September 17, 1824: Letter from Piia to Tuatini

Below is a letter from Piia to Kuakini. Piia was formerly a wife of Kamehameha, and later the wife of Laʻanui, who was the only son of the Waimea chief Nuhi. The beautiful script of Piia contrasts with the somewhat terse style of writing. It provides an interesting glimpse at the earliest aliʻi letters contained in government records.

Available in Chronological File, 1790 – 1849 1824 Aug – Sept 24.

Oahu Sept. 17. 1824

Aroha oe e Tuatini eia ta u vahi olelo ia oe eiae oe ia Lanai ina wahi waa liilii hoolana e haavi ae na mitaeleiti i waa hali na na i Peletane pau ta u olelo ia oe. Aroha wale olua enoho maila i Hawaii a me Lanai a me keone ototo.

Na Piia

Na Kuatini