent letter from good Mrs. Hitchcock.
comfortable.
Page 3
Mrs. Coan desolate.
She is feeble.
The Lymans
Natives get a monument for Mr. Goan.
There
was a time, when it was not considered well, for n^ives to obtain a monument,
for a Kumu, as it would confer too much honor on one man.
The weather is fine.
S. School.
My health is good.
I enjoy my class in the Chinese
Aloha nui to your household, in which Amelia would join, but she
is out.
Yours as ever Lemaikaika.
�Missionary Letters
Jan. 31) 1882
8. Francisco
/Jan_^/ 31) 1882
1340 Howard St.
M r . & M r s . Lyons,
Dear Friends,
I write a joint letter because Scripture makes you both one.
Your
very acceptable letters came in due time for which I thank you ever so much.
They are now on a visit in the country to Jennie, where she stops for a time
with a cousin of mine, Mrs. Cutler, a Homeopathic M.D.
It is somewhat higher
& dryer in Hollister than here, & Jennie is somewhat relieved of asthma while
there.
Jennie has long been a patient sufferer, ready to go to the better
land, when the voice of Providence shall call her.
east, last June.
ter.
Amelia came to me from the
She has developed into a noble self reliant Christian charac
Since last Sept. we have, Mela & I, been boarding with Rev. Ely Beckwith
He works hard to build up a church here.
Carrie is not strong.
Just now she
is at Santa Barbara, in a visit to their son Frank, who is there as Pastor of
a church.
He has an excellent wife, a niece of Mr. Warren Goodale.
& preacher we hear he is much liked.
As Pastor
The only daughter Amelia /Clarissa's
great-granddaughter/ has been in Mills seminary, but is now at home.
Ellen
is busy in training her three bright healthy children, & has also a son of
Mr. Dickey of Maui, in her family who is doing well in school with her two
eldest children.
Her youngest my namesake is bright & rosy, full of fun &
mischief, as children of three years are apt to be.
informed of his success in a good work.
Of my son Sami, you are
William Nevins is nearer to you than
to me, not nearer to your hearts than to mine, I wish you would join with me
in the prolonged prayers, for his conversion which commenced with his life.
I trust that my other six children are members of Christ's fold.
far away, but is I trust a child of God.
with their father.
Clara is
Three sons safe in the home above,
I have have (!) been greatly comforted since I came here,
�Jan. 31, 1882
Missionary Letters
in hearing of the patience & faith of Baxter, who died here.
this month since I was afflicted with scarlet fever.
years to have such fever.
Page 2
It is a year
Strange for one of my
It made me very sensitive to colds, which I had
last winter, & also this winter so far.
My lungs once so strong have become
sensitive.
February 1st
loss."
"How swiftly time flies!
We take no note of time but from its
Golden weddings come, & are gone.
company can celebrate such a day on earth.
Only two prs. of the old Averick
The hulk of the old ship lay close
by Christmas Island (I think it is) in the autumn of 1849, a wreck on the
shore of time, telling of what had been & had perished.
swiftly.
time.
Thoughts flew
I lived over the Averick's terrible voyage in a short space of
Thoughts of the pleasant & painful rushed on, in quick succession,
just as now when the mind is given to it.
r o ll i ng in the cold dark waters.
Yes the old, decaying hulk lay
So our hulk's the remnants of that company,
are floating in the great cold sea of time, soon to be engulphed(!) in the
great unknown future.
fore us.
Yes, what we cannot now see, will soon be opened be
I love to think, that when the "gates Ajar" shall be thrown open
for our entrance, loved ones, who have gone before, robed in spiritual bodies
(for "there is a natural body & there is a spiritual body.") will greet &
welcome us to the "house not made with hands."
Well, wrap close around the
pail house of the soul that old cloak which you name as being so comfortable.
I only regret that I had not a more saintly mantle to fall upon you.
me stands the "cannibal chair".
Near by
It was tied up back of the after cabin— exposed
to the blows & tempests of sailors profanity & wrath besides the shaking of
weather tempests.
It has been with me in all my wanderings, has rocked each
of my 10 children & comforted & soothed each member of our family, in sickness
& in health.
Cannibals have sat in it, coveted & almost claimed it— hence the
�Missionary Letters
name.
Jan. 31, 1882
Page 3
Like its owner, has been afflicted with broken limbs & sprained joints.
Its youth has been defaced, & its age is passing away.
A surgical carpenter
has many times restored strength & health to its weakened limbs, & here it
stands, apparently in its youthful vigor, robed in a new suit of grained oak,
such as it tore when.it came into my possession in N. Bedford, 1831.
It is
not a graven image, but how could my heart be comforted without it?
If wings
were in vogue, I could ask you to try it.
It sends aloha to your rccker, of
Averick reknown, for each lady had a rocker...
�Missionary
To
Mrs.
Castle
Mother
Dear
Letters
gone
"Fond Mem'ry brings
the
your
the
good Hattie
scenes
has
5 carriage wheel.
fruits
be
caring
for y o u r
strength
18 82
May
22d/82.
Page
1
the
left
of other
been
in his
endure
such
around me."
Thanks
Since
th at
time
laid upon you
in the
form
of a
You must
husband
d a ys
to w r i t e .
But y o u
r es ult .
to
by,
inclined you
rod of af fliction
fall
22,
C a st l e
F r i e n d of d ay s
that
May
are b e t t e r n o w ,
and may
have
§ careworn
been weary
protracted
a c ra sh .
illness,
Hope
you
righteous
§ not
in
much
are q u i t e
re
covered.
I s a w Dr.
next
steamer.
fession.
Webb.
He h o p e s
A nice
lady
man,
5 o f his m e d i c a l
5c.
We
5 hi s
the
had
w i fe .
He m a d e
do.
Hope you
need
good people
5 your
Please
t e ll Mrs.
Willie
Castle
We
out,
5 we
had your
Mela
remain
skill.
He
temperance
speaks
be
Parker
5 other
l ef t
c ar d s.
Ceoige's
going
Beckwith,
invite
could not
f i n d t he
to
return
which
Why
to
did
them,
Dr.
called
f o r Mrs.
g l a d to
5 number.
see
as
a
house
him
cal l,
us
doubt
for y o u
Webb
leave?
I s a w Mr s.
James,
here,
5 by
all.
Some
no
but
sh e
Edward Hitchcock.
they w ere
their
dine w i t h
the
pro
at h e r
he w i l l
of them.
card when
t h e m to
card
Was
5c.
friends
We
his
of h i m
me
on
much pleased with
cordial
n o t b a d ones.
return.
well
go
I a d v i s e d h i m to u n i t w i t h
cause
friends will
5 wife
to m e e t
I was
5c.
E e ls
and pra ct ic e
desired
interview.
inquiries
Dr.
there
t he r e ,
on h e r
so n
5 I were
the
to
fr i en d of mi n e
a pleasant
g o o d people,
was
A Homeopathic
da ys
5 one
request
When
ready
after
they
day,
o f Mr.
to
go,
we
le ft,
it
�Missionary
turned
up.
We
admiration
to
se e
uncle
May
Letters
all w e r e
of us
all.
t h e m again.
o f Mrs.
words,
f o r ou r
bigotry
of
h im,
but
own
ro om,
James
sex,
Please
tell
them ,
C as t l e ,
for h i s n o b l e
w h i c h has
"Spect"
shall
do
so
Gov.
soon meet
how we
2
the
failed
of Ma s s a c h u s e t t s ,
5 kind
o p p r e s s e d by
never meet
I would
Page
had won
A l oh a ,
speeches
long b e en
I shall
it.
Long
1882
George
with
admire
some men.
but we
for Mrs.
I quite
gladly
in t he b e t t e r ,
him
to
see y o u
brighter
Christian
the
cruel
thank
in y o u r
land.
to all,
from
following
Please
s or r y ,
other women will
A l o h a nui
[The
very
22,
read
Lemaikaikawahena
l in e s
life
of
are w r i t t e n
Christ
by
[wahine].
in t h e m a r g i n s : ]
Geikie
it y o u
c an
get
it.
It
is
grand.
Life
of
Christ by
[The o r i g i n a l
Geikie
of t hi s
I will
tell
l e t t e r m a y be
Mr.
found
Thrumb
of t h e
B o o k.
in
Castle
Collection.]
t he
�June 1, 1882(?)
Missionary Letters
S . Francisco June 1st 1882
1733 Broadway
Dear Friend in days gone by, in a land of "everlasting spring"...
Well, the two winters here, I have been greatly affected with a
succession of colds, having been made sensitive in the beginning by a course
of scarlet fever, the effects of which was lengthened like a comet.
that is pau, lungs & throat well; & general health excelJsnt.
climate in this way.
Mela & I were with the Beckwith's 7 months.
then purchased a lot & has a new hoise nearly completed.
a church, among a scattered people.
He is a worker.
I are boarding not far from Ellen ma.
Am not
He
He is building up
Carrie continues feeble.
Their son Frank is a prosperous pastor at Santa Barbara.
My baby /Amelia/ &
Ellen has three bright healthy child
The eldest fourteen years, & stands high in his school, both in deport
ment & scholarship.
Jennie's home is with Ellen.
Many times during the last
several years, she has seemed to be near the better land.
from the change.
She does not shrink
Recently I have some hope that she may yet be restored to
some degree of health.
The same power that has so far restored my sight &
health, can also restore her.
Will you & yours ask with me, that she may
recover, if it is for the best good?
She remembers you all with interest,
& would send aloha if she knew of my writing.
noble Christian character.
aloha.
Yes, I like the
It is very beneficial to me, but not agreeable.
fond of city life.
ren.
Now all
Amelia has developed into a
Has gone out to give Music Lessons, or would send
William Nevins you perhaps know more of, than I do, as he is in your
King's court.
Will you ask with me, that his heart may be entirely renewed
It will be, if a mother's prayers, can prevail.
The answer is so long delayed,
Sami, in a letter of this m o m , reports a busy time, at the close of the term.
He expects to go out among Indeans(!), to the yellow stone county, &c.
�Missionary Letters
June 1, 1882
Page 2
/The following lines were written in the margins ji/"
My cannibal chair sends greetings to its shipmate if that chair is in
existence.
Glad if yours gives satisfaction.
The Rocking chair, which came
with me in the old Averick, I sit on as I write.
It is in good condition &
clad in an oak colored robe, just like the one it wore at its birth in 1831.
�')
331 South 3rd St.,
San J o s e , C a l . , H ay 6, 1889
Dear friends:
Mrs. Nalulu,
-
'
Kamehane,
=
Hr s. Emele Kaahuva.
Your k i n d letters of Aloha, made mo feel
very olaola,
and I desire to send aloha nai in retarn,
an d to all who rememoer me kindly.
to you all,
The time seems short since;I'left
y o u nine' end a half years' ago.
I have
seldom spoken or he ard your language since 1 left
the Islands and my limited knowledge ef it diminishes,
yo u in E n g li sh which I presume Miss Mary Parker,
so I --write
or her brother,
you r true and faithful Shepherd, will translate fo3? yon, _ Y o u r
letters bring vividly before me, as photographed, in .memory the -whole
landscape,
from Diamond Head,
to the past point of Waianaio Ko antains,
including the broad blue Pacific waters,
tub of Uaikiki.
The lights and-shadows, water-falls, and o v e r h a n g
ing clouds of Llanoa Valley,
patches,
and the g r e a t 'o c e a n ,b a t h ,
dark foliage,
its stream of water,
bright groan Kalo
ohia, guava trees and various shrubs,
together
wit h the Kakai trees, make it s. beautiful picture in "the mi nd s eye.
M e mor y brings oack to me the death of K ah nma na w ho plumed
her angel wings from a grass house
haughty,
in that charming spot^
F r o m a.
overbearing chiefoss she became a meek and lowly woman,,
beloved by her people,
as testified by tho wai lin g echoes from
surrounding hills, which continued for many days and nights.
.,
While
�-2-
on her
dying couch the N o w Testament,
wa s presented to her,
in her hands,
just completed in her language,
by Rev. II. Bingham, h er pastor.
impressed a kiss upon it,
and pr on ounced it maikai
(good).
pressed it to her breast,
Her death,
seems to,me,
glow of sacred thoughts over that lovely spot.
old church there,
VJhe. took it
to cast a
I' remember well,
the
just over the hill from Punahou, when ou.r g o o d old
horse, Boki,
used to stand and sleep, while I had a Bible r e a di ng in
the church.
Tho people were tardy,
bell, with its broken rope,
kalo,
luaa,
guavas,
ohias,
them.
Sometimes they w o u l d bring
or a squash and put into the carriage.
OJ h o w I would like to have
here,
to call
end sometimes I had to ring the
*
such n o w — But good things are abundant
only different from those.
I remember E hu with his short
bristly white hair, end the blooming oleander bush by his house,
also Kila who prayed so fervently and always was ready to speak for
the pono
(right).
All
seems vivid
oefore me, es both senes sat on
w o o d e n benches, and snoring dogs w o u l d sleep under them which 'was
often annoying.
The s-ng.lngwas not much cultivated but all seemed
to enjoy their own discordant
come rushing oefore me.
sounds.
Memories of that lovely Falloy
The mist of the varied Past,
promises falling on that mist,
a n d God's sure
I have His rainbow of Hope,
those Kanakas that listened a nd loved the Ho l y Bible,
be gathered about tho Groan '.Vhite Throne
that all
shall one day
to praise Him forever.
Similar gatherings come before mo at Makiki, Hoiliili,
Waikiki,
Pol d o ,
Nuanuu,
*more often at Kawaiakao.
Lalihe,
and Panoa, Kakaako and the rest, a n d
I remember good devout A h i m a k a n i , who died
"in the faith, a n d oven sc many others kakai, Kahinn, Itekela, Yihose
�)
-3-
spiritual oy-ac were not
dim, and many cthorn who so names are nalo-.vcli
(not f o r g o t t e n ) , but not
he use to house,
will
and were a comfort
go to K a w a i a h a o .
was a large
their good works.
Some went
with me fro m
and help in such work.
Non,* no
The first church I entered at the Islands
thatched house, w h i c h seated on the ground 3,000 poople.
Rev. 11. Binghar- preached from a high pulpit.
The chiefs sat on chairs and w ooden sofas with a fl oo r i n g
of boards.
.^11 s m g
the
tune of Greenville,
a tune I m uch loved.
Some of tho congregation uttered come queer croaking sounds in their
ef 'orts to sing.
Sometime;? a little Koko w o u l d thrust
cut h i s heal
f r o m under the K a p a robe of his owner a n d yelp if inclined.
natives would yawn so as to bo hoard all over tho house.
strange new scene
w a s born in
to me.
It w a s a
Hrs. Beckwith, who now lives in your m i d a t ,
the chamber over tho Chamberlain kitchen and was baptised
by B inama in his church.
)
'
We wont to Molokai and spent
Mrs. Hitchcock helping in school,
mu c h interested in the people.
worker,
.Soma -
several months with Ur. and
etc., what w o could,
and became
Rev. Hikikoki wa s a faithful,
earnest
and when after many years, he was called from earth, he
dropped his armor and went to rest in the silent land..
still lives an invalid,
missionaries.
-was born them,
tho people of Molokai and others.
to a land of cannibals w i t h four other
All are dead but Mrs. P a r k e r and myself.
and when we left them,
"us and we will make him king.
and he belongs to us."
Mrs. H ikikoki
after spending the energies of her life to
help civilize and christianize
Then we went
'.
A baby boy
they said "leave your baby wi t h
He was born here,- we call h i m Hape
Vfith a fluttering heart
I said., he cannot eat
�your food, he needs a mother's care.
for him,
if he
(good)
Better let me keep and care
end if he lives to be a m a n he can come end be your Kurnu
inclines to do so.
They
jumped up and down,
and clapped their hands.
screamed M o t a k i
He died at L a h a i n a of croup w h e n
*
thirteen m o n ths old, so sleeps by the grave of Hoapili* Ha in Lahaina.
When^?/e ware
sent to Hai Ku., w h e r e we remained a year, a n d
suffered much from sickness, having a leaky grass house and m u c h rain.
I remember Gideona Ha, Danieala Wahina M a and others who came
to car
schools a n d meetings.
sent to
M a n y of these n o w sleep.
W a i l u k u and remained several years.
the people, built a stone church,
he
often went to preach.
a poor scrawny horse.
While
Then wo wore
there Mr. A rmstrong with,
also one of stone at Haiku wher e
The mode for travel^was in an ox cert c.r on
Places that were**then dry and like decorts
n o w "bud a n d blossom as the rose."
We often met fuaiki or B l i n d
B artimeus a n d heard h im tell of his love f o r Christ.
schools prospered.
Churches a n d
A boarding school for girls was started there
a n d some of the girls are now scattered in different Islands, resp ect ed
M o t h e r s of families.
sleep in death.
Rev. Mr. Green M a and Hiss Ogden,
teachers, all
His s M a y green now travels about the Islands and
teaches temperance and righteousness to all and is not hi nde re d by
any stumbling blocks.
M ay God prosper her work.
'
Kamuela Limai K a i k a
w a s born there and I -thank God that he is prospe re d in doing a
glorious w o r k in helping to elevate fallen humanity.
Many trees of m y own planting were there and some of themI th ink still grow.
Alo ha to them!
W h e n Mr. A r mst ro ng w a s ca lled to
Z a w aia ha o to take the place of Rev. B i n a m u w h o went to Amer ica
because of the illness of Mrs. Bingham who h a d failed under a pressure
of cores and labours of years.
�! ..
1
-5-
The walls of the Stone Church were nosrly up.
care end labor and limited, funds,
With great
it was completed so as to be used,
and the old grass hoo.se was demolished.
After some years the adobe
w a l l s around the grounds wore crumbling and it was a picture of
desolation and dreariness.
poalima (Friday meeting)
Mrs. Bingham on leaving placed her weekly
in my care.
I said, when you. return i hope
you will find them in as good condition as you leave them.
She
replied with kind and loving words, I hope I shall. 'Thus I began
and tried with God's help to go on with my part of the-church work.
The native women helped what they could.
'
-
The spirit of New England revived within me, and I felt
that it was not well to neglect the surroundings of the Temple of
God, and the grounds, where the once living temples of friends were
folded away to rest in earth's bosom.
So when Limaikaika left the
church to take care of educational interests on the group of our
Islands,
the thought occurred to me that without interfering with
any other ones work, I could somehow improve the place. But how, could
it be done without funds?
My heart said, if we try to do God's v^ork He will help us.
For more than two years, the poalima women ha d asked God to pour out
His spirit on the church.
At length it came, and there wa s a time of
deep religious influence and hearts were softened.
think, rememoer it and perhpas some others.
Nalulu will,
I
Kamehameha III with his
Queen Johnli, and Sarai, the Governor and.others, came to tho meeting
^mingled with plebians to hear the "Old, Old Story" of Jesus and Eis
Love."
I love to think of the pleasant religious conversations I
had with Kauikeaoli when ho seemed almost persuaded to be a Christian.
�-4' .
Surrounding influences and pressing temptations overpowered'his
J-' , ..T&' ..
^
^^ ^
seeming good intentions.
. f.
.: *.!
.ove, mercy an d justice"'' .
God is a God of 1<
and we leave the tempted a n d the tempters to
;o His mercy. '*'We,.-cannot
____ ___ V L -
i*
__________!
but think that evil influences brought to bear on him "by 'persona 'wjhioK
*
.
*
- . .'f; ^ !
came from civilized Christian countries were more responsible%than'%<;/-;tf;
..,,.1 . '^^''' - .-. '4
he who had just emerged from habits of ancient ancestors who hadinot
'
been taught that there was a God.
Tho light of Christianity was there .... ' r'
*
^
*'.
then in times of Kamehameha III but has increased and w:......
with knowledge
,.
^ . . -J.
' .= ..r ,,.
increased responsibility.
I remember with pleasure the weekly p r a y e r ^
meeting, with the chief women, held alternately at their'homes and
^
mine.
Some influences hindered religious progress,- some y,severe- .
{
rigid opinions were freely expressed against earnest Religions
utterances made by women.
But things are changed nqw^
speak and work freely for their Master.
of the Bible is changed, whioh is it?
walls were
Hoth sexes-'''
Either opinions are 'changed
'
^
I have said that the '".adobe **'"^^'1 ^ *. . r
falling around the Kawaiahao church, and swine h a d f r 9 e'
f
access there.
ii
-
''!
''.*.*./!
My thoughts were on a new fence which properly was
for m e n to do, but nothing was done.
to do it?
Where were the funds wi t h which
.
/v
,
.
One day Kakai came to our home with her crown of white, h a i r .
bringing with her one or two other women, and said, "You have''woi3ced^
.
^
for and with us, and we desire to give you a present, and we have ^ ^
'
^
.'
.'f''' '-S'-* ''*
come for-others as well as for ourselves, to invite you to a lu.au."
The reply was maikai, I will go.
^f..
So beyond the castle house, ther§
'
'
'. .
.,
^ ,'
was a lanai covered with rushes; and^ rushes were spread on the grounds;
*
^
On the latter the food was placed Kalo, puaa, fish, sweet potatoes,
luau were cooked in an imu and were delicious.
?
-
'
Cocoanut milk, melons
,
*
�....
'
'
*
.
.
-7i-
and such like were enjoyed by all.
Then the guests laid some pieces
of Ka l a (money) on a small table.
Speeches by John Ii.,
*
the Governor and others, follov^ed by
both sexes,- sixty dollars was contributed w h i c h the^ said was a
gift for me.
most
I was surprised at their generostiy, and thanked them
sincerely, and said that I did not need the gift bat.that 1 had
"he wahi manao" (i, e^ a thought).
My thought w a s to keep the $60 as
a nucleus for a fund to build a new fence around the ohuroh premises.
The thought was a success.
Rev. Kalaka (Mr. Clarke) had gone to '
America for his wife, who had gone thor some months before.
Hr.
*
Clarke has asked Mr. Armstrong to preach for him in his absence.
A. consented but was much pressed with other duties.
Hr.
Hr. and Mrs.
t
Clarke requested me to work among the women until their return, and
Hr. Armstrong said to me, "Do all you c-sn for the church, for I am
pressed with educational matters."
*
'
The spirit was quickened by frequent talks with women and
men, some of the women were so much in earnest that they proposed
7
to go out and help gather stones; afterwards a stone fence rather than
one of wood was decided upon.
The men said aole we will bring the
stone in ox carts and build the fence.
work went on.
Funds were increased and the
I proposed to the women to consider what could be
done to improve the grounds when the fence should be completed.
Kiavi trees were few in number there.
There was one large tree near
the catholic church and a few others.
I went in seed time and
** solicited seed and gave them out to the women on poalima day to
'
'
plant and care for at their homes until they should be needed in the
church yard.
The Kiavi grew slowly at first, but being well adapted
�to a poor, barren, dry, or, even rooky soil, but in the course of time
its pretty green foliage was seen not only in the church grounds bat
in the vicinity around.
Where the grounds were enolosed they needed
leveling, eto., old sunken graves, holes where adobies had. been made.
The fence had been made, innumerable 3eeds of ugly wee d
in the ground and no water bat from a shallow well of brackish water.
Much rubbish was to be cleared away.
A few men volunteered to work,-
bat more women.
i
Holes were dag in the hard ground for the small trees to
be transplanted.
pay for work.
It was a slow, tedious work; men mostly required
25 cents being the price for a days' work.
'
Thirty or more boxas were kept in my back yard, with a tree
started in each.
When they were large enough, with oar employed
Chinaman, I would go with a hand cart full of boxes and'transplant ,
the trees.
This was oft repeated.
-
The women were vexed with pigs,
chickens, etc., having no good enclosures around their houses and the
sprouted seeds were often destroyed.
But some remained to grow as
shade for them, and some for the church yard.
A few women volunteered
to water the little trees in summer, and the winter rains gave them
rapid growth.
The Kiavi was well adapted to the place.
After
-
savaral-yeara's, a "bright green foliage appeared above the .wall and
began to decorate and shade the grounds.
Some who had not aided in
any way retarded the growth of the trees by tying horses to them. '
M a n y , indeed, were the obstacles to 'be surmounted, bat in apite of all
they grew, and some were nearly as tall as the house and cast a soft
shadow over the windoivs.
Faith and works were combined and God
�cansod the work, which by some had boon ignored, to p r o s p e r , e n d yo u
who n o w live there enjoy the fruit 3.
A
gentleman, wi t h hie wife
froa San Jose, told na on their retorn from Honolola, how they
a n Joyed a Sabbath School picnic among those
trees.
'
New, if wings wore in venae I would fly like a dove to a
r
palimn meeting in a basement room of the Stone Chnrch and on joy a
halawai (meeting) with you all, and walks nndor tho trees.
Tho walls wore rebuilt and made higher* and wore plastered
w i t h Ltmalllo funds.
JJany troos wore -destroyed before I left and
tho sad story yon all know.
.
-
I well remember the last time I was in old Stone Church,
I was nawaliwali (weak) and did not say goodbye to y o u separately^
bat to all as one, so whon tho choir tang "Hy Country ^$i& <?f Thao"
I loft tho hoa.3o with dim ayes, glanced at the city of tho doad, for
which I had cared— for soma 18 years, and loft never again to climb
the stone steps or behold those placos again.
I n imagination I* can
soe yon all seated in the char oh, to ho a? the rustling sounds made by
the wind, and to hoar tho voico of your loving and faithful pastor offering and urging all to drink of the frea wators of llfo.
yon all to hoed his o a m o s t calls.
I bog
In a flash of time, m y thoaghta
go back to the days whon the lower part o f the church was filled or*,
paalima days, and KaniKoouli wo old rise and say to them,-* h o o d tho
voico of your Kamos (toachers) and love and obey God„ and not look
to me for an example.
All is changed now.
Yoa and I are changed#
May 15th, I shall be 04 years* of age*
tho silent land.
I must soon go to
It soomod to me this last winter when qaito ill
with a cold, that I was almost thore.
not live alway, I ask not to stay."
God's -will was mine- "I scald
N o w am qaito well#
I intended
�to tell you briefly of my journey East of several thousand miles
which was not wearisome.
It was maikai loa- to meet former pupils,
school mates and many kind friends.
In passing over the country, '.' .
<
*
J. ' '
my heart vjas filled with wonder and awe at the manifold wprks of &od.
*
' '*
'J-V/ *.
We live now in a charming valley whore the beauties-of nature cannot
'
be told.
^
.
"I
,
"
'
'-
n.
Amelia and I teach in the S. S. for the Chinese when wo/s
.
can, and do - what we can for them.
*
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',
My sight is dim.so n^^eyes^are'^.r
'
- '
. ..^ ' r - * ' '
not used in the evening except for knitting.. I knit,- tlien.^pnd^at odd
<'
* '* . .- times, warm under garments for a charity school for Indian girls in ' r
Indian Territory.
,
.
,*
A
.
--*,: ^
'
-h
.;
^
.'J* . -
Please aocept my Aloha nui to each of you and 'to ^any^wno:.
^ ^44
'
kindly enquire for me.
y ^
.
'
-f.
'
^
t' **v'*
'
.^4 '
j
^ **^ ^
^
-7/.
-1.
- *.
Please shake the leafy hands of trees3 for me ana say
Aloha to them for me, for* I think of them as silent friends.
'
* A
.''
_
Aloha nui from
______
.
...
.
^4-
IT^y letter is "awful long".)
You must learn all you can now while youJiaverMri^B&ekwith
"+'
with you.
0 how I do regret his leavingi
'
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^
t
I feel as if I w o u l d be *.
willing to make any sacrifice to have him stay.
-*
Extract from one of "Mother" Alexander's letters.
..
..
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The Alexander's, Emersons and Armstrongs, left. Boston-." * . .
"...
October 25, 1831 - on the "Averick"
.
<i*. -
.t
^^
3
Written by my grandmotipr-Clarissa Chapman Armstrong from
San Jose, California a short time before her death.
'
* '*"* *-'- '*^
Carrio A. Beckmith Hair
.
i-
�
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Armstrong Family Journals
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Armstrong, Clarissa - Journal - 1831-1838
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Typescript, 2 volumes
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Hawaiian Mission Children's Society Library at the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives
Hawaiian Mission Children's Society Library at the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives
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https://hmha.missionhouses.org/files/original/1cf84d3fd6702cfe9f3137694853c48e.pdf
74b1b3e8d6cd9d6d73d3a85fdb82ad53
PDF Text
Text
JOURNAL
of
RICHARD ARMSTRONG, l805-l860
OF THE VOYAGE OF A GROUP OF MISSIONARIES
TO HAWAII AROUND CAPE HORN IN THE WINTER
OF 1831-32,
The original is written in a small
notebook, or album, which had been presented
to Richard Armstrong "as a small token of
remembrance and friendship”by JOHN R. AGNEW.
As a fellow student at Princeton Theological
Seminary, John Agnew’
s inscription in the
album indicates the dedication to high
purpose in the missionary movement of the
time, and reads as follows:
"Princeton, Oct.31:1831
"Finally, brother, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort;
and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
2 Cor.13:11
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh,
receiveth; and they that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if
his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a
fish will be give him a serpent? If £e then, being evil, know how
to give good gifts unto your childrenT~~how much more shall your
Father which is in heaven, give good things to them that ask him.
Mat.7:7-11
God is not a man that he should lie. Num.23:19* God is your
Father. John 20:17. Christ is your brother Mat.12:50. He has
said, If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. John l1*:!1*.
I ask you to pray for me, you promise, I have not the least hesitancy
in believing you. I put entire confidence in you, & shall we who
are not brothers, who have not the same Father put more confidence
in each other's word, than in the written promise of God our
Father, and Christ our brother? "Finally, brother, pray for me"
Thes.3sll Thes.!?:25.
John R. Agnew
MsT
Artt
McConnellstown, Bedford Co., Pa."
�RICHARD ARMSTRONG
Born McEwensville April 13, 1805
Prepared for col. under David Kirkpatrick Milton Academy.
Left April 25, 1826.
Graduated at Dickinson Col. September 27, 1827.
Entered Princeton Seminary November 6 , 1828.
Graduated Sept. 6 , 1831.
Licensed by Presbytery of Baltimore, Baltimore City, April 28, 1831.
Ordained by Pres. Baltimore, Oct. 27, 1831 in ch. of Rev.Dr.Nevins.
Married Clarissa Chapman Sept. 25, 1831 at Bridgeport, Conn.
Arrived in Honolulu May 17, 1832. Remained a year in Honolulu and
on Molokai, learning language & teaching.
Sailed to Marquesas July 2d, 1833*
Returned, arriving in Honolulu May 12, 183*+.
Stationed at Haiku one year in 1835*
Removed to Wailuku where he labored 5 years.
ojf
In July, I 84O was called to Kawaialm Church where he remained until
November l8*f7 when he enterea on duties of Min.- Pwb Pet.
temporarily - afterwards fully appointed & remained in Govt,
service until his death Sept. 23, i860.
Notes
The above chronology is from notes, presumably in the
handwriting of Clarissa, his wife, in the fly leaf of a
small diary kept by Richard Armstrong, begun February k.
1831, but with only sporadic entries, ending November 18
1838
.
�JOURNAL KEPT ON MI VOYAGE TO THE
SANDWICH ISLANDS
Dec. 7th, 1831
At sea on board the Averick, in lat. 30°-l8' N. long.5l°-l8l
in the Atlantic. We have been at sea now 11 days during all of wh.
time the sea has been more or less rough and the weather sometimes
exceedingly stormy— The rocking of the vessel has been so incessant
day and night as to produce the most distressing sea-sickness in
our company. But few of us, I believe had an adequate idea before
of the distress occasioned by this kind of sickness. For one I
had not although I had been sea sick once or twice before. My
strength was at once prostrated, and the use of almost every faculty
both of body and mind were for a time suspended, while I lay in
sensible to a great degree in my birth for several days. For want
of necessary precaution in fixing the goods in my stateroom, owing
to my ignorance of a life at sea, many things were broken and others
considerably injured. All of this might have been avoided by a
little previous care, and I would advise every one going to sea as
a passenger to have all his trunks, Boxes, etc. fastened by cleets,
ropes or something else, so that they cannot move from their places.
