Kamehameha V, King of Hawaii

Manuscript letter signed ("Kamemameha"), text written in a clerical hand, 3 pages (12 5/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 322 x 203 mm) on a bifolium of mourning paper (watermarked Britannia | C Ansell 1862), Honolulu, 5 December 1863, to the President of Peru, countersigned by R. C. Wyllie, Minister of Foreign Affairs; tiny chip at top margin. Half black morocco folding-case, gray morocco spine labels.

In one of his first official communications as ruler of Hawaii, Kamehameha V informs Juan Antonio Pezet, President of Peru, of the death of his brother Kamehameha IV and his ascension to the throne. "I am comforted with the belief that you will sympathize with me, in my profound sorrow for the loss of my Predecessor and Brother ... who died on the 30th of November. ... in accordance with the Will of King Kamehameha III and the Order of Hereditary Succession to the Throne re-established by the late King, I have been appointed his successor. ... I shall endeavour to rule for the good of all my subjects, and of all Foreigners residing within my Jurisdiction. ..."