Three Accounts of the Vasil'ev-Shismarev Expedition of 1819-1822

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soldiers distributed on all the islands. They were fitted out in red English uniforms, but without breeches or headdress. It was impossible to look at them without laughing, because with their red skin they resembled dressed-up monkeys. Forty thousand guns were kept in a fortress built on a hill beyond the settlement of Hanaruro. There, too, were several field pieces with caissons belonging to them and all other appurtenances. The fleet consisted of nine frigates and four schooners, including the yacht. These vessels were commanded by the English, and the sailors were the natives. The captains could not find enough praise for the dexterity and intelligence of these people. The sailing of Hawaiin vessels extended not only to the islands, but they sailed even to Canton. For the coming summer, the king wanted to send a brig with salt to Kamchatka and to take from there salted and dried fish, which the Hawaiins like very much, but do not know how to prepare..

The incomes of the king were not definite and depended on the circumstances because there were no regular taxes or collections. When the king needed money, he ordered a new hut built for him and the old one demolished. Having moved, he placed large clay pots at the doors, near which stood guards and one of the king's retinue. Throughout the whole island messengers were sent with information about it and every male citizen more than ten years old was obliged to deposit a Spanish piaster in the pot. This collection was repeated two or three times a year on every island, depending on the needs