Rare 1899 Letter from New Zealand: Princess Ka'iulani's Death Reaches Oceania. Family Condolence to Archibald Cleghorn from His Nephew. Extraordinary historical document showing how news of Princess Ka'iulani's death reached her extended family in New Zealand.
This poignant letter, dated May 14, 1899, was written by W. Cleghorn, Archibald Cleghorn's nephew, upon learning of his cousin's death through a newspaper announcement in Auckland.
& great regret I saw in one. The death of my poor Cousin. & I write these few lines to.
I feel for you in your. Send me a few lines. When you feel able to. Do so & I will endeavour.
To write to you more. As I feel I have very. Well as can be expected.
Measurements: 9" x 7.25". Demonstrates how news of Princess Ka'iulani's death traveled throughout the Pacific, reaching New Zealand by newspaper reports approximately two months after her passing.
Reveals the existence of Archibald Cleghorn's family in New Zealand, expanding our understanding of the Princess's extended family connections throughout Oceania. The writer identifies Princess Ka'iulani as "my poor Cousin, " establishing a direct family relationship between the New Zealand Cleghorns and the Hawaiian royal family. Written on May 14, 1899, this letter arrives during the extended mourning period following Ka'iulani's March 6th death, when Archibald Cleghorn was still receiving condolences from around the world.
This remarkable letter provides evidence of the Cleghorn family's wider Pacific connections and demonstrates how the tragic news of Princess Ka'iulani's death reached her extended family in distant parts of the Pacific. The familial connection between the Hawaiian princess and her New Zealand relations adds a previously undocumented dimension to the international impact of her passing. A significant document revealing the broader family network of Princess Ka'iulani and the global reach of news about her untimely death.