Lot
2522 
Hawaii, "Honolulu, Oahu, Decr. 7th 1824", dateline on 4+ page folio letter from Rev. Levi Chamberlain to his uncle Richard Chamberlain of Boston Mass. sent privately, he writes "…My employment continues to be mostly of a secular nature…and any service on the missionary ground…most fully meets my original intention in devoting myself to the cause. I have for a number of months satisfaction to see making laudable improvement. The number of reading scholars at this place has materially decreased since the breaking out of the rebellion at Kauai. But the return of Karaimoku [Regent to Queen Ka'ahumanu, during the absence of King Kamehameha III during his voyage to London in 1823], from that is land recently, the scene of war and bloodshed, but now happily restored quiet, which is soon expected, will be regarded as a signal for the revival of the schools, and commencement of new operations. The authority & influence of the chiefs are necessary in order to the successful prosecution of our work. If the chiefs should express any dissatisfaction at the establishment of schools, it would be impossible to induce the common people to attend them. The special favor of Providence shown to this mission is apparent in the patronage and continuance which it receives from the chiefs. Karaimoku [also known as Kalanimoku] and Ka'ahahumanu, the former during the king's absence & the latter the favorite wife of the late King Kamehameha, both persons highly respected in the nation, not only approve of the common people's attending to the means of instruction, but command it upon the pain of their displeasure. John Adams [Kuakini] the Gov. of Hawaii also required his people to attend to the palapala (the term used to express the whole system of instruction and himself became a teacher. He has requested akini (40,000) elementary books in the native language to be sent to him from this place for his people, and Makau, another chief of influence, and a very interesting man, has asked for a mano (4,000) more. Were that number printed and at our disposal, it would furnish but one copy to half the inhabitants of the island. The translation and printing of books is an important branch of missionary work. The mission has a yet published but three books -- a spelling book of 16 pages, 58 pages of hymns, and an elementary sheet of 4 pages. It is in contemplation to publish before long a catechism and another spelling book. Mr. Bingham [Rev. Hiram] has commenced the translation of the Gospel of Matthew, but it must be obvious the work will go on slowly, owing to our present imperfect acquaintance with the language. I make but very slow progress myself in acquiring the language…" and signed Levi Chamberlain, F.-V.F. Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.
A WONDERFUL HISTORICAL LETTER FROM REV. LEVI CHAMBERLAIN TO HIS UNCLE RICHARD CHAMBERLAIN.
Rev. Chamberlain was a bachelor member of the Second Company of American Missionaries who sailed from New Haven Ct. on Nov. 20th 1822 in the Ship "Thames", arriving at Honolulu on Apr. 27th 1823, following an extremely tedious voyage of 158 days. Appointed Superintendent of Scular Affairs for the Mission. He completed three early tours of the island of Oahu by foot, teaching classes to native instructors who were improving themselves in reading and writing.
Realized: $5,000