Letter from Kalākaua to Kapi‘olani; May 12, 1881.

The following is a brief abstract of the letter: Aloha. I am now leaving Penang to go to Rangoon and Calcutta. We have seen the Maharaja. He is a find man and resembles Leleiohoku except the eyes. We have been entertained at his beautiful palace with important leaders in attendance. The Maharaja sent his boat to pick us up and we attended a grand reception with all the dignitaries. These people resemble our people in many ways. All the leaders were there. I had a nice visit with the King. He has welcomed the haoles but most of the newcomers are Chinese. They are very good workers. The King believes in agriculture and large areas are planted in tea and rice. Their plants are so much like ours…

Collection: Kapi‘olani-Kalaniana‘ole Collection
Call Number: MS KC Letters in Hawaiian
Accession Number: 1923.125
Location: Bishop Museum Archives