On Sat. night the 26th of Nov. the same day on which we
embarked the storm commenced and continued to increase in violence
until Sunday night when it reached its highest point. The winds
and waves were let loose upon us in all their fury, and continued
to rage for two or three days. The waves rolled in torrents over
our deck, and down our hatches, companionways etc. until some of our
staterooms were flooded with water and some of our goods completely
wet. During the storm, the vessel "Shipped the sea”three times;
the officers were rather fearful that she would not rise, or that
her foremast wh. was defective, would give way. The goods of most
of my brethren were even more injured than mine. One of the most
unpleasant annoyances during our sickness was the smell of bilge
water. This is, of all things most intolerable to a sea sick
stomach. It is water wh. collects in the bottom of the ship and
the closer the ship the greater the difficulty is there in the way
of this water making its escape. Another unpleasant circumstance
attending our situation was the want of room, as well as of a
circulation of fresh air. The Steerage or half-deck also in which
my stateroom stands, presented a perfect chaos; being literally
filled with bags, barrels, boxes, ropes, sails, canvass, etc., thrown
together in the most perfect confusion; so that when I wd attempt
to leave my room, in the first place I must have a struggle to get
my door open, and then although scarcely strength enough to drag
one foot after another, I had to climb over or rather crawl over
said chaos, which scarcely left room for me to pass between it and
the deck: and when my dear C— (his wife, Clarissa, just married
in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It was their honeymoon), who suffered!
much more from sea-sickness than myself, and needed even to be
lifted in and out of bed, would attempt to get on deck to enjoy the
fresh air, she was obliged to pass along the same way. The effort
�- 2 frequently exhausted her strength, and aggravated her sickness.
For several days we were both sick together, and whilst wd hold
the head of my C. with one hand and a tin vessel with another, I
would be obliged to empty the contents of my own stomach at the same
time intG the same vessel. I feel in reflection upon the scenes of
last few days, that I have great cause for humility. Even in these
first and light trials, I have not manifested that meek and sub
missive temper which I ought to have done. These are only the be
ginnings of my sorrow, and if in these I faint and murmur how shall
I withstand the trials that may hereafter press thick and hard upon
me? But why are thou cast down, my soul? Hope thou in God, for in
him is everlasting strength. The reason why earthly trials affect
us so much, is because we are so earthly-minded; Our minds are so
feebly fixed on God and heaven— Then
’
’
Rise my soul and stretch thy wings
Thy better portion trace
Rise from transitory things
To heaven thy native place.”
But the storm seems to have subsided and to-day has been to
me as the coming of Spring after a long and dreary winter. Sea
sickness has vanished like a vapour before it— All our sick folks
have been able to get on deck and enjoy the fresh (air), which is
truly reviving after the unpleasant stench and close confinement of
our state-rooms— While sick I had no appetite but it has returned
with double keenness, and if I can get to the table and hold on with
one hand, and manage the knife with the other, I can relish even a
piece of dry sea-cracker, as hard as limestone very well— Much of
our table furniture had been broken and we are obliged sometimes to
eat without knives or forks, sometimes two off one plate, and
sometimes with no plate at all— Our table being small our company
is divided into two parts, each sitting down first for a week
alternately. The Capt. always with the first table— His officers
eat by themselves in the steerage.
It is becoming here to record the kindness of Capt. Swain
during our sickness. He spared no pains or stores to render us
comfortable . This was unexpected by me and therefore an agreeable
disappointment-- Building my expectations on the treatment some
other missionaries received on their way to the Pacific, I had
anticipated but little kindness on the part of the Capt. and his
officers, but God has done more for me than I expected he would do
which is a reproof to my unbelief.
Many of the sweetmeats kindly furnished us by our friends in
Germantown, Pa. were of great service to us. Something sour, such
as prunes, tamarines, cranberries, or such articles as the essence
of chickerberries, tanzy, peppermint are peculiarly reviving to a
sea-sick stomach-- As to diet the best I could find was corn-meal
gruel, arrowroot with a little wine in it, or hasty-pudding,
�- 3 commonly called mush. But nothing was more reviving than a bottle
of current-wine put up for us by some good friend in Westfield. I
regreted exceedingly that we had not more of it; indeed most of what
we had was accidently spilled to our great regret— Persons going to
sea for the first time, I think had better always have a little wine.
Our emotions of gratitude to God for past favours have been
deepened by the sight of a wreck of a vessel wh we beheld on the fourth
day after our imbarkation. It was a fine brig with the inscription
on its stern "Corsair of Charleston1’
. It was filled with water to
the brim and seemed to have been loaded with cotton. It doubtless
met its misfortune in the recent storm and probably all its crew
perished, and perhaps some of them or all of them without hope. What
a melancholy endj to be hurried into the depths of the ocean amidst
the fury and terror of a storm, there to lie until the sea shall give
up its dead— But the Judge of all the earth will do right, although
his ways are unsearchable.
My Journal has hitherto been
sickness, my attention to my wife,
place for writing— And now I only
important occurrences of my voyage
and gratify a few of my friends by
neglected, in consequence of my
and the want of a convenient
expect to record a few of the most
to assist my own memory in future,
its perusal sometime hereafter.
DEC. 8th:
My health is still improving: I have an insatiable appetite,
but am afraid to gratify it, especially by eating salt meat, of
which we are obliged to make so much use on board. But some of the
sisters have volunteered their services in preparing pies, puddings,
cakes, dumplins and other good things, which remind us of the
luxuries of home— Our Steward too has been very good so far in
cooking them— Today for the first time I have ventured to ascend
aloft as high as the top of the misen-mast. One great difficulty
I find will be a want of proper exercise, but climbing the rigging
will answer, if I have energy enough to do it.
So far the sailors are very obliging to our company but how
long this will continue is hard to tell. They are about twenty-nine
in number, and generally very dissipated and thoughtless men, some
of them deeply and dangerously tainted with universal!sm— that
horrible doctrine which gives licentiousness loose rein, and leaves
men secure in their sins. I am aware that our responsibility in
regard to them is very great. However ignorant and degraded they
are, still their souls immortal and invaluable: Still they are on
their way to judgement and how they shall fare in that solemn hour
may depend much (on) our conduct towards them and our walk before
them— All our levity, and conversation whether proper or improper
will be observed by them and will more or less affect them. This is
a prevailing sin among Christians, and doubtless very much retards
�-
If
-
the growth of grace in their hearts and weakens the influence of
their example on others.
One great inconvenience attending our present situation is the
want of oil. Being placed on deck rather insecurely, it was all
swept away during the storm, and we have no light except what is
made of some dirty butter or some lard put amongst our stores and do
not expect to have any oil until the crew can succeed in killing a
whale, or the ship puts into some South-American port.
Dec. 20th In lat 10.50. Long 31-jjr
Although we are within the tr6pics the weather is exceedingly
pleasant. We have generally a good breeze on deck But those of our
company who are unable to leave their rooms, feel the heat to be
quite oppressive— It often rises in our rooms to 80° Farenheight—
During last week we had several squalls, and most of us had a return
of sea-sickness— We are now wafted by the trade-winds. wh always
blow in one and the same directions, and extend as far as 30° N. lat.
and 30° S. Why they are called Trade-Winds, I am unable to ascertain
probably because they are so advantageous to trading ships— Our
Capt. intended to have called at the Cape De Verde Islands off the
coast of Africa, in order to replenish our stores with a supply of
fruits, but the winds being adverse, and all being desirous of pro
ceeding on our voyage, it was deemed expedient not to call at the
Islands.
Most of our company have recovered from sea-sickness, but Mr.
Alexander and Mrs. Lyman are both very ill, the former being attacked
by an intermittant and the latter by a bilious fever. Their con
dition is rather sad as their accommodations are poor, and they
suffer much from want of room, air, as well as from the intolerable
stench of the ship. No one who has never been to sea can have a
proper idea of how much sick persons suffer from these causes—
But it is a great mercy that we have a physician on board belong
ing to our own company. I know not what would have been the conse
quence had we been without him: Several others of our company are
yet unwell. My dear C- has suffered excessively from sickness as
well as other causes: She is yet quite feeble, especially in the
morning, She vomits excessively. But we have all reason to bless
God for his mercy constantly shown to us— The enterprise in which
we are engaged is and ever has been attended with trials, and those
who engage in it should expect to meet with them at every step. Such
were the accompaniments of prophetic and apostolic labour in this
same enterprise; many of them dwelt in caves, holes and dens of the
(?), being persecuted, afflicted, tormented: yea, and such were the
trials of Him who is greater than Prophets and Apostles. He
suffered from all the calamities, wh are incident to human life,
from hunger, thirst, cold, heat, sickness and from death itself—
And why should I expect to be freed from these sufferings: It is
enough for the servant that he be as his Lord: And besides, these
�- 5 light afflictions are not worthy to be compared with the glory that
shall be revealed: They are to work for us a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory- Why then should I feint or grow weary under
them?
Let cares like a wild deluge come
And storms of sorrow fall.
If they but waft me onward and upward to my home and my crown in the
skies.
We hold worship morning and evening, on deck when practicable;
The Capt. always attends when his duties will allow him, but scarcely
any of the officers or crew attend. They are all men who seem to
care for none of these things; The first mate has shown a marked
contempt for the worship of God, although he is very willing to con
verse on the subject of religion. We have preaching also twice on
the Sab. and a Bible class in the afternoon among ourselves for our
mutual improvement in a knowledge of the Scriptures, which is a most
pleasant and profitable exercise-- A Bible-class has also been
formed amongst the sailors which is attended by about two thirds of
them. This is now our principle hope of showing them good: the word
of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, and
may it prove the power of God and the wisdom of God to the salvation
of some of these poor sailors.
Although we have been more than four
seen a living thing off the ship, save one
chickens, and a few flying fish. They are
pan fish. I had one of them which flew on
for C-’
s breakfast, and she relished it as
weeks at sea, I have not
or two of Mother Careys
small but an excellent
deck one night cooked
the best of luxuries.
I intended to have given much of my time while on my voyage
to study and writing, but find it rather difficult so to do- The
rocking of the vessel is so incessant, the deck is too much a
scene of bustle and interruption for study, and my state room is so
small and has so little air circulating through it as to be incon
venient for study, and the cabin is quite crowded, being a general
dining and sitting room.
It is difficult also to keep the heart right anywhere but
particularly so in such circumstances as those in which I am placed.
In order to preserve the graces of the heart in lively and vigorous
exercise, the soul must be alone with God where it may in solemn
silence turn in upon itself and become acquainted with its own evil
propensities, the out and inlets of sin, and place a double guard
upon them where it may rise and dwell upon the majesty and glory
of the invisible yet omnipotent God, and thus be filled with the full
ness of his love, and be affected with the glory of his majesty.
But this retirement cannot be had on board a vessel where there (are)
so many passengers, so much baggage, stores, etc. When I retire to
my room- the air is so confined and the stench is so unpleasant as
�st» to prostrate my faculties almost at once, and the only method
I have been able to adopt has been to ascend the rigging to the
(?) of the mast- a semicircle at the top of the mast with rungs
across it and fenders around it so that a person may sit or stand
upon it safely and somewhat comfortably. But when the vessel rocks
much it is but a poor place for meditation. I usually ascend to it
just before retiring to bed at night.
Dec. 26th Lat. 3°.8* Long. 2V3.
For want of a convenient place to write I am obliged to be rather
irregular in keeping my journal; so that many of the small incidents
noted are not recorded immediately upon their occurence, but the
events of several days are often put down at once.
For several weeks after we sailed we saw scarcely a living
thing, but since we have seen multitudes of flying fish (these are
about
inches long, and small, like the chubb found in the small
streams of Penna, and have wings resembling in some measure those
of the bat, but are much more delicate and beautiful. There is no
way of catching them, but they often mistake their course in the
night and fly on board vessels). Porpoises, sharks, albicores,
dolphin, skipjacks, bouvettos(?5 and whales. Some of all of these
have been taken by our crew. The flesh of the porpoise was quite
palatable to us, especially the liver, wh can scarcely be distinguished
from that of a hog. We all eat of it heartily and it didus no harm.
But it is not to be compared with the meat of the Albicore or
Dolphin; these followed our vessel for a number of days in countless
millions: They swam with great swiftness close in along her sides,
and so thick that they seemed scarcely to have room to swim, and
in the night the ocean seemed to be illuminated by the phosphor
escence which emanated from them— Our Capt. and brethren caught
them in great quantities— indeed, more than all on board could use.
We almost lived on them for a while, but some got tired of them.
But it remained for Saturday the 2*fth of Dec. to bring with
it one of the most interesting scenes I ever beheld either on sea
or land. About 9 o'clock in the morning, while we were all lounging
about the sides of the ship, and hanging listlessly on our seats
passing away a beautiful clear morning, some reading, some talking
and others brooding over the blessedness of a sea-sick stomach
(for we are not all clear of sea-sickness yet) suddenly a cry was
heard and re-echoed fore and aft, a sperm whale.* A sperm whale.1
I looked and looked again but could see none. The Capt. however
and crew who are close observers of such things saw the spouting
of the whales distinctly. This is the only way by wh whales can be
seen at a distance, and the sperm whale is distinguished from all
others by its spray being thrown rather out before it than per
pendicularly. I too could soon see through a large spy-glass, at
a distance of perhaps two miles, the spray arising from the spout
of the whales, and once in a while the large hump on their backs—
Soon the boats were lowered, manned and fit(t)ed out with harpoons,
�- 7 lances or spears, ropes, etc. and set off in pursuit of the whales.
I ascended the foremast and with a small glass had a full view of
the whole scene— I saw the boats row out with six men in each,
until nothing could be seen of them but a dark spot floating in the
waves. I saw them approach and sink the harpoons into the monster
of the deep (this is an instrument about
feet long made of the
best of iron, and shaped somewhat thus
). A struggle
then commenced. The whale after receiving the harpoon often
endeavors to make its escape, and swims so fast as almost to snatch
the breath from those who are in the boat, for a long rope is
fastened to the harpoon, and also to the boat, and after striking
with the harpoon it is necessary to come up close along side the
monster and sink a lance into it that it may bleed to death— This
is an instrument about the same length of the harpoon and formed
thus:
.— * It is necessary that this be sent into the vital
parts of the whale, and then you may at a distance of a mile (see)
the blood thrown out his spouts into the air, and then he will soon
turn over upon his side and give up. He is then towed alongside the
vessel and lashed by ropes until he is cut up for boiling. The
crew brought in two which were about 30 feet long and afforded
about 33 Bis. of oil; In the course of three hours while the whale
men were off in the boats, several whales came close along side
the vessel all heading their way to the field of conflict. Besides
the two that were brought in another was killed but was lost for
want of proper care in the whalemen. These were small whales in
comparison with many of this species. Some were caught as much as
90 and 100 feet long and afford 100 or 115 Bis. of oil.
After the whales were brought in commenced the process of
cutting them and extracting (trying) the oil. The cutting is done
by a spade resembling a very large pruning hook with a long handle
wh enables the one who handles it to stand on the side of the vessel
and cut off the blubber or rind of the whale which is the only part
except the head wh is taken; to this blubber when partly cut loose
a large hook with pully (pully scratched out and tekle written in)
is fastened, and by means of a win-less, it is drawn on deck, where
it is cut in small pieces and thrown into large iron kettles, and
thus the oil extracted. The scraps or pieces from wh the oil is
taken serving as the best of fuel to boil the rest. The head is
the most valuable part of the whale; out of it a quantity of pure
oil can always be bailed without any further trouble.
VJhile the work of cutting the whales was going on it was
interesting to see the sharks pack around and even spring on top of
the whales or throw themselves under the spade of the whaleman—
Capt. Swain threw his harpoon into one and drew it on deck. It
was about six feet long and had a skin like a rasp. The jaws of
this animal are very powerful.
The whales were killed on Saturday, but the principle part
of the cutting and boiling was done on Sab. This was Christmas
day, but our company scarcely appeared on deck at all; we had
�- 8 preaching in the cabin conducted by brother Forbes twice— On
Christmas day of 1830 I made an address before the society of
Princeton in behalf of Missions to the Heathen, now I am on my way
to carry them the gospelJ Who can tell what a day or a year may bring
forth.
Dec. 27th Lat. 3°.M3*. Long. 20°
As we approach the Equator the weather grows warmer. We have
suffered considerably for a few days from heat, yet while on deck
we always have more or less of a breeze. Today we have but little
wind: the sails are flapping uselessly about the timbers and the
vessel scarcely moves. As the surface of the water is quite smooth
the Capt. proposed to those who wished to go out with him in a boat
and bathe in the salt water. Some were afraid of the sharks but some
ventured, among whom were Brs. Forbes, Emmerson and myself. But we
had not all yet gotten into the water about 1/2 mile from the ship,
until a shark appeared in the midst of us— I had bathed to my satis
faction as I was first out of the boat, and just returned to it with
Capt. Swain, Bro. Emmerson yet remaining a short distance from the
boat, when the shark came swimming leisurely around the end of the
boat. The alarm was given and brother Emmerson made his escape.
The Capt. sunk a spear into our unwelcome visitor, and dismissed
him no more to disturb our amusement. Whether he is living or dead
I know not, but I have not seen him since— We returned to the ship
feeling that we had made a narrow escape from the jaws of death, and
thankful for the deliverance.
Dec. 31. Under the Equator
Long.23°.3'
Another year is just now closing— a profitable time for
reflection— Look which way I will, backward, forward or around,
the prospect is fraught with interest— In looking over the events
of the past year, I see much cause for gratitude, love and humility,
as well as for increased confidence in the wisdom and goodness of
God. How many and how great mercies have I received at his hand.
To attempt an enumeration of them is vain. They are more than I can
number,- Health, friends, comforts, food and raiment have all been
mine. While others have been sick, I have been well: while others
have died, I have lived,and last though not least during the last
year (on the 25th of Sep) the Lord bestowed upon me the blessing of
a beloved companion, for which I can never be sufficiently thankful;
In looking forward my soul is filled with apprehensions: Events new,
and probably trying and dangerous await me. Shd my lot be cast in
one of the dark places of the earth, wh. is filled with the habita
tions of cruelty am I prepared for the worst? I feel doubtful about
it: my heart is so cold, and my faith so weak, that I cannot but fear—
But I will try to east all my cares for the future upon him who
careth for me, and who has promised that his grace shall be sufficient
for me. The commencement of a new year is a way-mark along the
journey of life, and how natural it is for the traveller to pause
at such a point and consider his ways— look back and mark the diffi
culties and dangers of the way in which he has come, the delusive
by-paths that have led him astray: and lay also plans and form new
resolutions for the rest of his journey. Such is now my case. May
the Lord teach me wherein I have erred in the past, and give me
�- 9 wisdom and strength to guide and support me for the future- Lord
impress upon my heart the value and rapidity of time; the weight
of eternal things, and inspire my soul with courage for the per
formance of every future duty.1
The kindness of our Capt. and officers still continues, and
even appears to increase. The Capt. appears indeed to be attached
to many of our company; as evidence of this he has made several of
them small presents as tokens of his kind regards- To my dear Che gave a beautiful copy of Youngs Night Thoughts, and today he gave
me a fine hair-brush- But so far as I can see neither he nor any of
the crew are in the least impressed as yet with the power of divine
truth. Doubtless much of the fault is to be laid upon us, who
ought to be as lights in the world- Our lives at least mine is not
sufficiently holy, and my conversation is not sufficiently heavenly,
to evince to those around me the reality of religion.
Jan 2nd 1832. Lat. 1°.5’
Today we are surrounded above by clouds of sea-gulls and below
by Albicors, Dolphin, etc. It affords me much pleasure to behold
these multitudes of living creatures, here amidst the wide waste
of waters, where such an air of sameness meets the eye everywhere,
and no variety appears, save once in a while the dashing surf,
and long successions of mountain waves rolling before the storm, and
the endless varying clouds in the distant sky- Many evenings have I
sat, and with pleasure contemplated the vast variety of forms, of
beasts, birds and creeping things, formed by the wild evening clouds
at sea- This is a good means of relaxing the mind for those who have
a taste for it, and I cannot see that the pleasure derived from it
is at all different from that derived from paintings, flowers, land
scapes or such things. To-day some of us have amused ourselves by
shooting at a mark with a light fowling piece belonging to our Capt.
This has been an evening of uiiugual interest to us, being the
monthly concert for prayer. How sweet & yet how humiliating is the
reflection that many of our dear friends at home have this evening
met to pray for us. Surely there may be among so many an Elijah
or two whose prayers will bring down showers of blessings upon us.
We passed an hour together in the cabin and seemed to have Gods
presence.
The plan we have recently adopted at our evening worship we
find to be both interesting and profitable. I mean, each one
repeats a verse of scripture immediately after singing and just be
fore prayer. This has many advantages- It gives variety and interest
to our worship, fills the mind with scripture-truth and affords
proper topics for the prayer that is just to succeed.
Sister Lyman is yet very ill with a bilious fever, but there
is a prospect of her recovery. We are obliged to watch with her
constantly day and night and we take it in rotation. For want of
air, she must be fanned constantly. This is no small task. Several
�- 10 of our company are 'unwell, but we have a good physician with us wh.
is a great blessing.
Jan. 18th Port of Rio de Jeneiro.
On Sab morning the 15th we entered this harbour: about 10
o clock in the morning and the anchor was cast near the fort, where
we remained until the customary formalities of the port were gone
through- These were by no means few, neither were they quickly dis
patched- Not until tuesday morning were we permited to run down to
a more convenient place in the harbour in order to have the ship
repaired.
?
It is wrong at any time to murmur against the will of a wise
Providence, but I cd scarcely avoid feeling regret that it was on
Sab. morning we entered this harbour. On that day our thoughts
ought to be peculierly occupied with divine things, and not left to
wonder after vain curiosities and selfish gratifications; But I
found amidst such wild, beautiful and sublime scenery, it was ex
tremely difficult to have it thus occupied. I endeavoured however
to connect the contemplation of natures works, with thoughts of
natures God, and author- When the lofty peaks of the Sugar-loaf,
and the Corcovado, with the scarcely less magnificient hights that
surround them— all covered with a mantle of green shrubbery, and
fanned by spicy breezes from every quarter, while heavy clouds, of
shades both light and dark stretched along their sides and hung
around their tops, arose before the eye, who could help exclaiming,
f,how manifold are they works 0 Lord, in wisdom hast thou made them
all.' Such scenery I have never behold or even imagined as that wh.
surrounds Rio. Stuarts description of it is fine but no pen can
do it justice.
Owiiig to the confusion on board and the visits of the Custom
House officers we were unable to assemble for worship until nearly
12 o.clock when we met in the cabin (as it rained very heavily) for
a short season of prayer. Capt. Fisher of N. Bedford Mass. who had
just come on board and Capt. Swain attended- In the afternoon we
assembled again, and it fell to my lot to preach. My subject was
Heb. 11.7. The subject was a profitable one but my faith was too
weak to enter into it with spirit. On Sab. evening, as a vessel
was about to sail for Boston next morning, most of us were engaged
in writing to our friends in U.S.
On Monday morning Dr. Chapin & myself in company with Capt.
Swain went on shore in order to see the city and provide lodging for
our mission family, if possible. But how were we at once filled with
astonishment at the sights and sounds which we saw & heard.1 Negroes
nothing but negroes, could be seen look what direction you would;
some carrying barrels, others boxes, but more generally bags of
coffee on their heads- Again companies of them could be seen walk
(ing) in the palace-square and the streets chained together by a
heavy chain with long links, passing from one of their necks to the
other. These it seems are the convicts, who have been guilty of
murder, theft or some other offence. There are, I have several times
been told, about 3 slaves to one citizen in Rio de Jeneiro, and their
�- 11 condition is truly deplorable- They serve the place of beasts of bur
den entirely almost. Every article of transportation is carried or
hawled by them through the city, and they are sent out in the morn
ing by their masters and required to bring in a certain sum of
money before night or be punished. The money they must get whether
honestly or dishonestly, it makes no difference to the masterThey are liable too to be whipped to death, starved to death or
worked to death, at the will of the owner and no one notices it0 Slavery thou scourge of the poor African, how my soul hates thee.1
What heart will not bleed over the condition of the poor slave who
is bought and sold and fed like a beast, doomed to ignorance and
oppression and ignominy, just because his colour is black, and he
has not the power to resist oppression.
The houses of the city are generally made of stone and
plastered and covered with tile. They are low except the public
buildings and unhandsome on the outside. The furniture also is
coarse- Immediately in front of the landing stands the Empyrial
Palace. On the adjacent side of palace-square stands the Empirial
Chapel. The former of these buildings is very capacious, tho not
very high, not outwardly very splendid. The churches are generally
large, and inside are very splendid, being adorned with costly
images, chandeters, organs, pictures, alters and guilded archi
tecture. I several times visited the Empirial Chapel as the citizens
every day visit it more or less to say mass and was astonished at
the costliness of dressing. There are no seats provided for those
who enter, and visitors are going and coming constantly, the cere
mony to be observed being to take off the hat. The number of
worshipers however is small as all religion is held in contempt by
most of the people of Rio.
I soon became acquainted with Mr. Wright the former American
Consul, and Mr. Lewis, of Westfield, Mass. Both of them are Com
mission Merchants, and the latter was polite to me in going with me
to seek for boarding, and procure some articles in the stores.
Boarding at the Hotel being very expensive, above $1.00 per day
for each, we concluded it was best not to engage it, and live on the
vessel while in port. After taking a cup of coffee with Mr. Lewis,
we walked through the market. I was surprised to see its barrenness
in a city of above 150,000 inhabitants. In one part of the market
were fruits, bannanas, plantains, cucumbers, squashes, cabbages,
water & musk-melons, oranges, etc. The money occasioned one some
inconvenience. The only circulating media being coffier and paper.
The names of the coper pieces
rtes
Vintous a
v
Patac
= 25 c
Millres = 50-60
Patagoons (?)
The value of this money is however constantly varying, and it is im
possible to fix its value except at a given point.
�12 Tuesday,(Feb.)17, 1832 (?)
All our company went on shore and after walking the streets
and attracting the gaze of the people by taking our wives with us,
we assembled at Mrs. Jonson's Hotel and resting an hour or two, and
talking with a pleasant and pious gentleman Capt. Briggs of
N. Bedford, Mass. we dined. After this we separated into companies,
some went to view the churches etc. in the city, by Capt. Briggs,
Br. Spaulding & w. & myself & w. & Mr. Lyon ascended a high hill on
wh. stands the church of St. Sebastian, from whom the city was
named; From the top of this eminence we had a fine view of the
harbour, the city, the Aqueduct, and the grand scenery around- But
a more delightful view still is had from that part of the hill on wh.
the Telegraph stands. This I visited on Wednesday and also an
adjacent guarden wh. lies on the side of the same hill, in which
grow a beautiful variety of shrubbery, flowers and fruits, such as
the following, oranges, lemons, limes, coffee, mango, pome granate,
mammon (?), grapes, bread fruit, with corn cabbage etc. See page
from the end.^*«9 <w72V)
Lat.33°- Long. 79°• 6'
Masa Fuero full in view; the wind rather contrary, but the
weather exceedingly fine- All the crew except the first mate and
the Capt. who are both slightly indisposed, are well: Most of the
Miss, family are well, but Mrs. Emerson and Mrs. Chapin are still
confined to their births. The former has not enjoyed any good health
since our departure from Rio owing to a stubborn diarhea, induced
probably by bad water and an imprudent use of fruit, and aggravated
by the rocking and other inconveniences of the vessel: The latter
has suffered severely for five or six weeks under a bilious cholic,
induced probably by the same causes as in the former case; She has
been much reduced both by the desease and the medicines administered
for it, but has partially recovered. Mrs. Spaulding has also
recently been ill but is now convalescent. None of the females in
our company have escaped being more or less sick since we left Rio,
but none of them have been so seriously affected as those just
specified- The brethren have been more or less sea-sick but that is
all- I never enjoyed better health than I now do, and Br. Alexander
never looked so well as he now does, since I first knew him.
We have been most happily disappointed in our passage around
Cape Horn where we expected winds adverse, gales and tempest with
hail, and snow and cold, we have enjoyed fair winds, and moderate
weather, without even a squall ahead; At no time did I find it uncom
fortable walking on deck with my cloak around me. Before our
arrival at the Cape we met with two severe gales, the one in L a t A l 0^•2'- the other off Staten Land. The vessel "lay to" about five days
at each of those points, but sustained but little damage at either
of them; it may be said that we were not more than 16 days doubling
the Cape- Upon the whole we have enjoyed many comforts more than we
anticipated. The Lord has been better to us than our hopes and
�- 13 expectations. One thing added much to our enjoyment while doubling
the Cape, was a stove. This served not only the purpose of warming
us, but answered also the important end of warming and cooking many
drinks and diet for the sicks On this account it was of incalculable
benefit. It tended too to promote our social comfort very much.
Our days and nights had been tedious and dreary, but for the stove.
It was a rallying point. There we assembled at our leisure moments,
and as Capt. Swain says, "spun our long yarns"s Every one has his
story to tell- Sometimes the conversation was grave, sometimes cheer
ful, and sometimes dry. But it is not often that a man who has any
elasticity in his soul, will stand on deck and witness the dreary,
agitated ocean, while the fierce winds of Cape Horne howl through
the rigging, and around his ears, until he is pretty thoroughly
chilled, and then sit down by a warm stove and feel its gently re
laxing heat, penetrating and soothing his system, will be dry and
husky. Could one of our American friends have visited one of our
social circles, instead of lamenting our desolate and perilous con
dition, he would have congratulated us in view of our cheering com
fort. He would have thought that all the stores of science, poetry
and wit, as well as the rich treasures of memory, and the deep
fountains (of) religion were opened and spread out before us to re
gale and animate the soul, while the combined influence of light,
heat and wind, fair and fresh tended to strengthen the body. My
exercise has hitherto been walking the deck, climbing single ropes,
and the rigging. But a few days ago I ventured as high as the top
of the Main-Royal sail, which is the highest sail on the ship except
one, that is the sky sail and is more than one hundred feet from the
deck.
Capt. Swain still continues his kindness to us all. He is
always cheerful and denies none of our requests, that he can avoid.
The first note I often hear in the morning is, "Well, my son oome
out of that. It is time you were on deck, or examining the rigging."
But poor man, he has his failings, and one particularly which injures
himself more than anybody else. Br. Alexander had a serious conver
sation with him last night, and thinks he feels some. But the be
setting sin renders it discouraging-- 0 that God wd his own truth
to his salvation- The first mate is sometimes serious, but deeply
effected with prejudice and universalism. The remaining officers
and crew are hardened and rebelious. Blasphemy can be heard occasion
ally to fall from every mouth, and from some of them it pours forth
daily as deadly as poison and as black as the pit. They treat our
worship and our warnings with perfect contempt; poor souls they know
not what they do! Much seed has been sown amongst them by the Bibleclass, private conversations and public preaching, but none of it
yet seems to have taken root. It may however when they are far from
us spring up into everlasting life- If so, glory be to God.
In our meeting last evening the CXXI Ps. was read, which is
exceedingly appropriate to the circumstances. He that keepeth
Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps- The Lord has been our keeper;
�- lb He has been a shade upon our right hand. Nothing remarkable has
occured since we left Rio and therefore I have written nothingThe only living things taken were a porpoise and two Albertrosses,
which are large sea fowls of the size of a swan. They were caught
by a hook with a piece of bacon for bait.
March 31 st
Off Juan Frenandez. Two days ago we fell in company with the
Friendship from Farehaven Mass. commanded by Capt. Merchant, with
whom one of our brethren have a slight acquaintance. This same
vessel has sailed in co. with us more or less for eight weeks; we
first observed her just after leaving Rio, and have seen her
several times since. It is remarkable that two vessels traveling
such a broad road, under different commanders should meet so often.
Her 1st & Vth mate came on board the Averick before we arrived at
the cape, and got some oil as none had yet been taken by the Friend
ship, and this morning Capt. Merchant visited us. He appears to be
a generous and active man. He sent us a small quantity of crockery
wh. is very acceptable as our misfortunes have not left us a plate
apiece.
This morning all the males of our company went on shore to
gaze upon the spot so long celebrated as the solitary residence of
Alex. Selkirk. Capt. Swain Br. Chapin & Br. Spaulding having gone
on shore early had prepared the way for our introduction to the
Governor, who is a Chilian by the name of Joseph Larrien. He can
speak but little english but treated us with kindness and attention
and conversed with us through an interpreter, who is an English
resident here for the purpose of taking seales.
When we first entered his palace, he and his companions were
dining together with Capt. Swain, the Doctor & Br. Spaulding having
taken a long excursion into the mountains. He politely arose
shook hands with us all, and invited us to gather around his table
and partake of his repast. As there were so many of us and no
preparation had been made for us, we at first thought best to de
cline and begged to be excused. He then invited us to take some
wine & water; This request was complied with; The water was ex
cellent but the wine was miserable- The company having now finished
dining, and we being again requested by the Gov. to draw around
the table, and Capt. Swain having suggested that he might not be
pleased with a further refusal, we took our seats at the table.
