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Kamehameha IV [Alexander Liholiho]
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Description
Autograph letter, signed "Liholiho". To Reverend Samuel Chenery Damon. Palace [Honolulu], 3 October [1856]
4to (8 7/8 x 7 1/8 in.; 225 x 180 mm.). 3 pages, royal monogram in upper margin of first page; minor edge-staining not affecting text.
4to (8 7/8 x 7 1/8 in.; 225 x 180 mm.). 3 pages, royal monogram in upper margin of first page; minor edge-staining not affecting text.
Literature
A. Grove Day, Biographical Dictionary (1984), p. 69 (on Liholiho), p. 31 (on Damon)
Catalogue Note
the king offers his views on the site of the queen's hospital whose establishment was a monument to his short reign.
Alexander Liholiho (1834-1863) was proclaimed king at the death of his uncle Kamehameha III in December 1854. The new king was concerned about the decimation of his subjects by disease and he personally solicited funds to erect Queen's Hospital, named in honor of his new wife Emma (1836-1885). Reverend Damon (1815-1885) was pastor of Oahu Bethel Church and editor-publisher of the periodical The Friend.
In the present letter the king prefers "a locality nearer town, not so much exposed to the strong winds ... and where water could easily be brought ...". He goes on to assure pastor Damon of his friendship.