They chose the highest
chief on the islands, Lunalilo (Above All), known among foreigners
as "Prince Bill," and at this time letters of congratulation are
pouring in upon him from his brethren, the sovereigns of Europe.
The spectacular effect of a pageant here is greatly heightened by
the cloudless blue sky, and the wealth of light and colour. It was
very hot, almost too hot for sight-seeing, on the Nevada's bow.
Expectation among the lieges became tremendous and vociferous when
Admiral Pennock's sixteen-oared barge, with a handsome awning,
followed by two well-manned boats, swept across the strip of water
which lies between the ships and the shore. Outrigger canoes, with
garlanded men and women, were poised upon the motionless water or
darted gracefully round the ironclads, as gracefully to come to
rest. Then a stir and swaying of the crowd, and the American
Admiral was seen standing at the steps of an English barouche and
four, and an Hawaiian imitation of an English cheer rang out upon
the air. More cheering, more excitement, and I saw nothing else
till the Admiral's barge, containing the Admiral, and the king
dressed in a plain morning suit with a single decoration, swept past
the Nevada.
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