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- Manuscript Document from the Marquesas Island
Manuscript Document from the Marquesas Island, Signed by King Moaroa and Chief Pokoko, Anna Maria Bay, 30 Jan (18)40.
Manuscript.
Folio sheet with 11 lines of manuscript in English, signed by King and Chief.
Price: $4500
In this letter, the King and Chief accept responsibility for the safety of British subjects living on their island, “as long as they do not engage with those now at war with me.” Anna Maria Bay was on the west side of Nukuhiva, the principal island of the Marquesas. Moaroa was the last king of the islands, as they became a French protectorate in 1843. This lot is accompanied by a 2-page translation and note done in the early 20th century, and by a typed note, signed, from the noted academician who originally purchased this lot at auction. The notes states, “This document… is mentioned specifically by Sir Edward Belcher in his book “Narrative of a Voyage round the World…” on pages 349-351. This fact was not known by the auction gallery and immeasurably enhances the importance of the item as it probably is the only example of any document signed by Moana and Pakopo in existence. Melville mentions Moana in TYPEE…”
