lidated the group under a strong government, put an
end to feudal anarchy and petty wars, and thus prepared the way for
civilization and Christianity.

ABOLITION OF IDOLATRY.

In accordance with his will, his eldest son, Liholiho, was installed as
king, with the title of Kamehameha II., and Kaahumanu, his favorite
queen, as premier, to exercise equal powers with the young prince, whose
dissolute and reckless character is well known.

Their first important act was the abolition of the tabu system, which
took place at a great feast held at Kailua in October, 1819, at which men
and women ate together in public for the first time. This was followed by
the general burning of idols and temples throughout the group.

Kekuaokalani, a cousin of Liholiho, put himself at the head of the
adherents of the ancient faith, but was defeated and slain in the battle
of Kuamoo, fought about December 20th, 1819.

THE ARRIVAL OF THE AMERICAN MISSIONARIES.

The pioneer company of American missionaries to these Islands arrived at
Kailua, April 4th, 1820. They soon reduced the language to writing and
commenced printing the first book in January, 1822. They found in the
Hawaiians an amiable and highly receptive race, eager for knowledge and
easily influenced for good or evil. The principal opposition to reform
was made by foreigners.

THE WHALING FLEET.

The first whale ship called at Honolulu in 1820, and was soon followed
by many others. Their number soon increased to 100 every year, and the
furnishing of supplies for them became the chief resource of the
Islands, as the sandal-wood became exhausted.

DEATH OF LIHOLIHO.

The young king, accompanied by his wife and six chiefs, embarked for
England, November 27, 1823, on an English whale ship. On their arrival
in London they received the utmost hospitality and courtesy, but in a
few weeks the whole party was attacked by the measles, of which the king
and queen both died.

REBELLION ON KAUAI.

Meanwhile, on the death of Kaumualii, a rebellion broke out in Kauai,
led by his son, Humehume. A desperate assault was made on the fort at
Waimea, which was repulsed with loss. Over 1,000 warriors were sent down
from Oahu and Maui, and a battle was fought near Hanapepe, August 18th,
1824, in which the rebels were routed.

VISIT OF LORD BYRON.

The frigate "Blonde," commanded by Lord Byron, cousin of the poet of
that name, was commissioned to convey the remains of the late king