Fresh and pretty good wheat biscuit, fresh butter, dried ham im
ported from America, sallad dressed with sweet oil, and fried eggs,
constituted the substance of our repast, the meats and vegetables
having been previously removed by the servants- The Gov. not being
able to speak English, some of us attempted to converse with him in
Latin, But he understood no more of this than what resembled the
Spanish tongue. An interpreter however was soon brought in, and
throgh him he informed us that”He was the gov. of the Island,
or the King”
— that he had been there about a year- that it was
�- 15 a poor time with him, as produce was rather scarce- and that he was
happy to see us all at his house- Being informed that we had ladies
on board of our vessel, he wished them all to come on shore and see
him. But as the (boat) was only to remain until evening & being
now mid-day, and wished to travel into the mountains and get some
fruit & moreover not being aware that boats were at our command,
the idea of having our wives go on shore was dropped. The Gov. also
invited us all to stay with him awhile, and he would send us to the
Sandwich Islands after a while.
After dinner I informed the Gov. that we now wished to walk
about a little and see the Island. He consented to go with us and
show us his caves which were dug in the side of the mountain for the
confinement and employment of the convicts wh. are banished hither
from Chili for various crimes. The island seems to be devoted to
this object at present, e.i. a place of banishment for criminalsof these their are now 105 on the island but they were nearly all
on the mountains in pursuit of wild goats- The caves are large
some of them being 120 feet long & perhaps 20 ft. high: In one a
blacksmith was at work, which was a ludicrous sight indeed: the
whole apparatus partaking more of the character of the early ages
of the world when civilization was in its infancy and the arts were
unknown- Another cave was used as a carpenter-shop, but as in the
former everything was rude in the extreme- Another was used for a
chapel- Yes even here are to be seen the marks of the beast.* The
chapel however was not very splendidly adorned, a few crosses,
candlesticks & pictures constituting the amount of its furniture.
In the other caves were some beds lying on the ground a few pots &
cooking furniture, and a few women and children. The caves are dug
in the side of a steep hill one row above the other being 9 in all,
and it requires considerable effort to ascend to the upper row from
the lower- It was fine sport for the Gov. to see us scramble up,
on our hands and feet but he ascended with us, scrambling, & laugh
ing with all his might, all the while. He is a short hulk of a man
& had I not had so much to do myself, I should have been disposed
to laugh at him.
After returning from the caves we left the Gov. and started
in search of some fruit. We traveled some distance along the deep
and fertile glens through the mountains, which are covered with
matts of the rankest herbage such as spearmint braken, etc. and a
variety of spicy shrubbery, and peaches in abundance, and also many
quince trees, but few quinces. The peaches are all cling-stones,
and posess a pretty good flavour, tho not so good I think as the
peaches in Penna, U.S.- We took as many of them as we could carry to
our boat without charge or molestation— plumbs, nectarines & apricots
are also said to grow here but we saw none. These deep vales are
extremely fertile, being covered with a black rich loam. It afforded
me no small delight to take my stand upon one of those lofty peaks
and contemplate just beneath me, scenery so luxurient and productive
�- 16 and inhale the fresh sea-breze that gently swept along the side of
the mountain. The day too was very pleasent- the sky being cloud
less and the weather quite temperate. The side of the mountain
which I ascended was covered with a variety of foliage & also
herbage- such (as) the laurel, white-wood, rhue, and balm in
abundance- of the two last I procured a quantity for use. Sandelwood formerly grew on the isl.but does not now. There is yet how
ever a little that is dry. Radishes also grow in abumdance also
potatoes, cabbage, pumpkins, onions, beans, figs, etc. But there is
a manifest want of proper attention to the cultivation of these or
any other productions of the island. With proper cultivation an
amazing amount of produce might be secured as is evident at a moment’
s
glance. I have seen fine large and beautiful radishes growing on
the very side of the mountain. Capt. Merchant of the Friendship,
told me he thought everything on the island was degenerating. He
was here ten years ago and produce was more abundunt and cheaper
than it is now. Onions are now sold for six pence each, potatoes
for from $3 to $&-- and other vegetables with proportionable extravigance- There are cows, sheep, hogs, goats both wild & tame, asses,
mules and fine fowls on the island. But with suitable attention
the land would support a great many more- They can now only be pro
cured at a high price. Fowls are sold generally at $1 per each;
but Capt. Swain got 9 for $5 from the Eng. Interpreter: Eggs cost
3 cts per each, and milch is very expensive, but a small portion
of each were procured. The Gov. in fact sent
bottles of milk and
a few apples which were imported from the main, on board our vessel
as a gift to the ladies.
There are at present 386 persons on the island, 73 females,
105 prisoners, *f6 soldiers, 2 officers, 160 farmers, if they may be
so termed. Among the convicts is one man of some distinction, who
has been sent here for sedition: There are two padres or priests
alsoamong the convicts. I spoke a few words to him in Latin but he
made as bad a hand at Latin as myself- The inhabitants appear to
be indolent, dirty and uncultivated lounging about with unshaven
beards and filthy clothes. The whole no. of houses are 25 mostly
clustered up together.*
As to the general aspect of the island it is exceedingly grand;
while I stood in the village I seemed to be in the midst of a
splendid amphitheatre formed by the hand of nature; The whole island
is a cluster of mountains, some of which are extremely high: the
loftiest peaks are perhaps 1,000 feet above the surface of the
ocean. They are composed of redstone, trap, and Basalt. The sides
of the mountains are covered with a thick, rich shrubbery, and
present upon the whole a most grand spectacle- About 5 0.clock our
boats were rowed into the vessel and is now on her way to the
S. Islands*They are built by inserting poles in the ground & then plastering
them with mortar, and thatched.
�- 17 April 10th Lat.19°. Lon.90°
Nothing particularly interesting has occured since we left
Juan Fernandez: We have had fine weather and fair winds, sailing
sometimes at the rate of 10 knots per hour; we had a distant view
of St. Felix in lat 26° but could see nothing but a broken pile of
lofty mountains enveloped in the distant clouds- The health of most
of our company is good; Mrss Emerson, Spaulding & Chapin are gaining
strength slowly. We are not now much troubled with the rocking of
the vessel which is favourable to our reading. This indeed is my
principal employment, as well as one of the greatest sources of my
enjoyment. Since our imbarkation I have read the following works
nearly in the order in wh. they are written, Baxters S. Rest, Help
to xtion Examination, Stewarts Visit to the South Seas, 3 vol. Ellis's
Polynesian researches, 3 vol. "Life of Scott, Br. of Legh Richmond,
Nathan Dickerman, (?) on Women, James's Family Monitor, Life of
Whitfield, Flavel on the heart, and part of Eberles Mat. Med. &
Theraputics; making in all 16 volumes. Besides these I have read
some scetches of poetry as Popes Essay on man, H. K. White & the Bible
in course as far as the 12th Chap of 2 Samuel.
I have read all the above works with much pleasure, and I hope
some profit, but none with more of either than "Flavel on the heart"This small volume may be safely recommended to every one who is
seeking for true happiness or true religian. Such a felicity of ex
pression, cogency & clearness of reasoning, and scill in quoting,
illustrating and applying the Scriptures both of the Old & New
Testament, every where appears in the work as to interest and
convince and profit every inquirer after truth. The author doubt
less had long and carefully studied the mysteries of his own heart.
He had searched it and judged it impartially by the light of divine
revelation. He had properly weighed his obligations to his Maker
and his fellow men and without running into wild speculations looked
at the endless vicissitudes of human life, the weakness of fallen
man, and the various dangers which beset the xtian pilgrim on his
journey home: and bringing the stores of reason & religion to his
aid proposes
a balm for every wound
a cordial for every fearThe reading of Whitfields life, I think was profitable to meSince the days of the Apostles there arose not a greater (man) than
this servant of the Lord Jesus- 0, what zeal, what wisdom, what
industry, patience, boldness and benevolance, he constantly displayed.'
His whole clerical career was glorious, and it terminated gloriously.
Though in perils oft, he ceased not while he had strength to do his
Masters work- He has well been compared to the angel in the
Apocalypse, who was seen flying in the midst of heaven, with the
everlasting gospel in his hand. Whitfield is resting 3E±om his
labours, and 0 if every soul born into the Kingdom, by his instru
mentality, be a gem in his eternal crown, what a splendid diadem
shall it be.' I had rather receive his reward than be king of the
universe and be a sinner-
�- 18 Rev. Thomas Scott, for unwearied perseverance in study, and
preaching the word, amidst trials, both in his own person, and
from his enemies, which were not few, presents an example that is
enough (to) cover common men with shame and confusion.
Legh Richmond also is a lovely character. He was remarkable
for the sweetness of his temper, the gentleness of his manners, his
concientiousness in duty, and his expansive benevolence. For the
benefit of Gods ancient people he was indefatigable in labour. His
example also as a parent is worthy of notice.
But what is the advantage of so much reading, unless we are
profited thereby? Here I have cause for humiliation. After all
my reading I seem to grow no better. Knowledge is of little use un
less it makes its possesser more humble, wise, and useful. But I
fear it is not so with me: May God give me more of his spirit to
sanctify all my reading, and make it contribute to my usefulness
and his glory—
April 18th
S. Lat 5°. Lon.105°
This morning two vessels appeared off our larboard bow, the
Lima of Nantucket and the Galena of N. Bedford. Capt. Winslow of
the Lima visited us and spent a short time on the Averick. He has
been out above 10 months and has secured about 500 Bis of oil, and
expects to remain in this region as long as he has success. He
informed us that he had a long (60 days) and stormy voyage around
Cape Horne- Expecting that he might have an pppertunity of sending
to America soon, we gave him some letters to transmit to our
friends. It is gratifying after being several months at sea to
behold the countenance of a countryman of another vessel.
I have just finished reading Taylors Holy Living and Dying,
and must say that I have read few books with more interest and
profit. The Author is well styled, the Shakespere of Divinity;
for a knowledge of human nature, of the history of ancient nations,
and the word of God, all of which he brings to bear on his subject,
he certainly excells.
April 27th Lat. b° N.
Long. 119°.
During the night of the 23d we crossed the Equator, three months
and twenty three days after crossing it in the Atlantic. The weather
is now very similar to what it was in the same lat. in the other
Ocean, rather rainy and swampy. The heat in the middle of the day
is very intense unless it is cloudy, yet it is generally much
moderated by sea breezes: These are a great blessing to those who
“
go down to the sea in ships." I find that something has had con
siderable effect on my appetite, as it (is) not so voracious as
formerly- I find it profitable too to eat moderately of as light
diet as I can get, and also to exercise freely and regularly- But
�- 19 it is one inconvenience on such long voyages that the provisions
become stale, and much of the diet consists of animal food- My
health is however very good, as also of all on board except one or
two of the ladies who are rather feeble yet.
Yesterday was a day of considerable excitement on board. The
cry "there she breeches", "there she blows was heard just after dinner
from the mast head and the spouts and backs of Sperm whales were soon
seen at a small distance from the ship- Four boats were lowered down
immediately, but before they reached the spot where the whales were
seen, they disappeared and were not seen again until the boats had
returned and the ship was again under sail. A number were then seen
close by us, and three boats were lowered down and went (in) pursuit
of them but they seem to have been frightened and the boats were
unable to overtake them, although they pursued them about three
miles. We now enjoy a refreshing shower of rain.
The following is a list of the names of our brethren and
sisters together with their weights
(157 lb.
(119.
William P. Alexander
Mary Ann McKinney
Age
State
26 Paris, Ky.
22 Harrisburgh, Pa.
(135
(115
Richd Armstrong
Clarissa Chapman
26
(133
(103
Alonzo Chapin
Mary Ann Jenny
27 W. Springfield, Mass.
27 Boston
U5k
( 98
John S. Emerson
Ursula S. Newell
31
25
(111
(1^3
Cochran Forbes
Rabecca Smith
26 Westown, Pa.
26 Newark, N. J.
(135
(
Henry R. Hitchcock
Rabeca Howard
31
23
(1^3
(12k
David B. Lyman
Sarah Joiner
28 New Hartford, Conn.
26 Royalton, Vt.
(111
(100
Lorenzo Lyons
Betsy Curtis
2k
19
Colerain, Mass.
Eldridge, N. Y.
(123
(119
Ephraim Spaulding
Julia Brooks
29
Ludlow, Vt.
Edward Rodgers
25
Boston
Weight
128
25
'T
'
Pa.
Russel, Mass.
Chester, N.Hampshire
Nelson, Do.
fry
Gt. .Berrington, Mass.
Owasco, N. Y.
21 Buckland, Mass.
These names and ages were taken down during the former part
of my voyage, and of course are not precisely correct at present.
The weights were ascertained last week by an old pair of steel-yards
on deck.
�- 20
April 30th Lat. 7 . Long. 121°
Nothing unusual has oecured within a few days past. The
weather is very variable; sometimes clear and warm, but generally
cloudy, and heavy. We have recently had abundance of rain, and
of course plenty for washing clothes. To this unaccostomed labour
most or rather all of our brethren have been obliged to address themselves- We have been even glad to be able to get water to do it
with, for this is one of the most valuable articles on a long voyage.
I have washed almost entirely in salt water since we embarked.
I am now reading the last vol. of Eberles Mat. Med. and
think it will be profitable to me. But I feel much the want of a
more extensive acquaintance with medicines from observation. I
am also reading the last part of the Pilgrims progress- a book
full of important truth.
One of the most interesting as well as profitable means of get
ting exercise on board is the turning-lathe. This impliment has kept
up an almost incessant clatter ever since we recovered from sea-sick
ness. We have all had a turn at it: Its productions have been
handles of various kinds, sugar dishes, salt-cellars, sugar dishes,
pepper boxes, sand-boxes, etc. Br. Alexander procured a limb of
sandal-wood on the Isl. of Juan Fz which has been divided and
subdivided among us until all are supplyed with some little
curiosity to send to our friends. The wood is solid and receives
a beautiful pollish under the chissel. Br. Spaulding owing to
former experience excels all of us at the lathe. He has turned
several beautiful sand boxes and emery-boxes or cups, e.i. cups in
the form of very small wine glasses into wh. emery balls may be
glewed for the purpose (of) holding needles.
I should here record what I have before omited that Thursday
the 19th of Apl was set apart by us as a day of fasting, humilia
tion and prayer to God, in view of our lukewarmness over want of
success among the sailors, our unhallowed feelings towards God
and each other, and in short our sins in the sight of God- It was
I trust good day to our souls, although no very palpable fruits
are yet manifest. We held two meetings for prayer and conversation
one at 3 o.clock in the afternoon, the other in the evening; At
the former we each one confessed our sins before God and to each
other, and implored forgiveness & the divine blessing to attend us
in future. The principal sins confessed were levity, iratability,
selfishness, unbrotherly feelings toward each other, and a want of
zeal for God; There seems to be a better state of feeling among
us since that time, but for one I feel as though I am still going
on at the same "poor dying rate". My heart wanders from God and
my affections and feeble and cold- 0 that God wd deliver me from my
besetting sins, of which those just mentioned are some, but not
the one thousandth part-
�- 21 As to the officers and crew, if there is any change in them
it is for the better. The Capt. is still attentive to meetings
and daily worship, and sometimes appears to be thoughtful, but
there is nothing decisive in his case. Mr. Chadwick appears to be
somewhat softened dovm but is still far from righteousness.
May 1st
We are still in the Swamp and have head winds; But the heat
is not very intense. It is now in my birth 82° Farenhight. Within
a few days the ruling passion among us has been that of writing.
The brethren are writing up their journals and preparing letters
for their friends, but as is usual I am among the last to be seized
with this passion. Somehow or other, I write but little, perhaps
because I feel so little interest in noting the passing common events
of every day. I will now however tjry to remedy the defect in some
measure by stating some minute particulars in our manner of living.
Agreeably to our custom one is appointed every week to super
intend the affairs of the table. His duty it is to deal out the
provisions to the Stuard from day to day: and a sholesome task it
is. He has the exquisite pleasure of going once or twice a day into
the
, and there to lift, and struggle, and sweat amidst ropes
and casks and smell the most offensive until he is fully satisfied.
The reason of his having this duty to perform is because of the
carelessness of the Steward and cabin boys, whose appropriate duty
it is to attend to these things. The Steward understands his duty
but cares not to perform it, finless he is under the influence either
of the rope or flattery. He has since our imbarkation taken several
paroxisms of all feeling and ill conduct, but recently has been
pretty good. Our cabin boy John Case too is a very bad boy. He
is both ill natured and unwilling to do his duty without chastise
ment. But he too has lately improved very much. He is more
pleasant and more dutiful than formerly. With these the Butler
must deal, and get along the best way he can. He also waits on the
table with an assistant and their two wives, and continues in office
one week; And so it goes on alphabetically. Dr. Chapin was appointed
by the board to take charge of our provisions but the task proved
rather burdensome wh. led to the above regulations.
Our provision upon the whole has been good and well preserved.
Our pork is fine but very fat, our hams are excellent our beef both
dried & salt is fine. I have not yet become fond of the sea-bread
but when toasted, or made in pudding it is quite palatable; we have
also good crackers, good peas, beans, tollerable good butter, but
no cheese as it was damaged during the former part of the voyage.
I find tea coffee and chockolate rather unsuitable for my system in
this climate and am half resolved to abandon the use of them. A
beverage made of the shells of the cocoa is very pleasent and
destitute of the bad qualities of the other drinks. Our dried apples
cannot be found wh. is quite a misfortune.
�- 22 April 3d.
For ten days we have been in the Swamp. We have variable
winds, much rain, and cloudy sultry weather, but this evening we
seem to be again in the trade wimds and are going at the rate of
10 knots an hour. All is well: yesterday a fine Dolphin was caught
by one of the sailors, which is among the most beautiful of fish.
There are multitudes of them and skipjacks, flying fish, dollars,
and large white tropical birds around the ship. All are engaged in
writing today.
May 9th
Lat. 18°.15! Long. 1^2°
Today about 12 o.clock the sun to us was perpendicular but
owing to a strong trade wind, the heat was not very intense. Indeed
this evening at worship some of our wives had their cloaks on and
found them comforting— Have spent the forenoon in rigging a tub
or looking at Mr. Maxie doing it- All is well without, for several
days we have had a strong trade-wind. We had a perpendicular on
the 13th Jan. in the Atlantic in Lat.21° .*+5Three months and
26 days.
May 21
Honolulu
On Thursday morning (17th) last we came to anchor in this
harbour, and beheld for the first time the sable heathen among whom
we so long expected to live and labour. Our brethren early in the
morning discryed the American flag waving at our mast head and
came on board to welcome us to the toils, privations & privileges
of the missionary-life. They imbraced us most cordially, and soon
we were conveyed in boats to the town & were again greeted by the
sisters of the mission at their houses. Soon we assembled at Mr.
Chamberlin, which is large & commodious where the general letter from
the board was read by Mr. Bingham, and a hymn sung & a prayer offered
to God for his blessing on us all. I was affected at the simplicity
and apparent godly sincerity of our brethren here. Their hearts
seem to be in the worke before them. 0 may we all forget the things
that are behind, and place our hearts upon our work and live for
him who loved us and gave himself for us. On Saturday night I
preached at Mr. C ’
s from Phil.2.5, but felt under some constraint
and my thoughts were wild & confused.
June 5th
Honolulu
'
This has been a day of peculiar interest in this placeThe people are overwhelmed with sorrow in consequence of the death
of the regent Kaahumanu, the wife of Iawahameha/. Her desease was
a diarhea, and has been preying on her system since our first
arrival and before it. A few days ago she was removed to her
country residence in the valley of Manoa, where there is a fresh
breeze and pleasent scenery, and where she was faithfully attended
by three physicians: but all efforts to restore her to health were
vain. Heavens decree was that she must die, but it pleased God
�- 23 to prepare her for the solemn event- Her house was set in order and
her lamp burning- She died in the exercise of a firm faith and lively
hope in Christ.
The voice of wailing is heard in all directions and many seem
to be sincerely sorrowful at the loss of their pious regent- She
was much beloved and useful in her latter days. Mr. Bingham,
"Whitney and several of the other Missionaries were present when she
died- Her loss will be sensibly felt by the Mission, but it is
better to put confidence in God than in princes. Today Br. Alexander
& I visited the valley of Manoa.
June 26th
Honolulu-
We have just closed our annual meeting and our brethren and
their families are beginning to scatter to their respective stations.
We were more than three weeks in session, during which time questions
of the last importance to the welfare of the mission were brought
under discussions Among these we?e the principal were the propriety
of establishing a mission on the Marquesas or Washington Islands,
the relative advantages of fixed salaries when compared with the
common stock system, improvement of the high school, location of
last reinforcement, the disposal of books, and the means of
affecting a revolution in the present oppressive system of taxa
tion in the government. The two first of these occupied the meeting
Several whole days, especially the Marquesas question. The subject
was dark and frought with difficulties on every hand, but after
four or five days deliberation, it was resolved to send a deputa
tion to the Society Islands to confer with our English brethren
there on the subject of a mission to the Marquesas, as the princi
pal difficulty in our way arose from their request that we should
not occupy that field.
July 16th
This evening an event has occured which I deem worthy of a place
both in my journal and in my memory. A missionary society has been
formed amongst the members of the church in this place for the pur
pose of aiding in the extension of the Redeemers Kingdom in
neighbouring islands. The most sanguine hopes of the brethren
have been exceeded in this affair, for none anticipated such re
sults. It was remarked by one of the pioneers of this mission
today at dinner that he did not believe that one of the chiefs
would contribute a dollar for the object but how pointedly has his
unbelief been reproved.1 About $107-2 has been already paid in &
more is expected. Considering all circumstances, the recent
ignorance and heathenish state of the people, their contracted
views, and want of training to such duties, and above all their
poverty, and the difficulties they have to get a little money,
this is truly encouraging- They seem to engage cheerfully in the
�-
2h
-
work, some of the chiefs gave five dollars each, and governor
Adams gave $2*f.50. May these dear people find by experience that
there is that giveth and yet increaseth, and that it is more
blessed to give than to receive.'
July 18th
Yesterday I became a father and of course now am the subject
of feelings before entirely unknown to me- An infant daughter is
now commited to our charge, to train up for usefulness, for
happiness, and for heaven: and who is sufficient for the responsi
bility! I cannot think of it without agitation. But we have both
I trust, in faith given it to God, and out of the mouths of babes
and sucklings he hath ordained praise. If we train it up in the
way it should go, we have his declaration, that when it is old, it
will not depart from it. If I know in my heart, it is my desire
that whatever may be the lot of this child in the present world,
God will save it from the ruins of the fall and raise it to glory
and immortality beyond the grave, through the infinite merits of
his son Jesus ChristThis afternoon the Miss. Packet has sailed for the Society
& Georgian Islands, to carry Brs. Whitney, Tinker, and Alexander
on a deputation to those islands, in order to confer with the Eng.
Missionaries there in reference to a mission to the Marquesas islands,
and the spread of the gospel in the other islands of the Pacific.
Aug. 13th
Honolulu
The Man of War. Patomac, commanded Downs is now here- This
is a fine large brig of sixty guns and carries, officers and all,
500 men- She has recently been engaged in a bloody battle with
the Malays on the coast of Summatra, who commited some outrage
upon an American Merchant vessel. They took possession of five
ports, burned their town, the town of
and killed about
100 men. The Patomac has been here ^ weeks and expects to sail
to-morrow for Valparaise- Com. Downs has conducted himself, so
far as I know, with very great propriety since he has been here.
He has called frequently at our houses, taken tea with the
missionaries several times, and attended church on the Sabbath.
In his deportment he is polite and affable, easy in his manners,
and very fond of ladies and children. Some of the officers have
manifasted hostility to the mission but many of them have mani
fested much kindness towards us, and have made liberal donations
to all our familie of conveniences for clothing house-keeping- One
deserves to be kept in memory; The crew have purchased an excellent
bell for the church in this place, and presented it. This will be
an invaluable gift for this people.
The young King Kauekeouli was absent when the Patomac arrived,
but was sent for to Maui: Since his arrival here he has made several
�- 25 entertainment for the Commander and his officers, one in the valley
of Manoa and the other in the Parrey. These the natives call a
Luau, from a part of the Karo-top, which forms an important part
of the feast- Not much however can be said in favour of the moral
tendency of these entertainments- The Commander in turn gave an
entertainment on board his vessel, to the chiefs, missionaries and
foreigners- The dinner was sumptuous, and good order prevailed so
long as I was on board. A dead set has been made against the
mission since the Man of War has been here, by the foreign residents,
but if God is for the mission who can be against it?
On Saturday, I preached on board the Patomac, (it being their
Sunday) from Heb.l2-lM~ and was kindly treated- The men were attentive
and some appeared solemn- The names of the Principal officers are
the following- Com. Downs, Lieut. Zubrick, Lieut. Wilson, Lieut.
Pinkam, Purser Mr. Slacum, Chaplain John M. Grier, Surgeon Dr. Jack
son, Assist. Surgeon Dr. Folse, Teacher Mr. Warrener. Mr. Grier
& Mr. Warrener have lived among the missionaries since they have been
in port.
Sept. 15th
Yesterday Mr. Fenlyson the governor of the colony at Columbia
River, sailed from this place. The items of information respecting
the Indians on the N.W. coast are the following- that the Indians
are considerably numerous, generally stationary on the cost, but
roving in the interior where they live by the chase; they are found
in groups of ^00 or 500 each, and live on fish principally on the
coast- are very savage and hostile to foreigners; but the governor
thinks it possible to civilize and christianize them. One and the
most destructive evil prevalent among them is intemperance. This
is very prevalent tho the J&um is not supplyed by the H. B. company
but from vessels touching there occasionally- they all believe in
the existance of a Supreme Being and believe in a future state of
rewards and punishments though these rewards and punishments will
be to their own crude notions of pleasure and pain. Those that live
by hunting believe that good people will go where they will catch
plenty of deer and buffaloe, and have good weather always, but the
bad will go where they will be always chasing deer but will never
be able to catch any and of course be always hungry. They worship
idols, the sun and moon, the stars, etc. Mr. Douglas informed me
that vast numbers of them had been carried off by desease recently.
Nov. 17th
This morning at sunrise the Missionary Packet was seen by us
off Diamond Hill. The Hawaian flag at her mast-head assured us
that we were not mistaken in supposing she had returned from a
voyage to the Society, Georgian and Marquesas Islands. Filled
with anxiety to know the result of a conference with our English
brethren of the South-sea islands, of a visit to the Marquesas Ils.
and fearful that some one of the little band might have fallen a
prey to death on the passage, Br. J^SJL and I went to the whorf,
�where a friend furnished us with a boat & crew to convey us on board
the Ann, a whale ship commanded by Capt. Brayton: there another boat
and crew were furnished us to go out and meet the Packet. All on
board were safe, Br. Whitney having remained at Maui, Brs. Alexander
and Tinker alone stood on the deck to receive us. They were in
good health and buoyant spirits, and taking a seat in our boat came
on shore, and were received into the embraces of their beloved wives
and the mission families.
After breakfast all the brethren and sisters of the station
assembled at our house to join in thanksgiving to God for his mercy
and to hear the result of their observations and inquiries. Mr.
Tinker read an abridged account of them, in which we all felt a
deep interest. The deputation reported that the English brethren
in the South Seas were with one exception willing that we should
go on and occupy the Washington islands, and that those islands were
in a favourable state for the reception of missionaries. They
express strong desires to have usgo among them speedily. May the
great head of the church gratify their wishes and send them the
bread of life as fast as the wings of the wind can carry it.
July 15. On board the brig. Dhaulle
in lat.0°. & Long.l^l W.
We are no (now) l*f days from Honolulu during most of which time
we have had strong winds and of course much sea sickness, though not
more than we anticipated- have had but two days of calm rainy
weather in the swamp which we are now past and today are running
close upon a strong southern trade wind.
We are all tollerably well, though our ladies somewhat
enfeebled by heat and sea sickness- Our accommodations are not of
the best kind, as our room Is small & much filled up with baggage
but we have no reason to complain. The Lord has mercifully keep
us so far, and will be our refuge still. Capt. Bancroft is
pleasant and indulgent to us, for which I desire to be thankful.
I can hardly conceive of a more intollerable prison than to be
placed on board a small vessel with poor accommodations, distressed
& dispirited with sea-sickness, and withal an unkind, unobliging,
unfeeling captain. We have plenty of food and it is well prepared
at proper seasons, and our only regret is that so much of it is
animal.
We have prayers in our cabin in
on deck when the Capt. & Mr. Smith, a
sometimes the two mates Messrs Gibson
ing on Sabbath either in the cabin or
the morning & in the evening
passenger, always attend &
& Brown- We have also preach
on deck.
Our little Caroline we find to be a troublesome charge on
the vessel, but we have been providentially provided with a faith
ful native man of the S.(?) Islands, who is able & willing to take
almost the entire care of her.
�- 27 J j M 2b
Tahiti
Arrived here this morning about 10 o.clock. This is certainly
a beautiful island. Nature here wears her loveliest dress. The
eye every where meets with virdant & fruitful groves. From the
beach to the topmost pinacle of the mountain everything is green
& flourishing. But the state of morals among the Tahitians is
deplorable. The mass of the population is given to idleness,
dissipation & vice. Intemperance is the great master evil of this
fair land. It runs through every grade of society and extends its
baleful influence to every part of this group of islands. This too
is (?) here as elsewhere of ten thousand other evils scarcely
less appaling than itself. Time is spent in idleness & folly, books
& mental improvement neglected, equity disregarded family discord
& strife produced, and above all the vast concerns of the soul
neglected. Intemperence in my view turns the whole complexion of
society dark and dismal any where, but among a heathen people
unaccustomed to restraints, it makes dreadful havoc- War too has
been here with some of its bloody horrors- It was occasioned by
the late marriage of the Queen Pomare which, seeing she had not
been divorced from her former husband, some of her people regarded
as unlawful, and therefore considered themselves justified in
disregarding her authority as Queen. After using various concilia
tory measures, which had no effect, the Queen sent an armed force
& after a smart skirmish in which between 20 & 30 were killed, the
rebels were completely routed. Peace is now restored, but as it is
not the peace of the Gospel, its foundation is but sand; the wicked
are like the troubled sea that cannot rest.
We have been kindly received & hospitably entertained in the
family of Rev. Z. Pritchard, to whom & his wife we feel under great
obligations for their kindness to us all, and especially to our
ladies who were enfeebled by sea-sickness.
25.
Mr. Bicknel, a merchant here & relative to an elder member of
the mission now deceased, has given us a fine young cow & calfthe choice of his numerous herd of cattle. This gentleman dertainly
deserves our thanks; He has thus testified at once his generosity,
his interest in our cause, and his concern for our welfare.
26.
This afternoon we took leave of our kind Christian friends Mr.
& Mrs. Pritchard & are now on our way before a fine westerly wind
to the land of our future toils & cares.
August 10th.
Massachusetts bay- Island of Nuuhiva. The Dhaulle came to
anchor this morning. Our deck was soon crowded with naked and
noisy natives who (men, women & children) came swimming off to us
in multitudes, as soon as the anchor was east. It throws a shade
�- 28 of melancholy over my weak mind to think of spending my days among
these wild, naked, rude & fierce barbarians: But I find consolation
in the Gospel, whose truths never were more cheering to my mindOf how small importance is it where a man is or what are his circum
stances in this life, if he possesses a well grounded hope of a
pure, holy & eternal rest in the Kingdom above! This hope is now,
& may it ever be, the anchor of my soul. One of our first items of
information was very melancholy, and calculated to produce fear in
our breasts. About 3 weeks ago, several foreigners residing in
this valley, went in a boat to the other side of the island for the
purpose of trading with a small tribe living there: While some
distance from the shore, the natives rose upon them, and attempted
to murder all of them, but two of them Collins & Morrison, taking
the alarm in season made their escape through the assistance of some
friendly natives. But two others by the name of
were killed by clubs and eaten by their murderers. In a few minutes
after they were killed, their bowels were taken out and eaten raw.1
What can be more revolting to the feelings of human nature than
such an act? The bodies were hung up to become tender before
they were eaten. The distressing event is said to have been owing
to a dispute which the two foreigners Collins & Morrison who escaped,
had had with the king of the valley of Iaiou. It was his intention
to have killed them, but providentially the stroke fell on two
others. This even illustrates what is the state morals among this
hitherto neglected people.
Hape, the most important chief in this valley is still sick;
but lying on his ba£k he received us with much apparent kindness
and at once offered us his own house to live in. We found him
lying on a single mat in his house and much wasted away. All the
chiefs & people appear to be pleased with our coming, but it is
evident that they are only looking at the lo(a)ves & fishes,
instead of any spiritual advantage- They expect that our coming
will bring many ships here & they will get to be as great a people
as those of Oahu.
Nothing excited so much interest as our wives & children.
