Keoni Ana [John Young II]

Autograph letter in Hawaiian, signed "Keoni Ana." To Reverend "Bolouina" [Dr. Dwight Baldwin]. Lahaina, Maui: 19 Augate [August] 1843



Half of an 8vo sheet (5 x 7 1/2 in.; 128 x 190 mm.); tears at folds strengthened with tissue, lightly browned. 4 lines written, plus salutation and signature.

John Young II (1810-1857), known as Keoni Ana, succeeded Kekauluoki as prime minister from 1845 to 1854. He also served as governor of Maui, minister of the interior and Supreme Court justice. Dr. Baldwin (1798-1886) was a physician and preacher at Lahaina.

The letter reads (in rough translation): "Greetings to Rev. Baldwin, Come to eat together with the king, and your wife, and the wife of Mr. L. Peck at Luaehu to eat at 3:00 this afternoon;Come and eat. Yours, By Keoni ana Lahaina August 19 1843".

Our thanks to Joan Hori of the Hawaiian Collection, University of Hawaii at Manoa Library, for her translation.