January 3, 1839: Letter from John Papa ʻĪʻī to Captain Grimes

In a previous blog post, we celebrated Justice John Papa ʻĪʻī’s birth.  ʻĪʻī first served in the household of Kamehameha I as an attendant in 1810. He later went on to become a prominent member of the Privy Council and the House of Nobles. He also served as superintendent of schools on Oʻahu, and treasurer for the Kingdom. On January 15, 1848, ʻĪʻī was named the second associate justice of the Hawaiʻi Superior Court. He then served as second associate justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court from December 6, 1852 – February 16, 1864.

In a letter authored by ʻĪʻī below dated January 3, 1839, he questions Captain Grimes about certain statements that Grimes purportedly made to Aluli (John Coffin Jones Jr.). A transcription of this short letter is provided below, followed by a translation completed by the Hawaiʻi State Archives.

Aloha Kapena Grimes

Aloha oe Kapena Garime

Ianuari 3, 1839

Aloha oe Kapena Garaime

Ke ninau aku nei au ia oe no kuu lohe, ua ao aku ka oe ia Aluli ^ i ka wa ma Paniolo i ka pono ole o kona lawe [obscured] i ka wahine maanei, he oiaio paha ia aole paha, e hoike mai oe.

Aloha olua

Nau John Ii

Oe wale no
ke nana a o kau
wahine pau e kiala(?)
aku i keia pepa

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