Lot 1047
Missionary Joel Whitney 1870's Correspondence From A. Capelle & Co. Four pieces of correspondence (sent by various boats) from A. Capelle--three autograph letters and an invoice--datelined Bonham Island, 1873-78 and addressed to (Rev.) Joel F. Whitney on Ebon. The invoice is for $150 be paid to Mr. T. Kaehuaea "for the charter of the 'E.A. Williams'." Capelle hopes to have a keg of beer for Whitney by the time their next vessel goes to Ebon. Kaehuaea received payment on 20 Dec.; with Bonham Islands stamp. Kaehuaea was one of two traders employ by Capelle; he was later expelled for killing a native of the Nonouti Gilbert Group. Another letter thanks Whitney for the "tune of one of the last hyms [sic]," goes on about one of the island's making people sick, and discusses at length Whitney's theory of doing business: "Whatever is useful & beneficial that seek to furnish." Another mentions Capelle's broken leg, his family, and visiting "all my stations."
Joel Whitney and his wife settled on the island of Ebon roughly in 1871, replacing Reverend B.S. Snow who went home ill. The island of Ebon was the head station for A. Cappelle and Co. Cappelle was born in Germany in 1838, moved to the Marshall Islands at the age of 21, and started a trade in coconut oil. He married a native woman from Ebon and was the U.S. Consul during this time. All early Micronesian documents are extremely rare and valuable on the market.
Estimated Value $600 - 800.
From the personal papers of missionary Reverend Joel Whitney.
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| Realized $834 |