While they remained in their cabin, which they deemed most prudent
until the curriosity of the natives had abated, every hatch & hole
through which they cd be seen was thronged with astonished spectatorsThe actions of some of them were truly ludicrous, when they first
saw the ladies & children; They jumped on the deck, clapped their
hands, laughed & uttered words of astonishment: While others showed
their perfect destitution of delicacy by lascivious gestures & the
most filthy language. In this respect too the females are no better
than the males- They all seem to be indelicate as even the brutes,
and more so.
7 A .i, isVj
12
.
Today Mrs. Parker & Mrs. Armstrong ventured on shore- the first
foreign females that ever came ashore in these islands. The interest
�- 29 they excited and the actions of the natives are not easily
described. They came running from every quarter inquiring of
each other ihea ta oahij^e "where are the women?" They crowded so
close upon us before & behind that it was difficult to pass along
the beech comfortably. Some would come up close to the ladies as
they walked by our sides, and look under their bonnets, then dance,
& shout, & laugh & run as though they had really lost their senses.
Some of the men were rather troublesome, but after a short call on
Hape we returned to the ship in safety.
The natural scenery of this valley certainly merits all that
has been said in its praise. The lofty hills which encircle it
are barren towards the top, but so firtile is the land and so
plentiful the showers of rain and the streams of water running
here & there down from the hills that the whole valley is covered
with the most beautiful groves of bread-fruit, cocoanuts & a great
variety of small shrubbery as well as mats of luxuriant vines, grass
8tc.
15 .
Today we left the Dhaulle to take up our abode among these
rude, noisy & depraved islanders. They have been as kind as we
cd expect in carrying our goods ashore, & from the landing to the
house: Nothing has yet been stolen from us; not because there is
no disposition on the part of the natives to steal but much owing
to the vigilence of Hape who, being unable to walk, had himself
carried to where our goods were landed & there lay & watched them
all day long. When any small article was landed such as might be
easily carried off he had it laid close by him that he might watch
it.
This afternoon our house a scene of noise & confusion. It
is a half house, built of small poles & covered with bread-fruit
leaf. It is about ^5 feet long &:i12 wide. 10 feet is divided
off for a store-room & when the other part is divided it leaves
us about 12 feet square for each family. When our beds & small
furniture are put in this, we have hardly room to move. This
afternoon our windows & doors are so crowded that we suffer for
want of air- a thing we very much need when labouring to regulate
things inside. It has been a hard day upon our wives, who were
weakened somewhat by the voyage & have had to come ashore in the
burning sun in the midst of a crowd of noisy, rude & troublesome
natives, and then had to go to work and fix things so as to be
able to live. With all our efforts we have not been able to keep
the natives out of our rooms so as to enable us to get along with
our work. Like Aesop's flies, driving out one set would only
leave room for another twice as troublesome to enter.
21.
Today the Dhaulle has left us & we are thrown more than ever
on divine providence.
�- 30 September 1-2
Today as our custom is we had english service at 10 0,clocksermon by Mr. Parker- text "prepare to meet thy God" All the foreign
ers who understand our language, with one exception were present &
gave good attention. May the spirit of God send the truth to their
hearts & make it effectual to their salvation. Our sanctuary has
hitherto been Hapes house which he offered to us the first sabbath
we were ashore & we have thought best to continue it there,
It is built of small poles & leaves, with one side open, and the
eve so low that we must stoop very low to enter it & after we have
entered can stand erect only near the middle.
The natives crowd around us & gaze while we are at worship;
they appear to be much interested in the singing, but the whole
performance seems to be a strange thing to them- We have some men
building houses & although they work but little any day we could
not prevail on them to leave off to-day- We are here deprived of
the solemn sailings of the Sabbath, we have been accustomed to
enjoy. Heathen songs & plays & tumults constantly disturb our
rest & meditations. We are so close to the shore that the noise
of a heavy surf sometimes drowns all other sounds except the screams
of the natives playing in it, and we are unable to hear when we
speak to each other, but we have (not) been so much disturbed to
day by any thing as by the play called here the uta- in the Sand
wich Islands, the huda. The exercise consists of clapping of hands
so as to keep regular time & send forth different sounds. At a
distance this sounds very much to me like many axes cutting timber
in a forest- all going at once. But while the company six in a
circle clapping their hands, one or two stand up and doubling up
one arm so as to form a hollow inside the elbow, strike oh it with
the palm of the other hand which produces a loud hollow sound like
beating on a hollow log. Another important part of the play is
beating the drum: This is made simply of a log hollowed out, with
a sharks skin stretched over the ends, and the music of it is no
better than beating on an empty barrel. There are commonly^several
of these in a play, and they can be heard at considerable distance.
The whole is accompMifed’
with a kind of song or chant and in the
whole performance a strict regard is had to time. The uta is the
common play at all the feasts, and both the sound and the sight of
it looks as much like heathenism as anything I see.
*•*?
Feasts here are numerous and last for several days. Hape
had one about the time of our arrival in commemmoration of his
mother, at whifih about 80 hogs were killed and a great quantity of
popoi was consumed; and there have been several recently in our
neighborhood, the noise of which could be heard all over the
valley- The guests eat enormously at these feasts, and much food
is wasted by them as well as time.
The food of the natives consist almost entirely of bread-fruit,
cocoanuts, fish & pork. Of the two last they have not abundance,
�- 31 at least at present, but they have commonly a sufficiency of the
two former- The cocoanuts are the largest and finest I ever saw
and the bread-fruit yields three crops in the year, one of which is
much more plentiful than the other two. During these seasons, the
natives bury in the ground what lasts them until the next season.
This that is buried when dug up & pounded into a thick paste is
what is called popoi.
One of our first objects is to build convenient houses to
dwell in, but we find no small difficulty in either getting timber
or natives to work. The only timber fit for building is bread
fruit & cocoanut, and these as they afford their only means of
subsistance, the natives are unwilling to cut down; And we are
unable to get them to work, because we have but little to hire them
with, that they value- The things most sought after by them are
powder, muskets, files, axes, iron hoops, & tobacco; of which we
have none but a few files & hatchets consequently we can get but
little work done: For one quid of tobacco I can hire a native to
work a whole day, while he would turn up his nose at one hundred
times its value in another article. Money they know nothing about.
But we have by perseverence and the good will of Hape, suc
ceeded in getting most of the larger sticks of timber for our houses
though we are obliged to go ourselves and work with our men. It
requires no small amount of patience to get along with such a
people. They are greatly averse to any kind of work, and when they
do attempt it, one works while half a dozen look on: And if a native
works two or three hours in a day it is as much as he is willing to
do.
Like all other heathen this people are slaves to superstition.
At every step we are liable to run across their tabus. When Hape
offered us his house to live in, a cocoanut log lay in it which we
wished to have removed. He assented but evidently with reluctance
and when it was removed by ourselves (for no Marquesian would take
hold of it) a number around us shed tears lest no strangers would
any more come to that house. There are also bread-fruit trees which
a native would not eat for any price, neither would he eat a fowl,
or a certain kind of hog for any consideration. Our watches are re
garded as Gods and I suppose some have a notion that we possess
singular power over the lives & welfare of men. Indeed one man said
the other day in a company where we were the subject of conversation,
that he was sure we could take all those old men who have long
white beards and transform them into young men. They are a people
too who see a great many ghosts & apparitions in the night, of
which they are very much afraid, and consequently seldom go abroad
alone in the night.
�- 32 15. Sabbath
.'£?(*+•
Our preaching in the native language commenced today. Br.
Alexander endeavoured to tell those who assembled though few,
something about Jehovah, the true God. The sermon did not exceed
two minutes in length, but seemed to be comprehended, and arrested
their attention as well as could be expected. I asked some women
after the exercise if they understood what was said they replied
that they did, and approved of it, but said the most of the people
did not like our God. They are an unthinking people & it is very
difficult to engage their attention to any subject which requires
thought, or is not connected with their immediate temporal concernsThe Spirit of God however can bring the dead to life, in his agency
is our hope19.
Today I have attended moanas wedding. In the morning we were
told of his intention, and Mr. Alexander & myself concluded to
accompany him to the house of his bride. His head was shaved in
the morning, and dressed off with a wrapper of white tapa, a
wreathe of handsome feathers, and a long human beard inserted so as
to stand up like a cockade on the forehead- A string of whales
teeth were cast about his neck, large bunches of human hair tied around his ancles, and a thick fold of tapa around his loins; These
constituted his marriage dress. Preceeded by two of his old fathers,
he set off for the house of his bride about 2 miles inland. On
our arrival at the house, we found three women sitting before the
door with a large piece of tapa spread on their laps ready to re
ceive the young chief; He took his seat on one of their laps, and
Br. A. & I sat on each side of him. The bride, a very pretty girl
of about 12 or 13 years, sat inside on a fine new mat; dressed with
a fold of white tapa, a fine turban of the same, and a piece of red
tapa around her waist. By & by Moana came in & took his seat by her
side, and an hour or two were spent in talking beating the drums,
in performing the uta. and then a scene of feasting on bread-fruit,
cocoa-nut milk and hogs which is to last for several days. We had
pressing invitations to stay & partake of their feast but begged
to be excused, & returned home22
.
My first effort at preaching in the Marquesian language was
made to-day. My subject was Jesus Christ, and the sermon not more
than three minutes in length. The audience was small chiefly com
posed of women & children: And so great was their disorder, talk
ing and laughing, that I could scarcely hear myself speak all the
time, though I find some who sat near me heard and understood most
of what was said. In the afternoon I conversed with several on
the subject of the sermon, and I feel satisfied that this people
will not give up their idolatry without a struggle. They say our
God is kikino (bad) because he will not allow one women to have more
than one husband, or rather, will not allow her to have as many as
�- 33 she pleases. They say Christ is kikino because he was killed and
put in the ground: And their gods are good. I have not yet met
with one who is willing to abandon his idols, and break his tabus.
In talking with two men this evening on the subject of their idols,
they seemed to grow quite angry & treated our God with the utmost
contempt.
30.
Today returned from the valley of Iaioa which I visited in
company with Mr. Angel. That valley though small certainly merits
all that has been said in praise of its beauty. The old chief
Iauahauia was not at home, but I spent a night in his house where
I had a single mat to sleep on and kaku to eat; a crowd gathered in
in the evening & I endeavoured to tell them of Jehovah & Jesus ChristThey said it was good, but stood to it that their Gods are true &
powerful- I have not met with one native any where who is willing
to renounce his Gods. The old prophet, as I saw him next day, de
sired me to come and live with him, but he evidently only looks
after loves (loaves?) & fishes He appeared to be exceedingly
coveteous and in every respect a bad man. On attempting to return
in a whale boat we were driven off to the leeward, the wind being
strong, and put in to a small bay 6 or 7 miles south west of Iaioa
from thence we traveled by land to this place. The most difficult
& dangerous route I ever traveled- On the mountains we had a heavy
shower which rendered our traveling still more fatiguing & un
pleasant.
On our return we found that Hape had had a rupture with his
wife, and they had separated- He determined to pull down the house
he lived in & burn it. This circumstance lead to the disclosure
that they had often quarreled before & that nothing is more common
than quarrels between husbands & wives- When we tell them the evils
of their custom, of one woman having two or three husbands, they
acknowledge the evils of it, and say it is the source of many
quarrels & much misery both to parents & children.
Oct. b.
The more I become acquainted with this people, the more I am
convinced of their awful state as to morals. Pauls description of
heathen nations in the first & third chapters of his Epistle to
the Romans, is not too strong to apply to them in the strictest
sense. Indeed he might have added another to his catalogue of
abominations not less horrid than the worst he has mentioned- I
mean cannabolism- It is highly probable that many of the persons,
especially the elder ones, around our doors every day have eaten
human flesh and wd not hesitate to do it again if they had oppertunity,
though they deny that they ever did it, and continually cast it as
a reproach on the Iaipis that they, kaikai euaua (eat men)- A
report is now in circulation that the natives intend when their old
Iaua (or man god) dies they will kill us and take our property.
The Iaua is now sick, and expected to die soon but the report does
not trouble us much as our things are not of such a kind as to
�-
3b
-
excite their cupidity very much, and because they know it wd be
against their own interest to injure us In that case ships wd not
be so likely to visit them, and this is their chief concern: At
any rate we dwell in a strong city for the Lord is our refuge &
rock, in him will we trust. If it is for his glory that we shd
become martyrs, let his will be done. To depart & be with Christ
is far better than dwelling amidst such a land as thisThe people do seem really be filled with all unrighteousness,
fornication, wickedness, coveteousness, maliciousness, envy, murder,
debate, deceit, malignaty. They are back-biters, haters of God,
despiteful, proud, disobedient to parents- without understanding,
covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful
Their mouths are full of cursing & bitterness. Their throat is an
open sepulcher- with their tongues they use deceit & the poison
of asps is under their lips- Their feet are swift to shed blood:
destruction & misery are in their way and the way of peace they have
not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes. This
forcible exhibition of heathenism is exceedingly applicable to this
people in their present state- Not one of these epithets is in
applicable, and others equally strong might be applied to them
without exaggeration, such as maneaters, thieves, liars etc. The
epithets most applicable in this description of the Apostles are
the following; fornication, coveteousness, deceit, covenant-breakers
With the first of these we meet every day. It is one of their most
darling (daring?) sins, and one which it will require more than
mere moral suasion to persuade them to abandon. The total destitu
tion of delicacy both among males & females, renders their society
almost intollerable for an hour to one who can understand their lan
guage. Indeed I cannot see that they possess a whit more modesty
or restraint than the inferior animals and many of them appear
worse, for they take pains to exhibit their pollution & licentious
ness in our presence. It seems to me that no language can be more
applicable than that of the Apostle, "Their throat is an open
sepulchre", from which streams of moral pestilence constantly pour
forth- I scarcely set down a moment any where among a crowd of
natives without either hearing something from their lips, or seeing
something in their actions to distress & disgust me: Ana often I
have returned home after being at work among them perfectly sick at
heart & threwn myself down to seek forgetfulness of what I had seen
& heard in sleep- What renders dealing with them in any respect
perplexing is their unblushing falsehood. I believe I may safely
say I have been told lies by natives since I have been here ten
times for once I have been told the truth. Lying is common that
they have no confidence in one anothers statements, and find it
hard to believe we are sincere when we tell them the truth. When
we have contracted with a man for a hog, or for a days work, or
any such thing we are but little more sure of it than before unless
we have something to offer that is exceedingly enticing. They are
also full of deceit. In the presence of each other they will be
very fair & friendly, while behind each others backs they will
revile, calumniate, steal or injure the very same persons. We
experience the same treatment $ls0 from them. Their thievishness
�- 36 ill & expected soon to die when a human sacrifice must be offered
according to custom. This they are devising plans to obtain, and
it is said they intend to unite with the Iaipis who also desire a
victim, and conquer this valley. The Iaipis have been expected
here in the attitude of war for some time, on which account some
of the foreigners & natives keep a watch every night on the beech
in two or three places where they are expected to land. Their mode
of attack is to come in the night in their large canoes & land at
some convenient place or lay off & swim ashore. Then one proceeds
silently to a house, looks in & counts the persons sleeping, when
he returns & selects from his companions as many as there are
individuals to be killed who with short heavy clubs in their hands
proceed to the house & commence the work of death. They kill all
if they can and carry them off for victims.
Every few days we hear of skirmishes between the different
tribes, & sometimes one two or as many as ten are killed, in a day,
but they are so cowardly & unskillful in war that their conflicts
are not generally bloody. A more implacable, deadly hatred cannot
exist than what exists between the different tribes of this peopleThey may most truly be said to be "implacable, unmerciful.'1
What is to be our lot is very uncertain. We have sometimes
fears within while there are fightings without, but they are a
people given to so much falsehood, and so easily alarmed that we
know not when or how much we are in danger. At any rate we dwell
in a strong city for God is for us and who can be against us?
This evening our little band observed the Lords Supper. It
was a sweet season to me. I preached from Prov.if.23. May the Master
of the feast ever attend us with his blessing in this lonely land,
and keep us near the fountains of his grace.
Nov. 3.
V
One of us still endeavours to say something to the people
every Sabbath, but it is awkwardly spoken & imperfectly understood.
We endeavour too in our daily intercourse with the people to call
their attention to divine things, though for want of a knowledge
of their language, what we say is very general and not very clear
to them. We can however tell them that their Gods are lies and no
Gods- that Jehova is the only true Gotl. We can also tell them that
many of their customs & actions are evil, such as stealing, lying,
filthy talk, fighting, evil speaking, adultery & the whole tribe of
tabus, etc. But scarcely any effect of our example or instructions
is yet perceptable. When we tell them their gods are tivaua (false),
they reply that our God is tivaua, and has no power. Sometimes
they will challenge us to cure Hape, the sick chief, and then they
will break their tabus- They assert that their gods are powerful
and will cite instances without number in which their power has
been exhibited in killing men, in saving them, etc. But their
�- 35 is another sin that rims wide & deep, and what is remarkable many
of them with whom I have conversed contend that it is good to steal
though they are fully sensible of its evil tendencies. This
prevalence of theft is one source of the extreme poverty of the
people. When we urge them to cultivate their lands and raise
potatoes, fowls, etc. they reply “
what is the use, when it will be
all stolen "from us"? They care not either to have any more
property than they can either carry around with them, or have
constantly under their eyes We often see a man with a knife fastened
on a string around his neck, an old spoon or something else by way
of ornament fastened on the same, with a long spear in his hand and
this constitutes his fortune as far as household or personal property
is concerneds Moreover it is much as he desires since more would
be cumbersome to him, and require more care than he is willing to
bestow upon it.
But no sin grows more rank here than coveteousnesss They seem
to look with a coveteous eye on every thing they see, that pleases
their fancy, although if it were given them, they would not keep it
a day, or return any thanks to the donors Such however is their
indolence that their desire for property does not create industry.
It is painful to witness the evil effects of the influence of
foreigners on this people- I mean not the foreigners who reside
amongst them but those who have visited them. Though they cannot
understand a sentence of decent English many men, women & children
have learned the most obscene & blasphemous words in our language.
Their mouths are litterally "full of cursing & bitterness, & the
poison of asps is under their tongues"- 0 that the time had come
when the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto God, then
seamen instead of spreading abroad among those who are already bad
enough firebrands, arrows & death, will carry with them the sweet
savour of the gospel.
Oct. 13 .
It is also true of this people that their feet are swift to
shed blood, & the way of peace they have not known- Three days
ago a company of Iaipis came to the head of this valley in order
to procure a victim for sacrifice. They lay in ambush with their
muskets until "several" this tribe, not suspecting, came along the
path by which they lay, when they fired but missed their aim, and
the others made their escape though narrowly. The fact is their
hearts are full of war; it occupies a great part of their conversa
tion, and thoughts- Muskets, powder & balls are in the greatest
demand, though they are so unskillful as to be able to do but
little injury on either side with all their apparatus of war.
27.
The atmosphere is still filled with rumours of war. A re
port is now abroad that the Iaipis & Iaioans intend to make war
speedily against this bay & the Hapas. The Iaua of the Iaioans is
�- 37 m««
feelings towards their gods are rather those of fear than of
reverence & love; When challenged to show wherein their Gods show
any love to them, they are at a stance & can make no reply. I have
lately heard some of them openly say that their gods are false &
bad- that they eat men, etc. and that Jehova is the true God. They
have so little regard for truth however, that I have but little
confidence in such expressions, especially when made in my presence.
Some of the people however are evidently becoming ashamed of their
foolish tabus. Whatever has been carried on mens shoulders is tabu
for the women to pass over, and as I saw some women a few days ago
passing along a path where some bread-fruit leaves were scattered
which had been carried by the men, and carefully removing the
leaves before them & laying them aside, I spoke to them, & told
them how foolish they were, they were evidently embarrassed, and
said by & by the tabu will be done; They said they were kikino
(bad)Qne thing is evident that the tabus are very oppressive to
the women, much more so than to the men, and therefore they will
be likely first to cast them off. Indeed it is not difficult now
to persuade many of the women to violate a tabu, provided no men are
present, but as they are so much in favor of the men, they are
interested to uphold them and therefore will deride & abuse severely
any who will break them. When the men make a feast, they take care
to carry all this food into a tabu house, whither the women cannot
go, and there they will feast day after day, while their families
at home are suffering from hunger, not because there is no food,
for natures God has provided abundance of that in this land but
because they cannot climb the bread-fruit trees & get it. And when
the husband comes home at night after feasting & carousing all day,
he will throw himself down on his mat and say his belly is full, and
how can he clim£ a bread-fruit tree now?
7th.
Mo--
Today moved into our new house- It has been a day of care &
bustle and yet one attended with many pleasant feelings. Our
situation has heretofore been extremely uncomfortable, our room
small, crowded & exposed continually to the noise, filthy language,
intrusions & theft of the natives, the inconvenience attending our
cooking out in the public street, where our wives, if they ventured
out, were liable to be insulted and maltreated, and above all in
the case of my own family our little Caroline, now fifteen months
and just acquiring language, was becoming familiar with native sounds
and learning native words much faster than our own, that we have
looked sometimes with almost a feverish impatience to the time when
we could find some relief in a more comfortable house and a more
retired situation. To this day therefore we have looked with no or
dinary anticipations of relief, and yet we have feard that the
transportation of our goods tho the distance is not over ten rods
�- 38 might so excite the cupidity of the natives as to expose them to
plunder or a great deal of theft but we had less difficulty than
we anticipated; though we have found it necessary to use the utmost
care & vigilance in our power in removing our things. While two
or three stout men carried, some of us remained in the room we
left and others in the new house, as watchers. Nothing has yet been
stolen, whatever may happen hereafter.
29.
For several days past the very atmosphere has been filled with
roumers of war- Blood-shed & death constitute the almost entire con
versation of both natives & foreigners, and the latter have been so
alarmed as to keep watch all night, lest their enemies come upon
them while asleep. The first report was that the Iaipis had formed
an alliance with the Iaioans to make war on the Iayis and extermi
nate them wholly. It seems however this is nothing more than idle
talk of which there is not a little afloat continually. At any
rate we have seen no good evidence as yet that such an alliance
has been formed - - It has also been reported day after day
that the Iaipis intend coming by night in twelve canoes to obtain
a victim in this valley. It has also been said that the Iaipis
have threatened to come & burn our houses while we are asleep,
because we live amongst the Ieis and are regarded as their friends.
The channel through which these reports pass is the relativesbf
the Ieis, who live amongst the Iaipis, & communnicate with their
friends here. This is a people so much given to falsehood, and
have so little else to do but talk, that it is difficult for us to
know how much danger we are in, or whether we are in any or not.
At any rate we dwell in a strong city for the Lord is our refuge
& rock: In Him we may trust tho the heathen rage and plot
destruction against us.
*T
Dec. 3.
Hape who has long been ill seems to be fast approaching his
end on earth, which occasions some new exhibitions of heathenism:
He lies in a small house, which is at particular times filled with
women who come to wail over him. But their tears do not appear to
be those of very deep-rooted affection as they may be seen sitting
with their hair all disshiveled, the tears streaming from their eyes
and they uttering the loudest lamentations over their sicK chief,
and in a minute or two the same individuals are seen laughing as
loud as they were crying before, and indulging themselves in levity
& folly; The heathen are without natural affection. The way the
men express their sorrow is by beating drums, blowing conchs,
clapping hands, singing songs, etc. In the night season they
sometimes keep up a hedious & distressing noise during a great part
of the night to the no small annoyance of their neighbors.
�- 39 Hape is likely to die as he has lived a heathen. He evidently
clings to his idolatry & superstition and has no proper ideas of
what is before him. When asked what he thinks of Jehoval, he replies
that he is good, but will not allow that his gods are false & cruel,
or that the tabus are foolish. He would believe in Jehova he says,
if he would cure him and so would all the people: But they say
if Jehova is so great and good, why does he not cure Hape? In that
case they say they will all take him as their God, & break their
tabus.
if.
T <?c ts
We were aroused this morning about 3 oclock by the firing of
guns, the blowing of chonks, the beating of drums, and heathen songs
& clapping of hands, the meaning of all which we well understood.
Such performances usually attend the death of any important person,
and in this case Hape was supposed to be just expiring he however
did not expire until about 7 0.clock. About that time I walked
down to see him as I heard he was still alive but he had breathed
his last & two men were just carrying him out of the house in which
he lay into a tabu house in order to wash him and dress him. There
heathenism began to exhibit a scene such as I have never before
witnessed or had any proper notions While a few men were attending
to the corpse, the women commenced a loud wailing accompanied with
dancing on the stone pavement before the house, throwing up their
arms with a quivering motion of the hand: At the same time throwing
off all their garments and exposing themselves in the most indelicate
manner possible & without the least apparent modesty; But what
rendered the scene most shocking of all, was their cutting them
selves with sharp stones. Two sisters of the deceased chief sat
wailing & sometimes dancing and thus gashing their bodies until the
blood ran trickling down them as though they had been wounded in
battle. As soon as the news spread almost the whole population
of this valley & some from neighbouring valleys assembled, the women
dressed in fine white tapa & some with beautiful head-dresses, made
of fine birds feathers, human hair, and white tapa, in order to
express their regard for their departed friend, and the men dressed
in all the fine things they could collect: The part they perform
is beating of drums, singing, or chanting, clapping of hands, and
sometimes yelling in the most terrific manner. This too is an
occasion of great feasting: ten hogs are to be killed tomorrow, and
a large number perhaps 30 cowfish (a sort of fish much resembling
the porpoise, only of a darker colour & larger) besides other small
fish have been procured for the occasion. The noise of drums,
songs, shouts and clapping of hands with the loud wailings and dis
gusting performances of the women have been kept up all day, until
my heart aches through & through over the
the follies &
pollutions of the heathen around me. About 10 o.clock Mr. Alexander
and I walked down to witness what was passing in the crowd that had
assembled, and there were from twelve to twenty women dancing
shamelessly in the burning sun, with all their unseemly parts
uncovered, and evidently gratified to be gazed upon by admiring
�Vo
-
-
spectators- In this way they express their regard for the deceased
person though it is not very easy to trace the connexion between the
action & the object, especially since there is not the slightest
appearence of grief to be seen in the countenances of the performersThe whole performance in fact partakes more of the nature of a farse
than any thing else. Not only the most prominent performers, but
even the nearest relatives of the deceased are seen wailing aloud
apparently in an agony of grief, and the next moment laughing as
heartily and acting with as much levity as though nothing was the
matter. The whole scene is most distressing to a civilized man to
behold & much more to Christian- Alas for apostate.1 what is without
a revelation? into what excesses will he not run.1 how low will he
sink in folly, pollution, & crime!
5. jj)«c.f8^
The performance of funeral rites has continued all night
without cessation and with rather more noise & tumult than in the
day time. The same individuals however do not perform all the time,
but the rites are kept up by fresh companies from other parts of
the island. As the consequence probably of yesterdays excesses in
wailing, dancing, etc. in so much heat, two women last (night?)
expired, and one of them is now stretched alonside of Hape. But
last night about 12 o.clock a messenger brought tidings to our ears
which produced no little agitation in our bosoms. The tidings were
that Morrison an Englishman who has lived here for seven or eight
years, and whose name is mentioned in Stewarts Visit to the South
Seas, was apparently dying. As he lived about 3A- of a mile from
us on the other side of the valley, and the road very rough, it
was sometime before Mr. Alexander & I arrived where he was, but on
our arrival we found that the sad news was too true. Not a symptom
of life remained though he had laid down as well and rather better
than usual as he has been for some time complaining of rumatie
pains. We have endeavoured to bu^y his remains in as Christian a
manner as possible, for the sake of example to the natives as well
as out of regard to the individual. While depositing the body in
the grave a native friend of the deceased presented a roasted pig,
to be deposited by the coffin lest his friend should suffer from
hunger. This is a silent admonition to us all to be prepared for
death at all hours. Morrison after he fell asleep as usual, never
spoke after. The cause of his death I suppose to have been
apoplexy. May the Lord bless these solemn warnings to us all!
The funeral rites of Hape still continue unabated. The whole
has become a scene of feasting, drunkenness, indecency, & reveling.
8.
The noise of drums, songs, and the coarse melancholy sound
of the chonk (the most doleful of all sounds) still remind us even
in the hours of night that we are in a heathen land: But we hope
for a cessation soon, as the people from Hapa have had there turn,
�{-pec ■
'*
-
hi
-
and the Iaioans are now taking theirs, with which the koika will
terminate.
There being a great many strangers about, I have spent a good
deal of time for a few days in conversing with them on the subject
of their religion, their human gods, their idols, tabus, etc. but
they universally defend them with all their cruelties & absurdities
to the utmost of their power. Their understandings are so darkened
& their prejudices so deeply rooted that it is difficult to pursue
any train of reasoning on any subject with them, or to confine their
attention for any length of time to one subject— much more to an
unwelcome one, and therefore we can do little yet but use positive
assertion, which goes but little ways against such ignorance &
prejudice.
They ascribe the death both of Morrison & Hape to the power
of their gods and one declared to me that one of their gods would
kill Jehovah by and by- Some admit that Jehovah is a true God, but
not the only true God.
Being the sabbath we had divine service this morning in Hapes
house, and a larger number of people were present than on any former
occasion. In the crowd were the old Iauahauia, mentioned in
Stewarts letters, the principal chief & human god of Iaioa, and a
chief from the Iaipis who are at war with the Ieis, (as on such
occasions there is a cessation of hostilities) together with a number
of chiefs and strangers from other parts of the island. They
appeared attentive while Br. Alexander declared & applied to them
the ten commandments, and many of them repeated them aloud as he
delivered them. The truth came close on the old Ieiua, but he had
taken too much kava (an intoxicating herb) to be much disturbed or
moved by it.
We have
Marquesian in
interest- On
in the native
translated three verses of a Hawaian hymn into
the singing of which the natives take considerable
last Sabbath also I made my first attempt to pray
language, but I am obliged to keep very near shore-
As Marquesians never bury their dead Hape still lies, though
putrid, in the house which we formerly occupied in which for want
of a better we are obliged to hold divine service. A kind of trough
made by hollowing out the half of the trunk of a large tree, and
smoothing it very handsomely, is his coffin, in which he lies
wrapped in large folds of tapa & ornamented around with long pieces
of beautiful white tapa streching from his feet partly along his
body & thence upward to the top of the house, on which are fastened
three large wreaths of long black feathers taken from the cock,
?
several bunches of whales teeth, and a strip of scarlet bumbaget
which is considered a most splendid ornaments All this is combined
with braided green cocoanut leaf, and so arranged as to display no
small degree of taste.
�- 1+2 But the corpse was this morning brought out and washed so
near our dwellings as to render our situation today almost in
tolerable. Br. Alexander was obliged to take refuge in our house
where the stench was as much as we could bare.
Today had a long conversation with Iauahauia, the pretended
god of Iaioa. Our topic was his system of idolatry, his pretentions
to supernatural power, his tabu, and the vices of the people, as well
as the claims of Jehovah to be the true God, and only God- The vices
of his people the old man did not hesitate to condemn though he is
perhaps as much given to them as any man on the island, but for his
wooden gods, his tabus, and his own supernatural power, he contended
with a decisian and a zeal worthy of any cause. He was not however
at all out of humour with me for telling him that his idols were
nothing but carved wood fit for fuel only, his tabus foolish and
absurd, and his own pretensions false. He wished to have me go to
Iaioa and live with him, and teach him, but it is evident that he
is looking more after the “
loves (loaves?) & fishes," than after the
golden treasures of true wisdom. In the afternoon I spent a half
an hour in conversation with a number of chiefs and people from
Iaioa, and was at least gratified with their attention to what I
said. The old Iaua as a mark of regard has exchanged names with
me.
lb.
My time has for some time been principally occupied in
endeavouring to acquire the language & teach the natives to read.
As soon as the necessary family duties of the morning are over,
I take my seat in my room appropriated for native company, and
there converse with all who may come in, men women and children:
Whenever a new word occurs, I write it down with the meaning if I
can find it & if not, leave it to be sought for afterwards. I
endeavour to vary the conversation as much as possible in order to
take the wider range through the language but usually turn to
something connected with morals or religion, in order to acquire
a facility in speaking on those subjects as soon as possible.
Our attempts to teach the natives the use of letters have
hitherto been almost fruitless. A company may call to-day and
learn a few of the letters of the alphabet but we may not see the
same individuals again for a week or a month, until they have for
gotten the very first letter. So every day we have pretty much a
new set of scholars, and when they do call it is no small diffi
culty to engage their attention for even a moment. They wd much
rather gaze about the room, talk about something filthy or trifling,
or more commonly lay down and sleep, than attempt to learn. Some
of them are very bright and with application wd learn rapidly but
many especially among the adults are as stupid as blocks. Their
confirmed habits of indolence, their fondness for sensual pleasure,
as well as their unsteady fugutive mode of life operate much against
their improvement in any way.
