HAWAII, "Ataoi Sandwich Islands, Jan. 14, 1822". Dateline on 3-page folded letter from Rev. Samuel Whitney to Rev. Eli Smith in Northford Conn., writer primarily discusses a young boy, red "SHIP" straightline handstamp and manuscript "14-1/2" rate for 12-1/2c postage pus 2c ship captain's fee, red "Salem Ms. Nov. 7" circular datestamp, some slight soiling

VERY FINE. A SCARCE EARLY MISSIONARY LETTER SENT BY REVEREND SAMUEL WHITNEY, ONE OF THE FIRST MISSIONARIES IN HAWAII AND THE FATHER OF HENRY WHITNEY, THE FIRST POSTMASTER AT HONOLULU.

Rev. Samuel Whitney was one of the first missionaries to arrive in Hawaii, traveling on the Thaddeus with Rev. Hiram Bingham and arriving on April 20, 1820, two years before this was written. The recipient, Rev. Eli Smith, graduated from Yale University in 1821 and worked as a teacher for two years before going to Amherst to become a minister. He then went to Malta and eventually became instrumental in translating the Bible into Arabic.

Gregory Census No. 25. Probably carried on the Paragon, which sailed February 4, 1822, and journeyed to the United States via Canton, China.

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