liation about. For although, on our former visit,
Tahowmannoo had been regarded with the most favorable impressions,
yet, whether from her distresses, or because she had really improved
in her personal accomplishments, I will not take upon me to determine,
but certain it is that one or both of these circumstances united had so
far prepossessed us all in her favor, and no one more so than myself,
that it had long been the general wish to see her exalted again to her
former dignities. This desire was probably not a little heightened by
the regard we entertained for the happiness and repose of our noble and
generous friend Tamaahmaah, who was likely to be materially affected
not only in his domestic comforts, but in his political situation,
by receiving again and reinstating his consort in her former rank
and consequence.

"I was convinced beyond all doubt that there were two or three of
the most considerable chiefs of the island whose ambitious views were
inimical to the interests and authority of Tamaahmaah; and it was much
to be apprehended that if the earnest solicitations of the queen's
father (whose condition and importance was next in consequence to that
of the king) should continue to be rejected, that there could be little
doubt of his adding great strength and influence to the discontented
and turbulent chiefs, which would operate highly to the prejudice,
if not totally to the destruction, of Tamaahmaah's regal power;
especially as the adverse party seemed to form a constant opposition,
consisting of a minority by no means to be despised by the executive
power, and which appeared to be a principal constituent part of the
Owhyean politics.

"For these substantial reasons, whenever he was disposed to listen to
such discourse, I did not cease to urge the importance and necessity
of his adopting measures so highly essential to his happiness as a
man, and to his power, interest and authority as the supreme chief of
the island. All this he candidly acknowledged, but his pride threw
impediments in the way of a reconciliation, which were hard to be
removed. He would not himself become the immediate agent; and although
he considered it important that the negotiation should be conducted
by some one of the principal chiefs in his fullest confidence with
disdain, was equally hard to reconcile to his feelings. I stood
nearly in the same situation with his favorite friends; but being
thoroughly convinced of the sincerity of