�-
1+3 -
15 - Sabbath
1)ee
Today we have been at our wits end to know where to hold
worship. Our usual place, has been Hape’
s house, because there
we generally have the largest audience, but today that place has
been intollerable on account of the stench arising from his dead
body. It has been so for several days although the natives both
sleep &neat as near him as they can get, and regard it as honour
able so to do, Hape being a high chief- Even in our own houses
which are from 8 to 10 rods off, we are often reminded that we are
in the "region & shadow of death"- The smell is insupportable when
the wind blows in our direction, but providentially it usually
blows another wayWe finally held worship this forenoon in Mr. Parkers house
where a few natives had assembled. It was my turn to conduct the
exercise, and after singing a native hymn, I attempted to tell
them of the goodness of God Jehovah and contrast it with the crueltys
and bloody rites of their gods. Some sat & seemed to listen to what
was said but others talked & laughed, and ridiculed: And some were
disposed to quarrel demanding in the midst of the discourse who it
was that killed Morrison.’signifying that it was their gods and not
Jehoval. No small amount of patience is requisite to preach to
such an audience: Not unfrequently we cannot be heard at all for
the interruption occasioned by laughing, talking, jesting, rideculing, quarreling and filthy noises of the company.
Dec. 29
Our ears are again assailed by rumours of war. Our neighbours
have been thrown into considerable trepidation by a report the
Iaioans & Iaipis have united to come upon them in arms, after they
shall have routed the people of Aditoka another small valley- This
is a favourable time to turn their attention to the source of their
wars & enmities-viz.their false god who demand human victims, and
I endeavoured to improve the oppertunity yesterday in private con
versation & today in my sermon, I endeavered to show the people
the transcendent superiority of Jehova over their human gods and
then told them when they cast away their gods their wars would cease
and their fears with them. They said tiatohu kikino to matau AtuaTrue, bad are our godsB Many of them acknowledge that their gods
are the source of all their wars, but yet say they are powerful and
they are afraid of their displeasureI am satisfied that the entire population are or have been
cannibals. A few days ago in conversation with a few individuals
considerably advanced in years, something like the following
dialogue took place- "When your ffaua or godman dies, what is the
first thing to be done- Ans- We seek a heaka or human victims
Where will you get him? Waihoi? Iaipi nehe- io Iaioa hehe: where
indeed from the Iaipis perhaps, from Iaioa perhaps— When you have
obtained a human victim: what then? Haika matou: we worship our
god (that is done by clapping hands, singing, beating drums, etc)
When this is done what is the next thing;- "Kaikai te auaua*’ eat
the man: heho eat him? the people back towards the mountain in
�this valley. What are their names? Here two or three old women
sitting by pointed to the individuals with whom I was conversing
and said "these men eat the victim." At this the one man engaged
held down his head & smiled as though he was puzzled, but said
nothing. By and by he said "with us it is good to eat men but with
you it is bad."
January 3d 183^
Last night at half past 10 we became the happy parents of a
X little son. Providence has smiled upon us, and may the young
immortal commited to our charge grow up under his fostering care
to be an instrument of good in the world and an air of glory here
after.
List of My Books
taken May 2*fth 1832
vol.
Library of Useful Knowledge 5
Eberles Mat. Modica
2
Horne on the Psalms
1
1
Goods book of nature
Jahn's Archeology
1
1
Stewarts Philosophy
Botany
1
Talors Holy living & dying
1
Millers Essay on the duty
of a ruling Elder
1
1
Paleys Nat. Theo.
Woodbridge's Geog.
1
1
Worcesters History
10
Edwards Works
Ernesti on Interpretation
1
2
Josephus
Prideeauxs Con
3
Euclid
1
Paynes Elements
1
Virgil
1
Blakes Nat. Phil.
1
Gastons collections
1
Fabers Dif. of Infidelity
1
do
do of Romanism
1
Paleys Evidences
H. Newell
Millaers Ch. Hist.
Wilkins Astronomy
Village Sermons
Larger Catechism
Infant S. Hymn book
Am. first class-book
Chemistry
1
1
5
1
3
1
1
1
1
Continued
Fishers Catechism
Mem. of Mrs. Judson
Butlers Analogy
Elements of History
Markii Med.
Payson's Sermons
Alexander on the Canon of S.
Memoirs of Payson
Memoirs of Legh Richmond
Cecils Remains
Help of Xi^n Examination
Roman Antiquities
Alexanders Geo. of Bible
Hulls lectures on Grammar
Urquharts life
Fabers dif. of Romanism
Cowpers Poems
Woods on Baptism
Family Monitor
Tribute to mem of Pilgrims
American Chesterfield
Childs Expositor
Beauties of K. White
Bible
Confession of Faith
Walkers Dictionary
Lords Supper
Tylers History
Bickerstett on prayer
Flavel on the heart
Kirk White
Stewarts Heb. grammar
Tales of a Traveller
Help to Genesis
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
�»*5 Continued
Continued
Hales Geography
Catlins Theology
Cases of Conscience
Bible
Life of Scott
Paradise lost
Self Knowledge
? Cornett Weisome
u ' Pilgrims Progress
Church members guide
Hume & S*s Hist, of Eng.
General class-book
History of U.S.
Baxters, S's Rest
Beauties of Shakespere
Pollocks course of time
Am. popular lessons
Life of H. Martyn
Crudens Concordance
Mich. Heb. Bible
Simonis’
s Lexicon
Guide to peace
Alexanders hymns
Dwights
do
Murrays Grammar
Weeks Catechism
Walkers Dictionary
Bucks Theo. Die.
Wheelers Compend of Hist.
,**Vi Manuel of duf aut schools
Miss. Gazetteer'
Greek lexicon
Bush’
s Life of Mohamed
Revival sermons
Webbers Mathematics
Flavel’
s Touchstone
Campbell on the gospels
Hornes Introduction
Stewarts Commentary
Birds Sermons
Buchans Dom. Med.
Grunds Solid Geometry
Do Plane geometry
Jamiesons Rhetoric
-tea Musieu Sacra
Handal & Hadyn^mu.
Popes Essay on man
Village Hymns
Babington on EduGoldsmiths Nat. Hist.
Preachers Manuel
Jamiesons Logifr
Mem. of Mrs. Huntington
Jays Exercises
Johnsons Dictionary
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Peter Parley’
s Geo.
Hist, of Redemption
7 Schlensners Lexicon
Chalmers Evidences
Alexanders do
Blairs Lectures
Night Thoughts
Beecher on Intemperance
SermonsT on Sabbath
Salvation made sure
Bible
Henry Wilhelm
Childs Expositor
Swans Letters on miss.
Hames Lectures
Tollicoffer on EduHomes Redeemers tears
Willistons Sermons
Stewarts Visit to S. Seas
Right to read S. defended
Picteti Theologia
Coleburns Sequal
All religions
Bonycastles Algebra
Hamilton on Baptism
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
Books taken from the
circulating Library of
the MissionMissionary Herald from 1822 to 1830
Martyns Sermons
Orations on Washington
Ecclesiastical Catechism by McLeod
Christian Orator
rv Sacra Pdivata
View of Heresies
Knoxes Essays
Panoplist 3d & 5th vols.
1+
Latin Dictionary
2
Ellis’
s Pol- Researches
1
Robinson’
s Lexicon
1
Tour
around
Hawaii
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
�J u t a f 4 .( i f
. k6 -
5 tc t-.('u
The sweet potatoe here is small and indifferent, and the
peaches want that delicious flavour wh. they possess in N. America.
Visited also the convent of St. Antonio, situated on the brow
of a hill back of the Empirial Palace, was introduced by a servant
into a small but beautiful garden in the midst of which stood a
large font of holy water,- was introduced also into several chapels
in the same hugh building, and impressed much with the splendor
there exhibited- Alas how much pains will men take to adorn temples
made with hand in order to secure heaven, but how little will they
take adorn the heart- the seat of holiness, & the fountain of life!
But a few steps from this convent unwitnessed, a most dis
gusting scene- In a large bason, supplied from a fountain with water,
stood perhaps 100 negroes washing clothes, men women & children,
but chiefly women, some were entirely naked, others partly and
some with their clothes tied up around their waist. This proves the
state of morals in that place to be deplorable, for who that possess
es the least sense of delicacy could contemplate such a spectacle
without disapprobation and disgust.
During my absence on Wednesday Mr. Ker, an English merchant
sent a boat manned by five strapping negroes to convey us all to
his country residence at Praya-Vermilia, near Boata Fogo Beach.
Several of our company were absent, and it was inconvenient for
others to comply at that time with the gentlemans kind request; But
Br. Forbes & wife, Mrs. Lyon & Mrs. Armstrong consented to go with
to. Wilson, Mr. Ker's messenger, and enjoy his hospitality. On
Thursday a boat was sent for the remainder of us, and we all had a
delightful visit- We passed close along the base of the Sugar Loaf
and the adjacent mountain and landed on Praya VerMilia beach. It
was truly enchanting to contemplate the scenery around us. No pen
is adequate to describe it. Mr. Ker’
s mansion is situated in a
deep and firtile valley, with a range of lofty and irregular
mountains on each; The Corcovado elevates its lofty peak in full
view, while the clouds roll along and hang in sublime confusion
around its top. The sides and very tops of these mountains are
covered with beautiful virdure; the stately cocoa-nut grows luxuriant
ly and flowers abound- Upon the whole they present a most grand
appearance, and are well calculated to impress the mind with the
majesty and wonders of natures God.
We spent the afternoon wh. was far advanced when we arrived
in walking in Mr. Kers garden, (he being yet in the city) and de
lighting ourselves with the fruits and flowers. The garden wants
cultivation but still it afforded us much to contemplate the
cinnamon tree, the clove, the pomgranate, etc. Early in the even
ing we partook of a plentiful repast, and soon after Mr. Ker, in
company with Mr. McKie, & capt. Ainly, returned from the city.
I was much pleased with all of them both as gentlemen & Christians.
Mr. Ker appeared to be truly cordial and in his hospitality, and pious
in his conversation. And what deserves notice, his peculiar senti
ments in regard to the second coming of Christ did not seem to
�-if7
-
prevent the exercise of his kind feelings towards us. After
prayer we repaired to our vessel leaving Mr. & Mrs. Lyman who
was unwell, at Mr. Ker's house, while we shd be in port.
Mr. Ker insisted upon our all coining to visit him again on
the following Sab. eve. the 22d. After attending worship on board
the Inscaloosa, Capt. Chase, under the Bethel flag where Br. Alex
ander preached to a very respectable congregation of seamen and
some English residents, most of our co. were conveyed in a large
boat such as Mr. Stewart describes, to Mr. Kers where it fell to
my lot to preach. It afforded me much pleasure to declare the
truths of the Gospel in that destitute land. My text was heb.l2.1lf:
Several of the ship-masters, Capts. Chase, Holbrook, Phillips,
Hardie, & Swain were present and several english neighbours. The
meeting was interesting and solemn; After tea we returned again
to our vessel. Several of our co. visited Mr. Ker once or twice dur
ing the two following weeks; Br. Emerson & Forbes preached there
on two evenings to small audiences, and on one afternoon Mr. Ker
exhibited his sentiments on the second coming of X.
We experienced very much kindness from the Capts above
mentioned; Their services & those of their boats were at our bidding:
Capt. Hardie, being an intimate friend of some of my friends in Balt,
showed me & mine marked attention. Br. Alex=- & wife & my f & wife
dined with him on the Laffayette and enjoyed our visit much. Part
of our co. on one afternoon visited Capt. Holbrooks vessel, with
whom I was much pleased-
�
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i . JOURNAL OF MR. ARMSTRONG ON THE ISLAND OF MAUI - MISSIONARY HERALD, July 1838, p. 244
(The first entry in the journal given below was made by Mr. Armstrong on the 10th
of June, 1857, immediately after his return from the general meeting of the
brethren for business at Honolulu, on the island of Oahu.)
(M.H. heading - General Seriousness at Wailuku - Improvement at Molokai.)
On our return we find our people at Wailuku in an interesting state. They
almost devoured us with kindness on our landing, and many who have long been shy
of us, and stupid as to the concerns of the soul, now draw nigh to present their
aloha, love. Meetings are full and uncommonly solemn. Even among the children
there are very encouraging appearances. Many are tender and evidently thoughtful.
Some very aged persons, too, are thinking on their ways. I have noticed several,
who have been apparently lost in insensibility and mental darkness, when they come
to meeting, press through the crowd so as to get a seat near the desk, and give the
most watchful attention during the whole service. Several very old men have called
to converse on the things of religion, and appear to feel some concern for their
souls. How interesting and animating to see these old people, some of whom have
lived three score years in unbroken moral darkness, and under nil the hardening,
stupifying, degrading influences of one of the lowest forms of heathenism, now in
their old age, groping their way to the gates of heaven, and feeling after that
blessed God, of ?hom they were so long ignorantl %■ heart melts within me when I
look upon their hoary hairs and furrowed cheeks. Can such almost literally dry bones
live? Can an old sinner - an old heathen sinner, hardened by time, ignorance, pre
judice and habit, repent and be saved? Yes, this is all possible, and may it prove
to be actual fact in the case of this antiquated group*
One poor old man, whose locks are white as wool, and who walks leaning on his
staff, (I should think from his appearance he is as old as ninety) came in today.
He appeared very poor, had nothing on but a piagle piece of dirty native cloth
around his shoulder, but his countenance was animated, and he spoke feelingly. He
said, "I was a lad in the reign of Kahe-Kili, and I waw the wars of Tamehameha, but
I have lived till just now, without knowing right and wrong. Now, behold, when I
am bent with age and lean upon my staff, light has broke over mel Very stranget
Formerly it was all dark and bad, now I see a little." I feel reproved for my want
of faith in regard to these old people, for I confess they appeared to me heretofore
as hopelessly gone. What that lies in the line of his mercy cannot the grace of
God accomplish?
July 20. 1957. I have just returned from Molokai where I spent a few days
with Mr. Hitchcock in a protracted meeting. We had a good meeting, though not so
strongly marked with solemnity as some I have attended. It commenced on Thursday
and closed on Sabbath evening. Six or seven hundred attended daily and on Sabbath
there were over one thousand present.
I could not but be gratified with tjie improvement at the Molokai station since
I visited it; three years ago. Instead of the low, long, narrow, dirty, thatched
meeting house, in which the congregation then worshipped, they have now a spacious
stone meeting-house, one story high, with a convenient pulpit and glass windows,
carpeted and ceiled with mats, and every way comfortable. Instead of no schoolhouse at all, "tjhere is now a stone one of prodigious dimensions, furnished with
desks and feenchess instead too of the small grass dwelling, standing "all out of
doors", there is now a comfortable stone cottage, enclosed by a stone wall, which
takes in grouriiil enough for a garden and yard. The natives too have gathered in
around the station, built more comfortable houses, some of stone, others in the
�Armstrong Journal
-21-
old style. Neither is the improvement confined to externals. Where there was no
church at all in 18S2, there is now one consisting of forty members. There is
also a daily school of children, under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Munn, of I think
170 scholars. The whole grouped together made a very pleasant impression upon my
mind - the more so from the fact that I happened to have soent a few months at
this station, when it was first taken.
(M.H. heading "Writing again at W&iluku Mr. Armstrong adds-)
(M.H.
"
- Meeting in behalf of Schools - Speech of Bartimeus)
26. This afternoon a meeting was held in our spacious meeting-house in behalf
of schools. It was an interesting occasion - one of the most interesting that I
have ever witnessed at Wailuku. On the ringing of the bell the house was soon
crowded with people. Many no doubt came from curiosity, or because others came,
and not because they felt interested in the object. As the meeting had been an
nounced as a council, and any who wished were allowed to speak, I merely stated
the object of it, viz. to consider the state of our common and station schools,
and solicit the aid and co-operation of the parents and head men in sustaining
them, accompanying the statements with some remateks on the importance to this na
tion of thorough Christian education, and also on the increasing embarrassments of
the Board in regard to funds; then invited any present who had any thought on this
subject to speak it freely. Several arose in rapid succession and spoke with great
animation. Among the speakers were several graduates from the high school who did
themselves, and their alma mater too, much credit, by the manner in which they spoke
of schools and ieducation. They told the people that the most unyielding obstacle
to their improvement is their naaupo (ignorance,) and their raoonoo ole (want of re
flection^! and besought the parents, if they were resolved as to themselves to dispise books and schools, that they would at least encourage their children to attend
to them.
Many good and sensible things were said, and well said, by these young mens
but the most eloquent speaker arose last. This was Bartimeus, the s? me blind man
who was the first convert on Maui, and I believe the first native that was baptised
on the inlands* Some account of him has been given in Heralds of former years.
He is regarded as an ardent Christian, and is, in my opinion, the most eloquent
speaker lin the nation. His knowledge of the Scriptures as well as of general sub
jects, /Is remarkable, considering his inability to read. No missionary among us
can command Scripture more copiously and appositely, in an off hand effort, than he.
Even the parts that have not been pointed in the native language seem to be familiar
to Jftim, from melrely hearing them quoted in the pulpit and Bible class. But his
mind,-and especially his memory, possess power of the very first order. On moral
subjects he often evinces astonishing powers of discrimination in comoarison with
mos/6 other natives. He is a short man and rather corpulent, very inferior in ap
pearance whefc Sitting, but when he rises to speak, he looks well - stands erect,
gesticulates with freedom, and pours forth, as he becomes animated, words in tor
rents. He is perfectly familiar with the former as well as the present religion,
Customs, modes of thinking, and in fact the whole history of the islanders, which
enables him often to draw comparisons, make allusions, and direct appeals, with a
power which no iforteigner will ever possess.
Oja thjls occasion Bartimeus spoke with the most happy effect. Would that I
had this as well as other addresses I have heard him make in writing. They would
I think viejwith some of the best efforts of our Indian omtors; and in Christian
sentiment ufould doubtless far surpass them. But he cannot write, and it is dif
ficult for him to gather up his precise remarks after they have flown from his lips.
�Armstrong Journal
He pointed to th^multitudes of children who are running wild like the goats,
without care or instruction, and not only so, but in most cases injured more by
the filthy conversation and wicked conduct of their parents than by anything
else. He reflected severely on the chiefs for their indifference in regard to
schools. **e appealed to the great assembly, if they had looked on the happy
effects of the gospel in these islands for seventeen years, and were yet unbe
lieving as to the value of the instruction. He told them that civilized nations
treated them and their chiefs as children, and domineered over them because they
were so ignorant. But the point he illustrated with the happiest effect was the
contrast between getting a Christian education now and a heathen education for
merly. He said, nI have been twice educated. In the time of dark hearts, I
learned the huda. (a native amusement, consisting of singing, drumming and danc
ing, accompanied with shocking licentiousness;) and the lua, (the art of murder
and robbery;) and the kake. (a language unintelligible to any but those who are
initiated in its mysteries.) I learnt mischief in those days; and did it cost
me nothing? Had we not to pay those mischievous teachers? Ah, think of the hogs
and kapa and fish, and awa. and other things we used to give them. And we did it
cheerfully. We thought it all well spent. But h6w is it now. Here are men of
our own blood and nation, whose business is to teach us and our children good
things - the things of God and salvation; how to read our Bibles, geographies,
arithmetics, etc.; and ought we not cheerfully to support them? How can they
teach, if they have nothing to eat and nothing to wear? Will they not soon get
tired of this? Who can work when he is hungry? Let us take hold and help and do
it cheerfully."
On the conclusion of these remarks there was evidently much feeling in the
assembly, and to test it I first called upon the parents, if they approved of
schools and were willing to send their children regularly to them, to signify it.
The whole assembly held up their hands. Again I called upon all who were willing
to aid in the support of the teachers in the way of food particularly (for this
is all‘
they have to give) to rise. About fifty rose. On the whole, I am not
without hope that this meeting has given an impulse to our school operations which
will be highly beneficial.
July 1.
The effect of the meeting has been manifestly good. Interest in
schools is increasing. Barents bring their children voluntarily to have their names
taken as scholars, and the teachers who were quite destitute are now supplied with
food. The demands for books, especially Testaments, amounts almost to a clamor;
and it takes up no mean portion of my time to sell them and keep account of them.
Would that I were rid of this indispensable appendage to our work. The greatest
trouble is to get the books into the hands of those who will profit by them, and
get any thing in return for them which may be profitably used, so as to liquidate
the book debt. Nine tenths of those who call for books have nothing to give in
t>ay for them, but such as vegetables, fowls, mats or work, none of which can be
turned to profitable account. We have therefore many things on our tables and about
our yards and houses which we do not need, and would not have, were it not that we
are obliged to take such things as we can get for books. We give no books away and
nobody expects us to.
(M.H. - Remarks on East Maui - Birth Place of Kaahumanu.)
(Early in July Mr. Armstrong visited Hana, a new station recently taken by Messrs.
Ives and Conde, on the eastern extremity of the island of Maui. After mentioning
some of the difficulties and dangers encountered on the journey, and the kind inter-
�Armstrong Journal
-4-
est manifested by the people whom they met on the way, he adds - )
It may be well here to make a general remark on the face of the country over
which we passed. East Maui is little else than an immense pile or mountain, some
7,000 or 8,000 feet high, with a strip of flat or rather sloping land around its
base, of a width varying from one to six miles. In many places the slope is so
gradual that you cannot tell where the low land ceases and the mountain begins*
The sloping land I have mentioned is by no means smooth on its surface. It is as
uneven as possible. The whole side of the island from Haiku to Hana is a continued
series of deep gullies with precipitous banks, streams of fine water, impenetrable
masses of vines, shrubbery, grass, and brush-wood. In some places there is fine
large timber, chiefly the apple and koQ, tree. Any one who has little confidence in
his ability to travel on foot both up, down, and across; or little courage to endure
hardships, will not wish to travel over this tract very often. On the other side
of the island (the leeward) traveling is equally bad, perhaps rather worse. There
is not so much wind and rain there, but there is intolerable heat, there are deep
and numerous ravines, there is indescribable 'lava, and worse than all, there is a
bad sea off the coast,
I mention these things here that you may know the circumstances of the station
about to be taken at Hana, It is remote and difficult of access by land or water*
But Hana is a fine and populous district. I am more and more charmed with it every
time I visit it, it is so richly and perpetually verdant. The growth of every thing
is excessively luxuriant, the soil being evidently a recent decomposition of lava,
of which a large quantity yet remains. The ascent from the water's edge to the top
of the mountain is so gradual, and the surface so unbroken, that one could Almost
ride on horseback up to the very clouds. The eye, too, after luxurating on the scen
ery near at hand, may, in a clear day, fly across the channel and gaze upon the
hoary pate of old Mauna Kea on Hawaii. That is a grant spectacle. It fairly swells
one’
s bosom to behold it.
Hana is the birth-place of Kaahumanu of blessed memory. Jeep I have stood upon
the spot, and had some sweet moments in reflecting upon the wonders of sovereign
mercy. How wonderfull An individual is born at Hana, the very end of the earth,
(for the house stood on the very extremity of the island, and not two rods from the
water's edge) - of high but heathen parents; brought up from her childhood in per
fect familiarity with all that is corrupting, degrading, hardening, and darkening;
consequently became one of the worst of human kind, haughty, filthy, lewd, tyranical,
cruel, wrathful, murderous, and almost every thing else that is bad. So she lived
for perhaps fifty years, and then, while sitting queen of this nation, feared and
flattered by all, the grace of God reached her heart, and she put off the old man
ttth his deeds. She reigned a few years as a Christian, constraining the very enemies
of truth to admire her integrity, her regard for the poor, and her wisdom as a ruler,
and died in 1852, praising God and the Lamb. How wonderful! while so many who are
b o m of Christian parents, and are the subjects of prayer and care from childhood,
become acquainted with the offers of the gospel only to dispise and disregard them.
^
The people of Hana seem to be much gratified with the prospect of having teach
ers among them. They have, by order of the governor, built two native houses with
yards around them, for their accommodation. On introducing the brethren, I asked if
they felt happy in seeing these new teachers. They all signified at once, by lift
ing the hand, that they were. I asked them if they would be friendly to their teach
ers, protect them, assist them, build a meeting-house, etc. Without hesitation the
whole assembly, of perhaps seven hundred persons, gave the same signal of assent.
�Armstrong Journal
-5-
The schools at Hana are in a somewhat prosperous state. There is an ef
ficient teacher there, a graduate of the high school and member of our church.
He appears to be faithful, and will be a great help to the new brethren. There
are also several others who have long been seeking the pono. and may be real
Christians for ought I know.
After spending two days with the brethren at Hana, and preaching several
times to the people, my family needing me, I left them and set out for home in a
canoe. But before we had fairly passed the mouth of the harbor, a high wave struck
us,and in the twinkling of an eye we were all thrown into the sea, puffing and
struggling in a high surf, like so many porpoises. But the wreck was seen by our
friends on shore, and our friend Kaawai's canoe came to our relief with all speed.
No lives were lost, and nothing of consequence lost, although the wailing and
screaming of the women ashore was excessive. By the kindness of Kaawai, I pro
cured another canoe and a new crew, and having borrowed some dry clothes, I set
out a second time and in six hours after landed at Wailuku. We came before the
trade-wind at a fearful rate, the canoe sometimes scarcely more than touching the
tops of the waves. Fifty-six hours going and only six returning.
(M.H. - Meetings at Wailuku - Manner of Preaching - Admissions to the Church)
August 5, 1957. A protracted meeting of four days' continuance has just
closed at Wailuku. It has been a season of interest and the results are to ap
pearance encouraging. Professors are revived and some of the impenitent pricked in
their hearts, I trust. The children and the aged received special attention with
us, and it is remarkable that the most encouraging appearances are now seen in
these two classes, who are in fact most different as to years, but niaut most alike
as to character.
Friends at home are sometimes desirous of knowing how we preach on these oc
casions, and what is the most effectual method, according to our experience. Much
might be said on this subject, but I cannot go into it now. As to the kind of
preaching, it must, in order to be effectual, be simplicity itself. Not simplicity
as folks in America usually understand it, but simple to the natives - the ideas
30 singled out and presented as to come right down upon his mind, as a well directed
hammer comes down on the head of the nail. Another thing essential is, that the
preacher be well acquainted with the native raindj understands the mode of thinking
and feeling, knows what the man loves most dearly, and what he dreads with most
horror} be able to lay his hand upon the secret spring of his sympathies, and lay
open his own heart before his own eyes. This is of great importance in preaching
any where, but especially here, where so few can assist themselves by their own
reflections, and know so little of themselves. Without it, all is random work.
There is perhaps no place on earth where a large assembly of people will come to
gether and submit themselves so passively to a preacher as here. They as much as
say to him when he rises, Here we are, and just as you see us; now do your best
and say what you have in mind to. Therefore if the stony heart is broken up and
tears of penitence begin to flow, the preacher or the truth and the 8pirit must
do almost the whole.
The class of subjects best adapted to protracted meetings here, are always
those which relate distinctly to the character, death, and meditation of Christ,
and the obligations which rest on all men to serve him supremely.
�Armstrong Journal
-6-
Aug. 6, We have had a precious communion season today in our church. Thir
teen were received to church fellowship, four of whom qre very old. One old woman
entirely blind, but her eye of faith seems to be clear. Among them is the aged
person of whom i spoke before. He is a man of rather large frame, and excellent
features, but his head is perfectly white and his body curved with age. He has
learned to read his Testament within the last few years, probably after he was
four score years in the world, and living too in a district where the inhabitants
have been peculiarly heathenish, and schools have till lately never flourished.
None of the natives can tell how old they are, unless the more civilized part,
and therefore the old man can give no account of his age. But he says he has seen
a great many high chiefs rise and fall since he was a boy. On examination by Mr.
Green and myself he appeared very well indeed. % s knowledge of scripture and
other subjects is astonishing, considering where and how he has lived. It is but
rarely he has ever seen or spoken to a missionary until very lately, but he says
he has loved the teachers for a long time and has been seeking God in secret.
These thirteen, with nine who were received to church fellowship in April,
make twenty-two who have been received during the year. For this reward of our
poor labors, let me be unfeignedly thankful to God, from whom comes all our suc
cess. The whole number now in good standing in the church a Wailuku is fortyfive. As to their spiritual state, I can only say, there are but few of them
who do not afford comfortable evidence of a change of heart. Some, however, have
crept in unawares, and by their slothfulness and worldliness, give reason to fear
that the "root of the matter is not in them."
(M.H.
Care for the Seminary - Examination of Schools - Little Boy at Haiku)
Seot. 4 . Montlly concert. Our people made a collection of food for the sem
inary at Lahainaluna. ^ne hundred and fifty bundles of pounded and roasted, or
rather baked taro were brought in, worth twelve and a half cents a bundle. They
have, however, contributed in all for that seminary and the female seminary since
July some 250 bundles, worth in money#51.P0. This amount seems small, but for the
people of Wailuku it is considerable. They are poor and oppressed and have very
limited means of getting any thing for themselves. Most of those who contribute
cannot afford even a single decent garment to appear in on the Sabbathj and during
the week they wear nothing but a piece of flimsy kapa. But they give cheerfully
and therefore will not be impoverished by it. God will not allow them to be.
IS. Our efforts in behalf of schools have not been in vain. I proposed some
five or six weeks ago to our people to make a doby-wall around the female seminary
and save the Board the expense of it. Fifty men, old and young, cheerfully agreed
to do it. So they have all turned out regularly every Monday and Thursday forenoon
since, to work on the wall, and it is nearly completed. They make an excellent wall
and will save the Board some #30 by it.
Oct. 1 . Our volunteers still keep on at work as eheerfully as ever. They are
now planting taro for the seminary, and seem to be deeply interested in it. They
call the seminary their daughter, and say they must feed her that she may grow - a
good idea: may they never let it slip. I hope this labor will turn to a good ac
count also in a spiritual point of view.
10. We have recently examined the children's schools at Wailuku and Haiku.
They never appeared so well at any previous examination. One thousand and one hun
dred children from four to fifteen years of age were examined, and over five hundred
of them may be called readers - some of them are excellent readers. About a hundred
�Armstrong Journal
-7-
also evinced an accurate knowledge of the simple rules in arithmetic, have con
siderable acquaintance with geography, and write a legible hand. Some also sing
pleasantly, an art of which they are amazingly fond. The prospects of these
schools were never brighter than now. Parents, contrary to what they once did,
seem very willing their children should attend school, and some oblige them in
their way to attend.
The adult schools have also lately revived somewhat., in this district.
The demand for Testaments is pressing still. Many of the people who can
read are still destitute of a copy, and many who cannot read so as to profit by
it are desirous of having one. Common school books also are in daily demand.
In point of industry and civilization a few of the multitude make some pro
gress. They are building better houses, work regularly with their hands, culti
vate sugar-cane, hire out when they have opportunity; and those who have ac
quired the art are industrious in spinning cotton. We are endeavoring to press
the subject of industry more and more on the minds of the people, although there
is no prospect of their becoming industrious under the present system of govern
ment.
One thing is remarkable among this people. When their honor or benevolence
is appealed to, they will give to the utmost farthing. That is, those who make
any pretensions to piety. If I wish to have a full monthly concert, I have only
to give out notice a week previous that a collection of food, kapa, or something
else will be taken up,
Nov, 1 . I have recently spent four days in preaching to the people of Haiku,
About one thousand attended the meetings daily, and some, I trust, will not soon
cease to bless God for what he did for them on this occasion. Among others were
several children of from ten to fourteen years old, who attended all the meetings
and evidently felt deeply. In one little boy I was particularly interested. Sit
ting in my little grass cottage late at night, rather weary and more than half
asleep, I felt a soft hand patting me on the knee. On waking up I perceived it
was a young boy of perhaps ten years old, who sat on the mat before me. He ap
peared to be much concerned about something, and I asked him what he wanted. He
said, "I have a thought," What is your thought? "This is my thought, I have today
found out that I am very wicked and I am afraid of God's anger," What is your
sin that distresses you so much? "This is it, I never loved the Savior who has
loved me so long and so much. This is what makes me afraid. You told us today that
those who did not love the Savior will be damned in hell forever. Then I saw my
sin: then I was afraid, for I have not regarded him." The lad appeared exceedingly
solemn during the whole meeting and expressed his determination hereafter to love
and serve the Redeemer. How he is now I know not, as I have not seen him for sev
eral weeks, but I am told he is still serious and consistent, considering his child
hood. I feel more and more the importance of laboring for the immediate conversion
of children as well as adults. What will all our schools, books, and teachers
amount to, until the scholars are united to Christ by faith?
How week we are at this stationl Never was the harvest so plenteous, ripe and
inviting; and never were the laborers so weak. Here are three congregations of one
thousand each, with a Sabbath school of 400 or 500 children at each, all in sight of
Wailuku, though fourteen miles off} while there is no one but my unworthy self at
liberty to preach to them and teach them. Never did I feel so much the need of more
help. For some reason or other there has been great increase of attention to the
�Armstrong Journal
-8-
raeans of grace within the past year throughout all this region. Congregations
on the Sabbath, Bible classes, and Sabbath schools never were so full as now.
