May 23, 1848: The King’s Band – A Contract for Services
The King’s Band
The undersigned members of His Majesty’s Band of Music, hereby contract and agree to serve under the orders of William Merseburgh, the Captain appointed by His Majesty.
We agree to meet from time to time for the purpose of practising and improvement in Instrumental Music. We agree to play for the King and for the other officers of Government whenever called on by our Captain for such reasonable compensation as he shall award not less than one Dollar nor more than three Dollars per man for any time not to exceed one day.
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In confirmation of this Contract and agreement we subscribe our names this 23d day of May A.D. 1848, at Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands.
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