Her great ambition was to keep her family together, something
on the old patriarchal system; and when her children grew up, and it
seemed as if even their very extensive New Zealand property was not
large enough for them, she sold it, and embarking her family and
moveable possessions on board a clipper-ship, owned and commanded by
one of her sons-in-law, they sailed through the Pacific in search of
a home where they could remain together.
They were strongly tempted by Tahiti, but some reasons having
decided them against it, they sailed northwards and put into
Honolulu. Mr. Damon, who was seaman's chaplain, on going down to
the wharf one day, was surprised to find their trim barque, with
this immense family party on board, with a beautiful and brilliant
old lady at its head, books, pictures, work, and all that could add
refinement to a floating home, about them, and cattle and sheep of
valuable breeds in pens on deck. They then sailed for British
Columbia, but were much disappointed with it, and in three months
they re-appeared at Honolulu, much at a loss regarding their future
prospects.
The island of Niihau was then for sale, and in a very short time
they purchased it of Kamehameha V.
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