(M.H. - Public Spirit - Further Admissions to the Church - Baptism.)
Rov. 2.
The walls of a doby-house for lodging-rooms for the female boarding
scholars, have been erected in front of the former building, at cost of about $120,
and the people about us have assembled today to cover it. At seven o' clock fifty
men and twice as many children, perhaps, had collected for the work and by two
o'clock one whole side with a ranal. or porch, was handsomely thatched with grass,
all the materials being previously collected, except the grass, which was chiefly
brought by the children. The house is 180 feet long and fourteen wide, containing
nineteen snug little rooms. The people appear to be really cheerful in doing
what they can to forward our work. No urgent appeal was made to them ko do this
job gratuitously, but simply a notice was given that the work was ready and needed
to be done. Our chief, who is not a pious man, offered to call out men to assist;
but I refused, preferring that all such work should be done on the voluntary
principle. I am satisfied if the people of Walaiku had the means, with their
present feelings they would at once relieve the American churches of the burden
of our support. But they are, with two exceptions, quite poor - most of them so
poor as to make one's heart ache to look upon their condition. Neither is there
any prospect or probability of its being much imppoved until the form of govern
ment is changed,
_5. Sabbath. Our quarterly communion of the Lord's suoper was celebrated
today. Three persons were received to the entire privileges of the church,and
two children were baptised. It is amazing how few children are or can be offered
for baptism, I do not baptise on an average ten a year, and some of these are
adopted children, in a church of forty-eight members.
Many about us appear now-a-days to be setting their affections on things
above, A number who eighteen months ago were shockingly immoral, are now ap
parently serious. But there is such an overweaning and unaccountable desire on
the part of most to get into the church, without being much concerned about their
fitness for church membership, as to excite continual feelings of jealousy in
regard to their professions, and induce us to proceed with trembling caution in
selecting candidates for church membership. It is hard to find out who is who,
among such a people. A long and intimate acquaintance is necessary to come at
their real character.
Most of the people who attend meeting think they are converted already, and
to produce a contrary impression is the first thing to be aimed at and the most
difficult to effect. More than half ofmy preaching, I think, is directed to
this single point, viz, to show the people that they are not Christians,
(M.H.
Remarkable rise and fall of the sea.)
8. A strange phenomenon appeared last evening in our neighborhood - one
which may require the skill of the learned to account for. At about seven o'clock
in the evening, the waves of the ocean just opposite our station, at a small harbbr,
gradually receded from the shore to a distance of some fifteen or twenty rods,
�Armstrong Journal
-9-
leaving multitudes of fishes bare upon the ground, so that the children observ
ing it ran and picked some of them upj - leaving a small schooner also, which
was at anchor in the harbor, without sufficient >fe*arfcer to float her completely,
and the wave slowly formed itself as it were into an embankment, or as the natives
said, a "steep precipice." Then, as if having collected strength enough for the
onset, the wave rushed back upon the beach, overflowed the banks, and carried
away the entire village of twenty-six native grass houses, with all their effects
and inhabitants, some forty or fifty rods inland, throwing most of the wrecks of
houses, broken canoes, fowls, beasts, men, women, and children into a small lake
of perhaps three miles in circumference, which lay immediately inland from the
village. The rush of the wave was so sudden and unexpected, that the inhabitants
of the village, unlike Lot in Sodom, had no warning whatever, except a few who
seeing the sea receding from the shore suspected a corresponding reflux, flid in
land in season. But it is not easy for water to baffle a native. This being the
element of which he is most fond, and with which he is quite familiar ifc all seasons.
Some swam single-handed with the waves. Others took their children in their arms.
Others the sick on their backs, and bore them up until the water ceased from the
earth. One man took his old mother on his back and swam with her until he reached
the dry land, but laying her down on the ground, he found she was dead. Another
poor old woman, having no one to assist her, and it being dark, got into the small
lake and was drowned. These, strange to tell, are all the lives that were lost.
But it does not appear so strange to us who are acquainted with the expertness of
natives in the water. Even the little children spend a great part of their time
in this element.
After the sea began to swell over the banks, the progress of the waves does
not appear from the accounts of the natives to have been very rapid, until they
arrived at a certain stage; for one man found the water coming into his house,
seized his child and ran so as to escape the inundation entirely; but arriving
on the summit of a small sand bank, he looked back and saw the whole village,in
habitants and all, moving towards him, some riding on the tops of their houses,
some swimming, and all screaming most frightfully. One circumstance was ranch in
their favor, the moon shed a gentle light upon the whole scene, The wave which
swept the village was the heaviest and highest and reachest the fartherest in
land, After it there were but two others which arose over the banks, as the
limits of each of them could be distinctly seen next morning; and then the waters
abated from the earth. How long they prevailed from the first to last, I cannot
ascertain exactly, as natives have a very imperfect idea of time; probably not
over an hour. 0ne thing is remarkable - the overflow was confined to less than
two miles of coast. The influence of it indeed was felt far beyond this, in a
sudden and perceptible swell of the sea, but no houses were carried away, and the
waves did not much transcend their usual limits in high tide.
The phenomenon occurred when there was very little wind and at low tide unusually low the natives say. It is reported that a similar overflow occurred
shortly before the death of Kamehameha I. at this same place, but no houses were
then destroyed, nor lives lost, as the waves did not rise so high.
I have merely given an account of the event, without attempting to account
for the phenomenon. This I feel unable to do satisfactorily, but I have no doubt
it is some way or other connected with the volcanic elements. Some of the old
natives say that such were the movements of the sea formerly, during some of the
heavy volcanic eruptions on the island of Hawaii.
�Armstrong Journal
-10-
Nov. 9. I learn today that the same phenomenon was observed in many places
on the other side of this island about the same time that it occurred here.
The sea at Lahaina rose about eight feet above its common leve.
�
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Text
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RICHARD ARMSTRONG
JOURNAL
With Intermittent Entries
Prom July 25, 1840 - Jan. 2, 1858
Copied from Original Manuscript
Owned by Hawaiian Mission Children's Society,
Honolulu, Hawaii
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�Wailuku
July 25 - 1840
Wonderful is the Providence of God i How little did I anti
cipate a removal from my beloved people Six weeks ago I Yet so
it is, the case is decided & we are on the eve of removing,
”bag & baggage” to Honolulu for a season.
But severe is the
trial of parting with a people whom I had adopted as my fellow
travellers to the gravej with whom I have spent five years of
solicitude, toil and felicity:
In the midst of whom I have
seen more of the glory of God’s grace, than in all my life be
fore.
To many of them my heart tells me in its agony, that it
is knit in the dearest Christian friendship, especially members
of the church, particularly the beloved children.
May the good
& great Shepherd keep them all through his own power, unto eter
nal life.
July 27.
A day of confusion, fatigue and weeping.
We
knew not until now the mutual attachment that has been formed
in the Providence of God between us & our dear people.
Our
yard has been filled all day with weeping visitors & friends.
Even many who have of late been cool & distant exhibit great
affection for us.
I cannot but here record my gratitude to the Master whom
I serve, for all the goodness he has caused to pass before me
during the past five years.
He has blessed me in ray person,
my family, my work, my people, and my poor soul.
0 Lord Jesus,
thou King of saints & source of all good, accept my humble
gratitude for all thy forbearence, Kindness and love to me
thy erring, sinful & slothful servant, during my residence at
Wailuku for 5 years past - Also for any good that may have
�2
been done through my instrumentality - When I came here, there
were only 10 or 12 ch.-members:
Now there are over 700.
Be
thou their shepherd, guardian and guide, until they have all
passed into that country where there are no devouring wolves,
nor poisonous serpents, nor foul or fatal deseases (1).
thee I commit the sheep & the lambs:
Unto
Knowing they are safe
in thy care, I shall hope for the best in their behalf.
Aug. 3.
To-day the Brig Flora sailed for the U.S. bear
ing away the precious freight of Mr. Bingham & family, Mrs.
Thurston & children, and my own dear child, my first born, the
beginning of my strength —
Dec. 18, 1841.
my Caroline.
To day ( i) Mr. Brinsmade Am. Consul, to
gether with Mr. Johnstone, Sullivan & others sailed for St.
Bias - The consul & company bound to U. States.
Dec. 19.
To day ( I) baptised ( 1) 12 adults, did it with
trembling lest like so many others they fall away & bring upon
themselves greater condemnation than if they had never tasted
of the word of life.
Nothing pertaining to my pastoral la
bours tries me more than selecting suitable subjects for ad
mission to the church out of the hundreds who profess to be
on the Lords ( i) side.
Oct. 5.
1842.
man, was born.
To day ( i) our eighth child, Reuben Chap
May the Lord give his parents an increase of
grace as our cares & responsibilities increase.
ficient for these things without grace?
Who is suf
Were children like
butterflies, b o m to shine, & fly, & enjoy life but for a day
& then cease to exist, parents might repose in ease & uncon
cern in regard to them.
But this little one born to-day shall
�5
exist somewhere as long as God himself exists, & what he is to
be millions of years hence will depend very much upon the in
fluences exerted upon him by his parents in early life.
Lord
help us to mould his character, & fit him for the skies.
Dec. 19. 1842.
Not in the best of health.
Mrs. A. also
complaining; Mary Jane G. threatened with a fever.
ander & family with ua.
Mr. Alex
Mrs. A* in very poor health.
Forbes & family at the station.
Mr.
Mr. F. ill, from overdoing.
Mr. Hitchcock & family also here on account of Mrs. H ’s loss
of health.
Congregation very large yesterday & good attention.
Sermon
in the morning by Mr. Hitchcock; a conference in the afternoon
in behalf of schools & the rising generation.
My views of divine things not so clear of late as I could
wish - labour to rise to higher views of God, & more distinct
views of the plan of salvation.
But I feel that I am carnal,
sold under sin, wholely unable to do any thing aright without
the grace of God.
I often preach to others truths the power
of which I do not half feel myself.
Dec. 24. 1842
Sent letters to R. Jnderson D. D., Rev. W.
Richards, Nathaniel Willis, Archibald .Alexander D. D., Margaret
Bimie, John Sullivan, & Richard Armstrong my nephew.
Dec. 28.
To day a sad accident occured (I).
Mrs. Armstrong
with our two youngest children & Mrs. Damon were thrown from a
waggon & Mrs. A. considerably hurt.
Two of her front teeth in
the lower jaw were broken off, a false tooth in the upper jaw
knocked clear out, & her shoulder badly bruised.
were scarcely injured at all.
The others
The thing happened by the
�4
.
native drivers falling out under the horses ( I) feet going down
hill & the waggon ran upon a pile of stones & threw all who
were in it upon the hard road.
Blessed be God the preserver of all things that the affair
is no worse.
forth?
Who can tell what a day or an hour may bring
How important that we improve the fleeting moments as
they go by us & be always ready to go into the presence of our
judge.
Jan. 1. 1843.
Have meditated much upon & been much affected
by the follies, weakness, short comings & vile sins of my past
life, which has been mercifully sustained for 37 years.
During
the year just closed how many mercies have I received from the
hand of my Heavenly Father, I have wanted no good thing for
body or soul but what my own folly has deprived me of, & yet
how small a portion of my affections have been given to my Qod
fe±3c & Saviour?
How cold & stupid my heart, how full of earth;
how full of vanity a great deal of the time?
busy all the while.
My body is wasted with toil & care.
religious enjoyment I have had:
like a river.
Yet I have been
Some
at times my peace has flowed
At times my heart has panted after God es
pecially while unfolding to my dear people the riches of his
grace in Christ Jesus & I must ascribe these refreshing seasons
entirely to his unmerited goodness to a miserable sinner.
How can I mend my ways for the future.
Resolved to try.
1.
Resolved that I, will endeavor by divine aid to be a
better husband.
2.
Resolved that I will endeavor to be a better father.
�5
.
3*
Resolved, that I will endeavor to be a better Minister
4.
Resolved, that I will endeavor to be a better Christian,
more like my Master, more holy in my walk & conversa
tion, more free from levity, evil speaking, vanity,
self-seeking, and every thing that is wrong.
5.
Resolved, to try to take better care of my health, to
be less distracted by various concerns; to redeem more
time for pious meditation reading & prayer, & not to
attempt so many things at a time.
6.
Resolved, to begin this year as though it were to be
my last.
Feb. 26./43.
For a few days past the plaintive language
of the Psalmist has been often on my lips.
”0 that I had
wings like a dovei for then would I flee away & be at rest.
Lo then would I wander far off & remain in the wilderness - - for I have seen violence & strife in the city.”
The excitement in Honolulu has been unparrallelled ( i).
Americans, French, & English, all concerned for their respec
tive interests.
Lord Paulet has pressed such heavy claims
against the government, & with such force, having a frigate
at hand to back him up, that the King & chiefs yesterday
ceded the government of the islands provisionally to her
Majesty the Queen of Great Britain - & at 4
o'clock on yes
terday afternoon the British flag was hoisted in the fort.
April 4:
In a protracted meeting: assisted by Mr. A.
Bishop of Ewa; congregation large & attentive; more come out
than was anticipated; for the season being one of the most
rainy ever known there is a great deal of sickness among
�6
.
the people.
I am inclined to think protracted meetings are beneficial,
although no great apparent results from them.
Christians are
revived & quicked (I), hypocrites sometimes brought out, &
sinners are often converted at these meetings & we do not know
of it until long afterwards.
The cause generally in my field
has been advanced by these meetings, but the labour is very ar
duous & exhausting.
I have been struck with the simple childlike prayers &
confessions of some of the native Christians at this meeting;
& I learn from them a great deal about native character.
Apl. 10.”47.
Have been somewhat annoyed of late with the
opposition on the part of a portion of the foreign community;
a violent and abusive article appeared in the S.I. News of
March 10, generally believed to be from the pen of the princi
pal editor P. A. Brinsmade, scarcely equalled for scurrility
by any in the old S. I. Gazellee ( I).
Can it be that a man
who studied divinity in Andover & N. Haven, and preached the
gospel with much acceptance - a man who was one of the founders
of the Bethel church in Honolulu, who has officiated as chap
lain on the failure of Mr. Diell - a man who was once as one
of us, often bowed the knee in our monthly concerts and prayer
meetings - that he has gone over to the side of the enemy &
taken up arms against us?
It seems to be even so, & the same
unhappy man has gone into the fashions & amusements of the
world such as card parties, dances &c.
But I would pray to be enabled to feel aright in regard
to this now bitter enemy.
I would pray for him & be patient
�7
.
under his abuse & count it all joy, if it will only turh out
for the furtherance of the Gospel.
God grant that it may.
I have reason to be humbled in view of the fact that an
indiscretion of my own called forth this attack in the News.
May I learn wisdom from past errors, 0 that I had more of my
Masters ( 1) spirit & likeness.
Apl. 11.
Preached for Rev. L. Smith from Gen. 4:9
I my brothers ( I) Keeper” .
"am
Mr. Smith is very ill, of cold on
his lungs, & the effects of a long & tedious attack of asthma.
Apl. 16.
Galled at the palace this morning at 10 o,clock;
breakfast being ready his Majesty invited me to partake; the
table was plentifully supplied with American ham & eggs, good
fish, Kalo fritters, bread & butter, poi and custards.
After
breakfast we had family worship; all engaged in singing & all
kneeld ( I) down in time of prayer.
But the King seems to
lack a sense of sin; needs a law work
in his heart; loves
pleasure & does not see the odiousness of sin.
May 1.
A Refreshing rain to-day, followed by a warm sun.
Wife ill from overdoing & being disturbed in the night by
persons calling upon me for the sick, of whom there are many,
owing to an epidemic that prevails.
The people are seized
with acute pains in the chest, fever & violent cough, & unless
relieved are soon in the arms of death.
Of late I have had
two & three funerals to attend within the space of one hour.
The newspaper war continues; the foreign community is
still agitated with dissention; the Bethel church seems to have
forsaken its pastor & religion is very low.
I have been the
subject of newspaper abuse, but by the grace of God, I will
�8
hope to profit by it.
.
The subject of licentiousness occupies
much of my mind; as it seems to me the prevalence of that vice
threatens more serious evils on these islands than any other,
or than all other open vices put together.
3amy little paper
I endevour ( i) to lift up my voice against it.
Bros. Alexander, Gulick, Forbes & Baldwin all at the
station.
Examination of Punahou School yesterday —
school
appeared well.
December 6. 1847.
Agreeably to a request from the govern
ment, I entered to day ( I) the office of the '‘minister of
public instruction”, & stood in the place of the beloved dead,
assisting Mr. Young, the Primier (l), to whom is commited ( 1)
the care of this department for the time being.
A case of
melancholy rested upon my feelings through the whole day, not
knowing to what results this step may lead.
Found much con
fusion in the papers of the office, & many disorders existing
in the schools in various places.
June 7* 1848.
To,day ( I) received from the King the office
of "Minister of public Ins true ti or/itf The subject of this office
has cost me a long & severe mental conflict.
To accept of it
I could not & to reject it I dared notj to be brought into so
close contact with the government, has seemed extremely ob
jectionable & repugnant to my feelings, & yet to let the
school system go down which has succeeded beyond all expecta
tion, I could not do.
I must now go forward.
degree upright.
But the conflict is over; sink or swim
I trust my motives have been in a good
Were my object the honor that comes from men,
it were madness to seek it in this office, where the most
�9
.
envenomed shafts of opposition are unsparingly hurled at the
occupantj if ease were ray object, I would not seek it, in the
midst of perplexity, care & toil that has laid a greater than
I in the silent grave.
As to emolument, I did not need to
seek more than I had, as my support was sure & sufficient.
The grand impelling motive in rty mind In this matter has
been to do good to the Hawaian ( I) race, & in this office I
hope to be more useful than I could as pastor of a single
church.
And now I pray God to give me grace to seek his glory
in all I do, & not my own selfish ends.
0 that, like my di
vine Master, ”1 may go about doing good”, to the precious
children & youth of these islands, & that while I hold this
office, may my public & private character both be conformed
to the will of Christ.
July 31.
Restoration day - a fine day - a lavee £levee}
at Hale Kauila by Governor Kekuanaoa.
gers & natives present.
Preble, present.
Many residents, stran
Officers of the U.S. Shfcp of war
Commodore Guisinger called at my house after
the lavee fleveej, to return a call I had made upon him the
same day.
This day named my new residence ”Stonehou3e” in honor of
a dear friend Admiral Thomas, a name associated with all the
rejafcingg of this day, a name that will not soon be forgotten
by the Hawaian (I) people.
The Admiral resides in Stonehouse,
England.
Aug. 19.
Sabbath - My successor elect Rev. E. Clark, not
having arrived, the entire care of the church and the preach
ing devolves upon me still.
Attended a Sab. School of 180
�10
.
children & a Bible class and preached three times to day ( I ) .
The weather being very sultry, I was much exhausted; but the
Lord has sustained my heart & poor tottering frame wonderfully
in these overwhelming labours. MI must work while the day lasts,
for the night cometh when no man can work.”
Nov. 12.
Returned three days since from a tour around
Hawaii, Maui, & a visit to Molokai.
Object of the tour to
inspect the schools supported by government.
I have been
exposed to fatigue, heat, cold, wet, the dangers of the sea
& sickness from exposure, but the Lord has preserved me & re
stored me in peace to my dear family.
All my children were
sick of the measles during my absence, but they are nearly re
covered, except the whooping cough.
Never was I more depressed in regard to the natives.
It
wd. seem to be the delight of God to blot them from the face of
the earth.
Almost the entire population has been prostrate &
great numbers die daily in this place.
By visiting & administering to the sick I have taken sick
myself.
Another cause of my present anxiety is a most uncalled for
and unfounded attack by Dillon, the French consul.
He will
no doubt give me all the trouble he can, as he is probably
backed up by the Catholic Bishop & all the priests, who are not
pleased with my administration of the law in regard to schools.
All my conduct may not be blameless, but it has been my
steady aim to carry the law into effect impartially and ri
gidly; paying due respect to catholics as well as protestants.
It is my daily prayer to God that, for Christ's sake, he
will give me all needed wisdom & strength for my arduous
�11
.
duties & make me useful to the children of these islands.
Feb. 5. 1849.
The Commission appointed by the King to in
vestigate charges against Dr. Judd, has had sessions more or
less every week, since the first of December.
I act on the
Commission after entering my protest before the King; & showing
a certificate from Dr. Wood that my health was Insufficient for
It.
It is certainly one of the most unpleasant, not to say pain
ful situations, I was ever in.
The course pursued by the Commission in taking all testimony
indiscriminately, whether hearsay or relevant to the matter in
hand or not has been wrong in my view & I have opposed it from
the first.
The investigation with a view to impeachment should
be strictly confined to official conduct:
the law so requires;
and the ordinary rules for taking testimony in courts of jus
tice should be observed here.
This is one of the unpleasant things I did not anticipate
before taking this office.
May 20. ’49
Preached this evening in the Palace from
Proverbs 15: 18.
A t my request none of the young chiefs were
present but Alexander Liholiho, ([following to "Kamehameha 4th”
inserted in pencil]) the adopted son of the King and his Queen
as Kamehameha 4th & none others but the principal chiefs &
those immediately about the King who are well acquainted with
his manner of life.
The discourse was the most pointed I ever ventured to de
liver in the presence of His Majesty & nothing but a sense of
duty could induce any minister to deliver such a sermon to any
class of men.
But the Kings (I) course of life has of late been
�12
.
so dissolute, & ruin to himself, if not to his dynasty so sure
if he persists in it that my heart could get no relief until I
had spoken to him once more boldly in Gods (1) name to abandon
sin & flee from impending ruin.
My own soul has been burdened
bpyond endurance by the Kings ( I) conduct, & this evening God
enabled me to speak freely but I trust kindly to him.
But I
have some apprehension as to the result.
May 21.
My fears in regard to the discourse last evening
are all realized.
On opening the p. council to day ( 1) at 10
A. M. the King arose much agitated & stated that before other
business was attented ( 1) to, he had something to state, viz.
that he had been greatly pained by the sermon on last evening,
that it brought out his sins before those who had no right to
know about them; that he should never forget the offence ( I)
as long as he lives.
I arose & humbly stated that if I had
offended his Majesty, it was unintentional, entirely so, & that
I beged ( i) his pardon for any personality or harshness in my
sermon last evening.
But he was not satisfied & left the
council requesting its members to consider what should be done.
A long discussion ensued, in regard to the Kings ( I) late
conduct, & my sermon.
Nearly all, or quite all (except Hop
kins the clerk) spoke & spoke well.
But the most important
speeches were made by John II, Dr. Judd & Mr. Wyllie.
J. II arose & said the King was hurt, most evidently, but
said he, ”1 am wounded also, I am deeply wounded.
My wounds
were prior to those of His Majesty & were occasioned by his
late misconduct.
Said he,&*k did not feel so distressed for the
Kingdom in the years of 1838, & 1839 & in times when all seemed
�13
to be going.
.
There was a time when I stood alone by the side
of Kinau in the midst of trouble from the consuls, & small as
I was my hand diped (I) a pen in a little ink, & saved the land.
I felt sat
then, but feel worse now.
For then we had little to
loose ( i)j now, we have got the gov't organized & are going on
in a civilized way.
But the conduct of the King has filled me
with apprehension, 8: I am not alone.
It was this grief of
heart that led Armstrong to address the King in a way to give
him offence ( i); & the King has created his own distress, in
this matter.
In fact, I am glad the thing has occured ( 1)
that we may have an oppertunity (I) to bring about a reform.^
Mr. Wyllie stated, that he had listened to this affair
with more pain than he had ever felt before in the p. council
on any occasion.
And he thought that the Kings (I) private
misconduct should not have been remarked upon in a discourse
before others; but that the motive was undoubtedly good that
prompted it.
Mr. Judd said that he was confounded at what the King had
stated & hardly knew what to say.
But that he had Informed
the King privately, that unless he changed his course of life,
he must leave his service, because he could not serve, if he
continued to drink as he has done of late.
That he considered
it extremely doubtful whether the government can be carried
on should the King continue to be so irregular.
But still, he
thought it indiscreet to address him so pointedly in regard to
his vices, before the other chiefs & he had never pursued that
course himself.
This was the general opinion that the sermon was unwise,
�14
.
although all admited ( I) that it contained not a word but the
naked truth.
Mr. Wyllie proposed three resolutions to be submited ( l)
to the King, in relation to the matter, the purport of which
a)
,
,
was that the council regrefefedd that the Kings ( i) feelings were
hurt & hoped there would never be any more occasion for allu
ding to any of his private misconduct in future, & that the
past be overlooked.
The resolutions were carried to His Majesty by Dr. Judd
& Mr. Young.
He appeared still Cto) be much displeased, &
wished not to reply until 10, o,clock to-morrow.
On their
return the Council broke up.
22. Dr. Judd called on me at 9. A.M. & I sent a note by him
to the King apologising (i) for my indiscretion on Sabbath
evening.
The King replied in a note, that he never could
overlook the offence ( I) & that I must be removed from office.
I did not attend p. council to-day.
At 2, o,clock Dr.
Judd returned & informed me that it was all settled & the
King wished to see me.
I went & he received me with apparent
cordiality & said it was "pau”.
I assured him of my love &
loyalty & my sorrow at having given him offence (I); in doing
so, I was conscious of nothing but the deepest anxiety for
his welfare & that of his government.
left him.
After a few minutes I
The interview was in his private room & no one (I)
else present.
Thus this stonn has blown over.
My prayer is
that God will bring good out of it to the King, the nation,
& to myself above all.
above, God grant it me.
I need more of the wisdom that is from
�15
.
I have good reason to think, that the Kings ( I) action in
this matter was not all his own; neither was it a native who
laboured with him to dismiss me from office.
22.
The King & Queen, Mr. & Mrs. Young took tea with us this
evening & all went off pleasantly.
Mr. & Mrs. Thurston were
also with us & we had family prayers.
flnserted in pencil the following: (Probably had a Guava
pie. C.H.B)J
July 18.
To-day returned from Maui, where I have spent
2 weeks in lecturing on education, in looking at the gov’t
lands in Kaanapali, which have been appropriated to the Semi
nary at Lahainaluna.
Pound several government lands in the
neighborhood of Mr. Pavier (?]; the Mahinahinas & Kahanas;
they are long & narrow, reaching from the seaside to the
mountains, & suitable only for pasture.
Honokohau is by far the most important of these lands.
It
extends along the sea shore some 3 miles, & inland say, six
miles, with a deep
firtile ( I) valley, which is covered with
kalo, lying near the S. E. side.
& is fit for but little else.
This is a good pasture land,
If it can be stocked with
cattle, sheep & horses, it may produce some revenue for the
support of the Seminary.
How this is to be done, I do not yet
see.
The new class in the Seminary is unusually promising; the
boys evince good abilities, & better preparation than hereto
fore for entering the Institution.
The common schools in the 1st district of Maui have suf
fered much for want of proper superintendance.
The school
houses are, many of them bad, & the teachers have not been so
�16
faithful as they should.
.
The accounts also have not been well
kept.
Visited Wailuku, Hamakuapoko, Hamakualoa, Haliimaile, Makauao, - Schoolsdoing pretty well in all these places.
Land
in Pauwela occupied some part of my timej 10 or 12 persons,
old friends, wished me to assist them in getting pieces of
land in ”fee simple”, which I am happy to do; the lands have
been surveyed & applied for.
I am glad to serve the people
in any way that will promote their temporal or spiritual wel
fare.
They are a poor helpless race & need aid at every turn
& at all times.
God fgrantj me a heart to labor for them.
I have returned home much impressed with the importance
of the following things.
1.
The importance of encouraging good foreigners to engage in
agriculture.
They promote industry among the natives; they make labour
pleasant by introducing to the natives new & better modes of
cultivating the soil, than those to which they have been ac
customed.
No human being can ever love agriculture in the form
in which it exists among Hawains (i)> but to drive the plough,
& the harrow, the cart, is a different thing.
2*
Education must be carried on vigorously.
Even industry will
not secure prosperity without mental and moral culture.
There
is so much dishonesty, lying, stealing, & licentiousness
among the people, that nothing but vital religion, the fear of
God, can subdue them & make them prosperous.
The half caste children must all be educated; for they are
increasing in numbers & importance.
Mr. Baily [Bailey] has a
�HAWAIIAN MiSSlOri CFIURCN’S SOCIETY
LISRAflY
17 •
days ( i) school of about 50 scholars at Wailuku supported by
the parents, at the rate of $18. per scholar, per annum.
This is an institution of much importance.
3. -Rewards of merit might do good; Rewards for industry, for
the care of children, for acts of distinguished moral excel
lence, as taking care of orphan children, of the sick, saving
a drowning man, educating a poor child &C.
4.
The missionaries must be aided in seeking a support on
the Islands.
This is of faiafc importance, inasmuch as their
discouragement & retirement from the Islands, would be a very
great calamity, and their permanent settlement here,will
secure,
God, some of the choicest benefits to the
native race.
1.
In labouring to get a support for themselves,
they will lead their people on to habits of industry, & econo
my.
2.
Their children dwelling in the land will form a good
moral nucleus for the natives, & a good basis for a white pop
ulation.
As the natives decrease rapidly this is very impor
tant to the welfare of the nation.
3.
Most of all, the
missionaries making the Islands their home, & the home of as
many of their children as choose to dwell here, will secure a
preached Gospel to the Islands.
darkness will come over the land.
Should they retire, gross
Let the day be far distant,
let it never come, when the voice of the living preacher shall
cease to proclaim thel!glad tidings of great joy” in the temples
that now adorn this land.
To render Christian Institutions
permanent then, should be the desire, aim & prayer of every
friend of the nation.
Foreigners must & will come in; as the native race is dying
�18
.
out, we wish to have them; but 0, that a Kind Providence may
send us such as will bless the land by their industry, their
morality & their piety, & not such as will trample on law,
indulge in licentiousness, drunkenness, gambling, & set God
at defiance.
July 29.
This day at 20 min. past 11. A. M. our dear
Brother Chamberlain fell asleep in the Lord.
He was a good
man, a man of God; patient, humble, conscientious & prayerful;
intelligent, cautious, and firm in his principles; rather con
servative, but yet possessing a large share of liberality &
exercising great kindness to all.
I loved him much, & have
received great benefit from my intercourse with him in past
years.
For 17 years I have known him intimately, & I never
knew a better man.
1839 f3 crossed out and 4 under it in pencil}
Aug. 2.
This morning at l.o,clock, Mrs. Young wife of
the Primier (I) died, very unexpectedly.
Aug. 12.
This morning I returned from Maui on board the
Schooner "Lion” of 15 tons I
Left my family at Wailuku on the
10th from which place they were to proceed to Makauao fMakawao ?]
to reside a few weeks, on account' of Mrs. Armstrongs ( 1)
health, which has been feeble of late.
While at the Seminary at Lahainaluna, which is under my
care as "Min. of Public Instruction", I was consulted in refer
ence one of the buildings, that attached to the one occupied
by C. B. Andrews, & built by Mr. Emerson.
It is in great
danger of falling down, & I advised that it be taken down &
the material preserved or sold.
So also I advised in regard
�19
.
to the Mt. Ball house.
Aug. 15.
Went to Manoa with Kanaina to settle a dispute
between him & two of his tenants in regard to some Kalo patches.
On ray return took tea with the Punahou folks; all very pleasant.
Have had five invitations to take my meals in families, but
prefer to live at home.
I should be grateful.
ing.
But friends are very kind, for which
Mr. Dillon has a great party this even
Spent an hour at Mr. Damons (I) this evening.
Wrote a
long letter to C. S. Lyman on business this afternoon.
Aug. 18.
Admiral De Tromelein (Tromelin ?) called at 2,
o,clock, & was very talkative & very pleasant.
He entered at
once upon the existing difficulties between the French consul
& this govt.
Said he wished, & was ordered to see that the
treaty was fairly carried out, & he considered the $5 a gallon
duty contrary to the spirit of the treaty; that any thing ( i)
over 80 per ct would be considered in France, as a prohibition.
I differed from him & tried to show him that notwithstanding
the high duty a vast quantity is brought in through the custom
house.
He also spoke of the language, that the French as well
as the English ought to be admited ( I) at the custom house;
that as it now is, the nations are not on a parity.
conversation was pleasant.
But our
He does not appear to be a man of
much intellect*
1849
Aug. 25.
This has been a day of anxiety & apprehension.
Between & ( I) three & four o,clock by order of Adi. De Tromelein,
about 200 French soldiers landed & took possession of the fort,
the govt, house & the fort. ( I)
The reason for this is the re
fusal on the part of the govt., to accede to the 10 imperious
�20
demands of the Admiral & French consul.
