Hawaiian Missionary Letter Mentioning Prominent Missionary Figures

A letter from a female Protestant missionary with details of her experiences in Hawaii. 4pp of a bifolium, measuring 7.75" x 9.75", Honolulu, dated March 21, 1842. From missionary Charlotte A. Knapp to her cousin, Cornelia Knapp, in Connecticut. The letter, received in Massachusetts almost seven months later, relays her efforts in converting native Hawaiians to Protestantism. Incredibly detailed, with text cross-hatched for lack of space. With flattened mail folds and creasing. A few small tears and separations at the folds. Uneven toning throughout. Broken red wax seal. Very good overall.

In part:
"…Our friends and acquaintances are leaving this world in rapid succession. Every time we hear from home we learn that some we knew have gone to their long home and the last arrival brought intelligence of the sickness of my own dear sister. What I may hear in a few weeks respecting her is altogether uncertain but I wish to be prepared for the intelligence whether it may be afflictive or joyful. It seems from your letter that it must have been an uncommon time of sickness in Stamford. Hope it has been sanctified to the good of the people…Hope ere this reaches you they will have had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Castle...Have you seen any of Mr. Bingham's family or Mrs. Thurstons? Mr. B lives almost opposite to us on the other side of the street. Was well acquainted with Mrs. T and family. We were very much surprised to hear of Lucy's death, but it is well with her. Mr. Thurston has been remarkably blessed in his labors since they left - has had a revival almost constantly and I do not think there has been a time when it could be said the Holy Spirit was not among the people. Has had large accessions to his church this year from those who have been hopefully pious many months. There are still many inquirers and some who have been disposed to follow the Catholics are now forsaking them and coming back to their former pastor... Hundreds profess to be seeking a way to heaven but it is not to be expected that all are sincere. The Catholics are there making vigorous efforts to save the people from error as they say…"

Samuel Northrup Castle (1808-1894 ) managed the financial affairs of the Honolulu Mission, and later was a businessman and politician in the Kingdom of Hawaii, served in the legislature of the Hawaiian Kingdom in the House of Representatives from 1864 to 1874, and was appointed to the House of Nobles in the legislature from 1876 to 1880. Hiram Bingham (1789-1869) was the leader of the first group of American Protestant missionaries to introduce Christianity to the Hawaiian islands, and Asa Thurston and his wife Lucy Goodale Thurston were part of Bingham's company.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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