From the Suffolk Gazette Newspaper 1806 published in Sag-Harbor, Long Island New YorkA late voyager to the Sandwich Islands, immortal by the fate of Captain Cook, informs us, that in one of these remote Islands he found the ambition which has given extensive conquests and glory to ancient and modern heroes of Europe. By arms and persuasion, a hero named Tamahama, had extended his power over the surrounding islands. Only one still refused submission, and in that the inhabitants, almost wild with despair, had contemplated to construct a vessel upon which they might trade to the ocean, and find another abode for their independence, which they no longer hoped to support by courage and arms. But this ambition has given progress to society, in the allied Islands, and their necessities have furnished arts which they cultivate and advance in peace. The hero had already prepared a fleet, and had purposes of commerce with the continent of Asia. Abandoning savage manners, an opportunity is given for the milder doctrine of European nations. The resemblance in the language of these Islands, even such as are most remote is now fully ascertained.
unclear, because the article doesn't say, or I would have noted that...
Well, warring past, but one that partakes in longer essays that I have not posted as port of a mythology of like heroes, of which Kamehameha is the very latest. I even found essays about Ka'iana...
Still, there is the implication that the transition between savage and civilized is a fresh one for Kamehameha, but it is a mirrored recognition of the European warring past as well, so written more as a universalization of human evolution rather than a "we are civilized: you are savages" dichotomy, as you point out. It is unclear to me who the author of the description is, though.
Well it complicates the idea of Hawaiians as simply savages, in 1806 Kamehameha is a trader, he has a fleet of ships that he has built or purchased---the milder doctrine being commerce...what happens between 1806 and 1820, when Hawaiians are savages, heathens, etc., Missionaries and merchants, voyagers and discoverers all held different world views, and views and experiences with Hawaiians.
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Aloha,
Noe
Well, warring past, but one that partakes in longer essays that I have not posted as port of a mythology of like heroes, of which Kamehameha is the very latest. I even found essays about Ka'iana...