.
To yield to such de
mands would leave but little of the Kings ( 1) sovereignty
that would be worth possessing.
It is remarkable that in the
three instances, in which the French have made demands on this
govt., brandy & popery have been the ground of the most impor
tant of them.
The demands are wrong, not sustained either by
treaty stipulations, or justice, but God has some wise purpose
to accomplish in permitting this invasion of the Kings ( I)
rights, & he will doubtless bring good out of it.
I have taken
much comfort in reading the 37th Psalm, & also the 121th (I);
they now have a meaning they never had before.
How sweet at
such seasons of distress, to have access to the Eternal Father
& pour all our cares & anxieties Into his bosom.
My (may?]
he bless this trial to my poor soul, & my prayer is that he
will bless it especially to the King, &
make it the means of
his conversion to God.
Aug. 26.
thin.
Preached this P.M. for Mr. Smith, congregation,
Preached also in the Palace from the 37th Psalm; a
pretty good attendance; King not present.
Feel very tranquil
in regard to the result of difficulties with the French, God
reigns & I trust will not allow our Islands to be flooded with
brandy & a portion of the public schools to be subjected to
the controul ( I) of the Catholic Bishop, to which he has no more
right than he has to my horse.
Wait 0 my soul thy„ Makers ( I) will,
Tumultuous passions, all be still,
Nor let a murmuring thought arise,
His ways are just, his councils wise.
�21
.
The frigate ’’Pourduevant” £Poursuivante ?3 Adi.
Sep. 5.
De Tromelein [Tromelin ?), left to-day, much to the joy of
the inhabitants of our town, nearly all of whom thorougly dis
approve of his proceedings here.
He sailed for San Francisco.
The ’’Gessendi” ^Gassendi ? 7 , French war steamer also sailed
for Tahiti, & the Kamehameha with her.
The loss of this fine
schooner we shall feel more thaii that of any article the
French have destroyed or taken.
Nov. 20. 1849.
Yesterday the ’’Montreal” sailed taking from
our shores Mrs. Richards & two daughters, Mr. Paris & two
daughters, C. B. Andrews, Wm. De Witt Alexander, David Hitch
cock, Alvah & Ann Eliza Clark, Maria Jane & Martha Ann Cham
berlain —
all very dear friends.
May God preserve & prosper
them.
I saw the King at 9 o clock (I), 0 sad, sad, sad 1
Dec? 14.
officers.
Dined at the Palace with Commodore Voorhes &
All passed off pleasantly although the evening was
very dark & rainy.
But I should have been much better pleased
to have seen no wine on the table.
Here is now a chief source
of danger to the chiefs - drunkenness.
It seems to be on the
increase now in Honolulu, & is doing untold mischief.
All
the societies of teetotlers that once flourished here have
become extinct, & the evil walks abroad unchecked.
Dec. 16.
Sabbath. Attended Mr. Clarks ( i) service as
usual this morningj the weather rainy & but few come out.
Read
in the Bible’’History of Prayer” with much interest & I trust
profit.
It is a most spiritual work, & it seems strange that
the conception of it, never occured ( I) to any one ( i) before.
�22
.
I think it will have the effect of quickening me somewhat in
this duty hereafter, & make me a more prayerful man.
0 this
heart of unbelief that seeks good every where ( I) else but
in Source of all good.
May 12. 1850.
Assisted Mr. Dole in the administration of
the Lords ( i) Supper at 4 P. M. & preached in the Palace at
candle light.
The King present, although he has attended but
seldom for months.
The meeting is not so well attended as it
used to be, & is rather dull.
Religion needs reviving all
over the Islands.
1850
July 28. Sabbath.
Attended service in the Stone Church this
morning; congregation rather thin; weather oppressively hot.
The King is feeble, from an attack of liver complaint; to me it
is doubtful whether he will ever be well again.
His constitu
tion owing to his habits is broken down.
For several months an incessant pressure of care & labor
has affected my head & I am now suffering more less daily from
acute pain on the top of the brain.
I long to be more free from the general business of the
government, that I may give my whole time to promoting the
interests of education, sound Bible education.
The 500
schools, together with the Seminary at Lahainaluna, & the
Royal School in this place, now under my care, afford suf
ficient field for all my exertions.
0 that I could do something
to raise up & bless the rising generation.
God help me to
do it.
1850. Dec. 6.
A memorable day in my family.
Mrs. Arm-
�23
.
strong & our son W. N. sailed for New Bedford, in the whaling
ship "Julian", Cap. Tabor, at 3 o,clock, P. M.
Accompanied
them on board, with Ellen & [crossed outj Amelia, & Samuel,
in Mr. Damons ( i) boat who also went on board.
The ship had
got under way, & we had to pull well out of the harbour in
order to overtake her.
I returned to our house with the children who had thus
far borne the parting scene admirably; but when evening came
on, & we came around the tea table, the hearts of the poor
little girls failed them, & there was more weeping than eating
or drinking, for this evening.
But before bed time the girls
were playing as cheerfully as ever, only once in a while, they
would think of the departed ones, & their feelings would gush
out.
Mrs. Penhallow called, about sunset, & kindly tried to
divert the mind of Mary Jane, by going through the garden with
her, & talking about the plants & flours (I).
I attended an adjourned meeting of the Reeding (l) Room
& Library association at \ past 7, and acted as chairman of
the same.
Dec. 7.
Children as cheerful as could be expected today.
M.J. feels her loss & her responsibility ( i) most sensibly.
Poor girl, my heart has ached for her to day. (I)
But a little
time will remove the pressure of her feelings, on account of
the absence of her mother & brother.
on well, & orderly in the family.
Every thing ( i) has gone
In order to divert the minds
of the little girls & cheer them up, I walked down with them
to the market at sunset, & got them some cocoanuts; also
�24
called on Mr. & Mrs. Bishop in their new cottage.
.
The "Groton”
attempted to go out to-day, but was run into by another ship, &
is detained to repair a little.
Mr. Wyllie was a little hurt that I did not notify him as
we passed by his office when going on board yesterday, as I
promised to do, as he wished to see Mrs. A. before she left
the wharf; but I apologized on account of our extreme haste to
get on board, as we had not a moment to loose ( I).
1850.
Dec. 8.
Sabbath.
A lovely day, clear, calm & cool.
The children have been comparatively quiet, orderly & atten
tive.
About sun set (I) Ellen & Amelia began to think of their
mother, & had a season of weeping.
take us with her?
E. saidKrhy did not Mother
She knew we would want her” .
I attended Sab. school as usual, & morning service, preached
in the afternoon, on the danger of living In sin.
Deut. 29. 19.
& heard Mary Jane & R. Baxter read several chapters in "How
to be a man", an admirable little work by Newcombe.
May the
Lord our Redeemer bless the reading of it, to the children,
& cause the sentiments it contains to sink deep into their
hearts.
But how impotent are good books, the best of books,
without the Spirit of God to qucken Cquicken ?} the seed sown?
Resolved, to seek the Spirits ( 1) aid for myself & children,
with more earnestness than heretofore.
Until our children are
b o m of God, we have no pledge for their safety from eternal
suffering for a moment.
1850
Dec. 9.
Wrote a line early in the morning to Brother in
law, R. A. Chapman, informing him of Mrs. A.'s & Nevins ( I)
departure for the U. States, in the "Julian"; letter went by
�25
.
the Gov. Davis to S. Francisco.
Had Messers ( I) Gower & Parsons to breakfast.
Attended
privy council afcuten [crossed out} 11; King not present.
Attended a meeting on Library & Reading room at 7 P. M. in
Mr. Montgomerys ( I) office, was chosen chairman of the "Executive
Committee. [»1
The children have been cheerful through the day, & things
have gone on well in the family.
How kind is our Heavenly
Father who supplies our daily wants & gives us peace & quiet.
Dec. 10.
All well in the family.
Mary Jane went out to
see her friend Sophia in the afternoon, & the other little
girls took a walk on punch bowl (I), which they seemed to
enjoy much.
Duncan is about to leave for Kauai, to be herdsman for
govt, he was much affected at the thought of leaving, & tried,
but could not utter his thanks to me for procuring for him, the
situation.
I wrote letters to Mr. Alexander and Mr. Hitchcock,
on matters of business.
Have had a very busy day, & have withal
a sore throat & some cold.
0 that I could do all I wish, for
the people, & especially for the schools.
Dec. 12.
Mr. Boardman, watchmaker called this morning
after breakfast, & appeared very glad to get back to our city.
Spent the day in cabinet meeting and translating resolu
tions in regard to a board of health for the city, to be pre
sented to-morrow at p. council.
All goes on well in the family.
succeed ( I) nobly:
Mary J. baked to-day, &
the bread Is first rate, & cup cakes, a
new invention, are delicious.
�26
Dec. 15.
Sabbath.
I preached this morning in the stone
church for Mr. Clark, on the duty of churches to support their
minister.
Congregation large & attentive.
In the afternoon
read with the children in Newcombs ( 1) "How to be a man". An
excellent little volume, & I hope much benefit to the children
from reading it with them.
Attended chapel this evening, subject of sermon honoring God,
& being honored by him.
Singing very good; congregation re
spectably large and attentive.
But barren & fruitless are all these services unless the
heart is moved by the spirit of God.
Dec. 20.
This is week of some apprehension, the French
commissioner, M. Perrin having arrived a few days since in
the corvette "Serluse" (Serieuse ?}, & no salutes having as
yet been fired.
It is Impossible to tell what to expect from
such a people as the French, but one thing is certain they will
go no farther than an all wise & holy Providence will permit
them.
Dec, 22.
Sabbath.
Attended Sabbath school this morning as
usual in the Stone church; attendance good.
want of seriousness among the children,
Spirit of God.
But there is great
lhat we need is the
0 for his reviving influences on these poor
children I
25.
Christinas day.
The children began to stir about 5,o,
clock, to see what Santa Claus had put under their beds.
He
seems to have been uncommonly bountiful, for it has been a day
of sugar plums, dolls, cakes, & all sorts of toyB among the
children.
They have all enjoyed themselves greatly.
�27
.
Mr. & Mrs. Damon & Mrs. Parker dined with us, & Mary Jane
had an excellent dinner.
After dinner we walked to the Palace,
saw the Eagle, pictures, trees &c.
In the evening I attended
our prayer meeting at Mrs. Chamberlains (I), & it was rather
more than usually interesting.
A goodly number attended.
I called on Dr. Judd in the forenoon, as he is ill, & con
fined to his bed with cold & fever.
The French came ashore from the ”Siriusen [Serieuse ?J &
walked in procession to the catholic chapel.
26.
Mr. Boardman called & spent most of the evening in
very pleasant conversation.
His health is not very good, but
he has greatly improved in spirit.
He appears much as he did
in the year 1836 when he first arrived at the Islands.
He is
putting up the town clock in the stone church.
1850
Dec. 31.
Thanksgiving day, & a good day I trust to the
souls of many in Honolulu.
I attend (l) Mr. Clarks ( I) ser
vice in the Stone church at If past 9 A.M. & at 11, Mr. Damons
( i) service in the Seamans ( I) Chapelj both good & profitable
exercises.
The singing In the S. chapel, was the best I ever
heard in that house.
After sermon, primiums ( I) were given to
the most punctual of the Sabbath School scholars in Mr. Whitneys
( I) Sabbath School.
Sami. C. & Ellen each reed. one.
We all, that is all my family dined with Mr. Damon at 2
P. M.
& had as nice a dinner as need ever be got up for any
occasion.
The children enjoyed it much.
Mr. Boardman was
with us.
I returned home & as rain was coming on, I set out some
fig trees, by the help of Duncan.
Another Southern Storm seems
�28
.
to be setting in.
Mr. Wyllie dined to-day on board the "Seriuse” with Mr.
Perrin.
This is the last day of 1850.
a dream.
The year has flown away like
To me it has been a year of toil, care, & responsa-
bility ( I); & yet, one of great blessings to myself & family.
Blessing, yes, #10 can number them?
I have this day been re
flecting upon them, & 0 that I had a heart duly thankful for
Gods ( I) boundless love & faivor to one so unworthy of them I
I must strive to be more sensible of Gods ( t) care & love,
and Kind Providence, in future, & give him the glory of all
the good that I & my family receive.
I would live more by
faith in God, & less in the creature; & think less of self, &
more of the welfare of others.
I would particularly seek the
good of the young during the coming year, 0 for wisdom from
above to enable me to do more than I ever have done for the
schools throughout the Islands, that the children may have
reason to bless God for ever, that they ever learned to read
his word.
1851
Jan. 1.
A happy new yeari
Yes, thrice happy.
Health, &
plenty have been our portion during the year past, amemnorable (i )
year on these Islands, for advancement in civilization, & our
prospects are good for the future.
We enter upon the new year
with bright skies, unless they are overcast by a French force
now at hand, & I have tried to-day to commit myself & my family
entirely to Gods (I) care & guidance fojp the future, & have
implored his aid to enable me to serve him more faithfully, &
�29
.
to grow in grace, & in the knowledge of our Lord & Saviour Jesus
Christ.
Mr. Harris the lawyer, & Bro. Gulick dined with us.
This
evening Mr. Wyllie delivered a lecture "before the Atheneum, the
greatest tissue of foolery, drollery, & nonsens (.'.) inter
spersed here & there with some happy hits, & valuable ideas,
that I ever heard in my life.
On the whole, the lecture was
far below the mark, & not what was expected.
Jan. 5.
Sabbath.
I preached for Bro. Clark in the morn
ing, a new years sermon from Ecc.
A full & attentive house.
What a pleasure, what a relief it is for me, to stand in the
pulpit & speak for God.
I often feel that I ought to return
thither & forsake all connexion with government.
”
6.
Election day - a great day in Honolulu.
Monthly concert this evening; but few present.
falling off I lamentable truly to behold.
0 what a
How can a missionary
spirit rest upon our children, if parents are so indifferent as
not even to come together, to pray for the conversion of the
heathen?
I rode to Manoa this afternoon to attend to some applica
tions for land, & the little girls rode in the hand cart with
Brother (?§ to Punahou.
They enjoyed it much.
May Parker was
with them.
Jan. 11.
Sent my first letter to ray wife to-day since her
departure, & sent also a draught on Mr. Hunnewell of $100, in
favor of Mrs. Adams, Mr;.
”
12.
Sabbath.
McLanes ( I) mother.
Attended Sabbath school & Mr. Clarks (l)
service in the morning as usual, & Mr. Damons ( I) in the evening.
The Gentoo arrived today, with Mr. Severence & family.
By
�50
.
request of Mr. Ladd his son Luther lodges at our house for a
few days.
The King is sick again, from his excesses.
out long in such a state.
He cannot hold
0 the curse of rum I Intemperance
seems to be on the increase in Honolulu.
natives completely intoxicated lately.
I have seen several
I would record it to
the praise & glory of God that has hitherto kept me from this
vice.
Ifhat would I take & be in the condition of the drunkard?
Not the whole world.
God save icy children from drunkenness, yea,
even from ever tasting intoxicating liquor.
1851
Jan. 25.
Wind from South, & some rain, have been planting
corn, squashes, melons, &c, today.
A son of Rev. Dr. Paine of Lexington Va, & a friend of
Dr. Junkin (?), of that place lodged with us, for a few days,
& left yesterday.
He is much of a gentleman, & appeared
pleased with his visit.
The piano arrived two days since, & the girls appear to be
delighted.
I called at Punahou to-day & found Mr. Rice very feeble &
Mrs. R. also.
He has had an attack of choler ( I) morbus.
Mr. Pullers ( 1) school closed two days since, after an
examination that was tollerable, & an exhibition that went off
very well.
Mr. Severence, Judge Lee, and Mr. Castle made re
marks .
Luther Severence sleeps with the boys, & appears to be a
fine boy.
I have much to do at present in regard to translations for
my colleague Wyllie in his negotiations with M. Perrin.
They
�31
.
are going deep into the sources of the trouble between us &
Prance, & it may be hoped that they will arrive at an amicable
adjustment.
1851
Jan. 26.
But it is very tedious.
Sabbath.
I preched ( I) both parts of the day for
Mr. Clark in the stone church; in the forenoon from Eph. 5,15,
on the evils of ignorance; in the afternoon from 2 Tim. 2;19.
The day has been storn^, & the congregation not so large as
usual.
At 8, oclock A.M. we discovered that a ship was on the
reef, about opposite to the stone church, & no help for her,
as a powerful wind blew directly on shore.
A brig & a schooner
were in extreme danger, but by good seamenship ( I) they were
brought into the harbour.
seamen.
Great indeed are the perils of
0 that they more generally looked to God in times of
danger.
Last Eve§ cap. Tanner (?$ took tea with us, having brought
letters from our friend Cap. Loughnan, of Hobarttown.
He is a
pious old gentleman, & made a sensible prayer at family worship.
It is now well known that Mr. Damon intends to leave for
the U. States within 2 or 3 weeks, & that Mr. Puller & Miss
Mills are to be united in marriage.
The Kona rages fearfully.
We have read in course, the two excellent little volumes by
Newcomb.
"How to be a man", "How to be a lady".
Luther Sever
ence, sleeps with the boys, & he seems to be a well trained
youth.
Gave letters to Mr. Paine for Dr. Junkin, Mary Arm
strong, & Sami. Chapman.
Jan. 30.
Mr. Calkin took tea & spent the evening.
Poor
�32.
man I California has been his ruin.
He declares he is not
worth a dollar 1 He has had another dreadful attack of asthma.
We were delighted with one or two tunes & songs he played &
sung, the old "Sexton" & the "Ivy Green".
"
37.
The Min? of Finance presented his budget today.
good time for planting this, but for the worms.
the corn as fast as it comes up.
A
They cut down
Blakers a German has engaged
to commence planting in Manoa.
Feb. 2.
Sabbath.
Preached in Nuuanu to a number of my
(I)
former parishoners, & our meeting in the old thatched house,
after an interval of three years was mutually gratifying.
text was Mat. 22. 21.
The
the design to show the duty of the
people towards the King & to sustain good laws, & submit cheer
fully to taxation.
1851.
Feb. 9.
Sabbath.
Preached for Mr. Smith in the
morning on education & in the afternoon at Waikiki; the people
rather dull, & congregation rather small.
Attended the Seamens ( 1) chapel this eve&. & saw Mr. Fuller
& Miss Mills united in marriage.
Mr. Taylor preached on "Fools
make a mock at s i r H a good sermon.
Feb. 15.
M. Perrin called this evening at 7 by appoint
ment to talk about the appointment of separate Inspectors for
the Catholic schools.
He takes the ground that the fact that
all the school Inspectors are Protestants is a violation of the
Treaty, inasmuch as this arrangement places French catholic
missionaries in a disadvantageous position in comparison with
the American missionaries, the School Inspectors having great
power, & being altogether under the influence of the latter, &
�33,
being withal zealous to promote the interests of the Protestant
cause.
I endeavored to convince him that this is an imtenable po
sition, for the following reasons.1*
That the schools are en
tirely separate establishments from either Prot. or Cath.
missions; They are supported by government, are under govt, con
troul (I), & not missionary controul (I); any father than that
missionaries of both sects exert more or less moral influence
upon them from without, a thing unavoidable & not objectionable
2.
The government does not sustain the schools for sectarian,
but for literary purposes.
It assumes no controul (I) of the
religious education of the young.
It makes no rules on that
subject, any farther than to allow Protestant & Catholic
parents, to have separate schools, in which at their discretion
their own creeds may be taught their children; & foreign mis
sionaries resident here as religious teachers have no right
to convert these schools into sources fof* omitted ?} sectarian
strife, or to make them scenes of prosolytism ( I).
3.
No restraint is imposed by govt, on either Prot.3 or cath
olic missionaries, in converting either parents or children to
their respective sentiments.
Though the Inspector be a Pro
testant he has no authority & no power to prevent children in
the schools, from passing from one school to another, at the
discretion of their parents.
Where then is the inequality?
If the Catholic priest can convert the parents they uniformly
take the children with them, & the Inspector has nothing to
say, provided they attend school.
And vice versa.
Where then
�34 .
is the advantage given to the American over the French mission
ary?
Both have full scope to make all the converts they can, &
in no case is the child of a person of one sect, obliged to
attend a school of an opposite creed.
4.
No such case is known.
I tried to show M. Perrin that there are reasons why none
of the Inspectors are Catholics.
1.
No Catholic has ever yet asked for the office.
2.
In
all the districts the Protestants are the majority, & if there
is but one Inspector on what principle ought he to be selected
from the minority?
3.
The catholics generally are disposed to look to a foreign
power, rather than to the Kings ( I) govt., for the attainment'
of their rights, & their loyalty is doubtful.
Hence it is not
safe to entrust them with offices.
5.
I endeavored to show M. Perrin, that the appointment of
Catholic Inspectors for the cath. schools, would not be likely
to obviate all grievances.
The two Inspectors in a given dis-
0
trict will be antagonist to each other, & will have their re
spective parties.
They will quarrel about scholars, the pro
portion of funds, about their dignity, & (0
M. P. remarked on leaving that he should write Mr. Wyllie a note
on the subject, saying there must be some tinders tending in
writing, in regard to the schools.
I endeavored to dissuade
him from it, assuring him that, the better way would be to let
us alone to manage our schools in our own way; that I had submited ( 1) a proposition to the P. council two years ago, to
appoint separate committees in the districts to manage the
schools of each persuasion, & that plan might have been adopted,
�35 .
but for the course of M. Dillon, & now if the French government
persists in demanding any controul ( I) of our schools, the only
way will be to throw them on voluntary support, & the government
stand entirely aloof from them.
Feb. 16.
Sabbath.
A windy, & rainy day.
Mr. Hitchcock
preached for Mr. Clark, a stirring, good sermon, congregation
rather small.
I was too much excited by Perrin & slept miser
ably last night, do not feel well to day ( 1).
Have tried to-day
to draw near to God in Christs ( I) name, & present before him
the present threatening state of our affairs, & to plead his
former mercies, as a ground for his renewed aid in our present
extremity.
1851
Feb. 21.
mirth.
22.
A ball at Washington place, a scene of gaiety &
King & chiefs present.
I was invited but did not attend.
Mr. Severence & family, Mr. Allen, J. Young, & Mrs. Lee
dined with us to-day - had a pleasant party.
Lima came in, &
did the cooking in good style.
23.
Sabbath,
a
rainy day, few people at meeting, but a
quiet peaceful holy, blessed day to me.
Thank God for the
Sabbath; without it, I should loose ( I) soul
27.
& body both.
To-day Mr. & Mrs. Damon & son, & Mr. Boardman left
this place (Honolulu) for the U. States, via California; carry
ing a large package of letters from us all to my dear wife &
Nevinsnow I trust on the other side of Cape Horne (I), on their
voyage homeward.
28.
Cabinet council to-day.
Mr. Wyllie brought forward
the state of his negotiations with M. Perrin, French commissioner,
from which it appears, that M. P. maintains that Mr. Wyllies ( i)
�36 .
note of 26th March *46 constitutes an additional Article to the
Treaty of that day, & France will hold this govt, to it; that
tho M. P. adinited ( I) in the preliminary articles to the confer
ences, that the treaty had been observed, now takes the ground
that it has been violated by this govt.
I see no hope of an
amicable adjustment, & shall look forward to more violence.
It
is perfectly clear, that the priests of Rome are the moving
cause, of the greater part, if not the whole of this trouble.
Called on Genl. Miller this P.M. found him unwilling to take any
part in the existing difficulties, but
in the opinion that
the govt, should adhere to the treaty of 1846, & yield nothing
to France, not required by that instrument.
But France does
not intend to be bound by treaties I fear, nor any thing ( I)
else, but the limits of her own power.
But God rules & will bring good, real, & lasting good out
of all these vexatious interferences.
May my faith in him
never failf.}
1851
Mar. 6.
Sold the woodland of Haiku to Messrs Allen, Wood,
& Burbank to-day, & hope in this way to work through the debt
on my house in due time.
Saw Mr. Severence this afternoon, conversed on the diffi
culties with France, found his sjampathies entirely with the
govt., & he is ready to do all in his power (& that is not a
just
little/now) to assist the government. As to the schools, his
opinion is most decided that France has no more to do with them,
than she has with the public schools of New York, which is a fact.
Mar. 10.
A special Privy council was held in Mr. Youngs (1)
�37 .
house in regard to the present critical relations of the na
tion with Prance.
A general feeling of despondency evidently
rested on the minds of the chiefs, & but one sentiment was ex
pressed viz. that the King should prepare the way at once, to
throw himself, in case of hostilities on the part of the
French, into the hands of some more powerful government until
these difficulties can be settled.
It was resolved first to
sound Genl. Miller as to what pledge of protection he could
give on the part of his govt., in case of extremities.
The
King sent Mr. Young, Mr. Bates, & myself to propound certain
inquiries to him.
The General was much excited & wished time to
reflect, before he replied, & proposed to-morrow evening.
11.
Privy council.
Genl. Miller made his reply in person
to the King, could afford no pledge of protection, & talked
most offensively, about the partiality of the government, con
sular interference, annexation, protectorate &c.
The King & chiefs seeing no hope of relief from this quarter,
in the hour of danger, resolved to apply to Mr. Severence, which
was accordingly done, by a solemn document signed by himself &
the Primier (I).
17.
Rode to Kaneohe to-day (being the Kings birth day) in
company with Mr. Kingsberry, Mrs. J.
& Mary Jane.
£?J
Ladd, Miss A. Severence
We got thoroughly drenched with rain, & had a
most furious wind to encounter on the pari fpali ?J - never
saw it so strong.
A soiree at the Palace in the evening - a large number
present - dancing was introduced - a very objectionable mea
sure under the circumstances.
�38
1851
Mar. 20.
To-day received a letter from R. A. Chapman, my
brother in law ( t), hearing the sad intelligence of the death
of my father in law ( I) Sami. Chapman of Blanford Mass.
is reason to hope that he was a Christian.
There
How sad will be the
disappointment of my dear C - on her arrival in N. England, to
find that her aged sire, of whom she thought so much of meeting,
is no more I
A cabinet meeting to-day, to consider M. Perrin's final
proposition for the settlement of the difficulties with Prance.
If adopted, it will be some gain, but far from what is wanted.
Mar. 31.
Called on King & Mr. Young with document to be
signed by Mr. Wyllie & Mr. Severence, in regard to present diffi
culties with Prance, in order to secure protection against sur
prise in future, King & M r . Young approved.
The former has de
clared to me repeatedly of late, that his sovereignty is be
coming burdensome & unless he can Che ?1 more respected by
other powers & more free from the interference of their agents
here, he would rather surrender it entirely.
Sent letters to
day to Lieut. Johnn, of the Vandalia, bound to Panama, for my
wife, son Nevins, R. A. Chapman, & R. ^Anderson.
Mr. Allen goes
to Washington direct.
Apl. 13.
My birth day (1), & closes my 46th year.
end of 46 years more where shall I be?
At the
A solemn question.
0
for grace to turn every moment to some good account, since life
is but a vapor, & time once mfepent never can be recalled.
I
would live the remainder of life, less unto myself, & more unto
Christ my Lord & Redeemer, & do what I do, more entirely for
Him, in bringing men to submit to his yoke.
�39
.
I have preached three times to-day, twice in the stone
church & once in the Palace.
The King present at the last
service, after a long period of absence, but he gives no in
dications of reformation.
The congregation in the church was
full & attentive.
On coming out of the stone church I met Cap. Prole of New
York, who appears to be a good man, & seems much delighted with
the state of improvement among the natives; as he was here 30
years ago, & knows what the natives were then.
Apl. 20.
Cap. Prole, an Episcopalian, & apparently a
pious man, accompanied me from the stone church, where I
preached in the afternoon, & went with me also the the Palace
in the Evening.
He expressed himself as greatly gratified.
He
is an uncommonly agreeable man, & a gentleman in manners.
”
22.
Mr. Taylor & family came to-day to stop with us
■until after Genl. meeting.
”
26.
Excessively driven wit$i work, preparing my report
for Legislature, translating, & assisting Mr. Young.
The care
of Mr. Youngs ( 1) department is a heavier weight upon me than
my own.
^ *
Sabbath. A hot day, not very well, having had a
slight fever, & mucji derangement of the system.
1851
May 2.
I.T. Gower married this evening at our house to Mary
C. Croswell; a pleasant company present tho. small, & all passed
off well.
Capt. Prole called to take leave.
He is a gentleman
from N. York, of fine manners, much intelligence & apparently
Christian feelings.
May 4.
Sabbath.
Blessed be God for the day of sacred rest;
�40 ,
but for it, I should soon sink under the pressure of my labors
& cares.
Preached this evening in the Palace, a discourse in
reference to I. R. Jasper, who died a week ago, in poverty &
misery, and furnishes a striking example of the ruinous effects
of early habits of intemperance.
He was a man of good abili
ties, cultivated mind & manners, & well instructed in the doc
trines & duties of Christianity; but in early life he contracted
habits of intemperance which carried him to an early grave.
I
endeavored to hold him up as a warning to the young chiefs, &
the old too.
Mr. Taylor preached a funeral sermon this morg.
in the chapel, & was very plain in his appeals, on the subject
of intemperance.
1851.
May 8.
to-day.
A singular act of villainy occured (1) in my house
About noon a native of thin & unusually dark visage,
called & gave Mary Jane some egges ( I), saying they were sent
by Makalena (my clerk), & stating that I had sent him for a bag
of money.
®.J. told him she knew nothing about it.
He said I
wa3 in a hurry for it, & it was somewhere in the house.
M.J.
thinking he was one of the men about my office, set to work, to
search for the bag of money, & found one, unfortunately, be
longing to Mr. Bailey of Wailuku, which I had laid out in my
bedroom, to be delivered during that day to the agents of the
mission.
She told the man, there was a bag of money, but it
fomlssionj not be the one.
He said, if it is not, I will re
turn it, & he took it away, & he has not been heard of since.
The bag contained about $350. in silver.
May 12.
Reports of the Kings ( I) Ministers read to day ( !)
�41 .
before both houses of the Legislature, in the stone church.
To
me it was a most fatiguing day, as it devolved upon me to read
an English translation of Mr. Youngs ( I) Report, a translation
of Mr. Wyllies (1) in Hawaian (I), and icy own also.
May 26.
Mr. Perrin left the Islands to day ( I) for Paris.
May God overrule all his evil purposes, for the good of his
people here, & establish his cause more firmly than ever before,
in the hearts of this people, by reason of the opposition of
French popery.
Perrin did not seem to have receded at all from
his original position.
June 3.
Last evening we had all the missionaries, & ex
missionaries, & a few others to tea.
season.
It was a most agreeable
Mr. Thurston made some good remarks, Mr. Coan fol
lowed & I closed.
”
4.
Sent off letters to Mrs. Armstrong, W. Nevins, &
Caroline, by mail; enclosed one from Mrs. Hitchcock, & another
from Mrs. Taylor to Caroline.
Mr. Parsons it appears is much
offended on account of his not being invited to our missionary
party I
erted at top of page In pencil: ”Mr. Parsons gave
the brooch of brilliants to C.C.A
As though such a char
acter was worthy of a place in such a company.
June 16.
Mr. Castle left us to-day for Boston via Panama,
& took with him, letters for Mrs. Armstrong, R. A. Chapman; W.
Nevins A - C. P. Armstrong, Mary Armstrong, Emerson Davis &
some others.
"
20.
A day of heavy business in the House of Nobles,
many bills were read, discussed & passed, & some rejected, or
postponed.
A resolution of the lower house was received, re
�42.
fusing to reduce the duty on spirits, which was unanimously
confirmed by the House of Nobles, with but little discussion,
several members calling for the question, on the reading the
resolution.
1851
24# June.
Took the four girls to Kaneohe, to remain there
during my tour to the windward Islands.
Mrs. Parker kindly
offers to board them for $4. a week each.
27*
Shall leave to-day In the Maria for Kaunakakai, Molo
kai, in order to be at the school celebration on the 30th.
Sep. 2d.
Returned to-day from my tour over the windward '
Islands, which occupied 10 weeks, & during which I examined
over 200 schools; had much pleasant intercourse with the people
& the mission families, & experienced much of the goodness of
God.
The tour has been beneficial to my health, & I trust,
that having seen many of Gods ( t) mighty works, & tasted
largely of his loving favor, my spirit has been refreshed, & my
faith invigorated somewhat.
0 that I had more spirituality of
mind, & more zeal for the blessed Redeemer; that my eye might
be more single in his service.
1851
Sepr. 27.
Saturday night.
I have been employed during
the week in preparing a report of my late tour to lay before
(!)
the p. council on monday; & in closing my school account for
the first two quarters of the year.
A meeting of trustees of Punahou school was held to-day at
Mr. Doles ( I) house.
Subject, whether to proceed with the new
school house or not since some $3000. more than has been ap
propriated, will be needed to finish it, & $51300 have already
�43
been expended over the sum appropriated.
.
It was concluded to
go on & finish it.
I made a tour to Waialua & Koolau, in order to see the
schools, & returned on tuesday evening; schools in that region
very low in general.
General Miller called this evening, & was very agreable ( i).
1851
Oct. 12.
Mr.Walch & "Lemone" catholic priests called at
my office to-day.
Mr. W. stated that the other gentleman had
some business with me.
"Lemone" as natives call him spoke in
native, & said he had to complain of the School Inspector in
Koolauloa, for not allowing a school (catholic) in Kahuku; that
there was there the complement of scholars, & a teacher, but
Noopalakee would not give him a license &c.
That he had re
jected some scholars because they were too old & another be
cause she was too young, & seemed determined to crush the
school, & he wished my interference.
I told him that I had re
cently been in Koolau, & heard the Inspectors ( I) statement of
this very case —
that there was not the compliment ( I) of
scholars (15); that the little girl counted was not three years
of age, & that he had not forbidden the larger boys to attend
the school, but they wished to be released from the school tax,
if they did attend; otherwise, they would not attend; & as they
were over 16, they could not be released from the tax, & con
sequently could not be counted as scholars in the school.
Hence there was not the complement, Two teachers (one of them
was Ha'o) present at the meeting in Koolauloa, stated that one
scholar counted, the little girl could not be three years of
�44
age.
.
The boy from Honolulu that was counted as a scholar, the
Inspector considered, as not a permanent resident there, &
could not be counted as a scholar.
This I told the priest was
the Inspector’s statement, but still that I had directed him
even though the number required, was not quite full, to allow
a school, & pay the teacher a small amount in proportion.
I informed him that I had in my possession a letter from
himself to the Inspector in reference to this very matter, &
I regreted (I) much that he had taken it up as though the
school was a missionary school, or a school the controul ( I)
of which belonged to him, & not to the Inspector, & that his
letter, being addressed to one of the Kings (I) officers was a
very disrespectful & insulting one.
That the government did
not assume any controul (1) of religion but it does of the
schools it supports, entirely, & that such letters criminating
& abusing the Kings ( I) authorities resulted in no good, but
great harm.
Mr. Walsh in the midst of the conversation asked me, if I
pretended to say the govt, was impartial in conducting the
schools.
I replied "I do”. He replied it had not been so last
year for Mr. Johnson, of Kauai had not even taken the oath of
allegiance when he had the care of the school money, & "paid
our teachers".
Well, what of it?
not taken the oath of allegiance?
And are you sure he had
Yes, he said "I can prove it".
Well said I, that is a matter I will not discuss at present.
Even if true it proves no partiality, nor is it a proper sub
ject of complaint for you, e& the management of the schools
belongs exclusively to the government, & not to priests or
�45
missionaries.
.
You called as I understand on another matter
of business, Mr. Walch replied said^l have called on you as an
officer of government, for I could not call on you as a gentle
man, since you published something in the Nonanona years ago,
disrespectful to me”.
He went on to say what it was, but I
checked him, & told him, I would not converse with him on those
private matters, that had nothing to do with the business on
which they called.
They arose to leave, Lemone asking if that
teacher at Kahuku, should be paid.
all that was necessary.
I replied that I had said
"Lemone” seemed confused while I was
reading & commenting upon his letter to the school Inspector, &
said it was the first of the kind that had occured ( I).
Oct. 14.
Mr. Beckwith arrived this morg. from the U. States,
in bad health, has the Panama fever, & is now at my house, con
fined to his bed.
This is a matter of regret as the new Royal
School house is ready, & the school should be re-commenced at
once.
Nov. 14.
Reed, letters from my wife to-day - much gratified
with her account of her visit to my friends in Penna, much
painfed
at what she says about my having "floods of company”,
& neglecting the children.
[[something inserted, but page torn]
( #<5 \
”
15.
Much alarm was occasioned some three weeks ago, by
the prisoners, who were not in confinement that night, & made
an attempt to kill the Kings ( I) ministers gov. & marshall &
destroy the government.
They got on Punchbowl, charged two
guns, & tried to fire them, but had no matches.
They were
betrayed by ”Keau" once ray boy, a redeemed prisoner, & a
�46 .
Tahitian.
But much alarm exists now on another account - viz. a
threatened invasion by some desperadoes from California, who
are supposed to have formed the design of subverting the gov
ernment, & establishing a republic.
The government is consider
ing what military force should be organized, for the safety of
the nation.
Spme of its members think its internal dangers
are greater than the external.
John Ii, stated in P. council
that the conduct of the King in going about with his mistress,
& his drunkenness, is putting his independence in more danger
than arises from the Californians.
Kekuanaoa, Lee, Bates,
Judd & myself supported II; Wyllie differed, & thought we had
nothing whatever to do with the Kings ( I) private habits, be
they ever so bad.
Nov. I.
It is evident that certain adventurers from
California are concerting plans to overturn the Kings ( I)
government, & set up one of their own; but it is said they find
no place for a foothold; no flaw in the govt, as they expected;
no strong opposition among foreigners to avail themselves of,
& hence it is doubtful whether they succeed.
Dec. 5.
Dedicated the new schoolhouse of the Royal School
to-day; weather unfavorable, but few out.
I made an address, &
Mr. Beckwith followed, in a happy manner, illustrating the re
lations of teacher, parents, & scholars.
Dec. 8.
Royal School re-opened with 35 scholars, under Mr.
E. G. Beckwith. The prospects of the school are fair.
Dec. 18.
Thanksgiving, attended Mr. Clarks ( I) meeting at
10, A. M. & Mr. Taylors ( I) in Seamens (.’) Chapel at 11; both
good meetings.
Mr. Taylor dined with us at 2, & after dinner we
�47 .
rode to Kalihi, Mr. & Mrs. Bishop, Mary Jane & myself, to see
old Mr. Adams’ garden.
There we found mango trees, peach trees,
breadfruit, grape vines, orange trees, &c -» all growing most
luxuriantly; & Mr. Adams was very polite to us.
Dec. 25.
Christmas & ”SantaclausM ( I) sent many nice things
to the children, & they are all in good humor.
Had an invitation from Cap. Gardner to dine on board the
Vandalia on Saturday, which I declined, as I shall probably be
out of town, & I don’t enjoy these "dinners".
1852
Jan. 1.
Wrote a long letter to Dr. Davidson in the morg. &
made a great number calls in the course of the day, some 25 or
30, - was well received & met much Cordiality every vfliere (I).
It was a very pleasant day on the #iole.
A large party at Dr.
Judds in the evening - every body ( I) there, some good singing all went off well.
God give me grace to honor & glorify him & enjoy much of
his presence, & do more good than I have ever done, during the
present year.
I wish to be more Christ like, more holy &
heavenly minded, & be wholely reconciled to the divine will.
With Gods ( I) help I will think less of self, & of earth, &
more for the welfare of souls, & the good of my own dear childrem,
during the present year.
For these I must pray more & labor
more that they may be brought to Christ.
Feb. 11.
Mrs. A. & Caroline this day returned home from the
U. States - came to Panama in the Steamer Ohio, from thence to
S. Francisco in Golden Gate; & from thence here in the "John
Potter" - a miserable vessel, had a passage of 27 days!
was
�48.
glad to welcome them home.
God he praised for his goodness I
This dear child has been gone 11 years & has returned in safe
ty.
1853
July 20.
A storm has arisen against Dr. Judd & myself, &
efforts are being made for our removal from office, professedly
for our not keeping out the smallpox, but really I think from
motives of personal ill will on the part of some of the lead
ers, & of the old anti-missionary feeling on the part of most.
The prime mover Dr. Lathrop owes me a grudge, & Judd also,
since his trial with Paki, in which our testimony went against
him, & he lost his case.
Hence his bitterness.
But I did con
sider his attempt to take away Paki’s Kalo land as a shameful
piece of fraud, as I was interpreter between them, when the
bargain was made, & knew what was said.
Paki stated again &
again that he did not intend to lease the Kalo land.
could not but testify to, when called on.
This I
Dr. Newcomb had a
quarrel with Dr. Judd & is violent against him.
His profession
al pride or avarice may be touched by my not employing him more
in reference to the smallpox.
Others may have private piques & many have old dislikes
against Dr. Judd; but the most of them, I think, are actuated
by a dislike to missionary influence in the government, as it
has tended to the enactment & enforcement of laws against
intemperance, licentiousness, Sabbath desecration &c.
These
are obnoxious to most foreign residents in Honolulu, & they
wish to remove from office, all who sustain such a policy.
Sep. 5, 1853.
On Saturday last the ministers, at the Kings
�49.
request handed him their commissions, & to-day new commissions
have been handed to Mr. Young, Mr. Wyllie & myself.
Mr.
Allen's is made out, & will be given him on his taking the oath
of allegiance.
They are given under the new constitution.
Why Dr. Judd was dropped, I do not certainly know, not being
in the councils of the chiefs for the last few days, in which
these matters were talked over, & not having any thing to say
about it.
But I perceived clearly that the King was was ( I)
resolved on removing him during my last conversation with him,
but he did not say why, nor has any one told me why, except a
hint that the Dr.'s annexation schemes had excited suspicion.
His general unpopularity may have helped the matter, & some
private influences hostile to him, all together ( I) may have
decided the case.
To him, it may be a kind providence, as he
may now be let alone, to pursue his way in private life, al
though he will find it hard at first to support so large.a fam
ily.
He has been for many years the butt of a fierce opposition
in Honolulu; & although faulty in his manner of doing things,
& often gives offence unnecessarily, yet injustice is often
done him.
Substantially I regard him as a good man.
Owing to my close connexion with Dr. Judd, being associated
with him, in the minds of many as old missionaries, I supposed
for some weeks of late that the opposition to myself would
prevail & I also would be removed from office.
The idea had
become not unpleasant 1c me, although with my large family, I
could see nothing before me in returning to the pastoral duties,
but toil & poverty for the outward man. The inner man would be
more likely to prosper however; & Mr. Clark has often proposed
�50 .
to me, in case I leave the government to return to the "Stone
Church" & take charge, leaving him the east end of the parish
as his field.
For this kind proposal I feel thankful to him
& to Godj & I trust I feel willing to spend the remainder of my
days in that blessed work for which I left my native land, &
came to these Islands.
I was always happy in that work, & from
all I have seen of "high places", I prefer it to all the "pomp
& circumstance" that surrounds.
They are emptiness & vanity
itself.
As to what my enemies say of me, it affects me but little,
so long as I am conscious of being innocent of the things they
lay to my charge.
As to my getting rich, were I called from
earth to-day my family would be in want.
The only purchases
I ever made of government were three, as follows, First, one
third of what remained unsold of the land called Haiku, on
Maui.
This I proposed to purchase for $500 not knowing how much
land there wa».
The Privy council unanimously voted, to give
me this land as pay for the half years ( I) services I rendered
in the office, before I formally assumed its duties, which would
be $1500.
On measuring off this third after the division with
M. Kekuanaoa, there were about 1300 acres, including native
claims, which would make the average over $1 per acre, while
Mr. Gower & Miner purchased parts of the same land - choice
pieces too - for $1. per acre.
they?
Why should I pay more than
The services rendered during those six months were real,
important & laborious.
The Department was in much confusion, &
great labor was requisite to get up the first statistical
report for the Legislature.
The move to grant me this land
�51
was made by
M>. Kekuanaoa the resolution drawn by Judge Lee,
seconded by Mr. Wyllie, all of which I think will appear from
the records of Privy council, for
( I)
1849.
My second purchase was 36 acres of land - dry upland, [in
serted in pencil "in Manoa"J for $2. per acre.
With very few
exceptions, all the other lands in that valley, whether wet land
or dry, were sold for $1. per acre, as the records of the land
office will show.
acre, was
The reason why I was willing to give $2 per
if the thing should ever be looked into, I might be
above suspicion.
My third purchase was ray house, for which I was to pay $>5000;
one thousand a year for five successive years.
The house cost
over $8000, & afterwards (it was purchased in 1849) became
the subject of investigation & report in Privy Council.
Mr.
Wyllie was appointed to report upon it; he did so after a
thorough examination of the subject, & his report is on record
in full.
My worst enemy, on reading it, would find it difficult
to point out what was wanting on my part to make the transaction
fair & honest, so far as I was concerned.
It was sold at a
loss to the government of over $3000; but the price I offered
was all I was able or willing to give, at the time, because I
thought I could do better than give any more for such a house
*
then.
Of mal feasance ( l) in office ray enemies have not proved me
guilty; they have not attempted it.
Had there been any serious
thing of this nature in ray official conduct, it could hardly
have escaped the searching gaze of the Legislature of 1852-3.
James Mott Smith, a dentist in town, was a member of the last
�52 .
Legislature, was chairman of the Committee on education, & found
no fault with anything in my department, although he had the
freest access to my office.
After the Legislature had been pro
rogued, in an indignation meeting he finds me guilty of malfea
sance, & worthy of reprobation I I would not be uncharitable,
but I confess I cannot see any thing ( I) but unfairness, crooked
ness, in such conduct unless Smith can show that he discovered
my faults after the Legislature had retired, which he does not
pretend to do.
He is a professor of religion!
So is Dr. New
comb I May the Lord who is to judge us all, not lay this sin
to their charge.
Dec. 10.(Sabbath)
Preached in the stone church this after
noon, text, ”The love of Christ constraineth us”, had good
attention, but I did not speak with my usual freedom.
fections were cold, & my mind stupid.
1fly af
I have too much to do
with secular fiffairs to preach well.
I have just been reading the life of Dr. Green, of Phila
delphia, a man of distinction in the Presn. church in his time,
& once Prest. of "Nassau Hall”.
At my ordination in Baltimore
in the fall of 1831, by the Synod of Philadelphia he made the
ordaining prayer, & I have yet a very lively impression of the
solemn scene.
The Memoir is not only interesting but very
instructive, & I trust the reading of it, will not be without
profit in my case.
M s plan of praying three times a day in
secret, & of devoting a day in each month especially to prayer
for different objects, was a good one, & with Gods ( !) help
I will try to imitate it.
I need to make greater efforts than
I have done to keep my mind from becoming secularized.
I have
�53.
too much to do with the world for my souls ( I) good.
0 for a
more heavenly mind.
1854.
Mar. 11.
Have had my feelings greatly tried to-day
by the conduct of Consul General Miller, who called about 5, o,
clock P.M. in a perfect rage about the Nuhou, just published,
& contains some articles in favor of annexation.
The Editor is
my clerk J. M. Marsh, & hence the general attributes the publi
cation to me.
It was in vain I told him, that I had merely
glanced over the paper, had not had time to read it, & that I
did not know until I saw the paper that my clerk was to be its
Editor.
This only seemed to increase his fury, although I told
him the sober truth & nothing but the truth.
He stormed & said
I had gone altogether too far with this matter of annexation;
that he & Mr. Perrin were not going to allow a few missionaries
to annex the Islands; that I had one narrow escape & had better
look out; that we ha£ carried our heads high now, as we had every
thing our own way; he knew what was going on in the stone church,
5b a great deal more of the same sort.
I was much annoyed, as I have often been, by the passionate
& ungentlemanly conduct of this functionary; but I managed to
keep my temper, & shall endeavor to conduct myself circum
spectly in reference to him hereafter.
July 26.
Last evening heard Miss Catharine Hayes sing
in the court house, & was not disappointed.
ful musical powers, beyond question.
She posses*^wonder
The piece "I Know that
my Redeemer liveth", I enjoyed exceedingly.
July 30.
Sabbath.
I have been reading to-day
the "Journal
�54
& letters of Henry Martyn", I trust with some profit.
.
One
thing is certain, I have not that spirituality of mind that he
enjoyed; nor have I made those efforts to attain it that he did.
I am altogether too earthly minded, too anxious about the future
in this world, & too little impressed with divine & eternal
things.
My situation in the government, I feel more & more, to
be unfavorable for growth in grace, & advancing in holiness.
I
have too much to do with the general affairs of government,
harrassing & perplexing affairs too, among such a people.
But
I took the office, as I believe, with a view to be more useful
to the Hawaian ( I) people in promoting their education, & I do
not yet see it to be my duty, to resign, lest the superintend
ence of the schools, should fall into worse hands.
It has been
my aim to glorify God in my office, in seeking to enable this
people to read his word, & keep his holy law.
I must aim after more entire sanctification; be more entire
ly consecrated to Gods ( I) service, & be less entangled in the
affairs of the world.
God in mercy help me thus to do.
I must
pray more.
Dec. 24, 1854.
Sabbath evening - a very stormy night.
It
is a time of wailing & lamentation with the natives, on account
of the death of King K. III. which occured ( I) on the 15th inst,
at a quarter before 12, noon.
spectacle, a sad end.
I was present.
It was a sad
The King was one of the best hearted men
I ever knew, indulgent to his people in the extreme, & during
his reign of 29 years, they advanced more in civilization, &
Christianity than perhaps any people similarly situated ever
did.
They therefore really mourn his death, from one end of
�.
55
the land to the other, with deep sorrow.
personal habits were excessively bad.
But the Kings ( 1)
Of late years his in
temperance has been almost constant, brought on delirium
tremen&, quite a number of times, & finally carried him off.
He was also unfaithful to his wife, & kept a mistress openly
for several years.
He was the object of much prayer, warning
& instructions, but seemed to disregard it all,. & at last, al
though he expressed sorrow for sin on his deathbed, he was
hardly rational, & it was very unsatisfactory.
Liholiho or K. IV. has commenced his reign by paying respect to
the sanctuary & the Sabbath, collected his ministers around him
& his sister & walked with thou all to church to-day & also
last Sabbath, the two first of his reign.
pression on the public mind.
from this course.
This made a good im
God grant that he may not swerve
Much prayer is offered for him that he may
go straight.
He has not yet selected his cabinet, & the talk is that I
and Young are to be left out, when it is formed.
God give me a
heart to be satisfied with his will, whatever it may be.
is all Iask.
This
It would be agreeable to me to go on a while
longer & see what more I could do for the schools, especially
those to teach English to natives; & also to procure the means
of educating ray large family, but I leave it all in the hands of
my heavenly father, who will order all things aright.
I took
the office with extreme reluctance seven years ago, & have
never been quite satisfied to have so much connection with
secular affairs; & now it may be my Masters ( i) intend (I)
to have me return to preaching & pastoral work.
�56.
Jan. 15.
Great opposition to my appointment as Min?
Public Instruction, as the King himself informed me, was made
by some of the chiefs.
On what grounds he has not informed me;
but assured me of his own confidence, & that no opposition
could move him.
This is the more remarkable since the Kings ( 1)
associations have been mostly with men, not all favorable to re
ligious men, or men of missionary partialities.
But the Kings
heart is in the hands of the Lord & he turns it, as the levers [ ? ]
of waters are turned.
I take this as a token of Gods C D favor
to me, to my family, & the nation, inasmuch as I greatly feared,
if I were dropped out of the new cabinet, the schools would fall
into bad hands.
A strong effort xvould be made to get a man in
the office of liberal views;
in other words an irreligious
man, and one of loose notions & practice (?) in regard to
ardent spirits; a thing that would grieve the best part of the
population of the Islands exceedingly, both natives & foreigners.
Blessed be God for his goodness.
If I know my heart I wish in
this office to glorify & honor him in laboring for the good
of the rising generation,
April 13.
My birth day.
I am just fifty years old to-day.
How rapid, how like a weavers ( I) shuttle is the flight of
time I I feel admonished now to be more in earnest in serving
God, doing what my hands find to do, with my might, & especially
growing in grace & the knowledge of my Lord & Saviour Jesus
Christ.
We have had a school celebration to-day.
26 schools were
present in Mr. Smith's church, where was the King, L. Kamehameha,
b. Kamamahi & nearly or quite all the chiefs & representatives
�57.
of the people.
The King spoke well, expressing his gratifica
tion at seeing so many schools, of all classes & colors, white,
native & half caste —
all united in the pursuit of knowledge,
& pledged his support to every measure for the enlightenment
of his people.
Prince Lot followed with a few remarks in the
same strain & John Ii, Gov. Kekuanaoa, Mr. Austin, of Lahaina,
R. G. Davis spoke with great animation & good effect.
After
the speeches the schools marched in procession to the old Royal
School yard & had a picnic.
The King rode in my carriage &
seemed to "be much pleased.
July 2d
On this day I ceased to be a minister of the crown,
by the late act of May 7th drawn up & proposed by myself, re
modeling the Department of Public instruction, & placing it
under a Board of education, consisting of a President & two
Directors.
I attended the Privy council at 11 A. M, read the
usual prayer; the minutes were read & approved,
I then arose
& addressed the King & council for some 20 minutes, expressing
all
my gratitude to His Majesty for/his kindness, & my desire
henceforth to be entirely devoted to the schools, & education.
This was my original desire when I first took office, - to be
disconnected from the general polities of the country, & be
wholely given up to labor for the schools; at the same time I
assured the King of my willingness to serve him in any way.
I also thanked my colleagues - the other ministers for all
their courtesy & kindness, as we had been very harmonious in
our council for seven years.
Having finished my remarks I took leave of the council &
the following resolution was passed, being proposed by Mr.
Wyllie C O
�58
{[rest of page blank}
I would now consecrate myself anew to the great, good &
holy caase of education, & spend the little strength & small
abilities granted me, while connected with the Department, in
seeking the best good of the young on the Islands.
God give
me wisdom, zeal, prudence, patience, perseverence, & every
needed qualification for this work.
Nov. 1, 1855.
I have just returned from a tour of ten
weeks around the windward Islands, examining the schools, de
livering lectures to the people, on education & kindred topics,
& promoting the welfare of the young in such ways as were open
to me.
I feel that I have great cause for gratitude to God, for
his abundant goodness in preserving me through all the dangers
of this long journey, & bringing me home in safety to my family,
which I find in health.
I was exposed to some danger in cross
ing the channels between Maui & Lanai, Maui & Molokai, & Maui
& Hawaii, in boats, but the Lord graciously preserved me. The
heat too was at times very intense especially in Kona, Hawaii,
& the rains in Puna & Hilo occasioned an illness of some days.
But I had much pleasent intercom’se among the brethren of the
mission, & their families, & I feel that I have continual
cause for gratitude that, from the time of my taking office as
head of the schools, in 1848, I have had so much of their co
operation, sympathy, and support.
While on Molokai, in Sepr
it was my privilege to attend the funeral of my fellow voyager
to the Islands in 1831, 32,
Hitchcock.
I knew him intimately
ever since, often labored with him in the Gospel, & although
he was a man of ordinary abilities, never enjoying perfect
�59 .
health since he came to the Islands, I regard him as a mission
ary of the very first rank.
He was bold in his declaration of
truth, & firm in bringing up his church to what he regarded as
the Gospel standard; self denying, zealous, untiring, & litterally ( I) wore himself out in labors for his people.
There have
been few ministers or missionaries more successful; & few more
lamented at their departure from the world.
1855
Nov. 10.
It is a time of pecuniary distress in Honolulu;
there have been several failures, & I among others have suf
fered loss, by one of the bankrupts, & by being one of the
stockholders in the Flour mill.
But I feel humble & ashamed
that these temporal matters annoy me so.
heavenly minded, it would not be so.
this worldly spirit.
If I were more
I must struggle against
0 to live more by faith, to feel more &
more the vanity of the world, to see more of the glories of
heaven, & to have more of Jesus in my heart.
I must piay more,
watch more, & fight harder, against the world, the flesh, &
the devil.
1856
Hard times in Honolulu, Dr. Ford, C. Vincent, J.G. Lewis,
MrS»fc&£ Carter, R. G. Davis, all failed.
I got clear of the flour mill co. but as the security given
me against its liabilities is not all good, I am not out of
danger of more loss.
Yesterday the stockholders deposited se
curities for for ( i) the payment of the debt, each in proportion
to his shares.
I wish to be admonished to set more
by the world & hereafter, as I am a minister of Christ, to avoid
all such entanglements.
�60.
May (?) 11.
My wife, Ellen & Amelia at Molokai on a visit.
I have preached as usual in the afternoon for Mr. Clark.
Con
gregation much as usual, pretty full; but very little life
among the people.
churches.
It is a time of great stupidity in the
Lord revive us.
June 4.
General Miller called early in the morning with
my Report to the Legislature, in his hand & in a very bad
humor about it.
He pronounced the whole concern an imposition
on the public, & seemed most annoyed by the table of English
Schools for natives, where it appears that several missionaries
are employed as teachers on salaries of $800 a year:
and the
teacher of the Royal School, he said, had $1800 a year, and
only 18 or 19 scholars I This I told him was positively false,
but I am sorry that I did it in ill temper.
I always feel that
(!)
I loose, & dishonor my Christian name, when I loose ( I) my
temper.
June 16.
Preached twice yesterday.
The charge of the church
& congregation during Mr. Clarks (I) absence in the U. States,
devolving on me, is a great additional care, for which I need
more strength of body & more of the love of Christ & of souls
in my heart.
But it is the work that I love best of all; the
work for which I left my native land, & may I never cease to
esteem it the best, the noblest work any man can engage in.
The Kings ( I) marriage was announced yesterday by myself in
church, & the license to marry read according to law & usage;
it is to take place on Thursday the 19th, which is to be a
holyday ( !), great preparations are being made
�61.
Honolulu, Nov. 9, 1856
Sabbath.
I preched ( i) as usual in the stone church in the
morning, & at Waikiki waina, in the afternoon.
religion in the church is low at present
£.J
The state of
I begin to wish
for Mr. Clarks ( I) return that the church may have more atten
tion than I can give to it.
It requires the undivided labors
of a whole man.
One indication of the low state of feeling, is the backward
ness of the members to pay the salary of their minister; it has
not been over half paid during the present year.
I have been much embarrassed of late from want of funds in
the Treasury to pay the salaries of teachers of select schools.
Some of them have not been paid any thing ( !) during 3 months
past.
1857.
Feb. 7
Sabbath - a day long to be remembered.
My
dear son in law ( I) E. G. Beckwith made his first efforts at
preaching to-day.
Fort St. church was well filled with people,
& for a first effort, it was considered very successful.
I
wish here to record ray gratitude to the adorable Head of the
Church for thus calling one so near to me, to be a minister of
his word.
I take it as an honor from God, greater than if he
had bestowed on this dear man, the highest earthly distinction.
God give him daily wisdom & grace to enable him to adorn the
doctrine of God our Saviour; to win many to righteousness, &
give me grace to pray for him daily while I have a heart & my
reason to pray for any thing ( 1).
Feb. 22^-
E. G. Beckwith preached in Seamens ( I) Chapel, a
truly (?) sermon, on Gods ( I) love to men in the mission of
�62.
Christ, or a "Crucified Saviour".
I do not know what Gospel is.
such a spirit & such gifts.
If it was not pure gospel
God be praised for a son who has
The house was full & attention
excellent.
Immorality is growing more bold among the natives.
I hear
of much gambling going on; & licentiousness , if not on the
increase, is certainly more unblushing.
The dance houses kept
by Booth & others, in which native women of abandoned character,
assemble & dance publicly with white men, have been presented
as nuisances and cleared by a jury picked by the British con
sul, a fact which tends to embolden vice.
1857.
March 11.
To day (1) my dear Janie left in the Yankee,
in company with my dear son in lav/ (I), Rev. E. G. Beckwith,
for the land of ny birth - the former to seek health in Califor
nia; the latter an endowment for Oahu College, in the Eastern
States•
Last evening letters arrived from the Am. Board, approving
q
M r . B , going on this business, & proposing that I go also
after July next.
This, I confess takes me quite by surprise.
To
visit my country & kindred, would be a welcome task; and yet,
even for this, I have never felt a strong desire, & I would not
leave my work while in health, to enjoy such a luxury; but to go
as requested, to solicit funds to endow our little College,
is another thing entirely.
against the Idea.
My heart instinctively revolts
I have been too long from that good land, am
too rusty as a public speaker, & lack courage, & perseverance
for such a work.
The only hope would be in applying to men of
wealth, & such men are apt to be very difficult of access on
�63
such subject.
.
Still I only ask to know my Masters ( I) will,
& for grace to do it when once known.
1858.
Jan. 2.
Just returned to day ( 1) from a visit
home, to my dear native land, having been absent since the
27th June last, & was in the States 3 months & 8 days.
The
journey was not without inconveniences & trials; but they were
comparatively trifling.
I travelled upwards of 20,000 miles,
c.o
on.land & water, & no accident befel me; nor was I sick an hour,
noi? lost a nights C O sleep.
The time of my greatest exposure
to danger was on the steamer ’’Star of the West,” from N. Y. to
Aspenwall, the vessel being overloaded with freight & passengers
& during the last three days, the yellow fever broke out among
the passengeB (I).
Six died of it.
They lay in the dining
saloon, which made our meals most disagreeable.
The fare both
on the ’’Central America”, on which I took passage from Aspen
wall to N. Y, & the ’’Star of the West,” was miserable indeed.
I was most kindly received by the Sec!? of the Am. Board in
Boston, & received from them every attention.
The Annual
Meeting of the Board in Providence was to me, the most, interest
ing gathering of my life.
What a noble spectacle was the Board
itself as it sat upon that platform I Such an assemblage of
learning, talent, piety, eminence, worth, Is rarely seen C»J
My object in going there was to co-operate withEres. Beck
with, in soliciting funds for the endowment of Oahu College,
& the most ample oppertunity ( I) was afforded us. Our addresses
were
especially Mr. Bf/well received, & several thousand dollars
were subscribed immediately.
But while there a very heavy
failure occurred in Providence, & the daily papers contained
n
�64.
notices of failures all over the country; this was the begining (I) of a "financial revulsion" seldom equalled in any
country, & we were obliged to abandon our object, till a more
prosperous time, & return home.
But we obtained in all a
little over $8,000 in money, & perhaps $1,000 more in books,
over & above what had been previously subscribed.
My short visit of about two v/eeks to my native place in Pa.
was full of interest, pleasant & painful interest.
of 26 years had changed every thing ( I).
home at all.
The lapse
It did not seem like
I looked in vain for the old landmarks, trees,
woods, fences, roads &C, but only here & there could I find
a trace of what I used to be so familiar with when a boy.
Where once stood a log "meeting house" on what used to be a
corner of my fathers ( I) farm, surround ( I) by a pleasant grove
(!)
of pine, oak, maple & hicory, under whose cool shade, the church
going people of the surrounding country, used to stand or sit
in groups during recess, on Sundays & talk of religion, politics,
crops, prices &c, there I found nothing but a crop of wheat.
The axe & the plough had been there & all was changed.
The Sabbath I preached at the "Warrior run" church, for Mr.
Sheddan, was very oppressive to my feelings.
to controul myself.
I found it hard
There was where I first heard of a Saviour,
but the voice of the venerable Bryson had long been silent in
death.
There were the companions of my early days, but I did
not know them - all so changed.
grave of my dear, dear mother.
There more than all was the
Had I been alone I felt like
sitting down upon it during the whole day, & weeping tears of
gratitude & affefcjtion.
My fathers ( I) grave is by it, &
�65
.
near also are those of sister Jane, & Nelly, & four days after
I left home another, poor dear Caty, a deaf sister, was laid there.
I preached on the text, ”The fashion of this world passeth
away."
After leaving home, I went to Washinton ( I) & saw the
President ^inserted in pencil "Buchanan") to whom I had a
flattering note of introduction, & he received me with much
respect although the room was half full of people, & gave me
a note of introduction to Senator Bright of Indiana.
I also
saw Genl. Cass for a few minutes, visited the Capitol, walked
about the city & in the afternoon of the same day left, for
Baltimore.
Here I had a delightful visit with the friends
of my good friend Dr. Nevins.
I attended a week day prayer
meeting in the vestry, & stood in the same little desk where
I reed, license to preach 26 years before, & it was sad to
think that not one member of the Presbytery which licensed me
now live.
reward.
Nevins, Breckonridge, Morrison, &c all gone to their
On the Sabbath I preached in the same old pulpit
in front of which I was ordained in the fall of 1831, the
venerable Dr. Green of Philadelphia making the ordaining prayer.
It was at the meeting of the Synod of Philadelphia.
I attended
the meeting of this same body in Oct. last in Lancaster Pa. &
found but one member who had been at my ordination C»J
�
Dublin Core
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Title
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Armstrong Family Journals
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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Armstrong, Richard - Journal - 1831-1834, 1837, 1840-1858
Description
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Typescript, 3 volumes
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Publisher
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Hawaiian Mission Children's Society Library at the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives
Hawaiian Mission Children's Society Library at the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives